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01 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
I was referred to Dana from my business attorney regarding my recent divorce - we met for approx 1 hour to go over what I was dealing with- she was professional,understanding and very knowledgeable - we outlined our strategy and we followed it. Even with the pandemic the total time the divorce took was approx 6 months.. She was attentive to all information sent yo us from the other attorney. She has a nice way about her but she can be a " bull dog" if it was required - from what I have heard from other attorneys she is well respected in the in her field . I would strongly recommend her for any issues dealing with a separation or divorce..
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05 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Dana was fantastic at walking me through the divorce process. She is very knowledgeable and always had my son and I’s best interest in mind.
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12 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Dana was a fabulous lawyer, she really took time to listen and help understand and work for what was in the best interest of myself and my children, she was always steps ahead and tried to get things resolved as quickly as possible. She is very educated, precessional and organized and always ready to go! She made a very complicated, stressful situation a lot easier and I am very grateful for the all her help!
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11 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms. Cumbo helped my fiance' at the time undo and conclude what turned out to be a very expensive and impulsive mistake, prior to us meeting. She was our third attorney, and we had a horrible experience with the first, who ended up having his first filing rejected by the court. This attorney proceeded, without consultation, sent the divorce case upstate to Eerie county (we are in NYC). We consulted/hired a second attorney who recommended he keep his case there in the hopes that there could be a shorter processing time. We had consulted with other attorneys in the Buffalo area, all charged us for consultation as well as providing exhorbant fees for helping us file basic paperwork for an uncontested divorce. We felt these attorneys were trying to get a deal, another one clearly tried to scam us (increasing her fee due to "new extra court costs"). We feared and braced for the worst - that we would have to end up hiring another irresponsible attorney, who would create further delays like the first. Due to personal matters related to my partner, it was also imperitive that the divorce be finalized, we were running out time. We felt immense reflief when we contacted Ms. Cumbo, however. She was responsive, did not charge consultation fee, heard our case and provided a very reasonable fee for services. One thing we really liked is that she assured us she would be the only one personally working on the case. True to her word, she was the only person we ever dealt with. She also responded to calls and emails. Reaching her was never a problem. After completing a child support case in another state related to the ex (which took months), Ms. Cumbo filed the divorce papers same day she received that judgement decree. As a result, divorce was eventually granted divorce 4 weeks later. Last Monday, my new husband and I were able to finally get married to each other and do things right. We had hoped to never have had this prior marriage, but life doesn't always follow a straight line before meeting the right one. One thing that made me want to contact Ms. Cumbo in the first place is a small quote on her page: "Life is a journey, and you don't have to go it alone". I felt that this attorney could understand where we were at the time. We highly recommend Ms. Cumbo to those that value personalized services. Ms. Cumbo takes the time to explain procedure and overall plan/steps, without ever making you feel like you are wasting her time. We know that there have been times we have contacted her as she was leaving at the end of the day, and she still made time to speak to us. Because of her, we trusted in letting go and letting her handle the case, as we focused on other important matters. Thank you Ms. Cumbo for giving us our lives back!
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09 Mar, 2017 by Nikki
From moment I contact her office, I was treated with respect. I had no idea what to expect and was overwhelmed with the compassion and caring. I appreciated the straight forward honesty that she displayed. I appreciated the orderly way everything is done. Her experience is evident from the beginning until the end. She knows what she is doing and she does it well. You are literally walked thru a process that could be awkward and embarrassing in a manner that leaves you with the feeling that you still have a bright future ahead of you. She is honest from beginning to end. Her associates are also easy to work with. They answer all questions without making you feel like you should already know the answer. I can only say virtuous things about this experience. Megan Misiti Cumbo stands with you throughout the process and tells you what to expect ahead of time. She is the so very thorough and gave me nothing but good advice.
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26 Oct, 2016 by A recent client
I retained Mrs. Cumbo for a custody matter involving my ex and our 2 children. The case was a bit complicated because it involved not only the courts here in buffalo, but also the courts in Brooklyn NY. Mrs. Cumbo kept in contact with me and always kept me updated on procedures and how proceedings would commence. What makes her a very unique attorney is her litigation style, some attorneys are what is termed "barracuda" attorneys, and they will do their best to viciously attack the other party, however Mrs. Cumbo is not this style of attorney. She considers both parties in the case, and is willing to work towards a compromise which serves as an asset as this tends to be viewed favorably in the family court system. I am very glad I retained her services and as a result of her diligence, I was awarded sole residential custody of the children. Furthermore, as I held no animosity towards my ex, I was very pleased with how she handled the trial. I would definitely recommend Mrs. Cumbo for anyone facing a family court related matter.
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20 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
I've known Ms. Catharine Venzon since law school and because of her diligence, professionalism and passion with the law even then, I knew that she was the person to reach out to many years later in my time of legal need. Early on she made me feel at ease with my matter, worked with me on all accounts and helped to smooth over a very complicated and stressful situation in my life. Most notable, Ms. Venzon is all about quick resolution while protecting your best interest and, (something we all pray for), she REALLY CARES about you as a client.
