Q. Does The Austin Law Firm offer free consultations?
A. Yes. We offer an initial telephone consult free of charge to assess your case to determine if we will be able to assist you.
Q. Will I know how much your services will cost me up front?
A. Oftentimes it is hard to determine the exact cost of legal representation at the outset of your case,however,we will discuss this aspect at your initial visit. Family Law (divorces, custody, child support, contempt motions, etc.) can get a bit expensive, depending on the amount of litigation and preparation involved. Criminal cases are a little more predictable, based on the offense charged. However, if a case goes to trial, it may become expensive, as well.
Q. I was in an automobile accident and the other individual was at fault, do I need an attorney?
A. You should at least consult an attorney to see what your rights are and make sure all of your rights are protected.
Q. I don't have much money and I don't have much property, why do I need a will?
A. The hardest thing for a grieving family to have to deal with is a dispute over a loved one's property. Regardless of the value of your estate, it behooves you to plan for its disposition once that time comes and to do so with as little stress as possible for those involved.
Q. My landlord came and "told" me that I was evicted and had 3 days to get out? Is that legal?
A. In Arkansas, you have to be given written notice to vacate. If you do not receive written notice, you are not required to vacate your residence.
Q. Can I get joint custody of my child?
A. The only way to obtain true joint custody (where each parent has the child an equal amount of time and no child support or an offset of child support) of a child in Arkansas is for both parties to agree. If the parties do not agree, the courts will not award joint custody. A "non-custodial" parent may have "joint legal custody". That, however, is NOT the same thing.
Q. My child is not following my rules, skipping school, and generally out of control. What can I do?
A. You may file a Family In Need of Services (FINS) petition in Juvenile Court. The courts are designed and equipped to meet the needs of you and your child through court ordered counseling, treatment, custody change, conditions set by the Court such as drug testing, curfew, etc.
Q. I was in the vehicle with someone who had a single car accident, and I was injured. How do I get my medical bills paid?
A. If the driver is covered under an insurance policy with Med Pay coverage and/or Comprehensive and Collision coverage, you may be able to file a claim and recover. You should consult an attorney.
