Attorney
OFFICE HOURS & ESTIMATED FEE SCHEDULE
My hourly rate is $225.00 and paralegal time is billed at $125.00 per hour.
I require a retainer in every case; the amount varies based on the complexity of the case. Any unused portion will be refunded.
I no longer offer free consultations, as I found that the first hour is often particularly useful. However, I do offer initial consultation at a reduced rate.
The office is open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday thru Friday, on normal weekdays. The office is open weekends, and evenings, all clients are seen by appointment, except in an emergency. I have 24-hour voice mail service, which I regularly pick-up and return client calls. I routinely check and return e-mails.
Contact: contact@albrechtattorney.com
INITIAL CONSULTATION
What is the “initial consultation”? It is a question/answer session meant to discuss your legal needs.
Your attorney will use your knowledge of the facts to counsel you on the relevant issues of your case and to help you approach your situation with reason rather than emotion. Many people are surprised by what they learn during an initial consultation because they don’t anticipate all the factors that may affect the likelihood of achieving a successful outcome. How could they? An experienced attorney is trained to apply the law to your particular situation and to work with you to get the best results possible.
After you decide to make an appointment for your initial consultation, create a list or a timetable of the events that caused you to turn to a lawyer for your family law case. During the discussion, you may have to address several upsetting issues and the lawyer may ask you some disturbing or pointed questions. You do not have to worry about shocking the lawyer – an experienced attorney has probably already heard a similar story. It is important for you to be forthcoming and honest. If your attorney doesn’t know all the facts, he or she can’t be as effective as possible.
Give your attorney a head start on the discovery process by preparing for your initial consultation. Gather as much factual information as possible. Remember, your communication with your attorney is privileged and protected by the attorney/client relationship.
Do your best to gather and bring all the following information along with the helpful forms:
1. A copy of any domestic contracts (e.g., a prenuptial agreement).
2. The value of a pension, whose name it is in and when they began to
contribute to the pension.
3. Purchase date, purchase price, remaining balances and current
value of real estate holdings.
4. Education and employment background of both parties.
5. Copies of your (single or joint) income tax returns for the
last
three years.
6. Note any “skeletons” that may be at issue, such as
drug/alcohol
abuse, if either party ever committed a crime, domestic abuse,
or sexual misconduct.
Remember, the information you provide your attorney is protected by the attorney/client privilege. It is imperative that you be fully honest with your attorney so he or she can help you.
The other important thing to keep in mind is to ask questions. Make a list so you don’t forget to ask the things that really matter to you. The adage, “There are no dumb questions,” is true. Your attorney does not expect you to understand all of the issues or legal terms and will do his or her best to avoid complicated legal language. But if you don’t know the meaning of a legal term or any legal procedure, ask for clarification. You need to understand everything that is going on so you can make the best decisions possible.
Non-contested divorce
What is a non-contested divorce?
One spouse retains an attorney who represents only that spouse. Without help from the attorney, husband and wife must decide how to divide the property, debts, and custody if there are minor children involved. The attorney drafts the necessary documents to file with the court and represents one spouse at the hearing.
CONTESTED DIVORCE
What is a contested divorce and when does it become Contested?
A contested divorce is when the husband and wife cannot agree on how to divide their property or how child custody rights shall be settled. Both husband and wife need to retain separate attorneys. The lawyers negotiate on behalf of their respective clients to attempt to settle the case. If the attorneys cannot reach a mutual agreement, the case is set for trial.
RETAINER: A retainer must be paid up front and varies by case and is generally $2,500.00 to $3,500.00 plus court costs, such as court filing fees, and a process server fee ($225.00 to $250.00 in most cases). Any unused portion is refundable.
FEES: Charged on an hourly basis at the rate of $225.00 per hour for attorney, $125.00 per hour for paralegal and time is kept on the 10th of each hour and is billed monthly.
DISCLAIMER
This website is designed for general information only.
The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.