Lawyers map
>1,018k
experienced lawyers
Thank you for your service. You are the best lawyer I have ever hired.
Different
review sites
review sites
>7
Filter by
26 Mar, 2017 by Claudia
Choosing an attorney when going through a devastating process such as a non amicable divorce is critical. I felt like my life was turned upside down and my heart was ripped into pieces. My biggest fear was hurting my two beautiful children in the process, and so protecting them was my main priority. I consulted with several divorce attorneys and the level of anxiety just kept increasing. It wasn't until I met Natalie Lemos that I finally felt safe and hopeful. She had been highly recommended by a friend and the minute I consulted with her I instantly knew she would be my "forever attorney". You see, Natalie was totally aligned with my family values. She is a woman of integrity and her main focus is the children's well being. All decisions were based on protecting us as a new family, with our new future. That is something a parent always can appreciate, it is priceless. Natalie guides you through the steps to consider pre and post divorce. She really cares about her clients, their financial stability and emotional state. You need her, she's immediately there. She will not make you wait. She literally spoils her clients. Shes effective and fast. She's not an attorney that prolongs the process. Her honesty and loyalty are the things I admire the most. She's strong in court and in mediation, I always felt well represented and at ease. She's phenomenal! I respect her for her outstanding mentoring and leadership during and after my divorce. She gave me hope when I was going through the darkest time in my life, I will forever be grateful for giving light to my life again.
Read more
20 Mar, 2017 by Jorge
Although divorce is not ideal, I’ve gone down that unfortunate path. Having Ms. Lemos on my side made a profound and positive difference. She ensured my kids were untouched by the unfortunate divorce process. Natalie's advisement helped me to prioritize my contentions. Her keen understanding of the nuances of family law coupled with her compassion and empathy for “the family”, made it possible for me and my-ex wife to find an amenable solution. So much so that today we are on good terms. Personally, I discourage my friends from pursuing divorce if at all possible. But once divorce becomes inevitable, then Ms. Natalie Lemos is the right person to have on your side! She’s smart, knowledgeable, balanced and particularly clear on helping you pinpoint what matters most. I highly recommend Natalie Lemos.
Read more
19 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I'm a single father of two and I was very pleased with Natalie's guidance through my challenging divorce. She is extremely knowledgable and well prepared. She gave me great advice on financial matters and with regard to my children. I highly recommend Natalie.
Read more
01 Feb, 2018 by Mike d
A really good divorce attorney. I know a handful and she’s the only one I ever recommend to friends or family. Quality attorney who knows her cases. She always remembered my kids names and what they are into. I think that makes a real difference
Read more
11 Jan, 2018 by Jenn
Kate is a strong attorney. She and her team were well-prepared and I am glad they were in my corner. Custody and child support were a lot easier than I thought. Highly recommend
Read more
04 Aug, 2017 by Zoe
Kate did a terrific job of negotiating a workable co-parenting arrangement for me and my former partner. I didn't think we could reach and conclusion but Kate got I done. I felt comfortable being open with her and she's an attorney who actually returns calls and emails on time.
Read more
28 Aug, 2024 by Pearce
Morgan handled my child support case with professionalism, but better than that I felt like I had an advocate who took the time to understand what I was going through so she could give me the best advice and direction. She was effective, responsive, and proactive to keep me on track when things were time sensitive. She gave me clear expectations and options so I felt like I had open eyes and support, but I could still drive the decisions.
Read more
21 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
I feel very fortunate that Morgan assisted me with my case. Her knowledge and direct approach allowed us to quickly review all information, explore options, and form a plan immediately. She and her office prioritized all of my concerns, and patiently addressed questions. Morgan is extremely knowledgeable and acts with integrity every step of the way. Although Meiselman, Helfant and Wills Firm previously represented me multiple times, this was my first opportunity to work with her, and I highly recommend her services.
Read more
29 Mar, 2022 by Sherhonda
Since the beginning of my divorce, I have tried to resolve so many challenges for my daughter and me. After working with several attorneys, I researched and found Meiselman Helfant & Willis. When I initially arrived at the office, I was greeted and there was NO wait. My time was respected!
Throughout the entire process, I was informed and aware of everything that was to be expected of me. My questions were answered thoroughly; emails responded to promptly; phone calls answered; and everyone was always prepared and organized.
Extremely pleased with the service and the outcome! Highly recommend M. Appel to support your child support and custody needs.
Read more
19 Dec, 2019 by Jessica
Margaret made my divorce go as smoothly as possible and helped me get the best outcome for my family. Her knowledge, patience and timely responses were such a relief for me during this difficult time. As bumps in the road came up she would help me weigh all of my options so I could make the best decision to proceed. If you find yourself in need of an attorney I would highly recommend her over and over again!
Read more
21 Mar, 2019 by L. anne lewis
I cannot begin to say enough great things about Margaret. I had a gut feeling about her and my gut did not steer me wrong. I am beyond thankful that she took on my case. No separation is easy, especially when it involves children. I was dealing with threats, verbal abuse, harassment, bullying, etc. I explained to Margaret what she would be in for and what we would be up against and she did not bat an eye. She was always very supportive and reassuring and all around a pleasure to work with. Anytime I had a question or concern, if I called or sent her an e-mail, she would always get back to me in a timely manner. She is very organized and extremely professional. And she is a go-getter! She will fight for you. I was extremely impressed by her overall work ethic and attitude. She is great in what she does. If there is ever a time where I find myself being in the same situation, Margaret is going to be the first person I call. I will never use another lawyer!
Read more
11 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
Margaret was extremely helpful as my ex and I worked together to amend our divorce agreement.
Read more
5.0
3 Reviews
5.0
3 Reviews
04 Apr, 2021 by Cenvalleysteel
I would never use any Familly Law Attorney then Ms. Davis. Very honest and forthcoming.
Read more
07 Apr, 2020 by Kimberly de lima
12 Jan, 2020 by Pete
Jullian, is an awesome lawyer. She helped me in a very messy divorce. I will be consulting her again and would highly recommend her if your going thru a divorce.
Read more
22 Jun, 2015 by Thuy
I have been with Ms. Hubbell as my family attorney since November 2003 up to present. Ms. Hubbell is an ethical attorney who responds to my concerns and needs very promptly and effectively, especially during crises. My case consisted of complicated asset division and long, bitter custodial battle. During one court date, Ms. Hubbell was very compelling in every stage. Because of her effectiveness, I had a favorable outcome for the case, which included having the other party pay for my attorney fee. I was fortunate to have Ms. Hubbell, a good communicator who strives for the best results for her client, represent my case. Overall, I am very happy with her work and her care. For those I recommended Ms. Hubbell to as their family attorney, they were also happy with her. As time goes by, I know that I cannot find a better attorney than Ms. Hubbell.
