Frequently Asked Questions
Our Services
What counties do you serve?
The Sinclair Law Office, PC has worked with clients in counties all across the State of Texas. Most of our clients come from Smith County and its surrounding counties. Schedule a consultation today so that we can evaluate our availability to take your case.
How long is the consultation?
Circumstances will vary, but on average, our consultation lasts about an hour. Part of that time is spent completing paperwork. The remainder of the consultation is spent with an attorney reviewing the facts of your case and ensuring that you understand the legal proceedings that you may face. If you choose to work with an attorney from the Sinclair Law Office, PC after your consultation, then you will be provided with information related to your case and a list of information that you will need to provide us. Our goal is to provide you with enough information to ensure that you know exactly what to expect and what to do to improve the strength of your case.
Do you take walk-ins?
Our ability to take walk-ins will vary from day-to-day. Generally, we are able to take a walk-in. That being said, it is always better to schedule a consultation. Depending on our circumstances, we may be able to schedule your consultation for the same or next day.
Do you answer calls on the weekend?
If you are a client of the Sinclair Law Office, PC, then we do have a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week telephone line that you can use for emergency calls. Our goal is to advocate for our client, and sometimes that means we advocate for you during more than just regular business hours.
Do you advocate for father and grandparent rights?
We advocate for every one of our clients. This includes the rights of a father or grandparent to have conservatorship of a child. We understand that anyone willing to take a case to the court is doing so to protect the rights and interests of the people involved. As a result, we will stand with you throughout the process as your advocate and voice.
Do you do criminal law?
Yes. Our attorneys Brian Schmalbach and Madeline Porter regularly handle criminal cases. You can learn more about them here.
Why do I need to bring all this personal information to a consultation?
If you have read our page on how to prepare for a consultation, then you know that we ask for a lot of different documents and information about you, your spouse, and your children. This information is vital to building your case and making the most of your consultation. The more that we know about the specifics of your situation and circumstances, the better legal advice we can give you. The last thing anyone wants is to go into a legal setting without all of the facts, even if there are facts that hurt your case. Your attorney can use the information you provide to prepare your case and to anticipate and prepare for the case of your opposing side. Time is an important piece of the legal puzzle, so the more information that we get and the earlier we get it, the better.
Will anyone know what I talk about with my lawyer?
The content of your meetings with a lawyer are confidential. This means that there is legal protection in place that ensures that your lawyer cannot be forced to tell any information to anyone (including other attorneys) without your permission. Essentially, what you tell your lawyer will stay between you and your lawyer. There are certain, specific exceptions to confidentiality, but your attorney will always warn you if one of those exceptions is likely or imminent. If you have any questions or concerns about confidentiality, then ask us about it during your consultation to make sure that you fully understand your rights.
General Legal Questions
Do I need a lawyer?
If you are asking this question, then you likely mean something a little different. A better question may be, “Is it important that I have a lawyer?” The answer to this question depends on your situation, but the answer is almost always yes. In general, having a lawyer during any legal process means that you have a better chance of achieving your goals and protecting your interests in the courtroom. At the end of the day, you do not need a lawyer any more than we need a doctor or an accountant. In other words, you could probably get by without one, but you are less likely to run into complications when you have one.
To determine whether having a lawyer could be beneficial for you, contact us to schedule a consultation. Every situation is unique, so until we are able to review your case with you, it is impossible to answer this question.
How long will my case take?
There are certain reasonable estimates for how long various types of legal situations will take. For example, the average divorce takes about 6 months. In actuality, this time frame can vary from just 2 months to several years. There is no way to determine how long your case will take. If you schedule a consultation with us, then we can learn more about the specific facts of your case and provide you with an approximate timeline. It is important to remember, however, that even this timeline is just an estimate.
Am I eligible to get a divorce/protection order/etc.?
It is not possible to determine whether or not you have legal ground for various legal matters until you speak with an attorney during a consultation. Without adequate knowledge of your circumstances, it is impossible to answer this question. An important thing to remember is that, even if you are not able to seek the legal action you wanted, you may have other options. An attorney can be familiar enough with your case after a consultation to provide those kinds of recommendations.