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19 Sep, 2024 by Christopher burke
Michael's thoughtful approach and dedication made me feel confident throughout the process. He gave me the kind of attention and expertise you would expect from a big firm, but with the personal touch and care of a local lawyer. Even after the case was done, he followed up to make sure I was taken care of. A relentless advocate with a heart—highly recommend!
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14 Nov, 2023 by William haggarty
Mr. Reinhart could not have saved me any way better than he did. -Absolute 100% great legal service in and out of the courtroom.
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13 Nov, 2023 by Michael wilson
Michael Reinhardt is a fantastic attorney to whom I will be forever grateful. He is friendly, caring, capable and experienced. I messed up badly several year’s ago and was caught red-handed, in the act. I was arrested, jailed, and charged with a felony criminal offense that carried a mandatory minimum sentence of eighteen months imprisonment. The outcome - guilty - seemed inevitable, and I dreaded the consequences. Michael Reinhardt represented me during the many court appearances I had to make. He explained the various stages of the judicial proceedings, and contacted me regularly to discuss progress and the strategy he was following to best defend me. Remarkably, after much consultation and discussions, Michael managed to have the charges against me dropped altogether - to my immense relief of not just me, but my entire family, all of whom had been living under a cloud of anxiety. I cannot thank Michael enough for literally giving me back my life. I’ve changed a lot since then and intend to stay far away from trouble in the future. Although I hope not to need Michael’s help in the same way again, I know who to call if ever I do!
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05 Jul, 2019 by Chandler
I had such a great experience working with Karen on my recent divorce. She is incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and a very pleasant person to work with. She helped me draft all of my paperwork, prepared me for all possibilities, and advised me on every step of the divorce process. Everything went incredibly smoothly in the end, and this was all thanks to Karen.
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10 Oct, 2018 by Peter
I hired Karen to handle my divorce. A divorce, in and of itself, can be a very trying experience. It is a lengthy, time consuming process, with several emotional highs and lows. It requires a good line of communication, which Karen provides, to allow for the appropriate strategic approach to each of the the significant number issues that arise. I found her to also have a balanced awareness to the cost benefit of those approaches. I never felt rushed, however, I never felt there was any time being wasted. I am very satisfied that I hired Karen and would highly recommend her.
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06 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
Karen helped me manage and stay on track with my divorce. She is knowledgeable with various aspects of asset division that involves stock options, buyout of marital property, health insurance, IRA, etc. Without Karen, I could have easily lost out in this process. She is caring and sensible with the emotional ups and downs of a divorce--probably due to her background in clinical psychology--which helped me stay cool and focus on the tasks at hand, which was to get the divorce finalized as quickly and as fairly as possible. There were times that Karen would work after hours and over the weekend when there were urgent documents to review and edit, not because I gave her the pressure, but because she recognized that we had momentum and cooperation from the other side and should just get it done and over with. She paid great attention to details with documents, with careful edits that helped protect my interests in all aspects. I would highly recommend Karen for her excellent experience, knowledge and professionalism!
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21 Mar, 2019 by Tess
Attorney Rubino is a highly skilled and experienced attorney with a great deal of insight, compasssion and intelligence. Every interaction is positive, encouraging, realistic and thorough. Attorney Rubino is an exceptional listener and will find ways to express your needs and opinions to the court with power and conviction. In my case she left no stone unturned, supported me throughout the entire process, was respectful and vigilant of cost and argued in the most impressive manner. This is most likely the highest recommendation I have ever written and I stand by it, an exceptional attourney.
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17 Sep, 2018 by Annemarie
Ms. Rubino is exceptionally knowable, dedicated and honorable attorney. She is self motivated and a tireless advocate for her clients. She is compassionate as she is intelligent. She cultivates and deserves her clients trust. Highly, highly recommended. Her services were irreplaceable for me and my family on our case.
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20 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Lauren has been a superb combination of an excellent lawyer and advocate for my best interests, and a caring human being. I had very specific and personal ways in which I wished to handle my divorce. Lauren was scrupulous about identifying the pros and cons of my preferences, as well as in implementing my decisions. She was a great communicator too, making sure she completely understood me before every action. She kept the process moving despite an often-unresponsive opposing counsel. I am delighted with the settlement we worked out, and will continue to retain her for other matters.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Christopher burke
Michael's thoughtful approach and dedication made me feel confident throughout the process. He gave me the kind of attention and expertise you would expect from a big firm, but with the personal touch and care of a local lawyer. Even after the case was done, he followed up to make sure I was taken care of. A relentless advocate with a heart—highly recommend!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
14 Nov, 2023 by William haggarty
Mr. Reinhart could not have saved me any way better than he did. -Absolute 100% great legal service in and out of the courtroom.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
13 Nov, 2023 by Michael wilson
Michael Reinhardt is a fantastic attorney to whom I will be forever grateful. He is friendly, caring, capable and experienced. I messed up badly several year’s ago and was caught red-handed, in the act. I was arrested, jailed, and charged with a felony criminal offense that carried a mandatory minimum sentence of eighteen months imprisonment. The outcome - guilty - seemed inevitable, and I dreaded the consequences. Michael Reinhardt represented me during the many court appearances I had to make. He explained the various stages of the judicial proceedings, and contacted me regularly to discuss progress and the strategy he was following to best defend me. Remarkably, after much consultation and discussions, Michael managed to have the charges against me dropped altogether - to my immense relief of not just me, but my entire family, all of whom had been living under a cloud of anxiety. I cannot thank Michael enough for literally giving me back my life. I’ve changed a lot since then and intend to stay far away from trouble in the future. Although I hope not to need Michael’s help in the same way again, I know who to call if ever I do!
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What a Child Support Lawyer Can Do for You

A child support lawyer specializes in legal issues related to the financial support that one parent provides to another for the upbringing of their children. These lawyers assist with establishing, enforcing, and modifying child support orders, ensuring that the financial needs of the child are met, including housing, food, healthcare, education, and other essentials. A child support lawyer can also represent parents in disputes over the amount of support, ensure fair calculations based on income, and handle legal proceedings if one parent fails to meet their obligations.

