Frequently Asked Questions

Initial consultations usually last one hour, unless more time is specifically requested prior to the consultation or during the consultation.

Initial consultations are charged at the hourly rate of the attorney with whom you have an appointment. Rates of the attorneys in the firm vary, so the cost depends on the individual attorney. Rates are available upon request. Charges for initial consultations are due and payable the conference.

Give us a call at (703) 836-2770 to schedule an initial consultation.

You will obtain the maximum information and advice from your initial consultation if you bring the following:

• A financial statement showing current assets and debts. Note any assets or property which you received through inheritance or by way of gift or bequest from someone other than your spouse, or are derived in whole or in part from pre-marital assets.

• A short chronology of the marriage (e.g. date of marriage, names and dates of birth of children, purchases of major assets, and how problems leading to the dissolution of the marriage developed over time).

• Current income information for both parties in the event that there is a spousal support or child support issue which must be addressed and calculated.

• A list of specific questions that you would like to have answered during the conference.

• If you have already been served with papers on behalf of your spouse, or if you are presently engaged in a divorce suit, or if you are in a modification or enforcement proceeding, bring copies of all correspondence, court papers, and documents you have received to date.

• Any signed agreements, particularly pre-nuptial agreements or marital agreements should there be one between you and your spouse.

• If you provide asset, debt, income, marital chronology documentation, court papers in ongoing suits, and a listing of your specific questions, so the attorney can better determine the issues involved, what will be required, and make sure that all of your questions are answered. Your prior preparation will make an efficient and thorough consultation possible.

No, if any attorney in the firm has seen your spouse for an initial consultation, we will be unable to meet with you since it will be considered a conflict of interest.

No, under no circumstances do we represent both parties. We represent only your interests and act as your advocate.

No, you must sign a written agreement and pay a fee security deposit to our firm to retain our services.

Cash, check, wire transfers, money orders, Amex, Visa or MasterCard are accepted.

Not necessarily. There are smaller tasks in every case that can be effectively and more economically handled by another attorney, paralegal, or law clerk. Your attorney may assign certain tasks to an assistant attorney, paralegal, or law clerk as he or she deems appropriate. The primary attorney in your case will handle major trials, hearings, and complicated motions, and other matters for which you specifically request his or her presence. The firm clients often have motions and other trial matters that may overlap in the same court or different courts. For these scheduling conflicts you will be represented by a highly qualified attorney from our firm.

Cases are billed in increments of two-tenths of an hour at the rate of the attorney, paralegal, or law clerk working on your case at any given time. This is done in accordance with a detailed written contract for services referred to as the retainer agreement. The firm sends monthly statements to clients detailing billable hours charged and costs.

Costs consist of services required in your case. This would include, but is not limited to, court reporters, copying charges, postage, couriers, private detectives, process servers, and experts.

You are responsible for paying all costs associated with your case.

Remaining fully engaged in your case and timely responsive and organized to our requests for information and answers will streamline our legal efforts and be more cost effective for you.

The amount of the fee security deposit (retainer) varies with each case and depends on a variety of factors, including your chosen attorney, the legal circumstances, and the nature of your situation. For example, an uncontested divorce will require a lesser fee security deposit amount compared to one that involves custody issues, support issues, asset valuation and distribution. The consulting attorney will discuss the amount with you at the end of the consultation after being fully apprised of your case.

That depends on the complexity and nature of your case. There is no “flat rate” for a divorce because we cannot control the hours spent when our efforts are often affected by the actions of the other side. At the conclusion of our representation, any money remaining in your security fee deposit will be promptly refunded to you.

The cost of an appeal is more predictable because the trial court record is already established and the tasks for the appellate advocate are set out in discrete stages by the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia. A reasonable estimate of the overall fee for an appeal can be prepared after an initial consultation based on the number of issues to be argued, the size of the trial court record, and other factors.

Our primary goal is to settle cases amicably, whenever possible and consistent with your best interests. We recommend and encourage alternate dispute resolution such as mediation as a means of assuring privacy and reducing expense. Regrettably, some cases cannot be settled, and when that is the situation, we are ready for trial.

We are as aggressive as a situation dictates. There are certain instances where aggression may be detrimental to your case. Our experience and professional judgment permits us to zealously represent you.

No. We practice only in the courts of the Commonwealth of Virginia, but we are happy and able to provide you with referrals.

E-mail your question to kpetersen@cottrellaw.com for a prompt reply. Do not include confidential information or legal questions. In the subject line of your e-mail, please make the notation “General Question” so that your e-mail can be distinguished as one of importance.

Please call the office first to make sure that your attorney or your attorney’s paralegal is available. If you stop by the office unexpected to see your attorney or the paralegal, neither may be available. We are engaged in conferences and deadlines on a daily basis which do not always permit interruption. If you are unable to call in advance to schedule a brief appointment, please leave the information with the receptionist or the attorney’s assistance.