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27 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
I am savvy financially, but had no clue about the divorce process when I embarked on this journey several years ago. Through it all, Ms. Kennedy and her staff have been there for me and my kids. Unfortunately, I am going to have to go back to court for a child support issue. Although it is the last thing on earth I want to do, I know I am in good hands.
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26 Jul, 2016 by Kelly
The shock of a possible divorce is difficult enough, not to mention knowing who to go to for legal advice. I was lucky enough to have found Kennedy Law; Marsha Kennedy. My case has been very difficult with many different avenues of the law including child custody, post marital support, legal issues with marital debt and sales of businesses, tax questions and the list goes on. Marsha Kennedy and her team has expertly handled each situation and guided me through the process. They have been like family to me and have given me and my children a great deal of support through a very challenging time. I would highly recommend Kennedy Law Firm. You will receive the professional help you need and the care and understanding you deserve.
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26 Oct, 2022 by Jenniffer
Tiffany was able to help me resolve my child support case. She is caring, compassionate, professional, knowledgeable, and always made sure my questions were answered. She made sure I felt her support and never felt alone or lost throughout the case.
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21 Feb, 2025 by Amy drury
They have had our money for almost a year for a cut and dry custody case on my step daughter and haven’t done a damn thing. Mother agrees to terms and willing to sign. We’ve had full custody for almost 2 years now. Now our taxes are being withheld for non payment of child support because NOTHING has been done. The first thing they were to do was to cancel that and we were told it was simple. Why hasn’t it been done in a year? We have requested a refund at this point to find an attorney that will do the job. Let’s see if they respond this time. Communication on their part has been a major fail.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Kevin ponce
Big shoutout to Rech Law for making my divorce as smooth as butter on a hot pancake. When my ex decided they wanted to keep everything—the house, the car, even the Netflix account—I thought I was doomed. But this team stepped in like legal superheroes, armed with sharp suits and sharper arguments. Not only did they get me a fair settlement, but I also walked away with the dog (the real MVP of the marriage). If you’re looking to turn ‘till death do us part’ into ‘see you never,’ this is the law firm for you. Five stars all day!
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16 Dec, 2024 by Michelle m
04 Feb, 2025 by Lg lists
30 Jan, 2025 by Marcus stanley
23 Jan, 2025 by Cincear weaver
02 Mar, 2025 by Clarence cornish
02 Mar, 2025 by Rimon rozario
01 Mar, 2025 by Angie frye
06 Jan, 2025 by Brett
Mr. Navarro provided great service from start to finish representing me for a traffic citation.
I would recommend him for this type of service based on his communication and professional manner in which he handled my cases.
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18 Nov, 2024 by Joell
I am extremely satisfied with the services Mike provided. He was responsive, knowledgeable, and attentive to my needs every step of the way. He demonstrated a high level of expertise and commitment, ensuring everything was handled smoothly and efficiently. I truly appreciate his dedication to qualityand customer satisfaction, and I would highly recommend Mike's services to others.
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17 Nov, 2024 by Carrie
He was so helpful, professional, understanding, readily available, and most importantly supportive! To go through such a challenging, stressful, and emotional experience as divorce, I am extremely appreciative to have a lawyer like Mr. Navarro who always put me at ease with his wise and helpful counsel.
Thank You So Much! So blessed to have found you!
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20 Jun, 2022 by Garrett
Greg and his staff were quick to respond. Certainly no complaints there. He and his team are true professionals. Greg took time to tell me all the things I needed to do to be fully prepared.
