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31 Jan, 2020 by Bill
Valerie and Renee were both very focused on helping me work through my divorce. My experience before Valerie with 2 other divorce attorney's was horrible to say the least. I wasted my money and had to fire them both! Valerie was able to get to the facts and help me understand my rights. I cannot thank Valerie enough, she was able to get me 50% custody of my boys!! I had to take this all the way to trial Valerie and Renee put together everything we needed to succeed in trail and get a fair resolution for ALL the issues I was experiencing with my ex... Valerie was 100% successful in this for me. Thank you both Valerie and Renee!
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25 Jun, 2018 by Leah
I could not be happier with Valerie and her assistant Renee in my divorce. They were on top of everything and made things easier on me during this time in my life. They truly made me feel that they were working for me and had my back. Even at times when I felt like things weren't going the way they should they always reassured me and I always left their office with a smile on my face. I highly recommend using them. Not only did i gain 2 new friends, they got me my house and my patio furniture back. Forever grateful.
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30 May, 2018 by Stacy
Valerie and her assistant Renee are a team that I would highly recommend for any family law need.
Valerie represented me recently for a divorce, and several years ago for a child custody case, both with highly successful results. She also represented a family member in a difficult divorce, with a successful outcome.
Valerie knows what to do, and she genuinely cares about her clients, and their future.
Thank you Valerie and Renee!
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02 Oct, 2024 by Rm
01 Oct, 2024 by Corby weaver
Deborah Gordon did a libelous work on my name . She then ducked my charges on her licensure The end.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Alicia lemasters
I had nothing but great experiences with this law firm. I worked closely with Deborah and Diane. They were extremely helpful and knowledgeable when I had questions. They talked me through everything and didn't have an issue when I asked a million questions. Would go back again if needed. Thank you so much!!
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19 Aug, 2024 by Arlene
My experience with the paralegal, Alexis was excellent. I did not feel Sara was as prepared as she could have been for the first court hearing, but I was generally satisfied with her services. However the clincher for me was receiving a late notice mid-month on services that were rendered only the week prior. My case was finishing up and I was waiting another week (until the end of the month when invoices had previously been generaled) to pay my final bill. Robin Edwards again sent the invoice as a late notice and then had the audacity to accuse me of arguing. Robin was rude and unprofessional. Unfortunately what had been a good experience turned sour.
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13 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Going through a divorce can be a lonely and alienating process even in the best of times. For me, it was just one of many difficult things I was dealing with simultaneously.
Sara's dedication and thoroughness in my case was exceptional and a huge relief and allowed me more time an energy in the day. I cannot recommend her more.
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07 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
If you are looking to spend your life savings via being nickeled and dined this is the attorney for you. Sara continually falsified documents made erroneous charges for services not rendered, and in the end left me with an uncial butnden that was unnecessary. Leach is her last name and if the money sucked out of you this is your attorney. Run people just runs
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16 Mar, 2024 by Doug
My friend referred me to Chad Eubanks for my divorce. He did her divorce and she spoke highly of him. I was losing sleep and could not work with the stress. My (now) ex-wife wanted half of my two businesses I started years before we were married or I knew her. She also wanted me to see our two kids 4 days a month when I spent more time with them than her during most of our marriage. Chad put me at ease he would not let that happen. We went to court several times and he was the most articulate and prepared attorney in the court room. I got my both my businesses, and our children spend half their time with me. Could not have asked for better representation.
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03 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
If Chad had been upfront with me about what to expect from the state of Washington, I could have saved a lot of money. He was hard to get a hold of throughout the whole process and the divorce was dragged out for a year and a half. I would never recommend Chad Eubanks to anyone going through a divorce.
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30 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired Chad in December 2021, for what I was told was an easy parenting plan modification and to enforce child support from my ex.
