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22 Sep, 2023 by Nicole
I am immensely grateful to Ms. Ferrick; words fall short in conveying my thanks and appreciation. Without Conner, I'm uncertain how I would have managed. She embodies honesty, ethics, kindness, humility, intelligence, and professionalism. Conner's dedication to aiding both myself and my son goes beyond words, moving me to tears as I write this. Conner's toughness and high esteem among her colleagues are remarkable. Navigating custody and parenting time is a deeply challenging and emotional journey, and Conner has been my guide and kept me strong. As an exceptional attorney and an extraordinary individual, she is without question the very best. Trust me, this process is grueling, but having the right person by your side is critical and makes all the difference. If anyone wishes to discuss my experience personally, I invite you to reach out to Conner and request my contact information.
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25 Jun, 2019 by Joanne
I am so grateful to Connor Ferrick for her negotiation skills in my divorce, January, 2019. I am 80 years old with a small s.s. check and limited savings. I was married for 17 years to a very selfish and greedy man who thought he could divorce me, take everything and move on. He seemed determined to hurt me emotionally and financially which I did not deserve. Connor was having none of this. She negotiated a settlement that leaves me able to live out my life peacefully. Thank you so much, Connor. P.S. The girls in the office are great!!!!
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22 Feb, 2018 by Jacqueline
I had a very high conflict divorce. Connor was always available to me, even at night. She was very prepared for every court appearance we had and was a fierce advocate for me. She is not only an amazing lawyer who is clearly respected by her peers but she is also an amazing person. She truly cared about my children and I. I consider her and her amazing staff as friends now. She fought very hard for me and I am very happy with the end results. I highly recommend her. She put me at ease and gave me great piece of mind. She is very good in court, negotiations, and in her motions. A divorce is a very unpleasant experience but having the right lawyer can make all the difference.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Rob
A divorce is something that nobody wants to experience but sometimes it is the only way out of a bad situation. Driven by emotions and stress, unrealistic expectations of all parties can lengthen the divorce and harm everybody. Kristen Robinson explained the process in detail and led me with her experience through this process fast and efficiently and kept my expectations realistic. I’m very thankful that she answered all my questions at any time, for her moral support and help during my divorce and her support in the months after it. Thank you, Kristen,
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21 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Kristen was amazing during my multi-state court battle. She jumped into it with extremely short notice (1 week). She crossed all the t's and dotted all the i's. She made sure that I was ok for the long run, and that wording wouldn't be a factor in the future. I am truly grateful to her. I highly recommend her to anyone needing an attorney.
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13 Apr, 2015 by Liz
Ms. Robinson handled my divorce with integrity and professionalism. She was responsive to questions and explained everything in a clear, knowledgeable, and timely manner. Ms. Robinson was very helpful in anticipating challenges through the process and working hard to resolve issues. Her experience and advice made a very difficult journey better than it would have been with a less conscientious attorney. I would fully recommend Ms. Robinson.
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07 Feb, 2022 by Selina
Attorney Hohauser puts the children first while navigating the tumultuous times of divorce. While keeping fairness in the forefront, Mrs. Hohauser will work tirelessly until truths are discovered and does not leave a stone unturned to make sure her client receives an unprejudiced settlement necessary to move on with life as a divorced parent. Elizabeth Hohauser is highly recommended.
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03 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
I have hired and have been working with her for over a year and it has been a breath of fresh air.
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03 Feb, 2022 by Vince
When our first attorney didn't match our needs and didn't see a winning path forward, we turned to Liz's expert counsel. My husband and I have been so pleased with the decision to work with Liz. She is extremely thoughtful, kind, a great listener, and brings winning strategy to the table. Liz will be your fiercest ally. We can't thank her enough for guiding us through not one, but two, complex settlements. Liz got us the justice we deserved.
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04 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Kristyn helped me with a matter several years ago and was excellent. She knows the law inside and out and clearly has a lot of respect from other lawyers and judges. On top of that, since then, over the years I’ve had to consult her on other issues and she continually does a great job. I’ve referred her services to many others and would do so again without reservation!
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07 Jun, 2017 by Cathy
I hired Ms. Recchia to help with getting my divorce judgment enforced because my ex-husband was ignoring everything the court had previously ordered. She was able to get everything handled in a relatively short time and was very easy to talk to and work with.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Gerard
Very informative and quick service. Had a consultation within an hour and the process was explained in great detail and easy to understand!
