Frequent Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will it cost to talk to the Attorney?

For family law matters, the fee for the initial consultation is $125.00. At this initial consultation, the laws that apply to your situation will be explained in detail to you. This fee must be paid at the first meeting, and may be made by cash, check, debit card, Visa or MasterCard. There is no initial consultation fee for Last Will and/or Powers of Attorney matters, or probate representation. Costs or advance fee retainers for representation or additional services will be discussed with you at the first meeting.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

In divorce related cases, you should bring the legal description of any real property you own. This can be found on the deed or mortgage. You should also be prepared to discuss your and your spouse's property, debts, and incomes. The last tax return and a current pay stub for you and your spouse will be helpful. If you have been served with court papers, be sure to bring those with you. In probate cases, bring the original or copy of the last Will and Testament of the deceased person with you, and addresses for all heirs and beneficiaries provided for in the last Will.

Will I be kept informed of my case status?

I take particular care to keep my clients updated on the status of their case. These days the vast majority of people have an email account. For clients with email accounts, I make heavy use of email, which both cuts down on postage expense and speeds up communications. Any case document, whether correspondence or court pleading, is scanned and emailed to the client as soon as I receive it. Copies of all documents prepared my me are also emailed to the client.

Fee Arrangements

Depending upon the matter, I either bill on an hourly basis at my current rate of $250 per hour, or quote a flat- fee price for matters like preparing Wills and Powers of Attorney. For hourly billing cases, an accurate record will be kept of the services provided. A monthly billing statement containing itemized legal services and expenses will be sent to you.

Are you able to assist me representing myself?

Yes. Under new laws, an attorney can limit the scope of his or her representation of the client. This is termed "unbundled legal services". The new rules are designed to help people receive the benefit of legal advice in the drafting of documents and preparation of their cases without having to pay an attorney to appear in court on their behalf.

There are two types of self-help assistance:

Coaching: The attorney is available to answer questions and provide the client information for the client to appear in court and/or negotiate with the opposing party on his/her own.

Ghostwriting: The client may desire the help of an attorney in preparing and filing court documents correctly, but not have the attorney formally represent them.

There is no set cost for unbundled legal services. You will be charged at the attorney's regular hourly rate for such services. Payment will be due at the time legal services are provided.