Initial Consultation

The first step in determining whether you will retain us, or whether we will represent you, is the consultation. During the consultation, we attempt to answer your questions, and to understand your situation, needs, and goals. After learning about you, we can give you tailored advice which can save you significant time, money, and stress. We perform an initial analysis, looking at known facts, the law, the strengths of your case, and the weaknesses of the case. Great care is taken in helping you choose what course of action is best for you and your family. This early analysis includes decisions regarding the investigation and legal research necessary to accomplish your goals.

Remember, though, that the advice given at the consultation is merely our opinion as to how things should go and what the result might be, based on the information you provide. It is not a guarantee of any outcome to your case. The law is not always as black and white as we would like it, and reasonable minds may differ as to any course of action or as to possible outcomes.

The consultation is confidential and subject to the attorney-client privilege, even if you do not retain us.

Cost of Consultation

Abraham Lincoln said that all a lawyer has to sell his is time and advice.  While certain kinds of firms might offer a free counsultation, firms that work on an hourly basis cannot. Consequently, Willis & Henderson, P.A., must charge a consultation fee, even for initial consultations.

You will pre-pay a $250.00 fee to consult with an attorney for about an hour. You are encouraged to take the time to be sure you are getting the advice you need and that you understand your legal options. If your consultation takes significantly longer than an hour, you will be charged that lawyer’s hourly rate. You will be informed well in advance that an additional fee will be charged. At any time during or after the consultation, you may choose to retain our firm.

Feel free to inquire at any time before, during, or after the consultation about the costs of any future representation. We want you to feel comfortable with the arrangements so that you can get the most out of your visit with us. For many clients, we are the first law firm they have ever engaged. We welcome all questions. Every case is different, and as a result, attorney’s fees can vary greatly from case to case. While it is impossible to forecast exactly how long any case will take, we will try to give you our best estimate of how much time your case could take and what you could potentially end up paying in attorney’s fees, expenses, and costs.

Telephone Consultation

If you would prefer a telephone consultation, it works just like a regular consultation, except for the fact that it occurs over the telephone. The same $250.00 consultation fee applies and must be paid in advance. This is most conveniently done by selecting the "Pay Online" button on the menu. Payment is easy and secure through PayPal, and you do not need a PayPal account to use it. Once we have notice of the payment, we will conduct the consultation at a mutually agreeable time. You may also call the office and give your credit card information to the paralegal.

Whether you are visiting us for consultation, or having your consultation over the telephone, please understand that even though you may have decided you would like to engage our firm, we reserve the unconditional right not to represent you. There are many reasons why we might decide not to represent you, but if we make such a decision, it should never be taken personally.

A Word About Retainers and Rates

A retainer is an amount paid to secure representation when a client engages a law firm. Retainer amounts and corresponding terms and conditions vary greatly from one law firm to another. Willis & Henderson, P.A., requires that a retainer be paid before representation begins. Our retainers are fully refundable, after being reduced by all charges for the work performed on the case prior to issuing the refund. No part of the retainer is deemed earned when paid. In other words, the retainer is merely a down-payment against future legal services. Also, we require that clients maintain all or most of the retainer balance at all times during representation. At the conclusion of the matter, the retainer balance is refunded. We reserve the right to increase the retainer ranges and rates without notice or update to this web site. The amount we require as a retainer may vary greatly, depending a number of factors, such as the nature of your case, the amount of effort required, the complexity of it, and so forth. The retainer must be paid in full prior to representation beginning.