Read more
26 May, 2015 by Melissa
Karen Hubbell provided my husband and I with excellent legal support in finalizing some lingering issues from his previous marriage. I wish he had gone to Karen from the beginning, instead of using a mediator. So many people wanting an amicable divorce shy away from hiring a lawyer, fearing that it will lead to a court battle or cost a ton of money. However, when you have financial entanglements and children involved, it is imperative to seek help from a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the legal system and can get it done right - the first time around. We found Karen to be very straightforward and understanding of the approach we wanted to take in getting matters resolved. With her help, we were able to finally lay to rest the custody schedule and financial issues that had been dragging on unresolved for three years after his divorce. I only wish we had gone to her sooner. If we ever have any future issues, Karen Hubbell will be the first person we call.
Read more
28 Apr, 2015 by Steve
Karen is very dedicated and truly devoted to her clients’ best interests. She is thorough and responsive. She has excellent knowledge of the law and always helps me make the best decisions. She works well with opposing attorneys and her fees are reasonable. I always know what is going on and what to expect. I feel safe knowing that Karen is on my side.
Read more
04 Aug, 2021 by Maureen flanagan
I used Jim Lowry for services of Will/Trust.. He's efficient and responsive with any questions I had. Also, was very affordable and helpful through a tough process for me.
Read more
22 Oct, 2018 by Robert prestandrea
I met James through my bankruptcy attorney
During the bank fraud forclosures in 2010. He assisted me to stay in my forclosed home for 5 years, to recover some of the financial loss I incured when the bank kept my escrow money through the forclosure process. I highly recommend Jim for any issues you may have. In addition I found him to be genuinely concerned with my well being. I also loved his sense of humor.
Thanks Jim
I appreciate you.
Rob P
Read more
08 Sep, 2017 by Jessica
My case dealt primarily with her partner Stephanie. When Stephanie became unavailable, Michelle stepped in. I always thought a lawyer subbing in for their partner would be more of a placeholder following instructions. I was wrong. Michelle was well versed in my case before we even began discussing it. I credit what I have with my daughter to both their brilliance. I endorse any parent to reach out to them if they need legal assistance.
Read more
05 Nov, 2023 by Christina
I spent way more time and effort to select my divorce lawyer than I ever did to choose my (now ex) husband. I did extensive online research. I read tons of testimonials. I even listened to divorce podcasts and took notes.
On paper, Geraldine Hess stood out among the other divorce lawyers I considered because she is Fellow of the Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), and her practice is 100% focused on family law.
In practice, Geraldine Hess ended up being an advocate I could TRUST to help me navigate through one of the worst times in my life.
I liked working with Geraldine because she was always tactful and professional, but at the same time, she never sugar coated anything or tip toed around difficult things that needed to be said or done. I loved that she was so straightforward and honest, while also being fair and kind.
I also really appreciated how tough Geraldine was, both mentally and emotionally. I don’t mean that she was a junk yard bull dog with a spiked collar and a loud bark. I mean that nothing surprised her or shocked her or threw her off her game. If my husband had set himself on fire while on the witness stand, Geraldine would probably have to stifle a yawn.
Beyond that, Geraldine was organized, reliable, and responsive, as were her assistants. She ran a tight ship, and I knew that she would never let anything fall through the cracks.
During my divorce, I ended up needing a criminal lawyer and then a contract lawyer. Geraldine referred me to two excellent attorneys who were both trustworthy and excellent in their fields.
Geraldine Hess has my highest recommendation. I hope never to get divorced again, but if I did, I would call Geraldine right away.
Read more
30 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
The short version:
If you need a family law attorney, go to Geraldine. She is smart, dedicated, no nonsense (but still kind), will keep you well informed and quickly and fully responds to questions. Bottom line, she takes care of business and does so extremely efficiently.
The long (yet still shortened) version:
My spouse and I decided to get divorced and started off with the collaborative divorce process. As the collaborative process neared completion, my spouse terminated the collaborative process despite the advice of counsel and a mutual divorce coach.
Shortly after terminating the collaborative process, my spouse hired a new attorney and filed for divorce while making many false and vicious accusations along with unreasonable and upsetting requests to the court. I obtained a new family law attorney/law group and a very contentious process ensued. After many months, not much progress had been made and my attorneys were convinced that settling outside of court was not likely. My attorneys therefore significantly increased their retainer and informed me that they would have to withdraw from my case if I was unable to pay the new retainer. At this point I had amassed a significant amount of debt and could not afford the amount they requested. They withdrew from my case. I was at a complete loss for what to do. I was financially destroyed, the emotional stress of the past year and a half was taking its toll on me and I didn’t know where to turn.
Then I found Geraldine and retained her services. Almost immediately the tone of the process changed and I felt like progress was being made. Geraldine quickly got up to speed with my case and hit the ground running. She laid out the options and scenarios, explained what she was thinking and why and developed a strategy for moving forward. She kept me fully informed and answered any questions I had every step of the way. A few months after Geraldine came on board, my case was settled and with an outcome that was significantly better than what I was expecting and better than previous offers made to my spouse which had been turned down.
Having the unfortunate, and likely uncommon, experience of working with multiple family law attorneys, I can say that Geraldine is awesome at her job! She did much more for me than any prior attorney in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost.
I never write reviews. However, felt compelled to write one for Geraldine as 1) a way to acknowledge and thank her for a job very well done and 2) to hopefully help others out there who find themselves going through a divorce. It is not fun. It is not easy. However, having the right attorney makes a world of difference.
Read more
11 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Geraldine became my lawyer in 1996. She attempted to settle my case, which involved child support, child custody, and property settlement, amicably. However, my former spouse made things extremely difficult. Geraldine recognized that we would need to change the strategy for my case, and she made the change seamlessly. She represented me well, which resulted in my being awarded primary custody of my children. She also ensured that I was able to maintain my retirement savings (my former spouse had depleted his after our separation, and he wanted half of mine). My former spouse took me to Court twice after our divorce to reduce the amount of child support he was paying. I retained Geraldine for both of those cases and found her to be just as thorough as she had been during my divorce. My case has been closed for some time now, but I still consult with Geraldine as needed. Geraldine is smart, meticulous, honest, knowledgeable, and accessible, and I strongly recommend her to anyone who needs a divorce attorney.
Read more
15 Aug, 2024 by Frank armenio
My divorce was not an easy one by any means. The other party did not want to be a participate in the process that she initiated, be fair financially, and was in character throughout the two and half yr process. Veronica weeded through this from minute one.
Veronica jumped on board in my case more than halfway through the process from the recommendation of my previous attorney to get my case resolved. There is a reason he recommended her. Veronica was forceful and stern during the negotiations(mediation) with the other party and was always looking out for my best interests financially which included doing everything possible from the first day I spoke to her to avoid trial which is where my case was headed. The reason for the referral from my previous attorney.
