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22 Jun, 2023 by K.j.
I can't begin to put into words how lucky I feel to have been represented by Ashley Smith in my divorce and custody case. Ashley cares about her clients and during what was easily the scariest and most difficult time in my life, I was able to focus on what mattered, protecting my 7 yr old daughter, myself, work, and keeping a straight head knowing I had Ashley on my side to quickly navigate and provide outstanding advise during a chaotic time. She believed in me and was always available and immediately got back to me the numerous times I had to contact her. I was prepared most importantly for the 2 times we had to go in front of a judge and was calm on the stand because I listened to Ashley's advise. Unfortunately my case involved addiction and child endangerment. When going through something like this, you almost spend as much time contacting your lawyer as you do speaking to friends and family. Trust me when I say Ashley is the one you want fighting for you. These things are long and drawn out and I could not imagine confiding in and being represented by anyone else. Ashley is easy to speak to and highly respected among her peers and all in her industry and that was obvious to me. Ashley simply gets it done, quickly and professionally and is there for you to make sense of all the curveballs and things that can occur in a case like mine. I am forever grateful for what Ashley did for me and my family and I am stronger than ever after going through what I have because of an amazing support system I had and have, but knowing the leader of this was Ashley whether she knows it or not. Thank you Ashley!
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16 Nov, 2022 by Tammy
Outstanding at her job! Very caring and understanding! Cool calm collected and hit the nail spot on every time. Highly recommended
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14 Oct, 2022 by Karen
I cannot say enough about Ms. Ashley Smith. She is the eye of the storm. The part in the middle that is calm and stable while there is chaos spinning all around. Some of us, like me show up in her office vulnerable, clueless, scared, hopeless the list goes on. Ashley is not your therapist nor is she going to tell you everything will be fine but what she will do is listen, focus, instruct, compile, answer every single question, guide you. She will only reach out if she has to. Be patient because I can assure you she is working thoroughly on your case. I put all of my trust and fate in her hands and it was not easy. When it came time it was incredible to watch Ashley work. Her professionalism and determination is above and beyond. She is a true inspiration. I have friends who separated before I did and my case finished before theirs, Above all Ashley exceeded all of my wants, needs and expectations in the end. I can move on assured my son and I will be completely secure in our future and I have Ashley to thank for it all.
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03 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
Mr. Tise was a highly professional and effective advocate for me in a contentious alienation of affection suit in which I was named as a defendant. From our initial consultation forward, Brandon spoke clearly about the various options, highlighting their respective benefits and drawbacks. His straight-talk put me instantly at ease and I never once questioned my judgment in relying on his counsel. In the end, he leveraged his expertise and experience to achieve a favorable outcome and saved me $$ and headaches.
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11 Jun, 2019 by Andrew
Mr. Tise helped me through a very tough time in my life. His work was throrough and efficient. He is very familiar with the law and legal process involved. He was able to navigate various challenges that arose from the other parties in this case. I would recommend you call him today.
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29 Mar, 2015 by Melissa
Brandon and his staff did an exceptional job defending me when my ex-husband attempted to reduce my child support as well as accusing me of co-habitation. My ex-husband was represented by a very well known attorney in Wilmington and Brandon and his staff came very well prepared in addition to coaching me on how to conduct myself on the witness stand. After five long days in court I came away victorious. I would highly recommend Allan Brandon Tise.
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22 Mar, 2018 by Shelley
Virginia walked me through every step of my somewhat difficult divorce. She and her staff are true advocates for their clients, and their experience helps to make the most difficult time much less troublesome. I could not have made it through without her caring guidance and friendship. I knew she was willing to go to bat for me when I didn't have the strength.
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27 Feb, 2018 by Ty
Virginia and her team helped me to get full custody of my children recently. She was recommended to me and I will pass on that recommendation to anyone. What I appreciated about Virginia was that she is sharp, efficient, direct, but she also has a confidence which is calming and sincere. Her office is responsive to questions, clear in their answers, and friendly to work with.
