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04 Dec, 2018 by Alix lavelle
Great law firm for divorce and custody legal work. Don VanStry is fantastic.
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10 Oct, 2018 by Zach marji
Trustworthy and understanding. Highly recommend.
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26 Sep, 2018 by Ty davis
Very good lawyer you can trust
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10 Apr, 2018 by Carol ann
I was referred to Deb Fields, as a marital law specialist by my brother, another lawyer, who thought very highly of Ms. Fields. It was a very challenging time for me. She was respectful for the times I broke down, and this allowed be to be more focused when needed. The divorce occurred quickly & efficiently despite the complications that presented themselves. I have, since referred many people to Deb Fields for any issues regarding marital issues.
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27 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Debbie to represent me during my divorce. Initially, I liked that she seemed adversarial because I figured she would be that way in court when the time came. In the end, I found she fought WITH me more than FOR me.
A much bigger disappointment was the child support obligation that resulted from the divorce. Despite me asking her several times about the possibility of deviating from the state-prescribed child support obligations due to having shared and equal custody, Debbie firmly told me that the court wouldn't agree with that. I heard after the fact that my ex's attorney was "surprised" that we offered to pay the full amount considering the shared custody. When looking for a new attorney to represent me to modify the support obligation, I was told that I "had made a bad deal" in offering to pay the full child support amount. I was able to reduce my obligation with the help of another attorney, who also confirmed that deviating from the state guidelines was commonly done. I'm very disappointment that Debbie dismissed this question/concern.
Another aspect of Debbie's services that bothered me was her slow/no response to questions. I asked Debbie if there was any way I could get in touch with her after hours or directly if need be. She flatly told me she doesn't give out her cell number to clients. Not what I want to hear when I'm paying the equivalent of a nice car in legal fees to someone.
I hate to give a bad review but, frankly, I felt her representation of me was that poor. Divorce is expensuve- both initially and long-term. Despite considerable legal expenses paid to Debbie, the agreement that resulted has been and will continue to be more costly than it should have. I do not intend to hire Debbie again and would not recommend her.
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Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer
When meeting with a lawyer for the first time, it's important to ask the right questions to understand their expertise and determine if they're the right fit for your legal needs. Here are some top questions to consider:
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What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in the specific area of law pertaining to your case. -
How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer fees, and any additional expenses. -
What potential outcomes can I expect from my case?
While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience. -
What is your approach to handling cases like mine?
Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation. -
Who will be working on my case?
Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals. -
How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times. -
What is the likely timeline for resolving my case?
Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish. -
Do you have references from past clients?
Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness. -
What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
Understanding potential challenges helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations. -
Are there alternative ways to solve my legal problem?
Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.
How to Check the Credibility of a Lawyer
Before hiring a lawyer, it's crucial to verify their credibility and ensure they're qualified to handle your case:
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Verify Their License:
Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. -
Experience and Specialization:
Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case. -
Disciplinary Record:
Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association. -
Client Reviews and Testimonials:
Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to gauge client satisfaction. -
Professional Memberships:
Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field. -
Awards and Recognitions:
Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation. -
Consultation Assessment:
Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns. -
Ask for References:
A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your initial meeting with a lawyer, come prepared with:
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Relevant Documents:
Bring all documents related to your case, such as contracts, correspondence, legal notices, court papers, or evidence. -
Written Summary:
Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and involved parties. -
List of Questions:
Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, or the lawyer's experience. -
Financial Information:
If applicable, bring financial documents like pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements. -
Contact Information:
Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case. -
Personal Identification:
Bring a valid ID for verification purposes. -
Pen and Notebook:
Take notes during the consultation to remember important points. -
Budget Constraints:
Be ready to discuss your budget and any financial limitations.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a lawyer varies widely based on several factors:
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Fee Structures:
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Hourly Rate:
Lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on experience and location. -
Flat Fee:
For routine legal services like drafting a will or handling an uncontested divorce, lawyers might offer a flat fee. -
Retainer Fee:
An upfront payment against which the lawyer bills hourly fees. -
Contingency Fee:
Common in personal injury cases; the lawyer receives a percentage (typically 25% to 40%) of any settlement or award. -
Monthly Retainer:
For ongoing services, businesses might pay a monthly fee for a set number of hours or services.
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Hourly Rate:
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Factors Affecting Cost:
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Complexity of the Case:
More complex cases require more time and resources, increasing costs. -
Lawyer's Experience:
Highly experienced lawyers may charge higher fees. -
Geographic Location:
Legal fees can vary significantly by region or city. -
Additional Expenses:
Court filing fees, expert witness fees, travel expenses, and administrative costs may be extra.
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Complexity of the Case:
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Estimating Total Costs:
Request a detailed fee agreement outlining all potential costs.
Discuss any additional expenses that may arise during the case. -
Negotiating Fees:
Some lawyers may be willing to negotiate fees or offer payment plans, especially for clients with financial constraints. -
Pro Bono Services:
For those who cannot afford legal services, some lawyers or legal aid organizations offer services at reduced rates or for free.
