Gulfport Attorneys
How Are Legal Fees Determined?
Legal fees are determined in many ways and are based on the specific needs of the client. Several factors are used when working out the fee arrangement, including:
- Amount of time spent on your problem
- Lawyer’s experience and reputation
- Difficulty of the case
- Overhead expenses
Most attorneys in Gulfport, MS will discuss legal fees in advance with their clients. Sometimes these fees are based on an hourly rate. However, in most cases, clients are quoted a specific fee for the job to be performed. Afterward, the attorney in Gulfport or a lawyer in Ocean Springs drafts a retainer agreement, which includes the traditional Gulport attorney legal fee structure.
Types of legal fees
The fee arrangement you make with your attorney has a significant impact on how much you will pay for the services. Common types of fee arrangements used by Gulfport or Biloxi attorneys include the following:
- Consultation fee: A fixed or hourly rate is charged for your first meeting, where you both determine whether the lawyer can assist you.
- Flat fee: You are charged a specific, one-time fee for the service. A flat fee is usually offered only if your case is relatively simple or routine, such as a will or an uncontested divorce.
- Hourly fee: You will be billed for each hour or part of an hour your lawyer works on your case.
- Contingency fee: This fee is based on a percentage of the amount awarded in your case. If you lose, your lawyer does not get a fee. Nevertheless, you still have to pay expenses.
- Retainer: Your lawyer is paid a set fee in advance, which is typically based on his or her hourly rate. The retainer is placed in a special account, and the cost of services is deducted from that account as they accrue.
- Statutory fee: The fees in some cases may be set by statute or a court may set and approve a fee that you pay. These types of fees may appear in probate, bankruptcy, or other proceedings.
Contact our law firm today
If you need to seek legal advice, the dedicated and experienced Biloxi lawyers at Cumbest, Cumbest, Hunter & McCormick can help. Our Pascagoula lawyers, cover the areas of Jackson and Harrison counties, including Biloxi and Gulfport. For immediate assistance, contact our lawyers in Biloxi MS at 1-866-461-1591 today.