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12 May, 2020 by Collin
Andrea Jackson Law Firm is very professional, prompt, efficient, reliable and proficient. Andrea Jackson worked relentlessly on my case when I was wrongfully accused. She believes strongly in defending her client's rights and will not relent until justice is served. If you are looking for a professional law firm that is not only ethical but people oriented; look no further.
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25 Jul, 2015 by Diana
I can't say enough good things about Andrea Jackson , she's very quick to respond very honest and down to earth . She defiantly knows what she's doing ,she got me everything I asked for and she didn't charge me a fortune to do so . I highly recommend her services to anyone .
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14 Jun, 2024 by Calvin j. stevenson
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15 May, 2024 by Miguel cristaldo
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18 Apr, 2024 by Lisa sarabia
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09 Oct, 2024 by Nkurunziza serge
Thank you for your help you did everything. This guy helps a lot. I can’t believe it.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Henry mccarty
I literally could not be happier with my choice for my situation. They were very caring, communicated often, and ultimately won my case. I’d certainly hire them again.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Nana
Thank you so much we appreciate having you
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22 Aug, 2024 by Breetha toliver
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28 Jul, 2024 by Tammy mann
I was told not to ask mr Darnell to fight a misdemeanor he was court appointed take my sentence and go. And I didn't ask him and he got my case dismissed didn't even have to talk to the judge. my first attorney didn't show up for court the first time never returned a single call and obviously didn't review my case seeing as how he dropped me the 2nd court date because he represents he other party 🤡 Sam darnell immediately introduced himself to me shook my hand contacted me through his secretary or himself about everything going on up until court and is so funny and kind the secretary very sweet! you can not ask for a better group to represent you! thank you guys!!
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28 Mar, 2024 by Robert means
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01 Aug, 2024 by Carolin newbury
Trustworthy and humble man. A formidable forse to be reconditioned with. My hero
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16 Feb, 2024 by Renia davis
QP is the best
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27 Sep, 2021 by Savannah brandt
He is my hero. He’s amazing. Thank you.
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13 May, 2023 by Becky
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12 May, 2023 by Vanessa zientek
Accessible and dedicated staff!
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12 May, 2023 by Debra mccracken
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13 May, 2023 by Becky
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12 May, 2023 by Vanessa zientek
Accessible and dedicated staff!
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12 May, 2023 by Debra mccracken
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13 May, 2023 by Becky
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12 May, 2023 by Vanessa zientek
Accessible and dedicated staff!
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12 May, 2023 by Debra mccracken
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13 Feb, 2021 by Kevin smith
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01 Jun, 2017 by Ashley sites
They have been wonderful in assisting with mother in law, professional, knowledgeable and kind.
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25 Feb, 2017 by Courtney gadry
I used to work for Mike and his wife, who is the Medicaid specialist. I was with them almost 2 years. I wouldn't recommend them. They take several vacations a year, they are not quick on getting clients work done. They have a list of VIP clients that are allowed to be put through for calls, but if you aren't on the list, the secretary will tell you "they're not available, they're on the phone, they're in a meeting". Any lie to keep them off the phone. The wife, Jeannie, consider yourself lucky if you get a return call from her. Unless you have millions of dollars, don't expect your work to be done quickly. I thought they were good people. I watered their plants at their personal home when on vacation. I have let their dog out on occasion and always did as I was asked, even if I disagreed with it. But I would not recommend them because as professional as they may appear, they're fake and don't seem to care about clients, they care about money. Which is why the clients with more money get their work done first and faster. They aren't the kind people the pretend to be. This is all truth and yes I admit, Mike "fired" me because I suffer from depression, which he knew very early on, he also illegally tricked me into taking severance pay and disqualified me from unemployment benefits and is slandering my name all over the place. These aren't good Christian people like they pretend to be, they lie, the work is crappy and slow, they won't return their phone calls, they do not care about clients. On many occasions Mike himself would say "Our practice doesn't even need clients with the 2 richest ones we have" (I won't say their names because they did nothing wrong and are kind people) but he said that many many times. Like I said, they rarely return calls and especially the more you call them to get information or express concern, the more annoyed they get and the more they ignore you on purpose. This practice is a joke.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Steven rogers
Although I wasn't able to get help there the lady was very nice, and tried to help.
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19 Apr, 2024 by Melody hook
Very helpful
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15 Apr, 2024 by Joann franks
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04 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
I hired this lady and Mr Wilson. They both worked together, advertised they both had experience in family law. Yet she had zero experience. Ruined my life and my families life. I lost my job after 30 yrs of experience for taking her advice. She advertised she has family law experience. She isgay, has no experience in families and even admitted to me she had none after ruining my family by giving bogus information. Use this lawyer and you may end up screwed like I was.
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25 Feb, 2020 by Michelle pennell
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22 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
I've personally only had to use 2 lawyers for my custody and Claire was the replacement to my first lawyer, and I can say without a doubt I would have preferred my first lawyer. Firstly Clair charged $6500 more for her retainer fee and fed me all sort of excuses why we would need the larger fee, to continue on with the crap shoot I provided hours of audio recording, a detailed journal of events, a handful of videos, and quite a bit of other scrapes of evidence that clearly outline my ex's failings so far as a mother (ie drug use, borderline abuse, abandonment ect) just for it all to be sweep under the rug and forgotten. The entire time my case was going on it was a struggle to even contract her, I couldn't tell you how many times I heard 'I'll call you back' but I can say I've never received a call back unless I owed them more money. All in all Clair Mehaffey charge me a total of $15000+ to get me 50/50 custody and paying child support when a had proof my ex lied about me and that she likely needs to be in jail (Again).
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05 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired this lawyer over a year ago to assist with my custody battle with my child. It has been the most stressful and the worse experience I've ever had with an attorney. After countless of evidence ( video, message and pictures) against the other party I have provided throughout the year along with thousands upon thousands dollars spent I ultimately feel that she never had my interests at heart. It was all about money with her and if you can pay thousands of dollars BEFORE anything gets done and IF anything get done. She did not file anything to assist with my case and my childs' welfare was in jeopardy countless times and nothing was done. She has failed to stay in contact with me and will not contact me (even after payment) about the next steps in my case or updated me when things were happening. She avoided going to court at every instance even when it was a necessary step at one point. I have continued to give her chance after chance in hopes that she will help. EACH new instance that occurs requires around a $3500 dollar retainer. So basically I am back to square one with my child in the hands of someone who is unfit, me out of thousands of dollars and an a attorney who is good for.. nothing really. I wouldn't recommend her to my worse enemy, she's HORRIBLE.
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30 Dec, 2018 by Martinez
Claire is amazing! She helped us gain custody of my step-daughter. She was great fast and professional. I don’t know where my family would be without her great knowledge of family law Thank you Ms. Mehaffey
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What a Child Support Lawyer Can Do for You

