"Do You Offer Free Consultations?"

Most of the blog entries you'll read here are based on facts and legal doctrines. This article, however, is entirely my opinion.
When someone begins thinking about their Family Law issues, or when a problem is thrust upon them, their first step usually is to perform research and seek advice. Browsing the internet and speaking to family and friends can only help so much. Sooner or later, it's time to speak to an attorney.
Often, it seems to make sense to take advantage of a lawyer's "free initial consultation." There's no obligation and all you will spend is your time. But in my opinion, you will get what you pay for.
Too many free consultations are simply opportunities for a lawyer to sell you their services. The "initial" consultation often will not provide any substantial benefits to the individual. Rather, the appointment will become a marketing tool for the lawyer to try and sign you as a client.
A lawyer who gives a legitimate consultation of any substance should spend an hour or longer with you to learn and listen to your story, and patiently explain your rights, the options available to protect those rights, the legal process you should expect, and how much money and emotional investment each of those options will cost you.
But instead of getting legal advice, which they expect, many individuals who seek free consultations receive a sales pitch. And instead of providing unbiased or impartial advice, many lawyers who give free consultations promise impossible results or candy-coat your situation in order to earn your confidence.
Most attorneys believe the first hour they spend with a client should be the most important and valuable time in the relationship. A lawyer who is giving away his or her time is not likely to respect or endorse this belief. It borders on being unethical to mislead people by representing a sales appointment as a free consultation.
I appreciate that you face a personal crisis. Maybe you've never had to hire a lawyer and don't know how. You're afraid of making a big mistake. You think a free consultation is a safe first step.
My position is to offer a middle ground. I do not meet prospective clients for free, but I offer a flat fee that equates to a reduced hourly rate for initial consultations. My consultations take as long as necessary. We stop when you have no more questions. When I charge someone a flat fee for an hour or two of my time, we have begun a professional relationship. As a result, you are entitled to the best consultation possible and deserve my best effort in addressing your concerns and your situation. 
Aside from the professional and ethical reasons I have for charging a moderate fee for initial consultations, there are practical business considerations.
I have found that many people who make free appointments simply fail to show up, probably because they place so little value on my time. I end up wasting time preparing and waiting for no-shows.
In addition, I have many current clients who need and expect their legal work done immediately. They want their phone calls returned today. I must focus my attention on my paying clients. There are only so many hours in a day and I'm too busy to give away my time.