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11 Sep, 2023 by Nona phillips
Mr. Barrett professionally worked very directly to help me get my workers compensation for my accident.
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01 Oct, 2018 by Ana r. almanzar
Wonderful attorney. Mr. Barrett is an outstanding attorney and person. Treated us with the utmost respect and care for my husband's case. He really cares for people.
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26 Jul, 2016 by Ilia
Michael is a prompt, accessible, and highly professional lawyer. From the first meeting I was gladly surprised that unlike other lawyers who like to dictate what to do and how the thing should be done, Michael took into consideration all my thoughts and needs developing the plan how best to resolve the issue. He was excellent in oral and written arguments. With Michael’s help I achieved most of my goals in an extremely complicated divorce matter and I thank G-d that He brought me to him.
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19 Mar, 2014 by Wfc
Michael was referred to me from my previous attorney who was retiring. At first I was a little bit skeptical about the transfer because I was litigating a very high conflict divorce. At the present time I am still getting to know Michael a little bit better but however during the last two court appearances he has demonstrated that he has the skills and knowledge to be an excellent divorce attorney. I used to stay up for many nights and weekends trying to prepare my motions as best I can to assist my attorney but now I no longer worry too much because I know I am in good hands with Michael. He is excellent when it comes to litigations and oral arguments. I would highly recommend to all friends and family who is going through a divorce to give him a chance to demonstrate his skills.
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01 Apr, 2016 by Carmine
Alain needed a hard charging take no prisoners lawyer. That was the lawyer I was fighting against. Yana proved that she had the stamina the willpower and pure guts to take on this flight, and she one for me. If you expect your lawyer to be the best, that is the service you get from Yana. She has earned my respect and has my highest recommendation .
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24 Mar, 2016 by Caesar
I had an overweight ticket for one of my trucks and Yana Chechelnitsky was there early and made an unbelievable deal with the prosecutor. I would recommend Yana Checelnitsky to anyone who needs an Attorney in the Criminal, DOT Traffic Violations areas.
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26 Sep, 2015 by Julie
Sunita is a fantastic attorney. She is very down-to-earth and very easy to talk to. I felt very comfortable discussing my issues with her. She is very knowledgeable and dedicated. She was available every step of the way to answers any questions or concerns I had regarding my case. I would definitely recommend her and her team.
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05 Jun, 2015 by Maria
Sunita is an outstanding attorney. We worked closely together for over a year. She knew every single detail regarding my divorce like the back of her hand. She answered all my emails and phone calls promptly even when she was out of the office. She made sure she took every step to try and settle my divorce in the most cost effective way possible. She is a highly intelligent, knowledgeable, and compassionate attorney who is an expert in matrimonial law. I will 100% recommend Sunita for anyone looking for a matrimonial attorney.
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21 Aug, 2018 by Nick
She helped me file for annulment (which I received in short order), but she was careful not to rush the process and put a second motion for divorce in the same case to make sure that, if the judge's personal biases affected their decision, we wouldn't have to go through the exact same process again. She was flexible when I was uncomfortable with the initial higher retainer amount and she was very honest in billing and the refund of the unused retainer after the case. Already have recommended her to friends who also have nothing but good things to say about her services.
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09 Nov, 2014 by Judy
Marisa Trofimov and the Deni Law Group are great lawyers that looked out for me from preparing for the divorce to the many Motions after the divorce. Each time there was another issue to address that my ex-husband would throw my way, Marisa and the entire Deni Law Group were there to answer my questions, instruct me as to what needed to be done and kept me well informed so I understood why and what was going on. Responses were immediate and I was never left hanging. I have not heard anyone else that are that pleased with their attorney as I am. I highly recommend Marisa Trofimov and the Deni Law Group.
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30 Oct, 2014 by Mary
Jamie, of Argentino & Jacobs, handled a mishandled, complicated and frustrating divorce case for me. Jamie was my 3rd lawyer. She worked hand in hand with Sarah Jacobs and others at the firm. Throughout this process I felt supported, understood and challenged when necessary. Jamie showed me a beautiful combination of compassion and professionalism. She was assertive, the right amount of aggressive, and reasonable. She was a knowledgeable guide throughout the mediation sessions and she always made sure that I thoroughly understood what was being offered. Though getting a divorce can be an overwhelming painful process, Jamie helped me close it out with support and confidence. I highly recommend Jamie and her firm. My only regret was I didn't find her sooner.
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28 Oct, 2014 by Alyssa
I am a single woman with 2 minor daughters & my ex & I had been separated for 3 yrs. He had finally filed for divorce. I had gone to a few male attorneys for a consultation before I came to Argentino & Jacobs. Every time I left a male attorney's office, I was in tears wondering what I was going to do. Once these lawyers found out I didn't really have any money to really pay them, they pretty much just blew me off.
