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17 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Jasmine represented me in a custody case regarding my 12 year old where his father was requesting a drastic change in the visitation we have had for most of my son’s lie. I had a lot of anxiety surrounding this process and felt very uneducated and unprepared. Jasmine put my mind at ease from the beginning and guided me each step of the way to help me feel as prepared as possible. I had a lot of questions and she took time to answer each one. She did an excellent job advocating for me and my son and presenting my case to show the drastic change being requested would be detrimental to my son. In the end, our custody and visitation remained the same. If I ever find myself in this situation again, she will be my first phone call!
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05 Feb, 2021 by Nathan
Beth Chavez is not your typical attorney who i just out to make money. She is one of the few that actually cares about not just her clients but the people she speaks with. I recently had a child support modification that the other party wanted to do discovery and waste a lot of time and money. I consulted with Beth who listened to me and at the end of the consultation gave me advise on how to push back on the opposing side to have this wrapped up without litigation or discovery. This consultation and advice saved me thousands of dollars that Beth could have obtained but instead she is a compassionate attorney who is in the business for the right reason! I know at some point i will need to hire another attorney and it WILL be Beth! Thank you again!
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24 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
Kim has represented me for almost two years! She has done everything she said she would do and then some! She's gotten me everything I have asked for! I couldn't ask for a better attorney! Her staff of people she has working for her in her office are wonderful as well! I'll never use another attorney, except Ms. Michael! There's not one bad thing I can say about her!
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01 May, 2017 by Susan
Mr Wiseley went far and beyond the call to take care of my husbands issues and was quick and accurate!. He wasted no time helping us and was successful at getting my husband rights restored when others said it could not be done. He also helped my daughter who was in a car accident. Will not use anyone else ever. He is extraordinary and super knowledgeable.
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15 Mar, 2016 by Rosalin
I hired Mr. Massie to represent my son. He did a marvelous job, and my son came out on top. Of a scale from 1-10 I would definitely rate him a 10. Keep up the good work I will continue to recommend friends and family.
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20 Mar, 2010 by Anonymous
Ms. Bolton reviewed several contracts for me for my commercial farm. She did an excellent job and I would use her again.
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17 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Despite my complicated case, Carole significantly made progress towards a settlement by working with the opposing counselor and moving things forward. I was working with a different attorney and unfortunately, things weren't going anywhere for more than 6 months. When that attorney left the office and Carole was assigned to work on my case everything shifted for the better. She is very cooperative, responsive, and very approachable at any time to answer questions or even just rant about the situation. Thanks to her communication skills with the opposing counselors, My case was settled and I got divorced without compromising any of my rights.
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29 Jul, 2018 by Nancy
I highly recommend Lisa Levy as an exceptional family attorney Ms. Levy took the time to truly understand the particulars of my case and the psychological profile of my ex. This enabled she and I to be of like minds in bringing a settlement which was advantageous for myself and supports the best interest of my child.
I would not have been able to fight for my custodial rights and prevail in the process without Lisa looking out for my best interests. Ms. Levy educated me on legal strategies and state statutes beneficial to my case. Her insight into the mindset and precedents of the judge in my case proved invaluable.
I felt comfortable bringing my concerns to Ms. Levy, relying on her ability to anticipate problems and present the best solutions in managing a complicated relationship with my ex. Choosing Lisa Levy as my attorney resulted in a carefully crafted Order designed to save time, money, and emotional distress going forward.
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28 Nov, 2018 by Greg
Cristina is an absolutely amazing attorney. Her level of professionalism is above what is to be expected. I was completely distraught with the complexity of my child custody case and Cristina clearly explained the process to me which left me feeling much more confident for a successful outcome. I would highly recommend Cristina to anyone looking for an attorney.
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12 Apr, 2013 by John
I had contracted Ms. Heidi Ricker to represent me in a criminal matter. Ms Ricker was responsive, helpful and accommodating in every way. On the court date both Mr. Hasan and Ms. Ricker represented me and were able to negotiate to have all the charges against me dropped. I was amazed and delighted. I could not have asked for more from Mr. Hasan or Ms. Ricker. Both are professional, courteous and committed to their clients. I would recommend their services to anyone in need of a lawyer.
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02 Nov, 2015 by J
I hired Mrs. Hart to represent me for a custody case, and she went above and beyond with the court process. She has been my lawyer for the last 2 years for various custody issues, and always advises me in the right direction. She is smart, trust worthy and knows Family law very well. I have recommended her to other family members who have been beyond happy with her services. I trust her completely with my past cases and my upcoming cases, I highly recommend Mrs. Hart for anything having to do with family law.
