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23 Jun, 2024 by David brown
Helped me out for a couple hundred bucks and got out the case of court really professionally done
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23 Jun, 2024 by Eduardo marcos
Dennis is a superstar. Excellent and professional service. Prompt resolution and we won!!!
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19 Jan, 2024 by Maddy mccollum
4.1
9 Reviews
4.5
10 Reviews
02 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Roy Doppelt was grossly unprepared during court hearings. So much so, I almost felt sorry for my ex-husband who he hired to represent him. My attorney ate him for lunch and it left my ex worse off than when he started. He immediately fired Roy to seek new counsel. Roy’s attempts to go for the jugular, play dirty and act like a big shot, ended up shooting my ex in the foot. Not to mention he has no problem fabricating horrific stories and situations in a scummy way to get a leg up in the case (ie, the Silver Bullet offense). In the end, the judge saw through his tactics and reversed all prior orders against me.
He has zero integrity and can’t effectively litigate, so he decides to just throw out untruths to muddy the waters. He’s why divorce attorneys have a bad name. He is inept, unorganized, and dubious.
Don’t fall for his “nice guy” demeanor or placating tone of voice. He is a snake.
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16 Sep, 2023 by Marjie brewer
Brooks was amazingly sympathetic to my situation and took the time to really understand my needs. Even though my situation was not in his wheelhouse he kindly referred me to another firm.
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28 Apr, 2023 by Kim
In order for Roy Doppelt to decide whether he wanted to take my case, he had me provide him a copy of the six-volume court file. I organized everything into binders with hundreds of tabs marking the docs. After reading my file, he decided not to represent me in court but agreed to help me with an upcoming trial. He then decided to removed all the docs from binders, remove my hundreds of tabs and Post-It notes, and put the docs in a box, out of order, turned around, upside down -- when I have an upcoming trial and REALLY need those docs organized. When I expressed my disappointment, he told me I can have another attorney re-tab it. So basically, I paid Roy $8,226 to review my file, say no, and remove my many hours of file organization, AND I will need to pay another attorney to re-organize it.
Also, I had an ex parte matter where I needed someone in the office to verify with a judge that I incurred many legal fees regarding an issue. The task would have only taken 20 minutes to review an invoice and testify remotely. An attorney reviewed my pleadings but was supposedly told by Roy to not respond. I lost the $10K case simply because I did not have that witness. Not only that, I requested five times for their $295 attorney fee to be removed, but Roy refused. I paid $295 for zero response, which caused my loss of $10K.
So basically, Roy cost me $8,226, $295, $10,000 + another $8K for another attorney to make sense of my disorganized file. That's $26,226.
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12 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired her as a family lawyer to get me child support from a completed Dissomaster that was completed by my previous attorney (in over a year she never got me anything nor was anything filed in court), she was to help with a breech of fiduciary responsibility (which is why I overturned a free hybrid judgment, never did anything), show the court the perceived neglect of my children from my ex (from many pictures and testimonial from people) never requested a court date, the divorce itself as I requested a trial and trial setting conference. She claimed she was super busy so I emailed her that she should put it on a date she could attend but, she booked it on dates she could not be there, she burned up my retainer, $3,000.00 and I supposedly owe her more for literally NOTHING COMPLETED. She filed a motion to be relieved after I went to court to find it had been taken off the calendar without notifying me. Now, I have two upcoming court dates with no family lawyer to represent me and a mediation conference. She worked with my Civil lawyer who said she was incompetent or surely extremely lazy. She seems to be in law to make money and not represent the clients with their best interest a heart. Many times I felt she was asking me for advice or to make decision that a well-versed lawyer
should be advising me on. We met initially in an office that was not her own, she never wanted to talk or meet face to iron out our plans or streamline the process for me. Ultimately she made excuses for failures and gaslighted me as if I were a lawyer ( would never step by step walk me through a process to complete anything and she would not complete anything). If you are treated like me she will take your ($5,000) money and charge you to make requests or send emails that she won't fulfill or complete while your conversations and email cost you, and she will make sure your retainer is vanishing talking to opposing counsel while accomplishing nothing. Instead of working harder or smarter, her true nature will come out and she will quit instead of doing what you paid her for. She also predicted Judge Silberman's responses or what she thought he would do to make excuses for why she couldn't or wouldn't do her job.
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13 Jan, 2022 by Benjy
Allison is an honest, practical, and compassionate attorney. In all my dealings with her, I found her to be a breath of fresh air in a field of law that is unfortunately known to many as being filled with money-hungry selfish jerks. She is a trustworthy person, and I have and will continue to recommend her to those in need during what is often the most challenging time in their lives or prepare them for marriage with a pre-nuptial agreement.
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07 Jan, 2022 by Donna
Allison got me thru a case where I would have lost it all if something went wrong and she didn't know what she was doing.
Well for being such an obscure type of case, she won it for me, and i will forever be grateful to her.