From the minute I walked in the offices of Argentino & Jacobs, I felt welcome! After they met with me for a consultation, I left their office with tears of hope & promise. They told me what they could file for, what they could do for me & what I could expect. I always felt like they all knew their stuff.
Jamie got me everything that I was entitled to in my case. I absolutely loved their entire office & would so recommend them to anyone going through a divorce.
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02 Mar, 2022 by Pedro
I am quite satified with the professional services provided by Alberto Soto. He dedicated time to listen and understanding my circumstances. He provided the best legal advise I needed, always setting expectations right. My case was about a landlord not willing to return the security deposit. Alberto represented me before the court with efficiency and professionalism. I won the case and got my refund in full, Thanks Alberto.
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20 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
I was represented legally by Mr. Albert Soto. I was very impressed by his professionalism , work ethics and knowledge as a lawyer. His hard work and diligence are exceptional , therefore resulting in an expungement of my case. I would highly recommend Mr. Soto for any legal degree of service in his area.
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10 May, 2023 by Allison
Jennifer is a true professional. She helped me understand the issues, explained the complexities, and helped me navigate through a difficult case. She brought her years of legal expertise to the table. Without her, I would not have had the success I did.
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26 Feb, 2015 by Leo
Jennifer is organized, experienced and very professional. She kept me informed and provided me with options and information so that I could make informed choices at each step of the process. It didn’t hurt that she’s super smart too. I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney.
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22 Jan, 2014 by R
Jill assisted in representing me in a complicated and adversarial divorce case. She is an excellent attorney who provided sound advice and guidance throughout the long process. Jill is highly professional, level headed, and compassionate. I would definitely recommend her firm, Snyder & Sarno, and Jill in particular.
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24 Jan, 2022 by Howard
Mr. Cardoso has helped me numerous times and I can't recommended him enough. I refer him to all of my family and my friends!
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15 Mar, 2019 by Marge
I hires Ms. Adams to do my divorce last year. It was not an easy case but she handled it with much care. I appreciate her commitment to my family, her work ethic, and her patience in explaining all the inner workings of the family law courts.
I would highly recommend her services.
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27 May, 2016 by Maryanne
As far as i am concerned Allynmarie is the best attorney out there. She helped me get through the awful process of divorce. She always had my and my childrens best interest at heart. I have and will continue to recommend her to anyone that may need her services.
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08 Jan, 2021 by Greg dale
Pete Is a wonderful lawyer. He is very attentive and addressed all my needs and concerns. He is a great family lawyer and fought hard to win an increase in parenting time for my child. I highly recommend you use him and his skill for any court needs as for I will be using Pete in the future.
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06 Jun, 2019 by Mehan
Mr. Bierman provides accurate information and professional advice and doesn't bog you down with legal mumbo jumbo - he makes everything understandable. He returns your calls quickly; after hours and on weekends.
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20 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
So happy I chose Mr. Santangelo to handle my divorce. From beginning to end he and his staff were simply amazing and helpful and answered any questions I had. I was so happy with my results as well.
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02 Mar, 2024 by Kyle
In the “interesting” world of family law Mr. Haggerty is 10/10 for what he does. I spent most two years going around and around with the same case spending capital on both a personal/feeling and financially. I decided to seek new council because after two years later no progress of any kind. Mr Haggerty took the time to hear me out read the previous orders and came up with a plan. He also was very good at explaining possible best and worst case scenarios. While they were obviously not a guarantee it felt good having an idea of what could happen. Within 6 months the issue was resolved, and I no longer receive harassing phone calls from the defendants attorney about frivolous things. If you need someone in family law I would highly recommend giving him a call, if you have another issue that he doesn’t handle at the very least he will recommended someone just as capable as him in that subject.
Again I can’t stress enough if you need council start with Mr. Haggerty first, save yourself the frustration, emotional, drain and financial drain of having inadequate counsel.
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10 Dec, 2012 by Anthony
My experience being representive by Timothy J Quinlan, was great he is strait up front on how to attac the situation at hand and whats needed to get a good out come. He is very professional in what he do for a living and I would use his service in a heart beat.
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20 Nov, 2013 by Dennis
Mr Smuro is a disciplined, assertive lawyer. From our initial consultation, I was confident that Mr Smuro would present an effective legal case. He is very familiar with the local legal context which adds to his capability. His written ‘Motion’ for me was pointed, thorough, & compelling. Anything I added to the case during his preparation, he incorporated seamlessly into the final document. In fact, all of his Motion related writings effectively helped my case.
From my role as the defendant, Mr Smuro was always direct, thoughtful & well-prepared. He did not over-sell my chances at the beginning, never gave false hope to the possible results, handled all results cautiously, and personally stayed focused & diligent until the resolution of the matter.
