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07 May, 2013 by Kitty
Mr. McNicol is an awesome attorney.
Mr. McNicol handled my divorce from my ex and he did an excellent job!
I would recommend him to any one and I have recommended him to my grand daughter!
Great job, Randy!!!
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30 Oct, 2022 by Estela
Megan is a great attorney! She is very nice and is a very knowledgeable about family law. She took the time to make sure I understood the process and helped me feel confident throughout. Having to go to family court is never easy but Megan made it as easy as it could be. She really listened to me and my goals. I highly recommend Megan for your family law needs.
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28 Aug, 2014 by Dawn
Mr. Aex handled my QDRO from my divorce and did a very good job dealing with a situation that took years to get resolved. Thank you!
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02 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Going into this process I was completely unfamiliar with what was needed and what to expect. Mr Cervantes was thorough, competent, timely and trustworthy. Thanks to him, I got everything I wanted and more.
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02 Apr, 2021 by Michelle ok
From my Yelp review: I don't even know where to start with Adrian. Subbing Adrian in on my high-conflict military divorce military divorce case was one of the best choices I made throughout my litigation. At first, I really couldn't understand clearly his advice and actions throughout my case and sometimes I fought him on it. But he always remained calm and collected. My case is not over yet but I am extremely grateful to have him as my attorney. He was always upfront even when I was not understanding. He has fought for me AND the rightful way. He didn't even want me to call or email him me sometimes just to avoid me incurring more "attorney fees" unless I had a list of questions and concerns. Not many attorneys care how much you email or call them, but he did and that's important also Because the those monthly invoices are no joke. In conclusion, we all need an attorney like Adrian and his team at Mesnick Law. Adrian was very knowledgeable when it came to family law in the state of California and I really wish I hired him sooner.
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02 Jun, 2016 by Melody
Tricia is an outstanding divorce lawyer. She is knowledgeable and confident and always available to discuss important case issues. I highly recommend her to anyone who wants personal attention from a skilled attorney in a family law case. She made sure she knew my case thoroughly and was able to answer every question the judge asked. She was completely prepared during the motion and discussed every point of my case. I'm very pleased with her as a lawyer and the results of my case. It was not an easy case to begin with!
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12 Sep, 2024 by Sol lara
I had a great experience with this law firm. Everything went smoothly. Derek, Ruby, and Valerie were all super helpful and responsive through this process. They always answered any questions we had and gave us updates. I felt very supported. I highly recommended!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Hugo renoj
Muy profecional lo recomindo...
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23 Aug, 2024 by Arthur mazuco
Excellent Service at Wilner & O’Reilly Immigration Office
Wilner & O’Reilly in San Diego provided outstanding service throughout my immigration process. The team was professional, attentive, and always available to answer my questions. Derek, in particular, was exceptional—he even accompanied us to our interview and made sure everything went smoothly. I highly recommend this office for anyone needing expert immigration assistance.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Sol lara
I had a great experience with this law firm. Everything went smoothly. Derek, Ruby, and Valerie were all super helpful and responsive through this process. They always answered any questions we had and gave us updates. I felt very supported. I highly recommended!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Hugo renoj
Muy profecional lo recomindo...
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23 Aug, 2024 by Arthur mazuco
Excellent Service at Wilner & O’Reilly Immigration Office
Wilner & O’Reilly in San Diego provided outstanding service throughout my immigration process. The team was professional, attentive, and always available to answer my questions. Derek, in particular, was exceptional—he even accompanied us to our interview and made sure everything went smoothly. I highly recommend this office for anyone needing expert immigration assistance.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Sol lara
I had a great experience with this law firm. Everything went smoothly. Derek, Ruby, and Valerie were all super helpful and responsive through this process. They always answered any questions we had and gave us updates. I felt very supported. I highly recommended!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Hugo renoj
Muy profecional lo recomindo...
