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15 Jul, 2024 by Dagher elie
I had the pleasure of working with Shant, and i could not recommend him and his law firm enough!!
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20 Jun, 2024 by Pop alot
So glad I came to Goorjian Law for my legal needs. Very professional and knowledgeable. Made the process so smooth. Thank you again
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10 Apr, 2024 by B. k.
I was involved in a car accident early last year. A friend, who had previously chosen Shant Goorjian to represent her with her accident case, gave me his office number. I was so impressed by his knowledge. He was very communicative and on top of my case till the very end. Highly recommended!
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21 Aug, 2024 by Chris neri
I cannot express how grateful I am for the support I received from Bob during one of the most challenging times in my life. When my dignity was called into question, I felt lost and vulnerable. However, Bob stepped in and provided not just legal assistance, but a reassuring presence that made all the difference.
From our very first meeting, it was clear that Bob is exceptionally skilled at what he does. His professionalism is unmatched – he approached my case with a level of dedication and insight that immediately put my mind at ease. Bob took the time to listen to my concerns, answer my questions thoroughly, and always kept me informed about the progress of my case. It was evident that he genuinely cares about his clients and their well-being.
What sets Bob apart is not just his legal expertise, but his ability to connect on a personal level. He understood the emotional toll that the situation was taking on me and provided the support I needed to navigate through it with dignity. His empathy, combined with his strategic approach, ultimately led to a positive outcome.
I genuinely cannot thank Bob enough for his guidance and support. If you ever find yourself in need of a lawyer, do yourself a favor and reach out to Bob. He is not only a remarkable attorney but also an advocate who will stand by you every step of the way. Highly recommended!
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05 Aug, 2024 by Hamed
Very professional
Quick and Easy response
No charge for consultation
Good explanation
Highly recommended
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28 Jun, 2024 by Milad aksir
He is perfect lawyer
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05 Dec, 2022 by Krystal
I can’t possibly say enough about Navid. He indeed has the perfect amount of pressure and gentleness that is needed to navigate very challenging situations. He’s been doing this for decades and has a natural ability to gauge what may transpire and what to do to overcome it. He has an incredible presence… which as a female in this situation, made me feel safe. Navid truly has “your back” in all ways and you want him on your team. I couldn’t have done this without him. I knew my opposing party was not going to fight clean and because of Navid, it was still ok. He, thankfully, helped me navigate a confusing situation... not to mention it was last min and over a holiday. Thank you.
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21 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
I googled pro-Bono attorneys, since I’m a full time single mom right now and up against a wealthy abusive ex. Even though it turned out Navid doesn’t work pro bono, he still generously and patiently answered all of my questions. He calmed me down and even though he had a trial the next day he generously gave me an hour of his time, which I’m very grateful for! He is professional and knowledgeable. But most importantly compassionate and caring. Though we all need to make a living he isn’t driven by $$$ only, but rather by being of help to parents in difficult situations.
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20 Feb, 2019 by Bryant
I hired Navid Noorparvar and his partner Ryan McEachern 2 years ago for a difficult custody issue. They were honest with me about the difficulty in winning our case but still had a strategy for maximizing my chances. They were responsive, intelligent, prepared, knowledgeable, and the advocates I needed to protect my rights.
They helped me achieve the positive result I desired despite the odds against me. I have worked with them multiple times now and EVERY time we’ve been to court they have achieved positive results and will continue to utilize their services again should the situation arise. They truly care about their clients and their cases. I am truly grateful for their expertise as they have enabled me to protect the most important person in my life, my son.
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01 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
I have been dealing with attorney's for all of my life and I trust this lawfirm like I trust my family. Anytime I have ever had an issue they were quick to come to bat for me and they always produced the best result. I first learned of their lawfirm by googling them and I noticed they had worked on many high end legal cases which I thought they wouldnt take my case.
What I learned is that they take pride and care in all cases large or small, celebrity or just your average person. I am very happy with my results with them and I am thankful for their loyalty and compassion in my time of need. Hats off to you Mr. Melcher and Walzer!
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05 Apr, 2014 by Arash
One of the most important qualities that you are looking to find in a good lawyer is for he/she to give you a piece of mind regarding the legal issue under consideration. This requires expert knowledge of the field and the ability to communicate the key points without confusing the not-expert client. Chris has taken the expert knowledge of the field and communication capability to perfection. I highly recommend Chris.
