INITIAL CONSULTATION

Kay Family Law PLLC does its best to uniquely tailor the initial consultation experience to meet each prospective client’s needs. The firm recognizes that by the time most people are contacting an attorney, they are in a very difficult and stressful time in their lives and the firm will make every reasonable effort to help the prospective client feel comfortable during the consultation.

Prior to the consultation, the attorney and administrative support will gather basic biographical information and request copies of relevant documents to review.

At the start of the consultation, the prospective client will be asked if anything has changed since they first contacted the firm, then the attorney will meet with the prospective client to gain a better understanding of the situation, identify needs, answer questions, and develop a strategy.

Kay Family Law PLLC takes pride in providing all prospective clients with as comprehensive an explanation of the laws applicable to their situations and a candid analysis of the issues presented to her. The attorney also helps clients and prospective clients evaluate all options available both in and out of court so clients and prospective clients can make informed decisions.

It depends. Kay Family Law PLLC offers “unbundled” legal services which allows clients to choose from flat rate fees for certain services or paying an hourly rate for more comprehensive representation.

For traditional representation and in some limited representation instances an advance-fee deposit will be required. How much will depend on the complexity and time-table of the case.

Billing policies and fee deposits are discussed during the initial consultation process once the attorney has a good understanding of the prospective client’s unique circumstances and needs.

Please contact the office at (813) 520-2700 or click here to access the contact form if you are interested in more information about fees and costs. You are under no obligation of any kind simply by contacting the office.

No. The initial consultation process offers prospective clients a unique opportunity to become acquainted with the firm, the attorney, and the office processes to help determine if Kay Family Law PLLC is the best fit for the prospective client’s case and needs.

Choosing an attorney to assist with a legal need is both an important and complex decision. It is important that all prospective clients carefully consider all the relevant factors before making the decision to hire an attorney to help. Click here to read The Florida Bar’s pamphlet on the attorney selection process.

You should also keep in mind that, by simply meeting with you, Kay Family Law PLLC has no obligation to take your case or help you beyond the initial consultation. Kay Family Law PLLC always retains the unconditional right to not represent or assist a prospective client if the firm so chooses. Many factors may lead to a decision by Kay Family Law PLLC to not “take your case” or represent or provide you further assistance, so such a decision should never be taken personally.

Kay Family Law PLLC is officially “retained” only after you and the attorney have both signed a Retainer Agreement and you have made any advance fee deposit or other payment requested.

Unfortunately, no. Kay Family Law PLLC will occasionally receive an e-mail from a purported prospective client asking for advice. Kay Family Law PLLC cannot and will not answer questions or give legal advice by e-mail before an initial consultation. This is for many reasons including, but not limited to:

1. Conflict of Interest: First and foremost, attorneys are governed by a set of rules of professional conduct which require that conflict checks are run to ensure the person or entity with whom we are about to meet does not present a conflict of interest with any past or current clients. To run a conflict check, the firm must obtain and verify the identities of the prospective client and the other opposing party(ies). Often sufficient information to run a conflict check is not included in the initial e-mailed inquiries received.
2. Fraud Concerns: Sadly, we live in an era where not every e-mail received is from someone being truthful and forthright. There is no way for Kay Family Law PLLC to verify the true identity of the person(s) or entity(ies) sending the e-mail prior to the initial consultation. It is important to Kay Family Law PLLC to know and trust the source of the e-mail before spending time responding.
3. Solid Advice: It is important to Kay Family Law PLLC to provide high quality services every step of the way. To properly answer questions, Kay Family Law PLLC must have a full and complete understanding of the situation and, to do that, the attorney must often ask questions and review documents which would involve the prospective client revealing potentially confidential information. This is not properly done by e-mail prior to an initial consultation.

So, if you send an e-mail or submit an inquiry through the contact now page, do not be disappointed or offended if the response you get is to encourage you to set an initial consultation. This is done for everyone’s protection and benefit.