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14 Sep, 2021 by Jennifer
Ryan Lane and his office staff are to be commended. Mr. Lane represented me to modify a divorce regarding child support. I truly experienced justice with him. I told him several different outcomes I wanted as far as child support. He thoroughly explained why some things would I wanted were in line with child support law and why some things wouldn’t be good because they weren’t in line with the law. He is extremely knowledgeable and presented my case with such finesse that I was astounded! If you want a fair lawyer, Mr. Lane is your man!
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26 Nov, 2019 by Janet
Ryan has represented me for the past 3 years. The first year was for my divorce and the next 2 were for hearings when my ex did not follow court orders. Whenever I felt discouraged, Ryan and his team assured me to stay the course. They were very patient with my many questions. I would definitely recommend him!
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01 Nov, 2019 by Jenna
Ryan is an outstanding attorney that fights hard for his clients. I was going through a tough divorce and he took care of me and helped me get what was best for the kids. If you want someone that cares about your feelings and fights hard for what is best for you, I would 100% recommend Ryan!
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17 Jul, 2019 by Steve
April handled our uncontested divorce efficiently, promptly and with concern for all. She was wonderful to work with and I could not have been more pleased! Thank you, April!
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19 Jan, 2015 by Candi
April was assigned to us by the courts and she was the best thing that ever happened to us! She was truly a angel sent, She showed so much compassion and love towards our little girl that we were fighting so hard for. She took everyone's sides into consideration and did what was best for our little girl! So with that said we got to adopt our baby! And we thank her so much and everyone else that was involved. She is one of the best lawyers you could ask for.
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16 Jan, 2015 by Daniel
My name is Daniel and April Gremillion, was recommended to me by another attorney and I sincerely thank God for that recommendation. April is helping me with a matter regarding my son. She is extremely diligent in everything she has done for me. She keeps her promises and constantly is in contact with me about the proceedings, no matter how many emails I send her in a day.. She always ALWAYS reply within MINUTES, even during holidays with her family, she still replied to my emails of concerns. She has the highest standards of ETHICS, INTEGRITY, DEPENDABILITY, PROFESSIONALISM AND TRUST!! I completely trust her, her expertise, opinions and guidance. I highly recommend April to anyone.
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23 Jun, 2021 by Jc
Jessica Boylan is one of the finest attorneys anyone, anywhere could retain. She was not only easy to work with, but she was also always an ear when I needed one, and was always there for me. Divorce is never easy, but Jessica made it as easy as it could be, and when it wasn't easy, she was there to support me. Her advice was always clear, and right on the money, and her ability to guide me through a tough process while hundreds of miles away was seamless and without flaw. I could not recommend her enough - she made my life better in numerous ways and anyone who is privileged enough to work with her will be better for it. Simply put - she is as good as they get and will be my attorney until she ceases to practice.
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02 Nov, 2017 by Mark
Jessica took my family case without hesitation because she knew that I was being wronged by my ex-wife and her attorney despite me having a run in with the law during the course of the divorce. She was aggressive throughout the entire case and is extremely knowledgeable In family law and criminal law. My case is now over and I’m so happy with the results. I’m the custodial parent of my two daughters and I couldn’t have done it without Jessica. It’s extremely rare that the father becomes the custodial parent in South Carolina. Jessica showed that I was the more responsible parent and I’m truly grateful for her. If I could give her 10 stars I would because 5 stars do no justice for her work ethic, reputation and aggressiveness. Thank you so much for everything Jessica, from the bottom of our hearts, my family and I can’t thank you enough. I’ve referred two friends to you and will continue to do that. I have my two princesses and this is the happiest I’ve been in a very long time.
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20 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Jessica was amazing. I had an extremely complicated (including international issues) divorce and custody case. Not only is she well versed and knowledgeable, but she was always available for my questions and concerns. I could tell she genuinely cared about me and my case; this showed through by how hard she worked on everything. I have already recommended her to several acquaintances and friends. I will never be able to thank Jessica enough for all that she did and helped me through during such a tough time.
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30 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Lyn was extremely supportive. She was very upfront and set realistic expectations-no fluff. She handled my case in a very timely fashion. My schedule was always full and chaotic, of which she accomodated well.
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07 Jan, 2015 by Kim
At first our personalities clashed alittle. However once we got a chance to talk, I found she's amazing at her job but also as a person.... I'm truly grateful for all that she's done so far and can't wait for our reunification as a family. She is absolutely an amazing attorney. But also a beautiful human being.
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05 Feb, 2012 by William
Lyn was straight up with the facts; she laid out the scenario for me, and didn't offer confidence that would later be a hard hitting realization in court. She told me the weaknesses of my case, and how she'd work to overcome those. She was great.
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06 Apr, 2019 by Denise
