Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I Have A Legal Issue And I Need Some Advice. What’s My First Step?
If your legal matter falls within our areas of practice, you will be screened for any potential conflicts and scheduled for a consultation with one of our attorneys. We charge a modest fee for most consultations, to be paid at the time of service. We accept cash, check, or credit/debit cards.
Q: What Happens After My Consultation?
The attorney you consult with will advise you of the next steps in your matter. If the attorney agrees to take your case, and you retain our firm, you will sign an engagement letter which states what services will be provided to you and outlines the details of our engagement as your legal counsel. Most matters require a retainer or an advanced payment to commence representation.
Q: What Is A Retainer?
A retainer is the amount of money that our firm will request from you at the time of engagement if you hire our firm for hourly services (not Estate Planning). We have standard retainers for certain types of legal matters (please see the following question for some examples). You will be required to provide this retainer when you retain our services. A retainer is not the entire price of your legal services. In the event that your legal fees exceed the retainer provided, you will be required to make an additional deposit. We refund unused portions of your retainer at the conclusion of our representation.
Q: How Much Is The Retainer?
Our retainers are based on a number of hours at your quoted hourly rate. Each matter is unique, and we provide you with this information in your consultation so that you can plan accordingly.
Q: I Just Need Someone To Look Over My Paperwork; Do You Provide This Service?
We provide selective document review on an a la carte basis for certain types of legal matters. We charge an hourly rate for this service based on the number of documents to review. Please contact our office for more information about pricing for a more accurate quote.
Q: My Legal Matter Isn’t Listed On Your Website; Does That Mean You Cannot Help Me?
Legal matters are so varied that we cannot create an all-encompassing list of services that we offer. We understand that your legal matter and your challenges are unique. Contact our office today to see if your situation falls within one of our practice areas. If we do not have an attorney with experience with your type of legal matter, we will do our best to provide you with a referral.
Q: Should I Use A Free Legal Document Found Online?
Even bright, capable and independent individuals who are used to a do-it-yourself approach can run into trouble by misunderstanding a basic contract or omitting a crucial detail. When you work face-to-face with an experienced, local attorney, these mistakes and oversights can often be avoided. Learn More