Board Certified - Family Law,
Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Before your first appointment
How do I get a consultation and how much does it cost? If you would like to set appointment for an initial consultation, please call my office. Due to case load, type of case, and other factors, not all callers are given appointments for an initial interview. If you are shopping for an attorney to handle your case and considering hiring me, the initial interview fee will probably be $25.00, payable at the beginning of the consultation. However, depending on what you need, I may charge you my hourly rate during the consultation.
How Can I Get an Estimate on How Much My Case Will Cost? My staff cannot quote you a price for your case over the telephone, as each case is unique, and a detailed history is necessary for me to determine the initial retainer or deposit. I do not handle cases on a flat fee basis. My hourly rate is currently $200.00 per hour, which is billed against your retainer. Generally, if your primary objective is to find the least expensive attorney available, I may not be your best selection.
What to Expect in the First Phone Call At the time you call, you may be asked many detailed and personal questions by my staff, so that we may gain an understanding of your case.
Your first appointment
The consultation usually lasts approximately ½ hour. However, you should allot at least an hour to an hour and a half in your schedule.
If you are considering a divorce, you should bring a list of the marital assets and debts, as well as a one-page marital history. Additionally, you should bring the last two years of income tax returns and current paystubs. If you believe that there is evidence (photos, letters, reports, etc.) for or against you or the opposing party, you should bring that evidence to be evaluated. Additionally, if there has been any prior legal proceeding, you should bring copies of all court papers.
Your regular appointment
Once the attorney-client relationship has been established, you must bring your 'homework' with you each time, such as your journal, and other assignments that are either completed or still in progress.
General Rules for All Appointments
Will your office call me if my appointment needs to be rescheduled? NO. Many people who consult me often still reside with their spouse. Therefore, my office will not contact you to confirm or reschedule your appointment. Please call my office prior to your appointment to confirm.
Should I call to confirm my appointment? YES. I am often in court, and my staff can only estimate the time at which I will return from the courthouse. Sometimes a trial or hearing takes longer than expected, and your appointment will have to be rescheduled. We appreciate your understanding these issues, and always taking the time to call before your appointment.
Is it OK to Bring My Children to an Appointment? NO. Most of my clients have children, but we should not discuss a case in their presence. An infant serves as a distraction to you, minimizing the information you are able to retain. I do not have facilities for your children to be monitored. Therefore, you should arrange for someone to watch your children.
Send mail to Vic@Valerga.com
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Copyright © 1999 Victoria Valerga, Attorney at Law
All Rights Reserved
Created: March 20, 1999
Last modified: March 17, 2005