Who this guide helps
Families requesting written legal-service proposals
The short answer
Compare the work included before comparing the headline fee. A consultation, an initial appearance, a negotiated resolution, a trial and an appeal can be distinct tasks; the proposed contract must explain its own boundaries.
Practical workflow
Ask each lawyer to identify stages included, excluded work, the responsible professional, billing unit and external costs. Separate a fee deposit from the estimate of total work. Ask how additional work is authorized and how invoices will describe it. Put travel, experts, interpretation and copying in their own rows rather than assuming they are included.
What a useful handoff looks like
Return a marked comparison showing unanswered scope items. Request written confirmation of cancellation, unused funds and file-transfer arrangements where applicable. Local rules and the actual agreement govern these matters; the worksheet does not determine what a lawyer may charge.
Mistakes to avoid
A low initial price can cover less work, but a high quote is not proof of better outcomes. Do not compare a flat-fee first stage with an open-ended whole-case estimate as if they were equivalent.
Working example: fields to record
| Field | Illustrative entry — replace with your own facts |
|---|---|
| Included stage | Initial appearance only or further stages |
| External expense | Interpreter separately authorized |
| Additional work | Written approval process requested |
Add your own entries; the example is illustrative. Keep sensitive information private.
Sources & further checks
Official references are starting points for further checks, not approval of a specific case, product or project.
Editorial note
AI-assisted editorial guidance; not expert certification.
Original editorial guidance. Examples are illustrative, not client cases, measured outcomes or promised services.
Legal and health-related decisions require appropriately qualified local professionals. This site is an independent editorial resource, not a law firm or medical provider.