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02 Feb, 2018 by Michael bibby
William Duffy is a great lawyer he did everything he promise and more.
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21 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Lance is an exceptional lawyer – not only is he experienced and knowledgeable, he is also compassionate and deeply empathetic. When I came to him in the midst of escaping an abusive and traumatic relationship, Lance provided both legal guidance and unwavering support. He helped me navigate the legal process, while also encouraging me to rebuild myself and my life. His professionalism was unmatched, especially when facing the opposing side's constant attempts at manipulation and intimidation. The journey was long but Lance helped me get through it. He is a remarkable lawyer and I am forever grateful for his help.
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19 Dec, 2023 by Dave
I was not referred to Lance. I live 90 minutes away from his office and needed an attorney on Long Island. I chose Lance based on a few positive reviews and a frantic need for representation.
A complex divorce has had me working with him for almost two years. Amid a hectic schedule that all good divorce attorneys navigate , moments when the emotions of it all make you feel snubbed by the world, and even your attorney, Lance has helped me to create a case against my ex-wife that will likely result in the win I’ve longed for. If it doesn’t, it will have been of no fault to Lance. Together we crafted a motion that dissected my ex-wife’s false claims and lies. Over a year later, 8 adjournments and a continued emotional roller coaster I was able to see Lance on trial. His performance was no less than brilliant in every way possible. While my case is ongoing, his strategy made a fool of opposing counsel, and his intellect, instinct and confidence in front of the judge completely demolished the false narrative that was presented to the court by my ex. As a loving father this moment to fight back felt like life or death for me. While I feel like I’ve already won bases on egregious actions of my ex, and the truth, I’m realistic a court may not see what I saw. But what I saw was a true professional who accomplished more than I could ever ask for in a trial. I don’t expect to lose, but if I do, it will not be because of Lance Simon. He is not an attorney who focuses on divorce and collects a paycheck by squeezing every penny out of his clients, he is a skilled professional focused on winning
As a client, it is hard to differentiate emotions from necessary strategy. It takes a pro who knows how to position your case in front of a judge to succeed. I trusted him and he surpassed my expectations.
The best way to work with Lance is to ask what he needs from you, and how that information needs to be disseminated to him. Your efforts will make the difference. Throughout this wild ride, Lance will be fast to return text and emails, and slow at time. This is common for every attorney brave enough to take on the insanity of divorce. Your time will come when you feel completed loved by Lance. Be patient. Your opinions will be heard. You’ll like be put in your place a few times, but tensions are high in battle. True Leaders keep the novices in line. You’ll need thick skin everywhere you turn while in a divorce battle.
Beyond legal, and after significant time spent with Lance, at his office and even at his home, I also leaned he is a very good father and loving husband. His humanity has mattered to me. It should to you.
Regardless of my final outcome, I’m happy to refer Lance as exceptional attorney. After the bills add up, and stress you out, you’ll be getting more value then you know. Great job Lance.
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19 Dec, 2023 by Bill
Lance and his team were extremely helpful in every way. My divorce proceedings were relatively easy because of him.
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29 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Hired Mr. Arnoff because he assured me during my free consultation meeting that he could prepare a compulsory accounting for my probate case in Riverhead Surrogate’s Court- after six months of trying and having the court reject his prepared accounting and then having to tutor his assistant on how to prepare it, he ended up hiring an accounting firm at an additional expense to my estate to finally prepare it correctly to suit the court’s protocol. In my opinion, overall I was not satisfied with this law firm and would not recommend them. I had to keep an eagle eye on their invoices to me as well after they charged me for my free consultation- they made many errors on my monthly invoices, which they adjusted once I pointed them out.
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15 Nov, 2008 by Anonymous
Harvey did a fantastic job for me and my children. I walked into court confident with the knowledge that he was the more experienced and professional attorney. He always made sure I had copies of everything he had done and that I was well prepared for each day in court. On the down side, it sometimes took the better part of a day for a return phone call, but he was none-the-less always responsive. His office staff was highly professional and very caring. I also can't say enough about his associate Paul! On the rare occasions that Mr. Arnoff was unavailable, his associate did a fantastic job as well. Thanks Harvey!
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01 Sep, 2023 by Greg
I am an attorney who retained Frederick "Rick" Foster, Esq. to represent me in my Suffolk County Supreme Court divorce case in 2002 (Index No. 01265- 02). His performance was a disaster for me.
My ex-wife and I settled in open-court a year later on January 15, 2003, and Mr. Foster recited the terms but amazingly failed to address a necessary element entitling me to that divorce.
My ex-wife then met John Ray, Esq. at the courthouse and began co-habiting with him, which continues to this day, and he undertook her representation by filing a motion to vacate the settlement due to Mr. Foster’s failure to meet all the statutory requirements in the settlement. Judge Emily Pines misguidedly granted the motion rather than force my ex-wife to file an appeal, so I was remarried by operation of law. The tens of thousands of dollars I paid her in the settlement was considered marital money and not credited in the final outcome, and that drained my cash. I had closed my law practice and building business in 2002, and found myself between a hard place and a rock.
Mr. Foster appealed Judge Pines' order with a lightweight brief and we lost. In Tarone v. Tarone, 25 A.D.3d 779 (N.Y. App. Div. 2006), the court said, “Open-court stipulations are judicially favored, and will not be set aside absent fraud, overreaching, mistake, duress, or unconscionability.... However, in the instant case, in view of the determination that the plaintiff failed to establish his entitlement to a divorce, the stipulation of settlement should have been vacated....The stipulation cannot be considered a valid postnuptial or "opting out" agreement pursuant to Domestic Relations Law § 236 (B) (3).”
Mr. Foster's lack of attention to detail, possibly due to his then frequently nagging migraine headaches that he really should have disclosed to me before taking my case, changed the course of my life. Due to his mishandling of the stipulation of settlement, my divorce went on for several years, and after Mr. Foster billed me $96,000 for his fees in 2007, I had no choice but to shamefully file personal bankruptcy.
With a second divorce process came nine years of dealing with issues, and the last appeal was decided in 2011. By then, I was financially devastated and renting a little house in eastern Connecticut. I am just now, 16 years later in 2023, financially recovering fully from Mr. Foster’s error.
Let the facts speak for themselves about Mr. Foster and his conduct in my divorce case. Now let the truth be known that choosing Mr. Foster as my divorce lawyer was unequivocally one of the worst decisions of my entire life, the most impacting on my lifestyle, and the most costly to me personally. I should never have trusted him with my rights and my security.
If you want to contact me for any reason, please use my website contact form at TaroneEsq.com.
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14 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
You can hand him the perfect case and he can still bumble the case and do only what he feels he can handle, just enough to go through the motions and you will lose in the end. The lifelong repercussions will only sit with you while the Rich man goes home to his beautiful house without a care in the world. You will be billed and billed and billed and no results. Please do not choose Rick.
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25 Feb, 2019 by Annette
A BIG thank you to Rick and his team! I had a very lengthy (5yrs) & difficult divorce proceeding, which also included the setting aside of my prenuptial agreement. Rick and his team are knowledgeable, professional & know the court system well. Rick has an extensive Family Law career and chooses his team well. Alex & Eric are savvy professionals that know the law - and do their best to keep you as calm as possible through the process. While no party is ever truly happy at the end of a divorce and divorce proceedings cost a lot of money - Rick and his team did their best and accomplished what I needed.
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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.