Handled a Contempt of Court case for us. Always stayed in contact with us, listened to us, gave my daughter confidence and most important won the case and got us attorney fees. Her Para legal Kim was top notch, kind, caring and the both together are an unbeatable pair. Wish she had been our divorce attorney. Highly recommend them.
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25 Mar, 2018 by Eric
Alyssa Richardson is the most exceptional lawyer I have ever worked with / hired. She helped me during an extremely difficult child custody case in Sumter, South Carolina. I would recommend Alyssa's services to anyone who needs a dedicated, experienced, and honest Attorney located in or around Columbia, South Carolina. Also, all the staff at Alyssa's office are always courteous and helpful. I can never thank Alyssa enough for her expert guidance. If you need an exceptional lawyer, give Alyssa's office a call! I'm grateful I did!
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23 Mar, 2018 by Tyler
Alyssa Richardson really has been fantastic. Going through a divorce is something I NEVER imagined, obviously, but she has been right there for me in so many ways every step of the way. She has really become like a counselor to me. I know it's her job but she makes me feel like she truly does care. Just exactly what I need during this time.
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27 Mar, 2024 by Ken levinson
My experience speaking at the South Carolina Association for Justice's Advanced Trial Lawyer College was both an honor and a testament to the organization's outstanding dedication to the legal profession. Collaborating with them was effortless, marked by their exceptional organization, professionalism, and genuine warmth. What truly stands out is their unwavering commitment to equipping trial attorneys with the tools necessary to effectively represent their injured clients. The College itself was a hub of meaningful learning, offering programs rich in relevance and engagement. This aligns deeply with the ethos of trial lawyer associations broadly, which consistently advocate for justice and better representation for those harmed. The South Carolina Association for Justice exemplifies the positive impact that dedicated legal communities can have on their members and, most importantly, on the clients we serve. I am deeply impressed by their work and proud to support their mission of advancing the practice of trial law.
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21 Jul, 2023 by Lee furr
Nick was very caring and compassionate. He was very thorough. He made sure Social Security had everything they needed from the onset of my case and that I answered all questions and filled out all paperwork correctly. The office staff was polite, very helpful, and always called back in a timely manner if I left a message. He has assured me the results were unusual, but i received my first disability check 8 months from the day we filed. I would definitely recommend Nick and his staff
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24 Apr, 2023 by Regina haigwood
Attorney Callas, is a wonderful attorney who truly cares about his clients! He listens and always willing to work for you to secure what you need in your disability. I truly had a great experience with him and I'm very thankful for him and his paralegal for all they did for me!
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26 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
In circumstances such as a complex family law case, it’s imperative to find the right attorney. If you are reading this right now, and you are searching for a family law attorney, you may be grappling with the most difficult situation of your life; I certainly was. When child protective services only partially did their job in my home state, and multiple law enforcement agencies failed us, I was left to fight in family court to protect my children from their perpetrator. With abuse occurring in multiple states, a complicated timeline, multiple investigations and murky jurisdiction, a lot of lawyers would have run away. Ms. Warner was undaunted by the challenge; she stayed the course, and prevailed. She truly cares about her clients. Because of Ms. Warner’s work, my children know they are safe and sound, the nightmares have stopped, and now they can thrive. Ms. Warner helped me protect the most important people in my world, and I will forever be thankful to her.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Tj jones
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06 Aug, 2024 by Vonetta ervin
They are professional and friendly and they get the job done 👍
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06 Aug, 2024 by Monae baker
Great experience, anytime I had questions, Chris or someone from his team would reach out immediately and answer them. I would highly recommend. Extremely focused on getting you what you deserve after an unfortunate car accident.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Tj jones
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06 Aug, 2024 by Vonetta ervin
They are professional and friendly and they get the job done 👍
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06 Aug, 2024 by Monae baker
Great experience, anytime I had questions, Chris or someone from his team would reach out immediately and answer them. I would highly recommend. Extremely focused on getting you what you deserve after an unfortunate car accident.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Kristen michelle darden
Dylan Glick was my attorney and he did an amazing job advocating for me against my auto insurance company after what I felt was an unfairly denied claim. This was not a huge case as the value of the car is around $10,000, but he fought for me like I was a $1MIL dollar client. He was able to obtain a settlement that I was happy with. Great communication, always returned my calls and emails promptly. Would definitely use again and would highly recommend.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Franny & chris
