Lawyers map
>237
experienced lawyers
Filter by
19 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
When we first met Patrick, his sales pitch was great and we felt we were in good hands. At first he would get back to us without delay, but that faded fast. We had to remind him of deadlines and court dates and call/text/email to attempt to try to get things done. He said he was filing docs as necessary, but mocasenet showed otherwise. We ended up going pro-se and finishing up on our own. I'm writing this now that I have come in contact with reviews and others with similar issues with him (all are online for anyone to see). His business address is a real estate office, but his office is at his home which is misleading. Only posting this review so others do not experience what we have, please do your own research.
Read more
17 Jun, 2023 by Geoff marke
Excellent expert testimony and consulting. One stop shop for all of your utility cost of service needs.
Read more
16 Nov, 2021 by Scott
We had real estate issues which were glossed over by our prior counsel. Patrick took on our case and pushed until he got the result we deserved. I would highly recommend him for all real estate related matters.
Read more
11 Dec, 2023 by James
We retained Henry for a child custody and parenting plan revision. He came to court unprepared, didn't advise us of certain forms that had to be completed, failed to represent the key areas of the case, and failed through appeals. Nice person, but not a good lawyer.
Read more
06 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
I contacted this firm months and had an appointment immediately, but it was basically for nothing. He was rude, dismissive, and not helpful at all. Unprofessional at its finest. It was almost like he was the prosecutor in my trial before my trial!!! Poor customer service from his staff too. If you have a strong case I would recommend you go to someone else.
Read more
10 Jan, 2017 by Ddm
I contacted Mr. Service in response to a letter I received from his office offering services when my Ex husband filed a modification. When I called, I was immediately offered a consultation appointment despite his full schedule, they made time to see me. Mr Service took the time to get details about my case specifics and explain the process, and what is important to legally focus on in family/civil cases. He was also upfront about possible issues but took time to listen and explain so it pertained to my circumstances; not a general speech I got when trying to make appointments/consult with other lawyers.
Mr. Service is very knowledgeable in these areas and I believe he will be good representation for what is important to me and my family in court.
Thank you
Read more
3.4
5 Reviews
2.6
5 Reviews
29 Mar, 2023 by Brandon weis
Kim is an excellent attorney. She was able to help me achieve my goals with great communication and professional efficiency. I highly recommend her!
Read more
30 Apr, 2021 by Kimberly nichols-luong
We were over billed by $15000 and have asked multiple times for items billed which we haven't every received and where told that the biggest part was do to interoffice meetings. And we were charged for paper work, report and other items that we went and got and paid for and took to their office. And they ended up working for the ex instead of us. Run quickly before hiring them. They had other professional write good reviews to keep a high rating. But past client who do write reviews have been scammed by them.
Read more
30 Apr, 2021 by Theresa skinner
29 Oct, 2018 by Jason
I hired Mr. Wilson when my Ex wife tried to keep my children from me. He took my case and did an outstanding job with the litigation and was very knowledgeable of the law. I would recommend him to anyone needing a professional experienced attorney.
Read more
14 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Hired Dean for a divorce in April. Ive had nothing but problems getting them to contact me or provide requested documents to protect me in my medical care. Im disabled and was abandon by my wife who took everything including my bed and couch. For over a month Ive called and left voicemails, sent emails that all go unanswered. After researching laws and ethics for attorneys Ive found him guilty of several violations. Even after informing his office in a voicemail I would file complaints with the state Ive still not recieved a call. So Im not very impressed with this man and his staff. I only pray the complaints will get him to represent me PROPERLY and his record reflect the complaints.
Read more
11 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Sarah is a very good attorney. However, her fees are astronomical. I understand that it's her job but when I ran out of retainer she simply dropped me as a client on the day my deposition was scheduled. I was in complete shambles, with no money, no representation and nowhere to go.
Bottom line: she will do a good job for you if you are prepared to shell out thousands of dollars every month. I was fortunate to retain another attorney in town who did an outstanding job and did not rob me blind.
Read more
30 Aug, 2015 by Randel
Ken helped me successfully resolve a very difficult divorce that lasted over a two year period. He really "knows his stuff", and always had wise council when there were difficult decisions to make. He is a great listener & made me feel at ease more times than I can count. I felt I had made a friend at the end. I would definitely work with Ken again & highly recommend him.
