Family lawyers generally charge on the basis of an hourly rate. Therefore, you are charged for the time spent on every task your attorney performs on your case. This billing generally includes all time spent traveling, talking to you or the opposing attorney on the telephone, making notations, drafting pleadings, reviewing correspondence, and any and all other tasks performed by the attorney on your behalf. Because attorneys charge fees on an hourly basis, you should be aware of steps to assist in keeping your fees down. One basic, but often forgotten, rule is to minimize your contact with the attorney because you will be charged for each and every contact you make.
Clients often call their attorney daily with reports regarding what occurred the previous night.
These calls are sometimes necessary, especially if violence is present in the home. However, there are times when you could wait to call until you have several questions for your attorney. This will save money because only one charge will be made for the consolidated questions. Telephone time actually mounts up quicker than is realized. Be organized and businesslike when communicating with the attorney.