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19 Sep, 2024 by Janine
Super friendly and very knowledgeable. Highly recommended. They were able to calm my thoughts and my worries.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Karen
I spoke to Nicholaus Klaus for a consultation and he definitely helped me feel relieved and guided me in the right direction. I would recommend this attorney to others.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Joseph sitto
I recently had the pleasure of working with AJ, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the service and results provided. From the very beginning, AJ demonstrated exceptional knowledge, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to my case. He took the time to explain every step of the legal process, ensuring I felt informed and confident throughout. His strategic approach, attention to detail, and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome truly set him apart. If you're looking for a lawyer who is not only highly skilled but also compassionate and supportive, I highly recommend AJ. He's a true advocate for his clients and goes above and beyond to ensure their success.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Chris hogarty
PHENOMENAL LAWYER. If you are able to have the pleasure of being represented by Mr. Freeman I strongly recommend doing so. John and his team were very responsive, punctual, and understanding of my own independent situation. Also, special shout out to his assistant Madison! She was able to shine some light on a dark situation for me, she has extensive knowledge and experience within her line of work and it shows! John Freeman will have my business if need be in the future. 6 stars if it was an option!
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23 Aug, 2024 by Harry goddard-realtor, psa
They went above and beyond
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08 Sep, 2024 by Jordan gallo
Very helpful and dealt w my legal issues in a professional way. Made it a super easy process
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08 Jul, 2024 by Cc
Carrah did an amazing job with my case. She is a true fighter, and you can tell she really cares about her family law clients with the results that she achieves for them. She made the filing and communication effortless for me. Everything was taken care of faster than I could have imagined. She made a very challenging time in my life more manageable. I highly recommend Carrah to anyone looking for an excellent, ethical, and hard working counselor. Great lawyer and a good person.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jose galaviz
My wife and I hired Carrah Crofton of Crofton Legal to help us get her green card. I found her website on the internet and looking at the high reviews I decided to contact her to follow up on our process. All the process went flawless, we followed all her recommendations and thanks to her, now my wife has her green card, another success story for Crofton Legal. She made the process easy and less intimidating and clearly communicated everything that was needed and prepared us well for the interview. She’s a very good lawyer who truly cares about her clients and it was a pleasure to work with her. I highly recommend Crofton Legal for your immigration needs.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Vishnu kp
I had a deeply disappointing experience with KL Law. We recently consulted them for immigration-related questions and found the service to be severely lacking in professionalism and organization. Our appointment was scheduled for 4 PM, but we did not receive a call until we followed up with the front desk. To our frustration, the call was then delayed until 4:20 PM, despite our repeated reminders about the timing issue, reminded 4 times before the appointment to front desk staff. The consultation was further marred by confusion and poor communication. Although we were scheduled to meet with Mani Khavajian, we were informed by the front desk staff that he would not be handling our case and that another attorney would step in. This change was never communicated to us beforehand, leaving us baffled. The attorney we spoke with provided explanations that were both contradictory and unclear. Given that our case involves a relatively straightforward process—changing status from H1B to H4 and back to H1B—we expected a higher level of clarity and expertise. We have already informed Mani Khavajian via email about our dissatisfaction and requested a resolution, but we have yet to receive any response. This lack of follow-up has prompted me to leave this review in hopes of bringing attention to the issues we faced. Overall, our experience with KL Law has been unsatisfactory, and I would not recommend their services for work visa related support.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Mitchell p
Mani is a great attorney. He is very knowledgeable about criminal law and is an expert in immigration law. He cares very much about his clients and is passionate about what he does.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Jesse
This guy gets the job calm cool and collective
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02 Apr, 2021 by Christina
I Highly Recommend William Reisdorf although It was a very difficult divorce many obstacles but he manage to overcome every single One of them, He’s on top of his work I cannot thank him enough for what he did, payed attention to every single detail As soon as finding an error he was real quick to correct it great man very very professional.
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19 Jan, 2021 by Vanessa a
I highly recommend Bill! He took on my case willingly although it was considered complicated. He is very thorough and diligent making sure all bases are covered and preparing for anything. He kept me updated as my case progressed answering any and all questions and concerns that i had. Bill goes above and beyond to accomplish the goal you set forth, in my case it was divorce. He is the man to hire!! You will not be disappointed!!
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07 Jan, 2021 by Matt
My divorce was fairly simple (no children) and mutual. I was more interested in making sure I was treated fairly in the process, and did not expect a ugly divorce. Reisdorf was easy to deal with and knew what he was talking about. We had to deal with one of the more aggressive law firms that represent women very strongly. He had knowledge of the law firm and was able to make somewhat accurate predictions of what might happen. He also had knowledge of the Judge that had my divorce. He was able to help me prepare for the worse, but it never came to that. I'm happy with the outcome. I feel as though I was treated well and fairly. I was able to sit down with him and talk to him openly about what my best interest were. I would hire again.
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FAQs
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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.