Read more
28 Aug, 2015 by Anthony
Ken is one greatest attorney's I have ever worked with. He handled my divorce and has taken care of several business matters in addition. His understanding of law exceed my expectations.
Read more
14 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Ken to help with my divorce and child custody. His fees were very reasonable, he worked with me on payments, and did a great job. Not sure about others who say he took their money, but that's not what my experience was. Also, Ken would return calls in the evenings and on weekends, something you usually don't expect from an attorney. Great job, great lawyer!
Read more
24 Apr, 2024 by Taylor branecky
Absolutely the worst mistake of my life put me in a depression dealing with this company. They fraud charge you for stuff they don’t do. Lost all my savings and 10k in debt almost 3 years and the case is still going on. They gave me 4 different lawyers and everyone acted like they knew they were leaving so it was like charge charge and dip. I never do reviews but the place will ruin you.
Read more
25 Jan, 2024 by Hallie crawford
19 Jun, 2023 by Lee stoll
Very attentive and professional. We are so happy with their service.
Read more
09 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Ms. Wilde won't call you back, no matter how many voicemails left. If you want an attorney that will fight for you Ms Wilde is not the attorney for you
Read more
30 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Sarah is a great attorney, you can tell Sarah puts in the necessary time, and effort with each and every client. Sarah made my legal needs a simple, easy process. She not only made me feel comfortable in the legal process, but also made me feel confident I was being represented well. If you need a good attorney for any family law needs- this is the place to go!
Read more
07 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
I would not hire this lawyer again in any kind of matter. I hired Ms Wilde for a civil matter and she provided hardly any guidance, refused to return calls and communications, didnt file any motions to protect me, allowed the opposing party to trample all over me because she didnt send over pertinant information to me about my case..etc. Ultimately she just took my money. This is not how you build a law firm.
Read more
07 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Dishonest, bogus charges, totally dropped the ball with my case. Don't waste your time or your money.
Read more
15 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
In my experience I personally have witnessed this company help the community and women in DV as far as utilizing resources for the community such as speakers ,live events and updated and always expanding strategies.
Read more
15 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Horner was referred to me by legal shield. I Hired her March 1st 2018 she did not actually appear in court 1 time for me and did not do anything to help me while waiting for court set (trail) feb 2019 she then informed me Jan 2019 she needed more money to continue to be my lawyer for trail (feb 2019) after sending me a invoice (after me asking multiple times for invoice) of bugus fees she withheld from my retainer needless to say I was very angry and decided to take my “extra” money to a new lawyer which helped me get everything I wanted and what was owed to me in a matter of 27 days! worst experience ever and really feel ripped off to be honest
Read more
14 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
I went to this firm to protect my rights when separating from my handicapped wife (mainly for financial reasons). I found this firm after an internet search, and like every other man out there, saw that they catered to men and the man’s rights.
I wanted this process to be amicable and fair, but I also did not want to pay maintenance. However, Erin made me bitter and made me feel entitled to more than I deserved. They will do anything to undermine the other spouse in the situation by discrediting them.
She convinced me that my handicapped wife should be able to work and that I didn’t really owe her anything after a nearly 30 year marriage.
This has been a terrible experience, leaving me feeling like a complete dirtbag.
Since we were only separating for financial reasons (knowing that it could be changed to a divorce if need be) I had hoped we would be able to maintain some kind of relationship and maybe even work on reconciliation at some point. Instead, I am now not only estranged from my wife but have lost my children as well. The rest of my family (my parents and two brothers and sisters) also are extremely upset with me. I have lost life long friends over this and have lost the respect of so many others. Our adult children will not see me and haven’t spoken to me in over a year in a half. They also have written me the “Dear John” letter stating their displeasure with me and stating they are cutting ties with me and wish to no longer have a relationship with me.
If you are completely devout of all compassion for others and want an absolute unethical shark then this firm is for you. If you are a reasonable human being and have any compassion STAY AWAY
Read more
21 Aug, 2018 by Harold
I requested her to make an offer to settle a dispute involving statutory interest. She did not do as I asked. She did some paper work and just wanted to wait on the opposing lawyer. All this did was leave me in limbo. She didn't answer phone call or emails until I her boss. The attorney that replaced her did as asked and my case is now settled.
