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

From Portland or The North: Take I-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, US Rte 1. Turn left. Go past Dunkin Donuts on the left and the Maine Motel on the right. 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 US Rte 1, South Portland. Turn left (north). Go through the traffic light for Rte 9 / Westbrook Street. Then past Dunkin Donuts on the left and the Maine Motel on the right. My building is soon after on right.   

From Scarborough via US Route 1: Take US Rte 1 North. Go past Maine Medical – Scarborough Campus, past the Volvo dealer and Governor’s. Go through the intersection for the Turnpike connector (Exit 45 / old exit 7). Go past Dunkin Donuts on the left and Maine Motel on the right. My building is soon after on right. 

My building: A gray two-storey house with a porch. 584 Main Street. My name is on a blue/white sign out front (along with other business names). Park in the lot or in front. Come in by way of the front door. My office is on the first floor, first door on left.