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10 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
The difficulty of a Custody issues can be stressfull...but Ms. Venzon was the answer to all of my legal needs. If you want a PIT-BULL of a lawyer fighting for you, then you hire Ms. Venzon. She is extremely skillful, witty, and brilliant in the courtroom. She makes you feel very comfortable about your case and doesn't give off that sleazy, "Im in it for the money" feel that some lawyers will give you. She goes into every case like she has something to prove, and she proved it well to me. She's my Lawyer!!....and I would recommend her to anyone I know. SHE'S A GOOD BET!!
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18 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Catharine is a high quality individual and a dynamic attorney. Venzon Law Firm is a confident, high energy professional law firm and I give my recommendation wholeheartedly for anyone in need of legal assistance. Additionally, the firm offers down to earth pricing that is fair and reasonable. Thank You Catharine and the Venzon Law Firm!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Dee oakes
I can’t say Thank You enough to this law firm and Eric Winnert! We live approximately 5 hours from the office and Eric came to our home to get the much needed paperwork signed by my very ill spouse for a mesothelioma law suit. Poor man had to drive through the snow belt in February just to make sure we got what was needed before anything happened. Whenever I have questions and need to contact him, he is always there to give me answers. He has walked me step by step through every part of the process as my spouse was terminal and passed. Even when I haven’t bothered him in awhile, he will shoot me a text with any needed updates on our case! He’s very caring, empathetic , and personable with his clients and their family! No matter what we threw at him he always had a smile and a chuckle while maintaining his professionalism! Great Job Eric and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have done and continue to do for me.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Mike c
Calling them was best decision I ever made from the ladies who answer the phone to Karen who handled my cases could not be happier with my representation
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21 Jul, 2024 by Tim
Not sure why, but right from the start Beth seem annoyed and unwilling to listen to the specifics of my divorce. She suggested that I move out because abandonment doesn’t exist anymore and that I should start preparing for a huge child support payment that is inevitable and mandatory, and that my prenuptial agreement was worthless and unenforceable after 6 years of marriage. She told me that regardless of the circumstances my ex-wife will get custody and to prepare myself for that. She certainly didn’t feel like she was helping me, more like she was trying to do a little as possible to get through the case, or even make it easier for my ex to get the judgements she wants. 3 other lawyers told me very different things in their consultations. I hired a different lawyer.
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11 Mar, 2024 by Ai by jeffrey and ge compactron
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23 Jan, 2024 by Best quality auto glass auto glass
Laurie was amazing they give me good advice with not costs, and she is very kind. She took care of me almost a half an hour. I recommend this place 100%
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05 Jan, 2024 by Joseph radecki
Aside from the office staff/paralegal this was an abysmal experience. I met with Michael and explained what I was looking for from him. In the initial meeting he told me a little about the process and charged us the fee. I didn’t hear back from him for 3.5 months. When I called him to ask for an update you could hear the panicked paper rustling in the background. He said he’s been meaning to call me and set up a meeting for me to sign what he prepared, basically a two page document riddled with errors. He said he would keep me posted along the way. I didn’t hear from him again for a couple weeks when I again reached out to him. He said he would call me the next week with an update. Two weeks later I had to call him for an update because he never reached out. The work I needed from him was eventually completed but I can’t help but feel like I was his lowest priority client and he made no efforts to communicate with me. I will be looking for another law firm for my future estate planning and real estate needs. I’m sure some of the lawyers here are fantastic because there are so many good reviews and my families attorney had recommended them, but I will not be using this firm again.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Dan acker
I had the worst experience with Arthur at this firm, who despite several phone calls and emails never once responded to me regarding his client's case. I would be wary to hire any firm that handles financial affairs of their clients this way.
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14 Feb, 2023 by Rizwan alam
Very professional and great person
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28 Aug, 2021 by William duffy
Easy to find and park.Took care of our business quickly and carefully.
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18 Jun, 2024 by Raj raju
Nelson Torre is a lawyer who assisted me with a traffic ticket for running a STOP sign, which was connected to an accident. His fees were reasonable, and he was readily available to discuss my case. If he wasn't available, his associate would gather all the necessary details and provide assistance. Nelson responded to my emails promptly and kept his word throughout the process. Thanks to his efforts, my case was dismissed as he had promised. Here’s a bit more about my experience: When I first received the ticket, I was worried about the potential consequences, especially since an accident was involved. I reached out to Nelson, and he immediately put me at ease with his professional yet approachable demeanor. He carefully explained the steps we needed to take and reassured me that he would handle everything. True to his word, he stayed in constant communication, updating me on the progress and responding to any questions I had without delay. Even when he was busy, his associate was there to help, ensuring that no detail was overlooked. In the end, Nelson’s expertise and dedication resulted in the dismissal of my case, and I couldn’t be more grateful for his support.
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16 May, 2024 by Shawn miller
Excellent representation, kept his word start to finish and kept me updated on my case. I highly recommend Nelson his experience and expertise was key.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Brenyaliz mercado
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20 Jun, 2024 by Tyler jones
Ms vesper was assigned to my custody case it was the most unpleasant experience I could have imagined. Guessing her law degree came through education connection.