During one of most difficult times of your life, Veronica attempted to understand everything on a personal/emotional level as well beyond the business aspect of divorce.
Veronica is extremely knowledgeable of the NJ laws of divorce which is so important. She is professional, cordial, assertive, and great at explaining things/answering questions. Veronica also will hold you accountable if she needs to which is important in this process.
The firm in Springfield is professional and welcoming; which is includes her paralegal Diana O who I would like to acknowledge as well.
In divorce, no one wins or loses. My JOD was fair and equitable at the end of the day which is what should have happened. Veronica accomplished that for me with honesty and sincerity from day one.
Five star review.
Read more
12 Oct, 2023 by Jamie ryan - mih
Judi McDermott Esq. is direct, compassionate and effective!
Read more
03 Oct, 2023 by William green
PHENOMENAL ATTORNEY!!!
Read more
17 Sep, 2023 by Chuck
I was fortunate to work with Ms. Dundas. It was a grueling six year process and she was always there to explain my options, relevant strategies and most importantly keep me on track when the pressure of process began to seem insurmountable.
Read more
27 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
My case with Allison demonstrated how outstanding she is with all the following distinctions: experience, knowledge of the law & process, strategy, preparation, prudence, and compassion. She is an astute, clear-sighted & assertive counselor who consistently demonstrates a detailed & thorough understanding of the daunting complex of challenges faced in separation, child custody & divorce ranging from innumerable minutiae to overarching strategy. In particular, Allison was very efficient, directed, and targeted at the extended goals of asserting my self-interests especially with regard to mediation & child custody – she has great foresight born from well-integrated experience. Over 19 months of the case, I truly appreciated how concise & exact she was in communicating with the other party and executing on the process – from a financial standpoint I benefitted from much greater value of effort than I reasonably calculated for the anticipated cost. Another observation I made that further cemented my confidence was the demonstrably established credibility she holds with judges & the court system. On a personal side, I may have benefitted as much, if not more, from her heartfelt awareness, understanding & compassion for my anguished state through most of the process. She was very adept at helping to modulate my emotions throughout – something I was not cognizant of for a long time, and this effort further contributed to executing a thoughtful, constructive plan. My separation, child custody & divorce ended up decidedly where Allison advised we would arrive at the outset, a conclusion that I had great difficulty believing was achievable. The path from confusion, uncertainty & enormous emotional distress to understanding, acceptance, satisfaction & personal ease was the most challenging course of my life and one that I could not have followed without Allison’s guidance, action & encouragement. I have rarely felt so fortunate as to have Allison manage and execute my case while concurrently offering the most meaningful personal support.
Read more
14 Jun, 2021 by Laura
Allison Dundas helped me with perspective when I was in the process of a divorce with young children. She approached my case with care, concern, and excellent guidance.
I couldn't have made the choices I made to change my life without legal help. Allison's expertise was pivotal for me to make the change I needed to make.
Read more
07 Dec, 2015 by Caroline
Ben Phillips is an outstanding attorney.
Having Ben as my attorney was one of the best choices I made during a very challenging time. He came highly recommended to me, and I will always be grateful for those recommendations.
Going through a divorce can be emotionally draining. However, with Ben as my attorney handling everything superbly, I was able to focus on being a mom to my 3 children.
The moment Ben became my attorney, things started to quickly line up and shift in the right direction.
It was a very complex financial case with a very litigious husband of high net worth who was hiding assets. Ben is extremely intelligent, quick-minded, and organized. He is highly respected by judges and peers alike. Litigation comes naturally to Ben as he is extremely eloquent and well-versed in the law. He is an excellent litigator.
His perfectionism shows in his work, and his staff are all top notch as well. I am and will always be truly grateful for all that Ben has done for me as my attorney. I highly recommend Ben Phillips.
Read more
01 Nov, 2013 by Doug
I had to endure a three year divorce process and learned a lot from it. First and mainly, I should have retained John "Ben" Phillips first off. I had three attorneys prior to retaining Ben and if you combined all three prior attorneys as a team, they could even come close to Ben's expertise in family law matters. The difference between an attorney and a great attorney is a great attorney can get the job done quickly.
Ben is highly organized and he knows the law regarding divorce, child custody and all other aspects of family law. Ben is a great negotiator as well as a great listener. His handling of the division of community assets and child custody issues in my divorce case left me great satisfaction. My retirement funds were a huge concern of mine and through Ben's negotiating skills, provided me with more than favorable results.
No one likes to go through a messy, complicated and emotional divorce. From my experience, I can tell you do not throw money away by just hiring an attorney(s). Retain the best attorney possible you can from the get-go who will work and fight for you with professionalism. I highly recommend Ben Phillips as absolutely the best family law attorney out there. Before my divorce I did know Ben but now I consider him a friend.
Read more
04 Dec, 2011 by Christine
If you are looking for an attorney who is extremely smart, competent, effective, fair in billing, and empathic to your situation, then Ben is a great choice for your attorney. My divorce was complicated and my ex wanted to fight. Ben was able to keep the focus on the facts and keep track of the vast quantities of paper and rabbit trails that the other side created. He was quite organized and retained the relevant information such that when we finally did get to court, he knew exactly where to go to get the pertinent information/numbers. He did not allow the other side to "bully" me, which in fact they tried. I highly recommend Ben as an excellent lawyer who can handle just about anyone. By the way, don't be misled by his nice smile, young appearance and 6 years in practice... He is smart and he is a fighter!
Read more
01 Jun, 2021 by Andrea
If you are looking for a family lawyer Kim Kleinhans and her team are amazing. I would highly recommend this law firm, they go above and beyond to make sure they listen to what you want and need. They will also do the same when it comes to representing you and your family in your case. Kim represented me in a Child Custody case and put in a lot of long hard hours over many months and helped us get the outcome we wanted. She was always very responsive and quick to answer to my emails, calls and texts. Any kind of advice I needed at the time, she was there to help. Kim and her team were always super respectful to us and let us know the truth about what we wanted to try and accomplish. I will always come back to this law firm in the future.
Read more
09 Aug, 2020 by Colette
Kim, Keith and team secured settlement of my personal injury case. My case was difficult because I was an overseas visitor to Texas when the accident happened and the investigation had to be conducted from a different stance. This proved no problem to the team who successfully secured a settlement for me. I strongly recommend this excellent law firm.
Read more
28 Apr, 2020 by Linda
Kim stayed on top of making sure all items were ready to go and had been discussed when the time was needed. She was there to address any concerns I had, and got my questions resolved swiftly. She is easy to work with and her caring for others comes through in the quality of her work.
