Consultation & Fees
Perhaps one of the most frustrating aspects of searching for a lawyer is the lack of transparency over fees and retainers. The vast majority of lawyers refuse to publish their hourly rates and retainer fees. In my view, this practice is a disservice to lawyers and clients alike.
Clients are in the dark about a critical aspect of their decision-making process and lawyers are getting calls from potential clients who cannot afford their rates. Everyone’s time is wasted. I prefer transparency.
The Initial Consultation
I charge $200 for a half-hour consultation and $400 for a one-hour consultation–less than my hourly rate. Why do I charge for a consultation when some of my peers offer free consultations? Because I value my time. Most of the better lawyers in town charge for consultations. The reason is simple: Spending significant time during the day offering free legal advice is time I can’t spend servicing my paying clients.
Moreover, you will find that in many offices “free consultation” means a fifteen-minute meeting with a paralegal or junior attorney, not the lead lawyer. Some offices advertise “free” consults to lure you in and then simply charge the time spent during the consult to the retainer after you hire them. That’s not “free.”
Contact Us Online
Recent Posts
Phases of High-Net-Worth Divorce
When you’re going through the difficult process of a separation involving substantial assets, understanding the phases of high-net-worth divorce is critical, and working with a high-net-worth divorce attorney helps make sure that each stage of a high-net-worth divorce...
How Long Does a High-Asset Divorce Take in Austin?
Many people going through a high-value separation often wonder, “How long does a high-asset divorce take in Austin?” The timeline of a high-net-worth divorce case can vary significantly, but working with a knowledgeable Austin high-net-worth divorce attorney can help...
Do Complex Assets Change How Divorce Works in Texas?
If you’re facing divorce and you own significant or intricate assets, you’re right to wonder, “Do complex assets change how divorce works in Texas?” At the Law Office of Ben Carrasco, PLLC, we guide clients through sophisticated property divisions, offering experience...
How Trusts and LLCs Affect Divorce in Texas?
When you’re going through a divorce, one of the most contentious aspects is often the division of assets. This becomes even more challenging when spouses need to account for trust and business interests when separating their property. In most marriages, couples only...