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22 Apr, 2024 by Brian souders
My wife and I had the pleasure of having Brandon update our old Estate Plan. We wanted to make sure all of our documents were in line with our wishes now that we had more children. Brandon was patient and easy to work with. His team is professional and prompt in responding to our questions. I recommend many of my friends to BJS Law and will continue to do so.
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29 Mar, 2023 by Gaea true
I can't say enough positive things about my experience with this law firm. Brandon not only has ethics & morals, but he is honest & extremely reasonable. In speaking with other business owners, I have found that the ones who know him have the same experiences and recommendations. Brandon really made this difficult time easier. I highly recommend him!!!
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28 Jan, 2023 by Teresa ruiz decker
Brandon is a knowledgeable expert in every way! I feel fortunate to have learned about his services in setting up trusts and also learned he has a background in real estate. As a single mom, this was extremely helpful as I wanted to ensure the new home I bought was set up for my children to inherit one day and that they are cared for as much as possible. It's rare to find someone like Brandon who understands both real estate and law so deeply, while offering practical advice alongside years of expertise. The best part about Brandon is that he makes the process of setting up a trust less intimidating by generously sharing his knowledge. He is trustworthy, kind and up front about everything you should consider while laying out your future plans to protect your assets and family. His process is seamless and I have no doubt you will enjoy working with him.
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26 Oct, 2020 by Ruslan tcaci
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26 Oct, 2020 by Karan vlogs
what a rude person. He don't know how to talk to a person. I would definitely don't recommend him to someone.
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26 Oct, 2020 by Varinder kumar
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13 Feb, 2022 by Laurie puglia
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10 Feb, 2018 by Tom gardner
Excellent Service
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27 May, 2023 by Mary pina
Very good attorney . He really took excellent care of me and what I needed. Would recommend him for anyone going through a divorce
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30 Mar, 2023 by Michael muto
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21 Apr, 2021 by Sean martin
Why use the rest when you can have the best. I found Frank Ali after dismissing two other family law attorneys. I wished I had found Frank in the beginning. It would have saved me a considerable amount of time and money.
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24 Aug, 2024 by Justin chang
I had a fantastic experience with Paige at McCoy Fatula for my estate Planning. Paige was professional, knowledgeable, and truly cared about my needs. She made the entire process clear and stress-free, answering all my questions with patience and expertise. I highly recommend Paige at McCoy Fatula for anyone seeking reliable and compassionate estate planning services.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Jeremy hyer
I called having questions and was very lucky to speak to Sarah, who right away helped me with answers and reassurance. I really appreciated her time and knowledge. Thank you!!
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07 Aug, 2024 by Demitri fellines
This law firm answered all of my legal questions and made me feel comfortable in the conversation I had. The paralegal I spoke to, Sarah, was amazing and very helpful as well.
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14 Sep, 2022 by Amber
I came to Darci in panic as my ex-husband and father of my 2 kids was loosing all self control. He had already been effecting us for a decade due to his uncontrolled mental illness, however it had now turned to death threats, stalking and harassment in a consistent way. After hearing from other lawyers that I did not have enough to be awarded a DVRO, Darci assured me I had plenty of documentation and sure enough she got me a 5 year domestic violence restraining order which also gave me sole custody of the kids with only supervised visits between the kids and their dad. Later she helped me turn my legal separation into a divorce and after that she helped me get my Move Away request put through the court once I remarried and moved away to a different state. After my ex requested unsupervised time with the kids, something I knew was unsafe and both kids did not want, Darci helped me argue against a terrible court mediator who did not look at any of the 100+ pages of documentation showing the father was not safe and suggested I obtain a Custody Evaluator to more thoroughly review the situation and facts and make more informed and safer conclusions. I paid the money to that evaluator, which was not cheap, but so worth the money. Now their dad has substantive tasks he must accomplish before either me or the courts are OK with unsupervised time (26 weeks of anger mgmt, weekly therapy, psychiatry for meds, requiring more visits on his part to show effort, reunification therapy with the kids, etc). Beware of bad court appointed mediators, however Darci helped me immensely to sort through the tough decisions and emotions of the events and come to a conclusion that was safe and in the best interest for the children. This process was not cheap, but children never are and if you are going to pay for anything it should be for the well-being of your kids. I would definitely recommend Darci McKean for anyone dealing with the issues I mentioned above.
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29 Nov, 2021 by Carly
Darci was my attorney for a messy custody case that also involved DV and a protective order. She was amazing, and made THE difference in winning our case. She was able to grasp the situation quickly, understood the proper steps to counter his tactics, and handled them like a BOSS! Her declaration drafts and responses were always perfect and succinct, and she was extremely efficient with her time. She masterfully managed our case and I could not have asked for a better attorney. She is absolutely one of the very, very best!!
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24 Jan, 2020 by Sima
I usually dont write bad reviews but I know how painfull could be to have an incometent lawyer.In a few words Darci Mckean is  incompetent with no care and empathy. She was my lawyer for more than a year in a case with no custody ,no fight over assets involved and could not finalized my divorce. Due to errors in filling my case was denied many many times.At he end with once consultation with another lawyer my divorce was finalized in a month without a lawyer.
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21 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Duplicity, cunning, conieving attorney at law, who is a feministic practicing misandry. Had orders of protection issued based on falacy and misused the system. Her false practices contribute to clogging the system unnecessarily, preventing true abuse cases from having their cases thoroughly examined and causing irreparable harm to children via parental alienation of good fathers. She would rather punish and line her pockets with cash than see justice prevail.
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09 Dec, 2022 by Eric rosburg
First, let me say that if you're trying to negotiate a "fair outcome" during divorce without involving lawyers, good luck. As an non family law expert, relying only on hearsay from family, friends, and tv shows, I was ill prepared to reach a "fair" resolution. 6 years after my divorce was finalized, Christie assisted me when my ex had a "qualifying event" to modify spousal support. She knows when to play the game and when to turn on the bulldog switch. I was pleased with the mutually beneficial outcome she helped me nail down. Highly recommend.
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27 Feb, 2020 by Kathleen crowe
Christie Carlisle helped me in a child custody case. She is the talented kind of lawyer you’d be lucky to have in your corner. I would especially recommend her to another woman because she not only stands up for other women, but also helps inspire us to be strong for ourselves.
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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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