ABA Family Legal Guide

When and How to Use a Lawyer

1.4 Legal Fees and Expenses

1.4a Types of Fees

Is having a lawyer "on retainer" the same thing as paying a "retainer fee"?

No. A retainer fee is something quite different. Sometimes a lawyer will ask the client to pay some money in advance before any legal work will be done. This money is referred to as a retainer fee, and is in effect a down payment that will be applied toward the total fee billed.