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4.9
46 Reviews
03 Sep, 2024 by Perry power
I found myself needing a divorce lawyer after being served separation paperwork from my spouse. Shelly and her team were able to do an initial consultation within a day, and truly took the time to understand the complex issues surrounding my case. Shelly and her team have worked TIRELESSLY through this entire process to ensure that my rights as a father were preserved and protected. I truly owe this law firm my everything, as they have advocated for me and my children as if we were family. Being a father in divorce court is no longer the doom sentence that it once was, and the entire team did everything within their power to make sure my rights were protected. Ultimately, the final outcome of my case exceeded my expectations. I attended countless mediation sessions, hearings, and ultimately a custody trial. Shelly and Jessica both were very effective at communicating and guiding me through this entire process, and I am so grateful to have them by my side for every step of the way. Divorce truly brings out the worst in people, and having absolute faith in your legal team is a must. Shelly and her team delivered time and time again. The only reason I gave 5 stars is because there isn’t 6. Thank you!!
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30 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
One believes they will be married forever and then after several decades, circumstances can change leading to the end of ‘forever’. In the beginning, my husband and I agreed we would do a quick online divorce without lawyers so we created our own separation agreement. I started to feel uneasy when his amicable behavior changed, he stopped communicating and began wavering on our agreement. I soon realized that I needed legal representation to protect my interests. None of my friends had legal recommendations so I did an internet search.
I came upon the website for the Law Office of Shelly M. Ingram and started researching the firm. I was impressed immediately with the backgrounds of all the associates and reviews were spectacular. I was equally impressed when I made my initial inquiry with the Legal Assistant, Laurie Danko. She made the intake process over telephone and email seamless and had quick response time to all my inquiries. Jessica Gillespie, Associate Lawyer was assigned my case. I had never needed a lawyer before so I was really nervous and intimidated prior to our meeting. The law office is in a secured set of rooms in a professional building, giving me sense of safety. The conference room was designed with chic and beautiful features, yet it was warm and inviting. I was put at ease immediately when Jessica arrived. She was down to earth, approachable, and most importantly to me - empathetic. I had no reservations about hiring this firm.
My initial separation agreement needed to be revised in a few areas to protect my interests. I had very specific concerns about the wording of this document to ensure that my husband would not find a legal loop hole that would enable him to stop his financial obligations for me in the future. Jessica recommended a specialty law firm that could work in concert with her firm to address these specific items. Revising the agreement was a collaborative process that took a few weeks, which was important for me. She alleviated all my concerns, which made me feel that I was in control throughout this process. When we had our settlement conference at the Court house, Jessica negotiated a settlement that was very agreeable to my husband and me. Thankfully, everything was quite amicable, so much so that both our attorneys commented that they had never had a divorcing couple who were so friendly and agreeable to one another.
Ms. Gillespie has a busy caseload, yet she made me feel like I was her only client. She kept me apprised of everything that was happening with my husband’s attorney, the specialty law firm and all aspects with the Court process. I was concerned about this being a financial hardship, but she was very upfront and realistic about my retainer and expected legal fees. My divorce is now final and my concerns about my ex’s financial obligations were resolved as of this week. I even have a balance of my retainer that is being returned!
Nobody gets married with the intention of getting divorced. This process could have left me feeling defeated, however, I feel validated and empowered. I am so glad I decided to seek out legal advice. Hiring the Law Office of Shelly M. Ingram was the best decision I could have made.
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03 Apr, 2024 by X li
01 Jul, 2020 by Jeanne gutierrez
I selected Emily Russell of McCabe Russell, P.A. for legal representation in a divorce case and a civil case as the Plaintiff and it morphed into an unfounded restraining order case and an unfounded criminal case with me as the defendant. Emily has the knowledge and experience in dealing with high conflict / challenging family law cases (narcissists) and her calm, professional demeanor and thorough preparation was successful in winning all the cases in my favor.
With the stress of four cases happening concurrently, having Emily, Associate Attorney Jennifer Bradbury and their supporting staff’s personal attention to the details of each case was a huge relief to me. They were patient, responded promptly and dedicated to getting the truth known to the judge in each case. They made a difficult time easier.
McCabe Russell, P.A. is a highly organized law firm. Their webpage is state of the art, allowing payments to be made and documents to be uploaded securely.
I would highly recommend Emily Russell and Jennifer Bradbury of McCabe Russell, P.A.
