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30 Aug, 2024 by Marco silva
I don’t even have words to describe the work Kevin has done for me . It’s been a long battle and at some point i wanted to give up but Kevin kept me going assuring me we would get the best possible result at the end and we did . I’m so grateful for all talks , advices and guidance thru ought our journey. If you need someone that cares and is great at their job please don’t hesitate to contact Kevin !!!!!
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10 Aug, 2024 by Chris l.a.
Christy is so wonderful! I got all my needs met
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29 Jun, 2024 by Robert mccullough
Kevin was very helpful and honest regarding his assessment of my situation. His experience and knowledge were optimal in helping me navigate a difficult situation, so the best possible outcome occurred. He is a lawyer of utmost integrity who I highly recommend. Based upon a comparison with my past personal and corporate litigation experiences, his fee was more than reasonable.
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19 Oct, 2021 by Nancy giliam
I found Matthew on the internet, I called he took the case , and did not hesitate it was a very very difficult elderly divorce , matthew was kind and carrying, he went beyond for these two elderly couple that had been together for 47 years , matthew in my book is one of the best lawyers in Marin county , Thankyou matthew
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16 May, 2016 by Jim shroyer
Eric Sternberger is a terrific lawyer. My wife Toni and I highly recommend him!
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22 Aug, 2014 by Dan
Matthew Briggs is a respectable lawyer building a solid practice in Marin. I got in contact with Matthew after attempting to resolve my custody issue for more than two years talking with my ex and several rounds of mediation. It had been extremely difficult and I was discouraged, stressed, financially strained, and more afraid than I can summarize.
Matthew was honest, professional, and kind. He got to know my situation thoroughly, let me know my options and possible outcomes, and never made unrealistic promises. The process was very hard work and included a full court trial. Matt guided me through every facet with confidence and skill. He comes from a place of thorough knowledge of Family Law, and is not fast talking or grandiose. Matt returned my calls and emails in a timely manner, set realistic goals, and his guidance gave me a sense of calm through the most tumultuous experience of my life.
I am relieved with the outcome that Matthew advocated for on my behalf. He truly believed in me and my family. Prior to meeting Matt I felt despair about the future of my relationship with my daughter. I am more than thankful for his support, and it has brightened my future.
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30 Sep, 2014 by Kathryn
Ron Champoux was invaluable as my attorney in the area of child custody/visitation. I had a extremely complex/complicated case . Ron did his best to explain the law , my options & the the most intelligent way to get the results I desired. He is extremely trustworthy, decent, honest & knowledgable. His attention to detail in his preparation & deliverance was impressive , this along with his confidence and knowledge of the law was why I got the results I wanted ( as impossible as they were! ). If it can be done Ron will get you the results you want. As they say , you get what you pay for & Ron is worth his weight in Gold.
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06 Aug, 2014 by Sharon green
Ron Champoux is an excellent attorney. From the first time we met, I could tell I was in good hands. Ron explained every step in detail about the process, many times if necessary, all with patience and kindness.
Over a year ago , I hired Ron to handle my divorce. His mastery of the law combined with his trustworthy
character, insured I obtained the best settlement. I can recommend Ron to anyone.
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16 May, 2014 by Mike
Ron Champoux was recommended to me by my business attorney to handle my divorce case. That was very fortunate. Ron clearly knows the law and better still what to expect from the court. He was able to predict with a high level of accuracy how the court might decide an issue, and develop a legal strategy around it. I respect that he never once spoke disparagingly of my ex-wife and did not foment friction. Unfortunately my ex-wife's attorney did the opposite. Ron Champoux was a step or two ahead of my ex-wife's attorney at every juncture. I could also see that Ron had garnered the respect of the court (Judge Beverly Wood) and was clearly liked by everyone, including opposing counsel. He's basically a nice guy who is very competent, treats everyone with respect and gets it back. I witnessed the value of having an attorney that the court respects. His personal integrity is a given in the courtroom and his representations carry weight. He makes honest statements and winning arguments.
My case was very litigious because my ex-wife's attorney was money hungry, hostile and unethical. Ron was able to deftly thwart the other side's aggression and shady tactics. He also very importantly explained the court's attitude toward entitlement and hard work. The Marin County Family Court is dominated by successful women who have balanced career and family, and do not agree that a spouse is entitled to a free ride while the other works. Ron understood that basic concept and the court's propensity for it and I was better served.
It makes a big difference having an ethical attorney who thinks well on his feet. Ronald Champoux saved me at least a half million dollars in settlement and perhaps over a million. So obviously I'm a big fan. Ron has mastered the nuances of managing a case, which means you are buying a high level of legal expertise and good sense. If you're looking for an attorney who will scorch the earth, then keep looking. But if you're looking for an attorney with class who knows how to win, then Ron Champoux is your guy.
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18 Feb, 2013 by Sandra
Jasmine was truly a fighter for me. She was the only attorney I've worked with that didn't give up and voiced my concerns. Always diligent about her work, very responsive, and all about making her client happy. I highly recommend Jasmine with any child custody and child support issue you may be facing. I hope I never have to go back to family court, but if I do, I will come back to hire Jasmine to represent me again.
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22 Nov, 2018 by Shoshana baars-stanton
14 Nov, 2022 by Danilo visnich
04 May, 2024 by Pedro g alvarez
I was in a car crash and the insurance company was not treating me very well.
