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Zoe Garvin, experienced Child Custody, Child Support attorney in Oakland, CA with 17 reviews
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43,64
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4.8/5
Avvo
5.0
14 Reviews
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3.7
3 Reviews
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19 Dec, 2024 by Angelique
I was referred to Zoe to assist me with some paperwork preparation. Not only was she extremely helpful, she was patient, thorough and very clear and transparent about the process.
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04 Nov, 2023 by Alexandra
I don't typically write reviews for anything , but this woman is a SAINT! I had spent literal years consulting with different attorneys, most of which were afraid to take my case. A random person gave me her number, I called it, and when I tell you this woman took my case with a week (or so) notice of a court date, and has had my back and consulted me better than any of the other 5-10 attorneys I had spoken with prior to her, she is AMAZING. Empathetic, to the point, financially conscious, responsive, not selfish at all, and an amazing memory to boot, she has been my absolute rock and I probably would have lost my kids if she didn't articulate correctly to me. The way she handles her business and communicates to me in such a grounded manner is precisely the reason I have my children. She is strategic as hell, like a cat waiting to pounce on the right moment, and I will never choose another attorney for family matters! The way she strategizes is also the reason why many of our disagreements can now be resolved outside of the courts, because I think many attorneys would have been impulsive in my case which would have made matters much worse in a very delicate situation! Thank you Zoe!!
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13 Sep, 2023 by Katrina grey
Beyond smooth experience. Before Zoe we had attempted a divorce for years with no luck, with Zoe we were completely done in just a few months. I highly recommend.
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Stephanie Renee Bolden, experienced Child Custody, Child Support attorney in Oakland, CA with 230 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
43,57
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4.9/5
Avvo
5.0
1 Reviews
Google Maps
4.9
229 Reviews
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07 Feb, 2025 by Da biz
Lawyer Key was amazing. He guided me through a realy bad situation and made sure I didn't do anything foolish.
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05 Feb, 2025 by Bradley espinoza
Fantastic experience with this law firm! Their team was knowledgeable, approachable, and efficient, offering sound legal advice that really put my mind at ease. They took the time to explain everything thoroughly and made sure I was well-informed throughout the process. I highly recommend them for your legal needs.
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27 Jan, 2025 by Steven hamlin
Best experience with a lawyer. They know their stuff and really care.
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Susanna Tuan, experienced Child Custody, Child Support attorney in Oakland, CA with 2 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
39,06
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5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
2 Reviews
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11 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Susanna helped my partner and I with our green card and was very thorough and knowledgeable. With her help, we submitted such a strong application and were so prepared for the interview that we got our green card issued only a few days after our first interview. We are very happy!
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18 Aug, 2014 by Daniel
Susanna tuan is an amazing lawyer. While she is young she is very knowledgable and helped me with my martial lawyering. I was amazed at how responsive she is despite having a very busy schedule. Also her rates were very competitive. Great work!
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Yasmin James, experienced Child Custody, Child Support attorney in Oakland, CA with 1 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
39,03
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5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
1 Reviews
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14 Nov, 2014 by Steve
Yasmin represented me with extreme professionalism and at the same time showed caring and compassion. Divorce is never easy but Yasmin had my best interest at heart, listened to my concerns and treated me with the utmost respect. She worked diligently to to obtain a fair and equitable settlement for me. Yasmin is direct and to the point and as a result, working together was quite easy.
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Celeste A Johansson, experienced Child Custody, Child Support attorney in Oakland, CA with 1 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
39,03
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5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
1 Reviews
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10 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Celeste Johansson is an exceptional Family Law attorney! We all know that divorce, custody and child support matters are difficult and can take an emotional toll whether a case is fairly simple or more complex. Celeste helped me navigate through the end of an extremely long and complex case. She is smart, savvy and is extremely knowledgeable in the intricacies of family law. She helped me to evaluate my situation, gave me her recommendations, and helped me to disentangle from what had been an ugly case and to reach a settlement when this had previously seemed impossible. My children and I are finally able to move on after a hard road. Celeste is compassionate on top of being a great attorney. She is incredibly responsive and professional and gets results. I cannot recommend her highly enough!