Read more
11 Jul, 2020 by Crystal
I had my consultation with Stephen today and I hung up the phone feeling empowered and confident. He went above and beyond to help me and wasn't just looking to make money. I was served Habeas Corpus documents on Friday evening and ordered to be in court Monday at 3p. I had little to no time to prep let alone find an attorney but I reached out during wee hours of the morning and was contacted by 9a Saturday morning. I've yet to go to court but I wanted to write a review on my first impressions and how Mr. DePaul exceeded all expectations. I have a pretty treacherous journey ahead in my custody case but I feel confident in Stephen and his team
Read more
16 Jun, 2016 by Andrew
Steve was a big help to me when I was working on changing my name back to my birth name. He explained the process and assisted with all court documents and filing so that the process was as painless as possible.
Read more
15 Jun, 2016 by Eric
Mr. DePaul is my "go-to" attorney for legal advice. His expertise reviewing personal and/or professional contracts and documents has proved invaluable to me in the decision-making process on multiple occasions. His advice has assisted me in numerous complex situations that have had a financial impact on my life. Mr. DePaul breaks down convoluted legal jargon in a way that anyone can digest. I appreciate his candidness and honesty while counseling me through tough decisions. He's approachable and friendly, and I would highly recommend him to anyone that is seeking the services of a straightforward lawyer that you can totally trust.
Read more
29 Oct, 2018 by Jennifer
Melissa is amazing! Her experience in Bell County courts is outstanding and she is tough in the courtroom. I have won every motion, even those filed against me.
Melissa at Blanchard & Thomas knows the law inside and out and I couldn't feel more confident with my contested divorce case. With family and business at stake, hiring Melissa gave me a huge sense of relief and reduced my anxiety ten-fold.
Melissa made this a winning situation for my entire family!
Read more
30 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
Melissa was referred to me by a family friend after I had contacted two others in the area. I sought a divorce attorney that was familiar with Military families and the different regulations that get mixed up with a civilian divorce. After our initial consultation, I knew I found the one that would be worth every stressful thought and pinched penny.
Melissa is very knowledgeable and patient when explaining "legal-ese" concerning the process and progress of the case. Despite knowing that all of her time spent on matters of my case is compensated, I never once felt that my case was only a source of income. She always went above and beyond to accommodate my concerns and questions. I never felt as if I was being an inconvenience and her quick responses via phone and email was a reassurance that my case was just as important for her as for me.
Melissa is genuine and addressed all I needed and things I did not know I needed. I am thankful for her and she will be highly recommended to all of those in my circle that are looking for an attorney.
Read more
26 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
Melissa is amazing to work with. She is smart, dedicated, and compassionate toward her clients. She is always prompt with inquiries and proactive in making sure the client always knows what is happening, what is needed, and what to expect next.
Read more
29 Apr, 2024 by David helcel
29 Apr, 2024 by Debbie bhai
29 Apr, 2024 by Sarah williams
I can not begin to express how great Mr. Yates and his team are. They go above and beyond for you and take the time to answer any and all questions you have. Mr. Yates is so knowledgeable on family law and has been practicing for many years. He truly cares and fights for you
Read more
26 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Alexis did a terrific job helping me navigate through all of the ups and downs of my divorce. She helped keep the process positive and moving forward. Alexis had a good understanding of the issues to hold firm on and gave me confidence that things would work out- she was right! I highly recommend her to get the job done. She was pleasant to work with and a professional through the whole process.
Read more
30 Sep, 2020 by Chris
I was immediately reassured by Alexis' calm, professional demeanor when we first met, and I hired her for what turned out to be a protracted, acrimonious divorce despite our best efforts. She was timely, communicative and reasonable throughout the process. I have no reservations to recommend her to anyone in similar unfortunate circumstances.
Read more
13 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
I retained Alexis Squier for my Divorce. Through the entire process, Alexis and her staff were attentive, professional and compassionate. When requested, she even provided a referral for a marriage counselor, which I utilized. I would recommend Alexis to anyone. She made a very difficult experience, a little easier because of the trust I had in her and our rapport.
Read more
24 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
Grant took my case on extremely short notice and still came to the first hearing well prepared. What could have been an unfortunate outcome for me turned into the best outcome I could have hoped for. His knowledge of the law and practice and procedure was clear within spending a short amount of time with him. He's super professional, courteous and has tons of patience. Grant has a long and successful career ahead of him, no doubt!
Read more
11 Mar, 2018 by Ralph
We used grant as our attorney in a child support modification case. He was completely dedicated to detail in his work for us, all while letting us be in charge of what we wanted. I was able to contact him easily, or get contacted back quickly. He has a great demeanor that I could best describe as compassionate, pleasant, polite, and most of all did his job well. I whole heartedly recommend hiring him if you want a job well done.
Read more
31 Jan, 2018 by Allen
I don't even know where to start I have so much good to say about my experience working with Grant.
I was originally divorced in 2014 and have had 11 legal proceedings since the divorce. Attack after attack after attack from my ex. She had unlimited resources through her mom and used financial extortion tactics by hiring attorneys that could stage a better "performance" in court than the ones I had hired. Facts be damned I was punished over and over. It was disheartening because my kids were affected by all of this insanity and eventually pulled away from her and lived with me full time. They were 14 when this first started happening, and despite me having these kids full time she continued to attack me legally asserting that I had poisoned their relationship with her and alienated them from her. She knew because of the financial destruction she had caused me that I did not have the resources she did and wielded that as a weapon again and again.
When I finally had an option to fight back I was referred to Grant by a friend. HE WAS SUCH A BREATH OF FRESH AIR from the other attorneys I had worked with. It is obvious he loves what he does, he is enthusiastic, he genuinely cares about his clients, and he is a BULLDOG in the courtroom! A respectful but firm and incredibly detail oriented cross-examination of my ex completely unraveled her and created the opening I needed to get a Motion To Confer allowed by the judge for my kids. Grant, unlike the other attorneys I had in the past, fully embraced this option and pushed for it hard. The judge allowed the kids to visit privately with him, and after more than an hour with each kid exactly what I had wished for years happened. I was vindicated and the judge shut down every angle that my ex was using to come after me yet again a full 4 years after our divorce.
Grant helped me believe in the judicial system again. He also helped me believe that the right thing will eventually prevail if you have GOOD REPRESENTATION! Do not make the mistake of thinking that all attorneys are created equal. Grant was the perfect fit for my case. He is young and energetic and gave my case a massive shot in the arm. He has a team of other seasoned attorneys in his firm that worked together on my case, and his enthusiasm was the secret weapon. It was such an amazing experience having him represent me and my kids.
Thank you, Grant, from the bottom of my heart.