A child support lawyer specializes in legal issues related to the financial support that one parent provides to another for the upbringing of their children. These lawyers assist with establishing, enforcing, and modifying child support orders, ensuring that the financial needs of the child are met, including housing, food, healthcare, education, and other essentials. A child support lawyer can also represent parents in disputes over the amount of support, ensure fair calculations based on income, and handle legal proceedings if one parent fails to meet their obligations.

Whether you're seeking to establish child support, modify an existing order, or enforce payments, a child support lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights and the well-being of your child.

When Should I Hire a Child Support Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a child support lawyer when you need assistance with any of the following child support matters:

  • Establishing child support: If you are going through a divorce or separation and need to establish a child support order, a lawyer can help ensure that the support amount is fair and accurately calculated.
  • Modifying child support orders: If there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a job loss, income change, or a child's financial needs, a lawyer can help you request a modification to the existing child support order.
  • Enforcing child support payments: If the other parent has failed to make court-ordered child support payments, a lawyer can help enforce the order through legal means such as wage garnishment, property liens, or even legal action.
  • Disputing child support calculations: If you believe the child support amount has been incorrectly calculated based on your income or expenses, a lawyer can help you challenge the calculation and seek a fair adjustment.
  • Paternity disputes: If paternity needs to be established before child support can be ordered, a lawyer can assist with DNA testing and legal proceedings.
  • Interstate child support cases: If the parents live in different states, navigating child support laws can be complex. A lawyer can help ensure the proper jurisdiction is established and that child support is enforced across state lines.
  • Child support during custody disputes: If child custody and child support are being determined simultaneously, a lawyer can help ensure that both issues are resolved fairly and in the best interest of the child.

