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22 Mar, 2017 by Tasha
Sandra Myers has been my attorney for several years now and has helped me and my son tremendously. She has always gone above and beyond, and shown a high level of commitment to helping us. In addition, she conducts herself with such a high degree of integrity and class...I am so happy I found her years ago.
Recently Alexandra Myers took over my case and represented me throughout the course of a trial. She was very organized, focused and diligent, and showed enthusiasm that inspired me to stay optimistic throughout the entire process. She was also extremely resourceful in gathering information and prepping for the trial. In the courtroom she too conducted herself with professionalism and grace, and to say that I am grateful to have her as my attorney is an understatement.
I would absolutely recommend both Sandra and Alexandra. They are smart, knowledgeable, dedicated attorneys who provide their clients with the best advice and service!
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19 Apr, 2022 by David
Stay away from Trevor Hensley! He is a very passive and highly ineffective attorney and will drag your case out a long as he can, especially if you have known available resources for him to readily deplete. He's much more interested in convincing you to settle for much less than in fighting to get you the greatest outcome; as he works much harder in getting on very friendly terms with the opposing party than in representing you and giving you the needed advice to place you in a favorable position. He thinks he's being effective by becoming "friendly" with the opposing party, when actually, he's getting played and set up for being out-witted and out-foxed. Which he was at every single turn in all of my cases.
I hired Trevor to assist me in a highly contentious Divorce, DCSS Child Support and Custody Case that involve a DVRO without any conviction or charges, only allegations. And unfortunately over time it became apparent that Trevor was in way over his head and was incapable of providing adequate counsel for this degree of such highly contested magnitude.
Trevor repeatedly manipulated me by giving me false expectations and then failing to deliver. He required constant reminding of the fundamental facts of the case and charged me for every minute, and then some. Then in court, he rarely argued to any degree worthy his fee. Most often, I could have presented a much better argument. Never was he even remotely aggressive. Most of the time he was very cordial, amicable and completely unconvincing.
After over a year of his representation and nearly $40,000 in legal fees all I had to show for it was a mere 15% visitation time share with my two toddler boys, joint legal custody only, a non-rebutted 3044 DV case, and an unresolved DCSS Child Support and Dissolution Case. And in the end Trevor deceived me into signing him out of my cases and left me with unresolved issues in every case; while unashamedly taking my money.
Every and any favorable decision I received from the courts came as a result of my own efforts before his involvement. Trevor did absolutely nothing for me except take my money and vacate a trial to rebut the Family Code 3044 presumption in lieu of getting me joint legal custody which really amounted to very little considering the cost I incurred while still keeping me bound under the presumption.
The bulk of his charges were for responding to email threads that were often a result of asking me for repeat information or because of him not adequately responding to my phone calls and then not answering my initial email inquiries properly in the first place when there was no other way of communicating with him. In his emails, he would purposely respond vaguely only to generate more questions that required his additional response. He preferred email over phone calls because he could arbitrarily manipulate his charges for time.
Trevor is an office attorney not a litigator, and prefers making his living sitting behind his desk over-charging for things that don't have a direct and positive impact on your case, but serve only to absolve you of your money. There were many tasks that he'd ask me to prepare for him in helping defend my case and then wouldn't even use them in my defense at the hearings or in the negotiations. However, he did insist on appearing for me on a motion in a criminal case to modify a CPO where he convinced me that he needed to be there to ensure that a then very restrictive CPO would be modified to align with the more lenient DVRO, which he at failed miserably, but still charged me over $3000 for his time.
I would certainly not recommend trusting Trevor Hensley to handle any highly contested family matter. In the end, he deceptively walked away from my representation without anything resolved and without any shame or remorse. He failed miserably on so many levels with my cases it's not even funny! And actually, I think he's highly incompetent in resolving any family case when t
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05 Feb, 2021 by Sylvia
Trevor Hensley has been, and continues to be, a godsend during my difficult and prolonged divorce/settlement proceedings.
He is kind, supportive, knowledgeable, and exceptional at what he does.
In truth I am at a loss to find the words to express how much I appreciate his care and consideration as well as his expertise.
He is not only a fine attorney, he is a good person!
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04 Nov, 2019 by Ashlee
I retained Trevor Hensley to help me with a custody and child support battle. He was my attorney for over a year. He helped me with every aspect of my custody case from preparing the paperwork to appearing in court. He was passionate, honest, and hardworking. I was very fortunate to have found him and I recommend him to anyone! Also, his staff is very professional and the building has a nice, comfortable atmosphere.
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16 Aug, 2021 by Jessica
Drummond was very easy to work with and truly made a painful process much less painful. He explained everything in a way that made sense and his office staff were very thorough and responsive.
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12 Aug, 2021 by Mac
I used Mr. McCunn as a coach. I could quickly get straight forward feedback, support and focus. We always discussed options, timeline, budget...it was a real strategic plan. It was like playing chess when the other side was ready for checkers. The whole team knew me and how to help me. I don't want to need a lawyer again, but if I did, I know who I'll call. I didn't always hear what I wanted, but I learned why, what other options I had, and didn't waste time, money and energy.
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03 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
This is the only site I could actually write a real review from personal experience with this attorney. They were very unprofessional. I was kicked down to new attorneys that didn’t have enough experience. Mr Drummond talks over you and doesn’t follow up on your motions.
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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.
