Frequently Asked Questions | Retaining an Attorney
At Purple Law Firm in Chattanooga, Tennessee, we’ve done our best to create a Web site that anticipates and satisfies our clients’ needs. With that goal in mind, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions. Legal FAQS to help guide your decision. If you do not find an answer to your question here, contact us at (423) 899-0131 or send an email.
How much does it cost to retain a lawyer?
A question that is often asked, but can only be answered after one of our Chattanooga attorneys meets with you. Simply, fees in the practice of law are not based upon a price list, but rather on your individual needs and your particular situation. The needs of our client, and the individual circumstances of each legal issue is of prime importance. Therefore, in order to quote a retainer, or a base fee, our Chattanooga lawyer must be able to meet with you and explore your needs and the circumstances of your case. Both the factual basis and the issues of law.
Purple Law Firm Accepts Cash, Check and major credit/Debit cards*
* A Service Fee May apply
What is a Retainer Fee?
After I pay a retainer do I need to pay any more?
It depends. Our Chattanooga attorneys always strive to set retainers which are accurate and reflect the total anticipated attorney fees of a case. However, there are times that it is not possible to fully anticipate the total time which will be involved in a case, in particular when dealing with an adversary or other third parties. Additional lawyer fees typically will apply for work which is outside of the attorney/client contract, such as post judgment collection, or unrelated legal matters.
Who pays the Expenses or costs of a legal case?
How can I get simple legal advice?
A simple legal question is very rare. Legal issues of any kind are by nature complex. Before our lawyers can give accurate legal advice they must know the facts, all of the facts, not just the highlights. At Purple Law Firm, our lawyers attorneys do not generally dispense legal advice without first meeting you in person and having an opportunity to gather the facts and circumstances surrounding the issue. Web Site Content is not legal advice
If you have a legal question, please call or email to arrange an office appointment with one of our Chattanooga attorneys.
Are Initial Appointments Free?
The initial office appointment for most common legal issues begins with a no cost case evaluation by the legal staff. These legal issues include, divorce, adoption and other family law matters, criminal matters, and estate planning. The purpose of the initial appointment is to allow the law firm to evaluate the case, determine an appropriate retainer amount and fee arrangement. The law firm reserves the right to reject an appointment request for any reason, including the lack of intent to pay a retainer or fee for work to be performed. As the potential client you have the opportunity to meet with the lawyer and the legal staff. Then you can decide if we will serve your needs. It is a get to know each other meeting. The attorney will then determine the appropriate retainer or fixed fee to perform the required service and a Client Contract will be prepared for your approval.
Fees are due and payable for any service rendered by the law firm on your behalf after the attorney determines the services that are required and the fees for such service.
Fees Are Required for Certain Issues and Initial Consultation Appointments
Until the Covid-19 Global Pandemic, Telephone consultations and initial appointments by telephone were not available as a standard practice. Because of the Coronavirus Pandemic, we have modified our policies to better accommodate the needs of our clients and potential clients. Currently, we offer appointments via video through Zoom or telephone, depending on the situation. However, in certain instances the law firm may require the appointment to be a paid consultation, or an in-person office appointment.
Also, keep in mind that there are issues that do not qualify for a no cost evaluation regardless of the appointment format. These include tenant rights issues, probate estate issues, employment law, and certain civil litigation matters as these require the attorney to perform an extensive review of contracts or other documents, and other facts then render a legal opinion. Generally, if the appointment is more about giving advice to the would be client than about case evaluation the the initial appointment will require the payment of a consultation fee. When you call for an appointment with our Chattanooga law firm ask if the initial appointment requires a fee.
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