I felt that Virginia had my back - that's what I am trying to say.
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07 Dec, 2016 by Shari
Virginia represented me for over two years, during a very messy separation and divorce. I came to think of her as not just a lawyer, but a friend. She genuinely cares about her clients and does whatever she can to get them an equitable and fair outcome. I can't recommend her highly enough!
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18 Nov, 2018 by Jessica
In April I had an emergent situation come up and had to file for custody after previously not having to have an order. In addition, I was having to do so from 2 hours away. Ms. Loshinsky was great from the start. She was always prompt when returning my calls and emails and worked very hard to get the final outcome that I was hoping for. She did her best to make sure that I wasn't having to make unnecessary trips to and from Wilmington, etc. I know that during this process I probably drove her crazy, if I did, she never hinted at it. She was always patient and diligent. I would recommend her and I would use her again should the need arise. Thank you!
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12 Jun, 2018 by Alan
Attorney Loshinsky filed my divorce - which was not a cut and dry proposition. I was married to a Mexican National, and we had been married in Mexico City. She was able to get the papers served to my husband in an extremely cost-efficient way that served the requirements of the U.S. court the papers were filed with. She kept me up to date on all the happenings and accomplished the entire divorce process in an expedient and professional manner. I highly recommend her!!
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09 May, 2015 by S.l.
In a world of takers, trust becomes challenging. This intensifies when you're protecting young lives that mean the most to you. With a heavy situation, that I wish on nobody, Yuliya continues to act and react with a professionalism that I thought may have gone extinct.
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09 Jan, 2019 by Kimberly
Cynthia is the attorney you want on your side. She is knowledgeable on many different levels of family law and will walk you through the steps of the process. She is quite impressive I must say! When our court date arrived, she was like a firecracker and didn’t miss a beat! Cynthia’s confidence and knowledge was very apparent. I highly recommend this attorney for any child custody/child support cases. Although my case was several years ago, if I were to be placed in a similar situation again, there would be no hesitation on my end to contact Cynthia Locklear immediately! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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17 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Cynthia Locklear is an amazing attorney, a true professional. Cindy is smart, very knowledgable, thoughtful and is not afraid to speak the truth. Cindy provides great results, solves issues quickly and is also someone who will fight for you. Cindy listened to my story, understood where I was coming from and outlined my options based on her extensive background. Cindy walked me through the process from start to finish, made me feel like I was not alone and that she would be there for me step by step. I have 1 small child and it was comforting to know that we would be taken care of and she would fight for us. I did not end up moving forward, instead we continued on with couples counseling, but if I ever find myself in need I would not hesitate to contact Cindy again. I know many others that have hired her as well and you will be extremely happy with her services- as she is the best family law attorney in the Wilmington area. I highly recommend Cynthia Locklear
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08 Dec, 2017 by Kristen
I hired Ms. Wright for a custody matter I had been dealing with for over 10 years. Ms. Wright was very thorough and extremely competent. On cross examination. she crippled the opposing party and in the middle of the hearing they dismissed their claim. She will fight for what is right, just and fair in the eyes of the Court. I highly recommend Ms. Wright as an attorney!
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07 Nov, 2021 by Tony
I was referred to Jamie Getty by my NJ family and matrimonial attorney five years ago. From day one, Jamie dove deep into the facts of my case, was able to decipher through more than ten years of court documents and was absolutely tenacious in advancing my case in North Carolina. Not only is Jamie a highly skilled professional and an excellent attorney, she took a personal interest in me and my children and left no stone unturned. We just won a trial by jury. I can’t thank Jamie enough for her efforts, passion and dedication. I have dealt with many attorneys, both professionally and personally, and by far Jamie is at the top of my list. I highly recommend her.
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21 Nov, 2017 by David
I have worked with Jamie for over a year with my divorce. She was very thorough and her experience (and the firms) in handling different situations was evident and helped in my case. She guided me through this tough time and transition in my life. I definitely recommend Jamie and her firm.
