how to find a cheap attorney

^{How To Find An Affordable Lawyer}

• Manage Your Expectations The skills of an affordable lawyer are not to be underestimated, however, you may want to slightly lower your expectations when hiring an affordable lawyer. ...
• Affordable Lawyer Is Better Than No Lawyer Your chances of succeeding in your case is higher when you have a lawyer, even if they are not as experienced as you ...
• Get Help As Soon As You Can It is often difficult to find a lawyer due to several factors such as money, the number of available lawyers in your area, ...

How to find an affordable lawyer?

LegalMatch is free and dedicated to helping every person find an affordable lawyer. Present your case and within minutes, you can assess a lawyer’s profile. You can meet up with the attorneys matched to your case in order to find out which one is right for you. Here are some testimonials from our satisfied clients.

How do I find a lawyer near me?

It's usually someone nearby, familiar with the area of law you need and you'll often pay by the hour. There are now many online resources, including sites like Avvo and FindLaw, that help you connect with a lawyer in your area.

How do I find a good tax attorney?

If the attorney has a website or a listing at a firm, he will likely include these credentials. Many tax attorneys also have a Master of Laws in taxation. This is a plus as it shows the attorney has a specialization in tax law. Some lawyers are also certified public accountants, which may come in useful for certain types of tax issues.

How do I choose a lawyer?

Learn what questions to ask when choosing a lawyer. And find organizations that give free legal advice and may help you find a free or low-cost attorney. Before looking for an attorney, decide what kind you need.

Legal Aid

If you cannot afford a lawyer, the first thing you should do is evaluate your choices. One of the best choices at your disposal is legal aid.

Legal Clinics

A legal clinic is an excellent place to find lawyers who will help those who cannot afford legal services. Legal clinics will often take on civil cases as opposed to criminal cases. However, they can make an exception if your case is dire.

Pro-bono Attorneys

Some attorneys offer pro-bono work but do it of their own accord instead of working in an organization like a legal clinic. It may also be a highly paid attorney who is looking to do some public good.

Law Firms

Even the biggest and most prestigious law firms offer some pro bono work either as a Corporate Social Responsibility program or to pay a debt to society. For example, a large corporate law firm could provide pro bono legal services to a small business.

Government Agencies

The government is by definition meant to serve the public. In some cases, you will find cheap or free legal help from several government agencies.

When do I need a lawyer?

You likely need a lawyer if you're being sued or anticipate a lot of complicated legal situations in the future, like when you're starting a business.

Can a lawyer quote you a flat rate?

If you have a single need — like a will or a document to review — a lawyer may quote you a flat rate that's less expensive than an hourly service or a legal plan. But if you're in a period of life full of job and housing changes, a pre-paid law plan may bring peace of mind for reviewing contracts.

Do lawyers explain their fees?

Just make sure you read the fine print on what they don't cover. The American Bar Association advises that lawyers explain their fees, ideally in writing, within a reasonable time after beginning to represent you. Some state bars require that lawyers put fees in writing before they even take a case.

What happens if you can't afford a lawyer?

In a criminal proceeding, if you can't afford legal assistance, a court will appoint an attorney for you. In a civil case, generally described as a dispute between two private parties, to get legal representation, you have to get creative. Here's how to find legal help if you can't afford a lawyer:

What time does the Akron Bar Association answer legal questions?

The Akron Bar Association, in Akron, Ohio, is an example of what's out there. You can call the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 9 to 11 a.m., as part of their Ask an Attorney Service, and they'll answer legal questions for free.

What does it mean to spend time in court?

And to add fuel to the fire, spending time preparing for a court case can mean losing wages or part of a salary. In short, if you don't have the time to self-educate, and if you can't find enough free legal advice to help you have your day in court, it's a wise decision to seek out a competent attorney.

What is legal aid?

Legal aid societies are nonprofit organizations found in almost every corner of the country that provide free legal services to low-income people. While this is certainly worth exploring, the problem for many households is that the individual or couple makes too much money to qualify for help.

What happens if you lose a case?

That is, if you lose your case, you won't pay money, but if you win, the law firm will take a portion of the money awarded to you. However, it's important to tread carefully before picking a lawyer. Choose a reputable attorney and make sure the rate is agreed upon before the lawyer takes your case.

Can a lawyer represent you on contingency?

It's risky for lawyers to take cases on contingency, and they need to be confident a judge or jury will side with you, and that there's going to be something sizable awarded to you. While no legal expert will suggest you represent yourself, it is an option if you're in a financial bind.

Can you go to small claims court after divorce?

For instance, you can't go to small claims court if you're trying to work out your financial affairs after a divorce. But if the stakes are fairly low where someone owes you money or is trying to collect money from you, and it isn't worth risking lawyer fees, you might consider small claims court.

What should I look for when choosing a lawyer?

The lawyer will be helping you solve your problems, so the first qualification is that you must feel comfortable enough to tell him or her, honestly and completely, all the facts necessary to resolve your problem.

Are there any practical considerations to keep in mind when choosing a lawyer?

Yes, the lawyer’s area of expertise and prior experience are important. Many states have specialization programs that certify lawyers as specialists in certain types of law.