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03 Apr, 2013 by Debra
I found Christopher Melcher's name while feverishly researching IRS codes etc., regarding alimony and mortgage contributions. My ex-husband was insisting that I claim not only my spousal support for the entire 2012 tax year as income (which I knew about and was prepared to do) but also his "mortgage contributions" as well.
My ex gave me 40% of the mortgage monthly for the "marital home" from January 2012 to October 2012. This was home, not only to myself, but to our children as well. Both my ex and I were on the deed and the mortgages. I never imagined that mortgage consideration would be taxable to me!
My own attorny was zero help on this. After 2 grueling years of being his annuity, I wasn't surprised that once again, he was unable to give me a definitive answer. That's why I set out on a mission to understand the divorce and IRS tax laws on my own, which quite frankly, is comparable to my becoming a physicist. But I persevered, and came across a terrific article on the topic by Mr. Melcher. I was so impressed with this article that I decided to contact him, even though we were in different states. I was hoping that since this was a federal tax income issue, he might still be able to help me regardless of where I lived.
I am not only happy that I reached out to Chris-- but I'm ecstatic! He responded immediately to my online inquiry and he asked me to email him all the various court orders. I emailed the files and he wrote back-- again on that same day---outlining his advice, answering all my questions concisely and thoroughly.
Thanks to Chris's keen perusal of my 3 court orders, he caught something that I would have never realized (and sadly neither would my own attorney). The one court order that was executed in June of 2012 had modified the September 2011 court order, and made it "retroactive" to September 2011. Chris explained that the IRS will not recognize that type of modification, retroactively. The June 2012 order was modifying the older order for child support, keeping the amount of money the same, but changing the breakdown from all child support to child, spousal and mortgage contribution. Chris explained that the IRS would only recognize the order that was in place at the time of the payments. So.....now this meant that EVERYTHING my ex paid me prior to June 2012--in the eyes of the IRS---would be considered ALL child support!
He also weighed in on the mortgage consideration issue, explaining that since my ex was also on the mortgage at the time of those payments, they were not spousal support, and that it would be a very difficult case for my ex to make. He confirmed my thinking that I should not take those payments as income, and suggested how I could give my ex his "fair portion" of the mortgage interest. This will now be a very small amount since, as Chris pointed out, according to the court documents, there was no mortgage contributions ordered until mId year! Can you say KARMA?!
Chris and I exchanged a couple of emails and we had one phone call (which by the way he made to me while on his family vacation!). Chris is obviously extremely sharp, extremely knowledgable, very kind and he was very generous with his time.
I was also very impressed that on all of Chris's emails, his cell phone is listed along with his other contact info! Very unusual, and I think that says a lot.
Moral of the story? Trust your instincts, be your own advocate, don't be bullied, do your homework, and call Chris Melcher.
If I had a "re-do"- I would live in CA and hire Chris to handle my whole divorce!
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5.0
21 Reviews
4.7
43 Reviews
10 Oct, 2024 by Gina
The most stressful time of my life was filing for divorce. Joy and her team helped me through this excruciating process, answered all my questions, and provided relevant advice and direction on what to do and what NOT to do. In addition, Joy also provided suggestions on how to keep my legal costs down...which makes her my hero!! On her team, I worked with Karla and Jeanne quite a bit and they were both very quick with responses. This was crucial for me to keep my stress levels down since I had to co-habitat with my ex-husband for almost 9 mos. Karla and Jeanne were available to answer questions and kept me updated as soon as updates were available. Even though my divorce was final in March 2024, I had a question about my final judgment today and Karla responded right away. Thanks Karla...You Rock!! I'd recommended Joy and her paralegal team to anyone who is going through a divorce.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Eda
If you’re looking for the Best Attorney, look no further than Joy Kraft Miles Law Corporation. I was in a very difficult situation, and from the moment I stepped into their office and spoke with Joy, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. I hired her on the spot, and it was the best decision I could have made.
Joy Kraft Miles, her associate Jeannie Ward, Karla de la Vega-Winters, Irene Herrera, Rosa Esquina, and all the wonderful clerical staff handled my case with such professionalism, skills, and most importantly, compassion. They truly took charge and managed the situation in a way I couldn’t have imagined, guiding me every step of the way. God sent!
