 TITLE: Should I Hire a Foreclosure Attorney? CONTENT: How Much Does a Foreclosure Attorney Cost?\n------------------------------------------\nWhen you're already dealing with foreclosure, digging into your pockets to fund a legal battle may not sound all that tempting. Attorneys can charge an hourly fee, usually with a retainer—meaning you pay for a specified number of hours in advance, and you may have to add to that if more work is required. Alternatively, a lawyer might charge a flat rate for a foreclosure case.\nA more complicated case or a more experienced attorney will usually mean a higher price tag, and you'll be responsible for any additional costs, such as court filing fees. Altogether, the total can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on your particular predicament.\nMoney may already be tight, but you can always start with free advice from a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) counselor. They can look over your paperwork and give you a better idea of whether an attorney is worth the cost for your case.\nAsk the HUD counselor if they can recommend any lawyers that work with affordable rates or who might take on your case \"pro bono,\" or free of charge. You can also search online for legal aid offices near you—they might be able to help for free, or at least for less than most attorneys charge.\nUltimately, even if you can't afford to hire a foreclosure attorney, try to at least arrange for a consultation with one—even one meeting could put you in a better position to handle your foreclosure. Whether or not you choose to hire them, they can answer your questions and offer crucial guidance. END