Where should I start to look for a lawyer?

There are many ways to find a reliable lawyer. One of the best is a recommendation from a trusted friend, relative, or business associate. Be aware, however, that each legal case is different and that a lawyer who is right for someone else may not suit you or your legal problem.

Are advertisements a good place to look for a lawyer?

In some ways, yes, ads are useful. However, always be careful about believing everything you read and hear — and nowhere is this truer than with advertisements. Newspaper, telephone directory, radio, television, and Internet ads, along with direct mail, can make you familiar with the names of lawyers who may be appropriate for your legal needs.

What about a local referral service?

Most communities have referral services to help people find lawyers. You might be able to find them under “Lawyer Referral Service” or something similar in your yellow pages. These services usually recommend a lawyer in the area to evaluate a situation.

My new job offers a prepaid legal services plan. What can I expect?

Legal services, like many other things, are often less expensive when bought in bulk. Some employers, labor and credit unions, and other groups have formed “legal insurance” plans. These plans vary. Many cover most, if not all, of the cost of legal consultations, document preparation, and court representation in routine legal matters.

I want to hire a lawyer, but I do not have much money. Where can I find low-cost legal help?

Several legal assistance programs offer inexpensive or free legal services to those in need. Look in the yellow pages under topics such as “legal clinics,” “legal aid,” or “legal advice,” or search online. Most legal aid programs have special guidelines for eligibility, often based on where you live, the size of your family, and your income.

What does an immigration lawyer do?

What does an immigration attorney do? Immigration lawyers help their clients through all phases of the immigration process. Experts on immigration law, they are legally qualified to represent U.S. citizens, permanent residents or undocumented immigrants.

Do you need a real estate attorney for closing?

Many states require a real estate attorney to handle sale closing documents. For more complex matters such as a real estate deal gone awry or foreclosure, you’ll want to find an attorney who has successfully handled cases like yours. Look for online reviews of real estate lawyers in your area.

Do you need a lawyer to close a home sale?

In states that require a real estate lawyer to close home sales, the lawyer must review and finalize all documents before the deal can be legally completed. Real estate lawyers also help clients legally protect their rights when entering, exiting or renegotiating a real estate deal.

Do personal injury lawyers have to pass the bar exam?

Most states then require the person to pass the bar exam to become licensed to practice law. Unlike many attorneys who require a retainer, personal injury lawyers often work on contingency fees. This means that in lieu of payment upfront, they receive an agreed-upon percentage of the settlement in case of a win.

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What to Look for in a Lawyer

Before looking for an attorney, decide what kind you need. Common fields include:

Find Free and Low-Cost Legal Help

These programs offer a variety of ways to get legal aid. Some limit their services to people with low incomes.

Find Legal Resources for Specific Groups

Stateside Legal - Find free legal help for military members, veterans, and their families.

Do you have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They'll get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

Tap Your Network

Ask around among your family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances to see if they know of any attorneys they could recommend. Personal references can be some of the most reliable references you will find.

Do Some Research

You can run an attorney search at databases such as Avvo and Martindale Hubbell, which provide information such as practice areas, location, disciplinary records, and lawyer reviews.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer

Now that you have some attorney options, it’s time to choose. To get you started, here’s a list of questions to ask an attorney before hiring them:

More Considerations When Hiring a Lawyer

One way to get a feel for an attorney’s practice is to be observant when you go for your first consultation.

What to do with an attorney who has had previous experience with the IRS?

An attorney who has had previous experience with the IRS will have a better understanding of how the IRS processes tax issues and can better represent your case. The attorney may list this experience in his online resume or profile. You can also call the attorney’s office and ask some preliminary questions to confirm his credentials.

What can a tax attorney do for you?

A good tax attorney can help you file an appeal of a tax court decisions, communicate effectively with IRS officials, and help your business save money by taking advantage of tax credits.

Do tax attorneys have a masters in taxation?

If the attorney has a website or a listing at a firm, he will likely include these credentials. Many tax attorneys also have a Master of Laws in taxation. This is a plus as it shows the attorney has a specialization in tax law.

Can a lawyer be a certified public accountant?

Some lawyers are also certified public accountants, which may come in useful for certain types of tax issues. Note if the attorney specializes in IRS issues. An attorney who has had previous experience with the IRS will have a better understanding of how the IRS processes tax issues and can better represent your case.

Can a tax attorney charge you to file a complaint against the IRS?

If you need the tax attorney to help you file a complaint against the IRS, for example, he will charge you a set amount to file the complaint. The benefit of this arrangement is you get exactly what you pay for and only on an item by item basis, and there are no hidden fees.

Legal Aid

Legal Clinics

• A legal clinic is an excellent place to find lawyers who will help those who cannot afford legal services. Legal clinics will often take on civil cases as opposed to criminal cases. However, they can make an exception if your case is dire. A legal clinic will also accept family law, domestic violence, immigration, employment issues, and eviction ca...

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Pro-Bono Attorneys

Law Firms

Government Agencies

Pre-Paid Legal Services vs. Flat Fee vs. Hourly Rates

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What Does A Pre-Paid Plan include?

Choosing The Best Option For You