The attorneys at Dennis, Wenger & Abrell believe that one of the best ways to maintain strong relationships with their clients is to continue to provide quality professional legal services at a reasonable cost. This requires that clients have a clear understanding of the firm’s billing methods and procedures.
Hourly Billing
Our hourly billing rates for our attorneys and paralegals reflect the skill and experience of the individual performing the work. All of our attorneys & paralegal staff keep detailed time records which are used in generating bills for clients which we have agreed to bill on an hourly basis. In most cases, a retainer fee is required at the beginning of a case. This is a deposit against the fees and expenses ultimately billed to you. The amount of a retainer is determined by your attorney based upon their estimate of the initial time and expense necessary to begin representing you on your case.
Contingency Fees
Some cases, such as personal injury lawsuits, may be handled on a contingent fee basis. In such cases, our only fee for legal services is a percentage of the monetary recovery we obtain for you, plus expenses. In these cases we enter into a written agreement which details the arrangement.
Fixed Fees
A fixed fee is charged for certain matters where the expected amount of the time and effort involved can be determined with reasonable accuracy. In most instances this fee is paid in full at the time which we accept your case or matter.
Estate Fees
Fees for serving as attorney for the personal representative in the administration of an estate will be determined in accordance with factors set forth in the General Order for Fees in Probate Matters, entered by the Delaware County Courts having probate jurisdiction, and Rule 1.5 of the Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct. These factors include: whether the administration is supervised or unsupervised; the kind and value of the property involved; the time required and the novelty and difficulty of questions presented in discharging the duties; and special circumstances such as time limitations or other demands imposed by the client, the Court or tax authorities. All estate fees are subject to Court approval.
Expenses
You will be charged for expenses incurred by the firm on your behalf. These expenses include, but are not limited to, postage, photocopying, long distance telephone, court costs, travel expenses and computerized research. In some instances you may be asked to advance the firm an amount equal to that expense. In all other instances, expenses will appear on your monthly statement.
Billing
Our firm’s policy is to bill clients once each month. The full amount is due and payable within 30 days of the statement date, after which a delinquent charge of 1.5% per month may be added.
The need to arrange any different payment plan should be discussed with your attorney at your initial conference.
