The initial consultation is a real conversation about your situation. The first hour is the work — facts, finances, family dynamics, the actual legal options. You choose which of the firm's attorneys you sit down with, and whether that is by video, by phone, or in the office. If the matter needs more, the second and third hour are available at the same rate.
One hour. $250, prepaid. With Cristi Trusler or with Sarah Pilkington — same hour either way.
The first hour is the work of clarifying what is actually going on. You explain what you are facing; the attorney gives legal advice grounded in your specific facts — your finances, your family, the parts of the Texas Family Code that apply to your situation.
You walk out with:
Whichever attorney you book, the hour is with a lawyer — not an intake screener. Most family-law "free case evaluations" elsewhere in Austin are a paralegal running a qualification script to find out whether you can afford the retainer. No legal advice is given, because the person across the table is not licensed to give any. This is the opposite of that.
Discounted from the firm's standard rate. The first hour is prepaid at booking; up to two additional hours are available at the same $250 rate if the situation needs more time. After two hours, the standard hourly rate applies.
Discounted consultations are limited to two hours at the consult rate. We reserve the right to limit or cancel a consultation when the matter falls outside our practice area, outside the jurisdictions we normally practice in, or when we judge that the firm is not the right fit.
The booking calendar below is grouped by attorney. Whoever you pick, it is the same hour at the same rate.
Founder, Trusler Legal PLLC
Attorney, Trusler Legal PLLC
How to choose. The hour is the same either way — same length, same $250, same work, same firm. Two practical differences: the in-office consult is on Cristi's calendar, and Cristi holds the two board certifications listed above. Past that, most people book whichever calendar has a time that works.
The calendar lists appointments under each attorney's name. Pick one, then pick a date and time. Payment is taken at booking. If you would rather speak to someone first, call the office at (512) 481-0330.
One attorney cannot represent both spouses in a Texas family law matter. If your spouse has already spoken with this firm, call the office at (512) 481-0330 before booking so we can run a conflicts check.
Office hours are 9–5 Monday through Friday, Central Time. Evenings and weekends are not standard, but we will work with you if your situation requires it.