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15 Nov, 2017 by Amanda
Jamie Getty is Exceptional !! Superb and Top Notch !!
I am so glad I have her as my lawyer. She is amazing at what she does and I trust her wholeheartedly !!
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06 Sep, 2024 by Mackenna
I cannot say enough good things about Waneta and her team. I knew Waneta was the right choice after our phone consultation. She was very knowledgeable, kind, understanding and gained my trust right away. She was the first attorney that made me feel confident and hopeful in a time of stress and doubt. Her and her team were so helpful in answering all my concerns and questions along the way as they guided me through a difficult time. I cannot thank them enough for all of their hard work and time. Will be forever grateful and always recommend their firm.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Shawn temple
Good afternoon I would like to extend my appreciation to Melenni and everyone that worked on my case. it was really nice to work with a firm of such professionals during such a difficult time for me. Everyone on the team had compassion and excellent communication skills when it came to responding to questions or taking the time to explain and help me understand what was going on through the process. I would definitely recommend your firm to anyone and feel comfortable, knowing that they would be in good hands. thanks again!
Sincerely, Shawn Temple
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28 Aug, 2024 by Amanda callahan
Kayleigh goes above and beyond for her clients! Highly recommend using her services!!
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30 Apr, 2024 by Janet holt
There are no words to express the level of confidence I have in Erin and her team. Having to hire an attorney during such a stressful time rips the soul out of you. Erin knows how to take you from beginning to end in the least painful way! I cannot explain the strength and support I was given along with a successful outcome.
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15 Apr, 2024 by Raelynn zolman
Erin and her team were amazing! They worked tirelessly to make sure I got walked away with what I needed to make a new beginning for my children and I! I highly recommend them! They all will be honest with the process, expectations, and all possible outcomes.
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09 Feb, 2024 by Courtney lutz mclellan
We at Phoenix Financial Advocates absolutely love working with Russell Family Law & Litigation. Erin is such an attentive and effective lawyer, giving so much time & attention to her clients. And Alyssa is always very responsive and a pleasure to work with. Highly highly recommend!
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27 Jan, 2021 by Tabitha
Gray Smith handled everything I needed quickly and communicated along the way. I would recommend him to my Grandma.
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05 Jan, 2021 by Tammy
Amanda Mason is by far the most caring, understanding and compassionate attorney to have blessed Wilmington NC. She- goes above- and beyond with her professional services. I spent 2 and 1-/2 years working with her on my divorce case with a very stubborn ex husband and she stood by my side the entire time. Her staff and her paralegal, Maria communicated with me and advised me on how each process would take place. During one of the most difficult times in my life, she stayed with throughout the years. She gave me the direction I needed for a very fair outcome. I highly recommend this firm.
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20 Nov, 2020 by Jess
I’m finally writing a review after realizing what it’s like to have a good attorney.... reflecting back on the recent past of how bad my experience Was with Amanda and her husband Bruce (whom I used to hold high on a pedestal) my review is well over due. I have never cried so hard in my life being forced to agree to a custody arrangement I never would have approved of was like losing a loved one. I felt like I had no voice and the opposing party called all the shots and I was just made to think I had to agree to everything they threw at me! I dealt more with her assistant, who at the time had a very shallow understanding of the legal world in some departments I knew more! Bless her heart she was super sweet but not the right person for the job! I tell everyone of this experience and so happy I finally found one wonderful attorney! Going through a custody battle has been the hardest experience of my life and I lost my dad at 15 years of age..... Amanda didn’t come close in making it any better! Money hungry didn’t felt like they cared whatsoever. If your made of money you may have a better experience sad to say.
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14 Jun, 2018 by Candice
I have retained Roseanna twice- first for my initial divorce and then 4 years later when there was a modification of custody. The thing I appreciate most about her is her availability- she responded to my inquiries quickly and she was very good at calming me down; the process was very emotional and tough. She was a rock. She helped me stay realistic and focus on the major goals. In the end I was satisfied with our agreement out of court. Highly recommend.
