Question from a reader:
I am considering hiring a lawyer for the first time. I want to claim damages for my husband’s double infidelity and have the other party sign a pledge to cut off future relations. I am not considering divorce, so I believe a compensation of around 1 million yen is reasonable. Could you tell me which of the
following two offices would leave me with more money in hand? 1. A relatively nearby office – Consultation fee is 5,500 yen for 30 minutes – Retainer fee starts at 110,000 yen – If the economic benefit is below 3 million yen, the fee is 8.8% (tax included) – The fee is 220,000 yen or more (tax included), and if the economic benefit is below 3 million yen, it is 17.6% (tax included) 2. An office about an hour away by expressway – The first consultation is free for 30 minutes – Retainer fee starts at 300,000 yen – The fee is 300,000 yen Considering the future, would it be better to choose the one closer to home? I think compatibility is also important, so I plan to meet with both offices once. Is it usually possible to decide which office to hire during the first consultation?

Points for Choosing a Lawyer and Cost Considerations

Nice to meet you! I’m a comedy-loving dad in my 30s. This time, I’d like to talk about points to consider when hiring a lawyer and the associated costs. This content is especially for those thinking about claiming damages related to their husband’s double infidelity or drafting a pledge. I’m not a legal expert, but I have some experience with the complexities of business and relationships in the entertainment industry, so I will share my perspective.

Basics of Choosing a Lawyer

First and foremost, when choosing a lawyer, you should consider whether they are a good fit for you. Compatibility is extremely important. Just because someone is a legal expert doesn’t mean they will necessarily understand your feelings. As I often say, effective communication is essential to prevent future troubles. Now, let’s take a look at the two offices you mentioned.

Details of Office 1

This office has a consultation fee of 5,500 yen, a retainer fee starting at 110,000 yen, and a fee structure of 8.8% (tax included). If the economic benefit is below 3 million yen, the fee is 17.6% (tax included), which leads to the following calculations: 1. Consultation fee: 5,500 yen 2. Retainer fee: 110,000 yen 3. Fee (for damages of 1 million yen): 176,000 yen The total amount is 5,500 yen + 110,000 yen + 176,000 yen = 291,500 yen. The amount left in hand is 1,000,000 yen – 291,500 yen = 708,500 yen.

Details of Office 2

On the other hand, this office, which takes about an hour by expressway, offers the first consultation for free. The retainer fee is 300,000 yen, and the fee is 300,000 yen, making it a simple and straightforward structure. 1. Consultation fee: 0 yen (first consultation free) 2. Retainer fee: 300,000 yen 3. Fee: 300,000 yen The total amount is 0 yen + 300,000 yen + 300,000 yen = 600,000 yen. The amount left in hand is 1,000,000 yen – 600,000 yen = 400,000 yen.

Comparing the Amount Left in Hand

Now, let’s compare the amounts left in hand. – Office 1: 708,500 yen – Office 2: 400,000 yen It is clear that Office 2 leaves you with more money in hand. However, it’s important to consider not only the financial aspect but also the distance and compatibility.

The Importance of Distance

Regarding whether it’s better to be close to home, convenience is indeed important. Especially if you anticipate needing to meet frequently, it can be cumbersome to travel, and time can be wasted. I have personally had experience with a nearby office, and I found that being able to easily visit reduced stress.

The Importance of the First Consultation

As for how much can be decided during the first consultation, this is quite significant. The first consultation is a great opportunity to gauge what kind of mindset the lawyer has and how much they respect your opinions. Of course, having extensive legal knowledge is important, but it’s also crucial to see if they are willing to understand your feelings. I have received several consultations in the past, and there were moments when I felt, “I can trust this person.” Trusting that intuition and hiring them led to very satisfying results. Conversely, if I ended up hiring a lawyer with whom I had poor compatibility, it only increased my stress and made me feel heavy.

What to Ultimately Choose

So, regarding which office to ultimately choose, it depends on your situation and values. If you prioritize money, Office 2 might be better, but if you want a trustworthy lawyer for a long-term relationship, Office 1 could be suitable. What’s important is finding a lawyer you can truly trust. I believe that consulting a legal expert is extremely important. Trying to resolve things on your own can sometimes be dangerous. Legal troubles can impact your life moving forward, so receiving solid advice is essential. Please use the first consultation to find the best choice for you. I hope you can meet a wonderful lawyer while valuing not only money but also the trust relationship.