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11 Sep, 2024 by Brittany roberts
Mr. VanLoon was an absolute godsend and rescued me from the nightmare custody battle I had from out of state. Anyone in the Rochester area needs to reach out to his law firm and trust that he will take your case seriously and work towards what you need!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Jerry
I cannot explain how pleased I am with the services of Mr. Van Loon. I hired Mr. Van Loon in my custody case and I knew right after the consultation that he was the right person for the job. He made me feel at ease and he did everything that he said and more. I would recommend Mr. Van Loon 10 out of 10 times to anyone in need of a custody lawyer.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Austin
During what was undoubtedly the most unsettling and difficult time in my life, Nathan did a phenomenal job representing me as a father, and ultimately winning my case for primary-custody of my child. Nathan is very well-read and articulate, which was apparent whenever he had the opportunity to speak on my behalf or during cross-examinations. I perceived his calculated demeanor to be completely appropriate for my situation, which required some delicate handling. Should I need representation again somewhere down the line, Nathan Van Loon will be my first call. If you are a parent fighting for the best outcome for your children, I would highly recommend giving Nathan Van Loon a call.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Brian
After getting off the phone with Michael Schmitt the first time we spoke, I knew he was top notch. Respectful, Composed, Experienced and Polite were my first thoughts.
He is solid in his approach, has it handled and knows how to negotiate any maze of difficult cases. His office staff are high class and professional. Prompt replies to calls and emails are the norm for the law office of Michael Schmitt. You will not be disappointed.
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31 Oct, 2022 by Robert
I'm so very thankful I found and retained Michael's services to represent me in my custody and child support case. Michael was extremely attentive, empathetic, knowledgeable, responsive and fought for me every step of the way.
From our very first meeting, he explained everything to me and what I could expect and answered all my questions no matter what time of day that I asked. This was one of the most stressful and traumatic times of my life and he was my biggest advocate and fought for me without ever letting up until I got the outcome that I deserved. I can't speak highly enough of Michael. If you're seeking a Family Law attorney, this is the person that you're going to want to go with.
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07 Jun, 2022 by Richard
From the first day I met Mr. Schmitt he was very welcoming and concerned for me and my situation. My father passed away and I took in my siblings which he had custody of so we can all stay together. I was having issues with a custody battle and the possibility of them getting split up which I didn’t want and he came to my rescue!! Mr. Schmitt is one of the best family lawyers and was able to keep me and siblings together thanks for all you have done for me and my family!!!
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5.0
20 Reviews
5.0
1 Reviews
13 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
Gabriella was so amazing! From the initial consultation she was friendly, understanding and honest. She explained the process, addressed the what-ifs and discussed options. Her fee was reasonable and fair. She worked around my schedule and was always available for communication. I'm still in shock that after she submitted all the documents to the court, the judge signed off within 2 hours. Incredible. I'm so happy and grateful to Gabriella for all her hard work and dedication to getting my divorce finalized in record time. Thank you!!!
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20 Sep, 2021 by Katie
Gabriella is the Best, I hired her for a complicated child support case, she was honest, and upfront with me from the very beginning! She knows what she is doing, she was always quick to respond to me if I reached out on phone or via email, she was very patient with me with all my questions always reassuring all would be ok when I would get worked up or nervous. Best choice I ever made was to Hire her! And we WON!!!!!!!
She is worth EVERY PENNY you will NOT be disappointed! ;-0)
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07 May, 2021 by Kathleen d.
15 Nov, 2019 by Danielle
Mr. McGinn represented me during my Divorce and Child Custody. Knowledgable, helpful, fair and extremely tactful. He is a fantastic lawyer, who comes highly recommended.
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06 Aug, 2011 by Anonymous
Bill has been my lawyer for a number of years for different reasons. He is always there for advice and doesn't back down EVER. Very good lawyer.
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10 Apr, 2011 by Jean grover
Bill handled a very complicated divorce, which ended up going to trial, and taking three years to settle. I was pleased not only with the results of the trial, but also with his patience and his reasonable fees. He's an honest and hardworking person; a great choice to have in your corner.
