The following procedures apply if you already have a money judgment in your favor (i.e., you won a judgment in court, whether Small Clams or Superior Court):

For a successful collection, the judgment debtor must have some money or other property that can be seized and liquidated.  If the debtor has a job, the easiest and most reliable method is wage garnishment.  Other methods include levy on bank accounts, seizure of automobiles and other assets and imposing a lien on real property.

RENEWAL OF JUDGMENTS

Did you know that your judgment is good for ten years and that it can be renewed for another ten years?  Also, when you renew your judgment, the interest which has accrued on it begins to earn interest too, at the rate of 10% per year.

FEES

Mr. Lashlee’s fee depends on the nature of the money judgment and the difficulty of collecting it. His fees range between 331/3% and 40% of the amount recovered. This is known as a “contingency fee.” It is not set by law, but is negotiable between attorney and client.

COSTS

The client is responsible for all court fees and other costs of collection.  Most cost are less than $50.  If a private investigator is necessary, expect your costs to be between $400 and $1,000 and up depending on the difficulty of the investigation.

If you have a promissory note or other evidence of debt, you must first obtain a judgment in your favor.  Once a judgment is obtained, the procedure is the same as above.

FEES

Collection lawsuits are usually handled on a modified contingency Fees basis.  Mr. Lashlee charges an up front non-refundable flat fee plus
33 1/3% to 40% of the recovery.  The up front non-refundable fee is based on the expected difficulty of the action.  All fee are negotiable.

COSTS

The client is responsible of all costs of the lawsuit and collection including the filing, service of process fee and collection costs (see Money Judgment Costs above)

FORMATION

Mr. Lashlee forms and advises small business stock and close corporations in the State of California

FEES

The fee to form a stock or close corporation is $1500.  If an existing business is to be incorporated, or if a buy-sell agreement or other operation agreement is necessary, there will be a minimum additional fee of $500. The total fee will depend on the complexity of the transaction.  Clients with complex transactions will be advised to engage the services of a “business opportunities escrow” in addition to the attorney’s services.

COSTS

Costs range between $1500 and $2000 depending on the expected gross income of the corporation in its first year of operation.

ADVISING

The fee for advising corporations is $275 per hour.

DISSOLUTION

The fee for dissolving corporations is $275 per hour plus court related costs.

FORMATION

Mr. Lashlee forms and advises partnerships.

FEES

There is a $1,500 minimum fee for partnership formation. The fee for your matter may be higher depending on the complexity of the transaction.

ADVISING

The fee for advising partnerships is $275 per hour.

DISSOLUTION

The fee for dissolving partnerships is $275 per hour plus court related costs.

Mr. Lashlee has over 30 years experience representing clients in court on a variety of matters including breach of contract, promissory notes, neighbor disputes and other litigation matters.

The first step in most general litigation matters is to try to settle the case without going to court.  When successful, an out of court settlement will save money and time.

FEES

The fee for general litigation matters $275 per hour plus court costs. A $2,000 advance payment of fees will usually be required.  In appropriate cases, Mr. Lashlee will consider a contingency fee (see Other Services - Collections for an explanation of contingency fees)