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25 Oct, 2022 by Maria c. lumsden
Kind, Honest, Just what I needed at that time in my life. She's strong and fair with both sides. Thank you Mrs Dede A. Still grateful to her for her hard work.
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03 May, 2017 by Anamarie&ong
Dede is genuinely an amazing person as well as attorney. She has an awesome personality and truly makes you feel comfortable. She is extremely knowledgeable and is always quick on her toes. She always knew the right things to say and is phenomenal in court. We couldn't have had a better attorney defending us. She was able to do more for us than we had hoped for when starting the journey. She has also worked with us in all ways possible. We are very thankful that she found us, and was willing to help us. More than anything we are thankful for the friend she has been to us, and not made us feel like we were just another set of clients, and more like family. You will be pleased with her work. Thank you Dede for all you have done for our family. You are a blessing!
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26 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Dede was fantastic at guiding me through my custody and child support modification. She is knowledgeable and professional. She was affordable and compassionate. I would recommend her to anyone and everyone I know. Thank you Dede!
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14 Oct, 2022 by Timothy rosas
I hired Amy Lopez for a Divorce, Child Custody and Ex Parte Orders. I needed a Temporary emergency (ex parte) order because my ex-wife was unstable and on drugs and left in the middle of the night with my two daughters to a different County 5 hours away. Amy Lopez immediately filed an ex parte order to the Court to get my daughters back and I received a hearing date within days. I went to my Court Hearing for the ex parte and Amy Lopez addressed the issue with a Firm Professionalism that moved the Court to get me FULL SOLE CUSTODY of my Daughters! There is no other Lawyer in the County that’s going to get your ex parte granted by a Judge. Her Court Room skills, knowledge and experience with the ex parte is the best you’ll ever find. She knows exactly what needs to be done in order for you to win in Court. My daughters mean everything to me, now I have sole custody of them, and Amy Lopez made that happen!
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17 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
Amy is the one you want on your side! She is a great lawyer, she’s passionate about her job, great communication skills and is a good listener. Can’t express enough how compassionate she was with my case. She was never too busy for me, met with me immediately, not once did she make me feel rushed and always answered my questions. She’s worth every penny, especially when she made the petitioner and witness hesitate on their statements!
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29 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Amy Lopez is the best family law lawyer I could of ever asked !!!! Ms.Lopez did my case pro bono she fought hard in court and I got custody
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26 Nov, 2023 by Thomas
I started without a lawyer and then decided I needed help. Spoke with a friend of mine who also used Mary Moshrefi. I contacted Mary and spoke to her about my case. She was prepared each time we went to court and was very helpful.
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16 Aug, 2023 by Frank
Mary is very organized and truly cares about not only helping her clients but doing the right thing for children involved. I had over four years of mostly child custody and she did her best and ultimately helped me to reconnect with my son. That means the world to me.
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05 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired Mary as my attorney to help me through my divorce. She did a GREAT job! I wanted someone who was easy to work with, understanding, patient, fair, and competent, and she definitely met my expectations. I would definitely recommend using Mary if you need help with a divorce.
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30 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Rodney is a powerhouse of kindness and intelligence, he has been a positive mentor and has guided me through the confusing court system. He has helped me with complicated family law and business matters and his advice is priceless. Rodney es una fuente inagotable de bondad e inteligencia, ha sido un mentor positivo y me ha guiado a través del confuso sistema judicial. Me ha ayudado con asuntos complicados de derecho de familia y negocios, y sus consejos no tienen precio.
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20 Mar, 2014 by Kristine
I have ben working with Rodney since just about April 2012, on multiple issue's with my family law case. He has led me in all circumstances that I have needed his advice or when in court. I have recommended Rodney multiple times and still would to this day.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Run! Don’t walk! Run! You want a lawyer that does bare minimum hire Laura Boyd. You’ve ever wanted to get ignored for more than 6 months at a time hire Laura Boyd. You want to to be uninformed of your future court dates hire Laura Boyd. Have you ever just felt like having a lawyer miss submitting paperwork and delaying your case hire Laura Boyd! If you want to be told by her paralegal “I don’t know anything about your case and I can’t help you because I’m leaving in 2 weeks” hire Laura Boyd! If you ever needed a copy of a document, that she has, and never want to receive it hire Laura Boyd! I don’t know who’s harder to find a deadbeat baby daddy or Laura Boyd!
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13 Aug, 2024 by Andrea
I hired her on May 30th, she kept my paperwork for 14 days without filing any to the courts. She refuses to return calls and texts. She said she would refund me my $3,500 retainer but as of today she hasn’t. Definitely getting the State Bar Association involved and encourage any one else whom she has defrauded to contact the Bar Association and report her.
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05 May, 2024 by Stew pidassal
Actually cares about his clients, a lawyer who is not sleezy nor corrupt. Not afraid to stick it to the man when he steps outta line and violates rights. FTP
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09 Aug, 2024 by Ray watch4me
I was married for 20 years and live together 15 years the total of 35 years.. We Got to the end where we needed to go our separable ways so I needed to get attorney. After doing my research for a couple days I found Paul. It was the best move I ever did if you need a good attorney that will watch your back all the time he's the one. Thanks again Paul keep up the good work
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09 Aug, 2024 by Katrina nolletti
I highly recommend Lerandeau & Lerandeau! Lacey Sanchez and her team were so patient throughout negotiations with my ex and her lawyer (took 1.5 years to settle) gave excellent advice, and even continued to take my calls and emails while I still paid alimony over the past over the past five years even after official representation ended. I remember Paul telling me when I first went to them patience wins the race, and it did. I will forever be grateful to this team!
