Once you have found a paralegal to help you with your case, there are ways that you can keep your legal costs down, without jeopardizing the quality of the work your paralegal will be doing for you.

You can start keeping your legal costs down even before your first meeting with your paralegal. Many paralegals offer free consultations, ranging on average from 15 to 30 minutes, as a courtesy to you. Remember though, you will save time and money only if you are prepared beforehand.

Below are some points to help you save on your legal costs:

• Have a list ready of all the important information your paralegal will need. This will include the contact information of the parties involved in your case, the facts surrounding the event, including any deadlines that need to be addressed, and the documents relating to your matter.

• Answer all of the paralegal’s questions honestly. Any missing or inaccurate information could result in delays and added costs down the road. If you are asked to get more information and documents, then do so quickly.

• Tell your paralegal exactly what it is you want out of your case. Your paralegal will help you on how best to achieve this or what your alternatives are within the law.

• Check your emails periodically so that you don’t miss important communications and attachments from your paralegal.

• Make notes of all of your conversations you have with your paralegal and keep them in a safe place.

• Limit the number of phone calls, emails or text messages.

• Have a list of questions ready for your next contact with your paralegal.

• Keep all documents, letters and notes relating to your matter in a folder and keep this folder in a designated area.

• Keep a calendar of all upcoming deadlines relating to your matter. For example, include all dates relating to court attendances and meetings with your paralegal.

• Inform your paralegal of any changes relating to your contact information, your vacations and so on. Any changes to your status that is not communicated to your paralegal will cause delays and unnecessary legal costs. Remember, scheduling court dates are made well in advance, so your paralegal must know of your availability at all times.

• Stick to the decisions you make. Your paralegal gives you legal advice and is acting for you based on the decisions you make. Any changes you wish to make may result in delays and added costs.

• Consider alternatives to resolving your dispute. Be open to negotiations with the other side through your paralegal. Resolving your matter through mediation, for example, is much less costly than a full legal proceeding.

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Bettina Worth, Paralegal, provides mediation and legal services to individuals and small businesses on matters before the Smalls Claims Court, Landlord and Tenant Board, Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, and other Tribunals. Bettina also provides litigation support to her legal community. In addition to being a licensed paralegal, Bettina is a certified law clerk and legal assistant, with more than 25 years’ experience in litigation. Bettina also acted as paralegal for her former business of more than 10 years and was successful in various small claims court matters and several contract and settlement negotiations. Bettina can be reached by phone at 647-340-3352 or by email at bw_paralegal@yahoo.ca. For more information about Bettina Worth, Paralegal, and her services, connect with her on Linkedin and like her on Facebook.