How Much Does It Cost to Ask an Elder Law Attorney a Question?

Q How much does it cost to ask a question of an elder law attorney? Is it cheaper to talk to an attorney by phone or e-mail? Before the attorney gives advice does the attorney have to advise whether there will be a fee for the answer or advice?

A

There is no single answer to your question -- it depends on the lawyer and the question itself. Some lawyers will speak with any prospective client on the phone while others will require that they come in for a meeting. Some charge for an initial meeting and some do not.

In terms of the nature of the question, lawyers are much more likely to answer a general question about the law than a specific question about the prospective client’s situation. There are at least two reasons for this. First, without a full discussion of the person's situation, the attorney may give the wrong answer. Second, even if the attorney is not paid anything, answering a specific question could be considered creating an attorney-client relationship, which would make the attorney responsible for providing accurate legal advice and subject to claim if the advice turns out to be wrong. So, attorneys generally are reluctant to give specific advice without being formally engaged by the client.