She is very very smart.
Donna R.
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09 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
I consulted Alex re a family matter, and he was unprofessional, in a rush, and disrespectful. Family matters are sensitive topics, and to have some lawyer -- whom you'd like to hire! -- rudely downplaying your concerns is far from the type of lawyer you should retain. Don't waste your time. I've since hired another lawyer and my concerns have been addressed.
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03 Apr, 2023 by Calvin
Alex and his team are the best attorneys I have ever worked with. Alex is straight forward, no nonsense, and realistic. He and his team explain everything and leave no stone unturned.
I got referred to Alex after spending a year and a half with a fraudulent attorney, who got nothing done and was milking me for money. Alex and his team came in fixed the mess my former attorney left. They even got better result than we we going after.
Alex was available and invested in my outcome throughout the whole process. Any time I would email him he responded swiftly.
My ex works for the most powerful attorneys in Los Angeles so having someone I could trust was very important.
I could not have gone through this process without Alex. I am very grateful to have met him!
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30 Sep, 2022 by Lisa
Very grateful to have Alex and his team represent my divorce case. He was direct, efficient and made this very difficult time as easy as possible for me.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Laura lopez burgdorf
Tara and the team at Dana L Campbell, Attorney at Law provide great care for clients that need estate planning. Providing peace of mind is such an important aspect of their work, it can really make a difference for clients navigating these important decisions for their families.
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30 Nov, 2023 by William g. apger
Smart, caring attorney. Her assistant, June, is the best in the area!
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11 Jan, 2023 by Daniel mauldin
Dana is great! I can always be assured that my clients will be well taken care of when they are referred to Dana. She specializes in estate transition and special needs.
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24 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
i had him for 2 years and he did nothing but bill me would not take my calls or answer my emails he started off good but then would do nothing but argue with me and would not do anything I would ask him to don't go with this lawyer unless you want to spend a fortune and get nothing accomplished
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25 Apr, 2022 by Christopher
I used Rick in 2017 to draft the MSA (Marital Settlement Agreement) in my uncontested divorce - specifically to assist with disclosures and filing. Unfortunately, he did such a terrible job the judge threw my entire MSA out in June of 2020 after 3 more years in court battling my ex-wife. In his final ruling the judge identified a number of inconsistencies specific to disclosures, so rather than boring you with my story I’ll let the judge’s words from his final ruling speak for themselves:
1. There is no evidence that he supplied a statement of all material facts as to assets and obligations, nor did it include his last two years income tax returns (Family Code Section 2105 b)
2. His schedule of assets and debts contains no statements for the various accounts identified therein.
3. The personal loan from Christopher’s mother, is identified as being incurred during the marriage with a balance of $XX,XXX; no promissory note was attached, although one existed (exhibit 7).
4. Because he did not provide a statement of all material facts as required under Section 2105 b 3 there are no factual contentions provided to wife that would allow her to ascertain if the credit card could be her separate liability.
5. The court looks with suspicion at the conflation of the preliminary and final declarations of disclosure, which was done in this case; especially here given the very short time frame from the filing of the petition to the presentation of the disclosures in full marital settlement agreement. Add to this, that the disclosure itself was woefully inadequate.
6. Based upon the evidence addressed herein, the court finds that Christopher’s declaration of disclosure, which he identified as his “final declaration of disclosure”, fails to comply with Section 2105e. The court would set aside the MASA and judgement based upon this failure alone.
While I provided Rick with all of the documentation required it is apparent from the quotes above especially numbers 5 & 6 that said documentation was not included resulting in my disclosures being insufficient. Rick did not advise me on the incompleteness of my disclosures per our agreement and he also used a form in which my ex-wife adopted my disclosures. It was only later that I discovered this form is acceptable in Sacramento County, but Rick failed to make sure it would also be acceptable in Placer County and it wasn’t. As a result, I now need to pay my ex-wife money I do not have because I’ve spent all my money on attorney’s fees over the last 3 years to fight the motion to set aside my MSA which I thought was a solid case with solid disclosures.
I asked Rick for his money back and gave him 30 days to do so before I wrote this review and filed an official complaint with the California State Bar and he refused. Not sure why he made that decision based on the information above, but either way spare yourself the frustration and find another attorney.
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09 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Fredrick (Rick) Cohen is a highly experienced family law attorney. He's been a licensed attorney for almost 30 years, and is also a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was referred to me by another family law attorney who thought that Mr. Cohen could better manage my difficult divorce against my ex-husband. My ex was relentless on almost every issue throughout the entire divorce proceeding. Mr. Cohen's profound knowledge of the law helped me survived this very stressful period of my life. He's a competent attorney with proven litigation skills in and out of the courtroom. (Unfortunately for me, my case went to trial so I got to witness Mr. Cohen's trial skills and abilities.) He can be an aggressive litigator when it is appropriate to do so, but will also advise you when he believes it is best to compromise on certain issues. He is mindful of your intentions and how you wish to settle your legal matter. He is honest and upfront, and will not sugar coat your matter if he believes otherwise. As such, he may come across at times as being unsympathetic, but it is his role to provide legal guidance, not therapy. I would recommend Rick Cohen if you are seeking a strong attorney to represent you on your family law matter.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
I agree 110% with the other ONE-STAR review. >They will talk a good game and follow through well with responses when it involves retention; they will be available to respond to questions to get you to hire Dimitry.
