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14 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
Failed to respond in a timely manner. Showed very little or no conviction. Had to remind her what this case was about several times. She was unable to provide any legal argument. Worst legal representation possible. Wasted thousands of dollars.
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08 Feb, 2016 by Angela
I've used Julie for several years now and am very pleased with the service she's provided for me in my very challenging post-divorce cases. Having a difficult ex-spouse isn't easy, but Julie handles it very well. She is brutally honest with me and I appreciate that about her. She's friendly, knowledgeable, witty, aggressive, and trustworthy (I know that's not usually a word we associate with attorneys). I really feel like I am in good hands, and that takes away some of the stress and anxiety of being in these circumstances.
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03 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Julie was amazing throughout the whole divorce process. She made every step of the way smooth by explaining what would happen next. She is prompt at returning emails and phone calls. Julie does her research and keeps up with current laws and cases. Julie is always open to ideas and work through issues. She is willing to hear her clients out and work with their ideas. Having children involved, she knows the law and works for the best interest of the children. Even since my divorce was finalized, I have been able to contact her with questions and concerns about my case. I would highly recommend her!
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19 Sep, 2024 by Maggie b.
I have never had to hire a lawyer in my adult life. When I needed to find a lawyer within 72 hours I panicked and didn’t know what to do. I went on google and typed in best lawyers practicing family law near me. Larry among six or seven other lawyers came up. Believe it or not the reason I picked Larry is because he was the only one willing to talk to me without an appointment. I didn’t understand why a lawyer wouldn’t want a quick rundown of what you are looking for. It takes two minutes to listen and see if you are interested in representing me. Then I would make an appointment, come in, and go from there. Fortunately Larry had the same thought pattern as me and willingly spoke to me for about ten minutes. We made an appointment for the next day. I was in a very bad time bind. I had less than a week to try and win full custody of my niece. My brother passed away about 14 years ago when she was six years old of a brain aneurysm. I found out she was in a terrible situation. I’m not gonna go into details. She had to be removed from her bio mother‘s house immediately. Larry went above and beyond putting in emergency orders, asking for emergency court dates, hearings, motions, ect. He also went above and beyond doing things he wasn’t paid to do. He was on the phone with the Munster Indiana school system on a daily basis for about a week helping me get my niece registered. I cannot get her Registered without proof that I was her legal guardian. She had already missed two weeks of school while I was waiting for the judge and courts to go through the process. In the meantime Larry or his amazing secretary Stacy B. was either calling and talking to someone at the Munster high school, emailing, writing letters, verifying information, etc. They had to work miracles and jump through hoops for me to get my now adopted daughter registered in school. (Not that this is relevant to my review but trying to register a child in the Munster school system is ridiculous if the child isn’t your bio child. I had my niece living with me for years and had all the proof in the world. Since I was not her legal guardian Munster high school would not let me register her in school, even with bio mom’s permission! Even after Larry contacted them via email,phone,and chain mail, telling them/showing them proof I had a court date for guardianship and I was her legal caretaker and they still wouldn’t let me register her!) Larry got very upset at this point and filed for an emergency hearing and luckily we got it! A week later she was in school. I have already rambled a lot so I will wrap this up. Larry was very kind, considerate and caring. He went above and beyond what he was supposed to do, he made me feel very comfortable and answered all my questions. he promised he would get this done in a very short amount of time and from the first conversation until the judge granted me full guardianship it took less than two weeks. His prices are very reasonable. I can’t remember exactly how much I paid it was over $900 but under 1500for sure. I just want to add a year and a day from me receiving guardianship I legally adopted my niece and became a mother for the very first time. I still don’t feel comfortable saying that I’m a mom, but I love it until now. I had no children by choice. Thank you, Larry.
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12 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Very bad divorce and child support lawyer don't use never did what he was supposed to do never helped with divorce or child support he was supposed to stay with getting support staying at $75 a month but they reduced the rate to $50 a month on a single mother with 2 kids and didn't put up a fight very bad lawyer I definitely wouldn't use him just looking for $$$$$ and no help this is why this country is going down the tube its not about helping people that need it but screw people that need help
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05 Aug, 2021 by Susan
If you’re looking for a compassionate, helpful attorney- run the other way. Once I was 3 minutes late for a scheduled call and he refused to take my call. Prior to a court hearing (which I flew into Indiana to attend) he couldn’t meet to prep. Okay, I understand overlapping obligations could make meeting difficult but when I suggested a 15minute phone call instead, he oblected. The final straw came when toward the end of my divorce I owed him$500 and even after I give him thousands and had a pending settlement he refused to take any of my phone calls.
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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.
