Main Article on Name/Gender Change
Updated June 2023: Read my article on Name/Gender Change (it has been viewed over 25,000 times) and is regularly updated.
Practice
Legal Fees
- Written by Administrator Administrator
- Last Updated: May 16, 2021 May 16, 2021
- Views: 19751 19751
Many people are apprehensive about engaging the services of an attorney, or even making that first phone call as they perceive legal advice as costly. At Lauro Law, PLLC, we understand your concerns. All of our clients are completely informed about legal costs.
As a client-focused firm we are efficient and cost-effective in delivering quality legal services. We are committed to keeping your legal fees to a minimum without compromising the service you receive or the result you obtain.
ATTORNEY FEES.
CURRENT REGULAR HOURLY RATE: $280
CURRENT REGULAR HOURLY WEEKEND RATE: $350
Hourly rates are reviewed from time to time and adjusted as and when appropriate. When an adjustment is required, this website will be updated accordingly.
MEETINGS. (By appointment only; all times are Central Time)
Most meetings are conducted by phone or virtually through apps such as Zoom or Skype.
- Initial Meeting. The Initial Meeting is $100 for the first half-hour when the meeting occurs Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. After the first half-hour, my regular hourly rate applies.
- Evening Initial Meeting. An Evening Initial Meeting is $125 for the first half-hour when the meeting occurs Monday through Friday, 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm. After the first half-hour, my regular hourly rate applies. I do not schedule appointments after 7:30 pm, but meetings scheduled prior to 7:30 pm may go past that time.
- Weekend Initial Meeting. A Weekend Initial Meeting is $150 for the first half-hour when the meeting occurs on a Saturday or Sunday. After the first half-hour, my regular hourly weekend rate applies. No weekend appointments are scheduled before 10:30 am or after 3:30 pm.
- Additional Meetings. All meetings required to continue providing legal services are billed at the regular hourly rates.
Advance Payment is required prior to all Initial Meetings.
PARALEGAL / LEGAL ASSISTANT FEES.
CURRENT REGULAR HOURLY RATE: $95
Paralegal and Legal Assistant services are provided as necessary to maximize client representation, maintain a cost-effective fee structure and reduce client expenses.
FEE DETERMINATION.
The Arkansas Rules of Professional Conduct that govern attorneys have provisions that address fees charged by attorneys and emphasize the reasonableness of a particular fee. While “reasonable” may be hard to define, our professional fees depend on the following factors:
- The time, labor and skill required;
- The fee customarily charged in the locality for similar legal services;
- The ability, character, and reputation of the attorney involved;
- The complexity of the matter;
- Time limits imposed by you or by the circumstances;
- Whether the fee is fixed, hourly or contingent.
Therefore, fees are periodically reviewed and evaluated for reasonableness, taking into account all factors and circumstances.
FEE TYPES.
Fixed Fee: A fixed fee is a one-time payment to cover the costs of handling a specific legal matter such as drafting name and gender change documents, powers of attorney, and simple wills.
Hourly Rate: An hourly rate is an hourly charge for time devoted to handling a specific case. Many legal matters are billed at an hourly rate. Hourly rates may be billed for attorneys, paralegals and other staff support as required.
Contingency Fee: When allowed by law, a contingency fee may be charged which is based on a percentage of the judgment awarded to the client. Contingency Fees are typically used in personal injury cases and are prohibited in family law. (PLEASE NOTE: WE DO NOT take any type of lawsuit on a contingency basis.)
Arkansas Attorney Ad Litem
- Written by Administrator Administrator
- Last Updated: March 17, 2021 March 17, 2021
- Views: 49811 49811
Please Note: Michael V. Lauro, Jr. has attended specialized Attorney Ad Litem training and has represented children in multiple custody cases but is no longer actively certified as an ad litem attorney.
As an former Attorney Ad Litem (currently inactive) we have represented children in domestic relations cases and guardianship cases when custody is an issue. A circuit judge appoints an attorney to represent the child or children in a custody case if the judge determines that the ad litem attorney would facilitate the case and further protect the rights of the child. Attorneys for the parents or parties of a custody case may also recommend that the judge appoint an attorney ad litem.
