REDUCING ATTORNEYS FEES

If you find yourself in need of an attorney, the following are some ways to keep your attorneys fees to a minimum:

1. Organize your paperwork. Keep it accurate and up to date.
2. Respond quickly to any request from your attorney. Answer all questions completely. Try to put everything in writing.
3. Ask if paralegals or associate attorneys can work on your case as much as possible. Their hourly rates are usually lower. If the paralegal or associate attorney is also familiar with the same type of law, it can save you money.
4. Make sure you are using an attorney who is familiar with your specific area of the law so that they do not have to charge you for extra research.
5. See if you can help by requesting certain documents or making extra copies of your file.
6. Come prepared to all meetings with the attorney. Make sure all your paperwork is in order for these meetings. Make sure you have all names, addresses and phone numbers of witnesses and other parties, etc.
7. Be honest, even if you think it will hurt your case. The attorney needs to be aware of everything so that there are no surprises.

UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS WITH THE CSLB

In the event that you are a contractor, make sure that the Contractors' State License Board has your proper address AND phone number. You cannot believe how many people move and do not give the Contractors' Board their new information. This could be very distressing to you if the Contractors' Board does not have a means of contacting you. In accordance with the law, if your address or business name changes, you must report it to the CSLB within 90 days. There is a form on the CSLB's website (www.cslb.ca.gov) that can be completed. Please note that if the address is a P.O. Box, a street address is still required.