Read more
07 Nov, 2016 by Kevin blaxton
Divorce is never a fun event to go through in life for anyone. It is a very emotional period for anyone going through it and if the wrong decisions are made it can wreak havoc in both your personal and financial life for many years to come. I learned this the hard way when I initially went through my divorce without representation thinking I could trust my ex-spouse and that we would have an amicable separation and agree to equitable time with our daughter. Unfortunately, that was a mistake that I paid for dearly in my emotional and financial health as well as that of my daughter’s.
Fortunately, it is never too late to turn a wrong into a right. I am a very loving father of my daughter and all I wanted was to have equal time with her but I did not get that during the first divorce proceeding when I was unrepresented by counsel. Instead, I lost all custody and almost all my rights to my daughter. Luckily, after calling upon numerous attorneys that specialize in my very unique case I was able to retain Susan Hais and Erin Zielinkski of Hais, Hais & Goldberger, P.C.
Choosing a law firm is THE most important decision you will ever make that could significantly alter the outcome of your divorce case. Having been through what I have been through, which was a very tough case and mountain to climb at the beginning, I am very proud to say that due to the untiring efforts and amazing legal strategy of Hais, Hais & Goldberger, P.C., I successfully had my original divorce decree voided by the court.
As I was told by other prominent divorce attorneys the odds of a divorce decree being voided are less than a two percent chance. However, through the dedication and untiring work of Susan Hais and Erin Zielinksi we made it happen. Most importantly, I now have joint legal and physical custody of my daughter and have ensured that my daughter will not grow up without her Dad.
I am FOREVER grateful for the difference that Hais, Hais & Goldberger, P.C., has made to my life and my daughter’s life. From the time you enter their office and you are warmly greeted by their receptionist, Nancy, through the initial consultation and all the way through litigation this firm HAS YOUR BACK and will not sacrifice or leave any rock unturned to ensure the best outcome. I felt all the way through the process that it wasn’t just my attorneys Susan and Erin working for me but it was the entire law firm working to win my case. They knew how high the stakes were in my case and the impact it could have on the future of my daughter.
When you need the best of the best in family law there is no comparison to the attorneys at Hais, Hais & Goldberger, P.C. As a former military officer, I proudly give them the title of Top Gun in family law practice and providing the best experience.
Read more
05 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
I had this attorney for two years and seriously, I honestly believe she spent that time working against me! She literally did nothing to help me, the only thing she ever did was stick her hand out for more money. Examples would include, when I asked if I did in fact have an active warrant my response was “I haven’t seen one” so I asked if she had looked into it and her response was “no”. Then she went ahead and looked it up while I was on the phone with her, in about 3 minuets said “oh, yes you do”. Attorney Davis was going to let me believe I didn’t have a warrant why? Because I didn’t ask the exact right question? Or how she failed in two years to ever give me or inform me of the existence of a income and expense statement to adjust my child support (which my new attorney gave me within 48 hours of being hired and took me 40 min to fill out). Attorney Davis kept informing me that nothing could be done about child support until we were in front of a Judge and that had to be one of the last issues addressed “because there’s an order in which these things have to happen”. Attorney Davis literally sat across a desk from me, looked me square in the eyes and on multiple occasions bold face lied to me. Best of all I have to say is when my ex wife filed a motion with her attorney and I had no idea about this motion until 5 weeks after it was filed and from a different attorneys office who I was getting a consultation from. That’s right an office I was consulting with is how I found out about this motion that was filed 5 weeks earlier, not from Attorney Davis! Thank god I had that consultation, otherwise I probably still wouldn’t know I missed a major court date. However Attorney Davis had no problem billing me $300 for reviewing and typing up a letter to me (that I never received) about this very important, case defining motion and court date. A simple phone call was too difficult? I highly doubt she ever wrote any letter but that’s just my opinion, the rest of this review are facts! If you want to be talked down to, belittled and not be able to get a word in edgewise please hire Attorney Davis. The last phone conference we had I hung p on her because she flat out was talking over me, interrupting me and would not let me get a sentence in and I just said, well I’m not paying $250 an hour to listen to her ignor and disrespect me. And the receptionist there, well that’s for another review! Incredibly rude people and a terrible office as a whole, they don’t even use email, only fax! So after I went and bought a fax machine and had a land line hooked up in my house guess how many faxes I received, one! They don’t have voice mails, all messages go through the receptionist and that’s pretty much where they stop. And I saved the best for last, when I asked for them to fax me all communications between Attorney Davis and my ex wife’s Attorney for my records I was told that all communications and agreements between them had been verbal and there were no records to send. Verbal! Do yourself a favor and save thousands of dollars by hiring someone who hates you to represent you at least by accident they’ll probably do a better job than Attorney Davis has done for me.
