Serving those in Clark County; including Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, La Center, and more.
An advanced fee deposit, also known as a retainer fee, is an amount of money paid by a client to a lawyer to secure their services before the legal work begins. The fee is usually paid upfront, and the lawyer places the funds into a separate account, known as a trust account. The lawyer then bills their fees and expenses against the funds in the trust account as the work on the legal matter progresses.
Advanced fee deposits are typically required in cases where the amount of legal work involved is uncertain or in cases where the lawyer will be required to work over an extended period of time. It's important to note the attorney will also set a minimum amount that must be maintained in the client's trust account. The specific amount of the advanced fee deposit and the minimum balance required in the trust account may vary based on the nature of the legal matter, the lawyer's hourly rate, and other factors. If the funds in the trust account drop below the minimum balance, legal services may be disrupted or discontinued if additional funds are not deposited.
Advanced fee deposits are used to ensure that the lawyer is compensated for their services and to protect the client's interests by providing a clear understanding of the fees and costs involved.
It's important to note that an advanced fee deposit is not a quote for the final cost of the legal work, but rather establishing a savings account upon which legal fees will be drawn from. Additional fees and expenses will be incurred as the case progresses.
Advanced fee deposits are traditonally quoted at the time of your consultation. If you would like to speak with an attorney at Keystone Family Law about scheduling a consultation, please complete the Consultation Inquiry Form.
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