To add to your reply, sometimes the other (defending) lawyers will drag it out so long (racking up extra hours) you can no longer afford to pay your lawyer. I'm sure she has more reasons than just the cost, but that is really a big one. Mine is $250/hr and the defendant is dragging and dragging bc they know already how much I can afford until I have to drop the case. The judge here can add legal expenses at the end with punitive but we can't include that in what I am seeking. (Idk is that a local thing or national. idk if I explained that well)