Read more
14 Mar, 2017 by John
I believe she is the best in what she does. I just wish I could retain her before my court date.
Read more
15 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
This lawyer has no detail, she doesn't fight for you. She doesn't make time for you, nor fill you in on what is going on. Had a hearing on my case on a Tuesday. I called on Wednesday to find out what happened she wont return my calls. I have provided everything she has asked for promptly, yet she never seems to be able to get back with me. I call to set up a meeting to talk out the "game plan." She doesn't have a 15min opening for 3 weeks? I am sure if I was a new client needing to get her services and provide her with a retainer she would find the time to meet with me.
Read more
30 Jul, 2024 by Kimberly
She did not have my daughter's best interest. She did not even express the wants of my daughter she lied in court she made a statement about my husbands character that was in fact the character of her" client " who was on probation for drug charges he got full custody and I haven't seen my daughter since. That's been over 7 years now. She has helped a narcissist abusive man and did nothing for my daughter. She wouldn't make a good judge she doesn't know how to judge a persons character but she knows how to bill and reap in funds.
Read more
16 Sep, 2023 by Julie
She brought our babygirl home to us after being abused, neglected, and purposefully kept from us for over 4months. She is WONDERFUL at her job!
Read more
09 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
She handled my divorce a few years ago. She drew out the process for over a year and padded her bills. When I asked about the bill, she charged me for that time too.
Read more
24 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
My life was falling apart and she was to be filing my divorce. She gave me all these high numbers id be getting from ex-spouse. I had to call and/or email about 20 times to just get an answer or action. Suddenly with no warning she just says she has too much and drops my case. Did not give my money back or anything. It was horrific. She just disappeared.
Read more
14 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
I brought Britta on to represent me in an custody case and I quickly realized she absolutely sucked at communication. From my experience, she does not know much about the fields of law she specializes in like child custody and family law. I believe when someone hires an attorney, that they should be able to trust that attorney to do their job properly and to COMMUNICATE. But Britta did not do either, which resulted in me looking for different/better counsel to handle my case.
I honestly don't know how or why shes still allowed to practice law
Read more
05 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Britta failed to communicate, blatantly lied about filing documents requested from her by the judge on my behalf, missed filing deadlines, and disappeared. Her failure to submit documents cost me custody of my children. In the order handed down by the judge it states that Britta never submitted findings of facts and conclusion of law, or financial information or a proposed parenting plan. Just mediocre all across the board.
Read more
07 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Joseph Bante is in a very nice office but he is the most incompetent AWFUL lawyer who will NOT fight for you but will make you think and feel that he is. He is friends with all the lawyers and judges and will screw you over even after you fire him and obtain different counsel.
He stutters and it takes him way too long to compose a thought in his mind. He is not eloquent or articulate; it’s atrocious to hear him speak. He will over bill you and then destroy your chances at whatever it is you’re fighting for.
DO NOT MEET WITH OR HIRE JOSEPH BANTE!
Read more
21 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
I used him back in 2019 has a lawyer for a divorce and he failed. He didn’t even fight for me and found out he was good friends with my ex wife’s lawyer. She got the house and the car and cleaned out my bank account. I had to try to fight for myself and it didn’t work. I’ve always was a better person then my ex. She never took care of the kids and I only slept for 5-6 hours a week. And now I’m taking him, my ex wife’s laywer and the judges to federal court. And my new lawyers told me that they let my ex wife lie on her Financials what do you need more money to me but may look like she made hardly anything
Read more
19 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
Her paralegal lost my paperwork. Summer refused to speak to or work with opposing counsel. She was so bad I fired her and went without representation. The absolute worst attorney I've ever used in my life. She is awful.
Read more
13 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
This was the worst lawyer I’ve ever had. She didn’t help me with anything, she would never speak up for me and would tell me to be quiet when I had facts. She would talk with the other lawyer and tell me I couldn’t say anything. Stay away from her because she doesn’t help at all.
