Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Payment Methods You Accept?
We accept credit cards, checks, and cash.
Do you accept payments remotely?
Yes, upon request we can email you an invoice. You can pay with a credit card on-line.
Do you accept payment plans?
Sometimes. It depends on the situation. We are very reasonable people, and if you have any special requests about payments terms, please do not hesitate to ask us.
What is a contingency fee, and do you accept them?
A contingency fee is a fee under which the lawyer’s legal fee is contingent upon the result of the case. For example, a common contingency fee in a personal injury case is one-third of the recovery. At our office we do a lot of contingency fee work on all types of cases within the ethical rules. Some types of cases do not allow for contingency fees. If you believe your case is appropriate for a contingency fee, just ask.
How Will I Be Kept Informed about My Case?
Both Peter and Lori will you well informed about your case. You will be contract with them using phone, email, and text.
Do you accept contingency fees on employment law cases.
Sometimes, just ask. The contingency fee structure for an employment law case is a different from a personal injury case, which will be explained. But in the vast majority of employment law cases that Peter Bartinik Jr. accepts, he will require his client to pay a reasonable sum up front even when a contingency fee is agreed upon. All of this will be explained, along with the rationale for this policy.
What parts of Connecticut do you cover?
We handle cases all over Connecticut. Most of our cases originate out of Southeastern, Connecticut because that is we live and maintain our office. For personal injury cases we handle many cases all over Connecticut, and many cases along the I95 corridor. For employment law cases we are frequently all over Connecticut, and those cases frequently end up in the Federal Courts in Hartford, New Haven, or Bridgeport. For criminal cases, we mainly handle cases in Southeastern, Connecticut, and then north along the 395 corridor. For family law cases most of our cases are handled in the Norwich, Superior Court although we handle cases all over the eastern half of Connecticut.
Can I retain your office with only a phone call or video meeting?
Possibly, if that is necessary. But normally we meet with our clients personally.
What is a retainer?
A retainer is an upfront payment for legal services.
Do you require a retainer in all cases?
Not always, but most of the time.
What is a fee agreement?
A fee agreement is a written contract between a lawyer, and client setting out the terms of the engagement including the legal fees paid for the legal services.
Do you use written fee agreements?
Yes, we follow the ethical rules of professional conduct, and use written fee agreements with clients.