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17 Aug, 2022 by Will
This man was unbelievably condescending and rude. He cut me off , jumped to conclusions, and without hearing even 1 full sentence let alone a train of thought proceeded to lecture me about the proper way to have the conversation we never had. We never will. I don’t care if he’s the best lawyer in the court room for my case because out of it he’s a egotistical windbag. I wouldn’t hire this man if my life depended on it. I don’t know how he gets any clients.
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17 Jul, 2020 by Justin
TOM DID A GREAT JOB FOR ME. HAD A DUI ACCIDENT PLED DOWN TO IMPAIRED. HE WAS TO THE POINT WITH NO ISSUES. HE WAS TIMELY AND FINE TO DEAL WITH.
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06 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
Very rude talks over you works for the other guy He don’t know what he is doing. Very unprofessional. Works for the other side and not in your best interest. Spent 10,000 dollars for him to tell me not to fight for my kids and give them up for adoption. Hardly works for the client and talks over you when you try to explain things. Don’t bother with this guy once he thinks badly of you it don’t matter he won’t let you get a word in otherwise. He has no problem expressing his feeling such as calling me a spoiled brat. When I have had to give up everything to pay for him to give me bad advice. Worst decision I have made hire him. Also told me multi times he don’t know what he is doing. I am sure this review will be deleted by him to keep his ratings up probably great criminal lawyer but seems to know nothing about family law.
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31 Jan, 2020 by Katarina
Jill is Very smart, and knowledgeable. She fought good and hard for me. She is good at what she does and very honest. I used others in the past and Jill was on time and knew her stuff. I am happy with the results and her dedicated and hard work.
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04 Dec, 2017 by Michael
I had a horrible experience with this attorney. Prior to leaving this review I contacted her firm (Cordell) and was told Management would be made aware of my dissatisfaction with the extreme incompetence and poor representation I received resulting in my significant reduction in parenting time (she could have been representing my ex - I think the result would have been the same).
Her representation to me on the phone based on the circumstances of what the outcome would be (at the very least what she would advocate for) were very different than what she conveyed to me on the day of the hearing itself in front of MI FOC.
Aside from wasting thousands of dollars for incompetent representation, billing unreasonable amounts of money after I told her I was no longer interested in her representation, I received nothing more from her firm than an indication "management would be notified".
Buyer beware. I hired her based on her being a "father's advocate". This was not at all the case in my experience.
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13 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Jill was not very knowledgeable about my case at all, even though I spent a thorough about of time explaining the facts or my case with her. She does not pay attention to detail, as quite a few of my court documents had misspellings and errors which show that she did not review these documents at all. I wish I could think of anything that she provided that was a value add as my advocate, but I can't. I understand that a lack of experience can lead to novice mistakes, but there's no way that I should be a better advocate than my own lawyer. I would not recommend her to anyone. She told me in an a temporary order for child support that the court would not make me pay that much, had me sign the order, then I later found out that it was truly binding. Hopefully some experience will help her, but her unskilled mistakes are terrible.!
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09 Dec, 2013 by Anonymous
She is rude and only makes matters worst. She charges you for mistakes in her paperwork typed by her daughter. She got my divorce case dismissed for lack of activity making so I had to hire and pay for a second attorney. With two minor children and the six month waiting period I didn't get credit for time served. Terrible and shouldn't be allowed to practice law at all. She made mistake after mistake and I got to pay for every one and she didn't even get me divorced and she was paid in full and than for all her mistakes, her phone call etc... after hiring her I spoke with several people who had very bad experiences as well.
