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17 May, 2022 by Anonymous
This firm comes with a working knowledge of law experience. They work hard to prepare one with the best litigation to resolve family law issues. They are very personable and respectful of client needs at all times. In addition, to their dedication, they are a team of dedicated people from front desk to the attorneys. They all went above and beyond for me. Thank you!
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16 Sep, 2021 by John
John was able to provide excellent legal advise and application for me regarding a complex case that went off and on for nearly 5 years. An overall favorable result was achieved at a fair and anticipated price. I view John as more than an attorney but also a friend and close confidant.
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19 Nov, 2020 by Chris
Divorce is not an easy time in someone’s life. You need guidance and understanding. John was a guiding light for me. His knowledge is professional, his compassion is real and his foresight is like having a crystal ball. I highly recommend John!
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17 Jan, 2024 by Dave
Brian was able to me accommodate in a very timely manner! He gave excellent advice and cleared up ambiguities. It was quite evident that he knows North Carolina law thoroughly!
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06 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Attorney Brian Johnston and his team at Chapel Hill Family Law are top-notch! They have been incredibly professional, prompt in their communication and compassionate throughout my separation process. Brian walked me through each step of the separation/divorce process and was always available to answer my questions. His extensive knowledge and experience were invaluable in providing the guidance and recommendations I needed for my personal situation. I highly recommend Attorney Brian Johnston and Chapel Hill Family Law for any of your family law needs.
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11 Oct, 2023 by Zachary
I recently found myself facing the unexpected challenge of a divorce and had the privilege of working with Brian Johnston at Chapel Hill Family Law. This was uncharted territory for me, and I needed expert guidance to make sound decisions during this trying time.
From the very start, Brian demonstrated an extraordinary level of dedication and professionalism in handling my case. Given the unexpected nature of my divorce, I was seeking an attorney who could provide expert advice and navigate these unfamiliar waters.
The customer service provided by Brian and his team was exceptional. They were always accessible, promptly addressing my inquiries and concerns. Their clear communication and guidance helped me navigate the legal intricacies of my situation.
Brian's legal expertise was impressive. He displayed a deep understanding of family law and guided me through the process, ensuring I comprehended each step along the way. His professionalism and ethical conduct were evident throughout our interactions, instilling confidence, and trust.
I am extremely satisfied with the resolution and grateful for the hard work and dedication demonstrated by him and the entire team at Chapel Hill Family Law.
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11 Mar, 2020 by Kim lott
03 Jul, 2019 by Teresa
I fired Ms McKee yesterday after 6 months of waiting and requesting a meeting with her. I was patient as she was very busy but became upset with her when she had still not answered my questions asked in December of last year and several times after. She had nothing but excuses every time I spoke with her. The last time we talked she was going to finally review my file and then call me. When I arrived for our meeting she had still not looked at my file and that was the last straw. Then she tired to blame it on me! I was combative. Right. More abuse from my attorney to add to my ex and my family. Nice work McKee.
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29 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Upon initial consultation with Martha, I was encouraged to make an agreement with my spouse before leaving and initiating divorce. Martha was passionate for me and defended me well in my negotiations with opposing counsel. She was honest with her guidance and made my separation financially reasonable. I highly recommend Martha McKee for your prenups, separation and custodial agreements.
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19 Jul, 2024 by Robin martin
We have received services from Melissa and her team at Averett Family Law since 2021. They have been a god-send to our family. Melissa and her team are professional, patient, supportive and honest! My husband and I appreciate Melissa’s kindness and expertise! We highly recommend their services. You will not be disappointed!!! Thank you Averett Family Law! You have helped keep our family together and we are full of gratitude!
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29 Apr, 2024 by Jaclyn o'loughlin-rosa
I had the pleasure of working for the Melissa and her team for 2 years. Had I not moved out of NC I would still be working there. Melissa was an excellent boss and teacher. Though at the time i had over 12 years of experience, none of them were in family law. Her and the team took the time to teach me the ins and outs of family law. I moved knowing if I took another position in family law, I would have the knowledge to succeed. I will always appreciate my time with the Averett team!