They: Dimitry and his wife, Kristina, who is the “business manager.”
>>They act like they have compassion and creativity when it comes to solving divorce issues because they have gone through them themselves. But what I found is that they are close minded, jaded by their own past history and current step kid and coparent troubles, and the lack of compassion once hired shows.
>>>NOT a “free consultation” as stated on the website. Once you retain this firm, if you don’t go through with the “strategy” advised by Dimitry, they will charge you for that “free consultation”. And mind you, his rate is TOO HIGH based on the services provided. There are plenty of attorneys out there that will charge much less and provide better quality work and services.
For my case, the strategy advised was not able to be followed through with because the coparent I am going through issues with did not want to participate in it. To save money, I decided to ask my coparent directly if he would be willing to follow the strategy recommended by my lawyer, and he said no. Based on this, the consultation (no further legal services needed) should have been free, but Dimitry and his wife did not want to entertain it and did not stick to their word. They would rather have Dimitry get paid $465/hr to reach out to opposing counsel and my ex to incur costs (only to get a “no thank you” when asked to follow his strategy) - how CROOKED!!
Instead, they would rather sip bottles of Dom and buy expensive clothing then help clients and unethically make money off of our troubles.
BIG MISTAKE to go with them.
As a hard-working person who has dealt with Customer Service for over 20 years in a compassionate and genuine way, I’m appalled by this experience. Keep shopping folks - this is your family and your livelihood at stake!! Best to you!
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02 Aug, 2023 by Heather
I’m so happy we picked Dimitry as our attorney. He is incredibly knowledgeable about family law, and he is always available to answer questions and provide guidance. He is also very compassionate and understanding.
One of the things that I appreciated most about Dimitry was his customer service. He was always responsive to my emails and phone calls. He also took the time to explain everything to me in terms that I could understand, even though I don’t have any legal experience.
I would highly recommend Dimitry to anyone who is seeking a family law lawyer. He is knowledgeable, hardworking, and caring.
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17 Apr, 2023 by Mark
I've had the privilege of working with Dimitry on 2 contracts that were absolutely crucial for my business. Although Dimitry specializes in Family law, he was not only willing to help but extremely knowledgable and thorough during this process. As any business owner would know, contracts between yourself and any other party involved are important and certainly necessary. In my case, Dimitry helped me build a silent partnership agreement in 2019, as well as a termination agreement in 2023. Dimitry delivered both times with his professionalism, accuracy, and generosity. He continues to exceed my expectations and I intend to seek his legal advice in both professional and personal matters. I highly recommend Dimitry to any current or aspiring business owners who perhaps needs the guidance and peace of mind.
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08 Mar, 2023 by Amelia bonilla
15 Jan, 2023 by Andrew semaan
06 Jul, 2022 by Derek ryan
25 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Read their stance on a few topics on Facebook I don’t know if they could be trusted. Hmmm
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24 Mar, 2011 by Timothy
Back in July, circumstances necessitated my need for a custody lawyer. Having no references, I checked Craigslist and was extremely fortunate to get in touch with Marissa. Over these past several months, she has been more than helpful to me. I have complete confidence, not only in her ability, but in her integrity. She is sincere, straightforward, honest and very easy to work with.
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25 Jul, 2010 by Courtney
I have known Merrisa as a family attorney for years. I have witnessed her skill in and out of the courtroom. Not only a fearless defender of her clients rights, but someone who makes the client part of her team.
When I received a subpoena to appear at a deposition, my first call was to Merrisa. The prospect of being stuck between two very powerful, very well funded sets of attorneys, in case I had knowledge of both sides, put a bit of fear in me.
Merrisa immediately put me at ease. She took command and managed the demands of the requests that both side were making on my time and knowledge. She sat down with me and explained her role, my role, and the roles of everyone involved in the deposition. This preparation made the event go off smoothly.
Merrisa worked with the defendants counsel, and left me to answer the questions without any worry or anxiety. The 7 hour ordeal would have been far more difficult without the calm, direct, and firm hand that Merrisa used to get me through the day.
Whether you are looking for a Family Practice attorney, legal advise, or counsel that can guide you through the maze that is the law, I can say that Ms. Coleman-Bishop is the attorney you should bring to your side. I witnessed a local attorney stand up for my rights in front of some the best lawyers that the entertainment and internet industry can hire. She did not flinch, back down, or take bait when they tried to knock her off her game. She stayed on task.
