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31 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Alistair was a great lawyer. He was quick with his responses, but most importantly, he was very thorough in his emails. So thorough, I only called him once during the whole divorce process, which took a year, and never met him in person. No divorce is easy, but I was satisfied with the outcome. Would highly recommend.
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10 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
In a divorce, kids happiness, well being and the right custody mattered the most and I needed to do my best for my kids. So, when it mattered the most, I needed the best advocate by my side. I feel extremely pleased I found the best one in Alistair at Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri law firm.
Alistair successfully presented my case and helped achieve the desired results. What I liked the most about Alistair was he made the entire process feel smooth and less stressful through his caring, calm, candid and very professional approach. Alistair’s case interview, research and presentations were exemplary helping take my stress off during very difficult times. Highly recommend Alistair’s services.
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06 Jan, 2021 by Mircea voskerician
I was recommended to Matt by a friend of mine for my divorce. From day one, Matt helped strategize on the best and most efficient options and at the end, I was super satisfied with his results. Matt is Brilliant and you can Trust him, he will fight for you 100% in Most Efficient Way. Highly Reliable&Responsive. A+++++
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06 Jan, 2021 by Stephanie
I can’t say enough about Matt Erickson’s skill and grace as an attorney. He took on my custody case during the lowest point in my life, and under his counsel and guidance, we turned everything around—I with my life and he with my custody of my son. I now have full physical custody and a fair support order. It was a complete 180, and it wouldn’t have been possibly without Matt’s skill, expertise, patience, and kindness. I’ve recommended him countless times to friends. Look no further.
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20 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Linda assisted us with a landlord/tenant lawsuit. Linda was very trustworthy, knowledgeable and responsive. Assertive, professional. We feel we definitely got our moneys worth and would definitely recommend her.
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03 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
Linda Frieder was extremely supportive of my interests from the first day until the case was settled. She is very knowledgable of the law. There never were situations or developments that she wasn't prepared for. She handled every matter with the utmost professionalism. Her response time was very impressive, always returning my phone calls in a timely manner. I would recommend her to anyone looking for legal representation. Her fees are reasonable and her results are impressive. Overall I would say that I am 100% happy with her as my attorney!!
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23 Jan, 2013 by Wayne b
I have used seth on 2 different Legal cases and the outcome was possitive both times..I Have No Regrets at All! He Turned Dirt into Gold!!...and I Would recommend him to my own Family if needed.....He's very knowledgeable and He is a man of his word...Thanks Again Seth!
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21 Jun, 2011 by John
Seth O’Dell was recommended to me by my primary criminal attorney. I was falsely accused of a crime. Mr. O’Dell and my primary criminal attorney worked to get the criminal charge dismissed. A month later, the accuser and a state agency went after one of my professional licenses. Mr. O’Dell led a team of lawyers who defended my license. He won the administrative hearing and my license was reinstated without restriction. Mr. O’Dell proved himself to be a hard working and resourceful lawyer. He was also a very personable and supportive friend as I went through the legal machine. I would recommend Mr. O’Dell and his team to any person needing legal representation.
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16 May, 2018 by Syth
Erica has been such an asset! She tackled every obstacle that was thrown at me and I've always been able to get ahold of her so I never felt alone throughout this process:-) I would hire her again without hesitation.
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07 Jun, 2017 by Edward
Erica is an awesome attorney! She was contracted to provide criminal defense strategy and pretrial prep that proved extremely valuable.
If she wasn't so busy and if i didn't put a team together, I would of retained Erica as a lead in my case.
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29 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Doug was fantastic! He is a very "no nonsense" kind of guy and I appreciated his honesty. If you want someone who will fight for you and not waste your time or money, he is the lawyer for you! He treated me with respect and I will recommend anyone in trouble to Doug's office!
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29 Dec, 2010 by Anonymous
Doug was upfront with me from our initial consultation and saw my cxase through from beginning to end. Unlike many other criminal defense attorneys, Doug doesn't try and pull this "extra fee required if you are held to answer after your Prelim Hearing." When he quotes you your fee, that is the fee regardless of whether your case goes to trial or is settled beforehand. Doug gets the job done and is nothing but honest and upfront with his clients all the way. I highly recommend him to anyone who finds themselves in legal trouble here in Santa Barbara.
