In most cases, are court costs included in attorney fees?

Attorney fees and court costs are typically distinct from one another. Attorney fees refer to the compensation agreed upon for the legal services provided by an attorney, which can vary based on the complexity of the case, the attorney's experience, and other factors. On the other hand, court costs are additional expenses that may arise during the legal process, such as filing fees, service fees, and costs related to the production of documents and evidence.

In most arrangements, particularly in litigation, clients will find that court costs are not included within the scope of attorney fees. This means that even when hiring an attorney, the client is usually responsible for any court-related expenses incurred during the proceedings, making it important for clients to budget for these costs separately. Understanding this distinction helps clients prepare for total expenses related to their legal matters, ensuring there are no surprises regarding what they owe their attorneys beyond the fees for legal counsel.