Read more
01 Feb, 2016 by John
Hired him for employment issue never filed it. Then made him my divorce attorney worst attorney I could of pick. He doesn't have a secretary . Doesn't respond to calls or emails. Had to do all the paperwork. Doesn't file motion on time. Gives away my bond money from another country from another case. . Getting ready to get a hold of the bar association. Warning do not hire this attorney. You will be sorry. ..
Read more
16 Nov, 2015 by Carl
If I could've not chose a star we wouldn't have. We've been waiting over a year for him to respond to paperwork we sent him asking him to review it & let us know if he thought we had a case. We told him if he said we did we would then send him a retainer fee & proceed with our case. I've called him multiple times & hearing him tell me he was just about to look at the paperwork or he read it & thought there might be something & he'd call me back. To date, he has NOT EVER CALLED ME BACK! I'm extremely frustrated & don't know what we ever did to be treated this way. At this point we want our paperwork returned to us. We hope to find an attorney in the St. Louis area that would entertain our potential case & let us pay them to proceed.
Read more
28 Jul, 2021 by Toby
So as a reference from a friend, they told me cordell and cordell is the best for fathers rights. Well that may have been the case for others, but it was not for me, it was not for the other guy who left a review, and I highly doubt you will get what you’re asking for. I literally raised my child my entire life, I wasn’t seeking full custody, my ex was. The only thing I received was shared 50/50 and to be able to talk to my daughter daily. He couldn’t get my parenting schedule, child support or the school that best fits my daughters needs. This guy is a joke. Throughout the entire time I hired him (9 months) he spoke so highly of himself, his 20+ years of bring the lead litigator for cordell and cordell. It was all bull, I could’ve got the same results representing myself. Go with someone else or expect to spend money on absolutely nothing.
Read more
28 Nov, 2017 by Josh
This lawyer ended up only wanting to go to trial and would not even discuss any other option for a divorce. He lost paperwork, forgot important details about the case and seemed non interested to deal with the issues of the case.
Because of his careless handling of the case, I had to seek out another legal firm. When requested to hand over my case file, several items were missing or incomplete.
The only thing that this lawyer was good at was billing me.
Read more
16 Nov, 2014 by Antoinette
I hired him and so did my cousin for the same type of case. Parental Alienation- Custody problems. The same result in both cases. Dennis didnt know what he was doing. Didnt prepare for anything. Couldnt speak in court as a knowledgeable attorney. He left me to represent myself so that he could go defend a Jeffco judge in a divorce case. I fired him and hired an amazing attorney who wrapped up everything in my case beautifully. Then Dennis sued me for 12k when he clearly didnt do the work. When i fired him i owed him 2 maybe 3 grand. Not 12. Well, Dennis just seized and garnished my bank account for 12k, didnt notify me of any hearings. He is COMPLETLY underhanded and should not be practicing law. PERIOD.
Read more
12 Sep, 2013 by Wgl
hired Dennis Bonner' law firm in June 2012 to represent me in a simple child support/visitation case. I deployed to Afghanistan in January 2013 and in March 2013, Dennis Bonner informed me of his motion to withdraw from the case. The motion to withdraw took me by total surprise especially since I had provided Mr. Bonner with all items and documents that he had requested before I deployed. After talking with Dennis Bonner, he decided to continue to represent me in my case while I was deployed to Afghanistan. I put my full trust in Mr. Dennis Bonner; however, in my absence, I found out that Mr. Bonner had missed court appearances. In addition, Mr. Bonner rarely emailed or called me and totally failed to inform me of the status of my case. I was not made aware of any case hearings and I found out about case ruling month's after they had been ruled on and to add insult to injury, I found out case rulings thru the opposing party. Again, I was informed by the opposing party -month's later -of the outcome of my case, not by my hired attorney
Mr. Bonner's inadvertence and excusable neglect were clearly recognizable and on display in my case. I put my full and complete trust in Mr. Dennis Bonner and he misrepresented and essentially neglected my case. I would not recommend Mr. Bonner as an attorney to any client.
Read more
11 Apr, 2016 by Judy
My family hired this attorney to manage the probate for my mother's estate, since she left no will. We were told since it was such a small estate (less than $40K), that it would only take 6 months to finalize everything.
