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14 Feb, 2024 by Karin
Brian Myers is a superb divorce attorney. I hired him in 2012, and it was one of the best decisions during my divorce that I ever made. Brian was an amazing advocate, and he is intelligent, caring, thoughtful, and insightful - which was greatly appreciated. He gave me hope when I had none. Brian protected and supported me, when I felt I was being attacked by my soon to be ex- husband and his aggressive lawyer. I will always be grateful for the time, patience and support Brian gave me, during this difficult divorcing process. Brian Myers is not only an outstanding, professional Lawyer, he is an amazing, brilliant, kind man with a huge heart of integrity. I give him the utmost highest possible recommendation. Brian Myers is a real gem.
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02 Aug, 2023 by Michael
Brian Myers represented me in a divorce case that was extraordinarily contentious and difficult. Not only did Brian have to confront an opposing party that was unwilling to compromise on any matter great or small, but he also had to cope with my peculiar circumstances--when I first retained him I was living and working in Southeast Asia--and with the chaos and uncertainty that the pandemic brought to legal processes and the court. I am forever in his debt for his exceptional perseverance in surmounting these many challenges, for his stout advocacy, good judgment, his compassion, and for the deployment of his extraordinary legal capabilities on my behalf. Brian is among the most impressive people I have met in any field.
Compassionate and non-judgmental, with an abundance of optimism and an unflappable disposition, Brian always responded quickly and trenchantly to the many emails I sent him. During these dark days that, as days do, accumulated to years, I had a tendency to write long, sprawling messages, only portions of which were legally relevant. Had Brian responded in full to every facet of these emails, I would have quickly been bankrupted. Instead, with an unerring capacity to separate the tangential from the essential, Brian unfailingly got to the legal heart of my messages, keeping us on task and saving me thousands of dollars. This is one small example among many of his superb judgment, his devotion to serving the best interests of his client even when the client in question (me!) could not see the forest for the trees. Brian has a real gift for explaining complex legal mechanisms and terms in a way that clarifies them to the uninitiated. He is generous, patient, and thoroughly decent.
One of the reasons I chose to work with Brian has precisely to do with his decency and moral discernment. On occasion, what the law sanctions and what decency requires are at odds. Brian immediately understood--and I believe respected--my decision not to pursue a course of financial remedy that would have been in my self interest. And on other occasions, when I would ask about pursuing avenues that were legally legitimate but, under the circumstances, morally dubious, Brian would push back, and in so doing, made me a better person and a better parent.
In short, Brian Myers possesses all of the traits that an outstanding attorney should have: he is decent, incredibly hardworking and responsive, compassionate, a wonderful communicator, with an incredibly sharp legal mind. It is my pleasure to recommend him wholeheartedly.
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02 Aug, 2023 by Michelle
Brian Myers is the best attorney anyone can hire in Santa Cruz County. He has been my attorney for six years. This man knows the law and will fight for you with honesty and integrity. That may not be important to everyone, but it was, and still is, important to me. There is a reason why he is the Santa Cruz County Family Law Bar Association President. They chose well.
I met with Brian for a consultation 3 months before filing for divorce. I explained my dire circumstances and he listened. He didn't set a timer or watch the clock (like the others) and went well over the allotted time. Unlike some of the bottom feeders I met with, he showed compassion and I sensed this was a man who took his code of ethics seriously, which is very hard to come by with divorce attorneys. Let's face it, there's a special place in Hell for most of them. I told him I wasn't looking to hurt my soon-to-be ex-husband and he was okay with that. I thanked him for his time and left his office to consider what I would do.
Three months later, I knew I had no choice but to file for divorce. I called and asked to speak with him. He was surprised I was calling him at that time; not because he thought it would work it out, but because it took me 3 more months before I finally walked away from an impossible situation. His compassion was palpable. He asked for a very reasonable retainer and had my divorce filed and served within a week. There wasn't one hiccup.
My case inevitably became horribly ugly a few months later when an emergency custody request was necessary. He took care of everything and it was seamless. I then needed a Domestic Violence Restraining Order, which he secured for me for three years and then renewed for another five. I endured years of a custody/visitation battle with drug & alcohol testing, multiple reunification therapists, a move to a different county, etc. He's done it all for me. The bottom line: My kids are safe and I have Brian to thank for that.
The one thing that was (and still is) most important to me while fighting this fight is this: I want to be able to come out of this someday with my head held high. I want my kids to know, someday when they're old enough, that I did everything right. I never lied. I never stooped to the lows the other side did. That's important to me. Kids figure out on their own at some point what's going on, so don't play dirty. That's my first bit of advice to anyone reading this. My second bit of advice is this: Hire Brian. He will be there for you every step of the way. He'll get the job done and he'll do it right. If you want an attorney who will represent you effectively, ethically and efficiently, Brian Myers is your guy.
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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.
