When you`re hiring an attorney in Florida, it`s important to understand the fee agreement between you and the attorney. The fee agreement outlines the terms of the legal services, including how much the attorney will charge for their time and any additional expenses.
Florida law requires that all fee agreements be in writing. This protects both you and the attorney, as it ensures that there is a clear understanding of the payment terms. The fee agreement must also clearly state whether the fee is a flat rate or hourly rate, and what expenses will be included.
Hourly rates are the most common type of fee arrangements in Florida. This means that the attorney charges a certain amount per hour of work. It`s important to ask the attorney how much they charge per hour, and to clarify what tasks count as billable hours. This can include phone calls, emails, and research.
Flat rate fee agreements are also an option, especially for services that are more predictable in terms of the amount of work involved. For example, drafting a simple will or handling a traffic ticket may be offered at a flat rate.
In addition to legal fees, the fee agreement may also include expenses. This can include things like court filing fees, document preparation costs, and expert witness fees. Be sure to clarify what expenses will be included in the fee agreement, and what expenses may be billed separately.
It`s also important to discuss payment terms with the attorney. Some attorneys require a retainer upfront, which is an amount of money paid in advance to secure their services. The retainer is typically applied toward the final bill, and any unused funds are refunded to the client. Other attorneys may allow payment plans or have different requirements for payment.
Before signing the fee agreement, make sure you understand all the terms and fees involved. If you have any questions or concerns, don`t hesitate to ask the attorney for clarification. A clear understanding of the fee agreement can help prevent misunderstandings or surprises down the road.