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04 Jun, 2024 by Tanya light
I highly recommend LERANDEAU & LERANDEAU. My son was going through a very nasty divorce and our attorney Lacey Sanchez was awesome getting us thru the legal obstacles. I don't know what we would have done without her. She and her team were very responsive to our questions and concerns. All their responses were professional and we never felt like a question or concern was to small or silly to be answered. The office staff are very friendly and helpful at all times.
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06 May, 2024 by Douglas
Run don’t walk from the worst attorney here in the valley! Rick Has a disconnection from his clients that is absolutely unreal! Considering you’re going through, probably the worst period of your life and the most vulnerable. Rick will not only not hear you out, but if you have insane evidence like I did he won’t show it in court and blame it on you. Example, I had video proof of abuse on my own children and written proof but yet it wasn’t ever shown in court to the judge. I could give tons of examples just about Rick, but this would become a novel not a review. But also The staff is absolutely horrible, rude, could care less and give you extreme attitude when you’re at the most vulnerable time dealing with your children. I usually don’t write reviews, but if I could save one parent from the absolute nightmare I went through with this law firm it was worth it. Also, he wanted to charge me more than $10,000 for absolutely nothing and still wanted to charge me more to present the same evidence I showed him when I first looked him up. This law firm will just drain you for all your money without any outcome. Literally at the end of the case I was exactly where I started, and I could’ve done on my own probably better ! His secretary is probably the rudest woman I’ve ever known, and what you get for over $10,000 is speaking with Rick a few times at Tops and you have to fight just to speak to your own attorney for that much money so you’re mostly speaking with his secretary thats insanely rude during the whole time. so you’re pretty much paying $10,000+ for a paralegal. I was hoping to find an attorney with good ethics and that cared for father‘s rights, and I got the complete opposite and also found out at the end of my trial that Rick and the other attorney of the mother that was abusing my children with the stepfather that actually hit my children Was going on vacation with each other. So not only did I get screwed but come to find out during the whole time both attorneys knew each other on a personal basis, the other attorney was Arnold also here in Fresno. I hope he goes out of business or retires because he obviously doesn’t care about his clients anymore. so once again don’t walk away from this attorney run! I would give my life in a heartbeat to choose another attorney and do the fight all over again to get my kids back. I hope this saves and helps some parent looking for justice for their children. if you ever watch the movie “law, Biden Citizen”, and the first part where the person that’s supposed to be defending, you shakes the hand of the person taking away your children that sums up Rick Banks! And if you’re a father and live in California, everything weighs against you, he will not fight for you. He’ll take a vacation with the person taking away your children. Funny part and the only funny part is we had a different Attorney with my stepdaughter, and we almost got full custody plus we could’ve had her full-term but we decided it’s our child’s decision not to have her father and her life when she gets older. Because we believe every child has the right to decide if they don’t want that person in their life. plus I have a son that we have 100% of the time.but yet with my two oldest daughters, the dirtbag couldn’t show the video that showed my children getting abused in court because that would cost another probably 10 grand. to sum it up if you want father right in California do not go to Rick Banks.
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09 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
To qualify myself as a consumer of legal services: I've worked with four family attorneys in two California counties, so my opinion is somewhat comparative. My experience with Rick Banks' Law Office was very good. He was the same attorney in the courtroom as he was in the office--consistent, knowledgeable and reliable. His staff members were as savvy and honest as he was. Regarding value, the service was on par with the rates, so I feel my money was well spent.
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03 Sep, 2021 by Gina
Biased attorney 100%! Be careful and make sure he agrees with what you're asking for or he won't fight for you in the court room. He will just sit there and say absolutely nothing and let you get destroyed by the other parties attorney like he did to myself! He was a waste of time and a waste of money! I would never recommend this man to anybody!
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18 Jul, 2024 by John maxey
I found her office on Google and I was extremely unhappy with the services provided, or lack thereof along with the unprofessionalism of her office and staff.
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15 Nov, 2023 by Becky mattson
This woman has taken thousands of dollars frome me. She closed her practice in March of this year and every month has continued to charge me. I've tried contacting her though all of my resources and even filed fraudulent chrges with my bank. DO NOT USE THIS LAWYER. SHE IS A CHEAT
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17 Aug, 2022 by Catrina bracken
SAVE YOUR MONEY !!! This attorney did the bare minimum for me in my case of 2 years and the job is still not done. Made claims the judge had an emergency so let's extend your case out a YEAR !!! She was very unprofessional, always sent her paralegal to do the dirty work rather than contact me herself. I know karma will come and it's not for me...glad to be done with her and her office.
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12 Nov, 2023 by Armano cruz
Came here for their services I retained them 3 times on the 3rd time was around covid I had like 1000 in credit with them when the case was closed and some how I owe them 400 still tried to contact them but couldn’t get passed the rude front desk and know they still trying to collect more money from me can’t trust them.
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13 Oct, 2023 by Jennifer castillo
Amazing people, efficient, professional and excellent customer service.
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25 Sep, 2023 by Nick bustamante
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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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