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Frequently Asked Questions:
What Is Your Fee? -
I set fees after an initial meeting with the client. If you are looking
for a new will or other estate planning document, I will quote you a
fixed fee after we meet and after I determine your needs. If you need
another type of legal service, I charge by the hour. It is my policy to
set my fee before starting work and you always have the option of
declining my services if you and I can’t reach an agreement about my
fee.
Do You Charge For Our First Meeting? -
There is no charge if the purpose of the meeting is for us to get to
know one another. If the meeting is one in which we discuss your legal
needs so I can determine whether or not I can help you or to quote you a
fee, there is no immediate charge. If the meeting is one in which I act
as your attorney, or provide you legal advice or a legal service, then
there is a charge.
Do You Require A Retainer? -
I do require an advance payment from all new clients. Typically I
deposit that money in my client funds account and hold it there until my
first bill. At that time I will apply the advance payment to your bills
as they become due. I will send you a copy of my invoices so you can see
exactly what I am charging. If the balance of your funds in my client
account dip below a certain amount, I will expect you to contribute more
funds. If at the end of my work and after my last invoice some of your
money is left in my client fund account, I will return it to you. While
your money is in the client fund account it remains your money. The
client fund account is non-interest bearing.
What Else Might I Be Charged For? -
You may be charged for expenses that I incur while handling
your case. As a practical matter I will not charge for photocopying,
faxes, long distance telephone calls, or postage, but I reserve the
right to do so. In some cases those costs can be significant. I require
the client to advance money for major costs, such as court fees, filing
fees, deposition transcript fees, witness fees, private process server
fees, and occasionally Federal Express or courier charges.
How Do I Find Your Office?
Directions to 584 Main Street My Building : My office is located with other
businesses in a gray “house” with a porch. 584 Main Street. My name is
on a blue/white sign out front. Park in the lot or in front. Come in by
way of the front door. (The latch may stick, so push hard). My office is
on the first floor, first door on left.
From Portland or The North: Take Rte 295 South to Exit 3
Westbrook Street / Rte 9 (Jetport). Turn left at light. Go straight
through the traffic light at Broadway. Go approximately one mile to the
traffic light at Main Street, Rte 1. Turn left. Go past the Budget Inn,
an Exxon Station and a motel, all on right side. My building is soon
after on right.
From Scarborough: Take Rte 1 North into South Portland. Go
through the intersection for the Turnpike Exit 45 (old exit 7)
connector. Go past the Budget Inn, an Exxon Station and a motel, all on
right side. My building is soon after on right.
From Maine Turnpike: Exit the Turnpike at Exit 45 (old exit 7).
Follow the extension road all the way to its end where it intersects Rte
1, South Portland. Turn left (north). Go past intersection with Rte 9
Westbrook Street. Then past the Budget Inn, an Exxon Station and a
motel, all on right side. My building is soon after on right.
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