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23 Aug, 2024 by Arthur mazuco
Excellent Service at Wilner & O’Reilly Immigration Office
Wilner & O’Reilly in San Diego provided outstanding service throughout my immigration process. The team was professional, attentive, and always available to answer my questions. Derek, in particular, was exceptional—he even accompanied us to our interview and made sure everything went smoothly. I highly recommend this office for anyone needing expert immigration assistance.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Sol lara
I had a great experience with this law firm. Everything went smoothly. Derek, Ruby, and Valerie were all super helpful and responsive through this process. They always answered any questions we had and gave us updates. I felt very supported. I highly recommended!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Hugo renoj
Muy profecional lo recomindo...
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23 Aug, 2024 by Arthur mazuco
Excellent Service at Wilner & O’Reilly Immigration Office
Wilner & O’Reilly in San Diego provided outstanding service throughout my immigration process. The team was professional, attentive, and always available to answer my questions. Derek, in particular, was exceptional—he even accompanied us to our interview and made sure everything went smoothly. I highly recommend this office for anyone needing expert immigration assistance.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Sol lara
I had a great experience with this law firm. Everything went smoothly. Derek, Ruby, and Valerie were all super helpful and responsive through this process. They always answered any questions we had and gave us updates. I felt very supported. I highly recommended!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Hugo renoj
Muy profecional lo recomindo...
Read more
23 Aug, 2024 by Arthur mazuco
Excellent Service at Wilner & O’Reilly Immigration Office
Wilner & O’Reilly in San Diego provided outstanding service throughout my immigration process. The team was professional, attentive, and always available to answer my questions. Derek, in particular, was exceptional—he even accompanied us to our interview and made sure everything went smoothly. I highly recommend this office for anyone needing expert immigration assistance.
Read more
12 Sep, 2024 by Sol lara
I had a great experience with this law firm. Everything went smoothly. Derek, Ruby, and Valerie were all super helpful and responsive through this process. They always answered any questions we had and gave us updates. I felt very supported. I highly recommended!
Read more
28 Aug, 2024 by Hugo renoj
Muy profecional lo recomindo...
Read more
23 Aug, 2024 by Arthur mazuco
Excellent Service at Wilner & O’Reilly Immigration Office
Wilner & O’Reilly in San Diego provided outstanding service throughout my immigration process. The team was professional, attentive, and always available to answer my questions. Derek, in particular, was exceptional—he even accompanied us to our interview and made sure everything went smoothly. I highly recommend this office for anyone needing expert immigration assistance.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Majdi joseph
great service very smooth and give you the knowledge to understand the processes
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19 Jul, 2024 by Genevieve r.
To say that I highly recommend Maya Pinchman of Ratner and Pinchman doesn't even begin to cover it. I worked with Maya on my father’s estate and she was extremely knowledgeable, proficient, and kind. I was going through a horrific time dealing with my father's illness and countless people who made everything worse, and then I found Maya and she literally saved my father’s estate and me from overwhelming stress. It was an involved case filled with many obstacles and difficult people, and she expertly handled legal matters, and guided and coached me. I will always be grateful to her.
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02 Jul, 2024 by Carolyn dolnick
Highly recommend working with Ratner & Pinchman! We worked with them for a few legal matters and everything was done to perfection. Maya takes the time to really understand what you need and explain options.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Majdi joseph
great service very smooth and give you the knowledge to understand the processes
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19 Jul, 2024 by Genevieve r.
To say that I highly recommend Maya Pinchman of Ratner and Pinchman doesn't even begin to cover it. I worked with Maya on my father’s estate and she was extremely knowledgeable, proficient, and kind. I was going through a horrific time dealing with my father's illness and countless people who made everything worse, and then I found Maya and she literally saved my father’s estate and me from overwhelming stress. It was an involved case filled with many obstacles and difficult people, and she expertly handled legal matters, and guided and coached me. I will always be grateful to her.
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02 Jul, 2024 by Carolyn dolnick
Highly recommend working with Ratner & Pinchman! We worked with them for a few legal matters and everything was done to perfection. Maya takes the time to really understand what you need and explain options.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Majdi joseph
great service very smooth and give you the knowledge to understand the processes
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19 Jul, 2024 by Genevieve r.
To say that I highly recommend Maya Pinchman of Ratner and Pinchman doesn't even begin to cover it. I worked with Maya on my father’s estate and she was extremely knowledgeable, proficient, and kind. I was going through a horrific time dealing with my father's illness and countless people who made everything worse, and then I found Maya and she literally saved my father’s estate and me from overwhelming stress. It was an involved case filled with many obstacles and difficult people, and she expertly handled legal matters, and guided and coached me. I will always be grateful to her.
