Frequently asked questions

The questions our intake team answers most often.

Do you offer a free consultation?: Personal injury and estate planning: yes. Family law: $150 for 45 minutes, credited to your retainer if you hire us.
Can you tell me if I have a case?: Not on a first phone call. Intake staff gather the facts and an attorney reviews them, usually within one business day, and then calls you with an answer.
How much does a lawyer cost?: Personal injury is no fee unless we win (33 and one-third to 40 percent). Family law is hourly, $275 to $375, with retainers from $1,500 to $5,000. Estate planning is flat fee from $300 to $2,900.
Do you handle criminal cases, DUI or traffic tickets?: No. We can refer you to a criminal defense attorney.
Do you handle immigration, bankruptcy or employment cases?: No, but we will refer you.
I was served with papers. What do I do?: Note the date you received them, do not ignore them, and call us. In most cases you have 21 to 30 days to respond and missing that deadline can cost you the case.
I have a court date tomorrow. Can you help?: Call now and say it is urgent. We may be able to appear or request a continuance, but there is no guarantee on short notice.
Are you licensed in Missouri?: Yes. All of our attorneys are licensed in both Kansas and Missouri.
I left a message and nobody called back.: We are sorry. Call the main line, say you are waiting on a callback, and intake will find out who has your file and get you an answer today.
Can I talk to an attorney right now?: Attorneys are usually in meetings or court during the day. Intake will collect your information and schedule a consultation, often the same or next day. For emergencies, the on-call attorney will call you back.
Is my call confidential?: Yes. Everything you tell intake is confidential whether or not you hire us.
Do you speak Spanish?: Yes, two attorneys and three staff members. Vietnamese by appointment.
Do you take cases on a payment plan?: For family law and estate planning, we can split fees over two to three months in some cases. Ask during the consultation.
Can you meet me at the hospital or at home?: Yes, for personal injury and estate planning clients in the Kansas City metro.
How do I get a copy of my file?: Current clients: through the portal. Former clients: email or call the records manager; files are provided within ten business days.
Do you handle cases outside Kansas City?: Yes, anywhere in Kansas or Missouri. Travel costs may apply outside the metro.
What should I bring to a consultation?: Any court papers, police reports, insurance information, medical bills, and a written timeline of what happened.
What are your hours?: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday. The phone is answered 24 hours a day.
Will the other side find out I called you?: No. A consultation is confidential and does not become public unless you hire us and we file something.
Can you recommend another lawyer if you cannot take my case?: Yes. We refer regularly to firms in criminal defense, immigration, workers' compensation, employment and bankruptcy.