How payment plans work
A payment plan lets you split your legal fee into smaller installments instead of paying it all at once. You make a down payment when you book your case, and the remaining balance is typically billed to your payment method on file in 30-day intervals.
A payment plan changes how you pay — it does not affect how your case is handled in any way. You get the same SmartMatch attorney match, the same case updates, and the same quality and attention to detail as someone who pays in full.
Legal fees on Off The Record (OTR) vary widely by state, county, and charge — see how pricing works. For larger fees, a payment plan can make hiring an attorney easier to budget for.
Which cases are eligible
Payment plans are available on eligible cases only. Eligibility depends on your specific case, and you will know right away: if your case qualifies, payment plan options appear on the checkout screen when you book.
💳 Eligibility shows at checkout
If you do not see a payment plan option on the checkout screen, your case does not support payment plans.
Your installment options
The exact plans available depend on your case, but these are the most common options:
- Two-installment plan
A down payment at checkout, then the remaining balance in 1 payment 30 days later
- Three-installment plan
A down payment at checkout, then the remaining balance split into 2 payments due 30 and 60 days later
Whichever option you choose, your full payment schedule — the amounts and due dates — is clearly displayed before you book.
How to set up a payment plan
- Start your booking
Enter your ticket or charge details in the booking wizard to get an instant quote.
- Look for the payment plan option
On the checkout screen, find the Payment plans available section. If your case is eligible, all of your payment options are listed there.
- Choose your installment option
Select the plan that works best for your budget.
- Make your down payment
Every plan starts with a down payment — you cannot start a plan with $0 down. Completing checkout books your case.
- Follow your payment schedule
Your remaining installments are typically billed in 30-day intervals.
Keeping your payments on track
Your installments are billed on schedule to your payment method on file, so keep your card valid and up to date to avoid disruptions to your plan. You can update your payment method from your account at any time.
If a payment does not go through, check that your card on file is current. Need a hand? Contact our support team and we will help you get your plan back on track.
Managing your payment plan after booking
Here is what you can and cannot change once your case is booked:
- Pay off your plan early
Yes, at any time. Log in to your account and open your case — you will see the option to pay each upcoming installment individually, whenever you like.
- Switch to a payment plan after paying in full
This is not possible. Payment plans can only be chosen at checkout — we do not refund a legal fee that has been paid in full so it can be repaid through a payment plan.
- Cancel your case
If you cancel a case booked with a payment plan and you are eligible for a refund, we refund the paid portion of your legal fee and cancel your remaining installments. See our cancellation policy for eligibility details.
Payment plans for court fines
Your legal fee and your court fine are 2 separate things. The legal fee pays your attorney to fight your case, and it is the only part you pay through OTR. Fines and court costs, if the court orders any, are paid directly to the court — learn more about your legal fee vs. your fine and fines and court costs after hiring an attorney.
If you need to pay a court fine over time, that arrangement is made directly with the court. OTR does not set up or manage payment plans for fines.
⚖️ Court fines are separate
OTR payment plans apply to your legal fee only — payment plans for fines must be arranged directly with the court.
Ready to see your options?
Visit our booking wizard to enter your ticket details and get an instant quote — if your case is eligible, your payment plan options will be right on the checkout screen. And if you would rather skip legal fees on future traffic tickets altogether, take a look at the Fastlane membership, which covers the legal fee on unlimited eligible traffic tickets.