I am honored to recommend Merrisa Coleman-Bishop.
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01 Jan, 2021 by Stefani
I hired attorney Medaris in my child custody case after reading his reviews & speaking to him on the phone during his free consultation. The man was rude, embarwssned me in front of the judge, wasn’t prepared on my case to go before the judge, which was embarrassing, and you have to pay him a substantial amount of money (cash same day) for literally saying 3 words, that were not helpful and quite frankly embarrassing. When asked questions about what this document meant or what did the judge just order? He rudely would make it well known he didn’t want to be there. Maybe he is burned out and looking forward to retiring.
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31 Jul, 2017 by Christine
Attorney Medearis was very knowledgeable and informed me of my rights and discussed the best strategy. His paralegal held my hand, guided me, comforted me and dealt with my ex when he called their office. Attorney Medearis chose the Mediator known for getting results. What I wanted most was freedom and a chance to live the rest of my life in peace. Thanks to Attorney Medearis I have that chance. He also recognized the financial hardship and allowed me to set up a payment plan I could afford.
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29 Jun, 2017 by Christy
I contacted Attorney Steven Medearis’ office from a referral from a family member. I want to thank and
recommend Mr. Medearis for guiding me through a very trying time in my life. Mr. Medearis and his
staff really know what they are doing and made this process effortless. I initially thought my divorce
could be handled amicably, yet financial support issues quickly arose with my uncooperative ex.
Mr. Medearis sincerely had mine and my children’s best interest in mind. He explained everything
clearly and with precision of what to expect in the process. Mr. Medearis impressed upon me that while
no one wants divorce to happen to them because this process can be extremely trying, he would be
there to support me through this stressful time.
Throughout the process, Mr. Medearis and his office staff were so amazing. They made the process
seem easy and communicated every step of the tiring process. The office gave me information and
confidence in the process. I cannot express my gratitude enough and would recommend him to anyone.
Having someone who is your advocate during this difficult chapter in your life will alleviate so much
stress and is really worth it.
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30 Dec, 2022 by Larisa
The worst decision I ever made was to hire Ann Oakleaf for my divorce, modification of spousal support. She is incompetent and lacks integrity.
Initiated “very busy activity” - in asking numerous times to submit and sign the same documents. She tried to prolong our phone, office conversations and charged me for every minute.
She had no goal and strategy to help me. I forced to cancel her service because she offered the worst option compared to my former spouse’s lawyer. I felt she was not supportive of me. I had to hire another attorney.
Do not hire this attorney if you want to be successful in court. She is very “burnt out” and wants to retire and should!
You would be better off using the Self-help desk at Family court.
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03 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
I first consulted with Ann expecting to hire her for a child custody case. After discussing the specifics of the case she was very honest in letting me know that the situation was not complex and didn't necessarily have to result in court appearances. She guided me on the process of mediation and my ex and I were able to come to an agreement on the custody terms.
With her help, the process was much less stressful than I had anticipated.
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28 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
From our first consultation, I knew I had made the best choice! Not once did I give a second thought about her character. I knew that I could entrust her with all I had. This was my first experience dealing with an attorney and fees, etc. All I can say in a few short words is that she was referred to me by a dear friend and once she listened to the few different situations I had going on I knew she would take care of me and help me and my children. Today, and The next day after, I will always have much appreciation for having Mrs. Oakleaf by my side and in my path.
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09 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
She’s only out for the money.
Comes across nice in the beginning but things change fast!
She refuses to try and settle with the only party. She only wants to go to trial where she will take all your money!
After draining me of every dime I had I found a VERY COMPETENT helpful attorney who helped me and my x settle out of court.
Then after we sold our home and I went to pick up the check Andre refused to sign off claiming I owed her money. I couldn’t get the check from the house until I paid her an additional 25,000 on top of the thousands I had already paid her, She’s a money shark. RUN THE OTHER WAY!
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20 Jun, 2022 by Felicity
Caring, kind, honest and helpful!!! This is the attorney I will hire when and if I need one! She walked me through fear and confusion. She explained things to me and made a game plan with me. She did not try to fear monger me into hiring her prematurely! Much respect for this attorney. She has also allowed me to contact her and ask questions. Thanks Andrea!
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31 May, 2018 by Timothy conery
Andrea represented me in a child support case. Once the State of California was involved my support payments tripled! With Andrea's experience and her teams great forensic research my Child Support payments returned back to what I had originally been paying! There is no doubt that Andrea Whitehill made a significant change in my life for the better...
