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11 Apr, 2018 by Katherine masel
When Susan Rosen was "handed" my cases after I was passed around with the law offices of Beatrice Snider, on our first phone call she YELLED at me and told me that "she was the one to do the talking "(?!?!?) . She was so rude, not even well spoken and bossy.
When I told B. Snider this, to her credit, she apologized and recognized Rosen's inappropriateness. I was hoping Rosen would be a bull dog against my high powered husband, but instead, she bullied me. She could not answer questions about my case and was not up to date. I was to pay her to "catch up" on all that already transpired. It was when Rosen has my case that I fired her because the firm dragged the divorce out and made excuses and encouraged hostility between my and my x to be. Susan Rosen was particularly rude. She sets the standard for bad attorneys and gives them all a bad reputation.
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26 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired Amy Neshanian to work on my child custody case ,after several month a mysterious person starts emailing me saying he is Amy's Husband ,he sends emails without signature or phone number or anything ,She never clarifies that her called husband works for her ,He is Very rude ,then he stops his wife ,Amy Neshanian from working on the case .Don't hire this firm ,they will leave you in the middle of the road .Not professional at all.
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02 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Called to find out if they can help me but, the secretary did not want even to listen to me unless I send her the ARAG form!
I just wanted to explain but she was rude and did not even let me finish! I hope that the lawyer is not like her!!!
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23 Mar, 2018 by Linda
Just spoke to the Atty for Child Support services who over saw our case today. She told me it was my Atty John Ireland who made our case take over 2 years because he kept asking for continuances. She said it was because of my atty and my ex’s husbands atty that nothing happened for over 2 years! So much money paid to John for NOTHING. The Child Support Atty told me, “it was your Atty who screwed you”, and I had a feeling. He was so weak in the courtroom I was embarrassed for him. He seems timid, sweet and quiet but he sucks as an Atty. My Father’s Atty recommended Mr. Ireland and after my father told his Atty of the incompetent way Ireland handled my case, his Atty promised he’d never refer John Ireland to anyone else. If you’re looking for a family lawyer, don’t bother, just do it yourself. I prevailed majorly on my own once I dropped the dead weight of an Atty. I found the behind the scenes info from the Child Support services Atty to be very insightful and exactly what I suspected was happening. Crooked Ireland can’t be trusted. This was supposed to be an easy case. He told me he was confident he’d get my Atty fees covered. He didn’t. His argument was weak at best to the judge. The only thing he did is find ways to keep us in the system so he could keep getting paid to do nothing. John would ask me to come into his office before we would go into court so he could, “prepare me“, for trial. Every time I would pay him to go into his office to, “prepare me“, I realized I was actually there to prepare him because he had no idea what was going on with our case. This happened several times and I got to pay for our time together. John also misunderstood orders & told me child-support could be retro dated back to the day that I filed, 2 years ago, he was wrong. John should’ve seen by the way the documents were filed that the court would not be able to go back and retro date. That’s huge he should know that. Horrible experience with this attorney. Having this attorney was very frustrating. Dealing with this attorney and the frustration he caused was the worst part of this whole ordeal that he was supposed to make easy. I will leave a bad review every on every site I can possibly find. If they get deleted, I will simply repost. My goal is to hopefully make him lose enough business to where he’s lost as much money as he’s swindled out of me .
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28 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
During a consult she rushed me and interrupted me several times. A couple times she asked me questions over, could've been avoided had she been professional and patient. A 30 min consult was in approx 12 min. She rushed me off.
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19 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
I do not recommend him.
We hired him a while back, as he seemed like a nice guy when we interviewed him. But soon thereafter we found that it was difficult to get in contact with him. If we would call him with questions about our case he would usually take long amounts of time to return our calls. At one point it took him more than one month to get back to us, and we had to threaten to find other representation in order to get him to respond. As an act of good faith we asked him if emailing would be an easier way for him to correspond with us and he said yes. So from that point forward we tried emailing him if we had any questions.
A number of months passed, and then something important happened where we needed to get in touch with him. We first emailed him, since he said that was an easier way to correspond with him, but we didn’t get any response. After about one week and a half we called him, and still didn’t get a response. We emailed and called a few more times over the following weeks and still no response from him. After around six weeks of waiting for a response we sent him a strongly worded letter asking him to please call us by a certain date, and he did not respond. We waited a total of seven weeks for a response from him and we didn’t get any, so we ended up dropping him.
From the very beginning he made us feel that we were bothering him when we asked any questions, and that he had more important things to do than to respond to us. He honestly seems like he’s a person who just doesn’t care. In the end he managed to make a situation that was already difficult for my family and I, even more difficult.
Again, I do not recommend him at all to anyone who is looking for representation as I feel that he is unprofessional. I’m usually not someone who complains or writes poor reviews, but I do feel that people should be aware of this.
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07 Jun, 2023 by D
The Firm is only looking out for their own best interest $$$$. Complaining of the work they are being paid to do. Unable to meet deadlines, numerous errors, bad discovery, no depositions, late filing, missed deadlines. These failures ultimately were the firms need to withdraw from my case after three years and after receiving over $100,000 of my hard earned money. Their unexplained, inconsistent, excessive and unreasonable billing was the excuse used to abandon my case and place blame on their client for non-payment....yes after they already billed and were paid over $100,000....my money and time wasted. You are only $$ in their eyes. Don't make the same mistake I did....they will only succeed in making your situation worse, leaving you to pick up the pieces with no remorse!!
