|
Merritt Law, P.A.
Center Gate Office Park
5550 Bee Ridge Road, Suite 3
Sarasota, Florida 34233
941.953.4140
|
FEES, COSTS AND EXPENSES FOR SERVICES
Unless otherwise agreed to in writing signed by the Firm, all legal services are provided only an hourly basis. The Firm does not accept credit cards. Fees for any legal matter that Merritt Law, P.A. is requested to provide representation in connection with must be agreed with in a written fee agreement that signed by the prospective client and the Firm. Email does not constitute acceptance and an exchange of emails will not form the attorney/client relationship.
The fees may vary from project to project depending upon several factors, including without limitation those listed hereinafter. Some or all of the factors listed below may be taken into account by the Firm when determining a fee structure and establishing fees. Fees for electronic legal research, expert witnesses, costs and expenses are invoiced separately and are not included in the fee.
As with any business or other professional services, if invoiced legal fees, costs and expenses, etc. are not paid, the Firm will withdraw from the representation. If you are unhappy with the fees discussed prior to representation or otherwise, you should contact another law firm or perform the legal services yourself. In litigation, an individual may represent himself, but, in Florida State Courts, a corporation or similar entity must be represented by a licensed Florida lawyer.
-
As with any business, the time and effort required, the novelty and difficulty of the issues presented, and the skill required to perform the legal service properly.
-
The likelihood that the acceptance of the particular employment will preclude other employment.
-
Although not determinative, the fee customarily charged in the locality for similar legal services.
-
The amount of work and services provided as well as the time and attention required by the individual client.
-
The client’s cooperation and commitment to the case.
-
Time limitations imposed by the client or by circumstances.
-
Nature and length of the professional relationship with the client.
As with a person who seeks free medical advice from a medical doctor, free tax advice from an accountant, free sale of real estate by a real estate agent, or free insurance from an insurance agent, such a person will find that free legal advice will not be provided. In order to provide legal advice, the lawyer must have years of education and experience, licensing by the State of Florida, etc. Law firms have employee salaries, lease expenses, insurance premiums, utility costs, etc. to pay, just as any other business.
Types of Fee Structures:
The fee structure may be based on a flat rate, an hourly rate, or on a contingency basis. Unless otherwise agreed in writing all legal services are provided on an hourly basis only.
Hourly Rate: An hourly rate is an hourly charge for all of the attorney's time devoted to handling a specific case.
Flat Rate: A flat rate is a one-time payment to cover all of the costs of handling a specific legal matter such as an incorporation, drafting estate planning documents, drafting certain corporate, real estate documents, etc. Litigation is never handled for a flat rate because of its unpredictability.
Contingency Fee: When allowed by law, the attorney may charge a contingency fee which is based on a percentage of the judgment awarded to the client. Contingency Fees are typically used in personal injury cases. Merritt Law, P.A. only accepts requests for representation for serious personal injury and wrongful death cases on a contingency basis. No other types of lawsuit are accepted on contingency by this firm.
Electronic Legal Research: This type of legal research is provided to a law firm by service providers for a fee. Electronic legal research greatly enhances the likelihood of finding support for a client’s position and reduces the amount of time devoted to legal reserved and, thus, reduces the client’s bill. As a result of the costs charged to the firm by the research service provider and the benefits derived by the client, all charges for such research are invoiced to the client.
Costs, Expenses and Other Fees: Unless otherwise agreed in a written agreement signed by the client and the Firm, the client always is responsible for all costs, expenses and other fees.
Initial Consultation: Unless otherwise agreed, the Firm charges a fixed fee for the initial consultation.
The foregoing is provided for your information only and for no other purpose.
|
|