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10 Jul, 2022 by Lance
Melanie Rothey served as a master on my divorce case. I don’t know where to begin, I don’t know if she’s stupid or lazy. She’s certainly incompetent! She most definitely did not follow the Pa state guide lines. My biggest concern was that my assets were taxable, while my wife’s were tax free. The law states that this needs to be considered when dividing assets. Instead of calculating the differences to make things even she just gave the assets to my wife. Was this due to stupidity, being lazy or maybe just arrogance? I don’t know, but she also used wrong figures on several large assets. So I don’t know what her problem is,perhaps an addiction of some kind. But the end result is incompetence , the bottom line is I wouldn’t let her walk my dog. In fact the only thing my wife and I have agreed on in the last four years is Melaine Rotheys incompetence!
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23 Jun, 2017 by Miranda
Melanie was the most unprofessional lawyer that I consulted with. I would never recommend her to anybody
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22 Jan, 2016 by Bob
Melaine handled my divorce and I can't think of anyone that could have done a better job. She is dedicated and honest. There is no waisted time and her knowledge of the law is second to none.
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23 Jan, 2022 by Sharon ottaviano
14 Apr, 2018 by Richard
Paid Scott Herlands $9,000.00 up front to handle our law suit against a major Modular Home Manufacturer. He did little to nothing for approximately a 5 year time frame. When he decided to seriously pursue the case, it was then about one year, after the company went out of business and filed bankruptcy. He never provided us, though frequently requested by us, an itemized bill of services rendered and kept all the monies paid him up front. I would never recommend him to anyone for anything!!!!!!
He is a lawyer that gives Lawyers a bad name.
I’d give him Zero (No) stars, but the site requires me to give at least one to provide a review.
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29 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Herlands was hired to handle a child custody case. He charged a few thousand dollars, which at the time didn't seem outrageous. After meeting twice, filing a motion and one court appearance, the cost seems very out of line. He then stopped answering calls and I never received a bill showing where the retainer went.
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22 Jun, 2024 by Aubrey hudac
19 Dec, 2022 by Victoria ganter
Hired her for my divorce. Has done absolutely nothing for me. Takes months to return my calls and then bills me for the voicemails I left her.
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12 Dec, 2022 by Justine wensel
23 Mar, 2024 by Brian mahoney
Great attorney! Advocates for what his client is owed in settlement. I am divorced and while most men loose settlements denning had me come out on top. Not only was I awarded my house/physical property but also my ex wife’s Pa state retirement monthly payments. He will get you what you is rightfully yours under your circumstance.
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21 Mar, 2024 by Caryn dixon
Justin is an amazing person and lawyer. He really cares about his clients and went out of his way to make sure that I was taken care of. He even answered emails on his days off and in the middle of the night. I don't know many people who would do that for their clients. I always felt comfortable asking questions and felt confident going into negotiations with his representation. I would highly recommend.
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26 Feb, 2024 by Sharon bitner
27 May, 2015 by Happy mom
Janice Yaw knows the law and used it to gain full custody of my children. She fights and appeals until she wins your case. She's the best lawyer for all your family law needs. I don't know about the other negative comments above but she was a HOMERUN in an extremely long and difficult battle.
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13 Jun, 2012 by Anonymous
I first met with Janice Yaw and gave her a check for $175.00 for a 30 minute consultation about my case. She said all the right things. Once I hired her as my attorney and gave her a retainer, She attended one 15 minute conference and then just kept passing my case off to who ever in her firm to fill in. She did not return my phone calls and then requested more money, I mean alot of money when she did NOTHING on my case except give me false hope and like I said she passed my case onto others and when I called the office they told me that I signed a paper agreeing that anyone in the firm can take my case which was not true. Even so I believe that she acted totally unprofessional.
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19 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
She went back to my daughters fathers lawyer and told her more then she was suppose to, she never answered her phone, just all around horrible and to top it all of, while the case was still open and I was still under 18 she attempted to sue me for late payments!
