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15 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
Scott Help me through a very rough patch in my life. I needed to work through a marriage fraught with trials and challenges. He did not encourage me to hurry and get a divorce, rather he encouraged me to do several things to save the marriage. I followed his advice and in the end he did help me with the divorce process, but by the time we did that, I was well prepared for the end. I knew that everything possible had been tried, and having tried many, many solutions gave me insight into the situation that I otherwise would never have known. My ex-wife was married to me but she was in love with someone else. Had we filed for divorce right away, I would have ended up in a much worse situation. Having waited until the more complete story came out put me in a great position to keep the children with full custody. I get to stay in the family home and the money I earned goes to support the family not to support someone who is untrustworthy. During the time I was trying to put things back together, I found out about secret banking accounts, real estate, and other possessions that were part of her life but not mine. Scott helped me understand why she pushed so hard for some things (mostly financial.) She pushed hard for all of the things we owned together to be put into a family trust which for some reason didn't include me. She said that because we were married in reality I was a member of the trust. She wanted access to my bank account, but refused to allow me to even go into her bank with her. When it came time for the financial statements to be filed, I had the information needed to confront her about the assets that she had and had not declared.
Due to the lack of her disclosure it was clear that she was not telling the truth and therefore had no credibility with the judge. The judge looked much more favorably at the arguments we presented even though the truth of my position was not always pretty, it was the truth. I had given Scott all of the ugly details of the marriage, so there were no surprises for him during negotiations or when we got to court.
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28 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Wendy always seems to know what to do when a problem arises. She is extremely ethical and responds quickly to any problem that comes up. I respect her most for her honesty during consultations and her knowledge of family law in Utah. Worth every penny. We have hired her multiple times for various problems with an ex.
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19 Dec, 2011 by Kellie
I would like to extend a special thank you to Wendy Bradford. Wendy worked very hard, and handled our prenuptial agreement with sensitivity, urgency, and accuracy. When faced with discussing and actually completing this type of legal agreement, emotions can arise and make the process more difficult than it needs to be. Wendy was there for us with the knowledge & skills to address all of our questions, concerns, and apprehensions. It was a pleasure to work with her. She made a potentially difficult process flow very smoothly for us. Thanks again Wendy!
Kellie
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20 Apr, 2011 by Becky
Wendy worked with us on a few Conservator cases. On some she represented the protected person, on some she represented us. She was rpfoessional and kind in her actions and was very responsive to the difficult situations that surround Guardian and Conservatorship cases. I was especially impressed with her personal skills in dealing with people.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Joshua watchman
Jeff applies years of experience, dedication, and care into each message, call, or question one might have. Great guy to work with!
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12 Sep, 2024 by Jeremy timothy
Jeff has many years of experience and thoroughly understands the necessary laws to protect his clients. He's upstanding and a man of high morals. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of a divorce attorney or mediator.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Liana lia
Very highly recommended Jeff Rifleman. I had a great experience with him. He is very knowledgeable.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
I had a really bad experience with these guys while fighting for my daughter. First off they are very expensive. I just went to mediation and settled there and it cost me $17,000. I brought up a lot of problems with billing from my first bill and they wouldn't take anything seriously and even wrote up a new one with more stuff on it to compensate for the charge. It wasn't until my case was almost finished that they finally met with me and took off some of the charges which amounted to about $1100 which wasn't enough. I'm taking them to the bar of utah because that's what it has come down to with them being so sketchy with their charges. They always round up on times that I know didn't take as long as they say they did. The last straw for me was when the paralegal called me near the end of my case and all she said was I'm calling to ask if you have questions about that email jared sent. I said no then she said oh and an update on your case we're still waiting for the judge to sign the documents. I already knew all of that info but yet they still charged me for it. They wanted more money so they called me with that so they could charge me which isn't right. The previous bill also had some sketchy charges and I complained about it and they took random charges off even though I didn't specifically tell them what was wrong. They just took a few hundred dollars off to make me happy and sent me a new invoice. They even missed a few of my invoices then sent me some later saying I owe them all this money when I never got a detailed invoice until after they sent me that. It's just been a crazy time trying to get them to be on the same page and be professional so because of my personal experience I don't recommend then as a law firm. They charge for every email and phone call and charge you for a lot of things when it's their fault and their mistakes. They filed with the wrong court and charged me for it. It wasn't until I complained multiple times that they took some of those charges off of my bill. Just very unprofessional. If you ask me when it comes to my family I want things to be correct on my invoices and I want an honest and professional law firm to handle it. Jolley and Jolley definitely didn't help my situation at all and did not live up to my standards for my family
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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.
