Do You Need Legal Advice?
- Q. How can I find out how New Hampshire law applies to me and my family situation?
- A. The only way is to consult with a lawyer licensed in New Hampshire. He or she can give you “legal advice.” Legal advice is legal information specific to you and your family. It includes suggestions as to your legal and other options.
- Q. Can you help me with my New Hampshire family law problem?
- A. I offer individual appointments on most New Hampshire family law problems. The topics include:
- Divorce
- After Divorce (Modification and Enforcement)
- Parenting (Custody)
- Support and Alimony
- Unwed Families Paternity Determination
- Premarital Agreements
- Non-traditional Families
- Grandparent’s Rights
- Name Changes
- Interstate and International Family Cases
- Second Opinions
- Q. Can I get legal advice from you through the Internet/E-Mail?
- A. Legal advice is applying the law to a client’s particular situation. The first reason why Internet/E-mail is unsuitable for legal advice is due to the rules for lawyer-client relationships. Before agreeing to give you legal advice, I must know who you are and check my records for any conflict of interest. More important, I feel that for something as important or personal as advice on a family problem is, e-mail is inadequate. We must also arrange for payment for my services.
Please follow the instructions below to get legal advice from me.
- Q. I’d like to be more in control of my legal case. Do you assist people like that?
- A. Yes. I offer the following types of services that require more client involvement:
- Q. How do I get legal advice from you?
- A. You must schedule an appointment with me in advance. You can request a consultation on your New Hampshire family law issue with me by completing the Request for Appointment form.
My usual office hours are 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Eastern Time.
- Q. When will I hear back from you?
- A. After I have reviewed your information, my assistant will call you. If I am able to talk with you, she will schedule an appointment. If you live in southern New Hampshire or adjoining Massachusetts towns, an office appointment is preferred. For those out of the area, I offer phone appointments. Weekend appointments are sometimes available.
Regrettably, I cannot talk to everyone requesting my help. If I am unable to talk to you, I may be able to refer you to 2-3 other New Hampshire lawyers, based on the type of case you have and the county the case is in.
- Q. How much do you charge for consultations?
- A. If you want information on a new or potential case, charges are based on the hourly rate of $180. The minimum charge is 30 minutes ($90).
For office appointments, please pay by cash or check. If the fee is $100
or more, you may use MasterCard or Visa. For phone appointments, you may pay by either check, MasterCard or Visa.The charges for a consultation on an existing case, including a second opinion, are different. There is a minimum charge, paid in advance. You must pay for the time I spend reviewing the file, as well as the consultation.
- Q. I have a lawyer, but I’m unhappy about how the case is going. Can you help?
- A.
- If you already have a New Hampshire lawyer, but want a second opinion, I offer that service. You must pay me for my time to review your file as well as the consultation time. The minimum charge based on 1 1/2 hours (currently $350).
To request a consultation, please complete a Request for Appointment Form.
After I have reviewed your information my assistant will call or email you.
- If I am able to talk to you, my assistant will send you a Consultation Form to complete. I must have the form, payment (you can use MasterCard or Visa), and a copy of your legal file (court papers and letters), at least 48 hours before the appointment. If your file is 15 pages or less, you may fax it. I’d appreciate your faxing before 9am or after 6pm, Eastern Time. If your file contains more than 15 pages, please send it by overnight or regular mail, rather than fax.
- If you already have a New Hampshire lawyer, but want a second opinion, I offer that service. You must pay me for my time to review your file as well as the consultation time. The minimum charge based on 1 1/2 hours (currently $350).
Note – If you want information on divorce in states other than New Hampshire, check the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers for the directory of divorce lawyers.