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28 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Had a complicated case. Tom was able to provide me with realistic options to end my case. he was able to reach my goal, with great communication and is on your side!
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21 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I interviewed over 10 attorneys for my somewhat complicated DUI case. In the end, I went with Tom. Proud of my decision, and proud of Tom - he did a great job. Head and shoulders above the others I spoke with. From the beginning, Tom was very frank and realistic about expectations - didn't over promise in order to get a client. He's honest, ethical, and reliable, with very high standards. In the end, his work resulted in the best possible outcome for me. I would recommend him to anyone.
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15 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Harry to represent my sister in a criminal case. She was released today during her sentencing and we are elated with the outcome. Harry was thorough, responsive, knowledgeable, and always seemed ‘one step ahead’ of the game. He worked with me to finance a comfortable payment plan and was worth every penny!
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22 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Drandell presented himself very professional and courteous as my attorney. He was very timely in coming to court and was available whenever I needed him. His knowledge in Law allowed for a quick resolution to my case. I would recommend him to anyone that was in my situation.
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07 Feb, 2023 by Estefania
I have to say that my experience with Dahan was GREAT from start to finish, she was very informative, walked me through all of the steps in my divorce case, made recommendations on what would and would not be the best moves to make in my particular situation. Definitely is passionate about what she does and makes sure her clients are well taken care of. I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer to help me through such a hard time. Everything went so smoothly and she was 100% honest with me every step of the way! Love love love! 10/10!
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03 Apr, 2024 by Marcus
I was falsely accused and Attorney Rome helped me fix my situation in Los Angeles. He was so kind and understanding through the whole process and really helped me feel comfortable. I would highly highly recommend him if you need a lawyer.
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19 Apr, 2013 by John
We have had the pleasure of having Elizabeth Ritter represent us in a guardianship case in the Barstow courts. We are grandparents who were not knowlegeable about the laws around 'guardianship' and found Ms. Ritter advice and professionalism (both to us and in the court) better than we could have anticipated. Ms. Ritter was very approachable and answered all our inquiries honestly. We found Ms. Ritter to be very forthright with information and guidance during a difficult and long process. Ms. Ritter brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and understanding. We are sorry that we had to switch attorneys, but circumstances changed and we had to change courts. Should we ever have to be heard in this region again, we would never hesitate to ask Ms. Ritter to represent us. We cannot thank her enough for her guidance over the years. Ms. Ritter comes with the highest recommendation from us, in areas of professionalism, knowledge, honesty, compassion, and integrity.
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22 Feb, 2018 by Arabella
Patrick was my divorce lawyer and he did a wonderful job in defending me from my unrecognized husband which wanted to leave me out in the street without one penny. Patrick was honest, efficient, worked very hard against my husband and his nasty lawyer. I strongly recommend Patric as a Divorce Lawyer because he will look after your best interest. Also he made my husband to pay for all my attorne's fees.
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12 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Attorney Tash has handled several matters for me over the past few years. She is thorough, diligent and dedicated to obtaining the best possible recovery for her clients. I highly recommend her services.
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16 Jul, 2020 by Kevin
My family had problems with two estates. The trustees hadn't had very much experience and were failing to account, in addition to holding up money without disbursing when needed. I hired Mr. Murillo for his expertise with probate, which is very difficult in Fresno. Thank you for your hard work.
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25 Jul, 2015 by Catherine
Ken has handled numerous contracts for my firm, has provided sharp advise and really explains things and his logic. I feel my business decisions has improved because of him.
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03 Jul, 2013 by Carole
I was so please to see that Mr. Pardue was both ethical and reliable. He first represented my daughter then, myself. He is most capable and came highly recommended. Be honest with him and give him all your information truthfully and he will represent you fairly and competently. I would very much recommend Mr. Pardue.
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12 Aug, 2015 by Julio
Allen is a very intelligent and a very motivated attorney. He cared deeply about my case and about helping me achieve the best result possible. I have consulted many attorneys over the years on a very complicated family law case but out of all of them Allen is the best. He was able to navigate through this case fluently keeping my best interest at heart. He knows his stuff and has your back. I highly recommend Allen to anyone in need of a family law attorney.