Hiring a lawyer early can help ensure that your child support case is handled effectively and that your child's financial needs are met.

What Does a Child Support Lawyer Do?

A child support lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help parents secure, modify, and enforce child support arrangements. Their responsibilities often include:

  • Filing for child support: A lawyer can help you initiate the legal process to obtain a child support order, ensuring that all necessary documentation is submitted and deadlines are met.
  • Calculating child support: A lawyer can help ensure that child support is calculated fairly based on both parents' incomes, the needs of the child, and other factors such as healthcare and education costs.
  • Negotiating child support agreements: If both parents are willing to negotiate, a lawyer can help facilitate an agreement on child support outside of court, which can then be approved by a judge.
  • Representing you in court: If negotiations fail or the other parent contests the child support amount, a lawyer will represent you in family court, presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
  • Modifying support orders: A lawyer can help you file a request for modification if circumstances change, such as a loss of income or an increase in the child’s financial needs.
  • Enforcing child support: If the other parent is not making court-ordered payments, a lawyer can take legal steps to enforce the order through wage garnishment, property liens, or other measures.
  • Handling complex cases: In cases involving high incomes, self-employment, or complicated financial situations, a lawyer can help ensure that all relevant factors are considered in determining child support.

How Are Child Support Lawyers Paid?

Child support lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work required. Common payment methods include:

  • Hourly rate: Most child support 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 will depend on how much time the lawyer spends on your case, including preparation, negotiations, and court appearances.
  • Flat fee: For more straightforward cases, such as uncontested child support agreements or basic modifications, some lawyers may offer a flat fee that covers all services related to the case.
  • Retainer: Many lawyers require a retainer, which is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on your case. The amount of the retainer depends on the expected complexity of the case.
  • Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some lawyers offer sliding scale fees based on income or provide pro bono (free) services in cases where clients cannot afford to pay full legal fees, especially when children’s needs are at stake.

It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how much you will be charged and what services are covered.

How Much Does a Child Support Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a child support lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, whether it's contested or uncontested, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:

  • Uncontested child support cases: Legal fees may range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the paperwork and the lawyer’s fees.
  • Contested child support cases: Legal fees can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, especially if the case involves significant court time.
  • Hourly rates: Lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour for child support cases, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or cases that involve complex financial issues.
  • Modification or enforcement: Fees for modifying or enforcing a child support order may range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity and the need for court intervention.

Always ask for a detailed cost estimate during your consultation so you can plan your budget accordingly.

Top Questions to Ask a Child Support Lawyer

Before hiring a child support lawyer, it’s important to ask questions to ensure they are the right fit for your case. Key questions to ask include:

  1. What experience do you have with child support cases?
    Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it’s establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support orders.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, offers flat fees, or requires a retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost.
  3. What is the likelihood of success in my case?
    Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case and any potential challenges you may face.
  4. How long will the process take?
    Child support cases can take time, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to last and what factors may cause delays.
  5. Will you personally handle my case?
    In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of the case. Make sure you know who will be managing your case and representing you in court.
  6. What documents should I prepare?
    Ask the lawyer what financial documents and other information you should bring to help them calculate child support and build your case.

How to Check the Credibility of a Child Support Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable child support lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:

  • 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 have successfully handled child support cases similar to yours.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on child support matters.
  • Check for certifications: Some lawyers may have certifications in family law or membership in organizations like the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), which can indicate their expertise in child support and family law issues.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most out of your first consultation with a child support lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Income documents: Bring pay stubs, tax returns, W-2s, or any other documentation of your income and the other parent’s income, as this will be used to calculate child support.
  • Existing child support orders: If there are any existing child support or custody orders, bring copies for the lawyer to review.
  • Child-related expenses: Provide documentation of your child’s medical bills, education expenses, daycare costs, and any other expenses that should be factored into the child support calculation.
  • Communication with the other parent: Bring any communication between you and the other parent regarding child support, whether through emails, text messages, or written agreements.
  • List of questions: Prepare a list of questions about your case, the legal process, and the lawyer’s fees.

By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your case more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice on how to proceed.

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