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30 Oct, 2023 by Sue fulton
Choosing i Accident Lawyer was one of the best decisions I made. They fought for my rights and secured a settlement that exceeded my expectations. Their professionalism and commitment were truly impressive.
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09 Oct, 2023 by Brook dean
I can't express how grateful I am to i Accident Lawyer for their outstanding legal representation. They took the stress out of my personal injury case and handled everything with utmost professionalism. If you're looking for a reliable accident lawyer, look no further. These folks are the real deal.
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03 Oct, 2023 by Madison copeland
I can't thank i Accident Lawyer enough for their responsiveness and support. They always made time to address my concerns and kept me informed every step of the way. Their commitment to client satisfaction sets them apart.
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31 Oct, 2024 by Alberto camacho
Douglas is a very professional attorney representing my son, I’ll recommend to anyone who needs a good lawyer! Thank you Douglas.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Michael r
I contacted Michael Franco after I had a chapter 13 case dismissed due to not being able to keep up with the payment plan. I explained to the previous lawyer at the time of my situation and how complex it was. I informed the lawyer that I would not be able to keep up with the payment that they felt was suitable because of my average gross they calculated at the time. I explained that my salary would fluctuate in upcoming months. The lawyer explained to me that there was no other option other than a chapter 13 because of my base salary being over California’s median income, not taking all my expenses and deductions into consideration and chapter 7 would not be an option. After my case was dismissed , I found Michael Franco and gave him a call and spoke to him personally. I explained to Michael how complicated my situation was and my previous experience with the other lawyer, hoping there would be another option. After speaking to Michael and submitting a few documents, Michael was confident he would be able to help me and I would be able to file a chapter 7. We immediately went over all my expenses and deductions. From the beginning Michael made the process easy and understanding. Michael definitely takes pride in his work and truly wants to help people who are struggling financially. I’m beyond grateful I found Michael and put all my trust in him because he delivered. My Chapter 7 was granted and discharged! I can’t thank him enough. All my stress from my finances completely went away thanks to Michael. Now I have a fresh start and have an opportunity to make better choices . I definitely recommend Michael Franco to anyone struggling financially and wanting a fresh start. If anyone wants an honest, professional , experienced Lawyer Michael is definitely the one for you!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Justyn cry
I called in to get some info and Michael was extremely helpful and even more knowledgeable. I learned so much from our 10 minute phone call which gave me enough info I needed to make a decision. I feel like he really takes care of his customers and actually cares about our success.
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22 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
I have been working with Ms. Cha for a long time. She has helped me through the most difficult times of my life post divorce. Nothing about my situation has been clear cut due to ongoing issues with my ex. However, Jessica has taken the time to go above what I ever expected in order for me to have my children in the most safe and comfortable upbringing that they deserve. If you want an attorney who listens, is straight-forward regardless of what you may WANT to hear, and can do the leg-work for a fair outcome, Jessica Cha is the attorney for you. I am so grateful that I put my family in her hands.
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05 Jan, 2016 by John
Hired Jessica to help resolve a rather annoying child support case. As the NCP trying to establish a relationship with my daughter for the past several years, Jessica helped bring about a fair and equitable resolution and was well-prepared before the hearing. She is thorough and takes the time to explain in plain language every potential outcome. What I appreciate most about Jessica is her honesty and frankness. When you hire a lawyer, you don't want to get the "runaround." With Jessica, you'll have trustworthy counsel by your side. What more can you ask for?