I offered to write this evaluation as Mr Smuro would not request your time & effort for a matter that is not related to the case. Mr Smuro accomplished my goal in the case.
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18 Feb, 2022 by Larry
If you’re searching for a divorce lawyer who can truly change your life forever then DO NOT look any further. I was in such a difficult situation with little to no hope of ever recovering when I was blessed with finding Steven Kaplan and his team. This man is truly a miracle worker and directs a team of professionals like an orchestra conductor. He is thorough in every detail and knows how to get things done no matter how great the obstacles are. I can never thank Steven and his team enough for all they have done for me.
THANK YOU Steven, Valerie and the rest of the team for giving me my life back.
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26 Dec, 2019 by Michael
Kasia and Neil represented me in my divorce. It was relatively simple because we had no real property but they still took it seriously and I felt like a valued client. They even looked into the best way to word the joint custody of our dog which seems trivial but I appreciated that they cared about what I cared about. They also made sure to be as expedient as possible and worked hard to get everything pushed through before year end.
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18 Nov, 2016 by A rod
A HUGE THANK YOU to The Weinberger Law Group (Parsippany) , Komal Ullah Esq., Jaclyn Kahn Esq. and Bari Weinberger Esq. I have to mention all three because each deserve an acknowledgment of their family law expertise like no other attorneys that you may find. The Weinberger Law Group has represented me in my post divorce litigation for over 4 years and has always risen above and beyond any adversary.The amount of knowledge just one of these great attorneys I mentioned posses, is equivalent to a handful of others. For the curious looking at reviews, for those looking to hire top notch attorneys, I am a male and praise The Weinberger Law Firm and their Prestigious group. My post divorce litigation involved obtaining more parenting time with my children, parenting time obstruction by my ex-wife, child support, constant false allegations of domestic violence and pretty much a large list of evilness brought forth in motions filed by her. Komal Ullah Esq. and Jaclyn Kahn Esq. have recently (6/2016) represented me in an extremely lengthy matter with my ex-wife which could have HAD significant impact in my livelihood. Once again, I had no worry in the world with this firm representing me, even against her “big shot” attorneys who cost her double. If you truly want the Best, most Knowledgeable, feel Comfortable because they care about Your case, so you can Rest assured attorneys, The Weinberger Law Group is where you can find them.
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30 Dec, 2020 by Jerry
Mr. Frunzi is extremely professional and knowledgeable.
He strove to bring my issues to a rapid conclusion while working diligently in my behalf.
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25 Jun, 2013 by John
Bob Correale has helped my and my family against really bad characters. I hired a different attorney, the biggest mistake in my life. Bob, I call him that because now he is more a friend than a legal advisor, shows his clients exactly what is being communicated between parties. My last "attorney" charged me for email to our adversary, I had no clue what they agreed upon. Find another attorney that can be trusted with just that measure?
That is just one example, He doesn't charge an arm and a leg. The fees are reasonable and justified.
In my experience you can only do worse. Thank you Bob, btw, he won a case worth over 1 million dollars for me.
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23 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
I would and have recommend marc calello . His is professional and will tell you up front where you stand. From start to finish everything moves along in a timely fashion. Thank You Marc for all your help in settling my case.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Stiward bisono
Muy excelente trabajo son muy profesionales y rapidos los recomiendo el abogado lo entendera personalmente y trabajara para que obtengas la mayor compensacion posible
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29 Jul, 2024 by Frank white
Excellent service would recommend all to trust in them!
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29 Jul, 2024 by Evelyn lopez
Im happy with the firm, very professional and quick settlement. I will recommend this firm to friends and family
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20 Aug, 2024 by Ryan recca
I came to use Ron’s services after my first lawyer royally screwed up the start of my divorce process. From the start, Ron fixed my prior lawyer’s mistakes and showed a genuine care and interest in my story and stakes. He is extremely professional and knows all aspects of divorce law, and promptly displayed such knowledge at every checkpoint of my divorce including our MESP, the back and forth with opposing council, and our mediation. He is always available for questions and was very thorough and transparent throughout the entire process. He fought tirelessly for me over 15 months to see my divorce finalized uncontested. HIGHLY recommended his services and I was not disappointed. Such a great lawyer!