Thanks to their dedication and support, I was able to navigate through a challenging time with confidence and peace of mind. I truly couldn’t have done it without them.
If you want a team who will handle your case with expertise, integrity, and kindness, Joy kraft Miles Law Corporation is the absolute Best of the Best. I highly recommend them!!!
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22 Sep, 2024 by Peter
I have talked to Joy several times before asking her to represent me in my divorce. She made me feel taken care of and at ease throughout the process, always advising me about the most beneficial choices available. Her professional knowledge and friendly approach made my divorce as smooth and as short as possible. Her staff - Karla, Irene, and Rosa - have been very helpful managing the clerical steps along the way.
I know its next to impossible, but if you want to have a pleasant divorce call Joy Kraft Miles :).
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24 Feb, 2022 by Mehdi
If you need a strong laywer specially for mediation cases Michelle is the one. She helped me with my family case and she was so great, patient, reliable,strong and helpful to me.
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10 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
I'm honestly surprised by all the positive reviews, because she was nothing but rude to me and lacked professionalism. She was not timely in her correspondence, and risked us missing certain deadlines for our case. I would recommend finding someone else and save yourself the headache!
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11 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
I did not really want to get a divorce, but circumstances required that I could not ignore any more. Michelle handled the entire process in a way that made me feel very comfortable. I have heard horrible stories about divorce proceedings and just did not want to go through all the arguing and hostilities. Michelle came up with solutions that I did not know about and it made the entire process very pleasant. She also saved the X and me a lot of money in the process. Highly recommended. No need to spend big dollars with competing attorneys. Let her find a low cost solution for your divorce and thank you Michelle!
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14 Aug, 2023 by Мария
Обратилась к Марине в апреле 2023 года находясь ещё в РФ, в своей непростой ситуации - моего сына незаконно вывез из России его отец, сразу после оглашения решения суда о проживании детей со мной. (В США это full custody) Затем стало известно, что ребенка прячут в США в Калифорнии в Лос Анжелесе. По счастливому случаю удалось найти Марину. Она взялась за это сложное дело, за которое большинство адвокатов не брались, потому что не имели опыта с иностранными судебными решениями. Проконсультировала полностью о процессе , каким образом происходит доместикация иностранного судебного решения, помогла подать документы в суд- заполнила миллион форм, составляла петиции, и прошла со мной все слушания, которых оказалось помимо как по основному делу ещё несколько, инициатором которых уже был бывший супруг, а именно дело по рестрейнинг ордеру и подача возражения на апелляционную жалобу. Марина помогала взаимодействовать с органами полиции и прокуратуры, т.к. я не разговариваю по английски. Благодаря Марине и ее опыту мне вернули сына!!! Я бесконечно благодарна ей. Помимо профессионализма, она приятный, тактичный и интеллегентный человек, который очень меня поддерживал морально, и благодаря которому я не сдалась, когда опускались руки.
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26 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
arina has been representing me since 2019. She represented me throughout my divorce, as well as child custody issues. She also went to trial with me.
I have nothing but good to say about her professionalism and the way she handled and continues to handle my case. She is very realistic and doesn't sugar coat or promise unrealistic things. Anytime that I need to talk to her, she always calls me back right away.
Some lawyers tend to be very loud, aggressive, rude and even nasty in court, which irritates most judges. That is not her style. Marina is very respectful and she handles everything with dignity. During court she stays calm, but very firm at the same time. She is good at exposing lies and knows how to ask the right questions to do that. If yo need a lawyer that dedicates her time, helps to address all issues look no further.
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05 Aug, 2020 by Randall
Marina Ayzenstein represented me in my divorce after 17 years of marriage and was highly professional and responsive from beginning to end. Ms. Ayzenstein listened to my concerns and gave me wise counsel and advice throughout the process. She forcefully and effectively communicated my interests to the opposing attorneys and achieved a final outcome for me that was excellent and fair.
Divorce is an unpleasant matter, but Ms. Ayzenstein made the process as painless as I could have ever hoped for; I highly recommend Marina Ayzenstein for her professionalism and integrity.
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5.0
7 Reviews
4.2
33 Reviews
04 Jan, 2024 by Marie kinsey
If want to lose your case.. I would highly recommend him.
