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26 Dec, 2024 by Malynna
my parents hired heidi as a parent coordinator for their extremely messy divorce. all i can say is that she completely made my mental health worse and has been the reason behind the divorce getting messier than it was. this has been going on two years; and heidi being hired caused more problems. If you want your kids to talk to you when you’re older i would not hire her.
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26 Nov, 2024 by Mark n
At the most stressful time of my life, Heidi Lepp took the pain away!! She and her assistant Lorren Rago made the process less stressful with a great outcome in the end. Extremely smart and hardworking women. Heidi will step up to the plate and knock the ball out of the park. She will fight to the end and get the job done. Hats off to both of these woman. It was a pleasure having both of them by my side!!
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09 Oct, 2024 by David whitlock
I retained Heidi Ann Lepp to represent me for a child support suit. She was clear and direct with my issues and explained the law to me in ways I could understand. Heidi was very prompt and professional when communicating with me. I highly recommend her to anyone who needs representation.
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26 Nov, 2024 by Mark n
At the most stressful time of my life, Heidi Lepp took the pain away!! She and her assistant Lorren Rago made the process less stressful with a great outcome in the end. Extremely smart and hardworking women. Heidi will step up to the plate and knock the ball out of the park. She will fight to the end and get the job done. Hats off to both of these woman. It was a pleasure having both of them by my side!!
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09 Oct, 2024 by David whitlock
I retained Heidi Ann Lepp to represent me for a child support suit. She was clear and direct with my issues and explained the law to me in ways I could understand. Heidi was very prompt and professional when communicating with me. I highly recommend her to anyone who needs representation.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Jeanne krause
I was recently represented by Goldstein Law Firm. Eliot and staff were extremely professional as well as cordial as they walked me through the process of house closings. I would highly recommend this firm to friends and relatives.
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24 Dec, 2014 by Helene
I can’t say enough about Mark Gabriel and his professionalism, passion and ability to get the job done. Not only is he an amazing attorney, he’s a great detective, reading between the lines and finding the BS presented by the opposing counsel. He put his heart and soul into my case and protected my child and her rights. We appreciate it more than words can ever say.
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28 Jan, 2014 by Subir
Mark Gabriel handled my divorce case. He has demonstrated a good judgment, extreme patience, and listened to my points. I strongly recommend him for being total trustworthy professional and fair. He is young but absolute quiet and cool and I wish him all the success.
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11 Jul, 2024 by Stankydanky
The receptionist lady at this office should be fired She doesn’t even know the law, but won’t transfer you to someone that can help you!!! Fire her Immediately she’s bad for business Somerville office
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11 Jul, 2024 by Brittany j
Absolutely useless….I agree with those who have said the receptionist is rude. She seemed unwilling to help and unfazed of the situation I have.
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08 Apr, 2024 by Tazz ruga
The receptionist is very rude
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11 Jul, 2024 by Stankydanky
The receptionist lady at this office should be fired She doesn’t even know the law, but won’t transfer you to someone that can help you!!! Fire her Immediately she’s bad for business Somerville office
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11 Jul, 2024 by Brittany j
Absolutely useless….I agree with those who have said the receptionist is rude. She seemed unwilling to help and unfazed of the situation I have.
