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31 Mar, 2022 by Paige
I contacted Wade Law Group for assistance with a small claims suit. I have worked with Brett and Dave McGraw, both have been dedicated, helpful, and have gone above and beyond to meet my expectations. Dave has provided effective legal advice and detailed explanations about the process as well as developed a plan for my hearing. Dave has gave me confidence in my abilities and quelled my anxiety. If I ever need representation or consultations again in the future, Wade Law Group will always be my first and only choice.
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10 Jan, 2022 by Dave
A leader, innovator and most importantly, a terrific lawyer. No one wants to need an attorney, but when you do need one, Amiel Wade is the one to call.
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27 Jun, 2021 by Patricia cent
I hired Mr. Wade to expedite my divorce after being with an ill-prepared attorney for 1 1/2 years in which I didn't get past the discovery stage. I got quick results with Mr. Wade and my divorce was finalized after 4 months. His support staff quickly responded to all my emails and returned my calls. Mr. Wade is very experienced and knowledgeable and found an error in a filing by my ex-spouse's attorney and took immediate action on her behalf which saved me money and didn't prolong the divorce proceedings. He is involved in all the cases in his firm. Every Wednesday he conducts a meeting with his associate attorneys to consult and monitor their progress and provides them with his expert advice when necessary. Hopefully, I won't need Mr. Wade in the future but if I do, I would retain his services again because I was very pleased with his work and professionalism.
Patricia Cent
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28 Aug, 2024 by Levi davis
Wade Law Group’s handling of my business partnership dispute was a disaster from start to finish. I sought their help when I was being pushed out and needed to recover my equity. Despite providing all the necessary documentation upfront, including the operating agreement and financial statements, their incompetence quickly became apparent.
For seven weeks, my attorney at Wade Law Group engaged in fruitless exchanges, sending threatening letters based on California law and drafting a lawsuit complaint. Only after all this time did I discover that my attorney hadn’t even read the operating agreement—a crucial document in any partnership dispute. This neglect led us to almost violate the agreement by bypassing mandatory mediation and filing the lawsuit in the wrong state. Predictably, my former business partner exploited these errors, leaving me with a much weakened case and a significant financial loss.
After incurring over five figures in legal fees, I made the decision to terminate our relationship. I requested a meeting to discuss the situation, but my attorney not only ignored my request but also responded rudely when I followed up. Eventually, the firm’s owner reached out and offered a partial refund for drafting the complaint in the wrong state. However, the amount he offered was far less than what I had actually been billed, forcing me to go line by line through the invoices and finding the correct amount was five times higher than what he claimed.
I then posted a review of my experience on Yelp, and the owner reached out and offered me a full refund of over $8K in exchange for removing the review and signing a contract agreeing not to post additional reviews about my experience with the firm. When I pointed out that this felt unethical and possibly illegal and proposed that I edit the review to give credit for the refund, he withdrew the offer, falsely claiming that I had rejected it.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Daniel feldman (daniel j feldman, phd)
These people are rude. And they can't read. I set up a consultation with them, but they canceled before even talking to me and told me that my trial is in three weeks when it's not. They didn't read anything about it, have the nerve to not even meet with me or have a discussion, followed with "best of luck on everything" which is just more insulting, absolutely insulting. i am sorry I called.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Mark shen
They provided services so poor that they even mixed up my name with the person I’m trying to sue in the demand letter, and their justification for that was “oops, but pay us”
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15 Sep, 2014 by James
After consulting with several prospective divorce and family law attorneys, I found that Amy Stavis was the best attorney in her field by far. She was so knowledgeable in all areas including child custody and mediation and was also able to salvage an amicable relationship with my ex wife. Our kids have been minimally effected and this is undoubtedly due in large part to Amy Stavis. She's the best family law attorney in Santa Clara county...and believe me, I talked to several of them.
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22 Apr, 2014 by N.
Amy is not a typical attorney. She cares more than most and makes you feel comfortable much more than most. My mediation case was extrmely civil and I think my wife and I owe a lot of that to Amy's professionalism and just staying on top of everything. There were no pitfalls, no surprises. Paperwork isn't fun for any of this but luckily she did most of it and even helped us do our part. The forms get really confusing so it is very nice to have someone be able to explain things in layman's terms.
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10 Feb, 2014 by Diana
Would give more than 5 stars if possible. I really appreciated my attorney being so willing to explain the legal process to me in layman's terms. From the moment I met with Amy Stavis, she was honest with me and helped me to understand how the confusing and overwhelming process of legal separation and divorce worked. With her help, my mind was put at ease and I was able to make thoughtful decisions about where to focus my energies. I had not even been aware of the "no fault" rules and once I understood that, I knew that certain things that I cared so much about and that I thought were so important would not actually have an impact on a settlement. Oddly enough, I had met with 2 other lawyers before ever having met Amy Stavis and this was never somehow explained to me. I felt like the others may just have been interested in a financial gain, thinking I could afford to turn everything into a disputed issue. Finding someone honest and up front is what I needed and I was able to obtain a very fair settlement because of the advice that was given to me by Amy Stavis. To this day, my ex-spouse and I are on amicable terms and I think this is due in part to Amy Stavis's personality and input in our case. My ex didn't have an attorney. She actually liked MY attorney and was made to feel comfortable in working out all of out property and child issues (custody). We now can coparent well. This is the best thing I could have asked for considering that we were ending our marriage. Top notch help equals less headaches and less stress.
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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.