Read more
02 Jul, 2024 by Carolyn dolnick
Highly recommend working with Ratner & Pinchman! We worked with them for a few legal matters and everything was done to perfection. Maya takes the time to really understand what you need and explain options.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Majdi joseph
great service very smooth and give you the knowledge to understand the processes
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22 Jun, 2024 by Christopher mecham
Initially, we were impressed with Milda's highly-rated reviews. Her office is part of the MetLife Legal network that is offered through our employer benefits, which made it more affordable for us. She made the whole process easy and was very thorough. Milda is very professional. We will definitely refer friends to her for Trusts, Wills, Advance Directive, and complete Estate Planning needs.
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11 Jun, 2024 by Sahba mehdinejad gargari
16 Sep, 2024 by Matt
In a highly emotional and tense environment, Scott provided an environment where he supported the process by keeping us focused on the issues. Specifically, what I appreciated about Scott's approach was that he would explain what would typically happen in court, what would be arguable in court, what typically happens in mediation, and what were standard topics to be negotiated in mediation. Several times, we were close to moving away from mediation and going to court, which would have been an extreme waste of money in our case. Scott continuously tried to keep it on track to close out the process.
I strongly recommend Scott as a mediator.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Maggie williams
15 Aug, 2024 by Jhez manango
Probably the best attorney I ever worked with! Happy to be associate with him.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Ben
Brad definitely took ahold of my case and got me a outcome I never imagined would be possible, if your looking for a attorney who will put on the gloves and throw down for you he is the guy and very straightforward.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Gordon brown
After my accident, Richard made sure that I was made whole again. He was professional, reassuring, and timely. He guided me through every step of this process and garnered the extent of the insurance policy. Accidents happen and they can be frightening. It was Morse Injury that gave me the confidence to know I was being taken care of.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Kim c
14 Aug, 2024 by Ashkenazi arikaree
I still have a hard time believing it! I was caught between a rock and a hard place! I was either going down for a DUI or assault. I was driving home with my family from a breakfast cruise downtown and when I pulled into my driveway there was a guy screaming at me that I cut him off. After I took him to the ground and gave him a couple of what for’s I let him up and he got back in his truck and proceeded to try and run me over. He eventually left but it was with a couple of new dents on his truck. I casually walked over to my house and got in the shower to clean up. When I got out there was a cop at my door and the guy who rode up on me across the street with another cop. I guess he never left and called the cops on me. You all know how that goes. The one who calls the cops is the one who never goes to jail, so I was screwed at the getgo. The cops question me about my day and like a dummy, I told them about the cruise and the couple of drinks that I had. Next thing I know I’m arrested for DUI and assault. I took it all the way to trial because the DA wasn’t budging. That guy approached me at my house and was the aggressor I was not in the wrong for what I did. I was protecting myself. I saw it one way and the DA saw it another way. When I met Mark he believed in me and jumped all over this to help me out. He gave me a great deal that I could not pass up. You should see this guy at work. He performed flawlessly! He is very calm and uses his words wisely. He walked all over the DA and put them in their place. We won the trial, and eventually he got my case expunged. I highly recommend him! I will never use anybody else but him. LETS GO MARK! THANKS BUDDY!
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11 May, 2024 by Karen harmon
I have developed a personal relationship with one of the receptionist, so when I use the text to office for of communication she knows I’m giving honest, timely information. And she is incredibly prompt at responding to the situation for me. I highly recommend Leigh law offices
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08 Mar, 2024 by Kathleen barit
04 Mar, 2024 by Lilia ventura
Muy agradecida con todo el apoyo que recibi de la oficina Leigh Law Firm en el proceso de work compensation del accidente de mi esposo.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Elmira fasihi
Eiman Rejali is an outstanding family lawyer who combines deep legal expertise with genuine compassion. He offers clear, practical advice and is a dedicated advocate in cases like divorce and custody. Eiman’s professionalism and commitment make him an excellent choice for anyone needing strong, supportive legal representation.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Ramona r
03 Jul, 2024 by Sandra
I hired Eiman Rejali to handle my divorce, and she was excellent. Eiman showed deep knowledge of family law from start to finish and was always there with clear advice and support. His professionalism and empathy made a tough situation easier to navigate. Thanks to his expertise, I got a positive outcome. I highly recommend Eiman Rejali to anyone needing a caring and capable family lawyer.
