Frequently Asked Questions
Consultations & Getting Started
Do you offer free consultations?
In some situations, yes. We offer free consultations for personal injury cases and for estate planning transactional matters (including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advanced care directives). For all other matters, consultation fees may apply unless specifically waived by the attorney.
How long is a consultation?
Most consultations last 30 minutes. For more complicated matters, consultations may run longer when needed.
How much is the consultation fee?
For most matters, a $150.00 consultation fee applies for a 30-minute consultation.
If I hire you, is the consultation fee credited toward my retainer?
Yes. Any consultation fee paid is applied toward your retainer if you retain our firm.
Example: If your retainer is $5,000.00 and you paid a $150.00 consultation fee, the remaining balance due on the retainer would be $4,850.00.
Are retainers and fees refundable?
Most fees are nonrefundable, as stated in our standard retainer agreement. Exceptions may apply in the discretion of the attorney on a case-by-case basis or where ethically appropriate.
Are you walk-in friendly?
We are by appointment only. Please call or use the website contact form to request an appointment.
Do you do consultations by phone, email, or Zoom?
In certain situations—especially where prospective clients do not live locally—we may offer consultations by phone or via Zoom. Call our office for more information. Because of the sensitive nature of legal consultations, we cannot offer consultations via email or other written communication.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
Bring anything that helps us understand the situation, including:
- - Any legal documents that have been served on you by the opposing party or attorney
- - Court papers, notices, subpoenas, orders, warrants, or citations
- - Police reports, incident reports, bond paperwork, or charging documents (if applicable)
- - Contracts, letters, emails, texts, photos, or other relevant communications
- - Medical records/bills and insurance correspondence (for injury matters)
- - A written timeline of key events and a list of names/witnesses (if applicable)
Fees & Billing
How much will my case cost?
Every case is different. Garrett bills at $300.00 per hour (in matters billed hourly). Retainers are quoted after a consultation based on the anticipated time, complexity, and urgency of the matter.
Do you take payment plans?
It depends on the type of case:
- - Criminal defense and divorce/family law matters: For criminal defense and divorce/family law matters, we offer the option to finance up to half of your legal fees through Affirm for clients who qualify—with no hard credit inquiry required. Affirm is a third-party lender (not this law office), so all financing terms, approvals, and payments are handled directly through Affirm.
- - Personal injury matters: You pay nothing up front. Contingent fee options may be available, meaning we only get paid if we obtain a settlement or win a judgment at trial.
- - Probate matters: In some cases, payment of fees out of the estate may be an option, depending on the situation.
Where We Practice
What counties do you travel to?
We regularly handle matters in: Franklin, Coffee, Lincoln, Moore, and Bedford Counties, and sometimes Warren County. For any other county, please call our office to inquire.
Important Note
Is this FAQ legal advice?
No. This FAQ provides general information and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.