Read more
06 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Tia is absolutely wonderful. She made me feel very comfortable . Tia answered all my questions and concerns with no hesitation. Also, she is very personable and easy to talk to .I have recommended her to a friend going through a rough divorce and a friend going through a custody battle.
Read more
22 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Our daughter is going through a separation and divorce and we needed correct information on how to advise her of her rights and the rights of her 2 children under 7 ! Ms. Hartley was very helpful and instructive. Our understanding of the laws were reinforced and underlined by Ms. Hartley ! Reassuring and knowledgeable is definitely the description I would put on her cordial assistance. Thank you very much.
Read more
07 Feb, 2017 by Michael
Tia came highly recommended to me from a close friend that had retained her services in the past. Life changes of this magnitude are always very hard to cope with and being stuck in a legal mess does not help the situation. That’s where Tia came in; she is knowledgeable, professional, and broke things down in a way I could understand them. She is responsive, personable, and provides the information needed to make a decision without pressuring to do one thing or another, truly a valued consultant during a very difficult time. Plus she has a great assistant!
I wholeheartedly recommend Tia’s services to anyone that is faced with the unfortunate reality of the need to retain them. I consider her office a first stop for all things legal so she can either assist or refer to someone she trusts and I would advise anyone that needs solid legal advice in her field of specialty to give her your business. I was not disappointed and I believe she has the experience and expertise to handle anyone's situation.
Read more
29 Apr, 2022 by Ajit
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mike Gjesdahl and his team for the care he and his firm gave me during one of the most difficult times in my life. I was blessed to have Mike represent me in my divorce. He was my rock at a time when I needed it most. His extraordinary strength kept me from falling and inspired me to find my own strength to rise above my circumstances. He stood unwavering for me in ways I couldn’t stand for myself. Mike’s innate wisdom and top level of expertise, along with his sincere compassion and high standards of integrity, set him far above others in his field. Mike is a gem. He cares about families and goes over and beyond to advocate for the people he represents. He did that for me, and I am forever grateful. Kari A. Losee is an attorney at Gjesdahl law who was an integral part of my team. Her knowledge, highly effective skills, and steadiness in all situations achieved positive results. She was consistently available when I needed to reach her, and I was very thankful to have her on my team. In summary, Mike Gjesdahl is not only an exceptional and gifted attorney, he is a life changing person. You would be incredibly fortunate to have Mike Gjesdahl and his firm represent you.
Read more
18 Mar, 2022 by Andrea
I’m not one to hop online and write a review about someone, but when your best friend has been represented by the BEST in the business, you let others know. Mike Gjesdahl is that attorney.
Approximately one year ago, my friend needed to find someone to represent her as she went through a challenging divorce. We were looking for someone who is whip smart when it comes to family law and divorce proceedings. Other attorneys pointed us toward Gjesdahl Law so we knew she would get a top-knotch lawyer. What we didn’t expect were all the “extras” that made her experience exceptional.
Mike Gjesdahl goes above and beyond for his clients. He is strong in all situations and his clients draw from that strength. He is compassionate toward his clients and their families; he understands what they are going through. Mike has the wisdom and experience people need when they are going through a life-changing circumstance like divorce.
To sum it up, Mike was the blessing my friend needed at a crucial time in her life. Mike Gjesdahl and his team will always have my highest recommendation.
Andrea Larson
Read more
07 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
I have had a great experience with Michael Gjesdahl and team while obtaining my surrogacy contract and paperwork for my babies. He is extremely professional and everything was handled in a timely manner and his team is very effective. Highly recommend him and his team.
Read more
17 Jun, 2021 by Karen
Attorney Wilson provided me with everything I needed to have a positive outcome to my case. She took her time and all her advice was on point. I could not ask for better representation and highly recommend her.
Read more
26 May, 2021 by Lorenzo
Deborah is a phenomenal attorney and someone you want on your side working for you. Not only is she one of the most clear-thinking and incisive legal minds I have ever encountered, Deborah is also a kind and understanding human being. In my opinion, Deborah is an exemplary individual, both professionally and personally.
What will a client experience having Deborah representing you? Thorough representation of your legal position, the utmost professionalism, and insights into your legal situation that other attorneys will likely miss. Let me reiterate Deborah phenomenal attorney and someone you need on your side working for you.
Read more
17 Apr, 2021 by Robyn
Mrs. Wilson provided beneficial information to me to help my understanding of child custody matters as well as making sure my children receive their financial support. I wish I had consulted and utilized Mrs. Wilson through the separation/divorce procedures. Mrs. Wilson eases your worries with her knowledge and skills. I highly recommend her for these important matters.
Read more
14 Jun, 2024 by Hana
Anna Ayscue worked hard to help me through this difficult time
She facilitated all the issues very calmly with great integrity; she was responsive to the hundreds of questions I had as a layman who knew nothing of the laws for divorce.
Always ready to answer & meet
She had my interest at heart the whole time
I would recommend Anna Ayscue to anyone who needs an attorney
Thank you for all the input, help & sincerity till the last minute
Anna is great to work with
Read more
18 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
Anna guided me through an incredibly difficult period during my divorce. She gave me sound advice and truthful counsel. Anna's fees are fair for the amount of work required in navigating the contested divorce proceedings. I highly recommend Anna should you need her services.
Read more
20 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
As my attorney, Anna was very proactive in protecting my rights and in providing quick and reliable feedback and answers to questions. Additionally Anna displayed excellent negotiation skills in settling my case. I highly recommend her to others based on my experience as a client. She is a compassionate person for her clients,
Read more
18 Mar, 2020 by Marnie
I went through a divorce after almost 10 years, with an 8 year old daughter. It was super scary and unsettling until I had my consult with Nicole and Jenni... She knows it all and helped me work through things QUICKLY and PAINLESSLY - I couldn't believe it, after horror stories I've heard of friend's divorces.
Read more
05 Mar, 2020 by Michele
Nicole Burns came recommended to me by the attorney I had (and trusted). When my attorney decided to leave law to raise a family, she told me that Nicole was a lot like her -- she takes the high road and doesn't get into dirty fighting with other attorneys. Exactly right. Nicole is a class act and works hard for you. She's a tough negotiator. And she really listened and fought for me and my child. This was a custodial agreement that needed to be modified and she worked hard to do what was best for my child. My child is on the spectrum and she was empathetic and understanding with how to work with a child under these circumstances. Best of all, she brought perspective and kept me on track. Her paralegal was also super helpful -- she did more to help me with the interrogatories and discovery than I had experienced with other law offices. I highly recommend Nicole and her team.
