Most of lawyers will charge consultation fee if you consulted them and not using them later, unless they specifically stated "free evaluation". That is normal. There is no free lunch.
Just think about this way: you may consult many lawyers and collect all the information you want to know, then decide not using them, who is going to pay the time they spent?
Just think about this way: you may consult many lawyers and collect all the information you want to know, then decide not using them, who is going to pay the time they spent?