Understanding Legal Fees: What to Expect When Hiring an Attorney

Legal fees can feel mysterious, especially if you’ve never worked with an attorney before. At N.P. Weiss Law, we believe that understanding how legal fees work is the first step to feeling confident about your legal journey.  In this article, Attorney Nick Weiss breaks down everything you need to know about legal fees—including what a retainer (deposit) fee is, why it’s a normal and necessary part of the legal industry, and how our firm’s transparent approach helps clients avoid surprises. 

What Is a Retainer (Deposit)? 

Think of a retainer like a prepaid tab at a restaurant. You deposit money into a trust account, and as we do work on your case, we draw from that account. The trust account holds your funds until they’re earned, meaning we don’t touch it until the work is done. Once the retainer runs out, we’ll ask you to replenish it so we can keep working. For trial matters, we often require a higher deposit upfront because of the time and preparation involved. 

You might wonder why attorneys ask for payment up front, when most other professionals don’t. Unlike a restaurant, where the risk of a skipped $20 meal is manageable, or a doctor’s office, where insurance often covers the bill, legal matters can involve much larger sums and there’s usually no insurance company backing up payment. If a client doesn’t pay a $5,000 legal bill, that’s a significant loss for a law firm. Plus, the issues at stake—like child custody, business survival, or major financial disputes—are often high-stakes and require substantial work. That’s why retainers are standard in the legal industry: they protect both the client and the attorney and ensure each matter gets the attention it deserves. 

Hourly Fees: Paying for Experience and Efficiency 

Most of our work is billed hourly. We assign tasks based on the level of experience needed, so you’re not overpaying for routine work. For example, a paralegal may handle document preparation, while an attorney focuses on strategy and negotiation. This team-based approach ensures your matter is handled efficiently and cost-effectively.  

Because every legal matter is unique, it's often difficult to predict exactly how much work will be needed to resolve a case. Unlike selling a product with a fixed price, legal cases can change based on new facts, court decisions, or the other side’s willingness to settle. For this reason, most attorneys use hourly rates to reflect the actual work required. At N.P. Weiss Law, we are committed to efficiency and transparency, and we understand that our clients rely on us for both quality work and honest billing practices. 

Flat Fees: Predictable Pricing for Specific Legal Matters 

Flat fees are available for specific types of legal matters where the scope of work is predictable and clearly defined. At N.P. Weiss Law, we offer flat fees primarily for estate planning and document preparation services. Examples include: 

• Preparing and filing a deed 

• Drafting powers of attorney 

• Creating a basic will or will package 

• Forming a single-member LLC 

Flat fees cover all legal work performed for the listed service. The only additional costs are typically court filing fees or third-party expenses, which we’ll discuss with you upfront.  

To see examples of flat fees and hourly pricing across our practice areas, visit our Pricing Page. 

Case Types and Minimum Deposits 

At N.P. Weiss Law, we handle a wide range of legal matters—from family law and real estate disputes to estate administration and business litigation. The initial deposit varies depending on the complexity and type of case. Here are a few examples: 

• Family Law: A divorce involving children typically requires a $4,000 deposit and is billed hourly due to the complexity and emotional sensitivity of custody and support issues. 

• Real Estate: Real estate litigation, such as boundary disputes or breach of contract claims, generally starts with a $3,000 deposit and is billed hourly. 

• Business Litigation: Complex business disputes typically require a $5,000 deposit and are billed hourly. 

• Landlord-Tenant: A criminal housing complaint generally starts with a $3,000 deposit and is billed hourly. 

These deposits represent the likely starting cost of your matter. For more complex cases, the deposit may be higher. These fees do not represent the total cost of your case. 

While we primarily work on an hourly basis, we may accept contingency cases in very limited circumstances. These are typically reserved for specific types of civil matters and require a non-refundable deposit to cover initial costs. 

To view a full breakdown of pricing across our practice areas, visit our Pricing Page. 

Transparency: What Sets Us Apart 

We understand that no one wants to need a lawyer—or the fees that come with it. But when you do, quality and transparency matter. 

N.P. Weiss Law is one of the few law firms that openly displays pricing online. Most firms don’t publish their fees, leaving clients unsure of what to expect. We believe our clients deserve clarity from the start. 

While legal fees can vary depending on the complexity of your case, we do our best to explain costs as they come up and provide a clear understanding of what to expect. 

Consultation Fee 

We charge a $100 consultation fee for all initial meetings—whether your matter involves real estate, family law, or estate planning. This fee covers your time to discuss your situation, provide strategic guidance, and outline next steps. It ensures your concerns are addressed with care and professionalism from the very beginning. 

It’s important to note: the consultation fee covers the meeting only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship beyond that consultation. Representation for any future actions would require a separate agreement and retainer. 

Conclusion 

Legal fees don't have to be confusing. At N.P. Weiss Law, we're committed to transparency and helping you understand your options. 

If you're facing a legal issue or have questions about costs, speak with an experienced attorney who understands Ohio law. 

Book a paid consultation now or contact our office to see how we can help. 

About the Author 

Nicholas Weiss is the founder and supervising Attorney of N.P. Weiss Law, serving clients across Northeast Ohio in real estate, family law, and estate planning. He is committed to helping property owners, businesses, and families navigate legal challenges with clarity and confidence. Learn more about Nicholas Weiss. 

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. For personalized guidance, please consult with a licensed Ohio attorney.