Attorneys charge $100 to $300 per hour on average, depending on their experience and specialization. Attorneys in small towns or those still in training cost $100 to $200 per hour, while experienced lawyers in large cities charge $200 to $400 per hour.

These fees cover research, court filings, travel, documents, and advice. Some attorneys are willing to charge a flat-rate fee for simple projects, such as:

• $700 for an uncontested divorce
• $1,000 for writing a prenup
• $300 for writing a simple will
• $1,200 to write a will for a complex estate

An attorney is a legal representative who conducts business on your behalf and can represent you in court. There are multiple different kinds of attorneys with different specialties, including:

• Personal injury
• Real estate
• Corporate
• Civil rights
• Divorce
• Prosecutor
• Tax law
• Immigration
• Family and estate, or probate and wills attorneys

Though the terms "lawyer" and "attorney" are often used interchangeably by the general public, the two are not the same. Both go to law school and can give legal advice, but lawyers cannot represent anyone in court because they haven't passed the bar exam.

Attorneys are responsible for guiding clients through stressful, difficult situations, such as:

• A car accident, fall, or other accident that resulted in an injury
• Being arrested or accused of a crime
• Filing for bankruptcy
• A family crisis such as divorce, adoption, death, or custody dispute

A retainer fee is what attorneys charge for essentially being on call. Attorneys either calculate retainer fees based on how many hours they expect to work within a month or the total time they plan to work on your case.

Many attorneys keep track of time spent on phone calls or emails and apply that time towards their fees. You'll have to pay more if your case takes up more time than the retainer fee covers.

Attorneys usually charge a fee for their time, whether they win the case or not. Some lawyers work on contingency, meaning they will take a percentage of awards if they win the case, but many do not. Make sure you are aware of an attorney's fee arrangement before continuing.

Power of attorney (POA) is a legally binding agreement allowing a person you designate to make choices about your finances, medical care, or property. This allows a trusted friend, spouse, or family member to act on your behalf when you can no longer make choices on your own.

Search our list of attorneys, then:

• Get at least three free estimates from different firms to compare.
• Read reviews on Thervo and Google.
• Choose an attorney with a good reputation and experience with your case type.
• Verify that they passed the bar and are qualified to represent you.
• Get a written estimate or contract before any casework takes place.
• Arrange a payment schedule instead of making a large payment up front.

After asking questions and verifying their credentials, hire the best attorney in your area.

When looking for an attorney near you, consider these questions:

• What degrees and experience do you have as an attorney?
• How long ago did you pass the bar?
• Do you give free consultations?
• Are you able to take on new clients at this time?
• What are your fees?
• How many cases like mine have you won?
• Will you give me a contract in writing?