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30 Aug, 2018 by Hector
I hired Mr. Dedecker for a dependency court case and the odds were really stacked against me. He fought really hard and secured my innocence despite the county counsel being against me. He took my case and he was optimistic about it from the start. He really cares and it shows. First he was incredibly knowledgeable. From the first conversation I had with him until the last he was able to successfully explain to me the process of my legal problem and what he was going to do to help me. He was very responsive to all my calls and questions and enthusiastic each time I spoke with him. I was shocked that he answered his phone on a weekend and was willing to talk to me! I definitely needed a lot of support during my difficult time and he was able to put me at ease. If you want an attorney that cares to listen to your concerns and helps you understand the system. I would recommend you hire Mr. Dedecker.
If you find yourself or your family faced with allegations by social services, YOU MUST HIRE A GOOD ATTORNEY! Do not make the mistake of thinking that just because you are innocent things will “sort itself out”. I would whole heartily recommend Mr. Dedecker to anyone facing a dependency case involving a minor. He was an integral part in helping us get my son back and my wife. We will always be forever grateful. I wouldn't hesitate to hire Mr. Dedecker
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21 Mar, 2018 by Grant
I couldn't have asked for a better attorney. In a multi-year divorce proceeding where my ex was trying to keep my visitation with our child at 5% while running me through the ringer, Albert kept things under control and got me 50/50 custody. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome!
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09 Aug, 2012 by Anthony
After seeking paternal rights in three counties for two and a half years and two lousy lawyers I finally found Susan Witting. Susan and her great Paralegal Cindy went to work and did a excellent job preparing for court. Susan did an amazing job each time we went to court and kept me informed throughout the process. With Susan's help I finally have the shared legal and physical custody I have been seeking. Susan also got the court ordered therapy necessary to help our children heal the wounds caused by separation and divorce. I highly recommend Susan to anyone seeking help with Family Law issues.
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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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06 Feb, 2014 by Cecily
Ms. Speth created a Management Contract that was very thorough and professional. She was very responsive to all of my concerns and kept me in the loop throughout the process. The turn around time for the contract was just within 1 week, and the result was impressive and very detailed. I recommend Ms. Speth wholeheartedly!
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15 Sep, 2011 by Michael gavin
He Is very legally savvy, He definitely knows how and when to object to unrelated issues while in court session. On top of his game.
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11 Dec, 2013 by Robert
This is a complicated review to write as Mr Morris was actually the DA who was prosecuting my case. But I must give credit where credit is due. I admire a person who shows conviction and tenacity. Mr. Morris unfortunately was going thru troubling times in his personal life, But didn't allow that to affect his performance in the courtroom. My personal belief is that Mr Morris knew the charges against me were shady and bogus. Yet he stuck to his job and represented the state with conviction. It was an honor to meet in the arena of the courtroom. and to watch him keep his case together despite the crumbling of his evidence and witness's. Should he ever decide to jump the fence and become a defense attorney. I think he will make an Awesome one and will truly make his mark on the world. My hats off to you Mr Morris.
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13 May, 2011 by Craig
Re: Allan J. Sarkin, Attorney At Law, practicing in Los Angeles County
Allan J. Sarkin has been practicing law for over 30 years. I love this guy. He got both of my charges dropped against bad odds. I had 2 charges pending against me for Public Intoxication and Domestic Violence (same incident). I had a prior DUI and a prior Domestic Violence charge I had pleaded No Contest to 3 years ago and was convicted. I also had a prior arrest for DV that was never filed. All dropped. He personally visited the City Attorney for Santa Monica and talked ‘em out of it. Wow!
I highly recommend Allan Sarkin. And he’s not expensive either. $3000 was the total fee.
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27 Sep, 2013 by Kat bert
I found this attorney to be very helpful. I didn't know how to navigate the system after being in a car crash and everybody told me it would take months to a year to settle and he took care of my needs in a very timely and satisfactory manner. The letter he wrote was clear and concise and did the trick! The advise he gave was spot on and he never made me feel stupid because I didn't know the lingo. I highly recommend Alan. Hopefully, I will never have to, but if I needed a lawyer again, it would be him.
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09 Nov, 2018 by K.s.