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06 Jun, 2018 by Kenny
Nathan Coulter was fabulous, he handled my case wonderfully. Was always available to talk to through business phone, emails, and always kept his meeting times, and made everything very clear and understanding. He is very professional and
I had complete confidence from very beginning. And in the court room he was amazing, by far best lawyer I've seen yet.
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04 Jun, 2013 by Erick
Mr. Jacobson had all my witnesses in court and by my side ready and willing to back me up. He gave me his word that he will perform as professionally and efficiently as possible and he did. In fact he investigated my case more than the police department and myself. He was thorough and kept me and my wife optimistic.
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06 Sep, 2017 by David
A divorce, even uncontested, is hard on a family and difficult enough without dealing with an unresponsive, slow-moving attorney. After over a year of delays and excuses, I fired him and followed up on a recommendation to contact Grenadier, Starace, Duffett & Levi P.C. Carolyn Abbate thoughtfully explained the steps and court processes. Recognizing my desire for a harmonious post-divorce relationship, she helped smooth out issues that could have become points of contention. Ms. Abbate also sped things up enormously, guiding me in providing her with relevant information, feeding back documents for review and promptly passing them on, which had the added benefit of encouraging my wife’s attorney to match her pace. The outcome was a swift, amicable resolution that allowed family relationships to heal.
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21 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
He is fairly new but very knowledgeable. Extremely helpful
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01 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Jennifer Oram-Smith is one of the most delightful and personable people I have ever had the privilege of working with. Even though, what put me in the position of having to hire a lawyer in the first place was not a good thing.... Jennifer's positive attitude and fearless fighting for my case helped make my experience that much better.
When you search for a lawyer, you often look for credentials - experience - size of the firm etc.... but what often isn't described is how diligent they are with their clients and their cases.
Jennifer was so tireless in her efforts to ensure I got what I was looking for, that each time I sent her an email she was quick to respond that very same day. Communication was key for me as I live in California and needed representation in Virginia.
My case was a complex one, with ALOT of history and paperwork to go through, and given the distance and how often I was able to actually meet with Jennifer in person - I can say I am very impressed with the way she conducts business.
As far as price goes, it should be no surprise to anyone that hiring a lawyer can be expensive (depending on your case) and you get what you pay for. I made that mistake the first time I hired a lawyer a few years ago and all I walked away with was debt and little to show for it. Jennifer is EXTREMELY fair in her pricing... in fact... I think she may be underpriced as I believe that her level of commitment is valued at so much more. And because of Jennifer's meticulous work and what felt like boundless knowledge of the judicial system, I was able to walk away from court with so much more than I had started with.
I would recommend Jennifer to anyone seeking legal help or even just legal advice.
Thank you for your help Jennifer!
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10 Aug, 2016 by Donald
This woman fights for whether you've hired her or she's be appointed to you by the court. In my case she was court appointed and she fought for me. It wasn't like the same old song and dance with her in Tazewell County by my side. I'm so confident in her abilities that I would put a lifetime of freedom on the line as long as she was in my corner cause I know she's not gonna take it sitting down but she's gonna grab the bull by the horns no matter how big he is and she'll fight until the last second!!!!
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19 Jun, 2017 by Holly
Betty was the partner who handled my divorce along with Melanie Rice. Although we didn't get the full outcome I had hoped for, she (and Melanie) worked nights and weekends to try to get opposing counsel closer to a balanced settlement. I would recommend her to anyone who asked me for my opinion.
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12 Apr, 2017 by Sydney
Hired John recently for a custody, visitation, and child support case. He represented me well and I came out on top as I normally do when he is in my corner. He has previously represented me in criminal matters which also worked out well. All around great and fair guy.
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21 Aug, 2015 by Robin
Chuck is most thorough and dedicated attorney ever. Chuck went above and beyond and left no detail to chance. He never over promised, was always level headed and thoughtful. I don't think that there are enough words to describe how happy I have been with him through the two trials in which he represented me.
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13 Aug, 2021 by Kelli
Emily was one of my attorneys while she was at a law firm in Northern, VA. Emily represented and assisted me in a very complex custody/visitation case and also a child support case. She was in the process of assisting and representing me in the defense of another related case prior to her departure of the firm and Northern, VA area. Emily is sharp, personable, detail oriented and remembers the little things which I found extremely helpful and impressive. I truly felt that the best interest of myself and my child were her priority. I would and will always recommend her to anyone in need of an attorney for custody/visitation/support, etc.
