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28 Jul, 2024 by Gustavo galvan
I recieved great advice and help in the most difficult times in regards to my property. Thank you for consultation 'Alexandria', Very helpful!
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26 Jul, 2024 by Volodymyr tilnoy
"Definitely recommend this firm, they will go above and beyond for you!"
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03 Jul, 2024 by Mohsin
He is a Gem I do believe that I’m in a right hand he has a good communication skills & very convincing tone. God bless him. I recommend him 100%.
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22 Apr, 2024 by Brian souders
My wife and I had the pleasure of having Brandon update our old Estate Plan. We wanted to make sure all of our documents were in line with our wishes now that we had more children. Brandon was patient and easy to work with. His team is professional and prompt in responding to our questions. I recommend many of my friends to BJS Law and will continue to do so.
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29 Mar, 2023 by Gaea true
I can't say enough positive things about my experience with this law firm. Brandon not only has ethics & morals, but he is honest & extremely reasonable. In speaking with other business owners, I have found that the ones who know him have the same experiences and recommendations. Brandon really made this difficult time easier. I highly recommend him!!!
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28 Jan, 2023 by Teresa ruiz decker
Brandon is a knowledgeable expert in every way! I feel fortunate to have learned about his services in setting up trusts and also learned he has a background in real estate. As a single mom, this was extremely helpful as I wanted to ensure the new home I bought was set up for my children to inherit one day and that they are cared for as much as possible. It's rare to find someone like Brandon who understands both real estate and law so deeply, while offering practical advice alongside years of expertise. The best part about Brandon is that he makes the process of setting up a trust less intimidating by generously sharing his knowledge. He is trustworthy, kind and up front about everything you should consider while laying out your future plans to protect your assets and family. His process is seamless and I have no doubt you will enjoy working with him.
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17 Jun, 2020 by Don
Elaine is a very experienced family law attorney. She is much more than a lawyer and is adept in navigating through your personal crisis. An attentive listener that gets to core issues and drives to workable arrangements. The outcome can be a win win situation and Elaine strives to get to that solution set through various resources at her disposal. She stays engaged so the case does not languish. I made contact through a referral and I was very glad to have Elaine successfully represent me and make a case that was very durable!
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08 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
Elaine was an excellent attorney, she help through my devoice with solid advice and personal attention.
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07 Jun, 2020 by Janet
My attorney explained to me what was required of me and what would be required by my husband. She took the time to explain what the procedures of the court would be and she took excellent notes of my story and why I wished to use her for my attorney. Throughout my time spent with her and in court she continued to provide support to me during the divorce process. I have a great deal of respect for her and her staff not only for her legal work but for the sound advice she gave to me during the divorce procedures.
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26 Oct, 2020 by Ruslan tcaci
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26 Oct, 2020 by Karan vlogs
what a rude person. He don't know how to talk to a person. I would definitely don't recommend him to someone.
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26 Oct, 2020 by Varinder kumar
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13 Feb, 2022 by Laurie puglia
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10 Feb, 2018 by Tom gardner
Excellent Service
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17 Jun, 2022 by David
I had the experience/expense of working with Mr. Sherlock. I had initially retained his partner Sara. She went on maternity leave and due to their other partner completely bumbling a judgement. Jason stepped in. He talked a big talk. Made me feel at ease. But actions fell far far far short. Emails went unreturned for a good amount of time. Paperwork not filed on time but sent to the courtroom clerk last minute. I spent two years and tens of thousands of dollars with this firm. Trusting their advice and the process. I am baby steps ahead of where I begin.
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02 Dec, 2019 by Misty
Jason and his staff helped me through a custody situation on two separate occasions. He and his staff are wonderful.
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07 Jul, 2019 by Amanda
This review is seriously long over due. How ever it needs to be known that Jason and his staff are highly qualified family law attorneys. Being a former family law paralegal in the Sacramento area myself... Many many years ago. I know a little bit about how things work in family law. I have never seen an attorney, their partners and staff work as diligently and thoughrou as this team has done for me and my child and my family. Thank you Jason and Sara. Your expertise, communication and compassion is the reason I am a family with my daughter again.
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29 Jul, 2023 by J
I very highly recommend Bez Law Firm. Dena knows her stuff and works with all her staff like a well-oiled machine. It's great knowing that my children and I have a whole team of kind and knowledgeable people working together to help us make it through this trying time in our lives. I had a very high conflict case with lots of twists and turns. I am grateful we found Dena and her firm. Professional, effective, honest, hardworking, detailed, prompt and compassionate are only a few of the words that I have to describe them. You can't go wrong if you let Bez Law Firm take care of you.
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28 May, 2020 by Reida
Dena is the 3rd and final attorney we consulted and retained. We had two terrible experiences before finding her. We have been in a long time custody battle that includes an abusive/neglectful mother. Dena is experienced (at life as well as law) and was able to provide us and our children the help we needed. Unfortunately we will need to retain her again here shortly but we feel hopeful because Dena is excellent. Highly recommended, very knowledgeable about helping families (especially kids) who suffer abusive relationships.
