Cut the Burn Rate: 16 Questions to Ask Before You Hire Your Attorney

We Chat Divorce Podcast

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11d ago 23:58

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If you’ve ever stared at a four-figure legal invoice and thought, “Where did my money go?” — this episode is for you.

In this episode, Catherine and Karen break down the true cost of divorce and share how to spot red flags, avoid wasteful spending, and build a lean, efficient legal team. You'll hear about real-life examples of inflated invoices, underused experts, and clients who got burned by not knowing what they signed up for.

From understanding the scope of your attorney's work to catching block billing and knowing when to pause and prepare, this episode arms you with the tools to keep your legal bills from taking over your financial future.

Why some clients burn through retainers before any progress is made
What “block billing” is — and why it’s a red flag
How to leverage paralegals and avoid being billed at attorney rates
The difference between full-service, collaborative, and limited-scope attorneys
When and if to hire a forensic accountant, CPA, or mortgage expert
The power of getting financially prepared before hiring anyone

What is your overall philosophy or style when handling divorce cases?
How do you typically structure your team and delegate tasks?
What are your hourly rates — and do they vary by who is doing the work?
Are flat-fee options available for specific services?
What is the retainer for my case and how is it applied?
Is the retainer a minimum fee or refundable?
Will I receive monthly billing statements?
How do you track and report time for tasks performed?
Will I be billed for internal meetings or staff conferences?
Can I request a cap on monthly fees or be notified when nearing budget limits?
How do you determine if a paralegal or associate should handle a task?
How do you document prep work, and can I review those notes?
Will I be billed for re-reviewing documents that have already been reviewed?
Are billing errors ever adjusted if I notice discrepancies?
How do you define the scope of work when hiring outside experts (like forensics)?
How can I best work with you to keep my costs down?

Batch your communications to avoid small, costly emails
Ask for work product if you’re billed for extensive review or prep
Consider limited-scope representation for specific legal tasks
Use financial professionals to prepare documents instead of high-priced attorneys
Pause your case if needed — getting financially organized may save thousands

"Every email you batch, every paralegal you leverage, and every line item you question is real money staying in your pocket — not evaporating into the billable hour."

What You’ll Learn:The 16 Questions to Ask Before Signing an Engagement Letter:Helpful Tips Shared:

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