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19 Apr, 2024 by Samantha christian
Great place to work and has dedicated attorneys!
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25 Jun, 2024 by Jessie mcleod
27 May, 2024 by Robin strickland
30 Mar, 2024 by Bethany fitzsimmons
First of all, I would like to make clear that we did not chose to work with Ms. Nance at Bagwell Holt Smith P.A. She was chosen by the buyers of our home in Durham, and we had no choice but to work with her.
Upon receipt of our estimated closing documents, we informed Ms. Nance that the payoff amount was incorrect (too high). When we pointed this out, we were met with the condescending reply that we simply did not understand how to read out mortgage documents. The next day, when we presented Ms. Nance with the correct payoff amount in the form of an email with a pdf from our lender attached, we were accused of "borderline harassment" for having pointed out her careless mistake. The closing documents were corrected.
Later, while we were signing closing documents, we were informed by our neighbor that there were people trespassing on our property. The timing of the trespassers seemed quite suspicious to us because the only people who knew we would not be at home were myself and my partner, our realtor, a mobile notary, and Ms. Nance's office. As we had not approved of anyone entering the property, and because we suspected that they may have been under the direction of Ms. Nance, we informed her that we were not aware of not did we approve any requests for people to come onto our property, especially as the Due Diligence period had closed. Her response was that it was the survey her office had ordered to be done during the Due Diligence period, which had been delayed, and said that he had no legal right to deny them. I am not an attorney, however I believe I would have been fully in my rights to have called the police on the trespassers onto our private property given the Due Diligence period had been closed and we were never notified that a survey was going to be done.
Our final grievance with Ms. Nance concerns her preparation of our tax documents. We first received one 1099-S form from Ms. Nance's office containing only the social security number (SSN) of my partner. As we are unmarried, we file our taxes singly and so I requested that we be sent two 1099-S forms, one for myself and one for my partner. Though we never consented to electronic documents, we were emailed pdfs of our 1099-S forms however this time Ms. Nance had switched our SSNs so that my SSN was on Jason's form and vice versa. Her response was she just put them in the order they were in on another form (and didn't bother to check that they were correct). I replied asking the corms to be corrected, again, and to be mailed. We then received copies of the 1099-S forms in the mail which had our incorrect SSNs. Upon notification, Ms. Nance re-sent the pdfs of the corrected 1099-S forms. I have once again requested hard copies be mailed as we never consented to electronic delivery of these documents.
While preparation of all these documents may be rote to Ms. Nance, they are extremely important to us and have significant impact on our finances. The carelessness employed by Ms. Nance throughout this process is extremely unprofessional. While everyone should be double and triple checking any document they sign, it is easy as a first time home seller to be overwhelmed with the sheer amount of paperwork that goes into selling a home. One should be able to trust that the parties preparing such important documents (and collecting payment accordingly) would have the ability to prepare them correctly and with care. I am glad that we reviewed everything carefully and am sorry for those who have unknowingly been victims of Ms. Nance's carelessness and unprofessionalism.
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25 Jun, 2024 by Jessie mcleod
27 May, 2024 by Robin strickland
30 Mar, 2024 by Bethany fitzsimmons
First of all, I would like to make clear that we did not chose to work with Ms. Nance at Bagwell Holt Smith P.A. She was chosen by the buyers of our home in Durham, and we had no choice but to work with her.
Upon receipt of our estimated closing documents, we informed Ms. Nance that the payoff amount was incorrect (too high). When we pointed this out, we were met with the condescending reply that we simply did not understand how to read out mortgage documents. The next day, when we presented Ms. Nance with the correct payoff amount in the form of an email with a pdf from our lender attached, we were accused of "borderline harassment" for having pointed out her careless mistake. The closing documents were corrected.
