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22 Sep, 2022 by Dani and drew
First, the most paramount part of a case is not the lawyer but being honest with your story and having the evidence to support it. If you go in wanting any lawyer to fight for something based off anger and vengeance, don’t get mad at them if they don’t win.
Mr. Marraffino and his team are ethical and compassionate. They will be straight forward with you and can assist you better if you are straight forward with them. I would suggest them to anyone I know in the area going through a family case, custody battle or divorce. After researching many other lawyers in the area we chose him based off of his years of experience in family law and his great reviews. After our first meeting with him and his team we felt confident in our choice.
During the 16 month arduous Custody and Divorce case they spent countless hours listening to our story, keeping notes and records, following up with us, taking tearful phone calls and they never backed down from the challenges presented to them. Overall, we felt seen, heard and supported by the team and never like it was just about a paycheck. They truly cared about the well being of the children and it was of much comfort knowing we all were fighting for the same thing. As long as Mr. Marraffino is in law, he will be who we hire and will want by our side supporting us.
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29 Apr, 2021 by Jhinuk
I took the help of Mr. Marraffino to fight my divorce case. Half the battle was already won when my husband came to know that I have hired such a reputed lawyer, and hence I did get an easy mutual divorce. Mr. Marraffino was not just a lawyer but also did a lot of counseling for me during these tough times, listening patiently despite being so busy. He is knowledgeable not only in divorce related issues, but I found him to have good knowledge in tax related matters as well. He also recommended me a women's shelter when I wanted to leave my husband's house. Above all, he does not try to prolong the case and keeps it as simple and finishes a case as fast as possible, in the best interest of the client. I found the farm to be client friendly, with a homely cozy environment rather than being too professional. Just the comfort and ease I needed at that moment. Mr. Marraffino, Mrs. Marraffino and Ms. Lashanda treated me not like a client but as a friend. Due to them, despite being completely alone in the country, I found the strength to file a divorce case and go through with it till completion. I do not have enough words to thank the Marraffino law firm. I highly recommend it.
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17 Mar, 2021 by Megan
Marraffino came in to clean up a colossal mess my first attorney made in what is, according to our judge, the "Most contentious divorce" she'd ever seen. He along with his team are focused on presenting the best case, and strategy to win. This man saved my kids, there is no better review I could write. If you want someone dedicated to protecting your family, this is your firm.
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10 Aug, 2014 by Brittany
Ms. Alison Talbert has been my attorney since 2005 and she has extensive experience in both the criminal and civil courts.
She is dedicated to providing quality representation to her clients; she is both compassionate and knowledgeable, and she keeps her clients very well informed.
She is professional, thorough and highly skilled, she is an excellent attorney and I enthusiastically recommend her.
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30 Jul, 2014 by Robert
Ms. Talbert is a true professional who provides excellent representation. In addition to numerous legal questions/consults, I have been Ms. Talbert's client for my child custody case and have been very impressed with the way my case was handled. I have known Ms. Talbert for a number of years and have admiration for her and what she does for her clients. She is an outstanding attorney! I was always kept informed and up to date on the progress of my case. From the initial consultation, Ms. Talbert impressed me with her knowledge by formulating and talking over a plan for what to expect throughout the process. She is honest, up front and direct with her communication - meaning she is always willing to listen to requests, but also isn't afraid to tell you if you're asking for something unconventional or unreasonable. More importantly, she always fully answers questions and provides solid rationales with her recommendations and answers.
Ms. Talbert is always well prepared and put us at ease during very stressful litigations. She strives to help find a solution that both parties can agree to, but she will shine and represent your case very well if your case needs to go to trial! I felt very confident when we had to go to trial and it was evident that we always had the best counselor in the room. Her and her law partener did an outstanding job at my trial and did an amazing job of presenting the FACTS of the case.
Finding the same attorney who is also ethical, honest, excellent in communication and genuinely wants to provide you with the best legal representation is even harder to find. Arroyo & Talbert, P.A. will provide you with an excellent Law Firm and I will continue to highly recommend Alison Talbert to all my colleagues, family and friends.