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12 Jul, 2019 by Larry
Mr. King just represented me in a very difficult and complex family court case, He was EXCELLENT !!! Came to court prepared and knew the facts of my case and the law cold. This showed as he did a great job arguing on my behalf in front of the Judge, He was honest, diligent, took my case and ran with it, zealously representing me. I would definitely use him again, although I hope I never have to :) :) Feel free to contact me, if thinking of retaining him.
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29 May, 2013 by Anonymous
I got charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd degree comm/alarm. I decided to hire this lawyer as a risk, and he was VERY forth coming with my case with honesty, integrity, and dignity. He was very honest about the outcome of the case although he doesn't promise anything, but can lessen the charge to a much lower degree.
I went to court and this fantastic was able to lower the charge from Misdemeanor Class A to ACD (Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal); I gladly took it and I was overjoyed!!! No fines, community service, and/or prison time! FANTASTIC LAWYER! HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR DISABLED PEOPLE!!!!!
Keep in mind, he doesn't make any promises but his guarantee is pretty much golden as stated.
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23 Jan, 2013 by Cherie
Deb is an excellent attorney! She is a true professional and works 110% for her clients. I highly recommend her to anyone who needs a knowledgeable hard working attorney. Deb is very responsive and always returns phone calls.
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16 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Ms Edwards is by far the best, most competent lawyer I have ever had. I've been in and out of court with custody/visitation issues for my daughter. Ms Edwards helped me settle with my ex out of court and helped me get an agreement so I can move out of state and move forward with our lives. I should also mention that she did this in just two visits with her! She is a professional and wonderful person and I will be happy to recommend her to anyone.
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5.0
21 Reviews
4.8
256 Reviews
15 Sep, 2024 by Bradford strine
Professional, knowledgeable and personable with experience to help with legal needs.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Matt bosseler
Derrick took on a very unique case for our family knowing it would be a challenge. He walked my family and me through his approach step by step keeping us appraised of roadblocks and progress throughout the process. I would highly recommend Derrick Spatorico for his willingness to take on such an anomalous case, the resourcefulness displayed throughout the undertaking of our cause, regular status updates and communication, his strong attention to detail, and being results oriented. He is a very personable attorney who has his client’s best interests at heart.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Andrea reynolds
Chris is an excellent and knowledgeable lawyer!
He took on my case with a very difficult property manager who refused to return my security deposit without showing me the rental townhome first.
I met with Chris on a Wednesday and on the next day Thursday, Chris said that the property manager agreed to return my security deposit. Chris was extremely efficient and prompt with handling my case! I highly recommend Chris who is a very professional and understanding lawyer!
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15 Sep, 2024 by Bradford strine
Professional, knowledgeable and personable with experience to help with legal needs.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Matt bosseler
Derrick took on a very unique case for our family knowing it would be a challenge. He walked my family and me through his approach step by step keeping us appraised of roadblocks and progress throughout the process. I would highly recommend Derrick Spatorico for his willingness to take on such an anomalous case, the resourcefulness displayed throughout the undertaking of our cause, regular status updates and communication, his strong attention to detail, and being results oriented. He is a very personable attorney who has his client’s best interests at heart.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Andrea reynolds
Chris is an excellent and knowledgeable lawyer!
He took on my case with a very difficult property manager who refused to return my security deposit without showing me the rental townhome first.
I met with Chris on a Wednesday and on the next day Thursday, Chris said that the property manager agreed to return my security deposit. Chris was extremely efficient and prompt with handling my case! I highly recommend Chris who is a very professional and understanding lawyer!
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11 Oct, 2024 by Mike turner
My Lawyer was professional and proactive. She communicated everything as soon as she was able. She followed thru and answered all communication. She was highly knowedgable and had vast experience with SSDI. I would definitely use Stanley Law in the future and highly reccomend them.... give them a call, they are a great team.
