FAQs

You are entitled to know and understand what your fee will be once you visit with an attorney at LaPlante, Merritt, Faulkner, Wilson & Clay.  

Lawyers are paid under various fee arrangements.

Hourly fee:
Hourly fees are based on an hourly rate for services rendered.  A detailed, itemized bill will be provided showing all work completed on your case.  This explanation may come monthly or at the end of your case, whichever you choose to be billed.  Unless otherwise agreed, the hourly fee will be the presumed fee arrangement.

Flat fee:
On a flat fee agreement, your legal fee is a stated sum for agreed upon services.  No accounting will be made.

Contingency fee:
On a contingency fee basis, your legal fees will be based on the amount of recovery we get for you. If no recovery is given, you will not have a fee.  Depending upon your situation, you may have the option of choosing this plan in lieu of hourly charges.  Not all cases qualify for the contingency basis.  In either case, we will prepare for you an employment agreement setting forth the fee arrangement.

Other potential fees:
A pre-payment will may be required in order to begin to process your matter and you will be kept advised as to how that pre-payment is being used.  Bills will be sent to you showing your charges and payments as your case continues.

Certain cases may have a minimum fee, meaning no hourly accounting will be made unless excess time is expended.

It is our goal to try and keep legal fees as reasonable as possible.  The amount of services required, however, is not fully within our control.  We discuss with all clients the options for services and the benefits of services.  However, services are directly related to an opposing party’s action or inaction.  Please feel free to discuss fees with your any of our team members.