It started out okay, Chad told me in our consultation that my case was an easy and straightforward one, although I did warn him that my ex-husband had potential to be extremely combative and so I was a little bit nervous about the process. But I trusted that I had a good lawyer on my side and that there was a light at the end of the tunnel soon. It took a couple months to get the initial draft for the parenting plan. I reviewed it right away and had a couple of minor adjustments that I requested he make. He also needed to be put in touch with my ex to get his financial information to calculate child support. I put them both on an email together with clear instructions on what was needed. Chad did update me, about a month later, that he had the info he needed as well as the new support order and would send it over shortly. This is where Chad slowly began to disappear... Over the course of the next few months, I reached out many times asking what the status was, if there was anything I needed to do, when I could expect to get an update, etc. No response. Then I asked him when I would receive the updated documents, and he responded "These are done, I will have them for you shortly". Okay, I keep waiting. Again, nothing. At one point, I got an automated email that his paralegal had left the firm. After I asked once again for the updated drafts that he had said were done, he replied back that his paralegal had done them and since she left, he needed to do them again. I understand that if your paralegal unexpected left, it could set you back, so I gave him the benefit of the doubt and just... kept waiting. Another several weeks go by, and still no update. Several emails went completely ignored. Eventually, after I expressed my frustration and explicitly explained that this was extremely stressful and that I felt ignored, he replied back that he "sent me the documents months ago". I explained that he sent me the initial documents months ago, but not the revised ones, and that if he DID send them, would he please send them again....and still...nothing.
About 7 months after I initially hired him, I sent an email explaining that my ex was escalating and I needed to get this taken care of, and to PLEASE respond back to at least just let me know what to expect, and I was still met with just vague dismissive answers. Finally, he told me that he needed my income information before he could finalize the support order. Why wasn't this asked for months ago? I had asked several times if there was anything else I needed to do, and this was not even brought up until now, over 7 months later. I sent him the information right away. I also explained, one more time, that dealing with my ex and getting no support was extremely stressful, and to PLEASE put some urgency into this, or at the very least, just keep me updated on where we stand or what to expect. That was one month ago. And I still haven't heard a word from him. He used up my 5k retainer, and nothing was accomplished, 8, almost 9 months later.
I finally just hired a new lawyer. She has already accomplished more in a week than Chad did for me in almost 9 months. I could have had a whole new kid in that amount of time!
I see that Chad has a few great reviews and honestly I don't doubt that he CAN be a decent lawyer who can get stuff done for you..if he wants to. But I also see reviews that sound similar to mine, so apparently I am not the only client he has blown off. For whatever reason, he decides certain clients aren't worth his time. He wasted 9 months of MY time AND my money, for nothing.
You're taking a gamble if you hire Chad. Yeah maybe he'll do a great job for you. Or maybe he'll treat you like a pile of crusty dishes, growing taller crustier and mustier by the day, that he'll flat out ignore for nine stressful months. Thanks for nothing, Chad.
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25 May, 2024 by April arrieta
18 Sep, 2023 by Victoria lombardini-kerns
My husband and I cannot begin to thank Carlos and his outstanding staff enough. I had the unfortunate experience of being served w a harassment suit in early August 2023. Despite being extremely busy in superior court at the time Carlos took my case and resolved it in my favor within an extremely short window of time. The plaintiff in my case delayed delivering her documents to late morning of the 1:30 hearing. Carlos’s support staff was able to secure documents and Rocio displayed documents over Zoom for all 3 defendants despite having received them just minutes prior to the hearing. Carlos’s excellent defense was lauded by all 3 parties present. His ability to synthesize and analyze information in the moment was beyond amazing. He and his staff turned what could have been a disaster into a learning opportunity and actually fun day.
Plus they have the best
snacks !
Needless to say we would not hesitate to recommend Sosa Law Firm or use the again if needed.
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31 Aug, 2023 by Christy hurst
25 May, 2024 by April arrieta
18 Sep, 2023 by Victoria lombardini-kerns
My husband and I cannot begin to thank Carlos and his outstanding staff enough. I had the unfortunate experience of being served w a harassment suit in early August 2023. Despite being extremely busy in superior court at the time Carlos took my case and resolved it in my favor within an extremely short window of time. The plaintiff in my case delayed delivering her documents to late morning of the 1:30 hearing. Carlos’s support staff was able to secure documents and Rocio displayed documents over Zoom for all 3 defendants despite having received them just minutes prior to the hearing. Carlos’s excellent defense was lauded by all 3 parties present. His ability to synthesize and analyze information in the moment was beyond amazing. He and his staff turned what could have been a disaster into a learning opportunity and actually fun day.
Plus they have the best
snacks !
Needless to say we would not hesitate to recommend Sosa Law Firm or use the again if needed.
Read more
31 Aug, 2023 by Christy hurst
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
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:
-
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
