Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Florida
What is the allowable "collection cost" that can be added to a debt collection? The law says reasonable atty fees & collection cost. What is reasonable?
Asked on 8/25/09, 12:51 pm
1 Answer from Attorneys
Philip Duvalsaint
Philip A. Duvalsaint, PLLC
There is no precise definition. If you propose a certain cost, then I could tell you whether I thought it is reasonable. Usually this means that if the prevailing rate for attorney's in that part of the state for that type of work is $250/hour, then your attorney can't ask for $500/hour for the same work. More importantly, you can only get an award of attorney's fees if you had a licensed attorney representing you. Costs must be applied for as well. Experience will inform attorneys as to whether a particular cost is reasonable.
Answered on 8/25/09, 1:09 pm