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12 Sep, 2024 by James harrison
Mark was amazing , gad great customer service and got my case settled swiftly. I enjoyed my experience with Mark and I would definitely recommend him to anyone who needs help solving a traffic dispute or any other disputes necessary.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Luke pettaway
11 Sep, 2024 by Jerry oliver
Mark is one of the most proficient and calculated lawyers ever. Would say he doesn’t boast how efficient he is so I’ll speak for him. He fights tooth and nail for you and knows his work. Was referred to him from my personal lawyer and he’s worth every cent he requests. Almost like after he’s done you may feel you owe him more the way he represents you in the court no matter what evidence may or may not against you. Dismissal was my result. It’s rare you see a judge smile at how a defense attorney present and represent his client thru trial. Mr. Andrews is one of kind. You will not be disappointed!
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09 Aug, 2024 by Manish chopra
Going through a divorce and a custody situation can be a daunting, complicated, and emotionally draining process. You need someone by your side to help you navigate the complexities, provide you with the necessary guidance and most importantly be as invested in fighting for your rights as if they were their own. With Mr. Benjamin Fitzgerald at SSHW you are truly “in good hands.” He is everything you would want to have in someone representing your interests. His reassuring compassion and empathy will put your mind at ease in trying times and his knowledge, professionalism, and direct approach, both inside and outside the courtroom will ensure that you achieve the best possible outcomes. I was at a really bad place when I first called him on a late Thursday evening, he took the time to understand the situation and by the time I met him, first thing on Friday morning, the next day, he had already worked out and set a plan in motion. What I had expected would take at least a week or two, was achieved within an evening. I cannot really express in words how his sharpness and responsiveness during this time salvaged an impossible situation and reassured my trust in our justice system. This was however just the beginning, our contentious divorce and custody battle would continue for well over 2 years, but with Ben ‘s help and guidance, I always felt at-ease and reassured. His preparation and advice were always through, complete and ethical as was the entire team at SSHW. During this time there were several motions, countermotions, depositions, settlements and court appearances and I was always amazed with his knowledge about my case and his level of preparation and commitment for my cause. I am forever grateful for his guidance and advice during those challenging times, I believe and know that with SSHW and Ben Fitzgerald, not only did I get the best possible representation, but I also received the best possible outcome.
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19 Jul, 2024 by Bradley nimitz
I worked with Ben Fitzgerald (and other relevant SSH&W staff) on my custody case and was very pleased with the amount of attention, detail and overall due diligence he and his staff gave my case. I felt that every hour that I was billed had been packed with hard work from Ben's side. This ultimately resulted in a very favorable outcome for me. I highly recommend Ben and his associates at SSH&W
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14 Jun, 2024 by Ashley brady
If I could give 10 stars, I would! Penn Bain is an amazing attorney who helped me resolve a quite challenging family law case with a favorable outcome. From the start, his approach to my case was underpinned by a high level of integrity, transparency, compassion, and legal prowess that is unmatched. My only regret is not finding him sooner. In addition, every interaction I have had with his team has been pleasant, respectful, and prompt. If you want a strong, skilled, and knowledgeable attorney who will effectively advise and represent you, without question, you should select Penn Bain. Sevila, Saunders, Huddleston & White is undoubtedly a top-notch firm.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Taha bilal uyar
Arif Bey ve ekibi ile çalışmaktan çok memnun kaldık. Son derece tecrübeli ve profesyonel bir ekip. Göçmenlik süreçlerinde desteğe ihtiyacı olan herkese kesinlikle tavsiye ederim.
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29 May, 2024 by M. e.
Thanks a lot. We are guided by Gozel Law on our immigration journey. We had no gap professional service related to our case. They helped us to understand all process at the beginning, spotted our path till reaching our green card right, thank you for your professional help and kindness.
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29 May, 2024 by Kanan manafov
Oncelikle Arif bey ve onun ofisinde tum calisanlara ve Eylul hanima personal teşekkürümu bildirirem. 19 January interview oldu, Eylul hanim tam olarak beni destekleyerek interview tamamladiq. Ve 19 Mart approve aldik.
Cok teshekkurler Eylul hanim.
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26 Oct, 2021 by Jessica hill
Got my divorce against a narcissist that was hiding his address at a price affordable to me. Received numerous updates. Thankful to finally have everything overwith. Especially thankful to Lisa Chavis for all her hard work and emails.
