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Alabama Attorney's Fee Declaration

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ATTORNEY'S FEE DECLARATION (Adult)

State of Alabama

Unified Judicial System

Form C-62A Rev.11/07

[For Work Performed 6/10/99 through 9/30/00]

Case Number

County Code
Jurisdiction Year Case# Suffix

Mark Appropriate Court:

Circuit Court of
District Court of
Municipal Court of
Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals
Alabama Court of Civil Appeals
Supreme Court of Alabama

Indicate if Original Charge is:

County Capital Case (or charge

carrying sentence of

life without parole)

Class A Felony Limits (NO Limit) CC
Class B Felony ($3,500) FA
Class C Felony ($2,500) FB
Other ($1,500) FC
Appeal ($1,000) OT
Petition for Writ of Certiorari ($2,000) AP
Post-Conviction/Habeas Corpus ($2,000) WC
($1,000) PC

Attorney Name (Please type or print)

Social Security Number or FEIN

STYLE OF CASE:

STATE OF ALABAMA MUNICIPALITY OF V.

CHARGE:

Companion case numbers and charges or convictions:

The undersigned attorney declares that on the Honorable Judge, appointed the undersigned to represent the above-named defendant or appellant, and on the case was heard by the Honorable Judge. The case was disposed of by

(1) In Court Appearance (Trial Level or Post-Conviction Proceeding)

Total Hours x $ 50.00 per hour =

(2) Out-of-Court Preparation (Trial Level or Post-Conviction Proceeding)

Total Hours x $ 30.00 per hour =

(3) Preparation (Appellate Level)

Total Hours x $ 50.00 per hour =

(4) Extraordinary Expenses (If approved in advance by court)

(5) Overhead Expenses (If approved in advance by court)

Total Hours x $ Per hour =
TOTAL CLAIM OF ATTORNEY

NOTICE TO ATTORNEY: Complete this form. Attach a copy of a complete itemization of (1) in-court appearance; (2) out-of-court preparation; (3) preparation for appeals; (4) extraordinary expenses; and/or (5) overhead expenses reflecting the date of actions and amount of time involved in each activity. Make a copy of same for the court's record and a copy for your records.

The undersigned attorney further declares that the above claim is true and correct and represents the services actually rendered by him/her as an attorney and the amount is due and payable. I further declare that the above claim is not a duplication of charges and expenses in any case (companion or otherwise)

Signature of Attorney

Attorney Code

Sworn to and subscribed before me this

Day of

Mailing Address of Attorney

(please type or print) (including city, state, and zip code)

Notary Public

Telephone Number

Fax Number

I, the undersigned judge, hereby certify that the foregoing claim has been presented to me, and I have reviewed the same and believe the same to be true and correct. I am further of the opinion that said attorney is not duplicating said charges and expenses in any case (companion or otherwise).

Based on the above, I hereby approve the declaration and claim in the amount of $

Done this day of

Judge's Signature

NOTICE TO ATTORNEY AND JUDGE: Sections 15-12-21 through 15-12-23, Ala. Code 1975, provide for the payment of attorney fees and extraordinary expenses incurred by counsel appointed to represent indigent defendants at the trial level on appeal (including petition for writ of certiorari to the Alabama Supreme Court) and in post-conviction proceedings.

THIS FORM MUST CONTAIN ORIGINAL SIGNATURES OF THE ATTORNEY AND THE JUDGE. THIS FORM WITH ATTACHED ITEMIZATION MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE TRIAL COURT JUDGE OR PRESIDING JUDGE OR CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE APPELLATE COURT FOR APPROVAL. AFTER APPROVAL, FILE WITH THE CLERK, WHO SHALL SUBMIT THE ORIGINAL DECLARATION TO THE STATE COMPTROLLER (EXCEPT IN MUNICIPAL CASES) FOR AUDIT.

Filed in the Clerk's Office at Alabama, on date

EXCEPT IN MUNICIPAL CASES, MAIL TO: State Comptroller, Indigent Defense Section, P.O. BOX 302602, Montgomery, Alabama 36130-2602.

Original: Comptroller Yellow: Court File Pink: Attorney
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What the Alabama Attorney's Fee Declaration Is

An Alabama Attorney's Fee Declaration is a sworn statement used in Alabama civil proceedings to itemize and justify legal fees a party seeks to recover or have assessed. The document typically summarizes hours worked, hourly rates or agreed fee arrangements, the nature of services rendered, and supporting billing entries. It is submitted with a motion or request for fees and may be reviewed by the judge for reasonableness under controlling local rules. Electronic execution and retention are widely accepted when statutory e-signature standards are satisfied.

Why a Clear Fee Declaration Matters

A precise declaration increases the chance that a court will award fees, speeds judicial review, and reduces discovery or follow-up questions about amounts claimed.

Why a Clear Fee Declaration Matters

Who Typically Prepares and Relies on This Declaration

Attorneys prepare these declarations for motions for attorney fees; opposing parties and the court rely on them for adjudication.

  • Plaintiff or prevailing party counsel seeking fee recovery in civil litigation.
  • Defense counsel evaluating reasonableness or preparing an opposition.
  • Clerks and judges who review and enter fee awards or reductions.

Provide clear line-item billing and a concise explanation of legal tasks to help the court apply the governing reasonableness standard.

Step-by-Step: Prepare and File the Declaration

Follow these steps to assemble, sign, and submit a compliant Attorney's Fee Declaration in Alabama.

