Lee's Summit Divorce  & Custody Attorney
 

I get this question a lot, and it's a fair one. Many divorce and family law attorneys advertise “free consultations,” and it can feel like the default. After years of practicing in Lee's Summit and Jackson County, I made the deliberate choice to charge a modest $100 for a 30-minute phone consultation—and clients who actually speak with me almost always tell me they appreciate the policy once they understand why. Recently, a prospective client told me in the first 15 minutes that the $100 was well worth it because he understood my advice on commingling of funds just saved him thousands of dollars. Here are the main reasons this approach benefits both you and the quality of representation you receive: 1. It Filters for Serious Clients A $100 fee weeds out tire-kickers, people shopping endlessly for the cheapest quote, those who just want to “pick my brain” for free, or individuals who aren’t truly ready to move forward. The people who schedule and pay are almost always: • Genuinely committed to resolving their case • Willing to invest in getting accurate, personalized guidance • Prepared to discuss real facts, documents, and goals That means when we talk, the conversation is focused, productive, and efficient—rather than a fishing expedition or venting session. 2. It Allows Me to Give You Real, Focused Attention When consultations are free, attorneys often limit them to 10–15 minutes, give generic answers, or rush through because the phone is ringing off the hook with no-shows and low-intent callers. A paid consultation lets me: • Block 30 full minutes just for you • Review any documents or facts you send ahead (if applicable) • Provide specific, candid feedback about your situation, realistic outcomes, and strategic options under Missouri law and Jackson County practices • Answer tough questions without holding back You get deeper, more tailored insight in that half-hour than you would in several “free” 10-minute calls with different lawyers. 3. Free Consultations Aren’t Always “Free” in the Ways That Matter Many firms that advertise free consultations: • Use them as high-pressure sales calls rather than genuine advice • Give very general answers to avoid liability • Push you toward signing quickly without fully understanding your case • Have high-volume models that mean less personalized attention A modest fee removes the incentive to treat the consultation as a sales pitch. Instead, it becomes a real working session where you leave with clarity, not just a brochure. So many prospective clients end the phone call with a sigh of relief and tell me they will sleep better that night because they have a clear picture of the process and knowledge of the law and how that applies to their specific facts. 4. The Fee Is Credited Toward Your Case If you decide to retain me after the consultation, the $100 is fully credited toward your retainer. So if you move forward, the consultation ends up costing you nothing extra. It’s really an investment in getting the right start—rather than a sunk cost. Not to mention when you become a client there will be time to work on your case not be tied up on endless free consultations. Bottom Line The $100 fee isn’t about making money on consultations; it’s about creating a professional, respectful, and efficient process that respects both your time and mine. Serious clients who value thoughtful, experienced guidance almost always see the value immediately—and many say they wish more attorneys operated this way. If you're ready to discuss your divorce, custody matter, modification, or other family law issue in Jackson County, schedule your 30-minute paid consultation today. You'll get focused, no-nonsense answers tailored to your situation—and if we’re a good fit, that $100 goes straight toward your case. Call or text 816-888-0632 to book yours. Let's put real strategy to work for you and your family.