Having to go through a legal dispute that involves family issues can be a draining experience, both mentally and emotionally. If you are engaged in a legal dispute with other members of your family, you need to prepare for the road ahead, otherwise your case can become a costly endeavor. Being prepared for a legal dispute can help you reduce the service fees for your attorney. Below, we explain 10 tips that can help you save money on your family law attorney.
- Money-Saving Tip #1: Before you hire your legal representative, you should interview a few attorneys you are interested in to determine if they are good fit for your case. Constantly switching between lawyers because they don’t mesh well with you will increase your litigation expenses and can cause your case to stall.
- Money-Saving Tip #2: Organization is key when it comes to the legal process, so make sure that all of your disclosure documents have been clearly labeled and are turned in on time. Make a table of contents for your documents and separate them into different categories. Not knowing where a document is or having to re-file a document can end up costing extra money.
- Money-Saving Tip #3: If you know there will be any major changes in your financial situation or occupation during your case, make sure to let your attorney know. By telling your lawyer about these changes, they might be able to postpone discovery until the changes take effect. Informing your lawyer can also help you avoid the cost of having to duplicate the disclosure process.
- Money-Saving Tip #4: You should make multiple copies of any important documents and give them to your lawyer to keep. When you give these documents to your lawyer, ask what things need to be redacted, such as account numbers and any other sensitive information that can potentially cost you more money.
- Money-Saving Tip #5: Learning how to make charts, calendars, and support payment sheets on your own can reduce your overall legal expenses because you won’t have to pay an attorney to perform these services for you.
- Money-Saving Tip #6: Express mail and courier fees can add up over time, so you should pick up your documents from your attorney’s office in person to save money.
- Money-Saving Tip #7: It is important to attend all of your scheduled court dates. When a lawyer has to file for a delay, it costs you money for their time. To save on travel charges, don’t plan any trips or vacations that might land on one of your court dates and try to be as flexible as you can with your schedule.
- Money-Saving Tip #8: When speaking to your attorney about the details of your case, try to keep your conversation brief and always keep the focus on your legal matter. Also ask your attorney about their preferred form of communication, this way you can avoid costly delays.
- Money-Saving Tip #9: If you want to avoid interest and late fees, make sure you pay all of your legal bills on time. If you are unable to make any payments, call to ask if the penalties can be waived or reduced.
- Money-Saving Tip #10: Choose your legal battles wisely and don’t let yourself get caught up with minor issues or temporary problems. Stay focused on the long-term goals you have for your case and make sure that your money is going towards achieving the outcome you desire.
Do you need help resolving a family law dispute? If so, call (516) 324-3138 to set up a free consultation with our Long Island family law attorney.