  • 01
    Gather case details: Collect caption, docket number, and relevant orders.
  • 02
    Compile fees: Summarize hours, rates, and categories of work.
  • 03
    Attach backups: Include time entries, invoices, and retainer terms.
  • 04
    Sign and file: Execute declaration and submit per local filing rules.

Core Elements to Include in a Professional Declaration

A well-structured declaration has six essential parts that help the court evaluate reasonableness and necessity.

Case ID

Complete caption and docket to tie the declaration to the pending matter and avoid misfiling or misrouting.

Engagement Terms

State the retainer or fee agreement terms, including any contingency or capped arrangements affecting recoverability.

Hourly Rates

List each attorney or staff member, their role, and the hourly rate requested with explanation for rate reasonableness.

Time Entries

Provide a summary or redacted time log showing dates, tasks, and hours rather than vague aggregate descriptions.

Lodestar / Calculation

Show the arithmetic supporting the fee request: hours x rate, multipliers, and any reductions applied.

Declaration Statement

Include the signer’s sworn statement that entries are accurate, that fees are reasonable, and that supporting records are attached.

Sensitive Data and Security Considerations

Encryption: AES-256 at rest
Transport Security: TLS 1.2 / 1.3 in transit
Audit Trail: Timestamped action logs
Certifications: SOC 2 Type II available
HIPAA Support: BAA available
Authentication: Multi-factor options

Typical eSigning and Submission Flow

Electronic workflow speeds execution while preserving an evidentiary audit trail acceptable under U.S. e-signature law.

  • Upload document: Load the completed declaration and attachments as PDF or DOCX.
  • Place fields: Add signature, date, and initial fields where required.
  • Authenticate signer: Use email link, SMS code, or stronger verification methods.
  • Send and store: Send to signer and preserve completion certificate.

Configuring an Online Declaration Workflow

Set up the digital workflow so signatures, attachments, and access controls align with court and local rules.

Field Configuration
Signature Type Click-to-sign or drawn signature
Authentication Email + SMS code or KBA if required
Attachment Handling Lock attachments after signing
Retention Preserve audit trail and PDF copy

Digital Delivery and File Format Notes

Choose formats and integrations that match court filing and opposing counsel requirements.

  • Supported Formats: PDF and Word DOCX supported
  • Integrations: Works with major cloud storage
  • Access Controls: Role-based signer permissions

Confirm the court e-filing portal’s accepted formats and any local rules on redaction, exhibits, or sealed attachments before submission.

Timing: When to File a Fee Declaration

Timing depends on the underlying motion and local rules; follow the court’s briefing schedule and any post-judgment filing windows.

With fee motion:

File concurrently with the motion for fees or per local briefing schedule

After judgment:

Submit promptly if fees are requested post-judgment

Response period:

Allow time for opposing counsel to oppose per notice deadlines

Supplementation:

Expect possible court requests for supplemental billing details

Local rule check:

Confirm deadlines in the relevant Alabama district or circuit local rules

Key Milestones From Preparation to Ruling

Sequential milestones show the typical path from drafting to the court’s fee decision.

01

Draft declaration

Assemble billing summary and supporting invoices for submission.

02

Client review

Obtain client approval for fees and any privileged redactions.

03

File motion

File the motion for fees with the declaration attached according to local rules.

04

Court determination

Judge reviews, may request evidentiary hearing, then issues an award or reduction.

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Vague descriptions of time entries instead of task-specific summaries prompt discovery and reductions.
  • Mismatched party names or docket numbers cause filing rejection or clerk routing delays.
  • Failing to redact privileged communications can waive privilege or require amended filings.
  • Including unsupported hourly rates without explanation invites challenges to reasonableness.

Consequences of an Incorrect or Incomplete Declaration

Fee denial: Judge may reduce or deny requested fees
Sanctions risk: Inaccurate sworn statements can trigger sanctions
Delay: Incomplete backups cause briefing and hearing delays
Privilege waiver: Overbroad attachments risk disclosure of privileged material
Additional costs: Court-ordered supplementation increases counsel time
Tax reporting: Fee awards may have tax implications for recipients

Primary Signers and Roles

Attorney of Record

The attorney preparing the declaration should sign to verify accuracy, attest to the reasonableness of fees, and confirm supporting records exist and are truthful under penalty of perjury.

Client / Claimant

The client may co-sign or countersign where required by fee agreements or local rules to confirm payment arrangements or to support fee allocation statements.

Representative Use Cases

Two short examples show how declarations function in common scenarios.

Contested Civil Fee Motion

A prevailing plaintiff’s counsel files a fee declaration summarizing 150 hours at specified rates

  • Opposing counsel objects to certain entries
  • The court reduces hours by 20% and awards a lodestar-modified amount after a hearing on reasonableness.

Post-Judgment Fee Request

A party requests post-judgment collection fees with a declaration of billing and costs

  • The court reviews the reasonableness of post-judgment tasks
  • The judge awards fees limited to documented, necessary enforcement activities.

Typical eSignature Pricing and Feature Snapshot

Comparison shows starting prices and select features relevant to signing declarations electronically. Pricing reflects common per-user plans and typical feature availability.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial Yes, 7-day trial Yes Yes Yes Yes
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently Asked Questions About Fee Declarations

Answers to common questions about execution, e-signing, and corrections to help avoid filing and evidentiary problems.


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