I found Mr. McCall to be a dedicated and professional family law attorney. He is quiet and reserved when necessary in the most continsous and high conflict proceedings. He listens and when appropriate takes command with fortitude and expertise. He is professional in his timely communication and prepares for a case with efficiency. I highly recommend Stephen, as he has done a wonderful job as my family law attorney.
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26 Oct, 2020 by Ruslan tcaci
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
21 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
The best attorney I had in my divorce case. Jesus has been very responsive, with a focus on finding solutions and resolving disputes without extensive court time or excessive fees for unneeded motions and hearings. I have already recommended me to friends who are happy with his services (I found him through a friend, his former client, also very happy with his work and rightly so).
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18 Dec, 2021 by Chi
It was my pleasure to be represented by Brett & Heidi.
Initially dealt mainly with Brett where I got my child back after a Fake DV order was filed and granted against me with weak evidence.
After we finished the first hearing I got 50% custody of my child, and Heidi took over from Brett at that point.
The other party does not follow our court order, and constantly lives in a where double standards is okay. Heidi is efficient in her wording to detail and highlight the issues in writing to opposing counsel, letting them know how their client is violating the court orders. Everything is properly documented with evidence of communication.
Heidi is busy, I can imagine that when you're amazing at what you do you'll be in demand but she typically gets back the same day or next.
I can't recommend Heidi enough, she is professional, swift, and gets the job done.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Domestic Violence Lawyer Can Do for You
A domestic violence lawyer provides legal assistance to individuals involved in cases of domestic abuse, whether you are a victim seeking protection or someone accused of domestic violence defending against the charges. These lawyers help with obtaining restraining orders (protective orders), representing clients in criminal court, and handling related family law issues such as child custody, divorce, and visitation rights.
If you are dealing with domestic violence, a lawyer can help protect your rights and navigate the legal system to ensure your safety or defend you if you’re falsely accused.
When Should I Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a domestic violence lawyer if you are:
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A Victim of Domestic Violence:
- Filing for a protective order (restraining order): If you need immediate protection from an abuser, a lawyer can help you file for a protective order, which legally requires the abuser to stay away from you and refrain from contacting you.
- Divorce or separation due to abuse: If domestic violence is a factor in your relationship, a lawyer can help you pursue a divorce or legal separation and ensure that you are protected throughout the process.
- Child custody and visitation issues: A lawyer can help you secure custody of your children and limit or restrict the abuser’s visitation rights to protect the safety of your children.
- Filing criminal charges: If you are pursuing criminal charges against the abuser, a domestic violence lawyer can work with law enforcement and prosecutors to ensure the case is handled properly.
- Assistance with safety planning: A lawyer can advise on the legal steps to create a safety plan, including securing temporary housing, and taking steps to protect you and your family.
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Accused of Domestic Violence:
- Defending against criminal charges: If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, a lawyer can defend your case, challenge the evidence, and represent you in court. If possible, the lawyer can help get charges reduced or dismissed.
- Challenging a restraining order: If someone has obtained a protective order against you, a lawyer can help you contest the order to prevent it from negatively impacting your life, including your employment and child custody rights.
- Dealing with family law issues: Domestic violence allegations can affect child custody, divorce, and property division. A lawyer can represent your interests in family court and ensure that your parental rights are protected.
- Avoiding criminal record implications: A lawyer can work to minimize the impact of the allegations on your record, which can affect your employment, housing, and future legal matters.
Hiring a lawyer at the earliest stages can help ensure your rights are protected and the case is handled effectively, whether you are seeking protection or defending against accusations.
What Does a Domestic Violence Lawyer Do?
A domestic violence lawyer provides various legal services depending on the specifics of your case. These responsibilities often include:
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For Victims:
- Filing for protective orders: A lawyer can help victims of domestic violence obtain temporary or permanent restraining orders, which provide legal protection by restricting the abuser’s access to you and your children.
- Representing you in divorce and child custody matters: Domestic violence often leads to divorce or separation, and a lawyer can represent you in family court to protect your assets, secure custody of your children, and arrange spousal and child support.
- Criminal representation: Lawyers work with law enforcement and prosecutors to pursue criminal charges against the abuser, ensuring that you are informed and supported throughout the legal process.
- Safety planning and legal advice: Lawyers provide advice on how to stay safe legally and can assist in securing temporary housing, providing guidance on how to leave abusive situations safely.