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13 May, 2020 by Anonymous
I would rate Bez Law Firm more than 5 stars if possible. There are no words to describe how thankful and grateful I am for everything that Dena, Molly, and all the staff at Bez Law Firm have done for myself and I. Without their help, my son and I wouldn’t be where we are today. The situation was so ugly and I was the end of the rope when I decided to get help from Bez Law Firm. They are very professional, efficient, prompt, diligent, and pay attention to every detail. Thank you Bez Law Firm. You changed our life!! My son is now a thriving middle school student (he was just a 2nd grader then). FH
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13 Feb, 2022 by Laurie puglia
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02 Mar, 2020 by Carlos
Salina was a great help in winning my case. She was diligent and listened to my needs. I would hire her again if needed. She worked hard to make sure that I was taken care of the whole way through.
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18 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
I have had the privilege to have Salina represent me in a child custody case, I was extremely happy with how well she was on point with everything, very detailed organized and well spoken I felt like it was so easy to talk to her, got to say what I have to say & she listened to every word I had to say, although I had just met her at the time I didn’t feel like I did I felt like I knew her for a long time When we went to court I knew that Salina would handle things just as good as she said they would and they Did/have. Salina & the rest of the staff were very helpful, caring, polite, highly professional & always got back to me with a fast response, from phone calls to emails. they were all very welcoming & understanding of my work schedule and worked with me when it was hard to take time off, I know that lawyers can be so booked but for Salina & the crew to do that meant so much to me I like that she & the staff make it known that they do what they do is because they care, here to help & it definitely shows. Salina is definitely good at what she does, and I would highly recommend her, to not just my family & friends but to others in need as well. I couldn’t be more thankful to have her by my side representing me in such a hard time in my life, when she made it such a smooth, easy process & always reminded me that things are going to be okay. it’s a great feeling to have such a positive outcome in what she has helped me with that I thought was a hard time in my life to something good!
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27 May, 2023 by Mary pina
Very good attorney . He really took excellent care of me and what I needed. Would recommend him for anyone going through a divorce
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30 Mar, 2023 by Michael muto
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21 Apr, 2021 by Sean martin
Why use the rest when you can have the best. I found Frank Ali after dismissing two other family law attorneys. I wished I had found Frank in the beginning. It would have saved me a considerable amount of time and money.
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24 Aug, 2024 by Justin chang
I had a fantastic experience with Paige at McCoy Fatula for my estate Planning. Paige was professional, knowledgeable, and truly cared about my needs. She made the entire process clear and stress-free, answering all my questions with patience and expertise. I highly recommend Paige at McCoy Fatula for anyone seeking reliable and compassionate estate planning services.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Jeremy hyer
I called having questions and was very lucky to speak to Sarah, who right away helped me with answers and reassurance. I really appreciated her time and knowledge. Thank you!!
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07 Aug, 2024 by Demitri fellines
This law firm answered all of my legal questions and made me feel comfortable in the conversation I had. The paralegal I spoke to, Sarah, was amazing and very helpful as well.
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24 Jun, 2022 by David
My experience with Sara was amazing in the beginning. So I thought. She developed a level of trust. Coming from a trusting person. That means a lot. I trusted her. I trusted she had my best interest at heart. I’m a person that wants results though. Playing the long game in the family court system only benefits the attorneys. Fees fees and more fees. And she suckered me into it. 2 years later and, 10’s of thousands of dollars spent. I’m baby steps from where I was. I’m the beginning. Thanks to Trust and being venerable to a person and system your unfamiliar with.
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01 May, 2021 by Sarah
I’m really late at writing this, but my husband and I hired Sara Anderson to help with termination of parental rights, stepparent adoption and a restraining order. We actually didn’t even meet with any other lawyers, the second we walked out after our consultation we both agreed she was the one we wanted on our side. From day one she and her team were always quick to respond, open and honest and worked incredibly hard to get everything we wanted. Honestly, it felt like family was fighting for us rather than just a law practice. We are incredibly thankful for her and her team. They took one of the most stressful and scary moments in our life and handled it perfectly. Her and her teams knowledge and determination are the reasons we got exactly what we wanted in the end. We recommend them anytime someone needs a family law lawyer. Truly, they are the best. It’s been 2 years and we still talk about how much we appreciate Sara and everything she did for us. Because of her and everyone in the office, our family is whole and there is nothing more that we could have asked for. If you’re looking for someone who will go above and beyond and fight for you until the very end, Sara Anderson is without a doubt the person you want. A million times thank you to her and everyone in her office.