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Jennifer Carolyn Phillips, experienced Child Support, Family Law attorney in Oakland, CA with 1 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
39,03
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5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
1 Reviews
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27 Mar, 2014 by Greg
Jennifer has been a great to work with. Giving sound and real advice. She is very knowledgeable about divorce law and has a good working relationship with court authorities.
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Shelley Ann Gordon, experienced Child Custody, Child Support attorney in Oakland, CA with 1 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
39,00
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5.0/5
Google Maps
5.0
1 Reviews
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21 May, 2021 by Garrett riegg
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Jenifer Forte Frudden, experienced Child Custody, Child Support attorney in Oakland, CA with 93 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
37,70
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4.8/5
Google Maps
4.8
93 Reviews
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05 Nov, 2024 by Sebastian lindner
No divorce is ever easy, but being a military member half way around the world, Jackie and her team worked with me and finally gave me the peace I needed. I strongly recommend giving your trust and faith into this team to give you the same!
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18 Oct, 2024 by Michael dore
AJ was great to work with. As an experienced attorney, I can say that having someone who specializes in family law can make a huge difference in terms of money and years spent in a difficult and contentious situation. AJ knew the landscape and helped tremendously.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Justin tarpley
I had the pleasure of working with the Hart Ginney team while battling through my divorce. Jackie Khong gave me the best advice and really knows what she is doing. She was always there to help when I needed her most. She always responded to me in a timely manner and answered every question I had. I definitely recommend anyone that needs help in family law to request Jackie. She was absolutely amazing and handled everything as expected. Thanks Jackie!
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Norah N. Alyami, experienced Child Custody, Child Support attorney in Oakland, CA with 55 reviews
Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
35,11
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4.7/5
Google Maps
4.7
55 Reviews
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20 Nov, 2024 by Jessica cheng
I highly recommend Tanya at Hunter Pyle Law! She is amazing to work with. Throughout the stressful recovery process from my accident, Tanya and her team handled all the details behind the scenes, making everything so much easier. I can't recommend her enough!
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17 Oct, 2024 by Bryan lucas
I had the distinct pleasure of working with Jake Darin and the incredible team at Hunter Pyle over the past few months, and I truly can’t sing their praises enough. As someone navigating the legal world for the first time, I was unsure of my options and overwhelmed by the complexities. But from day one, Jake and his team were not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also deeply attentive and communicative. Jake walked me through every step, demystified the entire process, and empowered me to make the best decisions… Ultimately leading to a settlement that exceeded my expectations. I now have complete trust in Jake and the firm, and it’s a huge relief knowing I have them in my corner if I ever need legal counsel again. A heartfelt thanks to everyone at Hunter Pyle!
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02 Oct, 2024 by Tram bui
I can’t say enough about their professional and wonderful services! I’m lucky to find Tanya as our lawyer to represent my family member in an employment case. With her knowledge, patient and intelligent, she was able to get a very good settlement for us! I’m so happy and greatly appreciated what she did. I highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for a good lawyer to represent them.
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Henry F Lewis, experienced Child Custody, Child Support attorney in Oakland, CA with 107 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
30,70
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4.6/5
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4.6
107 Reviews
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17 Jan, 2025 by Tablet account
Bob and his team brought their wealth of experience and expertise when handling my case. I wasn't happy with the outcome, but it's not at all their fault -- I have nobody to blame but myself. I am at least grateful that I have a chance to show the world how much remorse I have about my bad decisions; I'm only able to do this because I was able to stay out of prison. THAT part I do credit to Bob and his team!
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19 Nov, 2024 by Pamela rohrer
They were very professional but empathetic as well. We found Octavio Sajuan to be incredibly knowledgeable and relentless in getting our case settled. We are very appreciative of his skills and kindness.
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19 Nov, 2024 by Lupe salgado
Octavio SaJuan..did excelent work for me and my husband with our Emigration case....I want to recommend his services.
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Unmani Marie Sarasvati, experienced Child Custody, Child Support attorney in Oakland, CA with 0 reviews
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4,00
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0.0/5
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Ann Frances Vandepol, experienced Appeals, Child Custody attorney in Oakland, CA with  reviews
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Ann Frances Vandepol, experienced Appeals, Child Custody attorney in Oakland, CA with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
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0.0/5
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Kristine Appert Chappell, experienced Appeals, Business attorney in Oakland, CA with 0 reviews
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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