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12 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
I have reached out to Jessica Cha several times and she is my go to attorney for all my legal matters. Ms. Cha is always helpful and quick on the phone and has made the legal process as painless as possible. She is realistic and lets you know upfront what to expect and will do her best to get you the best possible outcome. She is a great communicator and explains things in a clear and simple manner. She offers competitive rates and has made special arrangements to meet me after hours in an urgent matter. It is difficult to find such a flexible, efficient and accommodating attorney. I would highly recommend her services.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Omar
To set the stage, I'm a father in CA who won custody of my two daughters. This is not normal, but with Marie it can. When you're going through the legal process it is not only the other side you deal with but your unfamiliarity with the system can draw up all kinds of emotions & stress. That all went away when you're working with a talented, thoughtful and seasoned professional like Marie. Every step of the way the vision was met and I didn't think, I knew Marie realized what was at stake...it wasn't me, it wasn't another win for her, it was the future of two amazing girls who needed to be in a significantly better, less toxic situation. I refuse to make the typical lawyer jokes anymore because someone like Marie exists and would hate for that stereotype to fall on such a tremendous attorney and person. I heard the horror stories of lawyers just taking cases on for retainers and fees, I've felt the frustration of the system, and know the strain court can put on your finances, however if you're looking to put your trust towards producing the best outcome possible given any situation I hope this review helps guide you towards hiring Marie Braun, simply the best.
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06 Mar, 2021 by Deborah
Ms. Braun was my attorney in an extremely contentious child custody case. She was the best.
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19 Apr, 2016 by Angela
My partner and I hired Marie Braun to help him through his divorce. It had stalled after three years of separation and seemed no end was in sight. Ms. Braun was wonderful in keeping perspective in our case. This was a severe alienation case and lies about payment of support. The other party did not keep any records of support payments made and filed a ridiculous claim that no support was made. Marie meticulously went through all bank records and wage garnishments and determined the OVER payment of over $15,000! She also was able to get the court to modify a custody order to help get back to a reasonable visitation schedule. When we felt desperate that there would be no end to this, she helped encourage us. We were truly grateful for her help in getting our case on a forward track. I would recommend her to any of my friends going through a divorce.
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04 Feb, 2018 by Raza
No amount of words are enough to offer my humble gratitude to Raazia Bokhari, who has been immensely helpful in my legal matters. Although I appointed her in 2015-2016 during my legal challenges, she has continued to help me and guide even after my matter was settled. If you want personable and excellent service, then she is your GO TO person. She is known to spend quality time with her clients, and puts her heart into helping people out. Once again, THANK YOU Raazia!
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28 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
very timely, on top of all documents, very professional. Got us the Visa quicker than anticipated.
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27 Aug, 2015 by Anne
Raazia and her team were very supportive through out my immigration process. I would strongly recommend Raazia's law firm to all those women who are seeking help with family law Esp child custody issues. I wish the firm can also take cases with juvenile dependency court.
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17 Jul, 2017 by Kimberley
Grace was very flexible with my schedule (I work out of town) and kept me informed on the status of my case in a very unpleasant situation with my ex-husband. Her willingness to go the extra mile helped me be able to have the situation addressed and settled in court with most of my requests being granted by the court. Grace even worked on my case while she was on vacation with her family (this was WAY more than I had ever expected). She is a lawyer with integrity and honesty that is not often heard of in her profession. I would and have recommended Grace to other's in need of someone with her skills.
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22 May, 2010 by Anonymous
Grace Ogburn represented me in my divorce 9 months ago. It was a very hard thing for me to go through. Grace was very helpful, and super informative. She put my mind at ease. She was very knowledgeable, caring, and SHE LISTENED to me. I truly believed that Grace made it easier for me to get through this. Of course, going through the divorce was still painful, but Grace helped cushion he blow. I recommended a friend to Grace. I know she is in good hands!
