Because we want to help as many people as possible, and so many clients come to us anxious about paying for a partition action, we offer a number of different options to try to find the right solution tailored to the problem. Like all legal fees, the billing option is a product of negotiation between the client and the lawyer based on the unique circumstances of each case.
Monthly Billing for Your Partition Action
Like most law firms, we offer a traditional option where the client pays money an invoice for work incurred at the end of every month. At its most basic, the underlying idea is that if you do work, then you should get paid. In this option, the amount is calculated by multiplying the hourly rate by the number of hours worked. The hourly rates are listed on the client agreement, and then the invoice shows the amounts actually worked on any task that month, so the client can see for themselves what was actually done. The invoice also shows third-party expenses, like court costs, that are billed without any markup. The client then pays the bill within the month. The benefit of this option is that the rates are generally the lowest of all the options.
Deferred Payment for Qualifying Partition Action Cases
Since most people haven’t set aside money for a lawsuit, the firm offers the option in qualifying cases to pay at the end of the relationship. Usually, this happens when one party either buys the property from the other co-owner, or the property is sold as part of the partition action. Again, the basic formulae is just hourly rate multiplied by hours worked, and the client receives an invoice detailing the amount spent with an opportunity to object every month.
This option is attractive because the interests of the client and the lawyer are aligned on getting the matter resolved as quickly as legally possible. The nature of the arrangement is that it requires that we select cases carefully based on available equity, and the facts of the case. We owe it to our clients and ourselves to analyze every case like this very carefully before we agree to proceed. For example, a case could be so demanding as to impact our ability to help other people. The benefit of this option is that, even though the rates are higher than the monthly option, the client does not have a bill waiting for them every single month.
Flat Fee Arrangements for Partition Action Matters
When it makes sense for both the client and the firm, the parties can agree on a flat fee for the matter. In this option, each side
is taking a risk, but the arrangement reflects the “value” of the services received. The risk for the client is that, if the case settles quickly, then the client pays more than they might under a monthly model. The risk for the attorney is that the litigation is more extensive than planned, and the attorney ends up working for a lower rate than expected. The benefit for the client is that they know that their fees are limited to a certain amount, and fixed. This is the least used option because most clients are concerned that they will pay for more than they actually needed, and it is not the right tool for every situation.
How Can Underwood Law Firm, P.C. Help?
At Underwood Law Firm, P.C., we understand that every client's financial situation is different. That is why we offer monthly billing, deferred payment, and flat fee arrangements — so that cost is never the reason someone cannot pursue a partition action. To discuss which billing option is right for your case, contact an experienced partition action attorney at Underwood Law Firm, P.C. today.