I consulted an other lawyer who said my case wasn't worth much. Bill green took my case and worked for it with a real interest to win.
We finally settled for a discente and just amount.
Pedro G Alvarez
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17 Apr, 2024 by Stephen ternlund
The insurance company initially refused to cover all of my medical bills after my car accident. I knew I needed help. Bill and Sandy were exactly the help I needed. True professionals.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Barbara ternlund
Bill and Sandy answered all my questions with great clarity and patience. They kept me informed every step of the way, which gave me great peace of mind. Highly recommend!
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25 May, 2024 by Jo mcdonough
It was a pleasure working with Alexis. She is very knowledgeable and professional. She made the process for us very smooth and seamless. I would highly recommend her!
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14 May, 2024 by Jose huizar
Alexis was professional and able to provide support and guidance throughout the process. We highly recommend her and would seek her advice for any future needs.
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13 May, 2024 by Wendy phillips
I highly recommend Alexis Lynch and her law office. Alexis worked efficiently and effectively while also speaking honestly and respectfully. Alexis helped my husband and I with our case for limited conservatorship of our daughter, an adult with special needs. Because our daughter is high functioning, her case became unexpectedly complicated. Alexis always kept us informed promptly and came up with a plan, helping us request an extension and gather additional information. Alexis's expertise and outstanding effort, including writing a detailed statement for us and her presentation to the judge at our hearing, made all the difference in the judge's decision to grant our limited conservatorship. Without her assistance we believe we would not have the same outcome. Alexis's fees are reasonable compared to others doing the same work, especially considering our case took extra time. If I could give more than 5 stars I would, as I cannot recommend Alexis highly enough.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Tom price
Amir wrote will and trust documents for us - he was extremely thorough and responsive. Great at answering all our questions.
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15 Sep, 2024 by Anahita aghaei
13 Sep, 2024 by Lorie spencer
3.6
6 Reviews
5.0
3 Reviews
12 Aug, 2022 by Ashley farrah
Highly recommended & Best attorney around for family law.
Absolutely amazing job at representing our case in court and has the best interest at heart for our children.
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30 Jun, 2018 by Maila gurung
08 Jun, 2018 by Joe
I came to Renee after my friend had recommended her to me. My ex-wife refused to let me see my daughter and I was not going in the direction I wanted to in the court system.
At the outset, Renee was extremely helpful, diligent and eager to help me get custody of my daughter. After a short period of time with her representing me, I now have custody of my daughter and will be going back to court with Renee to get more time.
Renee's fee structure is also reasonable given her experience in this area of law. I am very happy with Renee and the work she has done for me.
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4.2
16 Reviews
03 Jul, 2024 by Steinberg8
I interviewed a number of different lawyers and while all were knowledgable. Rachel distinguished herself with her friendly but very practical demeanor. She was efficient, empathetic yet realistic, extremely easy to talk to, and honest. Compared to the other lawyers that I met with, I found her easy to relate to and felt she understood my situation and challenges very quickly. We ended up using a mediator but Rachel provided excellent counsel when I needed it, especially towards the end of our process. Importantly, however, she prepared me well to enter into mediation. I feel the mediation process was more efficient because I got great advice from Rachel in the one hour consult we had prior. Prior to our meeting, I had sent her a lengthy e-mail outlining the issues and my priorities. She took the time to read through this and had questions for me when we met. I felt this was respectful of my time and resulted in a much more productive, focused discussion with clear action items for me as a result. At the end of the day, divorce is a business transaction with a lot of emotion attached. Rachel made it a more pleasant experience throughout. And while I did not need her as much as I anticipated (thankfully), I have heard others give her extremely high marks for getting the job done. In fact a friend of mine had a few lawyers before connecting with Rachel and once connected, her divorce was expedited. Our mediator, who is very well known in our county, spoke highly of Rachel too which gave me a lot of comfort.
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12 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Asked Rachel about how to process a modification to child support. She said she could fill paperwork out and do this. Turn out, she is completely wrong and I have to go through court. Not only did she cost me time and money, but she delayed the modification dramatically. Terrible and unprofessional.
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11 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
I was extremely pleased with Rachel Castrejon. Of course, divorce is a very difficult time in ones life. The process can be alien and intimidating. However, Rachel guided me through extremely well. Of course, she knows the law and various courses of action very well. She was technically very proficient, but more importantly, she did an excellent job of answering my questions and giving helpful and prudent advice. I honestly never once felt Rachel was "in this for the money" and appreciated that she was looking for the optimal outcome for me, for the least amount of legal fees. I would unhesitatingly recommend Rachel Castrejon to anyone.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Diego pineda
Really pathetic place in my opinion, total waste of time, came here for some general information, they didn’t help because I made too much money? Go figure, didn’t at least try to see why I was there or at least explain that I would have to pay if they help. Don’t even try and look somewhere else they would only help if you’re unemployed I guess not wonder Marin of full of homelessness
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15 May, 2024 by Padme tatum
They turn away landlords. Only help tenants. Many landlords are very low income themselves. Doesn’t seem right.
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08 May, 2024 by Tatiania margules
I love Virginia so much and her tattoos. Everyone that’s hating she won my case case closed
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18 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
She really didn't help me she pretty much just said 1 or 2 words but yet I won my case, it was not by her doing more less the other party doings.
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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.