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06 Feb, 2022 by Tara
About 10 years ago, I hired Gregory Plumide as my attorney. I thought he did a great job representing me. I was never in trouble with the law and always followed the rules. I was petrified the first time I went to court because I was never in trouble before. I wasn't happy with the child support that I was receiving because I compared it to others and felt that it wasn't the same as others but it did help me get by since my husband left the state and he made about 3 times as much as I did. When my husband initially left, I wasn't receiving any child support until I followed up with court. My ex made an excuse and delayed coming to court which the court honored so it delayed me getting child support due to his job. My attorney, Gregory Plumide at the time did not tell me to file a motion for child support so I did not get paid from my ex for all of the previous months that I was on my own. I did not know that I could do this until my ex-husband did this to me years later. I did not get paid child support for 7 months while I had both kids and he did not have any kids, 10 years ago. I was struggling finding a full time job since I was only a substitute teacher and did not have connections. Gregory Plumide did not support me with his at all. He handed me off to Michael Romano which I was also disappointed with Michael down the road. The judge at the time also did not catch this. I was on food stamps and not making ends meet with 2 kids at the time. Years later, my son moved to live with his father, this is when I found out about the motion to file for child support. My ex-husband filed before my son even moved in with him trying to take an extra month of child support away from me. He stopped paying me child support years ago and Michael did help me with this so the money was garnished out of my ex husband's paycheck so I continued to get extra money from my ex until we were seen by the judge. I bought a house in a safe place for my kids so I have expenses that has not changed since my son moved in with his father. I thought since I didn't get any child support for months in the beginning of our divorce, that I would not have to pay my ex back. The same judge that never granted me backpay of child support while I was on food stamps and not making ends meet, granted my ex the back pay and I now have to pay him back. I was told that he had my son so I shouldn't be getting all that money. I understand that but what about when I suffered for the first year of our separation and he didn't pay me what he was supposed to. Her response was that it was along time ago. I would have understood this if I had help in the beginning so now I am suffering then and now. I would have know the law and prepared myself, if Mr. Plumide helped me the correct way, in the beginning and I received the child support that I was entitled to from the start, this divorce would have been easier on me. Please make sure that you know the law, if you have never been to court before or in trouble with the law. In addition, hopefully Mr. Plumide is providing you with all of the information since he is now a criminal defense attorney! I learned the hard way that at the end of the day, you need to protect yourself and look over all documents!
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10 Nov, 2021 by Michael
I've retained Mr. Plumides for a decade now. From family court for custody of a minor child all the way to a federal criminal matter. I'm here to tell you he's a very special type of attorney, one that will call you on a Sunday morning when you're upset over your case, a champion of the people and clients alike, as humble as they come and has inspired me and continues to inspire me long after our cases wrapped up. If you're on the fence with who to hire just go and at the very least sit down with him for a consult, you'll see exactly what im referring to.
Michael Neighbors
A Single father with sole custody and virtually no criminal record.
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17 Apr, 2018 by Laurel
Libby James is an amazing attorney. I hired her during the worst part of my life: my divorce and custody and dispute I was broken and clueless. She fought for me, advised me, and navigated me.
She made the worse part of my life bearable. She kicked tail.
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08 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Libby is a bulldog in divorce cases. She ran circles around my ex's 'country' lawyer, and got me the best settlement package imaginable. We never had to go to court, and she controlled the entire nasty situation after my wife's infidelity. I got the kids, the house, the cars, and alimony payments, and my ex has to write a check for 12 years to pay for her indiscretions.
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24 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Going through a divorce is not fun for anyone and hiring Tonya absolutely helped me through this chapter. Having an attorney who genuinely cared about me and my daughter made all the difference. Tonya is knowledgeable in all areas of family law.
At times when I didn't think the laws were fair, her expertise navigated me through. She provided encouragement when I needed it and kept things real. No one wins in these situations, but I believe everything turned out as good as it could. If any other family law situations arise where I need legal representation, I will hire Tonya again and definitely recommend her services.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Kara
I initially hired a different attorney that I was referred to. Roughly 2.5 weeks in I knew I needed to make a change quickly. I'm so happy I made that change as quickly as I did to retain Tonya. My consult with her was 90 minutes which I loved because it gave me time to go over everything with her and for her to come up with a plan of action right on the spot. At the end of a long and tumultuous separation and divorce, I am pleased with the outcome Tonya was able to obtain for me and my kids. I don't say any of this lightly and truly believe the universe was looking out for me. Tonya is extremely skilled in many areas of the law. She's strategic, kind, ethical, and honest. The amount of attention and detail she put into my case while working on so many other cases impressed me. Some other things that stand out to me is her work ethic and genuine care for my kids and I. I went through two mediations with her and she's top notch at negotiations and and has strong argument skills. Seriously the best!
Tonya went above and beyond to help me with mindset and see things a different way which helped me become a better person through this very difficult time in my life. I never felt judged by her when crying as much as I did when having to speak to her about some of the awful things that happened to me in my marriage. Tonya always explained the law to me while still hearing what my goals were and tried her best to help me reach each them. While working on each step of the process, she put a tremendous amount of detail into her instructions to set me up for success.
One example of her work ethic is when working on Discovery for me, there was a mishap with one of her emails making it's way to my spam folder instead of my inbox. This caused her to not hear back from me for the last and final step, yet she still made it a point to get it filed in time. She really left no stone unturned through each step.
I appreciate that Tonya didn't just tell me what she thought I wanted to hear, she was straight forward with me about the laws and specifically in my county (Union County, NC). She had many ideas to help my case...some I was on board with and others I wasn't always crazy about, but one thing is for sure, she was always accurate and I saw results in my favor many times. I quickly realized that I can trust her and she is HIGHLY SKILLED at her craft.
