When and how to ask a court to change the amount of child support you must pay, or the amount you receive. Many people these days are having trouble either making child support payments or caring for their children on their existing child support because of a change in their work or living situation. If…
Learn More »How foreclosure procedures work, in both judicial and nonjudicial foreclosure states. Foreclosure happens when you fall behind on your house payments and your lender uses state procedures to sell your house. Foreclosure works differently in different states. In some states, the lender has to file a lawsuit to foreclose (judicial foreclosure), while in others, it…
Learn More »Learn what it can mean to be separated instead of divorced. Many people are confused about what is meant by “separated” — and it’s no wonder, given that there are four different kinds of separations. However, how a couple is separated can have important affects on property ownership: Trial separation. When a couple lives apart…
Learn More »Challenge a foreclosure by bringing a defense such as unconscionability or lender mistake. // // ]]>Until recently, successful defenses against foreclosure were relatively rare. But that is changing rapidly — more homeowners are successfully challenging foreclosure actions. This sea change is due, in large part, to the unearthing of more and more evidence that the…
Learn More »Regularly, we notice that there is no continuity in how landlords and property managers draft or serve a Three-Day Notice to Quit for failure to pay rent on a tenant. Some post the Notice on the tenant’s door. Others post the Notice on the door and mail a copy to the tenant. Then there are…
Learn More »Legal and financial matters to consider when caring for an elder. // // ]]> As Americans live increasingly longer lives, many require ongoing, long-term care. This care often falls to grown children — men and women who are in their forties, fifties, and sixties and busy with careers or perhaps children of their own. Getting…
Learn More »What to do if you suspect a senior is being abused in a nursing home. Nursing homes are a place where seniors and the elderly should be safe. Unfortunately, a significant number of nursing homes abuse their residents in some way — from physical abuse to stealing money to illegally restricting activity (false imprisonment). If…
Learn More »Establishing paternity is a critical step towards collecting child support. Determining the answer to the seemingly simple question “Who is the father?” is not as straightforward as you might think. Different circumstances give rise to different legal rules. When Paternity Is Agreed On or Presumed Acknowledged father. An acknowledged father is a biological father of…
Learn More »After you file for bankruptcy, the automatic stay offers potent legal protection against bill collectors. When you file for bankruptcy, something called the automatic stay immediately stops any lawsuit filed against you and most actions against your property by a creditor, collection agency, or government entity. Especially if you are at risk of being evicted,…
Learn More »It’s rare, but courts can toss out a will if it doesn’t meet certain requirements. // // ]]> Will challenges are very unusual — by one estimate, about 99% of wills sail through probate without a hitch — but they do happen. If a will doesn’t fulfill certain legal requirements, or the maker of the…
Learn More »Not sure whether to incorporate your nonprofit? Here’s some information to help you decide. If you’re involved in a fledgling nonprofit organization, you and the other folks active in the group have probably wondered whether or not you should incorporate. Becoming a nonprofit corporation requires some paperwork, but for many groups, the benefits of nonprofit…
Learn More »The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) protects employees from discrimination based on a disability. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or applicants with disabilities in all aspects of employment including hiring, pay, promotion, firing, and more. It also protects employees from retaliation when they enforce their rights under the…
Learn More »Learn about the different ways you can adopt a child. There are quite a few different ways to bring a child into your life, or confirm your legal relationship with one, through adoption. Here’s the lowdown on the different ways that adoption can work. (To learn more about the procedures of adoption, see Adoption Procedures.)…
Learn More »Here’s how to help an elderly loved one make a financial or medical power of attorney. Powers of attorney can bring peace of mind to both elders and their caretakers. Powers of attorney allow elders to empower a trusted person to make decisions about health care and fiances on their behalf. Having such powers in…
Learn More »Lawyers are finally recognizing that some clients need just a little help. Ten years ago, trying to find a lawyer who would help you find your own way through the legal system was next to impossible. This is because, traditionally, attorneys have either taken on overall responsibility for a client’s case or declined to get…
Learn More »Having an informed client makes our representation more effective and demonstrates a client’s commitment to the cause. We strive to educate our clients on legal issues while encouraging them to be engaged in the process and seek answers to their legal questions.
Are your attorneys willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Under appropriate circumstances we will review client-prepared documents and make suggestions in the interest of cost-effective legal services.
Are your attorneys willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
We recognize that some disputes do not justify an attorney appearing in court and will work with “pro se” clients who choose to represent themselves in court. In fact, in Nebraska’s small claims courts, parties are not allowed to have attorneys. Oftentimes we can assist after a client is awarded a judgment by taking steps to collect on the judgment or “garnish” or “execute” on the judgment debtor’s property.