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10 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Roseanna Horne was so caring and helpful.
She also responded back to any questions I had very quickly. She really took the time to listen to my wants and needs. She was able giver great advice and explained decisions and choices. I would highly recommend her.
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04 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
After having a consult with an attorney that I was nervous about it came with a high recommendation to contact Roseanna. I was so pleased and at ease after speaking with her in the consult for only a couple minutes I knew I had found the attorney I was looking for. She is patient and kind but also will totally lead you in the right direction to move forward and stick by her words. She is a fighter if need be and puts the client first along with guidance if requested.
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09 May, 2024 by Travis ray
To keep a long story short, Randall Hoose saved me from insurmountable amounts of headache. You're more than just a dollar sign to him, and you can tell he genuinely gives a damn about his clients. Would recommend, 100%.
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12 Dec, 2023 by Toni
I retained Nick in 2016 for family law matters with an out-of-state ex, i,e., cat and mouse game
that lasted almost 4 years. Nick worked hard for my children and myself. He is ethical, professional, hard-working & has sound advice. He plays 0 games, tells it like it is. Now, he is retained again in 2023 for a different issue because I could not think of anyone else to represent my senior mother. You need a straight-shooter who is humble and knows law inside & out.
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16 Nov, 2023 by Jeff blake
I hired Nick as an defense attorney recently and initially we had a consultation first. He seemed to be mostly on the same page as me his potential client at this time. Two weeks later after hiring him and only having one (1 hour and 15 minute) phone call and just a few emails that we sent back and forth. He talked to me like he was working for the plantiff. Also I feel that I was taking complete advantage of by the outrageous charges for his very brief time spent on my case before I removed him as counsel for me.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Doug ericson
Professional. Smart. Kind.
Wonderful experience.
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21 May, 2024 by Ashley fedorov
I highly recommend, Brittney Hall, who is one of a handful of attorney's that are board certified in family law in New Hanover county, for legal representation. She has top notch communication skills and performed in a timely manner. Most importantly, she has good knowledge and experience that met all my legal needs to great satisfaction. She has integrity and morals that resulted in my peace of mind knowing I was fighting for the right reasons. She displayed perseverance and worked hard to get me the best outcome.
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15 May, 2024 by Carrie kain
When faced with an extremely stressful court case regarding child custody jurisdiction, we are so grateful we hired Jamie S. Getty! She listened to our needs and went to work right away fighting for our rights and ultimately won our case of jurisdiction and visitation. I felt confident after speaking with her for the first time and knew she was serious and dedicated to our case... and I am certain this is her work ethic and how she handles all cases. We are so thankful for Jamie!
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30 Apr, 2024 by Janet holt
There are no words to express the level of confidence I have in Erin and her team. Having to hire an attorney during such a stressful time rips the soul out of you. Erin knows how to take you from beginning to end in the least painful way! I cannot explain the strength and support I was given along with a successful outcome.
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15 Apr, 2024 by Raelynn zolman
Erin and her team were amazing! They worked tirelessly to make sure I got walked away with what I needed to make a new beginning for my children and I! I highly recommend them! They all will be honest with the process, expectations, and all possible outcomes.
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09 Feb, 2024 by Courtney lutz mclellan
We at Phoenix Financial Advocates absolutely love working with Russell Family Law & Litigation. Erin is such an attentive and effective lawyer, giving so much time & attention to her clients. And Alyssa is always very responsive and a pleasure to work with. Highly highly recommend!
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5.0
4 Reviews
4.3
62 Reviews
01 Aug, 2024 by Salaam
07 Jun, 2024 by Danielle
I want to take the time to thank Geoffrey Hosford for all the hard work he did for me! I have recently been in recovery n relocated to Colorado. With his help and his staff he helped me get my NC license back AND get my criminal background expunged! I greatly appreciate him n HIGHLY recommend his services! I couldn't have done this without him! A million thanks!