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03 Jan, 2024 by Alexus bell
I'm not one to write reviews but I felt I had to save someone the time and money. I'm a single mother and hired Mr Morris back in October 2023. When I called he immediately answered but told me he was at church and would get back to me. He did indeed got back to me. I told him I really needed help and I needed an aggressive attorney dealing with my Childs father for my child custody case. I decided to go with him because he seemed trustworthy and he was the only lawyer that allowed payments towards the retainer fee. I felt so relieved to have an attorney and someone to represent me. After my contracts were signed he was so difficult to get in touch with. He never asked me questions about my case and I never heard from anyone unless I called them. He has a call center answering once you become a client and he has 2 paralegals named Amy and Kristina. I always spoke to Kristina and she said I needed to relax and that my case was a simple case. Implying that it was going to be smooth and I had nothing to worry about. When they finally filed the paperwork for me to serve my daughters father I had to keep calling them in regards to that matter also. It was a week before my case and I still hadn't heard anything back from Kristina or Mr Morris.. Coming to find out she had a death in her family and Mr Morris was on vacation in Belize. Since he was gone my daughters fathers attorney managed to get the case moved to the Whittier courthouse when we filed in LA and had them served. So now I'm the recipient and he's the petitioner. He let this other Attorney walk all over him and call the shots. Btw The judge in Whittier was a nightmare. She has terrible reviews and is bias. But At this point my anxiety is through the roof because I can't get in touch with anyone, we don't have a case to present because they still haven't asked or guided me on anything to do. He didnt tell me to start documenting anything or pulling up text! Nothing. I had to have my mom call from her number because once you become a client they screen your calls. She pretended to be interested in hiring him and guess what! He called her back. After a month of not speaking to me at all. So he finally gave me an appointment to meet him at his office to go over my case. He never wrote down any notes of asked me what the other party could have against me. Nothing! Finally court, Mr Morris showed up 30 minutes late to court! He didn't register us, when we were in front of the judge he didn't know my case. The Judge asked him what was the status quo and he turned and asked me. I almost got contempt of court because he wasn't saying anything of substance out of his mouth that I told him. They judge kept asking him what was his point. He was talking circles. It was completely embarrassing. He had no fight in court! He didn't take notes at all in court either. You are better off representing yourself. After that horrible experience, I was so distraught. I fired him the next day. He still proceeded to tell the third party who I was going through to pay for him that he rendered all my services and I still owed him 4000 dollars. I will be suing him and reporting them to the bar. He's a money hungry lazy attorney that uses his faith as a front. He doesn't care about making sure you keep your family together.
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30 Oct, 2023 by Epic fun
I had a conversation with Morris to get some clarification on a legal matter and he was very helpful and gave good advice.
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4.2
5 Reviews
4.2
29 Reviews
07 Jun, 2024 by Martha hernandez
Fred, and his staff, are wonderful and caring people. He represented me on a case, with the upmost professionalism. He was thorough, and efficient. I truly believe, I couldn’t have had a better defense attorney. He defended me with respect, and determination. I couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome. I am eternally grateful to Fred Hanassab, Lily and other office staff. I highly recommend him, his high standards of integrity, and respect I received from him and the staff. Thank you Fred and office. You are all wonderful, and knowledgeable people.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Brandy betts
Attorney Nader was friendly, very knowledgeable and genuinely had our best interest in mind.
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28 Nov, 2023 by American septic
Good litigation attorney. Fought our case for our employees that were in an accident. Took a while due to covid other than that he fought all the way for us.
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07 Jun, 2024 by Martha hernandez
Fred, and his staff, are wonderful and caring people. He represented me on a case, with the upmost professionalism. He was thorough, and efficient. I truly believe, I couldn’t have had a better defense attorney. He defended me with respect, and determination. I couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome. I am eternally grateful to Fred Hanassab, Lily and other office staff. I highly recommend him, his high standards of integrity, and respect I received from him and the staff. Thank you Fred and office. You are all wonderful, and knowledgeable people.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Brandy betts
Attorney Nader was friendly, very knowledgeable and genuinely had our best interest in mind.
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28 Nov, 2023 by American septic
Good litigation attorney. Fought our case for our employees that were in an accident. Took a while due to covid other than that he fought all the way for us.
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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.
