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Find answers, guides, and support for using LawChain. Whether you're a client seeking legal help or a lawyer growing your practice, we're here to help.
How Escrow Works
Escrow is the foundation of trust on LawChain. Learn how we protect your money and ensure fair transactions between clients and lawyers.
What is Escrow?
Escrow is a secure arrangement where a neutral third party (LawChain) holds funds until specific conditions are met. Your money stays protected until you approve the completed work.
For Clients
Your money is protected. You don't pay until you're satisfied with the work. If something goes wrong, our team helps resolve it fairly.
For Lawyers
Payment is guaranteed once funds are in escrow. Complete the work, submit for approval, and receive payment—no chasing invoices.
The Escrow Process
Client Funds Milestone
When you're ready to start work, the client deposits the milestone amount via credit card. This payment is held securely in escrow—not released to the lawyer yet.
Example:Client funds a $1,000 "Document Preparation" milestone. The $1,000 is now in escrow.
Lawyer Completes Work
With payment secured in escrow, the lawyer can confidently begin work knowing they'll be paid upon completion. They complete the milestone deliverables.
Example: Lawyer drafts and prepares all required legal documents.
Lawyer Submits for Approval
When the work is complete, the lawyer submits the milestone for client review. The client receives a notification to review the submission.
Example:Lawyer clicks "Submit for Approval" and includes a summary of completed work.
Client Reviews & Approves
The client reviews the submitted work. If satisfied, they approve and release the payment. If issues exist, they can request revisions or file a dispute.
Example:Client reviews documents, confirms they meet expectations, and clicks "Approve & Release Payment."
Payment Released
Once approved, funds are released from escrow to the lawyer (minus the 1% platform fee). The lawyer receives the payment in their connected bank account within 2-3 business days.
Example: $1,000 milestone → $10 platform fee → Lawyer receives $990
Escrow Protection Features
Secure Storage
Funds are held in secure accounts managed by Stripe, a trusted payment processor used by millions of businesses worldwide.
Client Control
Money is never released without explicit client approval. You maintain control until you're satisfied with the work.
Guaranteed Payment
Lawyers can work confidently knowing funds are already secured. No more chasing unpaid invoices.
Dispute Protection
If disagreements arise, funds remain frozen in escrow while our neutral team mediates a fair resolution.
What Happens If...
...I'm not satisfied with the work?
Don't release payment. First, communicate with your lawyer about the issues. If you can't resolve it together, file a dispute and our team will review. Your funds stay protected in escrow throughout this process.
...the lawyer doesn't complete the work?
If a lawyer abandons a case or fails to deliver, file a dispute. Our team will review the situation and can return funds to you if the lawyer didn't fulfill their obligations.
...I need to cancel the case?
If you need to cancel before work begins, any funded but unreleased milestones can be refunded. If work has already started, our team will help determine a fair resolution based on work completed.
...there's a dispute?
Funds are frozen in escrow during any dispute. Our team reviews evidence from both parties and makes a fair decision. Resolution options include full refund, partial refund, release to lawyer, or mutual cancellation.
Escrow Timeline
Client Funds
Instant
Lawyer Works
As needed
Submit Work
When complete
Approve
When satisfied
Lawyer Paid
2-3 days