The two sides settled before trial for $30,000, paid in two checks. One, for $19,492.10, went jointly to the homeowners and others, including their mortgage company and lienholders. The second, for $10,507.90, was payable only to their attorneys. In exchange, the Hintzes agreed to release “any and all causes of action, suits, claims for loss and demands of any kind,” including “attorney’s fees.”