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08 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
Like the comment below, he was not worth what I paid. He often required that I wait way too long for responses to emails and calls and clearly was always preoccupied by somethings. Divorcing my wife cost way more than it should have.
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25 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Look. If you want to spend top dollar for mediocre results then this is your guy. I found him incredibly disengaged with the process.
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02 Oct, 2017 by Allison
No one wants to get divorced, and certainly no one wants to have a contentious divorce and custody battle. Walking into court, I never felt more confident thanks to Alex's hard work, preparation and caring communication throughout the whole process.
Alex is incredibly smart, measured, thoughtful and has a personal nature that will make you feel at ease. But it's also his tenacity and doggedness that makes you feel confident you're in the right hands.
I interviewed numerous lawyers before final landing on Alex and I am very thankful to have him on my team.
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28 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
i WAS GIVEN A REFERRAL TO GOLDBERG AND JONES. I DECIDED TO GO DESPITE KNOWING THAT ANY FIRM THAT POURS AD MONEY INTO A PRODUCT LIKE THEY DO TYPICALLY IS BECAUSE THEY HAVE A POOR PRODUCT,
I PAID MY 200 DOLLARS FOR CHANCE TO MAKE JOKES REPEATEDLY ABOUT MY BEING DUMB ENOUGH TO MARRY THE SAME PERSON TWICE..
I HAD DONE A FAIR AMOUNT OF DUE DILLIGENCE PRIOR TO VISITING HIM,, HE WAS MORE CONCERNED WITH MAKING FUN OF ME AND TELLING ME THAT I SHOULD JUST SETTLE MY CASE FOR HALF..
HIS PARTING COMMENT WAS TO HAND ME A CARD AND TO LET ME KNOW WHEN I WAS GOING TO RETAIN HIM.. AND A FINAL JOKE ABOUT MARRYING THE SAME PERSON TWICE..
I HAVE SUBSEQUENTLY RETAINED A COMPETENT ATTORNEY AND AM HEADED FOR TRIAL..
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05 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
It has been several years since I dealt with Chance but he appears to still be with Goldberg and Jones. Coming in the door Colin Amos promised me the moon, then passed me off to Chance. Most of my funds were spent sitting around chatting it up with Chance. He never developed a legal strategy to move forward with my case, even refusing to even attempt to research the value of narital assets. Valuable time was lost and, consequently, money. I wasn't sure if Fewel's failure to perform his duties,as my attorney were more due to professional incompetence, ineperience or a lack of passion for the job -- perhaps all three? Anyway after re-uping their retainer once too often and expending thousands of my dollars for legal services of questionable value I cut hi m loose and hired another lawyer who as she said "cleaned up the mess" he had made of my divorce. Lesson learned,even if a little late.
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22 Aug, 2017 by Matthew
Super honest and helpful- got my case settled!
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09 Sep, 2017 by Brian
Mr Bobzien represented my in a very contentious divorce case, and if there ever was an ethical representative- he is it. He worked hard at keeping costs down and had a great deal of empathy toward my situation, I wouldn't hesitate to hire him in the future and would highly recommend him if you are looking for a true professional.
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05 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Andrew Bobzien is an outstanding lawyer with an outstanding reputation. He specializes in Domestic Violence cases. He is an expert in Family Law. Keep in mind that no matter what Family Law Attorney you hire, there will be challenges. Getting a Divorce or dealing with custody issues is highly emotional. A great example would be the review below. I know her and she actually recommended Drew to me. She unfortunately was emotionally unstable at the time and took advice from her mother instead of from Drew. I know this because I was with her during this time and couldn't believe how unreasonable she was being. I on the other hand trusted his advice and direction and came out winning my case. The best advice I can give on finding a good lawyer is to meet with them in person to see if you and the attorney are a good fit. Someone like Drew who has been practicing for many years and has a great reputation amongst his peers would also be something to consider. The other thing I appreciated about Drew is he kept the cost down as best he could and he allowed me to make payments once he worked through my retainer. Thank you Drew for outstanding representation. I wish you well.
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16 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
I made the mistake of hiring this lawyer to represent me. I am in a very vulnerable position as my husband is a high wage earner and I have been a stay at home mother for many years. Mr. Bobzien does not know how to represent women and children who are trying to escape domestic abuse. I recognized too late that Mr. Bobzien was not advocating for me at all. It has been a costly mistake and I regret hiring him. I believe he is complete untrustworthy. For Mr. Bobzien, what comes around goes around in life.
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09 Mar, 2024 by Jason
I am the custodial parent and was being challenged on my behavior with my 12 year old. Child protective services were called to investigate an accusation of withholding food. The case was deemed unfounded. My child’s mother apparently desired a second opinion. This is when I called the firm Austin Batalden worked at. Batalden was happy to meet with me and my wife for the consultation fee. While speaking with her, she exuded a confidence to handle our legal situation. Based on her appraisal, Batalden estimated the cost would end up being a few thousand dollars if things went smoothly, and perhaps ten thousand dollars or more if they did not. Once Batalden began working on my case, I began to lose confidence in her. I tried to encourage Batalden to be more assertive with the facts already available, and I kept getting the sense that she did not want to be too strong with the opposing counsel. The opposing counsel was being quite strong however, and when I had spent about four thousand dollars, I decided to seek out a different attorney. I hired a new attorney. Batalden’s firm, aware of my disappointment, transferred my case for the associated clerical fees. I was quite relieved once I began to work with my new attorney.
What I learned is that attorneys can often sound intelligent, and indeed are intelligent in terms of law, but that does not inform clients as to their competence other areas related to their job. My opinion is that Batalden was disinterested in my case and my perception was that my case got away from her before she realized it. I also perceived and felt that she was not interested in me and my well-being as a person experiencing a difficult situation evolving into a crisis. My mental health and that of my wife and whole family suffered through the next two years to have our matter eventually go before a judge. I believe this could have been avoided.
I remain my child’s custodial parent and my child’s mother was ordered supervised visitation and mandatory professional coaching. I would not recommend Batalden for any matter that had more nuance than simply navigating the legal system. The total cost of my court ordeal was around 50 thousand dollars. I believe this too could have been avoided.
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27 Feb, 2024 by Meeta
I hired Austin for my divorce and recently for my custody case. Austin is one of the most genuine people I have ever met - she is very knowledgeable about family law and puts the childs interests above everything else. She is not only a great lawyer, but a very patient, strategic advisor on how to proceed with your case. She responds quickly and communicates very well.
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17 Jan, 2024 by Hannah
Austin Batalden has been an incredible attorney for my family and I. Austin took amazing care with my case. She made sure that everything was done correctly. She communicated everything clearly and easily. I really appreciated her realistic approaches to a turbulent situation. If you are looking for a family law attorney, you cannot do better than Austin. Knowing that you have someone competent and empathetic handling a sensitive issue brings priceless peace of mind.
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29 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
She was intimidated by opposing counsel, encouraged settling and giving more to them than was even necessary let alone fair. She is not a fathers rights attorney whatsoever. She has no experience (outside of our case) with high conflict people, and had no idea how to handle it. There were multiple instances of her giving advice, only to concede that she was wrong. She dropped the ball on multiple occasions. When she’d speak to the judge, she was too nervous to get across ideas. It was like she was a kid reading from a written speech, no ability to improvise. Hiring her and not firing her mid battle is one of my biggest regrets. I don’t mean to be cruel, but this needed to be said. It’s too important and too much money for others not to know.
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FAQs
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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.
