The cost of hiring a debt settlement attorney can vary depending on several factors, including the attorney's experience, location, and the complexity of your case. Attorneys usually charge either an hourly rate or a flat fee for their services. Hourly rates for debt settlement attorneys can range from $100 to $500 or more. Some attorneys may require an upfront retainer fee, which can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Other debt settlement attorneys may offer a flat fee for their services, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. This fee typically covers the entire debt settlement process. In most cases, you don't need to pay extra for a debt settlement attorney unless you're already facing legal issues.