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01 Apr, 2022 by Erika
6 Year Divorce War… I could only afford Mr. Freed for a couple of years. He would probably kill me for saying this… He continued to support me when I had a questions for the following 3 years while I went to trial. I won! I would not have won without his help. Over the course of the last 6 years The attorneys I have opposed have been some of the most vial human beings. He would have taken them all. The best part is that he’s got tremendous heart. He wins with the heart of a lion instead of the trickery of a jackal. Although I’m sure if needed, he could muster up plenty of the latter as well.
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26 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
I endorse the Law Offices of Richard G. Freed, based on the excellent legal representation they provided me in a
very contentious divorce case in 2019. This attorney did everything possible to avoid protracted litigation, but
when it was not possible, he was able to achieve extremely favorable results for me on all disputed issue. I am
extremely grateful and impressed with this Firm and will recommend Mr. Freed to colleagues, friends and family
members in need of a tiger who can walk each client safely thru the jungle of family court proceedings.
My case could have easily ended with disastrous results regarding child custody (involving our special needs
infant); business valuation, income assessment, alleged breach of fiduciary duties, attorney fees and sanction
requests, child and spousal support, against the backdrop of exhaustive discovery demands. Even before the
divorce case began, there were restraining orders filed by both sides on the same day. Before hiring Mr. Freed,
my family was denied access to my son, and I was not allowed to have him overnight or bring him to my home. It
took months to get to the bottom of the false claims against me, and today he spends every weekend with me and a
large loving family.
Mr. Freed knew how to handle the false allegations against me and I have the exact custody and visitation
schedule that works best for my son. Mr. Freed advised me through every stage of the court case. He made
helpful suggestions on parenting and the things I needed to do as a new Dad. Mr. Freed helped me set goals that
would prove useful at trial, and demonstrate that I was a fit and proper parent to be awarded or share custody of
our toddler. Mr. Freed disposed of the restraining orders, he filed my divorce and moved the case along with
confidence. This attorney and his terrific staff were there for me every step of the way, instilling confidence, trust
and sound advice always encouraging me to do the right thing to best protect my interests and ensuring my ex
and her attorneys were not able to bully me no matter how much they tried.
New clients know right away that this attorney is a very capable advocate. He brings nearly three decades of
experience to the courtroom, along with an organized, well reasoned, logical, and effective oral argument when
in court and during negotiation skills out of court. The Law Offices of Richard G. Freed offer serious, no-
nonsense, result oriented family law support on all types of cases in San Diego County for select clientele. If
your case demands the services of a proven winner, equipped with all the tools needed to get the job done, why
take chances? For me, it was one of the most stressful events in my life, and I could have easily lost everything I
worked so hard for all these years. I suggest you strongly call the Law Offices of Richard G. Freed to find out
why this Firm seems to be different from the rest.
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15 Jun, 2018 by Karen
Richard G. Freed was my divorce lawyer in 2010. He did a great job and I couldn't have been more satisfied with his work!!
Richard was calm, well prepared and a gentleman in the office. His legal skills are cutting edge and his demeanor is confident but not arrogant. He cut through the red tape in court like a surgeon. I always felt like he was looking after my best interests. The case ended and I said thank you. Seven years later it became necessary for me to hire Richard again. My ex had not removed my name from our house loan or paid his half of our bills. Richard filed paperwork to enforce the Judgment but never had to argue the case in court because he was able to negotiate with my ex who agreed to sign an Agreement in Richard's office. Despite the divorce I get along with my ex and did not want to fight him in court. Our family were all watching and they worried about us. I never wanted any problems with my ex but was willing to go to court if necessary.
I was grateful and relieved the case was settled and I would not hesitate to hire Richard in the future if the need arises.
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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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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.