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18 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Ms. Talbert is an outstanding attorney. I have used her services on more than one occasion and have been very pleased each time. If at any time in the future I need legal advise, I will turn to Ms. Talbert. I have complete trust in her knowledge of law and wil always recommend her to my friends and family members. If you need an attorney that knows law, that can be trusted and will keep you up to date on your case, Alison Talbert is the person to help you. Not only is she an amazing attorney, her partener and staff are helpful and knowledgeable.
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.6
62 Reviews
29 Oct, 2024 by Jon doles
Sara is knowledgeable and trustworthy.
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22 May, 2024 by Katherine “kay” russell
Justin consulted with me on my divorce and then on a revision of my parenting plan. He gave me a lot of really great advice, and I would highly recommend him. If I were to find myself going through the unfortunate scenario of a second divorce, I would absolutely use Justin again.
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21 May, 2024 by Katherine
Justin consulted with me on my divorce and then on a revision of my parenting plan. He gave me a lot of really great advice, and I would highly recommend him. If I were to find myself going through the unfortunate scenario of a second divorce, I would absolutely use Justin again.
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25 Apr, 2024 by Candice peiffer
28 Jan, 2024 by Julie hutchison
I was not treated like just a client. I was treated like a friend and they truly care about me, my happiness and my well being 💖.
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25 Jan, 2024 by Pitston marine
There is NO OTHER law firm that I Will TRUST, RECOMMEND, or USE . They are the best at what they do . And they do it with competence, confidence, knowledge, integrity, respect, conscientiousness and emotional intelligence . And that's just the professional side of this firm . Let me say a few words about the personal side of this firm, you will never find people so genuine in how they treat you, the level of care and concern is evident in everything they do . Allison, Derek and Scott you are the bar all others should aspire to .
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16 May, 2024 by Jb
In September 2023 my daughter hired Tracey Carlisle to file a petition to modify the time-sharing agreement in place; request child support and file a motion for contempt of the court order agreement between her and the father of their child. Tracey accepted the case; a downpayment of $1500 towards her $3K retainer! Seven months have expired, and Ms. Carlisle has failed to meet any expectation as agreed upon. From 2004 thru 2020 there have been several small claims filed against Tracey Carlisle, as well as a long list of poor reviews on numerous sites. Despite the individual outcomes, the claimants share a common denominator…the pattern of continual abuse and neglect is apparent. Neglecting scheduled meeting attendance and failing to advise or obtain consent (unilateral decision-making) from her client to reschedule critical hearings; Inappropriate language usage towards client; Demanding correspondence be limited to emails or texts; Errors in legal documentation – my daughter had to make multiple revisions on Tracey’s petition for contempt court - clearly showing incompetence and lack of consideration for her client; Demanding her clients do the “legwork” in obtaining documentation, she or her useless paralegal could have easily gathered; Non-Disclosure of Conflict of Interest and Representation Despite Known Conflict of Interests; Violating confidentiality via email with a third party. Note: A fundamental principle in the client-lawyer relationship is that, in the absence of the client's informed consent, the lawyer must not reveal information relating to the representation.
In short, if you need a competent attorney who is “not” all about taking your money and failing exponentially, stay clear of Tracey Carlisle and call the Florida Bar Association at 850-561-5600; they will provide you with referral for exemplary attorneys in your area.
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15 May, 2024 by Jess
I hired Tracy back in September 2023 regarding a modification of time sharing, child support and contempt against my abusive ex. It is now May 2024 and not one thing has been done to save my child from her abusive father. I had a hearing in April 2024 and I was the only person to appear. You can only imagine how defeated I felt. I had to take the rest of the week off of work because she had completely destroyed my mental state as she knows I am a domestic abuse survivor and has continuously FAILED ME. I had to find out from the mediator that Tracey had agreed to extend this hearing for another 3 MONTHS. Tracey failed to even mention that she had extended this hearing. I had to be the one to confront her about this and she stated she had “called and left me a voicemail” 2 weeks prior. I checked my call log, voicemail box and emails on this date and there was NOTHING from her. Not only did she flat out LIE to her own client, she has raised her voice at me as I expressed my concerns about never being able to get ahold of her, her paralegal telling me I couldn’t speak to Tracey for 2 weeks at a time. Tracey made me feel like I worked for her and gave me “homework”. Running around town finding documents and updating her on things that she could do herself. So much more in between I can’t even imagine express. Tracey has not given me a drop of helpful advice, no guidance in any way shape or form and continued to take money out of my account after I was forced to hire a new lawyer. She expects me to continuously pay her when she’s no longer my lawyer? If you’re that money hungry, just say that Tracey. Tracey is completely untrustworthy and unreliable and should have her license taken away as she hurts people that are desperate for help. One of the worst experiences I have ever had. RUN. Tracey if you’re reading this - I hope you can prove this “voicemail” you left me as I will be filing a lawsuit against you. If you can lie about something that simple, I can’t imagine all of the other lies you have told me. I truly pray that you find God.
