Do you need to have a retainer agreement with your lawyer?

Anybody seeking legal representation should have at least some form of retainer agreement in writing with their lawyer. However, many situations benefit from detailed retainer agreements, including: Essentially, you should consider a retainer when you need access to a lawyer or need them available to you.

What happens to the money after retaining a lawyer?

The lawyer performs their work and withdraws against the balance of the trust account in return for the work performed. Retaining fees generally are not expected to cover the total cost of representation, and the lawyer must refund the client any excess funds in the trust once the retainer agreement ends.

What does it mean to have a special retainer?

A special retainer is a flat payment made to take on a specific case or project. Special retainers are sometimes used for criminal cases or the drafting of a will, but some states prohibit special retainers since the attorney cannot be discharged for the duration of the case or project.

What does it mean to have an attorney on retainer?

General retainers are fees for a specific period of time, not a specific project. You are basically paying the attorney to be available for discussions and questions about legal matters during this time. For example, you may want an employment attorney on retainer to help you deal with issues that come up with employees.

Is it good for my child to be retained?

I don’t want my child to be retained. Everything I read seems to say that retention is not good for the child. I’m struggling with the school because they say she is the youngest in her class and needs to stay behind so she can “catch-up”. She has struggled with reading and math for 2 years.

The lawyer performs their work and withdraws against the balance of the trust account in return for the work performed. Retaining fees generally are not expected to cover the total cost of representation, and the lawyer must refund the client any excess funds in the trust once the retainer agreement ends.

What happens if I don’t pay my retainer fee?

In other words, you won’t get your stuff back until you pay the attorney’s bill in full. The agreement with your attorney should spell out the attorney’s right to charge you for non-payment. Attorneys are legally and ethically obligated to deposit your retainer fee in special trust accounts, not in their business accounts.