Free Consultation FAQs
A free legal consultation allows us to evaluate your situation, identify potential legal issues, and provide an overview of available solutions. While we’re happy to discuss these options with you, only an attorney can provide specific guidance for your case. Please note that depending on your circumstances, attorney fees may apply for detailed legal advice and recommendations regarding your optimal course of action
Free consultations generally last 20 to 30 minutes, though the duration may be adjusted according to the case’s complexity and associated legal considerations.
Please upload relevant documents such as contracts, leases, copies of lawsuits, correspondence, and / or credit reports on the consultation request or when scheduling a phone consultation.
You can also upload documents securely to Secure Uploads
We will provide preliminary advice relating to your circumstances but we will primarily focus on evaluating your case.
Legal advice must come from an attorney. Depending upon the complexity of your situation, our attorneys may charge a reasonable fee to understand your complete case and give detailed legal advice.
Our legal team offers complimentary 20 to 30-minute consultations focusing on the matters listed below. As a full-service law firm, we consider cases across various practice areas. However, for matters outside these listed categories, a paid consultation may be necessary to thoroughly assess your situation and provide comprehensive legal advice.
We offer complimentary initial consultations with no obligation to proceed, unless otherwise specified. For complex cases or legal matters beyond our standard practice areas listed on our website, we may recommend scheduling a comprehensive paid consultation with one of our attorneys. The costs of the second consultation with be clearly disclosed before scheduling the consultation.
No. Our free consultation is without obligation to purchase future legal services.
Based on the discussion you and our attorney have we will outline recommended next steps:
Initial Retainer and Fee Structure:
- We will go over our fee structure which can be flat fee with a monthly fee while litigation is ongoing, hourly fees, or contingency fees based amount collected or a combination of any payment structure.
Immediate Next Steps:
- Review and sign our engagement letter outlining the scope of our services
- Submit the initial retainer payment or initial filing fee payment.
- Provide key documents
- Schedule a follow-up meeting to develop our detailed strategy
Estimated Timeline and Costs:
- We will provide an estimated timeline for your case and any additional costs.
Payment Options:
- We accept major credit cards, checks, and electronic transfers
- Payment plans may be available depending on your circumstances
- We can discuss alternative fee arrangements if needed
Yes. We understand you may wish to consult multiple law firms to find the best fit for your legal needs. To provide you with optimal service and avoid any potential conflicts, we kindly request that you inform us of any prior consultations you’ve had with other firms regarding this matter.
For issues outlined on our website, our initial consultation is designed to provide comprehensive guidance, enabling most clients to make an informed decision about retaining our services. However, complex legal matters may require additional analysis beyond the scope of our complimentary consultation. During our discussion, we will clearly outline how we can assist you and provide transparency regarding any anticipated legal fees or additional consultations that may be necessary.
Yes. All information shared during your initial consultation is safeguarded by attorney-client privilege. This protection remains in effect whether or not you choose to retain our firm. The privilege is designed to foster open communication between prospective clients and attorneys, ensuring complete confidentiality throughout the legal consultation process. To maintain this protection, all discussions must be specifically related to seeking legal advice and must remain confidential between you and our firm.
Absolutely. Following your initial consultation, we welcome any additional questions you may have. Basic inquiries will be addressed at no charge. However, if your questions require in-depth legal research or strategic analysis, we may recommend scheduling a paid consultation with an attorney. In such cases, we will clearly communicate all associated fees in advance.
FAQs about J. Gannon Helstowski Law Firm?
We help Texas consumers with the following issues:
- Debt Lawsuits
- Judgment Resolution
- MCA Debt Defense
- Arbitration
- Bankruptcy
- Credit Reporting • FCRA Violations
- Debt Collector Abuse • FDCPA Violations • Apartment Collections • Auto Issues • Debt Buyers • Medical Billing & Collection • Telecom • Utility Debt
- Identity Theft
- Mortgage, Real Estate, and Housing Issues
- Predatory Lending
- Service Member Credit Issues
- Student Loans
- Foreclosure Defense
- File Bankruptcy
We strive to be a full service law firm. Please contact us with any other legal needs by Scheduling a Phone Call
Our firm vigorously defends your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) by taking decisive action against unlawful collection practices. We assist clients experiencing:
- Harassment through repeated or threatening phone calls
- Collection attempts outside permitted hours (before 8 AM or after 9 PM)
- Communications with your employer or family members about your debt
- Threats of legal action or criminal charges
- Use of deceptive or misleading collection tactics
- Attempts to collect incorrect debt amounts or expired debts
Our services include:
- Evaluating collection practices for FDCPA violations
- Demanding immediate cessation of harassing behavior
- Documenting all instances of improper conduct
- Pursuing compensation for statutory damages up to $1,000
- Seeking actual damages for emotional distress and financial losses
- Recovering attorney fees and legal costs from debt collectors
We understand the stress of dealing with aggressive debt collectors and work diligently to protect your rights while holding collection agencies accountable for their actions. You can Schedule a Free Consultation
Yes, we help consumers address and resolve credit report inaccuracies under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Our experienced team works diligently to ensure your credit file accurately reflects your creditworthiness through the following services:
Credit Report Analysis:
- Comprehensive review of all three major credit bureau reports
- Identification of potential errors, including duplicate accounts, incorrect payment histories, and fraudulent entries
- Assessment of outdated information that should be removed
- Verification of account ownership and payment records
Dispute Resolution Process:
- Preparation and submission of detailed dispute letters to credit bureaus
- Direct communication with creditors to verify account information
- Monitoring of credit bureau response timelines
- Follow-up investigations for unresolved disputes
- Appeals of unsuccessful dispute outcomes
Common Issues We Address:
- Identity theft-related accounts
- Accounts belonging to others with similar names
- Incorrect payment status reporting
- Outdated negative information
- Mixed credit files
- Accounts discharged in bankruptcy still showing as active
- Incorrect personal information
- Unauthorized hard inquiries
Additional Services:
- Guidance on improving credit scores
- Assistance with obtaining free annual credit reports
- Education on credit monitoring services
- Support in documenting financial damages from reporting errors
- Pursuit of compensation for FCRA violations when applicable
Our goal is to help you maintain an accurate credit report that properly reflects your credit history and financial responsibility. Learn more about these issues at FCRA Violations or you can Schedule a Free Consultation
Our firm specializes in auto repossession cases and related credit reporting matters. Our comprehensive service includes:
Case Assessment and Documentation
- Thorough review of your repossession case
- Collection and analysis of all relevant documentation
- Evaluation of lender compliance with state and federal regulations
Strategic Planning
- Detailed presentation of available legal options
- Development of customized resolution strategies
- Clear explanation of potential outcomes
Implementation
- Execution of chosen legal strategy
- Regular updates on case progress
- Active negotiation with creditors and financial institutions
- Resolution monitoring and follow-through
To discuss your auto repossession case, schedule your complimentary phone consultation today.
