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28 Dec, 2018 by Diana
Recently used New Hope Divorce Mediation, in particular Mindey Elgart, to handle my no contest divorce. It was a very pleasant process, given the situation, and went smoothly from the beginning to the end. After the initial meeting where we discussed all the details, we met one more time to finalize the settlement agreement. After that there was a 90 day waiting period. During all that time, Mindey and her office was very diligent at sending us all the paperwork and explaining everything step by step, when and how to properly sign and mail all the documents to the court. After the 90 day waiting period, it just took another 2 months to receive the divorce decree from the judge. I would highly recommend Mindey and New Hope Divorce Mediation to others to handle their divorce case.
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15 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Lenore about 18 months ago after firing 3 other attorneys....the last of which nearly bankrupted me when he failed to file
an appeal of an outrageous child support award.
There are many attributes of Lenore that are really rare in divorce attorneys:
* non-confrontational
* high attention-to-detail
* outgoing and friendly
* reasonably rate given her high quality of service
She handled my case with high level of professionalism.
Lenore represented me at both a master's level and then a judge's level for equitable distribution.
In both cases, she was well prepared and very convincing in these hearings...especially the latter where there were nearly 10,000 pages of documentation.
She arrived at the court house with a luggage carrier holding nearly 4 FEET of documents !
Her performance was exemplary thanks to careful preparation.
When the hearing was over, we walked out of the courthouse and she gave me a big hug as we said goodbye !
Now how often does that happen ?
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05 Jul, 2014 by Joe
Lenore has been responsive and empathetic to my case.
She's both knowledgeable and thorough.
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21 Jun, 2011 by Patty
Mark has been an incredible lawyer. He always puts my kids first; when I am not sure what is best for them, he gently spells out the probable outcomes of all of the choices in front of me and almost always comes up with one or two others that I did not see. Mark gives me all the information I need to make decisions and points me in the direction he believes will be best, but he always makes sure to tell me that all decisions are mine to make in the end. One of my favorite things about Mark is that he urges me to grow in my dealings with court and with my ex. For example, he recently saved me over $600 by convincing me that I could successfully argue my case in front of the master without him. Obviously, this is in my best interest, not his. This is just one example of why Mark rates so high on the scale of trustworthiness. I would recommend Mark without hesitation. In fact, I would say that you would be foolish to choose another attorney.
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14 Jun, 2011 by Michael
Mark is everything that you want in a divorce lawyer. He has a deep understanding of divorce law and counseled on all aspects of the proceedings. He was responsive, forthright, and always accessible.
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13 Jun, 2011 by Amy
Mark is the best out there! Honest, calm, experienced, and easy to work with. The divorce process can be emotional and difficult---with Mark on my side the process was smooth, straighforward, and my best interests were protected!
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05 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Has helped me with legal marriage issue when all others failed . Thanks so much
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13 Aug, 2024 by Emma nordgren
Jeremy helped me with a car accident case. I’m very satisfied after working with him. His communication was well and made me feel at ease during the entire process. Would recommend to family or friend if they are ever in need of an attorney.
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28 Sep, 2023 by Alissa hunter
27 Jun, 2023 by Selena sao
Very Consistent patient I didn’t have to worry very helpful .definitely recommend to others!!!!!!!
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09 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
she is horrible lawyer and some time does not have ethics in billing . Her argument at court is not valuable we need to provide and tell her to dicuss the same at court. and impatient person
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26 Jun, 2023 by Maryann
Don’t let any of Carolyn’s so called credentials fool you. She is downright dirty and completely and utterly money hungry, at all costs to you and your child. I had her as an attorney in a very contentious and dangerous custody situation, and she absolutely never stood up for me or my very young child, and was more interested in taking advantage of me at my most vulnerable times when my son was being hurt, as well as trying to further her so called status within the courts by placating judges at every turn. Carolyn would literally bill me for hours, when I would call her while my child was being hurt and I was desperate for help. She would never actually offer any help but instead bill me for hours of time for calls while I was in dire need of help and then write petitions and bill me thousands more to do so. She overbilled me by 10s of thousands of dollars and my case went nowhere but south with her representation. My child has suffered immensely due to her disgusting greediness, and has had multiple diagnoses given the terrible situation he remained in for 2 years while she ‘mis’reaprsented me. It’s unreal that as a mother herself, she disgustingly chooses money over all else, and will never fight for you or your child. Disbar her.
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05 Apr, 2019 by Richelle
On a professional level, Carolyn was always very thorough, would respond either via email or by phone promptly and was very proactive.. On a personal level, Carolyn would listen to my concerns and we would work together to address them. I consider her not only one of the most professional people I've been involved with but also a very caring &compassionate person who I have been very fortunate to have worked with for over 3 years.
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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.