Hi JAKE. On 11/07/2022 my son laid in a hospital with multiple severe broken bones . A friend gave me Jake’s number. It was late in the evening. I called the office & left a message. He called me back right away. During Christopher’s next few months we were in constant contact. I’m a paralegal & it has been my experience after working with multiple attorneys. You can leave message & they call whenever it’s convenient , the fact that he called me back ASAP I MADE THE Decision to hire him on the spot..during every single process jake was super delighted to hear. The his team was amzing and wonderful. This law office team was awesome at making this case seamless via modern software. ha he was wonderfull in keeping me and Chris informed. I did the same for almost 6 months 2-3 days a week I would send him progress notesThe case had quite of bit of hiccups due to the insurance for the car that hit him had minimum coverage. Jake faught for Chris to get him a settlement that would be fair for a broken pelvis, broken feamer and multiple contusions. Thank you so much for everything. Chris is doing great. It only took him 7 months to get back to work. He took his settlement got a place remotely in Greenville NC. His employer matched his settlement as a bonus. Gave him a raise offered him a better job and will pay 1/2,,They also paid for his moving expenses. The company matched his settlement & gave him a raise with a very commendable letter. Thanking him for his hard work & jumping back in. Chris is a welder, not an easy job. Chris now has a nice home & a new job with his loyal employer Did I mention that we have never been in his office and we have never met Jake Finkel in person.. stop looking cause you will miss out on working your case .. Thank you Jake. I’m a very proud & blessed mama. P.S. I know that Jake shorted himself of his monetary gain in order for Chris to get more money.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Eileen rodriguez-hillian
Very professional and quick service
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19 Jul, 2024 by Lavettia leggette
I deeply regret investing nearly a year with this company under the false impression that they thoroughly evaluated my case before I signed any documents and participated in multiple phone interviews with specialists. After confirming they believed my case had merit, they provided me with paperwork outlining their fees and expectations. However, mere months before the statute of limitations expired on my case, they abruptly terminated our agreement with a brief phone call and a letter. This sudden decision left me devastated and faced with the difficult choice of continuing my search for legal representation or allowing the individual responsible for causing significant harm and trauma to my children and me to go unpunished. I continue to experience pain and have limited mobility in my lower jaw, compounded by the frustration of the company's failure to conduct adequate due diligence before accepting me as a client and subsequently dropping my case.
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10 May, 2024 by Juan diaz
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24 Nov, 2023 by Kaitlyn guinn
Empathetic, professional and always prepared.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Stormy snyder
If I could give negative stars I would.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Coraetta robinson
My experience with Rebecca and Creel Family Law was not good. Rebecca mislead me to believe that she would take my case. I provided her very sensitive and detailed information about me, my life, and my family situation and I never heard from her again. I felt as though she was a rip off. I paid her $350 for a consultation fee. During that video consultation, I provided her so much of my personal details and cried my eyes out to her about my situation. She assured me that I would hear back from her. I reached out to her and her paralegal and have yet to hear back from either of them. As a professional courtesy, the least she could have done was contacted me directly and informed me that she made a decision not to represent me. I felt she ripped me off, and based off the unresponsiveness I borderline want to think maybe it was racially based. I would hope that in her profession she is not a racist, but because of the non responses I have received, I don't know what else to believe. My only advice to anyone seeking a good lawyer, really consider your options before deciding on her or her law firm.
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29 Jul, 2024 by Shirley green
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19 Dec, 2022 by Kimberlee
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08 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired Ashlin to handle my case in hopes that my child and I would be protected. She neglected to explain my options and went with the opposing attorneys ideas instead of fighting for me. She also failed to include pertinent information within our agreement therefore causing a great deal of hardship on my family and I. I would recommend representing yourself before wasting your money here.
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17 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired Ms Potterfield to represent me to modify my alimony. During mediation, seemed very unprepared. She didn’t frame my case and capitulated to the opposing counsel very early on.
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14 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Relatively new attorney in the Strom firm, who is knowledgeable, but is meeting an hourly monthly quota, so your divorce will be dragged on with no forward movement by Patty. Patty also does not play well with others, so do not expect negotiations to happen. Do yourself a favor and keep looking for an attorney that actually wants to settle your case and not destroy your children’s future in the process. Sometime you can be too young and not have enough life experiences to understand the detriment being caused by one’s actions. This is certainly the case with Patty.
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15 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
I had an initial consult with Parise. We had an hour conversation and I asked her to review only 2 documents to see if she would accept my case. After charging me $1000 to accomplish this, she stated the only reason she couldn't accept my case was that it would be heard in court in a county she didn't feel she could travel to. The county the case was to be heard in was the first question on her intake form-even before my name. That should have alerted her or at least her staff that they shouldn't have even scheduled an appointment. My next attorney was shocked at the $1000 charge to see if she would just take the case.
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What a Child Custody Lawyer Can Do for You

