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CONSULTATIONS
From Alexandra’s interview for the Masters of Family Law series on ReelLawyers.com
The consultations that Atticus Family Law offers to potential clients are a practice arising from Abraham Lincoln’s statement, “A lawyer’s time and advice are his stock in trade.” The consultation is crafted to make sure that the client gets valuable information and witnesses the lawyer in action. Click here to schedule a consultation.
Compare Types of Consultations
Here is how our consultations work:
- During the consultation the client controls the agenda. The attorney hears out your concerns, asks questions, and reviews documents as well as gives you earnest legal advice based on the facts presented. In the consultation, real legal counseling is performed – under this model the attorney does not tell the potential client just what the client wants to hear, does not “sell” the client, and does not try to impress with legalese or law knowledge. Rather the consultation permits the attorney to demonstrate to the client how they practice law, spot issues, analyze facts and communicate with the client.
- There is a fee for the consultation. This payment ensures that attorney’s time is respected, and it alleviates the pressure for the attorney to convince the client to retain the firm. The client recognizes a greater net gain from a paid consultation than a “free consultation” – the client truly gets what they pay for.
- Client gets a reduced retainer towards any future work. The advantage for the client is that if the client needs further legal services for their concern, the fee is credited towards their retainer. In the end either the client has the answers they need (and goes off without any further contact with the firm) or they have a lawyer who has started to get to know them & their case facts, who has demonstrated their lawyering style, and who’s services the client can retain for a discounted fee.
- The consultation is amongst the potential client, whomever the client also wants there, and the AFL attorney.This permits the potential client to have with them the people they need to understand the advice, ask needed questions, and help them remember it afterwards. For some matters, a 2-hour consultation will be needed but 1 hour usually suffices.
- The firm’s consultation includes follow-up questions that arise in the days afterwards. In our experience the client inevitably thinks of some other questions and/or talks with someone who has other relevant, important questions. This model makes sure ALL of the client’s questions are answered.
The quality of the firm’s legal consultations offered to potential clients can be attributed to this nation’s 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. If you would like to schedule a consultation, be it to get your questions answered or get to know the firm for legal representation, please click here.
FEES
How You Will be Charged for our Services
Atticus Family Law charges on an hourly basis. We use a written fee agreement to set the hourly rates for our work.
As work is completed and billed to you the earned funds are transferred from a trust account to our firm’s account. Upon completion of our firm’s work any remaining retainer funds in the trust account are returned to you. Retainer payments can be paid with cash, a personal check, a bank or cashier’s check, or a credit card or debit card.
FACE TO FACE MEETINGS
We have several opportunities for face-to-face meetings with our clients, both in-person and online.
It’s helpful if you write down your questions before the meeting. That way, you can ensure all of your questions and concerned are addressed.
Our attorneys and staff meet with clients at each of our three office locations. The Stillwater and Saint Paul offices are staffed from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday; the Minneapolis office is by appointment only.
ONLINE VIDEO CONFERENCING
Many times, it is crucial that we have an important discussion but there are complications. It’s clear that meeting face-to-face is better for the discussion than talking on the telephone, but the availability and logistics make an in-person meeting difficult or impossible. Hence we offer our clients online video conferencing through Zoom and video chat. The information necessary to access your meeting will be provided prior to your appointment.
For those people interested in our legal services, we schedule in-person face-to-face meetings. When those people live abroad or outside of Minnesota (or they have very particular other circumstances) we will schedule an online consultation with them.
Personal Perspective From An Atticus Family Law Attorney
How To Choose The Best Divorce Attorney
When deciding between several attorneys to represent you, an effective strategy is to ask each attorney the same questions and compare their answers. Here are some potential questions that may guide your decision.
- Which attorney will be working with me, and what is his or her education and experience level?
- Has your firm recently handled cases like mine?
- How much do your services typically cost, and what is included in this price?
- How do you keep your clients updated regarding costs and the status of their case?
- What are your policies regarding payments, phone calls, documenting correspondence, and keeping clients updated on their cases’ progress?
- Is there a waiting period for follow-up appointments?
- What hours are you available on the telephone and in the office?
- Are my desired results feasible?
- What potential problems do you identify, and how will you overcome them?
- What is your strategy for my case, and how long until I get the results I want?
- How frequently do you go to court, and how do you choose between litigation or settling a case?
What You Should Share With Your Attorney
Be prepared to gather and share the following info:
- Is there an existing case? What is the court file number?
- Does the court have any scheduled hearings that are still pending?
- Can you bring a copy of your order or decree if you already have one in place?
- Who is representing the opposing party, and how have they interacted with you until now?
There is some information your attorney will likely want to know. Your attorney will really want to understand the dynamics and background of what has been going on with your family. For instance:
- What problems are you handling right now, and who is exacerbating them?
- Is your spouse creating issues for your children?
- What ages are the children, and how do they perceive the situation?
- What about your situation do you find distressing?
- How would you describe your envisioned results?
- How do you imagine your life will change in the next 18 months?
- Where do you live, and what is your career?
- What does your relationship with your children look like?
Payment Considerations
Your attorney should try to accommodate your needs and budget, which allows them to create an appropriate solution.
- Are there specific parameters or payment terms that you are looking for?
- Are there other deadlines we need to address, such as paying back a loan?
– Matt Ludt
Want To Get A Head Start?
Download these guides to get a leg up in securing a fair outcome in your family law case.
Testimonials
Satisfied Client Reviews
Vicky Norgren Lynes
I hired Atticus Family Law after I could not get my case moving forward. This was the best decision I could have made. Once Alexandra Reynolds was put on my case, she worked consistently and aggressively on ensuring
Mike McMahon
The worst thing I have ever experienced in my life, my divorce, felt like a never-ending maze of financial and emotional torment. Alexandra Reynolds was there to guide me through the process. Her ability to break things down
Laura Yager
Alexandra and the entire team at Atticus Family Law have been nothing short of amazing during what is no doubt one of the most challenging times to navigate! Her incredibly poised and professional approach with opposing counsel and
Jenny Discher
Matthew Ludt and his team were wonderful to work with. Exceptional in communication, making sure I understood every step of the process. From attentively gathering all the details, and laying out road maps of how to proceed, to
Jennifer Williams
Atticus Family Law gives its clients' a positive experience during some of the most trying times in their lives. They are professional, well established, and really care about their clients. I recommend them to anyone seeking advice or
AJ Paron
Matt was an awesome collaborative lawyer! Worked hard to make my experience easy with little worry. Getting divorced was the easiest thing I’ve done in 2020. Matt made sure it was low stress! Highly recommend.
Heidi Sklenar
If I was asked to rank Atticus Family Law on a 10 scale, I would give them an 11. Choosing to end my marriage was a difficult and personal decision, and Atticus made the process seamless from beginning
Morgan Freiberg
110% Recommend Matt and his team! They were all so great to work with and easy to get a hold of. Each one responded quickly and answered all my questions. Thank you for all your hard work Matt,
Chaz Williams
Best service in the Twin City area!
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