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18 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Prior to hiring Alan Plott, I had already won custody of my children, but was trying to make sure I kept custody of them. Mr. Plott took the case, but never seemed very interested in it. He never met with me to discuss it and never took the time to help me fill out paperwork. I wrote all of my own Declarations, filed my own paperwork with the court, and had to show up randomly to his office to get any help or replies to the numerous e-mails and phone calls I made. When we finally went to court, Mr. Plott misquoted facts, mispronounced names, and stood there and did not defend me against anything my ex said, even though he had more than sufficient evidence to do so. I ended up firing Mr. Plott and winning the case on my own, again. However, even though he only appeared in court once and never did any paperwork, I somehow used up $3500 worth of a retainer fee that his office claims is only used on work that they do. Mr. Plott is perfect if you're just looking for a Lawyer to stand there and look baffled.
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18 Jun, 2013 by Noah
Horrible. Violates confidentiality, rude, biased and tries to inflict her views of creation vs. evolution on others. After meeting her, I wondered how did any law school grant her a law degree?
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26 Mar, 2013 by Cliff
I had her assigned to me when my daughter accused me of being inappropriate with her. Donna seldom responses to email, never returns calls and is loud outside the courtroom about your details, letting others hear what your accused of.
Very unhappy
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23 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
He did nothing for me. Eric had my hearing postponed until he found that my children's father did not have to pay him. after that he took all of the money I had and dismissed himself. Thank God I was able to reach an agreement with the kids father before I lost everything including my kids. Not a good lawyer cut and dry.
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25 Jan, 2018 by Eric
I hired Steven DeWitt in September 2012 to represent me in a divorce. At the time, I was on amicable terms with what would be my ex-spouse, but going through a tough emotional time, as one could imagine. Such times call for someone on the outside to look after one’s interests, hence I retained Steven as my attorney, as he appeared to be a Christian man with values and integrity. I had, for the most part, agreed to give up most things to my ex in an effort to ‘just move on’, with exception to a few items. In particular, the house I had co-owned with spouse. I informed Steven, at time of retaining him, that my goal was to quitclaim title to my spouse and, in return, the expectation was to have me removed from existing loan in addition to title. I expected the terms of the divorce decree to include legal protections to protect my interests. What I received in the end was, well, no protections. I attempted to reach out to Steven by both email (on April 4, 2014), as well as phone (left message with his receptionist/legal assistant). I received no call back, email, or letter. I reached out again by email on April 30, 2015, followed by another call to his office, after no response back from him. My attempts were futile. I had hired a new attorney to fight for custody of my children, among other things, after my divorce was finalized. I had interviewed several attorneys at that point to replace Steven, as he expressed no interest in me/failed to respond or communicate with me at the time. Not one attorney interviewed wanted to assist in ‘cleaning up his mess’, in particular, with regards to the house. You see, the divorce decree merely indicated I was to be ‘held harmless from any encumbrances’. Steven recently reached out to me to try to address this, after prior negative review was posted, but the damage was already done. After three follow up hearings to try to address with court, the judge literally ‘admonished’ ex for not doing enough, but went on to state that my ‘divorce decree was left vague and unenforceable’. In other words, not worth the paper it was written on as it did not indicate an action to take (i.e. timeline to complete loan assumption, refinance or sale of home nor did it include verbiage on enforcement action court can take if failure to abide by terms). To make matters worse, Steven recently acknowledged that he didn’t even draft the decree that was entered into court, but rather allowed opposing counsel to do. Kudos to opposing counsel for slipping unfavorable terms to me, past what was supposed to be my legal safety net, Steven. There were other issues with language in the decree (unfavorable child support terms against me for example and failure to make suggestions on how I could seek reimbursement on recent inheritance I had received and deposited to community bank account just 3 weeks before retaining him) that surprised other attorney’s after-the fact, but these issues have since become non-issues/not worthy of fighting further. Bottom-line: At this point, Steven receives an ‘F’ from me for failure to properly address my needs. It appears that Steven just wanted to collect a paycheck in my initial divorce, as he didn’t suggest edits to opposing counsel nor to me. Since then, and after an initial negative review was posted, he has ‘offered’ to ‘brainstorm’ on how to resolve, but not actually offer any way to ‘correct things’. Again, judge indicated there’s nothing he could do, same with attorneys that came after Steven. There are other attorneys that will be more detail-oriented in their representation of you. Beware, as a poor divorce decree entered with the court by poor representation will come back to haunt you. It’s like gospel…once entered and on record with court, you’re damned to try to challenge it. Choose wisely upfront. Accordingly, I cannot recommend the services of Steven DeWitt. I rate him an ‘F’ for ‘FAILURE’.
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27 Jul, 2023 by Winona hunter
such a bad attorney that it would be laughable if not for the matter of the fate of actual human lives being in her hands.......
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28 Jan, 2023 by Julie b
Horrible defense attorney! Should be dis-barred! She is a horrible representative for Asian lawyers
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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.