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24 Sep, 2024 by James pratt
Stanley law has been god sent i was being bullied by my workers comp company to where they were trying to discontinue care and payment but Stanly Law git things back on track so I could focus on healing and getting my life back to gether after trying to deal with the workers comp company by my self if you get hurt at work make Stanly Law your first call.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Kimberly muller
We met Paul after a motorcycle accident, he was recommended to us by an old co-worker. From the start of our long journey Paul was on the ball and up front about things we could run into. If there were things we didn't understand Paul would take his time and make sure we understood what was going on. He broke everything down and explained everything in a way we would make sense of it. Paul always told us if we weren't happy with the settlement offers we could go to trial, there was never any rush on coming to an agreement we felt was fair. Thank you Paul for all your time and dedication.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Krystyn argenio
I can’t thank John, Sherri, and staff enough.
I am very thankful for all of their help during this difficult time. I’m so happy I had John and his team in my corner!! Thank you all for your dedication and time.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Jenner j. morales
Excellent service and excellent results on my case. The lawyers at Horn Wright fight for injured car accident victims and don’t just roll over and take what the insurance company offers. I’ve had lawyers in the past that just shuffled papers. Not these guys. Definitely recommend them if you want justice on your case.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Carlos guadamuz
I truly appreciate everything you did for me on my car accident case!! Thank you!!
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16 Jan, 2024 by Bob ziegler
Don’t waste your money !! He will talk like he is going to help but will drag your divorce on and suck every penny out of you because the longer he makes it last the more money he sucks out of you !!! STAY AWAY !!!!!!!
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13 Jan, 2024 by Louise spinelli
11 Jan, 2024 by Trish norton
09 Sep, 2024 by Ryan deangelis
Not a very good law firm you speak to a very knowledgeable very intelligent person at first and then you get stuck with another attorney that does not fully handle the situation properly. Then adds fees can't show up on time and does not do exactly what you asked from the first point of contact before the retainer was even placed. They ask for more money much like trying to hire a contractor you hire I'm thinking they're going to do the work and then when they get to start the work they claim they need more money. Even though it was claimed in the beginning exactly what was needed.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Ash cat
I recently had the pleasure of working with Matthew Winchell who was incredibly helpful and kind! Thank you so much again for everything!
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21 Aug, 2024 by Toni stein
The staff is very professional and listens to your needs. The response time for your questions and concerns are in an appropriate time manner. I would recommend this firm to anyone.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Angel
It’s been a year since I was served court papers. Should’ve read the one star reviews. Attorney set me back thousands and gave the impression that there was NEVER any intention to win my case. Lack of communication, charging me for fruitless research. None of that is important now. I’ve since tried to self-delete several times since and my life has never been worse since. This is what greed and dishonesty does to people. This law firm took my money so I have the right o share my experience
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20 Aug, 2024 by Macavery shafer
So grateful to the team here for their hard work! They helped me get a ticket reduced and were extremely friendly, transparent, and made sure I understood every step of the process! As someone living in the backcountry with limited service, I appreciated the fact that Destinee and Brian were able to handle everything virtually and were extremely patient with my delayed communication.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Tom dombroski
I highly recommend The Law Office of James L. Riotto. I am extremely pleased with the outcome of my case and they made the process as easy as possible.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Cherre2008
Steven Witkowicz is a liar and a cheat and can't be trusted, lies to your face and makes deals, takes payoff and brides with your opponent behind your back to work against you, I learned this the hard way. I lost a lawsuit this way using Steven Witkowicz as my attorney, Do yourself a favor and get yourself a lawyer that is honest and can be trusted, DO NOT USE THIS LAW FIRM FOR ANYTHING, ESPECIALLY STEVEN WITKOWICZ AS YOUR ATTORNEY. If I could give Steven Witkowicz a negative star I would.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Sal panella
08 Jul, 2024 by Kathleen koster
Professional and considerate
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23 Apr, 2024 by Ken
Absolutely.Terrible took my money, didn't do anything when I fired.Her asked her for my money back.She said it was all used up and and she looks like big bird
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16 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
Kept filing motions after motions instead of addressing my case. When my money ran out she stopped working. I think it was purpose. Buyer beware with this one.
