I have read this sub since January and it's been good in terms of advice. But even then, I realize I should have, and could have, been more efficient to save $.

I went through an amicable divorce recently and had a good team (we used collaborative divorce team, Win-Win Divorce in Worthington, Ohio, via Haynes, Kessler, Myers and Postalkis). (This is also in the Columbus subreddit).

I am new to this, but had no idea that even simple, clear emails would rack up so many charges. I barely talked on the phone and even then, short calls. They were helpful: https://www.winwindivorce.org/

Had a $3,000 retainer and had to pay an extra $400 on top, even though it was amicable, uncontested and both ex and I worked together to make sure the other party was good (we're still amicable). No arguments or back-and-forth (which usually costs the parties).

Should I have requested paralegal billing for more tasks to save $? What have others done? I wasn't confident enough to self-file w/Franklin County. I know I don't know much, etc., so went with the lawyer. Just need to know in the future--I think if I had made even fewer emails I may have gotten my retainer back. They were up front in that I might not, but more of a future reference so I can be more efficient next time.