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14 Sep, 2022 by Amber
I came to Darci in panic as my ex-husband and father of my 2 kids was loosing all self control. He had already been effecting us for a decade due to his uncontrolled mental illness, however it had now turned to death threats, stalking and harassment in a consistent way. After hearing from other lawyers that I did not have enough to be awarded a DVRO, Darci assured me I had plenty of documentation and sure enough she got me a 5 year domestic violence restraining order which also gave me sole custody of the kids with only supervised visits between the kids and their dad. Later she helped me turn my legal separation into a divorce and after that she helped me get my Move Away request put through the court once I remarried and moved away to a different state. After my ex requested unsupervised time with the kids, something I knew was unsafe and both kids did not want, Darci helped me argue against a terrible court mediator who did not look at any of the 100+ pages of documentation showing the father was not safe and suggested I obtain a Custody Evaluator to more thoroughly review the situation and facts and make more informed and safer conclusions. I paid the money to that evaluator, which was not cheap, but so worth the money. Now their dad has substantive tasks he must accomplish before either me or the courts are OK with unsupervised time (26 weeks of anger mgmt, weekly therapy, psychiatry for meds, requiring more visits on his part to show effort, reunification therapy with the kids, etc). Beware of bad court appointed mediators, however Darci helped me immensely to sort through the tough decisions and emotions of the events and come to a conclusion that was safe and in the best interest for the children. This process was not cheap, but children never are and if you are going to pay for anything it should be for the well-being of your kids. I would definitely recommend Darci McKean for anyone dealing with the issues I mentioned above.
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29 Nov, 2021 by Carly
Darci was my attorney for a messy custody case that also involved DV and a protective order. She was amazing, and made THE difference in winning our case. She was able to grasp the situation quickly, understood the proper steps to counter his tactics, and handled them like a BOSS! Her declaration drafts and responses were always perfect and succinct, and she was extremely efficient with her time. She masterfully managed our case and I could not have asked for a better attorney. She is absolutely one of the very, very best!!
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24 Jan, 2020 by Sima
I usually dont write bad reviews but I know how painfull could be to have an incometent lawyer.In a few words Darci Mckean is incompetent with no care and empathy. She was my lawyer for more than a year in a case with no custody ,no fight over assets involved and could not finalized my divorce. Due to errors in filling my case was denied many many times.At he end with once consultation with another lawyer my divorce was finalized in a month without a lawyer.
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27 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
We were having family troubles. We hired Natalia to help calm them down as a mediator. First day, she charged us nearly $1000 dollars. When we wanted her to send her letter, she wrote it way too aggressively. It made everything in our family worse. If you went an actual mediator, hire someone else.
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24 Mar, 2021 by Tiffany
I've worked with Natalia for over a year on my ongoing child custody case. She always knows a lot about the court system including family mediators and judges I've been assigned. She's also very responsive, so I've always felt prepared when going to hearings. Her prices are beyond reasonable and well worth the peace of mind that comes with hiring an attorney.
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05 Aug, 2020 by Kelly
I hired Natalia to help me with a custody case. She was excellent. She explained things to me and even helped calm down my nerves.
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09 Nov, 2024 by Rocky d
Jeff has been represent me with post divorce legal issues for the past 6-7 years. He is very patient, caring, aggressive in doing right by his clients, and he is always easy to reach when I have questions. I highly recommend him to anyone who is feeling overwhelmed by their divorce. You will be in great hands with Jeff and feel protected and safe.
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20 Oct, 2024 by Randy dwyer
Mr. Hoffer handled my case exceptionally. He is kind, understanding, meticulous, and methodical in his approach to family law. Mr. Hoffer and his staff made me feel heard, and were extremely caring during every step of the process. I cannot recommend Hoffer Family Law Firm any more highly, and hold them with the deepest regard.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Nick
Horrible service. Terrible communication and follow up skills. He promises to call me back and never does. I followed up multiple times with assurance from Mr. Hoffer personally along with his receptionist that Mr. Hoffer is not available today but would be calling me back urgently since this is a custody issue and as of today 8/27/24, Mr. Hoffer has yet to return my phone calls or handle any of my concerns. If I could leave “0” stars ⭐️ I would. I would not recommend this attorney to any family or friends. Stay clear of Mr. Hoffer. Please don’t let his website impress you. Mr. Hoffer definitely lacks communication skills and compassion for his clients. This so called “attorney” is super flakey and can’t be trusted.
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4.3
36 Reviews
15 Jul, 2024 by Torry heard
Attorney Aja Mann, was my lawyer for 13 years. In those 13 years of representing me, she was outstanding! Not only did she advise me with wisdom and grace, she taught me that you must be fair and compassionate when it comes to difficult situations while co-parenting. Because of her I was able to obtain full custody of my son, and I thank her every day for in some form or fashion for bringing me joy and peace.
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14 Jul, 2024 by Emerson depaz
After visiting my son who lives out of state, I was deeply concerned by his emotional struggles and the difficulties he was facing at home with his mom. As a divorced parent living in another state, I felt powerless to advocate for him and feared I was failing as a father. My visitation rights and other arrangements had always been unfair, dictated by the terms of the other party.
