How to Pay for a Lawyer: Top 3 Ways
When you or a loved one need a lawyer, you might find that legal fees can be overwhelming. Your situation is complex and a lot is at stake, so going without the help of a professional is not an option. But what do you do when you don’t have the money to hire a lawyer? These tips for how to pay for a lawyer may help. Before you start a GoFundMe for legal services, please be sure to take a look at our terms & conditions, as restrictions on crowdfunding for legal services do apply.
How much does a lawyer cost?
The cost of a lawyer depends on a variety of factors:
- The type and complexity of the case
- The experience level of the lawyer and law firm
- Your location
- The fee structure used
Hourly rate
How much do lawyers or solicitors cost per hour? The typical hourly rates range from £111 for junior solicitors to £200 for those with more experience. It’s also higher if you’re in London and they can be higher or lower depending on the factors above and the specifics of your case. The hourly rate is often applied to every aspect of your case—including things like making photocopies or doing legal research.
Common fees
There are several common reasons you might need a solicitor or lawyer in the UK. For example, if you’re getting a divorce or buying or selling a house. For example, the average fee if you’re the petitioner of the divorce (the one seeking it) is £1,000 to £1,500. You might also need a will, which costs between £150-£200 for a simple will or £150 to £300 for a more complex one. You can read more about fees here.
Retainer fee
A retainer fee is an upfront deposit, from which your lawyer will draw funds on an hourly basis as they work on your case.
Contingency fee
A contingency fee means you will only pay a fee if you achieve a pre-agreed result in your claim. If the result isn’t achieved, you don’t pay the fee. This is common in personal injury cases, for example.
3 ways for how to pay for a lawyer
After reviewing the various legal fees, there is no question that the cost of a lawyer or solicitor can be steep. However, there are ways to get financial assistance for these expenses. Consider the following resources for how to get help paying for a lawyer.
1. Legal aid
In the UK, you can apply for legal aid if you meet certain criteria. You need to show that you are struggling to afford the legal fees, the problem is serious and that your case is eligible. Legal aid can be of use for legal advice, mediation or representation in court. You can read more on the Gov.uk website here.
2. Consider crowdfunding for legal fees
Another alternative to finding legal help or a pro bono lawyer is online fundraising for legal fees. You can do this easily using crowdfunding, which can help you quickly raise money for a legal defense. Crowdfunding for legal fees can help relieve some or all of the financial burden of paying for a lawyer.
Before you start a GoFundMe for legal services, please be sure to take a look at our terms & conditions, as restrictions on crowdfunding for legal services do apply.
Crowdfunding can offset expensive legal representation fees
For those facing any sort of legal challenge, it can be difficult to ask others directly for help. Fundraising through crowdfunding provides an alternative that is quick, easy, and avoids those potentially awkward conversations with family and friends. Through sharing your fundraiser on social media, you’re able to expand your network to reach even more people who might be willing to help.
Raise more money with online fundraising
A handful of crowdfunding platforms exist, so it’s important to find one that best fits your needs. Look for a platform that provides customer support and fundraising resources such as GoFundMe. With online fundraising, you’ll be able to put more of the money you raise towards lawyer fees.
Tips for using GoFundMe for legal costs
Starting a fundraiser for legal fees can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Getting assistance with legal fees means you can stop worrying, and start feeling confident about your future. The following tips will help you create a successful fundraiser on GoFundMe.
- Write your fundraiser story. Tell a powerful story that connects with your audience. This can mean the difference between someone passively viewing your fundraiser, and someone who makes a donation.
- Share your fundraiser to increase donations. Maximizing your reach is key to an effective fundraiser. Whether sharing on social media or teaming up with a local business, expanding your network will help you see more donations.
- Reach your goal with the right fundraising email templates. Email is one of the best ways to raise awareness about your fundraiser. Remove the challenge of asking for help with a compelling email template that inspires others to give to your cause.
- Take a look at our Terms & Conditions. This is to make sure crowdfunding is a good fit for your particular legal situation.
3. Receive help with legal fees through payment plans
Lawyers are not required to offer payment plans, though many choose to do so. Make sure to ask about a payment plan option before meeting with a lawyer for the initial consultation. Some payment plans use a sliding scale that is based on your income and financial obligations.