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05 Dec, 2023 by Kelly
Abby knows what she is doing. Her team communicated well, they were so nice, and everything was taken care of quickly. I feel like I was heard and was treated as a human. I definitely recommend Abby and the Ertz Law Group!
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09 Nov, 2022 by Adam
I consulted with Abby when I was in a tough spot facing a divorce and restraining order. When a couple other lawyers pretty much dismissed me, Abby took the time to look at my case and point a way forward, and showed me a fighting spirit that I was lacking at the time. She's going to work for you and fight for you, and that's what you want when you're doing this.
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21 Jul, 2022 by Cha dm
11 Sep, 2024 by Jonathan sanders
Laura Lindsay and the associates at pines & Solomon went above and beyond on my case to get me fair compensation. It took some time but was well worth the wait .My own insurance company was being less than fair and Laura litigated the situation to a more favorable outcome. I can’t speak highly enough of Laura and this firm.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Jeff falk
Kayla Link and Pines Salomon LLC went far above and beyond our expectations in handling my daughter’s dog bite injury case. They were highly professional,guided us through every step of the process, kept us updated as the case progressed, and aggressively pursued every aspect of our case. Our expectations at the onset were to hopefully recover some of the medical expenses incurred by this injury. However, due to Kayla’s persistence and diligence we were able to secure a truly life changing settlement that was far beyond our expectations. My daughter is disabled and has special needs, and Kayla was also very helpful in assisting us in setting up a special needs trust for the settlement money and finding the appropriate agency for managing this trust. Kaya did a fantastic job throughout the entire process, and I would highly recommend her and the Pines Salomon firm to anyone needing personal injury representation
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23 Jul, 2024 by Jamie ports
Excellent service. Highly recommend. Made the process stress free. Always felt prioritized and in safe hands. Thank you
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5.0
21 Reviews
4.9
212 Reviews
18 Sep, 2024 by Michael berg
Stuart was a great help handling my change of custody. He was professional and responsive to my questions. He handled all the paper work and filings and kept me informed when I needed to appear in court and let me know when it wasn't necessary for me to appear.
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14 Sep, 2024 by Alberto rocha
Competent, prompt, and easy to work with. It was a pleasure working with Stuart who is clear and friendly in his communication. I appreciate his proactivity in identifying and correcting errors in an important legal document helping to ensure on time delivery and walking me through in a way that I could clearly understand. I felt in great hands with him. Highly recommend Mellman & Mellman.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Jane h
I can't say enough to the professionalism of Mellman and Mellman. From the very beginning, they were considerate and understanding of our situation. We had open and honest conversations regarding our case, through prompt phone calls and emails, which we deeply appreciated.
We are also extremely grateful to Ms.Sarah Shankel, Associate Attorney, who worked tirelessly for our family. She helped us to resolve our case in a fair manner. We will always, always be indebted to her.
So if you are looking for a law firm with heart and the desire for justice, call Mellman and Mellman. You will not be disappointed.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Gordon brown
After my accident, Richard made sure that I was made whole again. He was professional, reassuring, and timely. He guided me through every step of this process and garnered the extent of the insurance policy. Accidents happen and they can be frightening. It was Morse Injury that gave me the confidence to know I was being taken care of.
