From time to time, I get calls from people struggling with a family law issue and want to know if I offer “free consultations.” Common family law issues include:
- How does property get divided in a divorce?
- What are my rights if I decide to divorce?
- How can I collect child support from my ex?
- What if my spouse wants a divorce but I don’t?
- Can my spouse and I use one lawyer to get a divorce?
Maybe you just have a couple of questions and want to get a feel for a lawyer before plunking down a pile of money. I totally get it.
But what you should know is this. While free consultations might be the norm in certain limited areas of law like personal injury, it’s not the case when it comes to divorce and family law.
In practicing law for over 28 years, I’ve worked with lots of clients and come to know lots of lawyers. And the few family lawyers who do offer “free” consultations are likely looking to get you in the door for maybe a half-hour (if they really need your business, it might be up to an hour) and talk mainly about why you need to hire them.
Then they drop the bomb on you with the amount of the retainer.
Chances are you won’t come away with meaningful concrete legal advice customized to your particular circumstances and concerns.
After all, our essential business is charging for legal advice, so why would we give it away for free?
On the other hand, my initial consultations with prospective clients are strategy sessions that can last from one to two hours.
Before we meet, we gather your basic details and biggest concerns. That way our time together can be more productive and you will come away with not just substantive legal advice about what you can expect, but a strategy and plan to achieve what is most important to you.
We also fully explain the nature of my representation, the costs, and the amount of retainer based on your particular circumstances. And if you decide to retain my services, the initial consultation fee (equal to one hour of my current hourly rate) will be waived.
Even if you decide not to become a client, you still come away with valuable legal advice needed to make informed decisions – perhaps whether or not to stay in your marriage or how to get your own divorce if you and your spouse have resolved the few issues between you. Either way, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.
To schedule a personalized consultation, click here or call 973-292-9090 or shoot me an email at mhart@michelehartlaw.com.
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