Retainers are an essential part of managing client funds in Lawcus. They allow you to hold and apply a client's funds towards their invoices. This article will guide you through the process of applying retainers to an invoice step-by-step.
Steps to Apply Retainers to an Invoice:
From the left sidebar menu, click on
Invoices
to access the invoice management page.Locate and select the specific invoice to which you want to apply a retainer.
In the
More Actions
section, clickAdd a Payment
to initiate the payment process for the invoice.In the
Payment Source
field, select the appropriate Operating OR Trust Account from which you want to apply the retainer funds.In the
Source
field, you will find the retainer balance for the client/matter associated with the invoice. Choose the retainer you wish to apply by clicking on it.Once you have selected the retainer, click on the
Add Payment
button to apply it to the invoice.
Please note that retainers are typically deposited into a Trust Account. This is based on the principle that the attorney should hold the retainer in the Trust Account until they have earned it by providing services. However, this practice may vary according to local or state laws. We do not provide specific recommendations; it is crucial to adhere to your local laws. In many jurisdictions, if a retainer is paid to ensure an attorney’s availability for a certain period, the attorney may not be required to deposit it into the operating account. Therefore, decisions should be made in accordance with your jurisdiction’s guidelines.