From our first conversation, Aja reassured me that I had parental rights and a voice in my son's well-being. Her exceptional negotiation skills and unwavering advocacy led to more equitable arrangements for our family, prioritizing my son's health and happiness. We are incredibly grateful for her efforts and highly recommend her to anyone in need of a sharp, dedicated attorney who will fight for you.
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13 Jul, 2024 by Iman abron
Aja Simplis was very attentive. She helped me from start to finish and is very professional.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Torry heard
Attorney Aja Mann, was my lawyer for 13 years. In those 13 years of representing me, she was outstanding! Not only did she advise me with wisdom and grace, she taught me that you must be fair and compassionate when it comes to difficult situations while co-parenting. Because of her I was able to obtain full custody of my son, and I thank her every day for in some form or fashion for bringing me joy and peace.
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14 Jul, 2024 by Emerson depaz
After visiting my son who lives out of state, I was deeply concerned by his emotional struggles and the difficulties he was facing at home with his mom. As a divorced parent living in another state, I felt powerless to advocate for him and feared I was failing as a father. My visitation rights and other arrangements had always been unfair, dictated by the terms of the other party.
From our first conversation, Aja reassured me that I had parental rights and a voice in my son's well-being. Her exceptional negotiation skills and unwavering advocacy led to more equitable arrangements for our family, prioritizing my son's health and happiness. We are incredibly grateful for her efforts and highly recommend her to anyone in need of a sharp, dedicated attorney who will fight for you.
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13 Jul, 2024 by Iman abron
Aja Simplis was very attentive. She helped me from start to finish and is very professional.
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24 Jan, 2024 by Rho-nee wulferdinger
After enduring a challenging and complex legal battle for years, and having worked with multiple attorneys to no avail, I finally found success with Jeremiah Raxter. His exceptional legal acumen and unique approach were evident from the start. Unlike others before him, Jeremiah brought innovative strategies and insights to the table, which were instrumental in resolving my case.
Throughout the entire process, his dedication never wavered. He demonstrated remarkable consistency, always staying vigilant and proactive. His commitment not only led to the resolution of my case but also brought about several additional positive outcomes that exceeded my expectations.
Jeremiah’s determination and expertise were truly the game changers in my legal journey. I am immensely grateful for his service and highly recommend him to anyone in need of a skilled and dedicated attorney. The best possible outcome in my case was a direct result of his hard work and perseverance, and for that, I will always be thankful.
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06 Dec, 2023 by Cheri jonas
05 Dec, 2023 by Mary bailey
Ana was terrific; she is very knowledgeable and thorough. She is expedient and got our forms filed correctly and quickly. She was a tremendous help to me!
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10 Sep, 2024 by Danny chu
10 Sep, 2024 by Amanda t.
24 Jul, 2024 by Celestial being
26 Apr, 2024 by Aaron g
I deeply regret my decision to hire this law firm to represent me in court, as they failed to fulfill their duties. Initially, they demanded a retainer fee of $5,000, which they quickly depleted within a month without any tangible progress. To make matters worse, they then requested additional funds. It took them two weeks after our initial meeting to even file the necessary documents stating that they were my attorneys, and even that was the extent of their efforts in court. If it were possible, I would rate this firm with negative scores. I strongly advise against wasting your time with them, as all the positive reviews are deceitful. This firm should be permanently closed down and prohibited from assisting anyone. I simply needed one task accomplished for my divorce, but instead, they consumed all the retainer fees by excessively communicating through emails and phone calls, which proved to be fruitless. I find myself in the exact same situation as when I first started, having wasted an entire month that I can never retrieve.
It is crucial to seek out genuine lawyers rather than unscrupulous individuals.
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29 Jan, 2024 by Gabby suthakar
27 Sep, 2023 by Erik mickelson
Friendly staff, hard-working and diligent attorneys
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09 Jul, 2024 by Call your
I rarely post reviews for any business on any platform, however, while searching for a lawyer that would help me resolve a contentious custody battle for my children, I found Megan with Irwin & Irwin law firm, and felt compelled to write this review.
While researching Irwin & Irwin, I read mixed reviews online, and after meeting with Megan, I knew she would be fair, caring, and tenacious enough to help me resolve our contentious issues with grace.
Megan and the Irwin & Irwin team were exactly what we needed to get our contentious custody case, and family relationship back in order. She helped me decide exactly what I wanted, and what I was willing to negotiate for. Her positive personality helped with mediating our agreement, and she was very fair in regards to billing without drying out my well.
I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND MEGAN THOMPSON TO HELP RESOLVE YOUR CUSTODY CASES- only if you don't want to live the rest of your life in court, spending every last dime you have, and living in misery from aggressive attorneys creating discontent and aggravating issues to the point of stalemate.
Thank you Megan!
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21 May, 2024 by Rosalina figueroa
While I appreciate that she squeezed me into her very busy schedule for a free consultation, Ronda sounds lazy, tired, too busy… as mentioned below.
It was extremely discouraging to speak with her!