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29 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
I am currently looking for an attorney and came across this giving her (only one review) giving her a decent rating, which I in the interest of anyone would strongly advise don't waste your time or money- that is exactly the case- She was my first divorce attorney (I say 1st because of her lack of doing her job the case was
dismissed for inactivity) therefore causing me to hire a second attorney and paying for the divorce again- minor children were involved and I did not receive credit for time served for the first attempt therefore requiring me to wait another six month
waiting period for it to be final- She made mistakes in typing paperwork example being having plaintiff and defendant mixed up and other sloppy mistakes but the best part is I was charged for the time it took to correct her mistakes!!! and for the phone call asking why would I be charged for her mistakes- all because she failed to do her job in any way she took over a tenth of my $900.00 a month disability income that was supporting three people at that time because she can't type or proof read and will charge you for a phone call asking why I have a bill for a $100?- and ultimately costing me a whole new lawyer and time because first for dismissed because she didn't do anything- It was "dismissed for lack of activity" but yet call to ask why and you will be paying more- I swore at the time I would report her to the board for something I am forgetting right now and wish I could but I am only spending my time doing this to hopefully save someone from a HUGE MISTAKE which would be to hire her-
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03 Jun, 2010 by Anonymous
Violet has successfully helped me with legal matters over the years and has always been responsive and quick to take action. She represented me in my divorce and was astute and passionate in working for me against an ex who was bent on making the divorce as contentious as possible. In the end, my attorney fees were covered for frivolous motions from my ex (unusual) and my divorce was very favorable toward my personal settlement...my ex really dislikes her. I highly recommend her for divorce / custody matters...you won't find a more clever, hard-working lawyer!
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30 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
Got the job done, yet was abrasive and conducted herself in an extremely unprofessional manner. I have never experienced this type of behavior by a lawyer and actually made the entire situation worse.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
I’m gonna keep this somewhat vague just in case she reads these (even though a part of me wants her to). The friend of court or some person hired Katie (my parents pay) so I could talk to her about my situation with my dad, and in an appointment I started sobbing about something my dad did that made me feel terrible and unsafe. There was a court meeting today, and she said that I was sobbing about BEING BULLIED AT SCHOOL?? That’s not what I said at all and she obviously was siding with my dad whom I straight up told her I never wanted to see again. She called my sister hysterical for crying. She made me sound like a brat who had no problems with her dad and is just sensitive. She called my family a “nest of mean girls.” She was supposed to represent MY VIEWPOINT. I don’t understand her. It’s like she just made up whatever she wanted to say to screw me and my mom up. My mom got fined in contempt of court because of her, and I have to go back to my abusive father’s house. Would not recommend
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14 Mar, 2023 by Michael
She is condescending. Super biased. She should not be an attourney. Do not hire her. No not use her for consults. She is a back stabbed. Sbe says one thing, than does another
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21 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
If you are a man, do now allow Ms.Zopf anywhere near your case-
she is strongly biased against men. If you are a woman and want someone who will overplay her hand so you extremely that it calls your entire case into doubt, then Zopf is for you.
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05 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired them after I was referred. Of course she told me I had nothing to worry about and that we would win. I provided all evidence. Court came and she never showed up but dug up her father out of the grave to represent me. Horrible! All he did was ramble on about nothing making the other party look good. He told me I was at fault for having kids with this guy! What?! Everyone in the lobby laughed and made me feel low. All my court dates this old man shows up and we did not win. She never once came to a court date. I call and call her office she would never answer or return my calls. They screened my calls. Her father calls me back and asks me am I off my meds! What?! I told him off then days later I receive mail that she’s dropping ME as a client when it should’ve been the other way around. To took my money and did nothing for me. They should not be practicing law.. just what they do, PRACTICE! Not professional, never on time, horrible communication, low standards, foul mouths, etc.. find someone else, please! The reviews are true. ZEEEEROOOO STARS!
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03 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Do not waste your time or money with this attorney. 29 years of experience means absolutely nothing. I totally blame myself for not checking her reviews. She is the worst attorney on earth. She just takes your money and does not represent you. I paid her in full and got totally nothing. This attorney allowed my ex-husband take everything from me just took me to the cleaners.
She gives terrible advice and is very short with you and not willing to spend time and represent you with any professional or ethical posture. I would not recommend her to a dog! Out of 5 stars she has 1 I give her negative 0.