A child custody lawyer specializes in helping parents navigate legal matters related to the custody and care of their children, particularly in the context of divorce, separation, or other family disputes. These lawyers assist with determining custody arrangements, drafting parenting plans, and advocating for your rights in court. They also help resolve disputes over physical custody (where the child lives), legal custody (who makes decisions for the child), visitation rights, and modifications to existing custody orders.

Whether you're going through a divorce or need to change an existing custody arrangement, a child custody lawyer can help you understand your rights and protect your child's best interests throughout the legal process.

When Should I Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a child custody lawyer in several situations, especially when disputes arise or complex legal issues affect your parental rights. Some common reasons to hire a child custody lawyer include:

  • Divorce or separation: If you're going through a divorce or separation and need to establish custody and visitation arrangements, a lawyer can help ensure the custody order reflects your child's best interests.
  • Disputed custody cases: If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody or visitation terms, a lawyer can advocate for your rights in court and help you develop a strong case.
  • Modification of custody orders: If you need to change an existing custody arrangement due to changes in circumstances (e.g., relocation, changes in the child’s needs), a lawyer can help file a modification request.
  • Parental alienation: If the other parent is interfering with your relationship with your child, a lawyer can help address these issues through legal action.
  • Domestic violence or abuse: If there is a history of domestic violence or abuse, a lawyer can help protect you and your child by requesting restraining orders and advocating for appropriate custody arrangements.
  • Grandparent or third-party custody: If you are a grandparent or another relative seeking custody or visitation rights, a lawyer can guide you through the legal process.
  • Paternity disputes: In cases where paternity is in question, a lawyer can assist with establishing or challenging paternity, which may affect custody and visitation rights.

Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help protect your parental rights and ensure that the custody arrangement is in your child's best interests.

What Does a Child Custody Lawyer Do?

