The fee agreement will tell you what your lawyer can and can’t do, and also what you have to do to work with your lawyer (yeah, you don’t just get to lay back and wait for your day in court). There’s more to it, though, and to make sure you have the most details so you can know which lawyer is giving you the best price, don’t forget to ask.

• Will you be charging a fixed fee, or an hourly rate, or something else?
• If you are charging a fixed fee, will it be split or intact?
• Am I allowed to make payments, or am I supposed to pay all at once?
• Am I required to make down payments?
• How often can I pay?
• Will I be charged interest?
• Are there any variable charges?
• What could change this price?
• What is the range within which this price may vary?