Her follow up and follow through is impeccable! She's not just any attorney, she also shows her human side which is the perfect mix I needed. I could not have made it through this divorce without her and very highly recommend scheduling a consult with her if you're looking for a family law attorney in Mecklenburg or Union County, NC. I could probably write a novel about my experience with Tonya, but these are just some highlights. :-)
Some words of advice to keep in mind is that attorneys are not perfect (because they are human), the laws aren't always fair and nobody truly "wins" in divorce. Tonya definitely stands out as one of the best of the best!
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18 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
When I met with Ms. Graser, she was unbelievably condescending and patronizing. I felt like I subjected myself to be looked down on by her rather than receive actual, helpful advice. She needs to find another career where empathy and compassion is not required or where a cold, robotic demeanor is appreciated. Do yourself a favor and look elsewhere for a family law attorney who actually cares - Ms. Graser isn’t it.
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17 Jan, 2019 by Joel
Mr. Warren is an excellent attorney to have in your corner from the beginning all the way until the end of settlements. I personally had a previous subpar attorney before retaining Mr. Warren. Thankfully I retained his services. Mr. Warren fought for me intensively to seek fairness in reference to child custody, child support, and overall divorce proceedings. Divorce can be a nasty situation without proper representation. It doesn’t have to be if you have someone representing you who will look with an objective lens. I would highly recommend Mr. Warren if you need someone to dig in and fight for you. He’s not some “foot on the desk relaxed guy” who will promise you the moon and stars, but when you show up in court with him you will have one of the best, if not the best, attorney beside you.
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01 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Jim Warren is a wonderful attorney. He is cautious of your money, and gives great advice. I was in an extremely contentious custody and changed from my attorney to Jim. Jim brought it to settlement quickly.
Jim is well known in the community and highly respected. His thirty-some year experience is evident.
I hightly recommend Jim to anyone needing a family attorney.
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24 Jul, 2017 by Emilie
Attorney Jim Warren is an exceptional attorney in all respects. Attorney Warren is extremely skilled in the practice of family law and will fight for your rights and the rights of your children in family court more than any attorney I have ever observed. He won full physical and legal custody for me for my daughter in the permanent trial just as he did during the TPA or Temporary Parenting Arrangement hearing. Additionally, Attorney Warren has represented me since the initial custody case on other occasions and has always done a high quality job and has obtained the results that have been in the best interest of my child. I am more than happy to provide a reference for Attorney Warren for any prospective clients and speak with anyone directly. I highly recommend that you select Attorney Warren to represent you in family court. If you are interested in getting a detailed client reference from me, please contact Attorney Warren's office and request to contact me. Thank you. Emilie H.
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06 Jan, 2025 by Nathaniel anderson
Had a phone consultation with Marcel and received great legal advice. Was friendly and professional and helped point me in the right direction. Highly recommend and will use them in the future if I need legal assistance.
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02 Jan, 2025 by Anthony lane
I must say working with Phillips & McCrea law firm was a complete pleasure, everything from quick returns on emails and phone calls to answering questions or concerns I had completing my case. It was all done with an amazing timeline, integrity and professionalism. Thank you!
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22 Dec, 2024 by David mcardle
I spent 1 year trying to get disability on my own. I was diagnosed with a very rare blood disease that causes severe fatigue & a compromised immune system. I was denied that whole year of 2023. A security guard at the SS office gave me a Phillips & McCrea business card. I called Mr. Phillips & he accepted my case after our first conversation in March of 2024. My hearing was scheduled for August 20th. He took care of all the necessary paperwork, managed all communications between my doctors & the Social Security office, & prepped me for my hearing to talk to the judge. I won my disability case in November 2024. It is a very long & slow process to apply for disability but having a lawyer who knows what they're doing helps speed things up. Mr. Phillips helped me get my life back together to support my family. If you truly have serious health issues that's preventing you from working, Phillips & McCrea will help you. Thank you Mr. Phillips.