Attorney Ad Litem role and process
An attorney ad litem conducts an independent investigations consisting of a review of all relevant documents and records. The ad litem will interview the child, parents, and others having relevant knowledge to assist in the representation of the child. They will continue their investigation and have regular contact with the child during the entire case. He will explain to the child the role of the ad litem and court proceedings and hearings in terms that the child can understand.
The attorney ad litem will determine the “best interest of a child” by considering such custody criteria as:
- Moral Fitness factors: integrity, character, compassion, sobriety, religious training and practice, a newly acquired partner regarding the preceding elements;
- Stability factors: emotional stability, work stability, financial stability, residence and school stability, health, partner stability;
- Love and Affection factors: attention given, discipline, attitude toward education, social attitude, attitude toward access of the other party to the child, and attitude toward cooperation with the other party regarding the child's needs;
- The Child factors: relevant information regarding the child such as stated preference, age, sex, health, and testing and evaluation;
- Home and Location factors: relating to its location, size, child care arrangements and family composition.
An attorney ad litem will appear at all hearings to represent the best interest of the child. All relevant facts should be presented to the court and if the child's wishes differ from the ad litem's determination of the child's best interest, the ad litem will communicate the child's wishes to the court, as well as the recommendations of the ad litem. He will file appropriate pleadings on behalf of the child, call witnesses, participate fully in examination of witnesses, present relevant evidence, and advocate for timely hearings. He will make recommendations to the court for specific and appropriate services for the child and the child's family. All recommendations made by the attorney ad litem will be communicated to the attorneys for the parties, or if a party is pro se, then to the party.
When a final custody order is executed, the attorney ad litem's obligation to represent the child ends, unless directed otherwise by the court.
Attorney Ad Litem Qualifications:
To be qualified by the Arkansas Administrative Office of the Court (AOC) as an Attorney Ad Litem an Attorney must be licensed and in good standing with the Arkansas Supreme Court. They must also attend initial and annual Ad Litem training conducted by the AOC.
Arkansas Name Change Lawyer
- Written by Administrator Administrator
- Last Updated: October 18, 2016 October 18, 2016
- Views: 16813 16813
Name Change generally refers to a legal act allowing a person to adopt a name different from their name at birth, marriage, or adoption. A legal name change through a court order is the first step in the name-change process. A person must officially register the new name with the appropriate authorities as a result of this court order.
This process includes notifying various government agencies, each of which may require legal proof of the name change and may charge a fee. Important government agencies to be notified include the Social Security Administration, Bureau of Consular Affairs (for passports), the United States Postal Service, and the Department of Motor Vehicles (for a new driver's license or state identification card). Additionally, the new name must be registered with other institutions such as employers, banks, doctors, mortgage, insurance, and credit card companies.
Lauro Law is one of the premier Arkansas Name Change law firms. We have extensive experience successfully assisting clients through this process.
We will:
- Explain the entire Name Change process and how we will facilitate that process
- Explain your rights and responsibilities
- Provide you with appropriate data and information gathering questionnaires
- Create and electronically file the appropriate court documents
- Obtain the necessary certified copies of the order
- Provide you with an Individualized Detailed Roadmap for getting all your identity documents changed
- And assist you if you need help with having these documents updated.
This is one of the most requested legal services we provide for clients. If you are considering legally changing your name we are here to help you through the process. For information about the process we use, court filings requirements and identity documents that need to be changed, please browse through our Library or select Name Change Process.
Select Court Filings the Name Change process in Arkansas.
Select Identity Documents for a list and description of these documents.
Contact Lauro Law, PLLC by calling 501-613-6529 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
Little Rock Family Law Attorney
- Written by Administrator Administrator
- Last Updated: October 18, 2016 October 18, 2016
- Views: 4075 4075
Family Law deals with family-related issues and domestic relations within marriages, civil unions, domestic partnerships and same-sex couples in Arkansas. Our firm represents clients in a variety of family law areas, giving each client the full attention deserved. We provide legal service and advice to clients in areas such as:
Select Family Law Terms for an extensive glossary of legal terms relating to Family Law in the Lauro Law Library.
Contact Lauro Law, PLLC by calling 501-613-6529 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