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02 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Gregory Stuck is not professional in so many ways. He will take weeks to call you back, and when he finally calls you back he will scream profanities into the phone because you asked him a single question. Soon after screaming at you he will then tell you to "shut the f up" atleast 10 times before slamming the phone down and hanging up. This man has zero empathy and or compasion.
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22 Jul, 2019 by Nicole miller
I have used 2 other lawyers for my custody case, neither of them got me anywhere til I decided to go with Greg. I went to court 6 times with the first lawyer resulting in nothing but wasted money. Decided to use another lawyer for a contempt charge against my daughter's father and again lost miserably. Greg is very honest with what he tells you and will always do his best to steer you in the correct direction. If your looking for someone to fight for you, he's your man.
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24 Aug, 2017 by Trish
i too am shocked by the negative comments...i am forever greatful to Atty Stuck as he represented myself & fought hard for my special needs son...without his perserverance & his will to see whatever my son's specialists requested for his medical needs get done were done...and he fought like hell for us...i will recommed him any time...because when my son's deadbeat dad did everything he could to walk out of my son's life~Greg refused to let him not provide.EVERYTHING my son's Specialists asked...i owe Greg for, in part-helping my son stay alive!!!!!... thank u for EVERYTHI,
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04 Aug, 2023 by Mary
Richard Ducote did almost nothing in my case. I was not one of his $50,000 retainer clients. He did not return my calls or my expert witness' calls. Failed to show up for depositions or showed up four hours late. His court filings were abominable. Total embarrassment. I lost the case, of course.
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05 May, 2017 by Christine
Quick to tell you everything you've done wrong and waste precious time. Kept me hanging for more than 3 weeks. When your child is being abused, time, every minute and day is everything. Doesn't care if he leaves you with a week to spare before court to only say, oh I won't be available.
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10 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
Fights endlessly, tirelessly, after hours, while out of town, without ceasing to help protect victimized children from those who try to use the legal system to destroy their childhoods & continue the abuse. I don't know where my children would be today without the protection of God & the expertise of Mr. Ducote. He is worth every penny and more, because I don't think anyone would hire him unless their children's life & future were severely threatened.
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22 Sep, 2023 by Anon blank
Doesn’t communicate at all.
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07 Apr, 2021 by Debra clark
She gave me good insight but didn't fight hard for me!
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05 Jun, 2019 by Fairest reviewer of them all
Karen is GREAT! Very easy to talk to, and she's very thorough. She will happily answer any and all questions, make sure you truly understand what's going on for your case, and keeps you updated every step of the way. Staff are also very nice as well! She made everything pretty easy for me (mine was a simple case, but still, new to me and I was very nervous), and is just an all around nice person. Thank you, Karen and staff!
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15 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Arrogant and rather stupid. Loves to denigrate other attorneys when he is the one who should keep his mouth shut. Run away like another poster said. Loves to spend your money but do little. All about the money.
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07 May, 2020 by Anonymous
Absolutely incompetent in my case. Had to fire him for poor representation and poor communication. He actually delegated me to his assistant who was even worse and chit chatted with opposing counsel and the hearing official and joked during a hearing. Disgusting display of unprofessionalism.
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03 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
I was extremely disappointed in his representation!! Although he constantly told me “no big deal - don’t worry “ I was decimated by the opposing attorney!! He didn’t fight for anything and caved on literally every demand from opposing counsel! He took days to return calls and kept me in the dark all the time! Do yourself a favor and hire another attorney- he is not the quality divorce attorney that his father was!!!!
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12 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
The woman clearly can't even take care of herself and make herself presentable yet she's in charge of the welfare of so many children. If you are lucky she will be a friend of the attorney you hire and then you can get away with anything. You will know right away if they are on a first name basis. Absolutely pathetic human being
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09 Jul, 2021 by Amy
She is a pathetic so called attorney and human being that just goes along with whatever the DA wants. She does not care what happens to you and your family. I would say it's just a 9-5 with her only she doesn't give any effort that an actual job would require. The one star was because i had to.