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08 Apr, 2024 by Tazz ruga
The receptionist is very rude
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12 Aug, 2022 by Tessa
First - know Lyons’ firm charges by 0.2/hr versus the normal 0.1/hr. So say she’s $575/hour — a one-line email that’s 30 secs to read & a 20 min phone call cost the same ~ $114. And raises hourly rates WHILE you still have $ from initial retainer. Apparently she “can,” but most just don’t. Especially in FAMILY LAW! Reviews I just read here describing Terry drawing you in with “charm,” TRUE. With reassurances that you are already and will be her absolute priority and then…didn’t even remember impt details of my case. And yes, my case was pawned off to brand new associate too, to save ME money. Knowing I’m a disabled, single mom who’d been bankrupted by lawyer fees to fight false allegations (as in hundreds of thousands) by children’s father, and referred to by her respected peer, when I saw the invoice charging me over $250 for the time I called just to ecstatically let her know EVERYTHING was dismissed, I felt nauseous. That’s repugnant. As the firm’s owner, I believe that’s her choice. Then, in the middle of what she said was “near the end,” she actually demanded my balance in full, saying not another word would be written on my behalf until fully paid. Pretty sure that’s not or is not fully legal, but what? Sue my lawyer who I need to finish an order? I had to BEG several times for huge (for me) lump sums then monthly payments that are the same as my rent (I had to move as a result). STILL paying off, but guess what hasn’t changed? My family court case for which she was retained.
Probably redundant, but I do not recommend.
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20 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Talked with Terry in first meeting, who I thought was great, then was assigned to an associate. She was the worst. Spent more time on the billing, or should I say overbilling then she did my actual case. For one sentence emails I would be charge a half hour. I had to learn more about the law because she was so incompetent. The missed over 100k in hidden assets, all because the would not file a subpoena like I requested. Everything was terrible, communication, the way they handled thing. I understand that Terry didn't handle my case, but when you name is on the door, your ultimately responsible.
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28 Jan, 2020 by Nonja
Ms Terry worked hard for my divorce case with my difficult ex, she did her homework in presenting information to the court, she was compassionate and all my expectations were met. I am very happy with the quality of her work.
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26 Nov, 2024 by Tim
I am extremely disappointed with the legal representation I received from Shaw Divorce & Family Law during my divorce case. I retained this firm because what Andrew Shaw, the name partner, told me during our initial consultation was exactly what is stated in his biography on the firm's website: "Youshould retain me because I am aggressive, and I will fight tooth and nail for you and your family." Unfortunately, my experience was the complete opposite of what Andrew promised.
This was not a complex case. My marriage was very short—only four years—with no children involved and only one marital asset, a property that had already been sold and its proceeds placed in a trust before I even hired Shaw. Despite the straightforward nature of the case, the representation I received was shockingly inadequate.
Prior to retaining Shaw Divorce & Family Law, I had been negotiating with opposing counsel pro se for five months. I retained this firm because I believed they would provide the aggressive representation and legal expertise necessary to achieve a better outcome. Instead, after months of legal representation, I ended up with the exact same deal I would have had if I had simply settled before retaining the firm. Not only did this outcome make the retainer and fees I paid completely unjustified, but I also incurred additional months of interest payments on the marital debts, further worsening my financial hardship.
I made it clear to both Janet B. Coven, the attorney assigned to my case, and Andrew Shaw that my living situation had a hard end date. I was rapidly approaching homelessness if the financial strain caused by the unresolved marital debts was not alleviated. I shared this with them months in advance, hoping it would motivate more aggressive action to finalize the negotiations. Instead, I saw no meaningful progress, and ultimately, I had no choice but to accept the deal to avoid becoming homeless.
To make matters worse, I found myself performing tasks that I expected the firm to handle, such as reviewing and editing documents to send to opposing counsel. At the time, my daily schedule included a lengthy commute and long work hours, which kept me out of the house 12-13 hours a day most days. Despite this grueling schedule, I was still doing work that I had hired Shaw Divorce & Family Law to do, leaving me feeling abandoned and unsupported throughout the process.
Adding to the frustration, the firm did not even identify or resolve a financial discrepancy that affected alimony; I was the one who found and raised this issue. Despite this effort on my part, the final judgment was identical to the initial proposal I had before retaining the firm.
Given the lack of advocacy, broken promises, and disappointing results, I do not believe the fees I paid were justified. Shaw Divorce & Family Law did not deliver the aggressive representation they advertise, and I cannot recommend their services to anyone seeking diligent and committed legal representation.
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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.