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08 May, 2024 by Anastasia lander
Chelsea Pistone with Irwin and Irwin has been amazing. She has helped my brother, nephew, and a few friends with everything from mediation to tough custody cases. Compassionate and caring yet thorough and super knowledgable. Highly recommend
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12 Aug, 2024 by Gabriela zermeno
Working with the legal team at Cullen Family Law Group has been a great experience- from the clerk, to the paralegals and lawyers- any issue or question I've had has been swiftly, thoughtfully and thoroughly explained and I truly feel taken care of.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Sara koslow
30 Jun, 2024 by Pauline batiste
Fast. Fair. Thorough. Modest? The Cullen Family Law Group's motto is quite the understatement, for this firm provides so much more. These exceptional women handled my case with sedulous care proving that they were the only firm suitable to tend to my case. The way they fought for me while shielding me from the worst one could ever imagine, was both delicate and honest all while maintaining complete professionalism. Attorney Naqvi was vigilant, sharp, and incredibly keen to the unseen; knowledgable beyond any opponent, and always armed for every attack. Attorney Huss was quick and steadily prepared with concise responses, the ultimate strategist; between her scholarly astuteness and natural instincts, she always kept us bounds ahead of opposing counsel. Now, don't allow their beauty to fool you, these fierce females are an absolute force, consistently rigorous with their advocacy. And though it is said that a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link, I am honored to state that there is nary a weak link within this organization. Lori, Katie, and Rachel each played an intergral role in helping me navigate the most difficult season of my life. The Cullen Family Law Group is a team of diligent individuals that truly exercise discipline and proper deportment in all arenas. Professional, considerate, firm, yet kind, I am pleased to say that God paired me with the only legal team equipped to carry me through. The Cullen Family Law Group: Fast. Fair. Thorough. Complete.
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28 Feb, 2024 by Yeyssica valentin
01 Jan, 2024 by Rodney laurence
Excellent lawyer . I needed one for my divorce and I'm so glad I chose Mrs. Penley . She definitely knows her business . Very , very pleased with her professionalism . She gets things done quickly . I highly recommend that you give her a call . You won't be sorry .
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01 Jan, 2024 by Dana turner
Knowlegable lawyer who gets stuff done quickly and efficiently.
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03 May, 2024 by Raxa ali
Justin Ward is one of the best lawyer in town. He helped one of my family member in their case and he has shown exceptional commitment. We are very grateful to have him for his unwavering support throughout the case.
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18 Feb, 2024 by Robyn fleming
Justin has represented one of my family members as well as friends I have referred. Justin always starts with listening to your issue or question then providing honest and thorough suggestions for next steps. His knowledge of the law, persistence, and follow through are excellent. Justin is trustworthy and has been recognized by his community and peers for his servant leadership. I highly recommend hiring Justin to represent you.
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24 Jan, 2024 by Damon jennings
Justin and his Staff are excellent people. Justin is my go-to person whenever I have a legal matter. One of the best! Reliable, honest and works with integrity.
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28 Mar, 2024 by Sandra ledesma
Mi experiencia la comparto en este review porque igual que tú que estás aquí leyendo si son abogados confiables, que si toman en cuenta los detalles de tu caso, que si malgastarás tu tiempo y/o dinero, entre otras cosas yo también lo hice, yo también leí estos reviews de otras personas y gracias a estos mismos reviews me animé a confiar mi caso en manos de ellos. En particular con el abogado Fernando G, te escucha, aconseja, en verdad es un apoyo confiable. Recomiendo ampliamente este bufete, agradecida por el trabajo que se realizó, ademas tienen varios plus positivos que otros no lo tienen. Uno de ellos que para mí destacó mucho es la confianza que te brinda abogado Fernando para comunicarte directamente con el sin intermediarios, muy profesional.
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22 Feb, 2024 by Maria jose diaz
Fernando Guzman Jr es un abogado con etica y muy bien preparado. El fue un gran apoyo para mi desde mi embarazo ya que el papa de mi bebe no ha estado presente y tuve que demandar. Fernando ha estado presente desde entonces ayudandome con sus conocimientos legales sobre derecho familiar. Actualmente pude lograr obtener una orden de Child support en California siendo Mexicana gracias a el.
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19 Jan, 2024 by Froylan munoz
I have been represented by Gustavo in a very high conflict case. He has always been professional and relentless in defending me from false accusations and getting the best outcome for our child. He has really helped me navigate the intensity of my divorce. I would absolutely recommend his office for a family law case.
