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10 Sep, 2024 by Abigail karver
I cannot express enough gratitude for Ilya Frangos at Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos, LLP. He was my lawyer during one of the most difficult times in my life after I suffered a dog bite to my lip. What started as a traumatic and painful experience was made bearable thanks to Ilya's unwavering support, guidance, and compassion. From our very first meeting, I knew I was in the right hands. Ilya was not just a lawyer; he became a trusted ally and someone I could truly rely on. He listened with empathy, treated me with kindness, and never once made me feel like just another client. Every time I felt overwhelmed by the legal process, llya was there to reassure me and walk me through each step, with patience and clarity. His dedication was deeply moving, he truly cared about my well-being, both emotionally and physically. Thanks to Ilya's expertise and relentless effort, we were able to reach a resolution that brought me a sense of justice and closure. I am forever grateful to him for turning such a painful situation into one where I felt empowered and heard. If you're looking for someone who will fight for you with heart and skill, I wholeheartedly recommend llya Frangos. He is an incredible attorney and an even better human being.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Grkvzla
From start to finish, Constantine Tsagaris provided incredible support and expertise in the handling my personal injury claim. His genuine care for my wellbeing and that of my family was evident throughout our case. He navigated us through a complex legal process with skill and clarity, making sure we felt informed and empowered every step of the way. Constantine’s dedication and thoughtful guidance made a challenging situation so much more manageable. I am deeply grateful for all that he did for me and my family. If you’re in need of a compassionate and highly skilled attorney, Constantine is the one to trust.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Emily andrews
Chantel and the entire team at GFF&F are fantastic advocates and fighters. I am so grateful for their hard work, clear communication, and support which ended in a positive outcome for me and my auto accident case. No matter how big or small your case is, they put everything into honoring their clients and getting results! I would highly recommend GFF&F for any of your needs.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Abigail karver
I cannot express enough gratitude for Ilya Frangos at Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos, LLP. He was my lawyer during one of the most difficult times in my life after I suffered a dog bite to my lip. What started as a traumatic and painful experience was made bearable thanks to Ilya's unwavering support, guidance, and compassion. From our very first meeting, I knew I was in the right hands. Ilya was not just a lawyer; he became a trusted ally and someone I could truly rely on. He listened with empathy, treated me with kindness, and never once made me feel like just another client. Every time I felt overwhelmed by the legal process, llya was there to reassure me and walk me through each step, with patience and clarity. His dedication was deeply moving, he truly cared about my well-being, both emotionally and physically. Thanks to Ilya's expertise and relentless effort, we were able to reach a resolution that brought me a sense of justice and closure. I am forever grateful to him for turning such a painful situation into one where I felt empowered and heard. If you're looking for someone who will fight for you with heart and skill, I wholeheartedly recommend llya Frangos. He is an incredible attorney and an even better human being.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Grkvzla
From start to finish, Constantine Tsagaris provided incredible support and expertise in the handling my personal injury claim. His genuine care for my wellbeing and that of my family was evident throughout our case. He navigated us through a complex legal process with skill and clarity, making sure we felt informed and empowered every step of the way. Constantine’s dedication and thoughtful guidance made a challenging situation so much more manageable. I am deeply grateful for all that he did for me and my family. If you’re in need of a compassionate and highly skilled attorney, Constantine is the one to trust.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Emily andrews
Chantel and the entire team at GFF&F are fantastic advocates and fighters. I am so grateful for their hard work, clear communication, and support which ended in a positive outcome for me and my auto accident case. No matter how big or small your case is, they put everything into honoring their clients and getting results! I would highly recommend GFF&F for any of your needs.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Abigail karver
I cannot express enough gratitude for Ilya Frangos at Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos, LLP. He was my lawyer during one of the most difficult times in my life after I suffered a dog bite to my lip. What started as a traumatic and painful experience was made bearable thanks to Ilya's unwavering support, guidance, and compassion. From our very first meeting, I knew I was in the right hands. Ilya was not just a lawyer; he became a trusted ally and someone I could truly rely on. He listened with empathy, treated me with kindness, and never once made me feel like just another client. Every time I felt overwhelmed by the legal process, llya was there to reassure me and walk me through each step, with patience and clarity. His dedication was deeply moving, he truly cared about my well-being, both emotionally and physically. Thanks to Ilya's expertise and relentless effort, we were able to reach a resolution that brought me a sense of justice and closure. I am forever grateful to him for turning such a painful situation into one where I felt empowered and heard. If you're looking for someone who will fight for you with heart and skill, I wholeheartedly recommend llya Frangos. He is an incredible attorney and an even better human being.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Grkvzla
From start to finish, Constantine Tsagaris provided incredible support and expertise in the handling my personal injury claim. His genuine care for my wellbeing and that of my family was evident throughout our case. He navigated us through a complex legal process with skill and clarity, making sure we felt informed and empowered every step of the way. Constantine’s dedication and thoughtful guidance made a challenging situation so much more manageable. I am deeply grateful for all that he did for me and my family. If you’re in need of a compassionate and highly skilled attorney, Constantine is the one to trust.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Emily andrews