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15 Jan, 2021 by Amber
Lack of respect to clients children and families
Horrible comitment worse than the one I got out of and why I needed her
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23 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Conlon has left a trail of people behind him, that he has taken advantage of in their most vulnerable time, going through a divorce. Hiring him was the biggest mistake I've ever made behind marrying my former spouse. He is a bigot, male chauvinist, opinionated, loud, unprepared, unprofessional. He has been censored by the Michigan Bar Association twice for lying, inappropriate conduct with female clients, failing to pay fines and misusing lien(s) where he runs up your legal bill with padded/enormous charges with the intent of getting the money by placing a lein on your property. DO NOT HIRE THIS CON-ARTIST...it will the worst mistake you ever made! My final judgment was riddle with mistakes, pension language, custody language, health insurance mistakes, money owed to me by my former spouse - not mentioned in the final judgment...
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23 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
This is the harshest and most critical review of Lawyer John Conlon of Kalamazoo, MI that i can present. I hired Mr Conlon to represent me in a sticky family law matter several years ago and he said that he could strongly advocate my case as is involved child custody and residency legality with 2 different states. He was paid the $6000 retainer fee but as recently acquired court transcripts show, he utterly failed to strongly advocate on my behalf and bilked me out of the funds presented. Other attorneys in the area, after a few questions, could quickly ascertain whether I had a case or not and gave options on how to proceed. Mr Conlon did neither, but only assured me that he was "working on it" and when the retainer fees were expired, proceeded to ask for more, which is when I let his services go. I am taking the time to report this fraudulent and dishonest behavior and hope that no one else has to deal with this attorney who apparently refuses to do any work, all the while bilking you out of your funds. I have also submitted my complaint to the MI State bar and MI State Attorney and consumer advocacy groups
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24 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
I also hired Ryan T. Pellerito, to assist me through the legalities of a civil situation, I had done all the investigation paper work, but was unfamiliar with the filing process. When I called & asked his consultation fee, he said it was free which I was billed $300.00, also he was 40 minutes late for an office appointment, which I called him 3 times with no return call, He insisted to do things his way with no regards to my opinion, although the case was settled somewhat in my favor,not to my liking , the stress and headaches arguing with him was more then I bargained for.
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02 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Pellerito was hired to help me through the legalities of the situation I was in. He helped through some, but refused to help with others even though he was specifically asked if he could help with all aspects before hiring him.
I am also going to inform those that read this to make certain you save every single receipt from Mr. Pellerito and be prepared to argue with him over payment. He has a hard time doing math and cannot seem to subtract payments from what he bills you. I have receipts proving $2,500 in payments and a total of $1400 billed yet he still thinks money is due him even though he was fired for his lack of knowledge in the field of law he was hired for.
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17 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
My son entered in to a bitter, violent, and volatile divorce in July 2018. He reached out to Jeff because he is supposed to be a strong representative for fathers involved in a divorce. After hiring him on July 5, 2018, we found that my son's case was not held as a priority to Jeff. He often didn't return responses to emails or phone calls in a timely manner. Even though the safety of my son's children were at risk, he put other clients ahead of his case. When we brought this to his attention, he stated that he is busy and has other clients. Court paperwork in regard to temporary custody of the children was forwarded to my son for review without Jeff reviewing it first. There were many obvious mistakes including using the name of a judge that had retired 5 years ago, incorrect child support computation, incorrect directions for the exchange of the children, failure to include joint legal custody, failure to include that his spouse was no longer allowed in the home. When asked why the paperwork had not been properly reviewed, Jeff stated he was working on other cases and thought it best to get the information to my son as soon as possible. The most egregious action, however, was his biased opinion of my son and his chances of getting custody of his children. From day one, he used the word "jerk" when describing how a judge might look at my son. He told him the court system in which he had to file, was one of the worst ones to work with. When the friend of the court referee met with Jeff, he advised my son that the referee was not going to work with him and didn't even want to hear his case. Jeff advised my son to just accept whatever he could work out with his spouse's attorney as it would be the best he would get. This does not sound like an attorney that is willing to work for his client in his best interest. I would caution any male that is involved in a divorce to research very carefully before hiring an attorney to represent them. In the 6 weeks that Jeff represented my son, there was not one thing accomplished that would hold any weight in court. This allowed his wife to take his children, withold them from him, break into their house and take many of his belongings, and make constant threats. No one should go through this situation without an attorney that is willing to dig in and fight for them. We have since hired another attorney and are very pleased with her. She has gotten a court order that gives him time with his children, protection of his home, and personal safety.