Read more
08 Feb, 2019 by Brandon
Nicole has represented me as my attorney for the past 4 years and has done an exceptional job doing so. I have previous experience with a terrible attorney and truly applicate the fact that I believe I have one of the very best. Nicole has helped me navigate though the legal system to overcome so much, I am grateful for her experience, knowledge and professionalism which has enabled us to achieve justified results in my case. I have recommended Nicole to others in the past which also share my appreciation for her talent as an attorney. I highly recommend Nicole to anyone who is seeking representation and only wish I would have found her initially.
Read more
08 Sep, 2021 by Jason
TJ was informative and detail oriented. He always gave solid suggestions and advice, and also accommodated my specific requests. He was personable and empathetic. He worked hard for me.
Read more
30 Jul, 2019 by Ronnie
T. J. was great to work with. He explained everything in detail and took his time to help me out. All around great guy.
Read more
26 Jul, 2019 by Nikita
Attorney Wight did an awesome job on my divorce case. I would highly recommend him!
Read more
05 Sep, 2018 by Krina
Mr. Holladay is an exceptional attorney. He assisted me with my divorce, child custody and child visitation matter. I came into this process with no knowledge of how all of this would work or what the laws even meant. Mr. Holladay took his time to explain the basics and every detail to me so I could follow and make the best decisions for my family and I. I have found an attorney for life time with Mr. Holladay. I will always go to him if I come across any issues that need his assistance. Family legal matters are the hardest thing someone can face in their life and having an experienced, knowledgeable and caring attorney is crucial. Mr. Holladay is everything I listed above and more.
Read more
01 May, 2017 by Darren
Brett helped me through an extremely difficult divorce case. He was faced with a client who stole items from the court records, filed late continuances, and delayed the proceedings all for the sake of vexation. Brett was extremely astute, and aggressive as he went up against an ex-judge and won my case. He often was at court filing on my behalf to beat deadlines before I was aware of what I faced. He cares about what he does and he genuinely cares about his clients. Above all else he knows the law and he won't waiver until his client gets justice.
Read more
09 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Divorces are supposed to be messy and complicated, right? Mine just wasn't. Brett made the whole process really clear, and we got through it as quickly and simply as possible. I'd definitely recommend Brett.
Read more
28 Jan, 2019 by Cory
I was confused and devastated with what my ex put me through regarding our son. I did my research and decided to go with Cordell and Cordell! Everyone I met at the firm was courteous, professional, and extremely helpful! Elisabeth was who I ended up going with from the firm, and I couldn’t have been any more satisfied! She is extremely knowledgeable! She is very down to earth. Being my first experience with attorneys, I had no clue what I was doing. She was very understanding and helpful throughout the entire process, and even after!! She(and my son) is worth every penny and more! Highly reccomended to any parent out there, but especially anyone who feels hopeless, as I did! Unfortuantly, I feel my battle won’t be over anytime soon, but I am a lot more comfortable and confident, that a great father and an amazing little boy will not be torn apart unnecessarily, as long as I have Elisabeth Fletcher representing me!
Read more
26 Dec, 2017 by Nathan
Elisabeth worked nonstop to ensure my needs we're met. She was very responsive to my queries and provided amazing support throughout this process. I am lucky to have had someone who cares so much for her clients as my attorney.
Read more
22 Dec, 2017 by Greg
In short, Elisabeth has been wonderful to work with. Her approach is to be a concerned listener first which puts both of us in a better position to negotiate without compromising on the issues I feel most strongly about. She is always thinking ahead on what will need to happen next in the legal process and is very diligent in keeping me posted on what is going on with my case.
Being such a good listener also has the advantage that she is often the 'calm' in my 'storm' when I am experiencing high levels of anxiety with what is happening between myself and the other party.
Making me feel like I am not alone in my fight for my rights as a Father is why I chose Cordell & Cordell and I also feel that, with Elisabeth, they have provided me with one of the best partners within their legal team to represent me.
Greg
Read more
28 Feb, 2014 by Jon
I couldn't be happier with the result Bree from Arnold & Smith obtained in my family law case. Before retaining the firm, I was with another attorney who closed up shop with virtually no notice. From the moment I stepped foot into Arnold & Smith's offices, I was treated with respect and told what our likely outcome was and what the best strategy would be. I was kept up to date regularly and was kept in the loop on all communications. Best of all, when it came down to crunch time, our main objective was achieved. I couldn't recommend the firm, and in particular Bree, more highly.
Read more
07 Feb, 2014 by Jason
Bree not only handled a lot of the behind the scenes grind on my custody case, but also took the lead on another important issue for me. She was always very responsive to my emails, called me even after-hours to discuss my case, was on-time to court, and her court room presence was awesome. She made my case look almost too easy, even though I know it was a complicated issue. I walked out of court with what I needed, and it was a great experience.
She was also instrumental in resolving my custody issue, handled really tough negotiations, and brought the case to a great conclusion along with her colleague Matt Arnold. She may not tell you what you want to hear, but she will tell you the truth, and that is very important in these types of cases. She is clearly experienced, and that experience equaled a more precise attorney, which in turn reduced costs. I know this is something on everyone's mind that has to get an attorney.
I have no doubt that anyone that works with Bree will know immediately they got the right person for the job. All you have to do is *follow her instructions*, give her the facts, and do your part, and I believe Bree will get the best possible results for your situation.
Read more
20 Sep, 2013 by Ben
Ms. Laughrun did an excellent job representing me in a family law matter. She was very knowledgeable of the law and, perhaps more importantly, responsive to my questions and concerns in a timely and empathetic manner. Ms. Laughrun helped me achieve every objective I identified at the outset of my case.
Read more
18 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
Megan is amazing! I Can’t find enough words to describe and thank Megan. Not only she is very kind, she listened to our concerns and was able to lead our case to a very successful resolution. Highly recommend Megan!
Read more
01 Sep, 2021 by Traci
Megan did an excellent job for our family. She listened to our needs and concerns. She was quick to jump on things. She communicated promptly with updates and was very responsive to our questions. She was able to lead our case to a successful resolution. We highly recommend Megan.
Read more
22 Apr, 2021 by Bethany
Megan was timely and knowledgeable along every step of the way. She made a difficult time much easier. Highly recommend her!
Read more
19 Nov, 2020 by Kate moore
Hetal Challa is a no nonsense advocate who will listen. My experience with Ms. Challa was very rewarding. Her background in counseling is an asset in family or domestic court cases. She worked hard to find what was best for my daughter’s case and went above and beyond, working long hours and weekends. I can’t express how much I appreciate what she has done for my family.
Read more
06 Sep, 2018 by Rae ann
Ms Challa is very informative and sincere.
She helped my daughter and I out of a potentially very detrimental financial pitfall.
She made things very understandable and had a necessary sense of urgency in this time sensitive legal matter.
I would recommend Ms Challa to anyone. If she herself is not able to help you, I am confident in saying that she will help you find the appropriate resource.
