D. Jeffrey Hartling
Attorney at Law
I try to be and believe I am unique in my approach to the practice of Law. I understand most people find their need for a lawyer is due to an unexpected personal or financial issue. Often, they have had little or no need for a lawyer in the past. It is for this reason I provide an initial consultation at no charge so we can discuss the current issue and possible solutions that may or may not require the services of a lawyer. This consultation can take place in my office, via the phone, and many times using services such as Skype or other computer venues.
I believe it is important a potential client has the chance to interview me and welcome any question about abilities, past experience and what financial issues need to be considered. Unlike many small firms I limit my practice to areas of law I have both knowledge and experience. If your needs are out of my area of knowledge I can often make some suggestion as to where you can find someone who has the knowledge you need.
I am here to find solutions and help you make informed decisions as to what course of action will provide the result you desire.
D. Jeffery Hartling
Attorney at Law
I try to be and believe I am unique in my approach to the practice of Law. I understand most people find their need for a lawyer is due to an unexpected personal or financial issue. Often, they have had little or no need for a lawyer in the past. It is for this reason I provide an initial consultation at no charge so we can discuss the current issue and possible solutions that may or may not require the services of a lawyer. This consultation can take place in my office, via the phone, and many times using services such as Skype or other computer venues.
I believe it is important a potential client has the chance to interview me and welcome any question about abilities, past experience and what financial issues need to be considered. Unlike many small firms I limit my practice to areas of law I have both knowledge and experience. If your needs are out of my area of knowledge I can often make some suggestion as to where you can find someone who has the knowledge you need.
I am here to find solutions and help you make informed decisions as to what course of action will provide the result you desire.
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WILLS/ESTATES
Helpful Videos
Picking A Lawyer
This is a question everyone asks themselves when they need a good lawyer. Here are something to always consider when looking:
#1. Do Your Homework
#2. Discuss Experience
#3. Cost is Important
#4. Connect with Your Attorney
Picking a Lawyer is Important
The most important part of picking a lawyer occurs during the initial interview. It is very important that you do you homework prior to this meeting. One should come with many questions relating to what he or she needs accomplished. Often the rapport established is more important than the answers given. It is extremely important that one is comfortable in discussing all issues involved freely. Often people are confused about what “confidentiality” means. This is a very important part of the client/lawyer relationship. Simply, it means that you can tell a lawyer anything and know that the conversation will not be related to anyone without your permission. The lawyer must know all facts involved as there is nothing worse than going to trial or preparing documents and finding out after the fact of flaws due to bad information. Often this can greatly impact your position and cost you additional monies if documents need to be redone.
The lawyer will be working for you and one should not be reticent to discuss his or her qualifications. Asking for references is not out of the question however this can be difficult as due to the sensitive nature of many client relationships a prior client is often uncomfortable is discussing the experience.
Although you want to get the best lawyer available cost is always a concern. Generally lawyers charge either by the hour or a flat rate. In addition there can be additional charges covering other expenses such as filing fees, copy charges, expert witnesses, telephone calls, and postage to name just a few. Again it is important that you discuss these extra charges so there will be no surprises. Most lawyers requite an upfront fee called a retainer at the beginning of the engagement of offered services. This retainer is used as way to fund services and fees are charged against this retainer during the representation. Retainers can be as low $500.00 but usually are more and can be as high as high as $5,000. depending on the complexity of representation.
Lastly, and most important it is more than a little helpful if you like the lawyer. This may sound trivial and obvious but it is my experience that often when a representation is difficult and issues are somewhat uncomfortable it helps to have a friend.
It is my policy that the initial meeting is without charge and I would question any lawyer whose policy is otherwise.