Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The hiring of a lawyer is a critical step in finding a just solution to any legal concern. You need an attorney who is skilled in the areas of law your case may involve, and who can provide you the appropriate counsel and advocacy you deserve to obtain the outcome you desire and are entitled to under the law.

The law offices of D. Bruce Chochran know you have questions about hiring an attorney.  Below are a few key frequently asked questions (FAQs) and their answers in our three main areas of practice—Family Law, Personal Injury, and Immigration/Deportation/Citizenship.  Undertanding them is a critical step in helping to assure your first decision about how best to proceed is your best.

Family Law

• How do I decide if I need a lawyer?
• What laws govern contested issues? What type of attorney do I need?
• I thought I did not need a lawyer to adopt. Is that true?

Personal Injury

Immigration/Deporation/Citizenship

• Why I have I been advised to make sure I have representation?

Serving families in crises, the wrongfully injured, and citizenship clients in Central and North Texas

With offices in Dallas and Killeen, Texas, the Law Office of D. Bruce Cochran serves the needs of family law, personal injury, and immigration and naturalization clients. Call (254)628-8887 for Killeen or (972)-239-9500 for Dallas, or contact us online today for a free consultation about your case.

Family Law

How do I decide if I need a lawyer?

Unless you have a simple, uncontested divorce, consider hiring a lawyer. If there are any disputes about whether or not there should be a divorce, or there are issues regarding division of property, taxes, child custody or support, and especially if your spouse has hired a lawyer, you are going to need professional representation.

What laws govern contested issues? What type of attorney do I need?

It is State law determines such things as—

• Division of property: which a judge will divide according to the law if it is contested.
• Child custody, including residency
• Child support

The tax consequences of property disposition, e.g., if there is insufficient marital property, the court may award money to either spouse as reimbursement for the financial contribution by one spouse toward the higher education of the children
It is for these reasons you need an attorney with knowledge and experience with your state’s family law. They are your best way to insure everyone’s rights are respected and considered in the dissolution of a marriage including the division of assets and the roles and responsibilities of the contesting parties.

I thought I did not need a lawyer to adopt. Is that true?

It can be true, if you are skilled in all facets of the law impacting an adoption. However, remember an adoption involves the future of a child, and the emotional well-being of an entire family. Adoptions can be extremely complex, especially if parents are adopting a child from another country. Only a skilled attorney can protect you against the possible traumatic consequences for all parties should the adoption not be according to the letter of the law.

Personal Injury

Is there a minimum or maximum amount that can be recovered in a personal injury settlement?

No.  This is true no matter the cause or severity of the injuries be they from: an automobile accident, premises liability incident, the malfunctioning of a defective product, or any accident that results in the wrongful death of a loved one.

Will I have to go to trial to recover damages?

About 95 percent of personal injury cases filed settle prior to trial.

Should I provide a statement to an insurance company without a lawyer’s help?

It is in your best interests to only provide your contact information to an insurance company until you consult with a lawyer. The more significant your injuries, the more imperative it becomes to seek legal counsel before providing any statement.

What is considered “pain and suffering?”

Pain and suffering includes harm caused by physical injury and mental anguish experienced through avoiding activities you engaged in prior to your accident and the potential of surgery.

What determines the amount I might recover?

Every case addresses three issues: 

• Liability—establishing someone’s negligence
• Damages—the amount that will fairly and adequately compensate you for your injuries
• Source of collection—insurance or other assets from which damages can be recovered

What is a typical settlement amount?

An experienced personal injury lawyer reviews and interprets your case information to determine the appropriate value for your claim:

The goal is fair and adequate compensation for your injury and an experienced attorney will know what a reasonable jury would award. The strength of lay and expert witness testimony will likely influence the amount.

Immigration/Deportation/Citizenship

Why I have I been advised to make sure I have representation? 

Dealing with the government can be complicated, time-consuming, and confusing. Potential visitors and immigrants can experience—

While government agencies may hold your fate in their hands, you do not need to face their representatives alone.

A professional immigration/deportation/citizenship lawyer should advise you on your status, your options, and the best way to proceed to have your desires fulfilled.

This applies to—

There are also a host of other issues that may arise as you attempt to establish your legal status many of which are time critical so contact an attorney as soon as possible.

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