Lawyers map
>8
experienced lawyers
Filter by
25 Nov, 2024 by Jing yiran
I just had my first consultation with Christopher Valentino, and I’m thrilled with the experience. He answered all my questions and resolved my concerns quickly and efficiently. I had tried reaching out to other immigration attorneys, but they either didn’t pick up my calls or made me wait an indefinite amount of time for a response. Christopher, on the other hand, provided clear answers, offered excellent advice, and gave me great suggestions regarding my F-1 visa and green card situation. I will definitely recommend him to all my friends who may need his services.
Read more
09 Nov, 2024 by Terry
I wish I knew about this site prior to hiring Mark. Everything I read was what I experienced and then some. At one point I couldn’t get ahold of him/his assistant for six months. Had to repeat things over and over all while being charged for it every time. He would write up things to put in my file regarding my ex wife not following the parental agreement and forget to send it to her lawyer. Ran up the bill and at the end pushed me
To settle for a lot less then he lead me to believe. And never really listened when I would talk to him. He left out a tax issue that I told him about at the beginning, middle and towards the end. He got pushed around by my ex-wife and her lawyer.
There’s more, but this should be enough. You can certainly find a better lawyer then Mark
Read more
04 Nov, 2024 by Enrique y gabriela garcia solis
Hi, I would like to leave a review to Freedom Immigration and Attorney Valentino. My family member had found a company with the same name on social media but apparently it was a fake company. I really appreciate that Attorney Valentino helped me understand that it was a scam. I really appreciate that he took a few minutes of his busy schedule to answer my questions and consultation. I would recommend his office.
Read more
31 Dec, 2018 by Elizabeth robbins
In the worst time that my family has faced Elizabeth was the anchor that helped me to navigate the fears and anxiety that I was wrestling with. She was quick to respond and clearly outlined the risks and advantages of every possible option. However, it was her compassionate treatment of me, our family, and our situation that stood out to me most. She is a tremendous lawyer and a thoughtful and caring human being and I would recommend her highly to anyone in need of her legal services.
Read more
08 Feb, 2018 by Elke
Outstanding! An exceptionally balanced lawyer with compassion and professionalism...who aggressively protected my family and I in a very well done, delicate and diplomatic manner, respected by both sides. Very thorough, knowledgeable, well known and respected in the field/area.
I was referred to Elizabeth Butler from other professionals in the field/area.
Case resulted in dismissal.
Read more
12 Jun, 2017 by Kay
EXCELLENT. Thorough. Complete grasp of relevant issues. Great attention to detail and communication skills. Handled case professionally from start to finish, concluding with favorable decision. Couldn't have done better.
Read more
16 Nov, 2016 by Jacqueline
He told me we had a tough case from the beginning but yet, he won my case for me! He is very knowledgeable, always in your corner and one step ahead of your opposing party. David knows his stuff and doesn't let much get by him. And he is master of a deposition, loved to watch him in action. He went over and above what I could ever have hoped especially after the first custody attorney I hired did nothing. My daughter and I are now able to start a new life outside of Illinois. I could not have been happier with David being referred to me. If you decide to put David in your corner, you will not be disappointed
Read more
29 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
David is great! He is witty, very knowledgeable, always one step ahead of the other guy! Brutally honest and to the point. He helped us acheive a win in a very unpleasant, long and tedious custody case. Always found a bright side, even in poor scenarios. He gave us multiple options, each with its own outcome, and suggested the best path for our situation. He was sincerely looking out for our future, as well as the future of the child involved. Thank you David!
Read more
28 Jan, 2025 by Oscar villasqaaqzsazzdamizar
Los recomiendo 100% me ganaron un caso q veía perdido.. Exelente firma
Read more
16 Dec, 2024 by Teresa renata d
My immigration situation wasn’t easy.
In 2016 I gave my case to a “reputable” polish attorney.
It was hard to believe but 8 years flew by with lack of any results which left me hopeless, depressed and sad.
Not only he did not progress my case at all, but exposed me to the higher risk of the potential removal proceedings.
I honestly doubted I’d ever become a “legal” resident.
Not to mention how terrifying it was to even think of possible permanent returning to Poland after 24 years in USA.
My case seemed hopeless until a friend referred me to Justin Burton's office. As soon as I met him I knew he was a true professional and expert in the immigration law.
Justin stands for his words and his work. I trusted him 100%. He delivers the discussed results, never sugar-coats, keeps clients well informed, and stays in touch with them. I loved how specific and to the point he was - I finally was in hands of a nonsense-free professional who respects people and their time.
This July a year went by since Justin took my case and I already received my dream green card!
The process was a success thanks to Justin and his team (special thanks to Kevin representing me in front of the immigration judge)
I dont speak sufficient English which always causes me stress and huge anxiety, but Justin’s office took care of it. Their polish translator, Renata assisted me whenever needed.
With Justin overseeing the complex multiple facades and dealing with of all immigration intricacies the whole process was actually a pleasure!
I felt safe and well taken care of.