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12 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Maureen for my divorce at the suggestion of a friend. Unfortunately she was horrible and I will never refer her to anyone else. She was never prepared in the courtroom and the Judge did not have any respect for her. She dragged everything out, which of course cost me more money and blamed her unpreparedness on the opposing lawyer. She made a very stressful situation even more stressful. I never felt like she was on my side or working in my best interest. I think it is time for her to retire!
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13 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr Martin handles some simple legal documents for me in a complicated case, but he did let me know he was not proficient in the other areas and recommended I seek the assistance of an attorney in the specific area of my dispute. My case has multiple areas and beyond complicated, the legal documents he provided, I was able to reference later, paper trails are important.
He send me regular updates on billing, there was not any dispute, I think there were a fair assessment. He did not do "extra things" like I believe another attorney did NOT 'pad the bill.'
His area is clear 'divorce and separation, child Custody, child support. I would be interested in the outcome of the other review.
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22 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Andrew Martin through the MCBA Lawyer Referral Service and it was one of the worst mistakes I made in my life. When he told me he was a comedian my radar went up but because he was recommended through the MCBA (Monroe County Bar Association) I thought he would handle my case like a professional because if you can't trust A Bar Association recommended attorney who can you trust right? Well my situation was a business dispute with a former partner. I can't go into full detail because the case is still open but I hired him to do a civil case. I explained to him my situation and let him know an attorney had already had recommended a few other attorneys. After speaking with a few they were talking very expensive and Mr. Martin told me he would handle my whole case for set amount. Needless to say when I agreed with him he sent me a contract that didn't say the same thing as we agreed upon but I figured it was just his standard contract so I asked him to remove the line about paying extra money and he did.
Once the money cleared we met and went over the case and I explained the story to him. Mr. Martin and his paralegal (who I later figured out does his damage control.) Had me doing everything but the actual things that was pertinent to my case. While showing me what he was billing me for until we were almost half way through with my money. He told me he was going to get the case over with quickly and try to get me some of my money back. Did he ever pull a fast one on me?! He had me going to the Family courts instead of the Civil Courts and he kept lying to me telling me he was going to write up a motion to file in the Civil Courts. The people I were suing had dragged my name in the mud and stole my money and my business. I literally begged this guy to put my case through the civil courts. Originally he said he would handle my whole case for a set amount but it didn't dawn on me that he was doing all these little things and making up charges to avoid the civil courts and go the cheaper route and misappropriate my funds so he could justify ripping me off . Which is what he ultimately did. My business got sold and he filed a poorly rushed legal motion two months later without it including everybody's name and left it sitting without serving anybody.
I hired this man In July 2018. It took him until November to file the Civil Case. He ignored me for awhile that. He lied to me and said he would try to get the defendant served so he had me come in to pay for a skip tracer in January 2019. He proceeded to lie and act like the defendant could not be found for about 2 and half months until a friend of mind told me the defendant was at the same address and still doing business at the same location with the same people. He had me under the impression that the defendant moved out of state! I was going to just fire him at that point and try to do the case myself but because there were more defendants involved now because of his in action on my case it was going to be too complicated for me to handle. I didn't have much money left because I had been out of work recuperating from surgery all the way until towards the end of 2018. Instead of Andrew Martin helping my case he made it more complicated and literally destroyed any chance I have of winning. It wasn't until I filed a Grievance on him in May that he finally had two of three defendants served towards the end of June 2019. He wanted me to remove the grievance but he wouldn't show proof everybody was served. He then made up a extra bill and gave me a week to respond. I emailed him trying to settle our dispute and he proceeded to send me all the people he served and withdrawing himself from representing me. He still has my files and the money he billed me for should be up for dispute. Depending on what the Grievance office will say should let you know how much protection we as citizens have against these lawyers that pray on the innocent.
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02 Feb, 2024 by Jay
Not happy as of now but hopefully that changes..if it does, the review will change . Hopefully this goes better then it is soo far
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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.
