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03 Jan, 2024 by S h
The person took notes and wouldn't answer my one question. I informed him that the following day would be better for me to talk fully to his boss if he wasn't the one who couldn't answer my question. He said okay he understood, someone will call me. but no one ever called me the next day like I was informed that they would. Also the call never ever came, at all for any day that week.
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12 Jun, 2023 by Anna bilge
They are very honest and straightforward
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27 Mar, 2023 by Quayle jay
After scouring Google for a fair/reputable law firm that I trusted to handle my uncontested divorce I came across Virginia Family Law Center.
I knew after visiting their immaculately detailed website that my search was over. The site allowed me to see early on just how welcoming, transparent, and dedicated the staff at this law firm is.
From the very first interaction in addition to speaking with Ms. Carroll during my initial free consultation I knew that I could rest assured and trust VA Family Law with my individual situation.
As a 1st time divorcée to say that my nerves and emotions were naturally heightened would be an understatement. Yet throughout it all VA Family Law held my hand every step of the way. They never complicated the matter further by adding any uncertainty or confusion to the mix.
The entire process was seamless from beginning to end. All of my questions and concerns were acknowledged, validated, and dealt with accordingly. All of my emails and/or phone calls were swiftly returned & answered I was never left hanging.
I was assisted closely by Ms. Medina, Ms. Carroll, and Ms. Herrera. I have to say these professionals are quite the dynamic trio. They are the epitome of tact, empathy, and servitude. They went above and beyond to resolve this delicate matter for me and I am eternally grateful.
However, I would like to commend the entire staff at VA Family Law Center. Since I know that each individual brings something to the table as far as the law firms overall credibility and efficiency goes.
Honestly, I was brought back to life with each instructive email and every heartfelt update. The guestimated time frame for my divorce to be finalized was 2 to 3 weeks and everything was wrapped up exactly at the 2 week mark.
I don't want to jinx it but I know in my heart if I ever have to get a divorce again I will be reaching out to y'all immediately!
Ps. I will be referring all of my loved ones that need legal assistance, divorce wise and beyond to you all without hesitation.
Warmest Regards,
Ms. M Marks
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13 Nov, 2023 by Jacob morton
Richard Wexell and his team are the upmost professionals and I recommend him to anyone looking for a family law lawyer who is compassionate, understanding, and effective. He wins. Thank you Richard.
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31 Aug, 2022 by Richard tucker
Richard Wexell and his team are the best at what they do. Their lifetime of experience far surpasses using a firm with a roomful of junior attorneys attempting to create a collective approach and solution to family law matters. Working within a process that can have many outcomes, some good/some not. Wexell Milman was able to determine a favorable outcome for everyone.
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29 Mar, 2022 by Andrew marshall
Richard Wexell assisted me with a legal matter. He simultaneously explained my legal issues and options, while always remaining sensitive to the personal nature of my situation. And on top of all of that, he's a nice guy and our discussions often continued after the clock stopped on our "business". And as other have also noted, his staff are very capable and efficient.
I would definitely recommend Mr. Wexell to anyone needing representation in Virginia!
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19 Feb, 2025 by Cody mahoney
I am very young and was charged with a reckless driving ticket, Mike May gave me great advice on steps I could take to reduce my sentencing, and when the case went to court, he found out the officers speed radar was not calibrated, and my case was dismissed. Highly recommend, very professional.
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12 Feb, 2025 by Nistha pradhan
Mr May was exceptionally objective and helpful. Highly recommend him for those looking for objective and
exceptional legal advice
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27 Jan, 2025 by Joy nerenberg
Mr. May was excellent and really turned a bad situation into a winning situation. From the start he was available whenever I needed him. He ensured that every step of the way I was properly represented and was prepped for every interaction. Even when I thought I was a lost cause he was very positive and kept pushing me forward. I would highly recommend him.
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30 Apr, 2024 by Ta ta
They failed so many clients and people. Also, why does Martin Schubert of this firm have to be such a crook and creepy?
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26 Oct, 2023 by Shelley bonneau
25 Oct, 2023 by Brittany prather
21 Mar, 2013 by David
Mr Loria is experienced and knowledgeable in a number of areas of law. He is dedicated to attaining the best possible outcome in a client's case. Mr Loria was able to get a favorable result for me in my Landlord -Tenant dispute by using his skill and knowledge of the law. The judge ruled in our favor due to Mr Loria exposing certain improprieties and violations of law by the landlord in the case. He kept me well informed throughout the process and clearly explained and outlined our strategy. I
trust Mr Loria to handle my legal matters in a skilled and professional manner.
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19 Jun, 2024 by David bagheri
Great firm, great people.
Mr. Hartsoe is a wonderful person and an expert.
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10 Feb, 2024 by Ms
I have had the privilege of working with Mehagen McRae as my attorney for the last five years and I cannot express enough how grateful I am for her exceptional services. Mehagen represented me in my protective order trial, divorce, and custody trial. All of the outcomes were in my favor and I will definitely hire her again if needed. She is the attorney who fights for you and your child(ren). She understands you and has a beautiful soul. Even when faced with unreasonable and unprofessional opposing counsels who represented my ex-husband during the above processes, Mehagen maintained her composure and integrity. There were late-night emails/calls and weekend in-person meetings, which took her away from her family. Mehagen was truly an advocate for me and reduced the stress and pressure during the processes. If you are looking for a caring, competent and trustworthy attorney, I highly recommend you contact Mehagen.
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02 Aug, 2023 by Jillian
The 1st family lawyer I got was horrible and cost me about $10k. I hired Mehagen back in 2013 and she was empathetic, honest and great in the courtroom when fighting for you and your case. I definitely recommend this lawyer and would use her again if I need to return to court. I have almost given up faith in the justice system but Mehagen and one other lawyer have given me hope that there are lawyers will truly care and will fight for you and your child.
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11 Aug, 2024 by Jaivin karnani
I had a terrible experience with Camille Crandall at Hicks Crandall Juhl, P.C. Her handling of my case was deeply flawed, leading to significant financial losses. Camille failed to secure an updated appraisal for a major asset, causing it to be grossly undervalued during my divorce proceedings. This oversight resulted in me losing a substantial amount of money. Additionally, her inadequate representation led to an unrealistic and excessive financial burden for me. When I sought accountability, I was met with threats and baseless accusations from her firm. I strongly advise against hiring Camille Crandall if you want competent and ethical legal representation. My experience with her has been a costly mistake.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Young ae choi
Susan and Haley are truly professionals with a clear sense of vocational calling. They were the lawyers who helped me through my divorce. Although my ex-partner appealed, and I consulted with other lawyers, the more I met with them, the more I realized how outstanding Susan and Haley are. They are not only professional but also genuinely kind-hearted. They answered all my questions promptly, often on the same day, and meticulously assisted me with every detail of my divorce, from beginning to end. I want to express my gratitude once again.
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14 Jul, 2024 by Anju varughese
Awful. Will never use Crandall again.
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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.