Ms Challa knows her stuff and is a true Blessing.
Read more
17 Jul, 2018 by Mary
Mrs. Challa is an outstanding attorney. She worked on my divorce quickly, with great detail and an over all caring for the well being of my children. I highly recommend her.
Read more
29 Feb, 2020 by Jared
A couple of months ago, I received a speeding ticket in Upstate NY for doing 96 in 55 which could've led to a possible license suspension. Right away, I hired Zachary to take my case and all I could do was hope for the best outcome. Zachary made sure to stay in to contact with me updating me whenever something new happened regarding the case. I'm pleased to say that he did way better than I expected and worked out a deal to a no-points parking ticket with a reasonable fine. I was beyond grateful and I would highly recommend him!!
Read more
07 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
I reached out to Zach for help with a speeding ticket and was glad I did. Zach was very communicative and not pushy. His fees were reasonable and he got the speeding ticket reduced to a violation which resulted in no points. Very happy with the outcome and would recommend if something happens in upstate NY.
Read more
01 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Zach has helped me significantly throughout my cases. Everything from tickets to general defense, he excels at what he does and has provided the best defense that I could ask for. A couple years ago I managed to get charged with 2 DUI's. Despite catching the charges pretty much back to back, he got me to walk on both of them. In addition to this, Zach was also very helpful in ensuring that I got the minimum fine for all of my tickets. 10/10 Would Recommend!
Read more
15 Sep, 2024 by Gina
I discovered Mr. Leavitt while researching for my own case and was thoroughly impressed by his superb response brief in a CR60 appeal. Deciding to hire him for my own CR60 motion was one of the best decisions I've made. From my first visit, I was warmly welcomed by his professional team, including Shannon and Melodie, his knowledgeable paralegal. Mr. Leavitt’s depth of legal expertise, particularly in cases involving domestic violence, is extraordinary. He is a true advocate for victims and fiercely protects the best interests of children. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking top-tier legal representation in both King and Snohomish counties.
Read more
23 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
Honest, Reliable, and Efficient
I hired Kris to help me get full custody of my children. I was just about 1-year into a divorce which included a parenting plan requiring 50/50 custody with my ex and a child support order that had me paying each month. My ex had essentially abandoned the children and her obligation but I was stuck with the court orders, thus stuck with paying child support and not having any closure for the children. It was an incredibly stressful situation and Kris was on top of things from day 1. I could write a 10-page review about all that went on but I’ll summarize by saying he achieved the outcome I was looking for. Furthermore, he secured temporary orders, almost immediately after taking my case, which provided my family with a tremendous amount of relief during the rest of the court proceedings.
Prior to meeting with Kris I had talked with several other attorneys. I had a lot of legal experience having handled my own divorce pro se. I felt like most were just telling me what I wanted to hear and didn’t seem to care much about me. In a few cases I thought I would be better off representing myself. Kris was different. I hired him on the spot.
He listened, he understood, and he explained things very clearly. He does not provide false hope. He explains strategies clearly and allows you to control the level of risk/reward you are comfortable taking. In my case he delivered exactly what we had talked about in our very first meeting. I felt confident in Kris’s representation. That’s huge when you’re going through any type of stressful case. I never worried that “the other team” would somehow get one over on him. They never did.
There’s an office behind Kris and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the other things that made my experience less stressful. Kris utilizes a paralegal to handle legal filings, documentation updates, and other activities around a legal case. Melody was assigned to my case and she was outstanding. Our filings were always on time or early, our responses were timely, and I never worried about missing a deadline or having anything fall through the cracks. Shay in the billing department was also very pleasant. Bills were clear and easy to understand. Bills arrive via email and so do receipts for payment. This made it simple to review, pay, and track my activity from my phone. The office itself is pleasant and peaceful and it feels very successful. I wouldn’t know if they have a voice mail system as my calls were always answered by a human and returned same day if Kris wasn’t available. Emails were also returned same day or early the next day if I sent one off in the late evening.
Kris will definitely be my attorney should I ever require legal assistance in the future. I’m certain he could “duke it out in court” but his demeanor and professionalism secured my outcome without having to go there. He’s always focused on securing the outcome and he works very well with opposing council to achieve it.
Read more
30 Jan, 2019 by Melissa
Kristofer Leavitt is the absolute best attorney. I'm so incredibly thankful and grateful that I found Kris and that he's my attorney. I'm a small business owner and was served with a civil litigation lawsuit from an ex client. The lawsuit was not justified whatsoever. I had never been sued before and didn't know where to begin. Needless to say, I was petrified. I was completely inexperienced in legal protocol. I knew I had to get an attorney ASAP. I had consultations with several Las Vegas attorneys. Kris was the first one that I spoke with and the best one. In my initial consultation, Kris already had the complaint against me in front of him and began advising me. The other attorneys that I spoke with were inconsistent, not providing real advice, were charging an arm and a leg, were not sharp, and were out for their own good- this was obvious. The other attorneys did not care about what I was going through, but Kris did. Kris is ethical, sharp, and strategic and aggressive in legal initiatives; he's seriously the best. Kris has been my side the past 6 months, which have been some of the most gruesome in my life. I would not want any other attorney by my side except for him. Kris is dependable, reliable, quick, patient, thorough, and detail oriented. I knew from the first call with Kris that I would be able to count on him. Kris truly cares about his clients and he shows that. If you want an attorney that you can count on, that has your best interest in mind, and will fight for you, Kris is the attorney. If I have any future legal issues, Kris will be the attorney that I turn to. He is seriously hands down the best!!!! I would give him one million stars if I could!!!!