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19 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
I was assigned Lisa Johnson without having the opportunity to meet her and assess her competency. While my husband was causing the separation process to go longer than expected, it was Ms. Johnson's unprofessional delays and failure to communicate that caused me to sever my relationship with her and the firm. While I tried to reach her by email many times when my husband was shutting off all my utilities, there was only silence. It took two weeks with me finally calling the firm's head attorney before she was instructed to call me. A paralegal never even touched base and the head attorney had no access to my case to offer help. When finally she called, she said she was too busy in court to answer my emails or reach out to me. I continued to work with her and my last communication with her was to ask if we were ready to sign papers. Twenty-four days went by without a single word from Ms. Johnson. I was served with a lawsuit by my husband's attorney at the end of this time and after learning that the lead attorney couldn't access my details when Ms. Johnson was unavailable, I decided it was time to find an attorney who would do their job in a timely manner with a firm that shared access to cases in case my attorney was unavailable. I found out that the only reason the lawsuit was brought against me was because of the delay in hearing from my attorney, which opposing counsel and in particular my husband assumed was caused by me stalling and dragging my feet. I have to incur much greater fees to go to court because of her lack of professionalism and perhaps her inability to handle her case load, and that is after 4 1/2 months and $4700 of accomplishing nothing. I am starting virtually from square one with a new attorney who in one week has accomplished more. I cannot in any way recommend her for help with legal matters due to her lack of performance. I gave her a two star rating because I couldn't bring myself to give only one star, even though she wasn't proactive -which meant reacting to the other attorney at every turn- and my case never moved forward in any perceptable or meaningful direction.
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21 Aug, 2017 by Carl
Ms. Johnson did a great job with my divorce. Initially, I had hired a local lawyer in Concord who was disaster. Luckily, through a mutual acquaintance, I was put in contact with Ms Johnson. She did such a fantastic job, I consider my fortune to having her represent me in court. Again, phenomenal lawyer.
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18 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Attorney Johnson was an excellent advisor and counsel during my two year divorce and custody case. She helped me walk away with what I wanted and she was relentless in getting the things I needed. I have recommended her to several people because she is an excellent attorney.
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13 Nov, 2024 by Sarah hillock
21 Sep, 2024 by Dee hall
Our family has unfortunately needed the Epperson Law Group's help far too many times, but they have been EXCELLENT at resolving all our needs every time. They have all been attentive and knowledgeable, and have taken care of each situation with professionalism and expertise. We will always come back when we need them. Highly recommend!
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21 Sep, 2024 by Kim pope
Thank you to James and the entire team at Epperson Law! I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to represent me and my interests in a very difficult time. Highly recommend!
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07 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
I was ripped off of my money because nothing has been done with any of these violations.
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13 Dec, 2018 by Samantha
Attorney Keith Metz has been representing me on a case since July and I must say he is the best attorney I have come across. He has been patient, he has been flexible and has adapted to my needs even with me being out of state. He has taken a great weight off of my shoulders and has made this process nearly painless. I highly recommend him to everyone in the Charlotte area, he is amazing and responsible! He is on top of things, will always get to you in a timely manner and will keep you updated. Do not hesitate to place your trust in the Metz Law Firm!
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06 Jul, 2017 by Paulette
Keith was very polite. Her used key words and I was able to look up more information.
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30 Apr, 2024 by Ephrem
I was very happy with the representation I received from Mrs. Jones Law firm. Very polite and professional.
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29 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
I’m just getting around to this a year later, first thing this lady has a snappy attitude, she showed up to the custody hearing with no cross-examination questions, I looked over at her she started making up a few questions on the spot right before her time to cross exam, I said to myself what in the hell. Prior to the child custody trial, I emailed her questions she could potentially ask because I knew the opposing party’s situation and they were not truthful. Throughout the entire trial she probably objected the opposing council a hand full of times. When I would look at her face, it was like a dear in the headlights, she was stuck. it was like she was afraid of the opposing council. We took a bathroom break during the custody hearing and my character witness came over to me and said you need to fire this lady, I told him, I had already paid her. During this entire experience, this attorney was extremely apathetic, she did the bare minimum, she did not put any effort into this case; really quick phone calls, did not put any time and research in the case. My child’s mom even asked me where did I get that lawyer from? This lawyer has absolutely no business in the legal field.
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18 Jun, 2022 by Carlos g
Mrs. Jones represented me in a CS case and she delivered what she promised.
I remembered when I first interviewed her, I knew she would do a good job. However, she didn’t do a good job, she did an excellent job representing me.
She responded all my emails in a timely manner, her assistant was always there with reminders and more.
I worked with another lawyer before her and I learned how hard is to find a good family lawyer. Particularly those on the side of the father and I strongly recommend Jana Jones. You will not regret hiring her, she is very knowledgeable and she will have your best interest in mind when going to court. She know her way around the court and knows exactly how to address toughest judges.
Bottom line…. She is really good
One more thing and most important… when it comes to legal services… she is fair when it comes to her fees. You will not have any billing surprises, if you used legal services before you would know what I am talking about it. She is there to do the job, not to get your money.
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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.
