Little things add up. Carefully discuss with your lawyer anticipated miscellaneous costs so that you can estimate those costs up front and avoid any unpleasant surprises. Be prepared to scrutinize court costs, filing fees, secretarial time, and delivery charges. Get a fee agreement in writing. If an attorney is unwilling to put a fee agreement in writing, cross that attorney off your list.
Some states require written fee agreements for most cases.
Ask your attorney to include in the fee agreement a provision for periodic, itemized billing. An itemized bill should list and describe all charges so that you can review them and compare them to your fee agreement. You might want to arrange for a ceiling or limit on fees. You might also require your lawyer to get your approval before proceeding beyond a certain amount in legal costs. Depending upon your financial situation, you may be entitled to free legal services.