Are your attorneys willing to help a client with one discrete part of a case, without taking on the whole case?
Some cases are better suited to what we call “limited representation” engagements than others. Feel free to ask us whether your case is a good fit for this unique approach to resolving your dispute.
What are your policies about dividing work among the firm’s partners, associates, and paralegals to make the process most cost-effective for the client?
Our firm was founded on the belief that clients deserve more effective and efficient legal services. We strive to utilize the right resources within our firm so that our legal work is both accessible and affordable.
How frequently does your firm use mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law to resolve cases?
Mediation, a voluntary and non-binding form of alternative dispute resolutions (“ADR”) is beginning to be used more frequently as a method to resolve disputes between parties, particularly when both sides share the view that the cost and stress of litigating the case in court may create a lose-lose outcome. Arbitration, which is binding, is used less frequently, but it remains a viable method of ADR.
Does your firm provide pro bono legal services or otherwise participate in your community?
Thompson Law Office provides pro bono legal services to qualified clients and takes pride in contributing to various local causes.
What distinguishes your law firm from others?
Thompson Law Office embraces the latest technologies available to law firms in an effort to enhance communication with our clients and provide more cost-effective legal services. Our Mobile Unit is equipped with technology and amenities comparable to that found at our West Omaha law office. We have exceptional legal resources allowing us to provide big firm service with small firm attention. We offer innovative billings arrangements, such as flat fees, hybrid fees, and payment plans in some cases. We strive to provide superior customer service to our clients.
Do you offer fixed-price services and fees?
The need for some legal services can arise unexpectedly and cause a financial strain during an already stressful time. When appropriate, Thompson Law Office clients are provided alternative billing arrangement choices, which may include flat fees, hybrid fees (hourly capped at a particular amount, then contingency), monthly retainers, payment plans, or typical hourly rates. All major credit cards are accepted as well. Ask to find out whether your legal matter is appropriate for an innovative billing arrangement.
What are your hourly rates?
• $145 to $275 for attorneys
• $75 to $125 for paralegals and legal assistants
• $35 to $55 for law clerks
Do you offer a free initial consultation?
We offer all of our prospective clients a free “meet and greet.” It is a 15 minute meeting with an attorney where you can learn more about our firm, our qualifications, and experience. We also offer a consultation with an attorney for up to an hour, which allows the attorney to learn more about your particular situation and provide responsible advice to you about your legal rights and obligations. We do charge a fee for this consultation, but it is generally a discounted flat fee which is dependent on the type of case, ranging from $50 to $175.
What is your typical retainer?
Retainers vary depending on the circumstances of each case, but they are typically between $1,000 and $5,000.
What are your office hours?
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Do you offer emergency after hours assistance?
Yes
When and how to ask a court to change the amount of child support you must pay, or the amount you receive. Many people these days are having trouble either making child support payments or caring for their children on their existing child support because of a change in their work or living situation. If…
Continue Reading »How foreclosure procedures work, in both judicial and nonjudicial foreclosure states. Foreclosure happens when you fall behind on your house payments and your lender uses state procedures to sell your house. Foreclosure works differently in different states. In some states, the lender has to file a lawsuit to foreclose (judicial foreclosure), while in others, it…
Continue Reading »Learn what it can mean to be separated instead of divorced. Many people are confused about what is meant by “separated” — and it’s no wonder, given that there are four different kinds of separations. However, how a couple is separated can have important affects on property ownership: Trial separation. When a couple lives apart…
Continue Reading »Challenge a foreclosure by bringing a defense such as unconscionability or lender mistake. // // ]]>Until recently, successful defenses against foreclosure were relatively rare. But that is changing rapidly — more homeowners are successfully challenging foreclosure actions. This sea change is due, in large part, to the unearthing of more and more evidence that the…
Continue Reading »Regularly, we notice that there is no continuity in how landlords and property managers draft or serve a Three-Day Notice to Quit for failure to pay rent on a tenant. Some post the Notice on the tenant’s door. Others post the Notice on the door and mail a copy to the tenant. Then there are…
Continue Reading »A client was fired from her job after she complained about sexual harassment by a supervisor. We negotiated a settlement with her employer. Learn more.
Continue Reading »Bringing practical advice and passionate advocacy to your community, home or office. View the Mobile Unit’s schedule to see when it may be near your community! We strongly believe that everyone deserves the same access to professional legal counsel, no matter where you may live or work. Thompson Law Office’s Mobile Unit serves clients throughout…
Continue Reading »
