Legal FAQs
Questions. Answers.
DO I NEED A LAWYER?
We can’t say for certain just yet. We’d need to understand the facts and circumstances of your situation. The process of determining whether you need a lawyer and if we can assist you is called a consultation.
We offer consultations to help determine if we can assist with your legal needs. If you think you may need legal help, feel free to contact us by phone or email. There’s no risk to you.
If you’re facing criminal charges or have been served with a lawsuit, it’s important to speak with a lawyer. If you’re unsure whether you need legal assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us. It’s better to reach out early than too late. We’ll let you know if we can help.
WHAT KIND OF ATTORNEY DO I NEED?
The type of attorney you need depends on the specific legal issue you’re facing. For example, if you need assistance with family law matters, such as divorce, child custody, adoption, or child support, you’ll want a family law attorney. If you’re dealing with criminal charges, a criminal defense attorney would be the right choice. To determine which type of attorney can best assist you, we invite you to visit our Practice Areas page, where you can explore the services we offer and find an attorney who specializes in the area that fits your needs.
HOW DO I HIRE A LAWYER?
Feel free to call or email us to begin the process. Once we’ve spoken with you, we will provide a Representation Agreement for your review. This agreement outlines the scope of our work, the duration of the representation, fees, billing details, and payment instructions. Please note that you are not officially our client until the Representation Agreement is signed.
HOW DOES A LAWYER CHARGE FOR SERVICES?
A lawyer typically charges for services in one of several ways, depending on the nature of the case and the agreement made with the client. Common fee structures include:
- Flat Fee – A fixed amount is charged for specific services, such as drafting a will or handling a simple divorce.
- Contingency Fee – In some cases, especially personal injury or certain civil cases, the lawyer may take a percentage of the settlement or award if the case is successful.
- Retainer Fee – A client may pay an upfront fee that acts as a deposit to cover future legal work.
During your initial consultation, we’ll discuss the fee structure that best fits your case and provide a clear breakdown of costs.
HOW DO I PAY MY BILL?
You can pay your bill in several convenient ways. We accept cash, check, credit cards, and money orders. Payments can be made in person, over the phone, by mail, or online. If you have any questions about how to make a payment or need assistance, feel free to contact us.
DO SW&L ATTORNEYS ACCEPT PAYMENT PLANS?
SW&L Attorneys may consider payment plans in certain circumstances. We understand that legal services can be a significant financial commitment and we’re open to discussing payment options based on your specific situation. Please reach out to us so we can evaluate your case and explore potential solutions.
WHO WILL WORK ON MY CASE?
The attorney you speak with during your initial consultation will take the lead on your case and serve as your primary point of contact. They may delegate certain tasks to other attorneys, paralegals, and legal assistants to ensure your case is handled efficiently and in a timely manner.
HOW CAN I HELP?
To help us get started, please provide all relevant information and documents related to your case. This helps us understand the issue and build a complete file. It’s also important to share what you and others involved know about the case. Next, stay available and communicate your thoughts, questions, or concerns with your attorney promptly. We have to work together as a team to achieve the most favorable outcome.
If you’re facing a legal issue in North Dakota or Minnesota and aren’t sure where to turn, the right attorney can provide the guidance and support you need to find a solution.
If you are accused of committing a crime, for example, charged with a DUI, an attorney may be able to obtain a plea bargain for a lesser charge and/or a reduced sentence. If you’ve been injured at work, in a car accident, or in any way at the hands of another, it is important to consult with a lawyer to determine what legal rights you may have as a result of those injuries.
There are also a variety of family issues that can be highly emotional and significantly impact your family’s future. Having an attorney by your side ensures you receive the guidance and advocacy needed to pursue a favorable resolution for your situation.
Regarding a business venture, you may have questions regarding starting a business or forming a corporation. Or you may have a residential or commercial real estate situation, are buying a new house, car or major purchase, or need assistance with planning your estate. Knowing your options and having an idea of what needs to be done to protect your best interests can be accomplished when you work with an attorney.
These are just a few examples of how an attorney at our law firm can help you understand your rights. At SW&L Attorneys we offer an initial consultation where you can discuss your situation and ask questions to help determine the best path forward. By asking these questions, you will find that it often assists you in determining whether you want or need to move forward with legal representation and work with our law firm. If you decide to retain a lawyer at our firm, we will discuss your situation in greater detail and ask more specific questions as we progress.
After working with several clients & answering many questions, we’ve compiled a list of the most common questions we receive at our law firm in order to help you get some basic questions answered before you decide to call or email us.
DO I NEED A LAWYER?
We can’t say for certain just yet. We’d need to understand the facts and circumstances of your situation. The process of determining whether you need a lawyer and if we can assist you is called a consultation.
We offer consultations to help determine if we can assist with your legal needs. If you think you may need legal help, feel free to contact us by phone or email. There’s no risk to you.
If you’re facing criminal charges or have been served with a lawsuit, it’s important to speak with a lawyer. If you’re unsure whether you need legal assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us. It’s better to reach out early than too late. We’ll let you know if we can help.
WHAT KIND OF ATTORNEY DO I NEED?
The type of attorney you need depends on the specific legal issue you’re facing. For example, if you need assistance with family law matters, such as divorce, child custody, adoption, or child support, you’ll want a family law attorney. If you’re dealing with criminal charges, a criminal defense attorney would be the right choice. To determine which type of attorney can best assist you, we invite you to visit our Practice Areas page, where you can explore the services we offer and find an attorney who specializes in the area that fits your needs.
HOW DO I HIRE A LAWYER?
Feel free to call or email us to begin the process. Once we’ve spoken with you, we will provide a Representation Agreement for your review. This agreement outlines the scope of our work, the duration of the representation, fees, billing details, and payment instructions. Please note that you are not officially our client until the Representation Agreement is signed.
HOW DOES A LAWYER CHARGE FOR SERVICES?
A lawyer typically charges for services in one of several ways, depending on the nature of the case and the agreement made with the client. Common fee structures include:
- Flat Fee – A fixed amount is charged for specific services, such as drafting a will or handling a simple divorce.
- Contingency Fee – In some cases, especially personal injury or certain civil cases, the lawyer may take a percentage of the settlement or award if the case is successful.
- Retainer Fee – A client may pay an upfront fee that acts as a deposit to cover future legal work.
During your initial consultation, we’ll discuss the fee structure that best fits your case and provide a clear breakdown of costs.
HOW DO I PAY MY BILL?
You can pay your bill in several convenient ways. We accept cash, check, credit cards, and money orders. Payments can be made in person, over the phone, by mail, or online. If you have any questions about how to make a payment or need assistance, feel free to contact us.
DO SW&L ATTORNEYS ACCEPT PAYMENT PLANS?
SW&L Attorneys may consider payment plans in certain circumstances. We understand that legal services can be a significant financial commitment and we’re open to discussing payment options based on your specific situation. Please reach out to us so we can evaluate your case and explore potential solutions.
WHO WILL WORK ON MY CASE?
The attorney you speak with during your initial consultation will take the lead on your case and serve as your primary point of contact. They may delegate certain tasks to other attorneys, paralegals, and legal assistants to ensure your case is handled efficiently and in a timely manner.
HOW CAN I HELP?
To help us get started, please provide all relevant information and documents related to your case. This helps us understand the issue and build a complete file. It’s also important to share what you and others involved know about the case. Next, stay available and communicate your thoughts, questions, or concerns with your attorney promptly. We have to work together as a team to achieve the most favorable outcome.