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02 Sep, 2020 by Crystal
Tracey was absolutely incredible!
She was very knowledgeable and understanding.
She knew exactly how we needed to proceed in order to get a fair judgement. And that is exactly what happened.
After multiple failed attempts with different lawyers in the past, Tracey helped us through pretty difficult custody issues and we are very pleased with the results. Highly recommended.
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29 Oct, 2024 by Jon doles
Sara is knowledgeable and trustworthy.
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22 May, 2024 by Katherine “kay” russell
Justin consulted with me on my divorce and then on a revision of my parenting plan. He gave me a lot of really great advice, and I would highly recommend him. If I were to find myself going through the unfortunate scenario of a second divorce, I would absolutely use Justin again.
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25 Apr, 2024 by American dream
My overall experience with Justin Jacobson was excellent. He always made himself available whenever the situation with my ex became chaotic and provided me with excellent counsel and support.
Overall, he gave my case all the time and attention that was needed in a sometimes difficult and stressful situations. He was a calming and confident presence during a difficult process. His rapport and guidance was outstanding throughout; prompt, timely and open for calls, messages and quick updates.
He worked through all the questions and issues of my case. I always felt that he looked out for my family's best interests and had my back the entire time. I will continue to use Justin for other legal matters that may arise, as I'm confident in his counsel.
He also has a great team that was very responsive and supportive and kept me informed of everything happening with my case as well as what was coming ahead. I would unequivocally recommend Justin and his team.
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10 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
After reading reviews on this website, I decided to hire her for mediation services. I felt extremely uncomfortable at the unprofessional attitude that she exhibited towards me. I would not recommend… and really wish someone had left a review like this so that I had not chosen to use her services. I was humiliated and disappointed while dealing with her due to her lack of understanding and empathy towards my situation.
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31 Oct, 2019 by Lauren
Kristianna Cucinella is more than just your average, run of the mill attorney. Our child support/paternity case was extremely complicated, having already been settled in North Carolina court in our favor with prejudice. A move to the state of Florida instigated the opposing party to reopen the case, making the circumstances a bit more difficult and harder to navigate. When the lines of justice were unclear, Ms. Cucinella researched and dug until an answer was found or a comparable case was located that could be evidenced in court.
While no one could ever be certain of the outcome when it comes to court matters, my Husband and I were extremely confident and beyond comfortable in the effort that the entire team put into our case.
Ms. Stephanie Mack represented us on the day of court and the outcome couldn’t have been better.
It is very obvious that the duo make an incredible team with clear communication, shared knowledge, fierce work ethic, and confidence that can’t be beat. I highly recommend this firm and the ladies who work there. We can’t name a single thing that we would change, nor do we have any complaints.
Thank you Kristi and Stephanie for your hard work and dedication! This situation could have had such a negative impact on our family. You knew this and you fought for what was right. We can’t thank you enough for that and we are happy, thankful, and blessed by the experience and the ability to move forward.
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13 Jul, 2019 by Louie alvarez
Experience attorney.
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01 Apr, 2024 by Anomymous
I hired Ms. Talley for a divorce case. She seemed very friendly and nice. Turned out that once I hired her, I could never reach her until court dates and at the last minute. She never returns calls and could not answer simple legal questions. she did not take much time at all on my case.
I really felt alone and basically as if I paid her for me to represent myself.
I don't have much experience with hiring an attorney but based on my experience with Ms. Talley, If I were you. I would not waste my money. She does not care, you are nothing but a paycheck and that is how I felt.
The only reason I did not fire her is because I had put too much money into my case.
When my divorce ruling was final, she was supposed to go over legal paperwork that needed to be filed, I heard from her once to say that she would and needless to say she never did.