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14 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Hired Attorney Smith for my divorce and custody matter. She talked a good game during my consultation about how quick she gets back to her clients. Once I paid the retainer, I found out that was a lie. She stopped returning my calls and emails. She drug her feet submitting my custody petition, so when she got around to it weeks later, she found out the other party had already filed in a different county so I had to go retain a new attorney in that county. She never returned my emails and calls to follow up and let me know my divorce was final or send me the decree. I found out the divorce was final after it was posted in the newspaper and I had to go to the court house and find out how to get my own copy of the divorce decree.
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21 Jun, 2019 by Cat
Carol is not experience in family law and should not be practicing. She drew out a very simple matter for a custody meeting. By doing this she overcharged me for her time. When I moved to another lawyer, her office charged me large fees to move my files (she only had me as a client for a few weeks) and charged for operational fees to send me my money back. In the end we spent a lot of money with no return. I do not recommend her as a lawyer.
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01 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
If you have deep pockets, she a good lawyer! I think her fees are outrageous! Believe me you will get charged for everything..... Even something that has to be resent BC you didn't receive it in the mail. When they claim to have sent it. So you get charged all over again for somebody else's mistake!
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26 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Liar and a con man. Collaborates with opposing counsel for his own gain . Piles on billing by bringing in associates who “happen to be passing “. Neither he or associate produce anything but Billings . Another lawyer referred to him as a POS. I had to fire him.
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22 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
Charged me unbelievable amounts of money for a simple divorce. Refused to copy me on the opposing attorney's emails or meetings. Totally unprofessional. Had to fire him and hire another lawyer to finish the divorce.
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21 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I felt Gail was more sympathetic to my ex-spouse's situation, and not as much as mine or my child's plight! During our support negotiation, she didn't "fight" for my son, and instead, advised me to settle for a payment BELOW the minimum recommended payment! I went back later on my own (after she charged me for a very expensive fee to let the court know she no longer represented me) and got more money. I did more on my own without paying her very expensive fees!
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10 Mar, 2013 by Jane
Gail was never able to really listen to me, nor did she advocate for me as I thought a true "Super" attorney would. At the end of my two year QDRO case, I wrote Gail, and her two partners, a letter outlining 5 areas in which I was dissatisfied with Gail's work. No one ever answered me. Gail and her firm are very expensive. I would never recommend her. Use someone else who may really listen to you, work for you, and not cost as much.
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02 Dec, 2022 by Robert hoffman
This dude is a joke, he doesn't answer phone calls or emails, he doesn't file motions, he doesn't stand behind his clients and reprimanded his client in front of the opposition, this dude is a joke and no-one should ever hire him
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08 Oct, 2021 by Karrie
Hired this Attourney to aid in termination of rights. The mother a vile abusive monster. Margaret abandoned her firm and cases without notification. She left many cases high and dry for a prestigious new position. We lost now exposing our children to the worst possible scenario. We are now expected to hand our children over to an abusive, high, disgusting person who fills their heads full of craziness and hate. They were thriving. Happy well adjusted kids who overcame so much trauma. She really should be reprimanded. She who professes to help children abandoned us. They will suffer greatly. There is no pain like having to hand your children over to the person who severely abused them.
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21 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
I was very disappointed with the representation I received from Ms. Ackerman. She was very poor in communicating with me. She did little to nothing to prepare me for court or testimony. Her advice on certain matters came back to penalize me. Don't walk away......RUN!
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20 Nov, 2024 by John
I hesitate to even give attorney George Margetis a one star. He does not communicate at all. A letter was written by his office and a form was filled out to be sent to the Magistrates office in Dallastown. Not only was the defendant’s last name spelled incorrectly, there were spelling and grammar errors. Very unprofessional! l should have known then not to use him. In the parking lot, on the day that l had to go to court Attorney, George Margetis tells me that he is going to ask for a continuous. l said, “No”! l don't want to draw this out any longer. l wanted to go through with a trial. Attorney Margetas kept saying “trust me, this is for the best “. l later found out from him that he asked for a continuance because he had another court appearance! 60 days later we have our court date set for 1030. He rolls into the parking lot at 10:29. Attorney Margetis asked both defendant and plaintiff maybe five questions each while on the stand. Not sure he was even working for me. He expects to be respected, but does not show respect in return. l would never recommend Attorney George Margetas to anyone!
