Attorney's Fees

Attorney's Fees for Surplus Funds Recovery

Donovan Law uses hourly billing for accepted surplus-funds matters. The fee is based on the legal work performed, not a fixed percentage of the recovery.

The consultation is free, and no attorney's fees are due upfront. Earned fees are paid from funds recovered in the matter. If no funds are recovered, no attorney's fees are owed. Any court costs or case expenses will be explained before representation begins.

Hourly Billing, Not a Percentage of the Recovery

Legal time is recorded and billed at the hourly rate stated in the written engagement agreement. A straightforward matter with complete records and no competing claim may require less work than a case involving an estate, entity, disputed assignment, missing parties, extensive notice, or a contested hearing.

Because the amount of work cannot be known before the file is reviewed, the firm explains the rate, expected scope, and any material changes as the matter progresses.

Work That May Affect the Fee

  • Locating and reviewing the foreclosure, sale, accounting, and distribution records.
  • Reviewing deeds, ownership history, liens, judgments, taxes, mortgages, association claims, estates, entities, and assignments.
  • Conducting or reviewing the title examination and providing the required title opinion.
  • Preparing filings, serving notice, addressing competing claims, and appearing at a hearing.
  • Obtaining the order and completing payment requirements.

Attorney's Fees and Case Expenses Are Different

Attorney's fees pay for legal services. Case expenses are amounts paid to third parties or government offices, such as filing fees, court costs, title-search charges, certified records, service, publication, recording, or postage.

The engagement agreement explains which expenses may be the client's responsibility and how they will be handled.

The Fee Agreement Is in Writing

Before representation begins, Donovan Law provides a written agreement describing the scope, hourly rate, payment of earned fees, and treatment of expenses. A consultation does not create an attorney-client relationship; representation begins only after the firm accepts the matter and the agreement is signed.

How This Differs from a Recovery-Company Percentage

A third-party recovery company may seek a percentage regardless of the legal work required. Donovan Law bills for legal time at the agreed hourly rate. Compare the expected net recovery, services, legal protections, treatment of costs, and who will handle title, filings, notice, competing claims, and any hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the initial consultation free?
Yes. Donovan Law may review the available information to determine whether funds appear to exist and whether the firm can accept the matter.
Do I pay attorney's fees before the case begins?
No attorney's fees are due upfront for an accepted surplus-funds matter. The engagement agreement explains the hourly rate and payment from recovered funds.
What happens if no funds are recovered?
No attorney's fees are owed. Any responsibility for court costs, title searches, service expenses, or other case expenses will be explained before representation begins.
Can you quote the total fee in advance?
The firm can explain the hourly rate and expected work, but an exact total may depend on title issues, missing records, additional claimants, notice problems, objections, or a hearing.
Will I receive information about the work performed?
Yes. Donovan Law maintains time records and will address billing questions with the client.

Start With a Free Consultation

Tell Donovan Law what you know about the property, foreclosure, and possible surplus. The firm will review the available information and explain the next step, required work, and fee terms that would apply if the matter is accepted.

Submitting the form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Representation begins only after written acceptance.

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