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4.9
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5.0
124 Reviews
20 Dec, 2024 by Marzyeh moosavi
Brian and his legal team made the estate planning process very simple and easy. As a person with zero knowledge of legal matters, I found the introductory questions and explanatory videos extremely helpful in understanding what was truly best for us. Additionally, I appreciated that the entire process was handled remotely, except for the final signature, which accommodated our tight timelines perfectly. I highly recommend Brian and his team for anyone considering estate planning. Their professionalism, clarity, and efficiency are unmatched.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Lisa tuesta
Working with Brian was a breeze. He is very responsive and you communicate with him directly which was a huge bonus. He helped me with my estate planning and living trust. I found him through my employer’s legal plan (Met Life) and he was outstanding and very thorough. He was also very clear and precise about my financial responsibility for his services not covered by my legal plan. I didn’t realize that along with estate planning you would also do a power of attorney and advanced health care directive, which I’ve been planning to do for the longest time but haven’t gotten around to it. Now that this process is complete (which was a total of about 3-4 weeks turnaround time- super fast!), I feel at peace knowing that my family will be taken care of and that my wishes are clearly outlined in these documents. Overall I am so thankful Brian took me on as a client and I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking these type of services. Thank you, Brian, for everything!
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22 Nov, 2024 by Danny t
My wife and I recently completed our Estate Planning with Brian Qualls, and it was a seamless experience. We had previously tried to complete this process with another firm but felt overwhelmed by the amount of information requested during the initial meeting, so we put it off for a long time. I found Brian through the MetLife Legal Plan search and chose his firm based on the very positive reviews. Brian has a streamlined online intake process focused on the essentials to get started. He guided us through key decisions during a Zoom call, answered all our questions, and made everything convenient with his user-friendly portal for documents, invoices, and communications. What a relief to finally complete this long-postponed important task. Highly recommend Brian Qualls for Estate Planning!
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.7
56 Reviews
16 Dec, 2024 by Nataraj p
I highly recommend Donald for US immigration related queries. I had some doubts about my H1B Visa after it was revoked. Internet is full of varied opinions and it was quite confusing. Donald offered to help me and clarified all my queries. Thank you Donald and team.
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04 Dec, 2024 by Pranav garg
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today and for helping to clarify my questions about the I-485J filing. I truly appreciate your guidance and professionalism. I will certainly consider hiring your team for legal representation and will gladly recommend your services to others.
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06 Nov, 2024 by Joanne ro
Thanks so much to Mr. Smith for the consultation provided. My husband and I had real concerns about our case, and he provided professional, thorough guidance. We’re truly grateful for the help.
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27 Aug, 2011 by Jeff
Kennedy helped me with my legal issue and was just amazing throughout the whole process. He was always available to explain everything to me and really put my mind at ease. I am not an easy person to work with and Kennedy really helped me calm down and guided me through my issue. I could not have obtained the result I did without Kennedy's expert assistance. His command of the law is truly impressive.
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24 Aug, 2011 by Robert
Kennedy is one of the finest Family Law attorney's in the San Francisco Bay Area. I have had the privilege of working with Kennedy during a very challenging time in my life. He explained the complexity of the law in a manner I could understand. He also advocated diligently on my behalf with an excellent court presence. The Judges would often agree with Kennedy and take his side on crucial issues.
Kennedy also helped me relax as much as possible. The emotional cost in such cases is extremely high. Kennedy would help manage this and understood the struggle I faced. He acted with great professionalism and with compassion to help me work through the case. Without his strong counsel, I would never have succeeded. I am forever in his debt.
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21 Apr, 2011 by William
Even though Kennedy looks like a 17 year old, he is impressive in his knowledge of law, his intuition of the case and his strategies for settlement. He seems equally capable and comfortable in the courtroom or at the settlement table. He helped me weigh the facts, consider the emotions and evaluate the cost of my case. He leans towards the collaborative style of divorce and I believe wants the best for his clients. In partnership, with Cristin Lowe they make an impressive team.
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22 Aug, 2016 by Tracie w.
Carla is the best Attorney. She is calm and caring. She listens to your concerns. She is very organized and stays on topic. If it wasn't for Carla our case would have never been settled. She is well worth the money. I would recommend Carla to anyone needing an attorney. We appreciate all of her hard work and her attention to detail. We can't say enough good things about Carla, we will never forget what she's done for us.
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08 Jun, 2016 by Chin
Carla was able to meet with me right away and get started on my case. She answered all my questions thoroughly, and gave me the confidence I needed to ensure that I get the best results;
I knew she was the right lawyer for me.
