The decision to take legal action is often the last resort. It’s always best to review the situation carefully.

Our first area of concern when we meet with you is to determine what your specific situation is and what your options may be. Our discussion will help us understand your unique situation and allow us to make the appropriate recommendations.

You do not have to bring anything with you when we first meet. As we discuss the problem with you, we will be in a better position to ask for material specifically relevant to your case.

Many people find it helpful to bring a list of questions and a few brief notes if there are dates or details they feel are important.

If you like, you may certainly consider bringing a detailed statement of assets and liabilities as well as some current tax returns. In employment matters, such documentation would include any employment manuals, history of discipline and reviews, and compensation package. In domestic matters, we can provide you with the appropriate form to collect documentation that the courts will require. However, do not be concerned if you are initially unable to find any of these documents.

Most lawyers and staff are available by phone during office hours. However, some calls may be returned after hours if, for example, an attorney is in conference or court during the majority of the day. We will always schedule time for a phone conference, which may save time going back and forth during busy times.

Generally, it is best to avoid bringing children to a lawyer’s office. Younger children may make it more difficult for you to concentrate on the real purpose of the meeting. We recommend that older children should not be unnecessarily subjected to a process in which they should have no involvement. In addition, lawyers are prohibited from interviewing children unless it is necessary to the case and conducted with formal court involvement.

Yes, we do charge an hourly fee as we offer legal advice at the time of the conference. Regardless of whether a prospective client ultimately decides to hire us, there is significant legal value to the information we provide in the initial visit.

Fees are almost exclusively time-driven. Each attorney in the office bills for the time spent on an hourly basis. The rates vary according to the individual lawyer’s experience and by legal area.

Attorney hourly rates may vary from $250 but we often find that the effective rate is lowered using our legal assistants on matters of preparation, etc. We will be better able to discuss the anticipated fees after we have a better understanding of your unique case.

You will not necessarily have to go to court. Many matters are accomplished without having to appear in court. On occasion our office makes use of “private” judges who will meet parties and their lawyers in an attorney’s conference room for complete privacy. Our first area of concern when we meet a client is to determine what your specific situation is and what your options may be.

Unless you are specifically instructed to do so by your lawyer, do not take your children to court with you. Marital problems are often difficult on the entire family; don’t make it worse by subjecting children to the stress of the system.

We can assist you with a review of your estate planning. However, we may refer you to the attorney who originally prepared your documents, or to one of the many experts with whom we work.

Our attorneys work with experts in almost every field so that we can confidently refer you when necessary. Whether you need an accountant, appraiser, or some other professional, we have the contacts to meet your needs.