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22 Aug, 2022 by Danielle d.
I was involved in a custody case, my ex's lawyer and the criminal court clerk were doing all kinds of shady dealings. She once stamped a court order over High Judge Smiths signed and sealed court order to try to benefit her friend Kurt. This was a custody case, I had a urine for court and Kurt sent me to the CRIMINAL clerk to obtain the sample. Not to probation so I could have a drink or it could be sent out for verification. John said or did nothing., even when my ex and his lawyer were high fiving each other before I even gave a sample. They took one look at John and Kurt said, "she's going home with you". He knew the clerks results, she was failing me regardless of the results.. Despite what they think. No one was fooled by that fiasco, but John. He should have at least said, "why is there no Judge here? "this is in family court, why is the Criminal clerk doing this screen and not probation to have it verified?" So I lost full physical custody to a felon who just robbed 26 houses, got out of jail after 9 months for violating probation, he can't even go on a class trip because of his criminal record, he had a PFA for hitting his girlfriend and an escape charge for kicking the window out of a police car to escape. I had no record. I had a failed hair follicle test for a one time use. Kyle had a well documented 16 year run on heroine.John was assigned to me pro Bono. I was so stupid and didn't think I even needed an attorney, than panicked the day before court and figured, I should take back up. He was completely useless.
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04 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
He was surprisingly easy to get ahold of, but always seemed to rush me off the phone. He never seemed to answer my questions, listen to my concerns, or even take me seriously sometimes. I learned more about my options regarding my case from free consultations from other attorneys, but I went with this one because he was free to me. Truthfully, I could have gone without an attorney completely. I was the one that spoke with the defendant's attorney about issues I wanted addressed. I only gave Mr Bogdanovicz one detail to discuss and he "forgot". I could see if there was a whole laundry list of things, but there was only one. When it was addressed the day of the hearing, it was inaccurate and I had to correct it myself. I did get all that I asked for in the case, but that was absolutely no thanks to him. I could have gotten more if he did more than below the bare minimum.
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19 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
He is a good attorney but I've had a hard time getting in contact with him especially when I needed very important questions answered. I've waited 3 weeks sometimes for a response. He seems empathetic and sympathetic sometimes but he forgets a lot about details in my case and hasn't been very imformative to me. I've had to resort to researching the custody laws myself and trying to find answers on my own. He could do a lot better although I know he deals with a lot of cases.
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14 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
Christine's service is disappointing. She is anything but helpful. She does not return phone calls or emails. I've been waiting a month for a response. Her staff is not friendly either. They make you feel as if you are bothering them when you try to reach Christine. If you're looking for a divorce lawyer..keep looking!
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07 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Worst experience with a professional I've ever had. Similar to other reviews, she took extended amounts of time to respond to important matters and simple questions after she insisted that she was easy to reach. She was incredibly hard to reach or speak with! State filing documents were rejected after she had completed them. When we tried notifying her of the rejections, she completely blew us off. She stopped responding to emails, returning phone calls, and wouldn't even schedule a face to face meeting. Very, very unprofessional! Do not hire!
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29 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
She took over 6 months to write up our agreement which was already agreed upon. Then made several spelling errors and didnt even get MY address right. Its been 8 months since i hired her and still have not see results! She is impossible to get a hold of and NEVER once returned a single message ive left her! The whole time she made me feel as though she has sides with my ex and doesnt seem to care about what is best for my child at all. She is very rude and hasnt fought for me even though she is MY lawyer. Currently looking for a new one as we speak!
