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How does rollover call forwarding work?

How does rollover call forwarding work?

Published: 07.17.25

Rollover call forwarding is a dynamic way to ensure no call goes unanswered while still giving your in-house staff the first opportunity to pick up. Here's how it works, its benefits, and where it fits best:

What Is Rollover Call Forwarding?

Rollover forwarding sends calls to Answering Legal only if you don’t answer after a set number of rings—typically 3 to 5. It acts as a safety net, catching calls your team misses due to being busy, away, or off-duty.

How It Works

  1. Someone calls your main office number.
  2. Your staff or system has a few rings (you choose how many).
  3. If unanswered, the call is automatically forwarded to Answering Legal.
  4. Our legal intake receptionists take the call, gather info, and send you a detailed message.

Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Ensures all calls are answered, even if your staff is unavailableSlight delay in pickup while the rings time out
Supports and supplements your internal teamMay not catch time-sensitive calls instantly
No need to toggle or manage daily—always on in the backgroundRequires correct setup with your carrier or system
Ideal for firms with partial receptionist coverageCan conflict with voicemail if not set correctly

Best Use Cases

  • Offices with receptionists who can’t always answer (lunch, multiple lines).
  • Firms that want to avoid voicemail entirely.
  • Teams that want Answering Legal as a consistent backup, not full-time handler.

Setup Tips

  • Choose the right ring count (3–5 is common).
  • Disable voicemail or extend its delay to avoid interference.
  • Work with your carrier or phone vendor to configure rollover forwarding correctly.

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