It is now 15 months later and the estate still is not settled. The attorney has had to file motions multiple times because of errors in her filing, she won't communicate with us for weeks on end and has no real explanation as to why the process is still dragging on. We don't believe she has ever done probate before, but it would have been nice to know that at the beginning, so we could have hired someone knowledgeable.
Read more
13 Nov, 2015 by Sarah
I hired Sherri to represent me in a paternity, custody and child support case. She did no work on my case. She went to court unprepared, she agreed to things that she knew I would never agree to, she filed paperwork late. She did not explain what she had or had not done. Not until I hired a new lawyer did I find out that she had agreed to have the garnishment lifted from my son's father, even though he did not pay without being garnished. She was suppossed to rebut the Motion to have the wage assignment lifted, but she agreed to it without asking me or anything, but knowing I would not agree. Then after I fired her and recieved her final bill, she had billed me for all kinds of work she had not done and for meetings we never had, she billed me for going to court on other cases. DO NOT HIRE THIS WOMAN!
Read more
27 Feb, 2016 by Sherry
This attorney never followed up or informed me with information regarding my child support case. Was very unconcerned, only returned one phone call. Very condescending and rude. I'm still unaware of were I stand with my case and having to do the work myself. He took the money and left me in the dark. I would never recommend this attorney to anyone I know.
Read more
Browse lawyers
Cities in Missouri - Find a Lawyer Near Me
-
Saint Louis
-
Kansas City
-
Springfield
-
Clayton
-
Columbia
-
St. Louis
-
Lee's Summit
-
Chesterfield
-
Saint Charles
-
Jefferson City
-
Independence
-
Liberty
-
Cape Girardeau
-
Joplin
-
Saint Joseph
-
Saint Peters
-
Blue Springs
-
Hillsboro
-
Rolla
-
Branson
-
North Kansas City
-
Poplar Bluff
-
Ozark
-
O'Fallon
-
Creve Coeur
-
Webster Groves
-
Ballwin
-
Kirkwood
-
Sikeston
-
Town And Country
-
St. Charles
-
Troy
-
Union
-
Brentwood
-
Farmington
-
Gladstone
-
Hannibal
-
Arnold
-
Clinton
-
Kirksville
-
Osage Beach
-
West Plains
-
Jackson
-
Mexico
-
Washington
-
Fenton
-
Florissant
-
Platte City
-
Bridgeton
-
O Fallon
-
Raymore
-
Warrensburg
-
Lake Ozark
-
Bolivar
-
Fulton
-
Harrisonville
-
Manchester
-
Maryland Heights
-
Neosho
-
Carthage
-
Lake St. Louis
-
Lebanon
-
Sedalia
-
Caruthersville
-
Festus
-
Marshfield
-
Moberly
-
Waynesville
-
Belton
-
Des Peres
-
Kearney
-
Lexington
-
Parkville
-
St. Joseph
-
Butler
-
Cameron
-
Nixa
-
Doniphan
-
Maryville
-
Perryville
-
Town & Country
-
Camdenton
-
Ellisville
-
Hollister
-
Kennett
-
Nevada
-
Ste Genevieve
-
Chillicothe
Browse lawyers
Practice Areas in Missouri
-
Business
-
Personal Injury
-
Criminal Defense
-
Litigation
-
Real Estate
-
Family Law
-
Estate Planning
-
Workers Compensation
-
Car Accident
-
Probate
-
Medical Malpractice
-
Government
-
Appeals
-
Insurance
-
Intellectual Property
-
Consumer Protection
-
Wrongful Death
-
Tax
-
Child Custody
-
Adoption
-
Civil Rights
-
Elder Law
-
Child Support
-
Class Action
-
Trusts
-
Juvenile Law
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Social Security & Disability
-
Debt Collection
-
Bankruptcy
-
Discrimination
-
Immigration
-
Mediation
-
Domestic Violence
-
Divorce
-
DUI / DWI
-
Federal Crime
-
Financial Markets And Services
-
Sex Crime
-
Wrongful Termination
-
Entertainment
-
Employment / Labor
-
Sexual Harassment
-
Foreclosure
-
Debt Settlement
-
Copyright Application
-
Drug Crime
-
Landlord & Tenant
-
Cannabis Law
-
Credit Repair
-
Life Insurance
-
Admiralty / Maritime
-
Construction
-
Education Law
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
