Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Massachusetts
We have a lawyer who says he has a strong case against our landlord. Our lawyer is asking for $200 filing fees and costs for service. What I want to know is that if the case is a strong case against the other parties involved why would we have to pay "out of pocket" for filing fees and costs. Wouldn't the lawyer just add this amount on his bill and pay this amount through his firm? The estimated money of monetary value is approx. $92,000.00. that the lawyer is seeking on our behalf.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Perhaps you can find an attorney who is willing to work with you on terms you find acceptable. It is customary for the client to pay for his or her own out-of-pocket costs associated with litigation. This is different than the fee for your attorney's service.
Each attorney/firm has their own billing terms-it is not unusual for a client to pay for filing fees and cost. However, you should be entitled to have any cost associated with the suit returned to you through the suit.