Unless your case is under a contingency fee agreement, your lawyer would probably bill you monthly, or as agreed by you. If you're paying your lawyer hourly, you may want to establish a cap at which your lawyer needs to get your authorization before spending more.

          When you receive your legal bill, go over it thoroughly. You are entitled to ask for itemized bills that would show you how your lawyer has spent his or her time on your case. The bill needs to show your lawyer's fees and expenses with an appropriate explanation for each. You should know exactly where your money is being spent. If your bill gives vague explanations, ask your lawyer for specific information.

          If something seems suspicious, don't immediately confront your attorney. Just give him a call and ask for an explanation. Lawyers can also make mistakes like the rest of us.
Any error on your bill might not be necessarily intentional. If you find that the numbers are not adding up, contact him and try to resolve the problem.

          You can get on a fee payment schedule. This is a monthly payment plan which allows you to pay an expected sum every month on the balance of your bill. Ask your attorney if he charges interest on any outstanding balance. If he does, then it is not a good idea to go for this mode of payment.

          If you run out of funds, inform your lawyer immediately. He might want to stop working temporarily till you arrange the money.