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25 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
I hired Oya almost 2 years ago after meeting with several other family law attorneys. Oya is great. She genuinely cared about the well being of my children and was very supportive. Despite, a very messy divorce and custody battle, we finally ended up winning the case. I would highly recommend Oya. She may be pricey but in this case, you get what you pay for
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06 May, 2013 by Anonymous
I would highly recommend Ms. Oner to anyone with family law issues. She took my case and was very understanding. Most importantly, she was my advocate in my highly stressful custody case--a very rare thing to find in most attorneys, who are sometimes critical of their clients.
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24 Jun, 2023 by Edgar
From the moment I stepped into Renehan Pearlstein office I was greeted by friendly staff who immediately made me feel welcomed and at ease during a really stressful time.
Mr. Pearslstein was warm and inviting and made me feel very comfortable from the start. Throughout the course of my case, Mrs. Renehan has continued to gain my confidence in her skills and I firmly believe that she cares about me and my needs.
I hired Brodsky Renehan Pearlstein for my divorce. They was very kind and helpful in making what could have been a very difficult and confusing situation into one that I felt in control of and confident in.
They have also kept the divorce moving forward despite opposing counsel’s sluggish progress.
They handled my case with the utmost professionalism. The staff was kind and attentive. Should I ever need a family law attorney again (cross my fingers I don't), I would certainly look to Renehan & Pearlstein for a guidance once again. . You and your staff have been wonderful.
I highly recommend Mr. Pearlstein as a family law attorney.
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07 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Mr. Pearlstein and Ms. Renehan handled my case very professionally, responsively, and with great knowledge. My case was unique as I needed to transfer custody from another state to Maryland, which required a thorough modification. Having both of them made me feel safe and heard. They were always on top of my needs, meeting deadlines, and, best of all, they were there for me. They had the best interests not just for me as their client, but also for my child. They were very passionate about what they do. Lastly, their extensive experience in Family Law is what makes them a powerhouse in helping me achieve the custody agreement that I have wanted.
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01 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
Before meeting Brian, I interviewed a few firms for this case. When I spoke with him, he came across as highly knowledgeable, creative and practical in this area of the law. This proved true in practice where Brian consistently proved his expertise and knowledge in this field. Needless to say, if you find yourself in a situation where you require Brian's services - it's not going to be the most pleasant time in your life. The decision as to who you hire to represent you will make a big impact on the outcome and your experience. Partnering with the type of talent Brian brings to the table will be one of the better decisions you can make.
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22 Aug, 2013 by Kirk
I dreaded having to engage an attorney...
Having dealt with several over the course of my professional career which left me ever so slightly,.. unenthusiastic,.... about retaining one for my own divorce.
If I was religious I would "thank God" that I chose Mr. Bouquet. His experience AND expertise were starkly apparent from minute one and remained so to the conclusion. There is no way in, ...wait, I said I wasn't religious, ...there was just no way I would have fared so well in this nightmare of a life changing event without him.
I was VERY happy with his representation and feel that you simply could not be in better hands than his during a divorce.
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22 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
After many years of marriage my wife and I separated and decided to divorce. Ed represented me through a difficult divorce. As a business owner the separation of assets was contentious. Ed took a lot of time to understand what was important to me and was able to work out a divorce agreement that was reasonable and agreeable to my former wide. I can't say enough good things about Ed. I would definitely recommend him to friends and colleagues facing a similar situation.
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21 Aug, 2013 by Howard
I have known Mr. Bouquet in a professional capacity for over 10 years. As a family law practicioner in the same jurisdiction as Mr. Bouquet I have been involved in several matters with Mr. Bouquet. While advoacting vigorously for his respective clients, he still always maintained a courteous and professional demeanor to me as his counterpart. Accordingly, while we both fought for our respective clients, his representation did not resort to posturing or other form of grandstanding. In one of the cases that we had together, my client suffered from a rather serious addiction. Mr. Bouquet was appropriately sensitive to those issues and that party's needs without impeding representation of his client. Overall, I have found him to be one of the best family law practicioner's in our county.
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26 Jan, 2023 by Claudia
I consulted with a number of top divorce attorneys in MD (six, to be exact) since I was very aware that my divorce would not only be highly contentious but would also involve a number of subpoenas. My consultation with Heather felt far different than the others. I clearly remember walking away from our meeting feeling hopeful, but, more importantly, feeling like I was heard.
Giving earnest thanks is daunting. One hopes to choose words that convey the amount of gratitude they feel. My divorce turned out to be far more challenging than I expected and lasted nearly 18 months. Heather kept in constant communication with me, and she was beyond outstanding in not only explaining the steps of the divorce process clearly to me but also embracing my many emotional meltdowns, anxiety, and frustration with this grueling process.
Heather’s genuine devotion and compassion for her clients, besides her outstanding knowledge of the law, is innate of the kind of person she is. Her work ethic and remarkable professional representation on my behalf resulted in a settlement far more beneficial and rewarding for me than I could have possibly hoped. Heather was relentless and fought tirelessly for me.
I never write reviews but wanted to share with others the recommendation in which I was blessed to receive from a close friend, whom Heather also represented. I couldn’t possibly recommend Heather more highly. I’m forever indebted to her.
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5.0
1 Reviews
07 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Mr. Pearlstein and Ms. Renehan handled my case very professionally, responsively, and with great knowledge. My case was unique as I needed to transfer custody from another state to Maryland, which required a thorough modification. Having both of them made me feel safe and heard. They were always on top of my needs, meeting deadlines, and, best of all, they were there for me. They had the best interests not just for me as their client, but also for my child. They were very passionate about what they do. Lastly, their extensive experience in Family Law is what makes them a powerhouse in helping me achieve the custody agreement that I have wanted.
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09 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Renehan represented me in a highly contested divorce. Not only did he represent me with dignity and respect, the judge presiding over my trial praised his representation of me and his knowledge of the law. Can't recommend him highly enough!
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13 Mar, 2024 by Aurelia hodges
23 Dec, 2023 by Anupam basu
You are in good hands with Mr. Todd Elling.
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20 May, 2023 by Hans bergmann
Best experience I ever had in a lawyer, strongly recommend it
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27 Oct, 2019 by Christine
Jessica was my lawyer when I went through a difficult divorce. She always listened and was very supportive throughout the process. Jessica's knowledge and strength were things I admired all throughout the process.I was able to achieve the outcome I wanted with Jessica's representation. I would recommend her to everyone.
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13 Nov, 2018 by Clement
She handled my case very well and every has been done on the a time. I really like the way she contacted my case.
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23 Jul, 2018 by Andrea
Getting a divorce is full of difficult, emotional decisions. Jessica and the team at at the McKeon Law Firm helped guide me through the hard decisions that come from a difficult divorce. Jessica was always on top what was happening in my case, always willing to talk through all of the details and adept at helping me remove the emotion from my decisions so that I could make good choices for me and my kids future. Jessica is smart, capable, patient, efficient, detail oriented and organized and I knew I was in great hands from our first meeting. I am so grateful that I hired her as my attorney. It was the best decision I could have made.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
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.
