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How to find a lemon law lawyer
Look for a lawyer licensed in the state where you bought or leased the car who handles lemon law cases often; being nearby matters less, as most of the work is by phone and email. In most states, and under federal warranty law, the maker pays your lawyer when you win, so most lemon law lawyers ask nothing up front. Ask how they are paid before you sign.
What a lemon law lawyer costs
In most states, and under federal warranty law, an owner who wins can make the maker pay the lawyer.
“may be allowed by the court to recover as part of the judgment a sum equal to the aggregate amount of cost and expenses (including attorneys’ fees based on actual time expended)”
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, 15 U.S.C. § 2310(d)(2)
41 state lemon laws have a fee rule of their own. In Massachusetts, Montana, North Carolina, Vermont it applies only in some cases, and in Alaska, Illinois, Kansas, North Dakota, Nevada, Texas there is none, so the federal law is the route. It is not always free: some lawyers charge costs, take a share of a settlement that pays no separate fee, or charge if the case is lost.
Where to look
- Our free case check. Answer about ten questions and see what your state's law says. If you want a lawyer, we find a lemon law firm in your state that takes cases like yours and pass your answers to it. The firm contacts you, and you decide. Start the check
- Your state bar's lawyer referral service. The American Bar Association keeps a directory of referral services.
- The state's consumer agency or attorney general, linked on each state guide, which often explains the state program.
What to ask before you sign
- How are you paid, and do I owe anything if we lose? Get it in writing.
- How many lemon law cases have you handled in this state in the last year?
- Who will work on my case, and how do I reach them?
- What do you expect the maker to offer, and how long do cases like mine take?
- Will you take a cash and keep offer to me before you answer it?
Do you need a lawyer?
No. You can bring a claim yourself with the steps and the letter template, and state programs are built for owners without lawyers. A lawyer helps most when the maker says no, offers less than the law gives, or the case goes to court.
Questions people ask
Are lemon law lawyers free?
Often, for you: most lemon laws and federal warranty law make the maker pay your lawyer when you win. Some lawyers charge costs or take a share of a settlement. Ask before you sign.
How much does a lemon law attorney cost?
Usually nothing up front. The fee is paid by the maker when you win, or agreed in a settlement. Ask about costs and what happens if you lose.
Do I need a lemon law lawyer near me?
A lawyer licensed in your state who handles lemon law cases matters more than one nearby. Most of the work happens by phone, email and paper.
Can I switch lemon law attorneys?
Yes, you can change lawyers. Read your fee agreement first: the first lawyer may claim part of the fee for work already done.
Sources
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, 15 U.S.C. § 2310(d)(2) (law.cornell.edu)
- Each state's lemon law, quoted and linked on its state guide.
Quotes are copied from the page they link to, checked October 26, 2026.
Is your car a lemon? Find out free
Free, about ten taps. You see what your state's law says first. If you want a lawyer, we find a lemon law firm in your state that takes cases like yours, and they contact you.
Your state: Ohio
What model year is it?
Who pays the lawyer? In Ohio, an owner who wins can make the maker pay the lawyer.* * So most lemon law lawyers ask nothing up front. Some charge costs, or a share of a settlement: ask before you sign. You never pay us. More