Paying for an attorney can be a challenging task. Many who need legal representation or advice can’t afford the steep legal fees that come with such services. The answer isn’t to skip a consultation with an attorney, however. You just need to find the right attorney who can work with your needs. Some attorneys may not even charge you unless the case is won! If you’re in need of help with litigation or legal representation, you will want to know all of your options for securing these services and the means to finance them.
Legal Loans or Financing
If you don’t have the funds to pay an attorney upfront, some attorneys offer financing plans to make their fees more affordable in smaller monthly payments. You can also obtain a loan specifically for the purpose of utilizing legal services. Legal loans typically involve two types of financing—a personal loan to pay for legal fees, or a pre-settlement loan that secures funding before your case is won in court. In both cases, you are responsible for paying the entire loan on time. Even if your case is not won, you will still be required to pay for the loan, which carries a certain level of risk to you. If you’re desperate for legal funding, and paying the loan amount isn’t an issue, this is a route you can take.
Crowdfunding
Many people turn to their community for help with legal fees in times of desperation. There are many websites dedicated to crowdfunding, where many people can contribute smaller amounts of money to your cause in an act of charity. GoFundMe is one of the more popular crowdfunding websites. You’ll need to fill out a profile and determine how much you need in legal funding before you can launch your campaign. Success depends on how well you can advertise your crowdfunding campaign. You’re not guaranteed funds with this route, however.
Payment Plans or Sliding Scale Fees

Some attorneys are willing to work with you if you have limited income. They can offer sliding-scale fees that vary depending on your income. If you are in poverty or have a lower income, their fee policies will take that into account. Higher-income individuals will see higher costs for legal services. This sliding scale fee enables an attorney to earn a fee for their labor without limiting access to their services entirely for lower-income individuals. Payment plans can also be offered by certain attorneys, who split their fees into smaller payments on a regular basis until the fees are fully paid, typically on a monthly basis.
Pro Bono Services
Some attorneys will offer their services for free to certain individuals, known as “pro bono.” Pro bono attorneys are commonly found in certain types of law, particularly in civil rights. Attorneys may also provide limited services without charge. Certain legal resource groups or legal advocacy groups operate on a nonprofit, pro bono basis. These types of attorneys or services may be limited, depending on demand and your location.
Personal Loans
You can always take out a personal loan to pay for any legal fees you may owe. Personal loans are typically not affiliated with any attorney or legal service. Your eligibility for a personal loan will depend on your credit score, existing debts, and income. You are not guaranteed funds with a personal loan; you must apply and be approved for the loan. How much you can borrow is limited. You will need to repay the loan with smaller monthly payments, typically with interest.
Friends and Family
If you have friends and family willing to lend you a hand for your legal needs, they can pay for legal services on your behalf or allow you to borrow or use their finances for an attorney. Borrowing money from friends or family can come with risks, including personal conflict or tension when the money is not repaid on time. They may offer you financial gifts that do not need to be paid back, but this must be agreed upon clearly and willingly.
Contingency Fees
It is not unusual for an attorney or law firm not to charge for their services unless a case is won or compensation is earned. This type of payment plan is known as a contingency fee, and finding an attorney with this particular policy can help you avoid paying attorney fees until you have the money to do so, such as with compensation earned from the court case. Attorneys will typically take a fee out of your legal earnings, so you won’t have to worry about the logistics, either. In Illinois, the IYC Harrisburg sexual abuse lawsuit utilized attorneys with a contingency fee policy. Families were able to pursue justice against responsible parties without having to worry about paying up front. If you don’t mind a percentage of your compensation going to your attorneys, you can find an attorney with a contingency fee policy in any location.
Conclusion
Attorney fees can be expensive, which can deter many from seeking justice or compensation when facing negligence, criminal charges, or other similar issues. There are several ways to pay for an attorney even when you have low income, poor credit, or a lack of expendable finances. Some attorneys offer payment plans or sliding-scale fees based on income. Other attorneys may not charge you at all, offering pro bono (free) services. Some won’t charge you unless the case is won, also known as a contingency fee; this can help you pay for services once you’ve won compensation. You can also take out personal loans, legal loans, or borrow from loved ones at your own risk. Consider your local options, and you may find the solution you’re looking for.
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