-Jeanne Gutierrez
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13 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
Custody modification is often even more challenging than an initial custody proceeding. The "material change" and "best interest" standards are rather subjective and a judge is not inclined to change a custody agreement without overwhelming evidence that it would improve the child's situation.
Despite the inherent difficulty, Ms. Russell achieved the exact result we set out to achieve in my custody modification case. She is an incredible strategist and litigator with a total command of MD custody law. Every part of the plan was well-considered and well-executed.
I would highly recommend Emily for any family law matter. I would also recommend listening to her when she provides advice. Unlike some attorneys, she doesn't hedge on every recommendation to the point that you're making all the decisions without knowing the possibilities of how those decisions will turn out. She will provide sound advice taking into account the facts of the matter. Tell her the truth, take her advice, and let her do her job. She is equipped to attain the best possible outcome for you and your family.
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27 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
My very first impression of Emily was amazing. Friends of mine were having their first child and the hospital would not allow the non birth mother to access their newborn due to them being a same sex couple. Emily not only answered her phone right away, she drove to the hospital to make sure her clients were being taken care of!
Emily (and Heather) stepped in to handle was was quickly becoming a very emotional situation. Within moments the problem was solved and our friends had a smooth adoption afterwards.
I knew Emily was going to be my first call to handle dissolving a civil union (issued only in Vermont) that I had been a part of since 2001. Emily met with me to go over my options on what I was told by two other attorneys would be nearly impossible and very costly. My former partner and I were tethered to a civil union that states no longer recognized and they were obsolete as marriage equality was on the horizon. The unfortunate part was those living in civil unions who had separated, like myself were caught up in the red tape of the courts with many courts claiming no jurisdiction, yet this was still a legal binding that would had to be dissolved to get officially married.
From the start Emily said "we will get this done, and if we can't at first we will keep trying until we do". Emily went far above and beyond in my case. On the day before the trial, the courts were all of a sudden requesting my EX be present. She lives 1200 miles away. Emily called the court endlessly the entire day and after hours, she faxed forms to the judge and guided not only me but pointed my ex in the proper direction to make sure she would not be left in some sort of trouble with the courts. As my case was in front of the judge, i was worried! I felt the judge was tough on the cases before mine....Emily was right next to me and consistently told me "its ok". When it was time for my case, Emily was confident and calm in front of the judge. She had a quick response for every question and was prepared for what seemed like anything and everything. 10 minutes later, my civil union which had been in limbo for years, was dissolved! Emily Charged me a regular uncontested divorce rate. She responded to every call and email within hours. I still can't believe it and Emily and I stay in touch to this very day!
if you need an attorney, this is your answer. EMILY AND HEATHER. They are not just attorneys, they are real people who truly get it. You'll never feel intimidated or pressured, Emily made me feel like she was fighting for a personal friend the entire time.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Melissa anderson
Karen Amos has been representing me and my family for over a decade. She is hands down the best attorney in Howard County. I’ve also recommended her to friends and colleagues. She is professional, knowledgeable, compassionate, driven, and determined to achieve the best results for her clients as she’s done for me and anyone that I’ve recommended. Karen Amos will fight on behalf of her clients to ensure they achieve the results that they’re looking and are fulfilled. I highly recommend Karen Amos as an attorney.
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14 Oct, 2024 by Julixa haddon
I had a very disappointing experience with Karen Amos, who was appointed as the Best Interest Attorney (BIA) for my twins. It became evident that she unfairly favored one child over the other, often disregarding the feelings and well-being of the child who had done nothing wrong. Unfortunately, after only one conversation, one of my children no longer feels comfortable speaking with her, despite her insistence that the child must—this is not a requirement under Maryland law.
Additionally, I found her fixation on superficial aspects, such as repeatedly mentioning the kitchen backsplash during discussions, highly unprofessional and irrelevant to her role. In my opinion, Karen Amos does not maintain the impartiality expected of a BIA and seems to pick sides rather than advocate fairly for both children. Based on my experience, I do not believe she should be appointed to represent any child in the future.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Jeff
Lindsay was the perfect attorney for my case. Lindsay provided the guidance, empathy, education, and care necessary to help me through a very difficult time. Her poise, knowledge, and patience led me through a confusing legal landscape. Her professionalism and expertise was truly astounding. I cannot speak more highly of her. I would recommend Lindsay Stanton as the most well-rounded attorney I have ever had opportunity to represent me.
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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.