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08 Jan, 2020 by Paul
Sara and the rest of the team at Sherlock // Anderson were provided me with expert legal advice that was timely, effective, and accurate. Throughout the course of my divorce, Sara patiently provided thorough explanations of terminology and procedures, as well as helped to set proper expectations. We established goals for the outcome and we achieved those goals. I have a disabled son and she addressed his long-term well being with sensitivity and ensured that his care and happiness were at the core of our efforts. She also ensured that my sons were safeguarded from a parent with a substance abuse problem. I would have been lost without her counsel. The team at Sherlock // Anderson is incredibly responsive and respectful. They work in concert to provide an efficient, effective client experience. I never felt like there were unnecessary charges or expenses. I received the referral from a friend who is an attorney and I have thanked him repeatedly for directing me towards Sherlock // Anderson.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Raina
Melissa has a thorough understanding of the law and I highly recommend her legal services. She will handle your case with extreme professionalism and truly wants the best for her clients.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Third eye champagne psychic kirsten langston
I cannot say enough about Melissa Cianci. She is a tireless advocate who not only cares deeply about her clients and helping them but has an undeniable talent for litigation. Her performance in the court room is phenomenal. She will fight for you, period. She give you realistic expectations regard your outcomes and she provides top notch client care and goes above and beyond for you. In court, she's nothing less than dazzling. She is kind, intelligent, and extremely good at what she does.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Clarence patterson
Great firm, they are very knowledgeable in the field with a great reputation!
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14 Sep, 2022 by Amber
I came to Darci in panic as my ex-husband and father of my 2 kids was loosing all self control. He had already been effecting us for a decade due to his uncontrolled mental illness, however it had now turned to death threats, stalking and harassment in a consistent way. After hearing from other lawyers that I did not have enough to be awarded a DVRO, Darci assured me I had plenty of documentation and sure enough she got me a 5 year domestic violence restraining order which also gave me sole custody of the kids with only supervised visits between the kids and their dad. Later she helped me turn my legal separation into a divorce and after that she helped me get my Move Away request put through the court once I remarried and moved away to a different state. After my ex requested unsupervised time with the kids, something I knew was unsafe and both kids did not want, Darci helped me argue against a terrible court mediator who did not look at any of the 100+ pages of documentation showing the father was not safe and suggested I obtain a Custody Evaluator to more thoroughly review the situation and facts and make more informed and safer conclusions. I paid the money to that evaluator, which was not cheap, but so worth the money. Now their dad has substantive tasks he must accomplish before either me or the courts are OK with unsupervised time (26 weeks of anger mgmt, weekly therapy, psychiatry for meds, requiring more visits on his part to show effort, reunification therapy with the kids, etc). Beware of bad court appointed mediators, however Darci helped me immensely to sort through the tough decisions and emotions of the events and come to a conclusion that was safe and in the best interest for the children. This process was not cheap, but children never are and if you are going to pay for anything it should be for the well-being of your kids. I would definitely recommend Darci McKean for anyone dealing with the issues I mentioned above.
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29 Nov, 2021 by Carly
Darci was my attorney for a messy custody case that also involved DV and a protective order. She was amazing, and made THE difference in winning our case. She was able to grasp the situation quickly, understood the proper steps to counter his tactics, and handled them like a BOSS! Her declaration drafts and responses were always perfect and succinct, and she was extremely efficient with her time. She masterfully managed our case and I could not have asked for a better attorney. She is absolutely one of the very, very best!!
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24 Jan, 2020 by Sima
I usually dont write bad reviews but I know how painfull could be to have an incometent lawyer.In a few words Darci Mckean is  incompetent with no care and empathy. She was my lawyer for more than a year in a case with no custody ,no fight over assets involved and could not finalized my divorce. Due to errors in filling my case was denied many many times.At he end with once consultation with another lawyer my divorce was finalized in a month without a lawyer.
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21 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Duplicity, cunning, conieving attorney at law, who is a feministic practicing misandry. Had orders of protection issued based on falacy and misused the system. Her false practices contribute to clogging the system unnecessarily, preventing true abuse cases from having their cases thoroughly examined and causing irreparable harm to children via parental alienation of good fathers. She would rather punish and line her pockets with cash than see justice prevail.
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09 Dec, 2022 by Eric rosburg
First, let me say that if you're trying to negotiate a "fair outcome" during divorce without involving lawyers, good luck. As an non family law expert, relying only on hearsay from family, friends, and tv shows, I was ill prepared to reach a "fair" resolution. 6 years after my divorce was finalized, Christie assisted me when my ex had a "qualifying event" to modify spousal support. She knows when to play the game and when to turn on the bulldog switch. I was pleased with the mutually beneficial outcome she helped me nail down. Highly recommend.
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27 Feb, 2020 by Kathleen crowe
Christie Carlisle helped me in a child custody case. She is the talented kind of lawyer you’d be lucky to have in your corner. I would especially recommend her to another woman because she not only stands up for other women, but also helps inspire us to be strong for ourselves.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. What is the likelihood of success in my case?
    Ask for an honest assessment of your case, including potential challenges and expected outcomes.
  4. How long will the process take?
    Inquire about the expected timeline from filing the petition to reaching an agreement or going to trial.
  5. Will you personally handle my case?
    Ensure you know who will be managing your case and representing you in court.
  6. 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.

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