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19 May, 2010 by Anonymous
Grace Ogburn was professional, caring, understanding and awsome! She listened to me, did not judge, did all she could to help me in my situation, was very honest, fair, up to date with the laws. Let me tell you, she did a GREAT job! I couldn't have been happier with the outcome of my case. Grace stepped up to the plate and hit it out of the park! I have recomended her to everyone who I know who needs legal advice or a GREAT attorney. I was so amazed by her great attitude, willingness to help and her compassion. She loves her job and helping people and it truely shows. She responded to ALL my calls, emails, text messages. Her ability to do the job accurate without error or questions was amazing. She knew what she was doing every step of the way. She let me know the progress of my case every step of the way. She went over in length what was going to be done, how it was going to be done and made sure I was comfortable with it, agreed and approved it. She was so honest when she billed me. Shes fair, honest, kind, smart, very kind and a wonderful person to have on your side! I highly recomend her if you want your case to go YOUR way, the fair, honest and descent way.
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30 Jun, 2017 by Kathy f.
Mr. Rettenmaier helped me during my hour of need regarding a Landlord Tenant Unlawful Detainer Action (Eviction). I am so glad I hired Robert Rettenmaier to defend me with my unlawful detainer. Robert, was able to prepare me for trial in case we needed to go forward. During a time that was very stressful, Robert sat me down and explained to me what was going to happen and what would likely happen. On the morning of my unlawful detainer trial, Robert calmed me down. Mr. Rettenmaier protected my rights and even future rights. Robert was very professional and knowledgeable. We eventually settled my case instead of going to trial. When Robert was negotiating a settlment, the other party's attorney tried to get me to sign a general waiver of rights. Robert would not let me do this. I am so glad he was there to protect my rights because now I am capable of suing for injuries that were sustained. Also, I don't have an eviction on my record because of Robert. I would definitely recommend Robert to defend your rights in an unlawful detainer eviction action. Under Full Disclosure: Robert Rettenmaier and I met in law school. I believe Robert did a fantasic job!
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29 Jun, 2017 by Kelly
I was very uncertain of all the steps I would have to take to get my case to court. I contacted Mr. Rettenmaier and he assured me he would assist me with every step of the way. He was available for me when I was uncertain of what items I needed. He was very clear and upfront. I was experiencing a very difficult situation and Mr. Rettenmaier reassured me he would handle my case effectively and in a timely manner. I highly recommend that Mr. Rettenmaier will provide an efficient and professional experience.
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21 Mar, 2018 by Grant
I couldn't have asked for a better attorney. In a multi-year divorce proceeding where my ex was trying to keep my visitation with our child at 5% while running me through the ringer, Albert kept things under control and got me 50/50 custody. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome!
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31 Oct, 2024 by Alberto camacho
Douglas is a very professional attorney representing my son, I’ll recommend to anyone who needs a good lawyer! Thank you Douglas.
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31 May, 2024 by Alvaro vidaurre
All my documents was done with care, It is a firm we can trust thanks so much for all the the help Chris Langley .
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18 May, 2024 by Fahad abuhussein
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10 Jul, 2024 by Anahi
Wail and his staff are unlike any other! From the moment I requested an appointment, Desire was very kind, understanding and with great customer service. I was provided with an appointment the following day ( Thursday ) didn’t expect to be seen or to be helped since my court date was Monday. I had been dealing with a Domestic Violence case that was overlooked by Orange County court house in January. Not only did Wail reopen my case, but also helped me with child custody. Wail and his staff ( Jennifer, Marlene and Alex) are very knowledgeable, professional, and detailed. They were all very clear about the process and always answered any questions I had. I am forever thankful with each one of them! I had court this past Monday, 7/8 and can say Wail did help me get what he said he would. He is very professional, confident, driven and tough when needed during court hearing. I am so glad my friend Paige referred him. My case was settled and can say it exceeded my expectations!!! Thank you Wail and Staff for all of your help.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Esmeralda diaz
Going through court can always be stressful, but with sarieh family law as my defense team it was a great experience. They helped me the whole way from start to finish and they helped me if anytime i was feeling confused or anxious. Always assuring me that it would go great and it always did.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Paige schreiber
I highly recommend Wail and his team. He has great attention to detail and has a strong presence in the court room. He has the ability to recall all the details in your case and has great strategy in the court room. Not only does he have a great, relatable personality, he will fight endlessly for a favorable outcome. Words cannot begin to express how much I appreciate Wail and his team for their knowledge, patience, and understanding. Thank you Wail, Marlene, and the entire team at Sarieh Law!
