Estate Disputes and Contingency Fees: What You Need to Know
Are you involved in an estate dispute but worried about the costs of hiring a lawyer? At Garton & Harris, we understand the financial strain that legal battles can cause. That’s why we offer Contingency Fee Agreements, ensuring you get the legal help you need without any upfront payments.
Types of Estate Litigation We Handle
- Wills Variation Claims
- Challenging Testamentary Capacity
- Unjust Enrichment
- Suspicious Pre-Death Transactions
What is a Contingency Fee Agreement?
A Contingency Fee Agreement is a payment arrangement between a lawyer and a client where the lawyer’s fees are contingent upon the outcome of the case. This means you don’t have to pay a retainer upfront. Instead, you pay legal fees at the end, and only if there is a recovery.
Key Features of Contingency Fee Agreements
- No Win, No Fee: Pay nothing unless we win or settle your case. Our fees depend entirely on achieving a successful outcome for you.
- Percentage-Based Fee: The lawyer’s fee is usually a pre-agreed percentage of the amount recovered, often ranging from 25% to 40%. The exact percentage will be clearly specified in the agreement.
- No Upfront Costs: Clients do not need to pay legal fees in advance, making legal representation more accessible.
- Risk Sharing: The lawyer assumes the financial risk of the case. If the case is lost, the lawyer typically does not get paid, aligning the lawyer’s incentives with the client’s interest in achieving a successful outcome.
- Expenses: There might be other expenses related to the case, such as filing fees and expert witness fees. The Contingency Fee Agreement will clarify whether these costs will be deducted from the recovery or if the client will be responsible for them upfront.
- Agreement Specifics: The Contingency Fee Agreement will specify the percentage of the recovery that the lawyer will take, how expenses will be handled, and what happens if the case is settled before trial. The agreement will also outline how fees are calculated, including any potential deductions.
Advantages of Contingency Fee Agreements
- Access to Justice: Contingency fees allow individuals to pursue legal claims they might not be able to afford otherwise.
- Aligned Interests: The lawyer has a strong incentive to work hard and achieve the best possible outcome, as their payment depends on the case’s success.
- No Financial Risk for Clients: Clients do not pay legal fees unless they win or settle the case, reducing their financial risk.
Contact Us
Don’t let financial concerns keep you from fighting for what you deserve. Reach out to Garton & Harris today to schedule your free consultation.
To schedule a meeting, call us toll free at 800-680-3701 or at 778-730-0372 in the Port Coquitlam area. You can also use our online contact form.
Garton & Harris – Providing Expert Legal Services in Estate Dispute