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Five Ways to Keep Legal Fees Down & Make the Relationship with Your Lawyer Productive and Efficient

by | Mar 12, 2024

Five Ways to Keep Legal Fees Down & Make the Relationship with Your Lawyer Productive and Efficient

One of the primary reasons I became a divorce coach is because I saw first-hand how confusing and overwhelming the divorce process can be. Most divorce clients come in with little or no knowledge of the legal jargon, the rules and expectations, or the steps of the process. To address this challenge and help you get the most from the relationship with your attorney, I partnered with James Cordes, a partner and collaboratively trained attorney at The Woody Law Firm, to compile the following tips.

Follow these steps to help you create a successful attorney/client relationship that includes clearly defined goals and expectations and maximizes your time and money.

Step 1 – Clarify Roles & Expectations

Ask what the attorney expects of you.

Share what you expect.

Example questions:

  • What kind of communication is best?
  • Duration of the process?
  • Working hours and expected response times?

Step 2 – Clear & Honest Communication

  • There is rarely a case for withholding information.
  • Give your attorney every opportunity to help you.

Step 3 – Ask Questions

Advocate for yourself by clarifying:

  • Why is this important?
  • How does this impact me?
  • What else do I need to know?
  • What are the pros/cons of this?

 Step 4- Use Them for Their Expertise

Your attorney is:

  • A legal expert
  • Above to offer professional advice
  • Your attorney is not:
  • A therapist, coach, financial professional or mortgage broker

👉🏽 It may seem counterintuitive to add a team member to keep costs down, but legal costs can quickly add up if you use your lawyer as a therapist or coach. Clarity on this issue can save thousands of dollars and improve the working relationship.

Step 5 – Be Organized and Prepared 

Planning ahead will:

  • Help you organize thoughts
  • Come in with clear priorities
  • Maximize your attorney’s time
  • Allow him/her to prepare responses

Ready to dig in and figure out who you are at your best? Download my free Better Than Before Divorce™️ workbook here and start moving toward the amazing future you deserve. You CAN be BETTER on the other side!