A child custody lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help parents resolve custody disputes and secure favorable custody arrangements for their children. Their responsibilities often include:

  • Filing custody petitions: Helping you file the necessary paperwork to request custody or visitation rights and ensuring all legal procedures are followed.
  • Negotiating custody agreements: Assisting in negotiating custody and visitation arrangements, often working toward a mutually beneficial parenting plan without going to court.
  • Representing you in court: If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody terms, representing you in court by presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
  • Drafting parenting plans: Helping you draft a comprehensive parenting plan that outlines the schedule for physical custody, decision-making responsibilities, and visitation.
  • Handling child support issues: Assisting with related issues such as child support, ensuring that financial obligations are properly calculated and enforced.
  • Modifying custody orders: Helping you request a modification from the court if you need to change an existing custody arrangement due to significant life changes.
  • Mediating custody disputes: Acting as a mediator to help both parents reach an agreement on custody and visitation without the need for litigation.

How Are Child Custody Lawyers Paid?

Child custody lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case, the time involved, and the nature of the legal work. Common payment methods include:

  • Hourly rate: Most child custody 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 depends on the time spent preparing documents, negotiating, and representing you in court.
  • Flat fee: For simple custody matters or uncontested custody agreements, some lawyers may offer a flat fee for specific services, such as drafting a parenting plan or filing a custody petition.
  • Retainer: Many lawyers require an upfront retainer fee, which is billed against as the lawyer works on your case. The amount varies based on the expected complexity and duration of the case.
  • Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some lawyers may offer reduced fees or pro bono (free) services for clients with limited financial means, particularly in cases involving domestic violence or other serious issues.

It’s important to discuss fees and payment arrangements with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how much you will be charged and what services are included.

How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a child custody lawyer depends on various factors, including the complexity of the case, whether it’s contested or uncontested, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:

  • Uncontested custody cases: Legal fees may range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the paperwork and any negotiations.
  • Contested custody cases: Legal fees can range from $5,000 to $40,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the issues, the need for expert testimony, and the time spent in litigation.
  • Hourly rates: Lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or complex custody disputes.
  • Mediation services: If both parents agree to work through mediation, costs typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more for the mediation process.

Always ask for a clear cost estimate during your consultation to ensure that you understand the total legal fees and payment structure.

Top Questions to Ask a Child Custody Lawyer

Before hiring a child custody lawyer, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure they are the best fit for your case. Some key questions to ask include:

  1. What experience do you have with child custody cases?
    Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, especially if your case involves complex issues like domestic violence, relocation, or paternity disputes.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, offers flat fees for certain services, or requires a retainer, and ask for an estimate of the total cost.
  3. What is the likelihood of success in my case?
    Ask for an honest assessment of your case, including potential challenges and expected outcomes.
  4. How long will the process take?
    Inquire about the expected timeline from filing the petition to reaching an agreement or going to trial.
  5. Will you personally handle my case?
    Ensure you know who will be managing your case and representing you in court.
  6. Can we pursue mediation or alternative dispute resolution?
    Ask whether the lawyer recommends mediation or other forms of dispute resolution to avoid a lengthy court battle.

How to Check the Credibility of a Child Custody Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable child custody lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and experience:

  • 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 child custody cases.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to gauge the lawyer’s professionalism and success in child custody matters.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on custody cases.
  • Check for certifications: Look for lawyers who are board-certified in family law or have memberships in organizations like the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) or local family law sections.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with a child custody lawyer, come prepared with relevant documents and information:

  • Court orders or existing custody agreements: Bring copies of any existing custody or visitation orders for the lawyer to review.
  • Communication with the other parent: Provide copies of emails, texts, or letters regarding custody, visitation, or disputes.
  • List of your child’s needs: Prepare a list of your child’s specific needs, such as medical care, education, and extracurricular activities.
  • Timeline of the case: Outline key events related to your custody case, including changes in living situations or parental involvement.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions about the custody process, legal fees, and the lawyer’s strategy for your case.

By being well-prepared, you can help the lawyer assess your situation effectively and receive the best possible advice for protecting your rights and your child’s well-being.