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4.2
16 Reviews
03 Jul, 2024 by Steinberg8
I interviewed a number of different lawyers and while all were knowledgable. Rachel distinguished herself with her friendly but very practical demeanor. She was efficient, empathetic yet realistic, extremely easy to talk to, and honest. Compared to the other lawyers that I met with, I found her easy to relate to and felt she understood my situation and challenges very quickly. We ended up using a mediator but Rachel provided excellent counsel when I needed it, especially towards the end of our process. Importantly, however, she prepared me well to enter into mediation. I feel the mediation process was more efficient because I got great advice from Rachel in the one hour consult we had prior. Prior to our meeting, I had sent her a lengthy e-mail outlining the issues and my priorities. She took the time to read through this and had questions for me when we met. I felt this was respectful of my time and resulted in a much more productive, focused discussion with clear action items for me as a result. At the end of the day, divorce is a business transaction with a lot of emotion attached. Rachel made it a more pleasant experience throughout. And while I did not need her as much as I anticipated (thankfully), I have heard others give her extremely high marks for getting the job done. In fact a friend of mine had a few lawyers before connecting with Rachel and once connected, her divorce was expedited. Our mediator, who is very well known in our county, spoke highly of Rachel too which gave me a lot of comfort.
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12 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Asked Rachel about how to process a modification to child support. She said she could fill paperwork out and do this. Turn out, she is completely wrong and I have to go through court. Not only did she cost me time and money, but she delayed the modification dramatically. Terrible and unprofessional.
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11 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
I was extremely pleased with Rachel Castrejon. Of course, divorce is a very difficult time in ones life. The process can be alien and intimidating. However, Rachel guided me through extremely well. Of course, she knows the law and various courses of action very well. She was technically very proficient, but more importantly, she did an excellent job of answering my questions and giving helpful and prudent advice. I honestly never once felt Rachel was "in this for the money" and appreciated that she was looking for the optimal outcome for me, for the least amount of legal fees. I would unhesitatingly recommend Rachel Castrejon to anyone.
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02 Aug, 2023 by Dongkyu kim
26 May, 2023 by R k
The phone call service is horrible, treating you like a scammer for no reason
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10 Oct, 2021 by Peter park
4.2
12 Reviews
29 Jun, 2024 by Shannon
Help me serve my papers before I was served.
Spent time with me and explained everything
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05 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Do not hire this attorney, she took my money and stated that she had filed for divorce when the paperwork was atill in her possession. Her staff avoided me and was not available to confirm or deny weather or not my case was filed. Fraud
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10 Mar, 2020 by Brendan
Divorce is stressful...and different for everyone .Ms Ferrante cuts to the chase and gets down to the nuts and bolts of what to expect from your case.she is very personable and takes notes at the consultation as well as when you deal with her face to face.she wont sell you a bill of goods or tell you what you want to hear.I was very frustrated and stressed at my first consultation with her (as well as having a list of lawyers i was going to consult with that day ).after the consultation, i felt great about her and her staff and decided not to bother with my list and im glad i did.dont get sucked in by lawyer games ...if you think you need a lawyer(not every divorce does), then you wont go wrong with Ms Ferrante or her team.she knows her stuff...she knows the system (as well as knowing it can suck).youll get advice from friends and family about what you should and shouldnt do but at the end of the day, advice is biased and often not given by folks who know the full facts.My only quibble with her office are the folks who answer the phones!(theyre not rude but sometimes i did wonder if id reached the correct number...and i feel her office does need to address this.).i would use her (and her office) again....and have no hesitation in reccomending her.you can only navigate the system alone if the divorce is going to be amicable...if it isnt amicable, you need help and Ms Ferrante and her team are the help youll need.Her Paralegal ( i first dealt with Alysha and subsequently dealt with Ruben ) are great and were quick to answer queries by phone or email.your sistuation wont be solved overnight....its a process...and it will be solved better with their help
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16 Aug, 2021 by Jessica
Drummond was very easy to work with and truly made a painful process much less painful. He explained everything in a way that made sense and his office staff were very thorough and responsive.
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12 Aug, 2021 by Mac
I used Mr. McCunn as a coach. I could quickly get straight forward feedback, support and focus. We always discussed options, timeline, budget...it was a real strategic plan. It was like playing chess when the other side was ready for checkers. The whole team knew me and how to help me. I don't want to need a lawyer again, but if I did, I know who I'll call. I didn't always hear what I wanted, but I learned why, what other options I had, and didn't waste time, money and energy.
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03 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
This is the only site I could actually write a real review from personal experience with this attorney. They were very unprofessional. I was kicked down to new attorneys that didn’t have enough experience. Mr Drummond talks over you and doesn’t follow up on your motions.
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04 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I think he helped put my at ease about the situation I am currently in with my ex spouse demanding more obligations that I am not under any court order to do so.
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04 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
A bit rushed but good.
Also, please try to assign people closer to my zip code. 600 miles is too long a distance to be retaining a lawyer at.
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31 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
He never called back the first time I booked . The second time I booked he called back but his answers to my questions were vague or he would say "I don't know". His excuse was that he was in San Diego and I was in Los Angeles county and he didn't know what forms to file in family court because LA and San Diego superior courts use different forms but that's a lie in most cases. What a waste of time.
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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.