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10 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Schaefer and Mr Bank handled my divorced. It was a very complex divorced and they did a very poor job. They are basically deal makers. They are not very progressive. They will schedule meeting, I would take a day off from work, then they would forget. They were not very truthful when I asked specific questions about during my divorce. Financially they will not fight for you. They basically allowed the other side to write the divorce decree and then rubber stamped it. They pressure you to sign a divorce decree saying that going to court will cost more money. I found both Mr. Bank and Mr Schaefer not be be honest which is not what you need when going through a painful divorce.
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05 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Hired the firm and paid for a service that I never received, eventually had to switch attorneys due to lack of communication and representation. Still have yet to receive a final bill or my money back.
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26 Feb, 2018 by Justin
I cantacted and hired Marie walker in may of 2017 looking for legal advice to deal with my ex and her taking it upon herself to decide parenting time with out talking to me.
Marie suggested mediation, and accompanied me there, and I walked out of mediation with less time with my son.
My ex was showing my son legal documents from Marie and the courts, and basically turning my son against after mediation.
Marie’s advice was to try to co parent with my ex... this advice was given after I had explained to Marie multiple times that coparenting with my ex wasn’t working.
My son became so angry that he destroyed my TV and keys my wife’s car as he was walking out of my house to return to his moms for 2 weeks.
Marie’s advice was to press charges against my son for destruction of property, to create a record of his behavior, and to show him consequences for his actions. This was a mistake. When attending his juvenile hearing Marie then pulled me and my wife aside and told me she would never have pressed charges, and that an 11 year old boy should have 1 minute time out for every year he is old. She then told me that if I didn’t like her legal advice that I should find a new lawyer. By this time I was 3k in debt to her.
My ex filed a motion for an emergency hear to remove my parenting time, as result of me pressing charges.
When at court Marie wouldn’t even let me enter the court room, and bullied me into taking the opposing council’s parenting deal. I brought character witnesses and multiple documents to the hearing in my defense as good parent, and Marie wouldn’t let me submit them to the magistrate.
When I did agreed with Marie she then said again “if you don’t like my legal advice, you can fire me and pay me in full” by this point I’m over 5k$ in debt to Marie walker.
She calls me by the wrong name on court document, in corisponding emails, and legal documents to my ex’s lawyer after be corrected multiple times. She has given legal advice multiple times and then taken back what she has said.
My son is troubled and I’m just looking for help to get some more time with him; but when I explain this to Marie, she says “you need to treat your son like a drunk on the floor and walk over him”.
I can’t explain to how much of a mistake it was to hire Marie. She has brought nothing but pain, confusion, and financial heart ache to my family.
After the last court hearing, I lost all of my physical custody of my son, and am now paying over 700$ a month in child support.
I used to have my son every other weekend from Friday to Monday, and exra weekdays in the summer.
That is all gone now, thanks to the poor legal advice of Marie walker
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12 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Hired this lawyer to fight for my daughter after her mother abandoned her for 14 year cooking meth and in and out of jail.
Instead of him doing what we wanted in court he bent over backwards and did what the court wanted. Did nothing to help us.
He knew I wanted to appeal the decision that he recommended to the courts which was the opposite of what we wanted. 2 months go on and he calls saying he didn't get anything from the courts until the judge signed the order.
This lawyer is a joke. Does what he thinks is best instead of doing what's best for is client. Worst lawyer I've ever come met!!
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28 Aug, 2024 by K
So my family and I were in desperate needs of a family attorney and found Chris droulliard. At first he was telling me and my fiancé all the things we wanted to hear. When it was time for court things got ugly even though we paid for his services to defend our family! He was very rude and short, he cut me off when I would try to talk and explain what was going on in the case. HE WENT AS FAR AS SHOWING UP TO COURT AND SLANDERING MY NAME ACROSS THE COURTROOM WHEN I DIDNT ASK FOR HIS SERVICES AGAIN! He kept hounding me for more money and I got absolutely NO results from this guy. I wouldn’t recommend him to save your life. That is all… thank you.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
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.