She was very honest and informative and handled everything in a timely manner
I was very satisfied with the outcome, she is the best!! I will definitely recommend Carla to any and every one that ever needs legal assistance!!! I highly recommend Carla.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Shivanjali naicker
I had an excellent experience with Ham Family Law. Attorney Caroline Ham was incredibly compassionate and understanding throughout all of my legal frustrations. She showed me a lot of empathy, and at the same time, was very straight-forward with her advice. Ms. Ham's knowledge of family law is extremely impressive, and I felt very confident with the guidance I received from her.
I highly recommend Ham Family Law for anyone seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable firm for family law matters!
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11 Nov, 2024 by Lucky13stl
Most wonderful and amazing experience with the firm. Everyone there is very professional and helpful. Special thank you’s to Ms. Ham and Rachel for the best experience and service. Highly recommend this firm to anyone who needs family law services.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Benjamin markham
I retained Caroline Ham to work on my support issue in 2022. Dealing with Ms. Ham was most ungratifying. She quoted me an approximate amount it would take to take the case, but ultimately exceeded this amount significantly.
Ms. Ham’s self-centered approach to time management was extremely unprofessional. When we set a meeting, Ms. Ham would invariably have 2 responses. First, she would call hours before the meeting and ask if to have the meeting early, at her convenience, not mine. It became apparent that even though I am the client my time could NOT possibly be as important as HER time. Her second response was to be late or not show up for a zoom call at all.
Prior to my retaining Ms. Ham she failed to inform me that the age difference between me and my ex-spouse would create an advantage in the courts for my ex-spouse. I am convinced this is no oversight as it allowed her to bill me. When I finally discovered this information, I took an interim settlement from my ex-spouse and had to wait to file an effective lawsuit when we were on equal legal grounds. My support issue was only resolved in 2024 - WITH ANOTHER LAWYER.
Glad I went elsewhere.
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04 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Denise I'm coming for you, you took my hard-earned money AND did nothing with my Divorce case, then split to SoCal.
Your doing nothing hurt my case, you put me in a bad situation with the Martinez Court. What a scam you're running. you said you had Covid after you ghosted me for 90 days. FINE, then Zelle me my $3200. You asked for more money, then removed yourself from my case without consulting me on the very next day.
Shame on you!!!
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07 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Stay away from this lawyer. I paid the retainer back on June 14, 2022 although I was not ready to file for the dissolution of my marriage because we were trying to get the house sold first before my husband and I filed but Denise had told me that to be assured of her availability, I needed to pay her the retainer fee. So I gave her my credit card and bank info, I figured, she’s a lawyer, she will not scam me right?
I told her that I will let her know when I am ready for her to file. So I’ve emailed her requesting an appointment over the phone on August 17, no response. I’ve sent her another email on August 27 requesting the same and she finally told me that she was available to talk on Sunday evening at 5. I spoke with her and she had told me that she will be sending two forms for me to fill out (I remember later that I had already filled out two forms that she needed to file) but that she just had moved to a new office and will have to hook up her computer first-she was going to send me those forms later on that night. A whole week passed, and I haven’t received any form of communication from her, I’ve sent sent emails on 8/29, 8/31, and 9/1 following up on the forms that she was supposed to send but not once did she respond. I’ve left messages on her phone, sent her text messages on 9/5 & 9/8, still no response. I thought of calling her on my work cell phone on 9/8 and I’ve received a text from her saying right away stating”please text me”.
On 9/16, I’ve emailed her notifying her that I wanted to opt out of my contract with her since she hasn’t done anything for me and I had not heard back from her despite many attempts of contacting her. She called me on 9/19 and told me that she was ill. I told her again that I want to cancel our contract and I want my retainer back. She said it had to go through accounting first, that was 14 days ago and I’ve still not received any reimbursement.
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15 Jan, 2022 by Latifa
My ex filed an emergency ex parte order which the court holds hearings on pretty fast. He also requested child support. I was so lost in the process as things happened suddenly and had no representation during the first two hearings. I was lost as to what was happening or why it was happening.
I requested a consult with Denise who called me back. I'd spoken with a few attorneys before getting to Denise, none of which gave me the time of day other than to say they worked in family law and what their rates were. During our consult, she took her time to explain (although I'd already been to court twice) what was happening, ask me me questions to ensure she understood specifics related to my case, and then explained what defenses we could present and what the process would be moving forward all before I paid her a dime. She was honest in that this may not be a fast process, transparent, and most importantly (especially as I have never had to deal with family court before) sympathetic. Although we are still in court, she has been able to get some pretty nice wins - legal rights such as educational and medical access, ex was interfering with my ability to communicate with our child. Denise was able to argue this and have judge order him to purchase her a cellphone so I could communicate with her directly. ALL of this was done in her 1st court appearance on my behalf!
She calls prior to court hearings to make sure we are on same page with strategy, what may possibly happen/what to expect and what we're going after during the hearing. She also calls to debrief after court hearing with next steps.
Denise representing me has given me hope where it felt hopeless before and helped me to understand more about the process where I had zero understanding and knowledge.
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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.
