How much does it cost to hire Jim for a child custody case?

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

Does Jim offer a free consultation?

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

How long do child custody cases in Louisiana typically take?

Simple child custody 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. Jim gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Jim take my case if I'm outside Lake Charles?

Jim is licensed in Louisiana. Matters governed by Louisiana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Jim 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 Jim?

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. Jim will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Jim accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Jim Ortego, Child Custody Attorney in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Over 57 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Divorce, and Real Estate · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Lake Charles, LA

Practicing child custody in Lake Charles since 1969.

57+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Divorce Real Estate

Are you Jim Ortego?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Based in: Lake Charles, LA
Experience: over 57 years
Known for: Child Custody · Divorce · Real Estate

Handles Child Custody, Divorce, and Real Estate matters from Lake Charles, LA.
Over 57 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Jim's practice areas in Lake Charles

Jim concentrates on child custody, divorce, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jim handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Jim takes child custody matters in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jim agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Jim takes divorce matters in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jim agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Jim takes real estate matters in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jim agrees to represent you.

Biography

Jim Ortego, child custody attorney serving Lake Charles

Jim Ortego is an attorney based in Lake Charles, LA. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Divorce, and Real Estate. Jim has over 57 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Jim works from Lake Charles, Louisiana and takes on child custody matters across the region.

Jim Ortego is a lawyer practicing divorce law, child custody law, property divisions law. Jim has been licensed for 57 years. Jim practices in Lake Charles, LA.

How Jim handles child custody matters

Jim Ortego is a lawyer practicing divorce law, child custody law, property divisions law. Jim has been licensed for 57 years. Jim practices in Lake Charles, LA.

Who Jim represents

Jim reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, divorce, and real estate matters in Lake Charles and the surrounding Louisiana area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Jim studied and practices

Tulane University
J.D. University · 1969

Jurisdictions

Jim's state bar admissions

U.S. Circuit Court o
1982 · ACTIVE
U.S. Circuit Court o
1980 · ACTIVE
Louisiana
1969 · ACTIVE

Jim studied at J.D. University in Tulane University.

Law school and academic background

Jim completed J.D. University in Tulane University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jim runs in Louisiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Office locations for Jim Ortego in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Jim's primary office is at Lake Charles, LA, 70601-9415. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Lake Charles, LA 70601-9415

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Jim Ortego — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Jim. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing child custody attorneys in Lake Charles.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Jim Ortego claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Jim Ortego — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Jim charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jim's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Jim will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Lake Charles, Louisiana

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Jim

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Jim confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Jim's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many child custody practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Jim Ortego

How much does it cost to hire Jim for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jim walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jim offer a free consultation?
Jim charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jim's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Jim's current terms during booking.
How long do child custody cases in Louisiana typically take?
Simple child custody 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. Jim gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jim take my case if I'm outside Lake Charles?
Jim is licensed in Louisiana. Matters governed by Louisiana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Jim 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 Jim?
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. Jim will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jim accepting new child custody clients right now?
Jim's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Child Custody attorneys serving Lake Charles, New Orleans and Baton Rouge in Louisiana

Jim handles child custody matters throughout Louisiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified child custody attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Jim's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child custody attorneys in Lake Charles handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.