Frances M. Wood, Appellate Attorney in the United States

Frances concentrates on appellate, family law, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Frances handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Appellate

  View other Appellate attorneys

• Family Law

  View other Family Law attorneys

• Litigation

  View other Litigation attorneys

Frances's primary office is at 21 Queen Street East, Suite 300, Brampton, ON, L6W 3P1. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

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

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

• How much does it cost to hire Frances for a appellate case?

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

• Does Frances offer a free consultation?

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

• How long do appellate cases in this state typically take?

  Simple appellate 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. Frances gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

• Can Frances take my case if I'm outside the area?

  Frances evaluates matters case by case. If the venue is outside Frances's regular jurisdictions, the intake call will confirm whether direct representation or a referral makes more sense.

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

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

• Is Frances accepting new appellate clients right now?

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