Chantel and the entire team at GFF&F are fantastic advocates and fighters. I am so grateful for their hard work, clear communication, and support which ended in a positive outcome for me and my auto accident case. No matter how big or small your case is, they put everything into honoring their clients and getting results! I would highly recommend GFF&F for any of your needs.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Abigail karver
I cannot express enough gratitude for Ilya Frangos at Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos, LLP. He was my lawyer during one of the most difficult times in my life after I suffered a dog bite to my lip. What started as a traumatic and painful experience was made bearable thanks to Ilya's unwavering support, guidance, and compassion. From our very first meeting, I knew I was in the right hands. Ilya was not just a lawyer; he became a trusted ally and someone I could truly rely on. He listened with empathy, treated me with kindness, and never once made me feel like just another client. Every time I felt overwhelmed by the legal process, llya was there to reassure me and walk me through each step, with patience and clarity. His dedication was deeply moving, he truly cared about my well-being, both emotionally and physically. Thanks to Ilya's expertise and relentless effort, we were able to reach a resolution that brought me a sense of justice and closure. I am forever grateful to him for turning such a painful situation into one where I felt empowered and heard. If you're looking for someone who will fight for you with heart and skill, I wholeheartedly recommend llya Frangos. He is an incredible attorney and an even better human being.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Grkvzla
From start to finish, Constantine Tsagaris provided incredible support and expertise in the handling my personal injury claim. His genuine care for my wellbeing and that of my family was evident throughout our case. He navigated us through a complex legal process with skill and clarity, making sure we felt informed and empowered every step of the way. Constantine’s dedication and thoughtful guidance made a challenging situation so much more manageable. I am deeply grateful for all that he did for me and my family. If you’re in need of a compassionate and highly skilled attorney, Constantine is the one to trust.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Emily andrews
Chantel and the entire team at GFF&F are fantastic advocates and fighters. I am so grateful for their hard work, clear communication, and support which ended in a positive outcome for me and my auto accident case. No matter how big or small your case is, they put everything into honoring their clients and getting results! I would highly recommend GFF&F for any of your needs.
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22 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
I had a very difficult divorce that took a great deal of time to get through. Yvonne and her staff were an amazing support through the entire process. Yvonne was sensitive, supportive, strong and extremely knowledgeable, fair and balanced. She fought for my situation and my children with unwavering strength. I always felt like she was levelheaded when at times when I may not have been. She guided me through a painful time and we ended up with an extremely successful outcome. I highly recommend Yvonne and her firm.
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17 Dec, 2014 by Waichi
I recently went through an otherwise very stressful divorce and court trial. I am a practicing physician and my ex a housewife for 17 years. I have three children. I was at a distinctly disadvantageous position to begin with. My divorce lasted for 2 years from the time of filling. My ex and her boyfriend hired 2 teams of very aggressive attorneys from Southern California and San Francisco making the case very complicated, over litigated and stressful. I felt I was helpless until I met Yvonne Seeley and her team of associates and assistants. With professionalism, super knowledge of California family law, and super experience as a trial lawyer, I was able to more than survive the ordeal, ending with a fair and satisfactory trial result, and having my interest maximally protected. Ms. Seeley and her team, taking my interest in heart and practice, knowing what is relevant and what is not, have turned a very complicated, overwhelming and over litigated case into a relatively simple one, backed up by legally sound case laws, theories, reasoning and argument. In the process, she convincingly pointed out the obstreperous, dishonest and greedy nature of the other party. Ms. Yvonne Seeley and her team has walked extra miles to help me. I went through the darkness of a long tunnel that appeared without hope of reaching the other end, then rediscover meaning of life, and establish confidence in the fairness of the California court. This good lawyer makes a huge difference in my life. I recommend Ms. Seeley without any reservation. I whole heartedly thank Ms. Seeley and her team.
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08 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Ms. Seeley's counsel in my marriage dissolution was invaluable. She helped me understand the dissolution case process, and helped me to manage my own expectations with respect to timing of case events. She's the consummate attorney in the sense that she's the strongest advocate for her clients. In family law cases where things can get muddied by a bit of emotion, she keeps things real and in perspective. As a paralegal, I was able to prepare the bulk of paperwork myself, but without Ms. Seeley's keen eye to some details, and recommendations as to alternatives -- in specific related to division of property and spousal support, the case might still be pending judgment. I was pleased to receive the desired outcome with the court in a reasonable amount of time. The courts might be a bit slow, but the team at Seeley & Madigan couldn't have been more responsive. Questions answered right away, and proposed solutions offered quickly. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Helen Yvonne Seeley and the team at Seeley & Madigan. If ever I need family law counsel again, Ms. Seeley would be the first attorney i'd contact.
