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23 Jul, 2019 by Steven
Wallace Francis is an exceptional attorney and I would recommend him to anyone who has an ethical case.
Like most litigants, he is absolutely committed to his clients' financial interests. Yet he also recognizes what matters outside of money. He offers solutions that consider all factors. An example would be if a client had to pick two options, one that would likely yield $10,000 and another would gain $6,000. While one might think the obvious answer is $10,000, Mr. Francis might offer caution with what the emotional and timing costs would be to get the additional $4,000.
In my particular case, he was amazingly helpful. During a very dark time of my divorce, he was the only attorney who willing to meet with me on a Saturday. He listened to my situation without judgment and offered a small amount of compassion along with outlining a variety of legal options I had.
Ultimately I think Mr. Francis passionately cares to help people who are against malicious litigators, narcissistic people, or any sort of bully in the legal system.
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20 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Francis helped me get through a very contentious divorce that included property and custody disputes. He was very knowledgeable and thorough. Although the other side tried to pull tricks, he was not fooled by their nonsense. He was also compassionate and caring and listened carefully to what I had to say.
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04 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
After hiring Marla Keenan for my child custody case, she has continued to offer me great service and has been very knowledgable with guiding me in the right direction. Although I know she has several clients, she is well versed in my case and has remembered small details over the last several years which has been comforting and offered piece of mind as well as trust. She has made a difficult situation much easier and I will continue to call upon her for any Family Law services in the future.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Sharon ban
Lorilee and her staff are exceptional. They made the estate planning process stress-free and seamless. I highly recommend Lorilee for estate planning.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Daniel d.
Great experience all around. Started process of getting work permit and GC for out-of-status spouse at Santa Rosa office in August 2023. After giving a summary of our situation, Arash laid out a timeline of roughly 2 years of what we needed to do as far as documents, medical exams, etc. Our case was then handed to the Sacramento office where we worked with Sumit for the remainder (mostly online with email correspondence, which was convenient). Work permit was acquired in April, and GC acquired the following August (even with having a notice to submit more docs due to insufficient evidence). Expectations exceeded and couldn't be happier with the outcome.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Lia le
I discovered Yasrebi Law Firm through a Google search. My case was somewhat complex, as I was a VAWA applicant seeking naturalization. From start to finish, the process was smooth and efficient. His team filed my case promptly, and just three months later, I received my interview appointment. Yasrebi accompanied me to the appointment and provided valuable insights on what to expect during the interview. On a personal level, Yasrebi is approachable and personable; from a professional standpoint, he is direct and punctual. I highly recommend this law firm to anyone in need of legal assistance.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Jessica lindsey
Alisha and team were amazing. Quick to respond to any questions I had and also persistent obtaining info required from the other party involved. Great experience.
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14 Mar, 2024 by Matt davis
Wine Country Law were very professional and came well prepared. Lindsay was a first class lawyer.
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10 Feb, 2024 by Kathryn klein
I felt as though they truly cared about me. They always returned my messages promptly and worked hard on my behalf.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Bret and his team at "A Family Law Firm" were knowledgeable, supportive, and professional. It was easy to communicate with them, and my emails and questions were always answered promptly. I received appropriate advice from them, which made the process of my divorce easier.
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30 May, 2024 by Melvin151515
Under the best of circumstances, divorce is difficult. I didn’t think I needed an attorney. I was wrong. Joann and company did not tell me what I wanted to hear. They told me what I needed to hear. In the end, it came down to the fact that I had a much better attorney. More organized. More proactive and knowledgeable. And dare I say it, more aggressive. Divorce is like whack a mole. And a box of chocolates.
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24 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Excellent communication skills, fast and good attitude. Responsible good documentation.
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05 Dec, 2023 by Kelly fleury
Worst experience with an attorney in my entire life- I couldn’t afford to pay his exorbitant costs anymore and as such he said he was dropping my case
Instead he continued to work behind my back with my ex husband and his lawyer for 3 months and attempted to have my son taken away from me
He never once made any contact with me or my children or ex lawyer to hear anything we had to say
Worst parenting coordinator in Sonoma County by far
Don’t use him unless you want to give him all of your money to get him on your side
Otherwise he leaves you out to dry
Run if the courts suggest you use him
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19 Aug, 2023 by Jared bertoli
Shawn Bunyard is a great attorney and more importantly a great man. I can assure you he and his firm have the child's best interest in mind.
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17 Dec, 2021 by Khristina
Robin is kind, honest and direct. I hired her because I wanted to approach my divorce in a respectful way and she appropriately handled my case this way. She is very knowledgeable about and can successfully navigate the Sonoma County Superior Court system which is beneficial to her clients.