Read more
14 Aug, 2024 by Kim c
14 Aug, 2024 by Ashkenazi arikaree
I still have a hard time believing it! I was caught between a rock and a hard place! I was either going down for a DUI or assault. I was driving home with my family from a breakfast cruise downtown and when I pulled into my driveway there was a guy screaming at me that I cut him off. After I took him to the ground and gave him a couple of what for’s I let him up and he got back in his truck and proceeded to try and run me over. He eventually left but it was with a couple of new dents on his truck. I casually walked over to my house and got in the shower to clean up. When I got out there was a cop at my door and the guy who rode up on me across the street with another cop. I guess he never left and called the cops on me. You all know how that goes. The one who calls the cops is the one who never goes to jail, so I was screwed at the getgo. The cops question me about my day and like a dummy, I told them about the cruise and the couple of drinks that I had. Next thing I know I’m arrested for DUI and assault. I took it all the way to trial because the DA wasn’t budging. That guy approached me at my house and was the aggressor I was not in the wrong for what I did. I was protecting myself. I saw it one way and the DA saw it another way. When I met Mark he believed in me and jumped all over this to help me out. He gave me a great deal that I could not pass up. You should see this guy at work. He performed flawlessly! He is very calm and uses his words wisely. He walked all over the DA and put them in their place. We won the trial, and eventually he got my case expunged. I highly recommend him! I will never use anybody else but him. LETS GO MARK! THANKS BUDDY!
Read more
24 Sep, 2024 by Ron
Moriel Cohen got me through a very difficult Divorce, I sit here now and can't believe I'm on the other side of it. I'm so glad I sleep again and not be so scared of everything.
Moriel is a lawyer you can depend on.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Majdi joseph
great service very smooth and give you the knowledge to understand the processes
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19 Jul, 2024 by Genevieve r.
To say that I highly recommend Maya Pinchman of Ratner and Pinchman doesn't even begin to cover it. I worked with Maya on my father’s estate and she was extremely knowledgeable, proficient, and kind. I was going through a horrific time dealing with my father's illness and countless people who made everything worse, and then I found Maya and she literally saved my father’s estate and me from overwhelming stress. It was an involved case filled with many obstacles and difficult people, and she expertly handled legal matters, and guided and coached me. I will always be grateful to her.
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4.4
7 Reviews
5.0
113 Reviews
25 Jul, 2024 by Majdi joseph
great service very smooth and give you the knowledge to understand the processes
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19 Jul, 2024 by Genevieve r.
To say that I highly recommend Maya Pinchman of Ratner and Pinchman doesn't even begin to cover it. I worked with Maya on my father’s estate and she was extremely knowledgeable, proficient, and kind. I was going through a horrific time dealing with my father's illness and countless people who made everything worse, and then I found Maya and she literally saved my father’s estate and me from overwhelming stress. It was an involved case filled with many obstacles and difficult people, and she expertly handled legal matters, and guided and coached me. I will always be grateful to her.
Read more
02 Jul, 2024 by Carolyn dolnick
Highly recommend working with Ratner & Pinchman! We worked with them for a few legal matters and everything was done to perfection. Maya takes the time to really understand what you need and explain options.
Read more
25 Mar, 2024 by Anthony kiah
01 Mar, 2024 by Kat kozlowski
Highly recommend. Erika Vroom delivered exceptional service. Professional and knowledgeable.
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01 Mar, 2024 by Gaby sandoval
Looking for a divorce lawyer is not easy when you’re in the middle of navigating the actual divorce, where you’re going to live, what your kids are going to be doing, etc.
I feel so thankful that I ended up having a conversation with Andrella last year. From the get go she was being helpful, and the most professional lawyer I’ve met.
She was so great! She was able to get me almost exactly what I was wanting, and best of all my children are happy.
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25 Mar, 2024 by Anthony kiah
01 Mar, 2024 by Kat kozlowski
Highly recommend. Erika Vroom delivered exceptional service. Professional and knowledgeable.
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01 Mar, 2024 by Gaby sandoval
Looking for a divorce lawyer is not easy when you’re in the middle of navigating the actual divorce, where you’re going to live, what your kids are going to be doing, etc.
I feel so thankful that I ended up having a conversation with Andrella last year. From the get go she was being helpful, and the most professional lawyer I’ve met.
She was so great! She was able to get me almost exactly what I was wanting, and best of all my children are happy.
Read more
19 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Tamera is fantastic! She is level headed and gets the job done. She steered me in the right direction when dealing with getting power of attorney while my husband was on a deployment.
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25 Mar, 2024 by Anthony kiah
01 Mar, 2024 by Kat kozlowski
Highly recommend. Erika Vroom delivered exceptional service. Professional and knowledgeable.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
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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.
