Consultation
Important Information for Your Consultation
How to Be Prepared for Your Consultation
Your time will be best utilized if you are prepared.
- If you have been served with a lawsuit, bring all papers you were served with and any evidence you may have (contracts, invoices, bills, etc.).
- Real property or construction consultation – Depending on the nature of your case, bring all of your relevant real estate documents. Depending on the issue, you may want to bring your real estate purchase and sale agreement, title report, home inspection report, deeds, leases, covenants or whatever documents you think may be relevant to your case.
- Bankruptcy – Be prepared to discuss the amounts and types of debts that you have including mortgage payments, car payments, credit card debt, student loans, alimony of child support payments, and other debts. You should also be prepared to discuss your income during the past year. If you have a recent credit report, please bring it to our appointment.
- Estate plan – Bring any estate planning documents that you have executed in the past including wills, powers of attorney, community property agreements and health care.
Be Truthful Be prepared to tell the whole truth. An attorney can advise you best and plan the most advantageous strategy for your case only if he knows all of the facts up front.
Ask Questions I don’t expect you to know all of the answers so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Write them down and check them off as they are answered.
Some legal issues are complex and require legal research in order for an attorney to render an opinion. In complex cases, research cannot be performed during the consultation. Facts and information are gathered during the first consultation, then the attorney will perform legal research and, following the research, will consult with you again.
Discuss Fees and Costs All consultations are subject to a fee, except personal injury, estate planning and bankruptcy consultations. A retainer fee is required in all cases accepted by the attorney except personal injury and bankruptcy cases. The amount of the retainer is set by the attorney during the initial consultation and varies depending on a number of factors, such as the type and complexity of the case and issues individual to your case.
A fee agreement will be prepared for all clients. Take time to review the agreement and feel free to ask questions at any time.
Email Disclaimer
We are unable to personally read, review or answer any e-mail sent directly to me by non-clients. If you wish to set up an appointment, please send an e-mail message to my receptionist at frontdesk@kitsapattorney.com. For any time-sensitive issues, please call for an appointment. My receptionist will be happy to set an appointment for you and I to discuss your legal needs.
There is a fee for all consultations, except personal injury, bankruptcy or estate planning consultations.