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18 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
I had a consultation with Ms. Browne when looking for an attorney. I could not work with her for personal reasons. I strongly recommend her. She is wise, kind, and knowledgeable. Not a combination that is easy to find,
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21 Feb, 2022 by Gloria
Divorce something I never thought I would be going through. I was desperate and needed guidance and I found Jeanne!! Can't thank her enough for her services. She made things seem so easy during the process, she cares about the people she's helping. Thanks to her I found courage and strength during this hard time I could not have done this without her. I left it all in her hands and I would do it again if I had to. Thank you very much Mrs. Jeanne my children and I are forever grateful.
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08 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
I was often frustrated with how long it took Jeanne to follow through on things during divorce process. Things she should have taken care of didn't get done. I relied on her to know, and make sure I knew, the things that needed to be done. Ultimately, she didn't follow through on a very important final detail. It resulted in costing me several thousands of dollars and months of time consuming/stressful phone calls and letters to unraveling the mess. when I contacted her for help, she was willing to talk with me, send me a copy of my settlement, and make a phone call; but anything more than that and she "would have to charge me for her time". Not exactly the way I would have handled it if I had made that mistake.
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16 Nov, 2023 by Ez tree inc tree group
Elissa and her staff are literally the best when it comes to Family Law. From our first meeting, She explained everything to me in terms I could easily understand and was always very responsive whenever I had any questions.
If anyone is looking for a knowledgeable attorney who is compassionate about her work , call Elissa and her staff!
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09 Sep, 2023 by Macy-june brooks
Elissa is extremely kind, compassionate, very intelligent! And Heather is so on top of things! Great team I highly recommend!
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25 Aug, 2023 by Michael ferran
Eric is an extraordinary attorney who relentlessly advocated for me against a platoon of defense attorneys. He prevailed against significant game playing resistance by the defense while obtaining the evidence we needed that no other attorney would have been able to obtain. He previously successfully argued a personal injury case for his client in the Supreme Court, and established precedent law that other PI attorneys now utilize to advocate for their PI clients. Remember the line from the movie 'Taken'..."What I do have are a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very long career" That's Eric Young
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08 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Perhaps if you are looking for someone to escalate, increase conflict and wreak havoc on the other party, Kate is worth your hire. But, she was assigned as our child's minor counsel in a high-conflict divorce and she caused irreparable harm to my child. Immediately siding with the charming, manipulative abuser, she filed false allegations against the protective parent, which shifted custody in the abuser's favor and never reverted back, despite evaluations proving her allegations were unfounded. She in no way represented our child's best interests and instead didn't invest the time, energy into fully understanding our admittedly complex case. She is a shame to the system and should not be serving as minor's counsel for any child.
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09 Mar, 2020 by Marco
Kate and her team including Danielle have been my rock throughout this process. Would not have accomplished what I have accomplished with them. Worth every cent! Caring and compassionate! Definite passion for family law and doing what is right!
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29 Aug, 2019 by Amber
Kate has been a great help. She is sensitive to my situation, but also honest and straight forward with what needs to happen. I am currently going through a custody battle and Kate has helped me through it. She gave me guidance when I felt completely lost. Her advice and insight are priceless.
Although I hope to never have to hire Kate again and be in this situation, I would hire her in a heartbeat.
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05 Jan, 2022 by Csp
At first she was sweet and I believed that she had my best interest. But once I paid her the money she asked for she became Angry and told me that if I didn’t respond to her text within an hour she would fire me. I just left the first attorney who was failing miserably for this lady. She also worked with the other side and was getting paid under the table and when asked what was going on She denied it .But few days went buy .that 14000 bill we owed said paid in full. She has no loyalty and does not honor her word.please understand that anybody who had a good review of Roz I’m sure somehow someway was cocoo for coco pops
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05 Jan, 2021 by Joev
We went to court unprepared. I received a restraining order, my new attorney said Roz would have filed a form it would have gotten dropped. She went to court with me and did not say anything and let court run it’s course. I agree with other reviews, you get what you pay for.
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16 Dec, 2017 by A.b.c.
I hired Roz Bateman-Smith, Esq. for an extremely complicated and contentious divorce involving domestic violence/restraining order with a shared child/custody. She was extremely easy to communicate and work with and solidly reliable in my most troubling times. Her demeanor in a heated exchange in nothing short of composed and professional.
One of the most important things to me is that I knew she truly cared about the safety of me and my children.
After the divorce was finalized, I hired her once more. She represented me again in court after it was revealed my ex committed a horrible crime against a child. Once I knew I needed a lawyer she was the first and only lawyer I called! She helped prove that we needed even more protection in the form of strict supervised visitation, confidentiality of our location and a maximum term protective order.
For the past two years, she's been invaluable and I will always be grateful for the role she played in the lives of me and my children.
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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.
