1. Do I need a lawyer?
    If your rights have been violated or you fear a violation—you may need a lawyer.  The Pellerin Law Firm offers free case consultations.
  2. Do I need to file a lawsuit?
    Maybe, but we only do so after speaking with you, getting your permission, and researching your issue.
  3. How do you file a lawsuit?
    The Pellerin Law Firm will draft a petition on your behalf and file it with the appropriate Clerk of the Court.
  4. How long will my case take?
    Lawsuit resolution varies in time from case to case.  If the parties involved are willing to negotiate a settlement, the case can be resolved in less than a year.  If a settlement cannot be reached,   your case could go to trial.
  5. How much will my case cost?
    The Pellerin Law Firm takes personal injury cases on a contingency basis.  Family, criminal, and probate cases are taken both on flat fee and per hour basis depending on case circumstances.
  6. What does contingency basis mean?
    It means the Pellerin Law Firm pays case expenses and fees upfront and is reimbursed only if the client recovers.
  7. Will my case go to trial?
    Possibly. The Pellerin Law Firm will actively seek a favorable settlement with your approval but the other side must be on board. We will be ready for trial if necessary.
  8. How is a case settled?
    We will fight to reach a settlement amount approved by you.  This will require negotiating on both sides.
  9. How much will my case settle for?
    Trying to accurately predict a settlement amount leaves too much to chance.  However, our experience allows us to give an opinion on the value of a case after we thoroughly research it.
  10.  Will lawyer fees go up if my case goes to trial?
    Trials are extremely time consuming and expensive.  As a result, the Pellerin Law Firm’s fees will be based on a larger percentage of the settlement or jury award if your case goes to trial.
  1. Will I go to jail?
    The Pellerin Law Firm will fight to keep you from going to jail if you hire us. However, if you plead guilty or are found guilty at trial, jail time is a possibility. Also, jail time can depend on whether you are convicted of a misdemeanor or felony and if you have any prior convictions.
  2. Can I get probation? 
    Possibly. Probation can be your punishment depending on the type of crime in which you are charged with and your prior convictions. Regardless, we will fight to have your case dismissed, work to negotiate a favorable plea bargain, or defend you at trial if necessary.
  3. Can my case be dismissed?
    Possibly. At the Pellerin Law Firm, we vigorously fight to have our clients’ criminal charges dismissed. However, the state will not be inclined to dismiss charges if they have abundant and/or damaging evidence against you.
  4. Will I reach a plea agreement? 
    If we can’t have the charges against our clients dismissed, then we will continue to fight to reach a plea agreement. Also, we will be prepared to fight the state in trial.
  5. Will I have to pay fines?
    Possibly. Fines often accompany criminal convictions. They can vary based on the severity of the crime. Also, they can be in conjunction with jail time and/or probation.[/fusion_old_tab]
  1. What is a divorce?
    A divorce is the legal end of a marriage.
  2. How do I get custody of my children? 
    In Texas, custody is determined on a best interest of the child standard. The Pellerin Law Firm is ready and willing to help our clients fight for the custody of their children.
  3. How much child support will I pay? 
    Parties can reach an agreement on the amount of support to be paid. But, the agreement is subject to court approval. Without an agreement, the amount depends on how many biological children you are responsible for. The calculation is usually based upon percentages. Also, special needs children could be entitled to larger percentages upon court approval.
  4. Will I get to keep my house?
    Your house could be your separate property, your spouse’s separate property, community property, or a combination of some or all characters. During a divorce, who owns what is a frequent cause for dispute. The Pellerin Law Firm is ready to defend our clients’ in their pursuit of marital property.
  5. Will I have to pay spousal support? 
    An agreement to pay spousal support can be reached by the parties. If not a court could find that spousal support is warranted. Spousal support might be awarded based on the length of the marriage and a party’s current and future ability to earn a living. Past domestic violence issues could also be considered by the court. Finally, the support could be temporary or permanent.
  1. Do I need a will? 
    The Pellerin Law Firm recommends a will for all adults. This is the best way for a person to dispose of their assets after death. Also, a will allows a parent to designate potential guardians for their children.
  2. Why probate a will?
    To obtain a court order declaring the will valid. This could be vital if the disposition of the decedent’s property is contested.
  3. What is estate planning? 
    This is planning for the conservation and disposition of an estate. The Pellerin Law Firm sits down with a client to learn and develop an estate planning strategy that considers tax and other consequences. Then we draft and prepare the legal instruments needed to effectuate our client’s estate plans.
  4. What is a guardianship? 
    It is the court ordered care of a minor or incapacitated individual. This individual is known as the Ward. The guardianship can be over a person or estate.
  5. What is a guardian? 
    A guardian is the person the court appoints to be responsible for making decisions on behalf of the Ward’s best interests. The Pellerin Law Firm is ready to fight for our guardianship clients. Our clients receive the utmost care in this difficult situation. We explain legal obligations and responsibilities required under Texas law.