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02 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
She wasn’t my attorney,she was my wife who kidnapped our kids and ran off with a trucker
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19 Mar, 2022 by Danielle
I am Rhonda’s actual client and have nothing but great things to say about her. I brought her on to my case in June 2020 in the midst of the pandemic and she was incredibly compassionate and empathetic with my situation. My ex was withholding financial information and after filing my own response and paperwork I realized very quickly that this situation would cause for more than just self representation. He dragged on our proceedings by stating “he didn’t know” on more than one occasion to the judge, filled out his own paperwork incorrectly, didn’t follow court procedures with serving paperwork to my attorney and has in general been very verbally abusive and accusatory in declarations presented to the court that were false and had no relevance to the case further dragging things along. All the while Rhonda has been encouraging and supportive and reminding me of what is actually important to getting things finished. She did not allow me to get caught up in the drama with my ex and instead helped me focus on what mattered most, my kids. She negotiated a very fair custody and visitation agreement that benefitted both parents equally, got us signed up with Our Family Wizard to communicate about the kids, recommended a book on how to interact with each other in our high conflict divorce and even negotiated our financial disagreements in a fair manner. The only real delay in our proceedings were due to Covid related court dates (2020/2021) and then lack of preparedness by my ex who was self represented. Divorce paperwork was filed by my ex in June 2019 and our first original court date wasn’t scheduled until March 2020 which was delayed by Covid until October 2020. CNV was completed in October 2020 and the only thing left were financials which took all of 2021 to get finalized at no fault of Rhonda’s. I am very satisfied and happy with her work and encourage you to give her a call to see if she is the right fit for you. Don’t be swayed by anonymous reviewers pretending to be her clients. She puts your kids first and that’s most important.
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15 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
She has been my attorney for over two years . She’s very experienced, knowledgeable and professional. She can be very tough in a situation that she needs to be. But she has a very kind and warm personality. She’s been helping me getting through a tough time I’m going through right now. She listens to me in compassion and consults me with her great judgements. Also, she tries to accommodate my needs in various situations. She always tries her best. She really cares about her clients. I highly recommend her. She is the best attorney.
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10 Jan, 2022 by John
Don't hire her. She works with the opposing attorney to drag out your case. She let's the opposing attorney know what your going to do like serving legal papers. She cost me over $20,000.00 for nothing. I had to get another attorney to finish the job correctly. She's the worst. Find someone else.
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17 Sep, 2015 by Sherry
I have known Lila Allen for twenty years and she is a very ethical, professional and skilled attorney for family law in Orange County. I personally use her for special appearances and send her family law cases.
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30 Dec, 2014 by Earl
One of the few, honest attorneys around. Lila cut through the "legalese" and handled my difficult case and my ex.
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18 Feb, 2024 by Jocelynn sanz
Jaimie and his team were amazing. They always kept me in the loop of my case. Whenever I had questions, Jaime answered right away. My case was resolved in less than 5 months with a very good settlement. Thank you for your hard work!
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08 Nov, 2022 by Predator 7
With very low probabilities the attorney Jamie resolved my case in only 3 months.
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22 Sep, 2022 by Lesther vazquez
Very unorganized, unreliable, unpunctial, attorney malpractice. Do not contact this attorney for service. Very poor in helping out client. Every time court schedule has been dialed in for me to appear he always comes with a late excuse to not proceed with hearing. Doesnt want to go the extra mile to head down to represent in court for physical appearance and he is also VERY RUDE!!!
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28 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
During a consult she rushed me and interrupted me several times. A couple times she asked me questions over, could've been avoided had she been professional and patient. A 30 min consult was in approx 12 min. She rushed me off.
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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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