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For the Accused:
- Defending against charges: A lawyer will build a defense by investigating the case, gathering evidence, and challenging the claims made against you. If necessary, the lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties.
- Challenging protective orders: If a restraining order has been placed against you, a lawyer can contest the order and present evidence to defend against it, aiming to minimize its impact on your life and reputation.
- Handling related family law issues: Lawyers help defend against domestic violence allegations in divorce, child custody, and visitation disputes, working to protect your parental rights and reputation.
- Preventing long-term consequences: A lawyer will work to protect you from the long-term consequences of a domestic violence conviction, such as a criminal record that could affect employment, housing, and more.
How Are Domestic Violence Lawyers Paid?
Domestic violence lawyers generally charge for their services in different ways depending on the case's complexity and the type of legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many domestic violence lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location. Hourly rates are common for both criminal defense and family law matters.
- Flat fee: For specific tasks, such as filing a restraining order or defending against a straightforward domestic violence charge, some lawyers offer a flat fee that covers all legal work related to that service.
- Retainer: In complex cases, such as those involving criminal charges, divorce, and custody disputes, a lawyer may require a retainer fee, which is an upfront payment that covers future legal services.
- Pro bono or reduced fees: Some domestic violence lawyers provide pro bono (free) or reduced-fee services to victims of domestic abuse who cannot afford legal representation.
It’s important to discuss fees during your consultation to ensure you understand how much your case will cost and what payment options may be available.
How Much Does a Domestic Violence Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a domestic violence lawyer depends on the complexity of your case, the lawyer’s experience, and the type of legal work required. General cost estimates include:
- Restraining orders: The legal fees for filing a protective or restraining order typically range from $500 to $2,500, depending on whether the case requires a hearing.
- Criminal defense: If you’re defending against domestic violence charges, legal fees may range from $2,500 to $15,000 or more, depending on whether the case goes to trial and the severity of the charges.
- Family law issues: Legal fees for divorce, child custody, and other family law issues related to domestic violence can range from $3,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case.
- Hourly rates: Domestic violence lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour for their services, with more experienced lawyers charging higher rates.
Always ask for a detailed cost estimate during your consultation to understand the total cost of legal services.
Top Questions to Ask a Domestic Violence Lawyer
Before hiring a domestic violence lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they have the right experience and approach for your case. Key questions to ask include:
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What experience do you have with domestic violence cases?
Ensure that the lawyer has handled domestic violence cases similar to yours, whether you’re a victim or the accused. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, flat fees, or a retainer, and ask for a detailed cost estimate. -
What is the likely outcome of my case?
Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case, including potential challenges and expected outcomes. -
How long will the process take?
Domestic violence cases vary in length, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to last and what might cause delays. -
Will I need to appear in court?
Ask if your participation in court is required, and how the lawyer plans to represent you during hearings or trials. -
What steps should I take to protect myself or my rights?
Whether you’re a victim seeking protection or defending against allegations, ask the lawyer how they will help you navigate the situation.
How to Check the Credibility of a Domestic Violence Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable domestic violence lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:
- Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for domestic violence experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in domestic violence cases and have successfully handled cases like yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients say about their experience with the lawyer.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have been involved in domestic violence cases.
- Check for memberships in relevant organizations: Look for certifications or memberships in family law or domestic violence advocacy groups, such as the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV).
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a domestic violence lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
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For Victims:
- Details of the abuse: Prepare a detailed account of the abuse, including dates, locations, and descriptions of any injuries or threats.
- Police reports and medical records: Bring copies of any police reports, medical records, or photographs that document the abuse.
- Legal filings: If you have already filed for a restraining order or been involved in any legal proceedings, bring copies of those documents.
- Questions about your safety and legal options: Be ready to ask about the best steps to protect yourself and your family, as well as what legal actions you should pursue.
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For the Accused:
- Details of the allegations: Prepare a detailed account of the incident or allegations against you, including any evidence or witnesses that support your defense.
- Legal documents: Bring any legal documents you have received, such as a restraining order, criminal charges, or child custody filings.
- Questions about your defense: Prepare questions about the legal process, possible penalties, and how the lawyer plans to defend your case.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation and provide the best possible legal advice.