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17 Sep, 2023 by Chuck
I was fortunate to work with Ms. Dundas. It was a grueling six year process and she was always there to explain my options, relevant strategies and most importantly keep me on track when the pressure of process began to seem insurmountable.
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27 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
My case with Allison demonstrated how outstanding she is with all the following distinctions: experience, knowledge of the law & process, strategy, preparation, prudence, and compassion. She is an astute, clear-sighted & assertive counselor who consistently demonstrates a detailed & thorough understanding of the daunting complex of challenges faced in separation, child custody & divorce ranging from innumerable minutiae to overarching strategy. In particular, Allison was very efficient, directed, and targeted at the extended goals of asserting my self-interests especially with regard to mediation & child custody – she has great foresight born from well-integrated experience. Over 19 months of the case, I truly appreciated how concise & exact she was in communicating with the other party and executing on the process – from a financial standpoint I benefitted from much greater value of effort than I reasonably calculated for the anticipated cost. Another observation I made that further cemented my confidence was the demonstrably established credibility she holds with judges & the court system. On a personal side, I may have benefitted as much, if not more, from her heartfelt awareness, understanding & compassion for my anguished state through most of the process. She was very adept at helping to modulate my emotions throughout – something I was not cognizant of for a long time, and this effort further contributed to executing a thoughtful, constructive plan. My separation, child custody & divorce ended up decidedly where Allison advised we would arrive at the outset, a conclusion that I had great difficulty believing was achievable. The path from confusion, uncertainty & enormous emotional distress to understanding, acceptance, satisfaction & personal ease was the most challenging course of my life and one that I could not have followed without Allison’s guidance, action & encouragement. I have rarely felt so fortunate as to have Allison manage and execute my case while concurrently offering the most meaningful personal support.
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14 Jun, 2021 by Laura
Allison Dundas helped me with perspective when I was in the process of a divorce with young children. She approached my case with care, concern, and excellent guidance. I couldn't have made the choices I made to change my life without legal help. Allison's expertise was pivotal for me to make the change I needed to make.
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13 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
Going through a complicated and scary divorce is not an easy process. My situation was incredibly complex and difficult. I was referred to ADZ through several sources and when I met Tulin I knew I had an advocate along with the protection and guidance needed to make it through what turned out to be almost 2-years of litigation. Her strength and expertise got me through. Her staff is top notch and equally as caring. My case was a personal one, not at a corporate level. There were not millions at stake, yet I was treated as a top tier client. I realize there are a lot of lawyers to choose from. If you want someone who is willing to fight for you — to educate you — to help you gain freedom from years of verbal and emotional abuse, Tulin is the one you will want by your side. I highly recommend Tulin and ADZ when it matters.
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17 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
Ms. Cirlin seemed competent at first. My case was not difficult but she neglected to review the details and performed horribly. My (ex) wife hired a savvy attorney and Ms. Cirlin was not in the same league. She failed to anticipate issues and therefore failed in the negotiations. I don't recommend hiring her. I read the reviews and thought she was a good attorney, but after I paid her a lot of money she did nothing for me. If I represented myself I could have done a better job.
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24 Jan, 2018 by Dharmendra
My case was a little bit odd to some extend. I have been divorced for over 10 years. Me and my ex wife agreed by signing a contract that she won't collect spousal support since she took everything from the house, and from the sale of the house. But, she came back demanding spousal support. I'm so blessed that I found Lauren and her wonderful team. She is an awesome human being apart from an excellent lawyer who is always prepared. The judge denied my ex wife's request. I would recommend Lauren to anyone and everyone.
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04 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Lauren over a year into my divorce settlement. Things were getting out of control, and my (ex-)wife's lawyers were pulling all kinds of tricks to try and extort me for assets and spousal support. Progress had halted, and was starting to go backwards. A friend of mine recommended Lauren and Viola Law. After just a couple of conversations with Lauren, including some clever strategy and wise guidance, she quickly gave me some tools I needed to navigate the bullshit that I was facing from the other side. Within three weeks, we reached a fair settlement that I was overwhelmingly happy with. Thank you Lauren for your help.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Theresa rich
I cannot speak highly enough of the excellent experience I've had with ADZ Law; Melissa Fox, in particular. Her approach is empathetic, candid, comprehensive, and direct. She offered balanced perspectives and guidance, and I recommend her to anyone experiencing issues related to harassment, intimidation, and domestic violence in all its forms. I'm grateful I had Melissa to help me navigate a painful and frightening experience with compassion and clarity, and I'll continue to seek her counsel.
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28 May, 2024 by Kim renae paulson
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28 May, 2024 by Regina tong
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19 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I will never hire this attorney again. I was milked out of close of $60k for close to nothing. She is pedantic, overpriced, and dropped my case and left me hanging.
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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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