Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose Dufford Waldeck?
We pride ourselves on offering the highest level of professional legal services. Dufford Waldeck’s size and our attorneys’ expertise allows us to provide our clients with the individualized attention and care they deserve, and we have a breadth of experience to handle a wide variety of legal issues. We follow a client-centered model of representation, which means you control the major decisions in your case. You will work with your lawyer to devise strategies to reach your goals.
Many people believe they need an attorney’s services only to solve a problem or to get out of a difficult situation. Often‚ the best time to see an attorney is not when you are in legal trouble but before that trouble occurs. Preventive law can save you time‚ money‚ and needless worry.
Do you give free consultations?
Our attorneys do not give free consultations. We must first determine if we can help you out, so every new client talks with our intake coordinator. This conversation is free. She will gather your contact information, ask several questions about your matter, and will listen to you summarize your legal issue. She will also check to see if any conflicts of interest exist that would inhibit our firm from representing you.
What kinds of legal issues do you handle?
We handle a wide variety of civil matters listed here on our areas of practice page. We don't handle criminal matters or most family law issues such as divorces and adoptions. You can contact the Colorado Bar Association for a list of attorneys who practice in those areas.
What's a conflict of interest and why can't you take my case?
There are many reasons we may a conflict of interest. We may be unable to take on your case because we are representing another party involved the matter, someone at our firm is related to a party in your case, or the issue may be against firm policy. During the intake process, we will ask you for information on the parties involved in your matter, then run a conflict check.
The conflict review process may take a little time, but we endeavor to get back to you within 48 hours. If we do find a conflict, we will not be able to represent you.
I have an emergency. Can I speak with an attorney today?
It’s likely we can assist you very quickly. We cannot guarantee that you’ll be able to speak with an attorney on the same day, but you can speak with our intake coordinator to get your case moving forward. We’ll do all we can to get the preliminaries handled as quickly as possible and schedule your meeting with an attorney. Please call 970-241-5500 and let our receptionist know that you have an urgent matter.
Why do I have to pay a retainer?
When you speak with our intake coordinator, she will explain our request for a retainer to start your legal representation. A retainer is an amount of money paid in advance to retain (hire) an attorney to represent you in a legal matter. The retainer allows you to demonstrate your investment in your matter and establish a harmonious attorney-client relationship. In litigation matters, your retainer may be held to cover costs expected to be incurred in your representation. All retainers are held in our Trust account. Any funds remaining in Trust at the end of your project will be returned to you in a timely manner.
What does it mean when my money is held "in Trust" by my attorney?
Certain legal matters and settlements require that funds be held “in Trust” for a client for weeks or months at a time. We maintain a separate Trust account, and all money in that account is separated from our general funds. We keep meticulous records of any funds we hold for you in Trust, which you can discuss at any time with our Finance Manager 970-241-5500.
Who will work on my case?
Dufford Waldeck takes a team approach to every aspect of our business. You, as the client, will be a part of that team. A partner will lead your matter, and depending on your issue, may also bring in associates, paralegals, and staff, which is a more efficient use of time and will save you money.
How much will it cost me to talk with an attorney?
During your first meeting with your attorney, you’ll have a frank discussion about fees. You are entitled to know, to the extent that we can reasonably inform you, what to expect your fees to be.
Our attorneys work on an hourly fee basis. A detailed, itemized bill will be given to you showing all work done on your case. Our goal is to make sure you are happy with your legal services and to ensure that there are no end-of-the-month surprises regarding invoices.
Can I pay my bill by credit card?
Yes. You can pay directly through our secure website portal here. You can also arrange to make scheduled monthly payments via credit card – just speak with our Finance Manager at 970-241-5500.
How will I be kept informed about my case?
At the outset of our representation, we will provide you with the names and contact information for each member of the Dufford Waldeck team who will be assisting you. We will routinely keep you informed of significant developments in your matter, typically via email or phone. We also encourage you to contact us at any time with questions.
Where can I get free legal help?
If you have a legal need but have limited funds available, legal resources are available to you:
· Mesa County Pro Bono Project: 970-424-5748 or contact@probonomc.org
· Colorado Legal Resources: Call a Lawyer Night is the third Thursday every other month, 7-9 p.m., 970-256-4001.
· Mesa County and District Court Self Help website: http://www.mesacourt.org/selfhelp.htm