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16 Jul, 2024 by Kim delarosa
My experience with Harker Attorneys was really awesome. I was always able to communicate with them when needed. They kept me updated at all times. Everyone I dealt with were always very kind and caring. I highly recommend their Law firm. I was very happy with their experience and supportive services. Thank you Harker Attorneys at Law.
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01 Jul, 2024 by Ilona kerr
I highly recommend Harker Injury to anyone experiencing a personal injury. Bronson and his staff are straightforward, diligent, pleasant, honest, and reliable. They made the process of obtaining treatment for mine and my minor daughter’s injuries seamless. One of the things that stands out the most in Harker is that they truly equip clients with tools necessary to make educated case and care decisions. Alba, Erica, and the team are highly competent and skilled negotiators who understand the ins and outs of working with insurance. Working with them has allowed me to focus on healing from the injuries to the extent possible, while the team took care of dealing with insurance. Having been injured in an accident is unfortunate, but having the right people by your side to help obtain treatment and compensation you're entitled to is pivotal. Again, I could not recommend this team enough. Kindly, Ilona
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20 Jun, 2024 by P paz
Great team! Everyone is willing to go the extra mile!
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07 Feb, 2023 by Estefania
I have to say that my experience with Dahan was GREAT from start to finish, she was very informative, walked me through all of the steps in my divorce case, made recommendations on what would and would not be the best moves to make in my particular situation. Definitely is passionate about what she does and makes sure her clients are well taken care of. I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer to help me through such a hard time. Everything went so smoothly and she was 100% honest with me every step of the way! Love love love! 10/10!
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12 Aug, 2024 by Jessica dehart
I cannot recommend Heidi and her office enough! They were so helpful, knowledgeable, quick to respond, patient, kind and really enabled me have a smooth divorce process. The pricing is very fair, and they do not over charge you in any way, in fact they try to help you save money when possible during the process. Very grateful for Heidi and team!
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31 Jul, 2024 by Jamie kahn
I’ve been going to Peter for my tax’s for many years. He is very knowledgable and professional along with all of his associates. Everyone in his office is very patient and helpful. I feel very confident I’m in good hands with all of my accounting needs. I will continue to recommend my family and friends!
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26 Jun, 2024 by Nick lopez
I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional legal guidance and support provided by Heidi D. Collier, CLS-F. Facing a post-divorce issue was incredibly daunting, but from our very first consultation, Heidi demonstrated a deep understanding of my situation and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. Heidi not only possesses a remarkable expertise in family law but also has a rare ability to empathize with clients. She listened attentively to my concerns, patiently answered all my questions, and explained complex legal jargon in a way that was easy to understand. This level of communication was invaluable and helped alleviate much of the stress I was feeling. She far exceeded my expectations! Beyond her legal prowess, what truly sets Heidi apart is her genuine care for her clients' well-being. She treated me with respect and compassion, making me feel supported during a challenging time in my life. Thanks to Heidi, I can now confidently move forward knowing that my unique situation has a path forward to resolution. I wholeheartedly recommend Heidi to anyone seeking a family law attorney who not only delivers outstanding results but also prioritizes the needs of their clients. She is a true advocate and an asset to the legal profession.
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06 Jan, 2016 by Pedro j lopez jr
She was very informative and gave respect to me,my situation and the other party. I've never really dealt with the legal system so it's nice to know there are REAL people in the "system".
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29 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Mrs. Mendez helped our family obtain full custody and finalize our step-parent adoption. Mrs. Mendez was there for us every step of the way. Mrs. Mendez took the case when my daughter was born, helped me obtain DNA, visiting rights, we build a case against my ex and with time we were able to obtain full custody, terminate her rights, and finalize the step-parent adoption. Mrs. Mendez is straight forward and was always present at every court hearing. Mrs. Mendez kept us informed through the whole process by phone calls, meetings, emails, and was able to answer all of our questions. We will continue to use Mrs. Mendez services in case we have any issues in the future.
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13 Aug, 2013 by Pat
I was caught totally by surprise with my divorce. I met Mrs. Mendez on recommendation from another attorney's secretary & I wondered why! I soon found out why she was so highly recommended to me. My ex was financially backed by her wealthy family and there high priced attorney. Mrs. Mendez immediately secured my rights and put my divorce on a level playing field. Mrs. Mendez has her own office which I appreciated because she gives full attention to her cases, not other attorney's cases as was the situation I had to deal with at another firm! Mrs. Mendez litigated a fair settlement for me in the divorce. She fought hard to make sure that I was awarded almost 50% custody of my 2 children and she went back to court for me to have my child support reduced to a very reasonable amount! If anything ever occurs with my ex in the future, I'm going right back to Mrs. Mendez.
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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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