During our complimentary initial consultation, we conduct a thorough evaluation of your consumer rights matter to determine whether legal action is the optimal approach or if alternative solutions might better serve your objectives. Our assessment considers these essential factors:
Potential Legal Violations
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) violations
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) infractions
- Truth in Lending Act (TILA) breaches
- Unfair or deceptive business practices
- Contract violations
- State consumer protection law violations
Evidence Assessment
- Documentation of communications with creditors or collectors
- Records of financial transactions
- Copies of credit reports and dispute responses
- Relevant correspondence and notifications
- Timeline of events and interactions
Damages Evaluation
- Financial losses
- Credit score impacts
- Lost opportunities due to credit denials
- Potential statutory damages
Viability Factors
- Statute of limitations considerations
- Strength of available evidence
- Pattern of misconduct
- Likelihood of successful resolution
- Cost-benefit analysis of legal action
Our experienced team will provide honest feedback about your case’s merits and recommend the most appropriate course of action for your situation. We believe in transparent communication about your legal options and potential outcomes.
We proudly serve consumers across the entire state of Texas, with a focus on providing accessible and effective legal support.
If you are a consumer outside of Texas, you may be able to find a local attorney at the National Association of Consumer Credit Attorneys (NACCA)
Our Fee Structure Options
Flat Fee Services
- Transparent pricing quoted upfront before commencing work
- Clear scope of services outlined in our engagement letter
- Flexible payment plans available for fees exceeding $300
- No unexpected or hidden charges
- Payment options include credit cards, electronic transfers, and checks
Flat Fee Litigation Services
- Initial filing or response fee quoted before beginning representation
- Predictable monthly fee structure during ongoing litigation
- Clear breakdown of costs and services provided
- Upfront payment required for initial court filings
- Monthly billing cycle with detailed invoices
- Additional court costs and filing fees explained in advance
Contingency Fee Arrangements
- No attorney fees unless we successfully resolve your case
- Percentage-based fee structure clearly defined at engagement
- Client responsible only for case-related costs and expenses
- Transparent accounting of all costs incurred
- Fee percentage may vary based on:
- Case complexity
- Stage of resolution
- Amount of recovery
- Required resources
Additional Fee Information:
- All fee arrangements are detailed in written agreements
- Clear explanation of costs versus attorney fees
- Regular updates on case expenses and billing
- Discussion of fee structure during initial consultation
- Opportunity to review all agreements before proceeding
We are committed to transparency in our billing practices and will thoroughly discuss all fee options during your consultation to determine the most appropriate arrangement for your situation.
We are open
Monday through Thursday 9am to 6pm
Friday 9am to 1pm
Saturday and Sunday Closed
Specialized Focus
- Exclusive dedication to consumer protection law
- In-depth knowledge of Texas and federal consumer regulations
- Continuous education on evolving consumer rights legislation
- Specialized experience in credit reporting, debt collection, and auto repossession cases
Personalized Approach
- Direct attorney access throughout your case
- Customized legal strategies tailored to your specific situation
- Regular case updates and communication
- Prompt responses to your questions and concerns
- Clear explanation of complex legal concepts
- Consideration of your long-term financial and legal goals
Proven Experience
- Established track record of successful consumer advocacy
- Experience dealing with major creditors and financial institutions
- History of favorable settlements and litigation outcomes
- Respected reputation within the Texas legal community
- Strong relationships with courts and consumer protection agencies
Client-Centered Philosophy
- Transparent fee structures and billing practices
- Flexible scheduling and consultation options
- Educational approach to empower informed decisions
- Commitment to cost-effective solutions
- Focus on practical, results-oriented strategies
Local Expertise
- Deep understanding of Texas consumer protection laws
- Knowledge of local court systems and procedures
- Strong presence in the Texas legal community
- Familiarity with regional business practices and consumer issues
Our dedication to consumer rights, combined with our focused expertise and personalized service, allows us to effectively advocate for our clients while maintaining the highest standards of professional representation.
Direct access to your legal team.
(800) 891-6988 – Intake of New Clients
5209 Heritage Ave. Ste 510, Colleyville, TX 76034