Later, while we were signing closing documents, we were informed by our neighbor that there were people trespassing on our property. The timing of the trespassers seemed quite suspicious to us because the only people who knew we would not be at home were myself and my partner, our realtor, a mobile notary, and Ms. Nance's office. As we had not approved of anyone entering the property, and because we suspected that they may have been under the direction of Ms. Nance, we informed her that we were not aware of not did we approve any requests for people to come onto our property, especially as the Due Diligence period had closed. Her response was that it was the survey her office had ordered to be done during the Due Diligence period, which had been delayed, and said that he had no legal right to deny them. I am not an attorney, however I believe I would have been fully in my rights to have called the police on the trespassers onto our private property given the Due Diligence period had been closed and we were never notified that a survey was going to be done.
Our final grievance with Ms. Nance concerns her preparation of our tax documents. We first received one 1099-S form from Ms. Nance's office containing only the social security number (SSN) of my partner. As we are unmarried, we file our taxes singly and so I requested that we be sent two 1099-S forms, one for myself and one for my partner. Though we never consented to electronic documents, we were emailed pdfs of our 1099-S forms however this time Ms. Nance had switched our SSNs so that my SSN was on Jason's form and vice versa. Her response was she just put them in the order they were in on another form (and didn't bother to check that they were correct). I replied asking the corms to be corrected, again, and to be mailed. We then received copies of the 1099-S forms in the mail which had our incorrect SSNs. Upon notification, Ms. Nance re-sent the pdfs of the corrected 1099-S forms. I have once again requested hard copies be mailed as we never consented to electronic delivery of these documents.
While preparation of all these documents may be rote to Ms. Nance, they are extremely important to us and have significant impact on our finances. The carelessness employed by Ms. Nance throughout this process is extremely unprofessional. While everyone should be double and triple checking any document they sign, it is easy as a first time home seller to be overwhelmed with the sheer amount of paperwork that goes into selling a home. One should be able to trust that the parties preparing such important documents (and collecting payment accordingly) would have the ability to prepare them correctly and with care. I am glad that we reviewed everything carefully and am sorry for those who have unknowingly been victims of Ms. Nance's carelessness and unprofessionalism.
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13 Sep, 2018 by Jenna
The first time I worked with Laura was on a prenup and gave substantial time yet I didn't get it until the NIGHT before my wedding after pushing to get it. I always got a voicemail and it was frustrating. That was 2.5 years ago. My husband had a revision done as we are closing on a house and I need her to go over it with me (shouldn't take more than thirty minutes). I have been trying to get someone in her office and have even emailed her, for a week now with absolutely no call back...none. I am going to need a copy of my prenup before I can attain another lawyer and I have no idea if anyone will ever call me back.
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31 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Incredibly hard to reach. Emailed and called for months with no response. I had to do all the work and she repeatedly dropped the ball, until finally I basically lost my case because of her. She never even sent a finalized document after the case was over, or a bill. I'm sad to write this, but I gave her MONTHS and months to make things right and never did.
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22 Feb, 2015 by Williamsfamily
I was referred through a DV agency. I was barely employed and afraid that I would lose my children. Laura at the time was near the end of her pregnancy so the Irwins worked on my case as a team. They I felt were very compassionate and professional. Because is was a smart thing for me to leave the marital home, I and my children were in a shelter program. Which helped me to stand on my own two feet financially. The Irwins billed me without complaints and never slacked because I could not pay at the time. I was so appreciative that I understated what I could pay one month so as to surprise them with a complete pay off that same month. I knew that they deserved every penny and more. It was the best investment I ever made. There were even returns on that investment as Laura gave me legal advice and guidance unsolicited. I was both humbled and empowered by the thought that she actually cared about me and my family. Something you do not always get from a lawyer. My family is now a success story to which I cast the Irwins in as a major part. Today I own my home, have one child in college, the other getting top grades in h.s. and I work with families in need hoping to make good on the Irwins investment in me. This firm helped me at a pivotal point in my life and were nothing but caring, professional, knowledgeable and kind. I will forever be thankful.
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FAQs
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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:
-
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.