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27 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
I'd love to give Joel 5 stars but working with him wasn't pleasant. He never returned phone calls and didn't help my case much. He represented me in an automotive accident case and wanted to keep it open in case I suffered any future related injuries. Nearly two years after the accident I started suffering with consistent neck problems and when I tried to reach out to him, he never contacted me back. I called and emailed; nothing. Because of him I never received anything for pain and suffering. Had I represented myself I would have been able to collect something. I actually worked against me to hire him. He convinces you that hiring him is for your benefit but if he's not making a ton of money off of you, he completely ignores you and makes you feel like you're not even worth a single second of his time.
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17 Jul, 2015 by Ryan randall
Dishonest and unethical. Took my case then had his secretary call me 2 days before the hearing he rescheduled and say he decided to not work criminal cases anymore. Turns out he had a conflict of interest but instead of just telling me he had her lie. Then he lied to the disciplinary board when I filed a complaint and told them he called me and told me it was a conflict of interst and sent me a letter that I did not have to pay the bill he sent me. He never said that to me or sent me a letter. He lied to cover his own butt
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28 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
Called daily to get response. Never returns calls. Doesnt "have time". Took me 3 months to get a reply to an urgent matter; I called almost daily.
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13 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
My daughter was court appointment this so called attorney. She showed up to her first hearing and could not provide any information at all. My daughter was ordered to have a D&A evaluation within 5 weeks of her incarceration. After the 5 weeks had come and gone I tried to reach Ms. Keim to question her as to why it had not been done no no avail. She NEVER called me back. She apparently has no secretary because all I ever got was her voicemail. I left messages at her office and on her cell phone begging her to call me back. My daughters hearing before the judge was an even bigger joke. I called her the day of the hearing and begged her to call me, I even offered her money if that is what it was going to take for a return phone call. I NEVER got that call. I was at the courthouse praying that she would be there to represent my daughter, that is how much faith I had in this woman. She did in fact show up but she knew nothing about my daughter. She had NO file on my daughter. All she had on her was her purse. She was questioning me about the case and then decided to get the prosecutors file to remind her of my daughters case. She looked at me and said “your daughter isn’t getting out today, she never had her evaluation done”. SHE WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS HAD SHE RETURNED MY PHONE CALLS!!!! She went in front of the judge without having my daughter there to see or hear what was happening! My daughter had every right to appear in front of the judge on her own case but was not given that right!!! There is so much more but unfortunately my daughter is still in jail and has this woman to blame for it. The judge said that he wanted her in front of him within 24 hrs of the evaluation. It was done the very next day. 24 hrs has come and gone. WE NEED HELP!!! How to I protect my daughter from any further injustice?? Please do not hire this woman! Again, my daughter was court appointed her.... WE DID NOT HAVE A COICE!!
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28 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
I didn’t have a choice on if I wanted her as a lawyer for my daughter. The courts appointed her to my case. She would NEVER return any of my phone calls no matter how many times I called. Me and my daughter had to meet with her before the hearing but never got to because she never called me back to set up the appointment. Even when I called her office her secretary couldn’t give me a day or time till she spoke to Amy. I hired my own attorney because of this. My attorney I hired even said to me, "Amy will not call you back or anyone!" I even went as far as sending Amy certified mail with a hand written letter to her stating I need to speak to her ASAP and need to meet with her before the hearing. I got nothing back from her or her office. I was told she doesn't have an email address. The day of the hearing was even more of a joke. Since she only knew what I told her at the 1st hearing and what my daughter’s dad told her she knew nothing of what went on during the 2 months after the 1st hearing till the last one. I can go on and on about so much more she did or didn’t do but there’s not enough room to type all of it. My thought is if you are thinking about hiring her DONT! One more thing I didn’t like about her is, my daughter’s father tested positive for marijuana more than once there and that was OK!! I was told, now of days everyone does it!! REALLY I don’t nor does anyone I know!! I’m trying to teach my child drugs are bad and here’s a court saying its ok!
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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:
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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.