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15 Apr, 2024 by Oleisha murphy
My sister is a black , single mother of 2. She has several degrees, and was still in school trying to get the highest education she could. Although , like no other a terrible situation occurred , and being in a town like this of course, you’re prone to be racially profiled. In addition, she thought she had a great lawyer but as always the system fails us tremendously. This lawyer is why im writing this review today, so others wont make the same mistakes he did. I have seen the system fail multiple people in my community! Although I never thought YOUR REPRESENTATION , would be so ignoble and fail you without any remorse. Please let him represent you at your own risk. I forgive him for his lack of a job but in due time, I pray you reevaluate yourself and make a change to protect your client instead of being indulged into the money!
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01 Aug, 2024 by Salaam
07 Jun, 2024 by Danielle
I want to take the time to thank Geoffrey Hosford for all the hard work he did for me! I have recently been in recovery n relocated to Colorado. With his help and his staff he helped me get my NC license back AND get my criminal background expunged! I greatly appreciate him n HIGHLY recommend his services! I couldn't have done this without him! A million thanks!
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15 Apr, 2024 by Oleisha murphy
My sister is a black , single mother of 2. She has several degrees, and was still in school trying to get the highest education she could. Although , like no other a terrible situation occurred , and being in a town like this of course, you’re prone to be racially profiled. In addition, she thought she had a great lawyer but as always the system fails us tremendously. This lawyer is why im writing this review today, so others wont make the same mistakes he did. I have seen the system fail multiple people in my community! Although I never thought YOUR REPRESENTATION , would be so ignoble and fail you without any remorse. Please let him represent you at your own risk. I forgive him for his lack of a job but in due time, I pray you reevaluate yourself and make a change to protect your client instead of being indulged into the money!
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01 Aug, 2024 by Salaam
07 Jun, 2024 by Danielle
I want to take the time to thank Geoffrey Hosford for all the hard work he did for me! I have recently been in recovery n relocated to Colorado. With his help and his staff he helped me get my NC license back AND get my criminal background expunged! I greatly appreciate him n HIGHLY recommend his services! I couldn't have done this without him! A million thanks!
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15 Apr, 2024 by Oleisha murphy
My sister is a black , single mother of 2. She has several degrees, and was still in school trying to get the highest education she could. Although , like no other a terrible situation occurred , and being in a town like this of course, you’re prone to be racially profiled. In addition, she thought she had a great lawyer but as always the system fails us tremendously. This lawyer is why im writing this review today, so others wont make the same mistakes he did. I have seen the system fail multiple people in my community! Although I never thought YOUR REPRESENTATION , would be so ignoble and fail you without any remorse. Please let him represent you at your own risk. I forgive him for his lack of a job but in due time, I pray you reevaluate yourself and make a change to protect your client instead of being indulged into the money!
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20 Mar, 2017 by Laurel
Advised me to file a lawsuit but did not provide any information as to what would happen. I had to file for dismissal to protect my children from further emotional damage that would caused from the lawsuit. He failed to inform me as his client of all possibilities . He charged me $1970 just to file papers that contained misspelling and incorrect information. We never went to court. He only wants your money.
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28 Mar, 2016 by Steven
Mr. Johnson worked hard to get me what I deserved in my divorce. My ex tried to take almost everything from me and was very uncooperative. My attorney was always willing to offer advice concerning situations as I navigated the divorce. Overall I am very grateful to Mr. Johnson for the work he did and the one thing I have against his office is that it was usually difficult to get ahold of them.
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16 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
she is first and foremost a liar and second to none in lost and confused person in her life.
After paying a retainer in excess of her childish demands for representation, along with changing schedules for court hearings and then finding out she instead needed a “nose job” thus resulting in no preparation for proper representation during hearings.
this woman needs to shunned and then invested by 1) IRS
2) Bar
Stay away from this fugazzi lawyer
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16 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
I paid a retainer to pursue child support, 10 months later nothing had happened. She did not return emails or calls. I fired her and handled the court preceding myself
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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.