Whether you're seeking to establish child support, modify an existing order, or enforce payments, a child support lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights and the well-being of your child.

When Should I Hire a Child Support Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a child support lawyer when you need assistance with any of the following child support matters:

  • Establishing child support: If you are going through a divorce or separation and need to establish a child support order, a lawyer can help ensure that the support amount is fair and accurately calculated.
  • Modifying child support orders: If there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a job loss, income change, or a child's financial needs, a lawyer can help you request a modification to the existing child support order.
  • Enforcing child support payments: If the other parent has failed to make court-ordered child support payments, a lawyer can help enforce the order through legal means such as wage garnishment, property liens, or even legal action.
  • Disputing child support calculations: If you believe the child support amount has been incorrectly calculated based on your income or expenses, a lawyer can help you challenge the calculation and seek a fair adjustment.
  • Paternity disputes: If paternity needs to be established before child support can be ordered, a lawyer can assist with DNA testing and legal proceedings.
  • Interstate child support cases: If the parents live in different states, navigating child support laws can be complex. A lawyer can help ensure the proper jurisdiction is established and that child support is enforced across state lines.
  • Child support during custody disputes: If child custody and child support are being determined simultaneously, a lawyer can help ensure that both issues are resolved fairly and in the best interest of the child.

Hiring a lawyer early can help ensure that your child support case is handled effectively and that your child's financial needs are met.

What Does a Child Support Lawyer Do?

A child support lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help parents secure, modify, and enforce child support arrangements. Their responsibilities often include:

  • Filing for child support: A lawyer can help you initiate the legal process to obtain a child support order, ensuring that all necessary documentation is submitted and deadlines are met.
  • Calculating child support: A lawyer can help ensure that child support is calculated fairly based on both parents' incomes, the needs of the child, and other factors such as healthcare and education costs.
  • Negotiating child support agreements: If both parents are willing to negotiate, a lawyer can help facilitate an agreement on child support outside of court, which can then be approved by a judge.
  • Representing you in court: If negotiations fail or the other parent contests the child support amount, a lawyer will represent you in family court, presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
  • Modifying support orders: A lawyer can help you file a request for modification if circumstances change, such as a loss of income or an increase in the child’s financial needs.
  • Enforcing child support: If the other parent is not making court-ordered payments, a lawyer can take legal steps to enforce the order through wage garnishment, property liens, or other measures.
  • Handling complex cases: In cases involving high incomes, self-employment, or complicated financial situations, a lawyer can help ensure that all relevant factors are considered in determining child support.

How Are Child Support Lawyers Paid?

Child support lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work required. Common payment methods include:

  • Hourly rate: Most child support lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location. The total cost will depend on how much time the lawyer spends on your case, including preparation, negotiations, and court appearances.
  • Flat fee: For more straightforward cases, such as uncontested child support agreements or basic modifications, some lawyers may offer a flat fee that covers all services related to the case.
  • Retainer: Many lawyers require a retainer, which is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on your case. The amount of the retainer depends on the expected complexity of the case.
  • Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some lawyers offer sliding scale fees based on income or provide pro bono (free) services in cases where clients cannot afford to pay full legal fees, especially when children’s needs are at stake.

It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how much you will be charged and what services are covered.

How Much Does a Child Support Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a child support lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, whether it's contested or uncontested, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:

  • Uncontested child support cases: Legal fees may range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the paperwork and the lawyer’s fees.
  • Contested child support cases: Legal fees can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, especially if the case involves significant court time.
  • Hourly rates: Lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour for child support cases, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or cases that involve complex financial issues.
  • Modification or enforcement: Fees for modifying or enforcing a child support order may range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity and the need for court intervention.

Always ask for a detailed cost estimate during your consultation so you can plan your budget accordingly.

Top Questions to Ask a Child Support Lawyer

Before hiring a child support lawyer, it’s important to ask questions to ensure they are the right fit for your case. Key questions to ask include:

  1. What experience do you have with child support cases?
    Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it’s establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support orders.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, offers flat fees, or requires a retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost.
  3. What is the likelihood of success in my case?
    Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case and any potential challenges you may face.
  4. How long will the process take?
    Child support cases can take time, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to last and what factors may cause delays.
  5. Will you personally handle my case?
    In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of the case. Make sure you know who will be managing your case and representing you in court.
  6. What documents should I prepare?
    Ask the lawyer what financial documents and other information you should bring to help them calculate child support and build your case.

How to Check the Credibility of a Child Support Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable child support lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:

  • Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary actions.
  • Look for family law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in family law and have successfully handled child support cases similar to yours.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on child support matters.
  • Check for certifications: Some lawyers may have certifications in family law or membership in organizations like the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), which can indicate their expertise in child support and family law issues.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most out of your first consultation with a child support lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Income documents: Bring pay stubs, tax returns, W-2s, or any other documentation of your income and the other parent’s income, as this will be used to calculate child support.
  • Existing child support orders: If there are any existing child support or custody orders, bring copies for the lawyer to review.
  • Child-related expenses: Provide documentation of your child’s medical bills, education expenses, daycare costs, and any other expenses that should be factored into the child support calculation.
  • Communication with the other parent: Bring any communication between you and the other parent regarding child support, whether through emails, text messages, or written agreements.
  • List of questions: Prepare a list of questions about your case, the legal process, and the lawyer’s fees.

By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your case more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice on how to proceed.

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