I sure should of held on to my money.
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29 Jul, 2016 by Josh
Attorney Talley is strongly poised, extremely well studied and calm in her demeanor. She listened and analyzed and came up with a plan that was best for our family. She maintained control with kindness and respect for all. We can't thank her enough. We feel better having her represent our family.
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29 Aug, 2015 by Jessica
Mrs. Talley's services are professional and her overall performance is structured. She is organized with her documentation and her use of technology made communication effective and easy. Mrs. Talley always makes time for her clients, she is very knowledgeable, her honesty and integrity towards me was what I appreciated the most. I would highly recommend her to anyone.
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27 Mar, 2020 by Fahad
Hired him for my divorce case had to withdraw him due to his milky way of charging fees. He's been doing practicing for long in family law he couldn't figure out in 2 months how much will be the child support which i have to pay very poor performance. I understand child support numbers can be up and down he should have given me some hint and every lawyer does that to their client and for that he charged me for the work in the billing statement mentioning my paralegal Lauren did work on child support calculation what a big LIE. If you are looking for a milky lawyer he is the right choice.
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07 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
This opportunity to review Knellinger Law is too short a space to provide all the accolades I can easily attribute to the entire team. My litigation stretched out for years, so I am especially qualified to share my lengthy, ongoing, month-after-month experiences with anyone seeking methodical, competent, thorough, dedicated, and exceptionally professional representation. My experience with Knellinger Law is simply beyond reproach. If possible to prevail, they will.
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02 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Richard Knellinger, the entire team at Knellinger Law, are incredibly effective. I am very pleased with how responsive they are to my needs, and truly listen to my concerns. Mr. Knellinger provides keen insight and easily communicates the complexity of law. He exemplifies true focus and determination; standing with me as zealous advocate, prevailing in every instance before the Court. Richard Knellinger is one of the most ethical lawyers I have ever known; his commitment and attention to his clients is unparalleled.
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10 Nov, 2018 by Matthew
This review is exclusively for Casey Thompson. I'm not living in Florida anymore, but he was able to handle a relatively "messy" divorce. With kids from multiple fathers. (Which if you didn't know, all are considered yours if you are married!) I never had to step foot on a plane or anything like that. I happened to be on a somewhat fixed income, and he made sure to not go over what I could afford (hourly). I'm pretty sure he didn't charge me for some of it. And best of all is whenever I needed to talk to him, he either picked up right away or got back to me promptly. We also had a good email relationship. He definitely made a bad situation seem effortless. I strongly recommend him. Casey, if you're reading this.... thanks again!!
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09 Nov, 2018 by C.m.
This might be a bit too personal, but I feel that it is a story worth sharing. I chose to get a divorce at the end of 2017. I lost everything and gained a bunch of debt in the process. I was also court ordered to pay an unjustifiably exorbitant amount alimony to my ex. I couldn't keep up with the new debt and the alimony. I fell into a deep depression. I called the suicide hotline as I didn't know where to turn. They lent me an ear and helped me find a lawyer.
I was quickly referred to Casey Thompson. I explained my situation to him and he agreed to take me on as a client. With the help of Casey and a few weeks of solid effort, she agreed to terminate the alimony. I will forever be grateful for to him for this, he literally helped save my life.
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08 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
We hired Mr. Thompson for a family issue. He suggested a plan A and charged us for that saying that it will be enough and he know what needs to be done. After a couple of months, he proposed another plan B with some additional cost. We asked him to follow the previous plan, but all he did was to schedule a hearing with the judge. It took him almost 4 months to file for a hearing! He didn't try to find any supporting document/evidence for the judge. He was hoping that the judge would make a decision in our favor based on nothing essentially.
Anyway, in the court he was not even prepared to present our case correctly such that the judge stopped him and started asking questions to understand the case. Then judge told him what he needs to do for the next session. As a lawyer you are supposed to know them! I wouldn't recommend him.
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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:
-
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. -
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. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your case, including potential challenges and expected outcomes. -
How long will the process take?
Inquire about the expected timeline from filing the petition to reaching an agreement or going to trial. -
Will you personally handle my case?
Ensure you know who will be managing your case and representing you in court. -
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.