Read more
Find by
State
- Texas
- Florida
- California
- New York
- Washington
- Illinois
- Pennsylvania
- North Carolina
- New Jersey
- Georgia
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Colorado
- Virginia
- Ohio
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Maryland
- Tennessee
- Arizona
- Alabama
- Indiana
- Wisconsin
- Connecticut
- Louisiana
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- Kansas
- Nevada
- Utah
- Mississippi
- Arkansas
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Oklahoma
- Idaho
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- New Hampshire
- Rhode Island
- District of Columbia
- Hawaii
- New Mexico
- Alaska
- Delaware
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
- Montana
- Maine
- South Dakota
- Vermont
Find by
City
-
Houston
-
Dallas
-
San Antonio
-
Austin
-
Chicago
-
New York
-
San Diego
-
Seattle
-
Miami
-
Garden City
-
Tampa
-
Orlando
-
Atlanta
-
Fort Worth
-
Denver
-
Charlotte
-
Los Angeles
-
Jacksonville
-
Phoenix
-
Fairfax
-
Pittsburgh
-
San Jose
-
Raleigh
-
Tacoma
-
Philadelphia
-
Boca Raton
-
Fort Lauderdale
-
Minneapolis
-
Portland
-
Spokane
-
Columbus
-
Irvine
-
Saint Louis
-
West Palm Beach
-
Sacramento
-
Brooklyn
-
Everett
-
Greensboro
-
Vancouver
-
El Paso
-
Las Vegas
-
Marietta
-
Coral Gables
-
Rockville
-
Birmingham
-
Colorado Springs
-
San Francisco
-
Boston
-
Plano
-
Indianapolis
-
Tallahassee
-
Bellevue
-
Memphis
-
Newport Beach
-
Saint Paul
-
Corpus Christi
-
Wheaton
-
Huntsville
-
Olympia
-
The Woodlands
-
Frisco
-
Hackensack
-
Lubbock
-
Media
-
Edinburg
-
Katy
-
Nashville
-
Riverside
-
Tyler
-
Virginia Beach
-
Cincinnati
-
Knoxville
-
Sarasota
-
Scottsdale
-
Fort Myers
-
Waco
-
White Plains
-
Arlington
-
Washington
-
Wichita
-
Beverly Hills
-
Conroe
-
Kansas City
-
McKinney
-
New Orleans
-
Omaha
-
Clayton
-
Grand Rapids
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Child Support Lawyer Can Do for You
A child support lawyer specializes in legal issues related to the financial support that one parent provides to another for the upbringing of their children. These lawyers assist with establishing, enforcing, and modifying child support orders, ensuring that the financial needs of the child are met, including housing, food, healthcare, education, and other essentials. A child support lawyer can also represent parents in disputes over the amount of support, ensure fair calculations based on income, and handle legal proceedings if one parent fails to meet their obligations.
Whether you're seeking to establish child support, modify an existing order, or enforce payments, a child support lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights and the well-being of your child.
When Should I Hire a Child Support Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a child support lawyer when you need assistance with any of the following child support matters:
- Establishing child support: If you are going through a divorce or separation and need to establish a child support order, a lawyer can help ensure that the support amount is fair and accurately calculated.
- Modifying child support orders: If there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a job loss, income change, or a child's financial needs, a lawyer can help you request a modification to the existing child support order.
- Enforcing child support payments: If the other parent has failed to make court-ordered child support payments, a lawyer can help enforce the order through legal means such as wage garnishment, property liens, or even legal action.
- Disputing child support calculations: If you believe the child support amount has been incorrectly calculated based on your income or expenses, a lawyer can help you challenge the calculation and seek a fair adjustment.
- Paternity disputes: If paternity needs to be established before child support can be ordered, a lawyer can assist with DNA testing and legal proceedings.
- Interstate child support cases: If the parents live in different states, navigating child support laws can be complex. A lawyer can help ensure the proper jurisdiction is established and that child support is enforced across state lines.
- Child support during custody disputes: If child custody and child support are being determined simultaneously, a lawyer can help ensure that both issues are resolved fairly and in the best interest of the child.
Hiring a lawyer early can help ensure that your child support case is handled effectively and that your child's financial needs are met.
What Does a Child Support Lawyer Do?
A child support lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help parents secure, modify, and enforce child support arrangements. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing for child support: A lawyer can help you initiate the legal process to obtain a child support order, ensuring that all necessary documentation is submitted and deadlines are met.
- Calculating child support: A lawyer can help ensure that child support is calculated fairly based on both parents' incomes, the needs of the child, and other factors such as healthcare and education costs.
- Negotiating child support agreements: If both parents are willing to negotiate, a lawyer can help facilitate an agreement on child support outside of court, which can then be approved by a judge.
- Representing you in court: If negotiations fail or the other parent contests the child support amount, a lawyer will represent you in family court, presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
- Modifying support orders: A lawyer can help you file a request for modification if circumstances change, such as a loss of income or an increase in the child’s financial needs.
- Enforcing child support: If the other parent is not making court-ordered payments, a lawyer can take legal steps to enforce the order through wage garnishment, property liens, or other measures.
- Handling complex cases: In cases involving high incomes, self-employment, or complicated financial situations, a lawyer can help ensure that all relevant factors are considered in determining child support.
How Are Child Support Lawyers Paid?
Child support lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work required. Common payment methods include:
- Hourly rate: Most child support lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location. The total cost will depend on how much time the lawyer spends on your case, including preparation, negotiations, and court appearances.
- Flat fee: For more straightforward cases, such as uncontested child support agreements or basic modifications, some lawyers may offer a flat fee that covers all services related to the case.
- Retainer: Many lawyers require a retainer, which is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on your case. The amount of the retainer depends on the expected complexity of the case.
- Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some lawyers offer sliding scale fees based on income or provide pro bono (free) services in cases where clients cannot afford to pay full legal fees, especially when children’s needs are at stake.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how much you will be charged and what services are covered.
How Much Does a Child Support Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a child support lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, whether it's contested or uncontested, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:
- Uncontested child support cases: Legal fees may range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the paperwork and the lawyer’s fees.
- Contested child support cases: Legal fees can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, especially if the case involves significant court time.
- Hourly rates: Lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour for child support cases, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or cases that involve complex financial issues.
- Modification or enforcement: Fees for modifying or enforcing a child support order may range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity and the need for court intervention.
Always ask for a detailed cost estimate during your consultation so you can plan your budget accordingly.
Top Questions to Ask a Child Support Lawyer
Before hiring a child support lawyer, it’s important to ask questions to ensure they are the right fit for your case. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with child support cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it’s establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support orders. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, offers flat fees, or requires a retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case and any potential challenges you may face. -
How long will the process take?
Child support cases can take time, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to last and what factors may cause delays. -
Will you personally handle my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of the case. Make sure you know who will be managing your case and representing you in court. -
What documents should I prepare?
Ask the lawyer what financial documents and other information you should bring to help them calculate child support and build your case.
How to Check the Credibility of a Child Support Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable child support lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for family law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in family law and have successfully handled child support cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on child support matters.
- Check for certifications: Some lawyers may have certifications in family law or membership in organizations like the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), which can indicate their expertise in child support and family law issues.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most out of your first consultation with a child support lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Income documents: Bring pay stubs, tax returns, W-2s, or any other documentation of your income and the other parent’s income, as this will be used to calculate child support.
- Existing child support orders: If there are any existing child support or custody orders, bring copies for the lawyer to review.
- Child-related expenses: Provide documentation of your child’s medical bills, education expenses, daycare costs, and any other expenses that should be factored into the child support calculation.
- Communication with the other parent: Bring any communication between you and the other parent regarding child support, whether through emails, text messages, or written agreements.
- List of questions: Prepare a list of questions about your case, the legal process, and the lawyer’s fees.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your case more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice on how to proceed.
