FAQ’s

A legal consultation is your first step in getting professional legal help. During this meeting, you’ll explain your situation, and the lawyer will assess your case, outline your legal options, and recommend next steps. The lawyer will also explain how they work, their experience, and how much their services will cost. This is your chance to ask questions, understand your rights, and decide whether to move forward with legal representation. To make the most of your consultation, bring any relevant documents and a list of key questions.

Our firm specializes in a broad range of legal services to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our key practice areas include:

• Corporate & Commercial Law – Business formation, contracts, mergers & acquisitions, and regulatory compliance.

• Litigation & Dispute Resolution – Civil litigation, commercial disputes, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

• Family Law – Divorce, child custody, support agreements, and spousal maintenance.

• Real Estate & Property Law – Transactions, leasing, zoning issues, and property disputes.

• Criminal Defense – Representation in criminal proceedings, including white-collar crime and general offenses.

• Employment Law – Advising both employers and employees on contracts, wrongful termination, and workplace disputes.

• Estate Planning & Probate – Wills, trusts, estate administration, and succession planning.

We also offer tailored legal solutions for niche industries. Please contact us directly to discuss how we can assist with your specific legal needs.

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Yes. We believe that clear, direct communication between clients and their attorneys is essential to effective legal representation. When you work with our firm, you will have direct access to the attorney handling your case. We make it a priority to keep you informed, respond to your questions promptly, and ensure that you’re involved in every key decision throughout the legal process.

If your attorney is unavailable at the time of your call, we will ensure a timely follow-up or arrange a scheduled consultation at your convenience.

To make the most of your initial consultation, we recommend bringing the following:

1. Relevant Documents

   • Any legal paperwork related to your case (e.g., contracts, court notices, police reports, correspondence, wills, etc.)

   • Identification (driver’s license or passport)

   • Financial documents, if applicable (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns, asset/debt statements)

2. Written Summary

   • A brief timeline or summary of the issue you’re facing can help your attorney quickly understand the context.

3. Questions or Concerns

   • Prepare a list of questions you want to ask, so you leave the appointment with the clarity you need.

4. Any Prior Legal Advice or Agreements

   • If you’ve already received legal advice or have existing agreements in place, please bring those as well.

If you’re unsure whether something is relevant, it’s better to bring it with you. Our team will review your materials and guide you on what’s important for your case.

Our fees vary depending on the nature and complexity of your legal matter. We offer several fee structures to suit different types of cases, including:

• Hourly Rates – Common for ongoing or complex legal matters such as litigation or business law.

• Flat Fees – Available for well-defined services like drafting wills, contracts, or uncontested divorces.

• Contingency Fees – In certain cases such as personal injury claims, we may work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.

• Retainers – For some matters, we may require an upfront retainer, which is applied toward future legal services.

Payment Options:
We accept various forms of payment including:

• Major credit and debit cards

• Bank transfers

• Checks

• Payment plans (available on a case-by-case basis)

Before we begin work on your case, we’ll provide a clear explanation of all costs and discuss the most appropriate fee structure for your situation. Transparency and fairness are key principles in how we handle billing.

If you are facing a legal emergency and need immediate assistance, please contact our office directly at [

+234 8037031942

] and indicate that it is urgent. During business hours, our staff will prioritize your call and connect you with an attorney as quickly as possible.

For emergencies outside of normal business hours, we offer the following options:

• After-Hours Voicemail: Leave a detailed message, and our on-call attorney will return your call as soon as possible.

• Emergency Email: You may also email us at [info@sammiesomiariandassociates.com] with the subject line “URGENT” — our team monitors this inbox regularly.

Please note that while we make every effort to respond promptly, response times may vary depending on the nature of the emergency and availability.

If your situation involves immediate danger, arrest, or injury, we strongly advise contacting local law enforcement or emergency services first.

The length of the legal process can vary significantly depending on the type of case, its complexity, and the court or jurisdiction involved. While every case is unique, here are some general timelines:

• Simple Legal Matters (e.g., drafting a will, forming a business, uncontested divorce):
  Typically resolved within a few days to a few weeks.

• Negotiated Settlements (e.g., contracts, personal injury claims):
  May take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the willingness of both parties to reach an agreement.

• Litigation and Court Proceedings (e.g., civil lawsuits, family law disputes, criminal defense):
  These can take several months to over a year, depending on the court’s schedule, motions, discovery process, and potential appeals.

• Probate and Estate Administration:
  Often takes 6 to 12 months, but can be longer for complex estates or contested matters.

We understand that time is a critical factor for our clients. From the outset, we will provide a realistic estimate based on your specific circumstances and keep you informed of any developments or delays along the way.

At our firm, client care is at the core of everything we do. We prioritize your needs and concerns through a combination of clear communication, personalized service, and dedicated legal strategy. Here’s how:

• Personalized Attention: We take the time to understand your goals, concerns, and priorities. No two clients or cases are the same, and our legal approach reflects that.

• Open Communication: We maintain regular contact, respond promptly to your questions, and ensure you’re informed at every stage of your case.

• Transparency: We provide honest assessments, realistic expectations, and clear explanations of your legal options, so you can make informed decisions.

• Accessibility: You’ll have direct access to your attorney, and our support staff is always available to assist with updates or administrative needs.

• Client Advocacy: Whether negotiating a settlement or representing you in court, we vigorously advocate for your best interests every step of the way.

Your peace of mind matters to us. We are committed to guiding you with clarity, respect, and professionalism throughout the legal process.