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22 Mar, 2017 by Tasha
Sandra Myers has been my attorney for several years now and has helped me and my son tremendously. She has always gone above and beyond, and shown a high level of commitment to helping us. In addition, she conducts herself with such a high degree of integrity and class...I am so happy I found her years ago.
Recently Alexandra Myers took over my case and represented me throughout the course of a trial. She was very organized, focused and diligent, and showed enthusiasm that inspired me to stay optimistic throughout the entire process. She was also extremely resourceful in gathering information and prepping for the trial. In the courtroom she too conducted herself with professionalism and grace, and to say that I am grateful to have her as my attorney is an understatement.
I would absolutely recommend both Sandra and Alexandra. They are smart, knowledgeable, dedicated attorneys who provide their clients with the best advice and service!
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19 Apr, 2022 by David
Stay away from Trevor Hensley! He is a very passive and highly ineffective attorney and will drag your case out a long as he can, especially if you have known available resources for him to readily deplete. He's much more interested in convincing you to settle for much less than in fighting to get you the greatest outcome; as he works much harder in getting on very friendly terms with the opposing party than in representing you and giving you the needed advice to place you in a favorable position. He thinks he's being effective by becoming "friendly" with the opposing party, when actually, he's getting played and set up for being out-witted and out-foxed. Which he was at every single turn in all of my cases.
I hired Trevor to assist me in a highly contentious Divorce, DCSS Child Support and Custody Case that involve a DVRO without any conviction or charges, only allegations. And unfortunately over time it became apparent that Trevor was in way over his head and was incapable of providing adequate counsel for this degree of such highly contested magnitude.
Trevor repeatedly manipulated me by giving me false expectations and then failing to deliver. He required constant reminding of the fundamental facts of the case and charged me for every minute, and then some. Then in court, he rarely argued to any degree worthy his fee. Most often, I could have presented a much better argument. Never was he even remotely aggressive. Most of the time he was very cordial, amicable and completely unconvincing.
After over a year of his representation and nearly $40,000 in legal fees all I had to show for it was a mere 15% visitation time share with my two toddler boys, joint legal custody only, a non-rebutted 3044 DV case, and an unresolved DCSS Child Support and Dissolution Case. And in the end Trevor deceived me into signing him out of my cases and left me with unresolved issues in every case; while unashamedly taking my money.
Every and any favorable decision I received from the courts came as a result of my own efforts before his involvement. Trevor did absolutely nothing for me except take my money and vacate a trial to rebut the Family Code 3044 presumption in lieu of getting me joint legal custody which really amounted to very little considering the cost I incurred while still keeping me bound under the presumption.
The bulk of his charges were for responding to email threads that were often a result of asking me for repeat information or because of him not adequately responding to my phone calls and then not answering my initial email inquiries properly in the first place when there was no other way of communicating with him. In his emails, he would purposely respond vaguely only to generate more questions that required his additional response. He preferred email over phone calls because he could arbitrarily manipulate his charges for time.
Trevor is an office attorney not a litigator, and prefers making his living sitting behind his desk over-charging for things that don't have a direct and positive impact on your case, but serve only to absolve you of your money. There were many tasks that he'd ask me to prepare for him in helping defend my case and then wouldn't even use them in my defense at the hearings or in the negotiations. However, he did insist on appearing for me on a motion in a criminal case to modify a CPO where he convinced me that he needed to be there to ensure that a then very restrictive CPO would be modified to align with the more lenient DVRO, which he at failed miserably, but still charged me over $3000 for his time.
I would certainly not recommend trusting Trevor Hensley to handle any highly contested family matter. In the end, he deceptively walked away from my representation without anything resolved and without any shame or remorse. He failed miserably on so many levels with my cases it's not even funny! And actually, I think he's highly incompetent in resolving any family case when t
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05 Feb, 2021 by Sylvia
Trevor Hensley has been, and continues to be, a godsend during my difficult and prolonged divorce/settlement proceedings.
He is kind, supportive, knowledgeable, and exceptional at what he does.
In truth I am at a loss to find the words to express how much I appreciate his care and consideration as well as his expertise.
He is not only a fine attorney, he is a good person!
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04 Nov, 2019 by Ashlee
I retained Trevor Hensley to help me with a custody and child support battle. He was my attorney for over a year. He helped me with every aspect of my custody case from preparing the paperwork to appearing in court. He was passionate, honest, and hardworking. I was very fortunate to have found him and I recommend him to anyone! Also, his staff is very professional and the building has a nice, comfortable atmosphere.
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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.