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21 Oct, 2021 by Diamond cornish
I came to Mr. Bush in 2019 with a child custody/support case, with Covid things got pushed back many times over the last 2 years. Even through the difficult time he always maintained communication and always was easy to get a hold of anytime I had an issue or questions. He was able to help me so much and fought for me. I would highly recommend him to anyone. Huge Thank you to Mr. bush and his team.
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20 Oct, 2021 by Grayson davis
Justin Bush handled my case and he acted like a friend to me. He took my case personally and professionally and helped me in every way possible I didn’t get the outcome I wanted this time but that was not Justin’s fault at all. I know I’ll have to go back to court one day and his number will still be in my phone and the first one I call to stand by my side.
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03 Dec, 2023 by Jacqueline martin
Ms. Kim saved the day.
My divorce process spanned more than 2 years and was highly contested. I was awarded a permanent protective order by Fairfax County and then had to continue to battle my ex to save my pension and retirement- as well as my cash and house where I was living with our son.
My original attorney did well in some areas but she failed to properly document how I intended to pay my ex his share of equity in the home as well as a portion my retirement. She also wrote the divorce settlement agreement in such a way as to leave the manner in which I would pay my ex completely ambiguous - there was no mention of “cash” or “paid from x account.” Therefore, the agreement I signed I believed was what I agreed to pay and how I intended to pay.
Once everything was signed, I believed my attorney was transferring the amount from my retirement into an account in my ex’s name. I went on a vacation to the Bay Islands of Central America to celebrate the end of my divorce. While on a Honduran beach, I learned that my attorney had not initiated that process yet and accused me of lying, claiming I had told her I would be taking out a loan for over $100,000.00 to pay my ex in cash.
There was no written correspondence between my attorney and I where I ever agreed to such a stupid solution. It was 2023, a year of extreme tightening by the FED with high interest rates. Why would I have ever agreed to essentially take out a second mortgage at an average 7% interest rate when I had the money sitting in my retirement?
I instructed my attorney to explain the miscommunication to my ex’s attorney and to start the retirement benefits division immediately. For over two weeks, my attorney did not do what I asked. She insulted me. She accused me of lying. She attempted to coerce me to give my ex all the cash I had as a way to meet the impending deadline that would be missed. She claimed a judge might force me to pay in cash even though the property settlement agreement that I signed never mentioned cash. She thought she could strong-arm me into doing something terrible to my finances to avoid her having to admit she made mistakes in documentation.
Rather than give in, I used my smartphone from the third world country I was in, and consulted with Legal Aid resources. This legal resource is phenomenal. From there, I found Ms. Kim. I told her my predicament and she agreed to take my case while I was miles away and in distress.
Ms. Kim found a way for my to keep my house, keep all of my cash, and avoid a “show cause” complaint for missing the payment deadline so that I could pay the way I had always intended (out of my retirement account). She also charged me a very reasonable fee to solve everything- which was roughly $2,000 whereas my previous attorney had told me I would have to pay $6,000 or more and would have to go to court.
I highly recommend Ms. Kim. She is efficient, a true advocate, and comes at a very reasonable price.
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15 Aug, 2023 by Jina lee
Attorney Minji Kim, She’s professional attorney and very kindly. She helped me completely. She’s awesome
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30 Jun, 2023 by Andrew daniels
MS Kim was a wonderful lawyer for me. She listened to my problems, explained to me what she could do, and kept me updated throughout the process. Any time I would email her with a question, she got back to me promptly. Her fees were very reasonable, too. I would highly recommend her to anyone needing legal representation!
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10 Oct, 2024 by Jeff
Jordan represented me very well as my divorce lawyer. He was knowledgeable, attentive, patient, and aggressive when needed. My settlement would not have been possible without him. Most importantly, he always listened to me and made sure we were on the same page throughout the entire process. I highly recommend him.
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11 Aug, 2024 by Janelle
Ken has been my go-to beginning with my separation and divorce in 2018. He is always willing to patiently listen to the details of the situation, take all of them into consideration, and give excellent legal advice in response. He has been the best investment for me by giving me the confidence I needed to move forward on solid legal ground. I have used his services three times since 2018 and would not hesitate to hire him again or recommend him.
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05 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I think everyone negatively reviewing Kimberly is just angry that their case didn't go in their favor. I can tell you that getting Kimberly court appointed in my case was the best thing that could have happened for my daughter. Kimberly objectively interviewed all parties, completing discovery and issuing a comprehensive and un biased report of her findings to the court. She obviously spent a great deal of time on the case, reviewing information, and effectively articulated the information in the report. She was definitely looking out for my daughters best interest, and it really showed.
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10 Dec, 2022 by Sarkawt shamsulddin
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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.