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23 Jul, 2024 by Ben jauert
If you are looking for a great divorce lawyer, Ron is your guy hands down. First time divorced with 3 young kids wasn’t easy but Ron made the process very smooth and kept fighting until the very end. His expertise and knowledge was hands down impressive and I would recommend him to anyone that is going through a divorce. His rates are fair and I cannot thank Ron enough for all the time he put in on my case.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Nicole davis
I cannot thank Ron enough for advocating for me and my child, and prevailing in my case, which felt like a never ending nightmare at times. I found myself in a complicated custody battle, overwhelmed and unsure what to do, I hired a random lawyer and hoped for the best. Unhappy and confused with the initial outcome, I decided to get a second opinion from Ron. After our initial consultation, I immediately wish I had found and hired Ron sooner. He explained everything to me thoroughly, and answered all my questions honestly, giving straightforward facts and advice. He knows all the ins and outs of family law, and you feel a sense of protection under Ron’s direction. Beyond grateful for all of Ron’s help, reassurance, and expertise!
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03 Mar, 2024 by Liz ortiz
If you are in search for an angel to guide you through the entanglements of life you have found the one! Stacy is beyond knowledgeable, transparent and will guide you in the right path. She’s a true blessing! Highly recommended her expertise.
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02 Mar, 2024 by Jacquelyn nicholson
Stacey and her team have never steered us wrong. She deftly handled our estate planning and always has given us the best advice. I highly recommend her and will always work with her again when any opportunity arises. She’s professional, full of integrity, and highly competent.
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01 Mar, 2024 by Linda brnicevic
When my father passed Stacey went above and beyond to help my mother prepare her Estate after this life changing event.
Stacey’s thoroughness with legal matters and compassion will make you feel at peace.
We recommend Edwards Estate & Elder Law for you and your family.
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08 Feb, 2024 by Michael godeanu
Dan is an amazing attorney and knows the ins and outs of the nuances of the law, some that prosecutors even have to look up the law and case precedent on. He is also highly respected amongst the judges he appears before. I highly recommend hiring him and his firm for all of your legal needs.
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08 Feb, 2024 by Robert o'connor
Dan Matrafajlo is the best lawyer I have ever had! He handles his clients and cases with utmost professionalism and care. I would highly recommend to anyone
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25 Jan, 2024 by Alex landy
Very responsive and communicative when I had questions or concerns. When dealing with my case kept me updated and explained the legality of events. Never sugar coated if something happened that wasn’t in our favor. Highly recommended
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05 Sep, 2024 by Anjali
Genevieve represented me in my uncontested divorce case, which involved no kids. She was very clear and patient, always ensuring I understood the divorce process and remaining transparent throughout our entire engagement. Her openness kept me informed and at ease.
She was my biggest advocate. She made sure she heard my story and helped me be creative during my alimony and asset divisions. I was the higher earner, and we built a strong case that I didn't have to pay alimony.
I highly recommend her, especially if you're looking for either separation and/or an uncontested divorce process.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Chengying
I would like to express my sincere thanks to my lawyer Genevieve who showed a deep understanding of my personal situation and demonstrated empathy throughout the legal process. Right from the beginning of this case, I was advised step by step from getting Restraining Order to finalizing my Divorce. She genuinely care about achieving a positive outcome for me, she also is available to answer your questions and keep you informed of the status of the matter on a consistent basis. I acknowledge her deep knowledge and expertise in the field. She stuck by me through the entire process in dealing with this very stressful case. I admire her composure, work ethic and most of all excellent representation. This helped me a great deal to get through this difficult time.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I can’t say enough good things about Genevieve. She has been an absolute lifesaver for me during one of my life’s most stressful and challenging times. Dealing with difficult ex-in-laws was a nightmare, but Genevieve took charge from day one, and I instantly felt a weight lifted off my shoulders.
Genevieve isn’t just a brilliant lawyer—she’s also incredibly compassionate. She truly cares about her clients and made me feel heard and supported every step of the way. Whenever I felt overwhelmed or anxious, she calmed me down, explained everything clearly, and gave me the confidence to keep going.
The detail and effort she puts into her work are remarkable. Genevieve doesn’t miss a thing, and it’s obvious she’s passionate about what she does. Thanks to her expertise and dedication, she won all of my cases, and I’m finally able to move forward with my life.
Genevieve has become my family; I’m so grateful to have had her by my side. If you need a family lawyer who will treat you like more than just a client, Genevieve is the one. She’s the best lawyer I’ve ever worked with, and I couldn’t recommend her and her team more highly.
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19 Jan, 2024 by Sheikh elahi
I had the privilege of working with Mr John Ambrosio and I wholeheartedly recommend him for all your legal needs. He is not only a top-notch attorney with a remarkable track record, but he also possesses a unique combination of professionalism and personability. His sincere advice and genuine interest in his clients' cases make him stand out from the rest. If you're looking for an attorney who will provide the most sincere advice and exceptional service, John is the one to choose.
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18 Dec, 2021 by Al mac
John and the whole team are great!
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13 Jun, 2021 by Annmarie
Elisa and her team are so detail oriented and specific.
Through our whole experience, we always felt IMPORTANT....isn't that the idea?? A 5 star rating is an understatement!!
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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.
