Alan Lamar Cates, Business Attorney in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Alan concentrates on business, estate planning, general, probate, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Alan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Business

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• Estate Planning

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• General

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• Probate

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• Tax

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• Trusts

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Alan's primary office is at 736 Georgia Avenue, Suite 300, Chattanooga, TN, 37402. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Alan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Alan discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

• How much does it cost to hire Alan for a business case?

  Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Alan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

• Does Alan offer a free consultation?

  Alan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Alan's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Alan's current terms during booking.

• How long do business cases in Tennessee typically take?

  Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Alan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

• Can Alan take my case if I'm outside Chattanooga?

  Alan is licensed in Tennessee. Matters governed by Tennessee law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Alan will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

• What should I bring to my first meeting with Alan?

  Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Alan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

• Is Alan accepting new business clients right now?

  Alan's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.