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09 May, 2024 by Jason
She is horrendously unable to respond in the timely manner. If you need a divorce and you want it done in the timely fashion this is the worst person you could possibly choose
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08 Jan, 2024 by S w
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05 Oct, 2020 by André
I personally recommend Kristin based on my experience as her client in an extremely unorthodox matrimonial dispute, which ultimately culminated with sole custody being awarded to me. She was very responsive to my inquiries and kept me well informed about reasonable expectations for outcomes.
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12 May, 2017 by Jacqueline
Kristin Arcuri is an exemplary attorney. She is trustworthy, intelligent, professional and compassionate. She works very hard to get the job done in real time without the drama. She will fight for your rights and see the case until the end. I am grateful for her representation. My suggestion is if you need legal help consult Kristin first. It will be the best decision you ever made!
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20 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
While Ms Arcuri was responsive and knowledgable, my divorce took two years, and I had to prompt her quite a few times to keep things moving along. I didn't feel like she really "fought" for me, I felt like she went through the motions, and I ended up basically giving up the farm just to get rid of my ex, because nothing was happening unless I made concessions. In the end, I got minimal child support, only had my kids half the time, and I basically feel like I could have fared better with just about any other lawyer. And it cost me a fortune. Highly disappointed. Would not recommend her to anyone.
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11 Sep, 2014 by Stephanie
She handled my custody and support case. Initially, I was a little uncomfortable with her but that soon passed. She is tough as nails, knows her stuff (practicing for more than 30 years in Family Law) and will tell you like it is. She got me a fair and reasonable parenting agreement as well as the child support I was due and owing per New York State -- something which I had not even considered.
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15 Mar, 2014 by Paul
I retained Ms. Baritot to handle my divorce. Many of my questions either went unanswered or were answered in such a way as to be confusing. Had this been my second or third divorce, I most likely would have had more of a grasp of the situation and I usually got the impression that she had more important clients and could not spend time explaining matters to me. Divorce is a demoralizing, stressful, life changing event. Patience and an empathetic nature are important and necessary virtues that divorce attorneys need to possess. Perhaps Divorce Law is not or should not be Ms. Baritot's area of expertise.
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10 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
I appreciate that she is straight forward and does not sugar coat things. After meeting with her, you have a very clear picture of how things will proceed. She will professionally and competently take care of whatever your needs may be. She would be my first contact if I had need of representation. I have referred her numerous times and not one individual has been dissatisfied with her work!
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13 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
I hired Charles for my divorce and although my divorce was finalized pretty quickly, I am very unhappy with how things went. He confused me on two separate occasions with a different client, with one time having an entire conversation about 'going to court' before realizing he had the wrong person. My documents written were too vague and had to hire an additional lawyer to write an addendum upon hearing that my divorce was finalized. I was very dissatisfied with how things went and am very disappointed with how much money I spent on mediocre service.
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31 Jul, 2022 by Weslyn
Mr Messina was very knowledgeable and kept it real! He did not recommend pursuit of my case as he said it was a hit or miss. He seemed straightforward and honest. I would love to have him for representation. I would recommend anyone to at least talk to him and consider him for representation.
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09 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
I contacted Chuck due to him having stellar reviews all over the inter webs. I had a few questions for a legal matter and he advised me within hours. I hope I don’t need him. But if I do I can tell that I would be in good hands.
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12 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
I had to hire Chris because my previous attorney never returned emails and went through lots of money in just one month. Within days of taking on my case we are headed to a resolution. I highly recommend Chris to anyone needing a matrimonial attorney.
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10 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Made my divorce a living hell. Had to hire another attorney who said it was the worst divorce agreement he has ever seen. He conviently “lost”my file of 4 years. New lawyer trying to fix all of his mistakes. Total incompetent. Don’t trust him at all!
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03 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Terrible terrible terrible woman!! I hired her to help me with my custody/visitation case and she completely let my ex win custody of my children and I was left with nothing but 2 weekends a month! She failed to listen to me on what I wanted she instead only did what she wanted to do. She was very rushy and wanted the case to be done and over with as soon as possible with whatever results my ex wanted. Do not hire this crazy lady. She gives everyone dirty looks and always has an attitude when talking to people. She talks down to everyone as well. Stay far away from her!! Nothing but disappointment and nastiness from her.
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05 Jun, 2015 by Frank
Words cannot explain how pleased I am with Cate as an attorney, She is trustworthy, responsive, knowledgeable, and has always kept me informed. Please disregard the previous bogus comments. This is a competitive business, and the best people in the industry are not always the most well liked. Cate is a great person. She works incredibly hard for her client. Enough said. She is widely recognized as a top tier attorney by her peers and that is why I chose her.
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04 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Cate did nothing but great things for my family. Although divorce can be a very difficult time, Cate did her best to find harmony between both sides. Her insight, credentials, and years of experience are truly unmatched in this industry and she is without a doubt one of the top attorneys in the area. Furthermore, she cares about her clients and is in the business for all of the right reasons. I would gladly refer Cate to any of my friends or family going through a similar situation.
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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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