Frequently Asked Questions
All office visits are by appointment only.
How do I schedule an appointment to come and meet with an attorney?
-
You may call the office number, send an email, or submit contact info through the website to schedule an appointment. The initial consultation is $400 for a one hour consultation via Zoom. If the consultation goes over one hour, then it is $200 for each 30 min increment. Please email all relevant documentation that you wish the attorney to review once the consultation has been confirmed. Payment is due at the time of scheduling the appointment and is needed to confirm the appointment. Please note that the cancellation of the consultation with less than 24 hours notice will result in the forfeiture of the consultation fee.
How do I learn more about your law firm?
-
Please go to our website at www.ewatsonlawfirm.com for more information regarding our firm, practice areas and other useful information.
Can I bring another person to my consultation?
-
These consultations are confidential. If you choose to bring another person, please be aware that you are waiving your attorney-client privilege.
What information do I need to bring to my consultation?
-
Please submit any information or documentation that you would like the Attorney to review. Also, if you have a prior order, please submit those as well.
I have a child support issue. Can you help me?
-
If the Attorney General is involved, please submit any documentation that you received from the Attorney General’s Office. If you are the person that is supposed to pay child support (Obligor), please bring a copy of your most recent paycheck stub and medical insurance information for the child(ren) in the case. If working, please bring information from your Human Resources Department regarding how much it would cost to add the child(ren) to your health insurance. If you are trying to obtain a 3rd party health insurance, please bring the information regarding the costs for that as well.
How much will does it cost to retain the services of an Attorney?
-
Each case is different, therefore the amount for legal services are case specific. Please contact the office and schedule a consultation with the Attorney in order to receive more information.
What is the Attorney’s hourly rate?
-
The Attorney’s hourly rate is $400 per billable hour.
What is a retainer?
-
A retainer is an initial deposit paid by the client to the attorney that covers the start of the legal services provided by the attorney. Ideally, the retainer covers enough so that the attorney can provide uninterrupted legal services. Legal services are then billed against the retainer amount.
What is a billable hour?
-
A billable hour is the time in which the Attorney deals with your case. That includes telephone calls, emails, text messages, drafting documents, research, court appearances, filing, travel (sometimes), investigative work, client meetings, preparation for hearings/trial, and any other time in which the Attorney is working on your case. Expenses are in addition to billable hours and not included in the quote for the retainer amount.
What are expenses?
-
Expenses are anytime money needs to be used for your case. That includes certified copies, regular copies, service fees, filing fees, deposition, mediation, appraisal fees, child custody evaluations, ad litem fees, travel expenses, postage, expert witness fees, investigator fees, parking and other case-related expenses.
How much do you charge for travel?
-
Clients are not charged for travel if their case is in Dallas County or Collin County. The rate for travel for any other county is charged at the Attorney’s billable rate.
How can I submit payment?
-
Payment may be submitted in cash, money order or credit card. Payments can be made at by going to www.ewatsonlawfirm.com/online-payment.
Can I set up a payment arrangement?
-
Unfortunately, payment arrangements are not available.
How do I communicate with my Attorney?
-
You may contact the office or email the Attorney at any time during regular business hours. Email is the preferred method of contact. If you are a client, you can also utilize the message function of the MyCase software.
What are regular business hours?
-
Regular business hours are Monday through Thursday from 9am to 5pm, and Fridays from 9am to 12pm excluding national holidays.
Why is email the preferred method of contact?
-
The Attorney is routinely in court, and all courts require that parties not be on the phone in the courtroom. If the Attorney is in court, the Attorney would have to wait until back in the office to return your call. However, if you email, the Attorney can respond to your email from any location thereby expediting a response.