In just 1 year Justin Burton accomplished what others couldn’t in a decade. I highly recommend Justin’s immigration law services.
He gets the job done.
Thank you,
Teresa Doniec
Read more
26 Nov, 2024 by Max kopych
Justin is a great lawyer. I’m still in the midst of the immigration process, but after switching many lawyers, I can finally say I’ve found one who truly cares about his clients and their cases.
Read more
19 Nov, 2024 by Ellen
Michael Doman is straightforward and knows the statute well. I accomplished more in 1 meeting with him than in 3 with the first attorney I hired. Office staff had great follow through. Highly recommend.
Read more
17 Apr, 2024 by Dasha smith
My experience with Steven Wolf of Wolf Solovy & Zivin, LLP, was nothing short of a nightmare. From the outset, his promises were grand, but his actions were deceptive and unethical.
Upon engaging his services, I was assured of his expertise and dedication to my case. However, it quickly became evident that these were mere words meant to placate clients rather than deliver actual results. Despite numerous follow-ups and inquiries, the progress on my case was stagnant, and any semblance of work done was virtually non-existent.
To add insult to injury, I was billed exorbitant amounts for purported services that were never rendered. It became apparent that his primary objective was not to pursue justice for his clients but rather to maximize profits through deceitful billing practices.
Furthermore, attempts to address my concerns with the firm were met with indifference and dismissiveness. It was clear that he had no intention of rectifying his egregious behavior or providing any semblance of accountability.
In summary, my experience with Steven Wolf was a complete debacle. I caution anyone considering their services to proceed with extreme caution. He epitomizes everything that is wrong with the legal profession – prioritizing greed over integrity and client service. Steer clear of this unscrupulous firm at all costs.
Read more
17 Apr, 2024 by Stevenw301
Dasha Smith has NEVER been a client of Steven Wolf or any other attorney at this law firm. She has NEVER consulted or engaged Steve or the law firm and has NEVER been billed by the law firm. HER REVIEW HAS NO BASIS IN FACT AND IS COMPLETE FICTION.
Read more
12 Jan, 2024 by Ethel o.
I engaged Mr. Rakowski (LSR) in April 2023 to assist with Judgment enforcement matters. In August 2023, he blindsided me by filing a petition to withdraw while demanding that I pay him $7000 to continue representation without having provided me with an invoice of services supporting his demand.
This was during a time when he was supposed to be cleaning the mess he created by filing a Petition for Rule to Show (Indirect Civil Contempt) without any claimed amount, being able to mention the paragraphs of the Judgment violated, nature of the violation OR present Exhibits and evidence during the hearing to support the petition.
That was the beginning of my nightmarish encounters as events spiraled out of control. He would then file several unnecessary and avoidable motions to modify, compel, and clarify, attempting to rectify his errors and failings while racking up legal fees. And then, he demanded $7000 for the work to clean up this mess without providing me with a supporting invoice.
He attempted to coerce me into paying him that amount and when I pushed back, he quickly filed his withdrawal and then immediately filed a petition for attorney fees after the withdrawal was granted. Important to point out that none of the matters I engaged him for were resolved by the time he withdrew, including the petition for reimbursement of child expenses that the Court denied without prejudice because of LSR's failure to state any owed amounts.
LSR claimed he was working on drafting a new petition for refiling and billed me over $1,000 for that supposed work in the invoice. However, I never saw a draft of that petition prior to his abrupt withdrawal. And he would then have the audacity to file a petition for fees against me because he thinks the law allows it and he would rather leverage what he believes to be law to oppress his client than do what is right. Zero accountability!!
Suffice it to say that I am now representing myself Pro Se and had to refile the petition for child expenses reimbursement myself, which the Court conducted a hearing on and ordered the respondent to pay me the amount claimed.
In hindsight, I would have been much better off doing this on my own with very little help from the Law Library. The library has all the applicable straightforward forms. The matters were not complicated. It was post-divorce and didn't require any discovery. I have the Judgment. And there were evidence and documentation to support its violation. But LSR made the process and filing so messed up and complicated so that he could then bill me over $11,000 attempting to clean the mess. Engaging LSR is the worst mistake I have made all through my pre-divorce and post-divorce journey.
I would have rated him a zero star if I could but unfortunately, the minimum I could give is 1.
Read more
28 Feb, 2021 by Christina
Mr. Rakowski opened my eyes to what my rights are as a mother. His knowledge, confidence and compassion confirmed my decision as to why I chose him. Best decision I could’ve made to protect myself and daughter.
Read more
14 Feb, 2021 by Allie
Steve is an absolute pleasure to work with. He & his staff are patient, courteous, responsive & very dedicated in pursuing only the best possible outcome for their client(s).
Although, sadly, there were many painful bumps on the road in dealing with my very difficult family members, Steve made working through my case a much more bearable experience because of his great counsel & advice.
I highly recommend Mr. Rakowski and his firm to everyone needing a skilled, masterful attorney! You’ll be in very good hands.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
