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What You Should Do if Your Lawyer's Bill Seems High
One of the greatest sources of disputes between attorneys and their clients concerns the legal bill. People are often surprised by the amount they are charged for legal services. However, because they are intimidated, or because disputing the bill seems to be a great hassle, they simply pay it. However, there are a few steps you can take if you are concerned about the amount you have been charged.
Your first step should be to simply explain your concerns to your lawyer. While this might be a somewhat uncomfortable conversation, you may save yourself from greater unpleasantness down the road. You may find out that you misunderstood the agreement, or that your case was more complicated than you had thought. On the other hand, your attorney might realize that a mistake was made on the bill.
If discussing your bill does not resolve the problem, a good option to consider is fee arbitration. Under fee arbitration, a neutral third party will hear both you and your lawyer’s side of the story, and then make a decision about what a fair price for the legal services is. Fee arbitration is a great low cost, easy way to resolve billing disputes.
However, there are a few states which do not offer fee arbitration. Also, in some states where it is offered, a lawyer can choose not to participate. If these instances, a lawsuit might be your only option. However, the costs and time associated may outweigh the amount you believe you have been over billed.
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