Lawyers map
>114
experienced lawyers
Filter by
26 Mar, 2017 by Lydia
Mr. Odimba was great! He is kind, attentive and professional. The speed of his preparation of my documents was very fast. He also paid attention to all the details. I am very pleased with his services!
Read more
21 Mar, 2017 by Humberto quintanar
Agents of the apt came into my apt w/o consent. Mr. Odimba responded immediately objecting to their procedure. Our apt and landlord conceded to their faults and our time at the apt has been unhindered. Mr. Odimba is a phenomnal attorney and I would recommend him to anyone I know.
Read more
18 Feb, 2017 by Aisha
I would highly recommend Mr. Odimba For anything dealing with family practice. What I enjoyed was that he stayed on top of everything and if there were any big concerns dealing with the other side he would let me know what's going on and suggest the best route to take. Mr. Odimba was very personable and I felt that he truly had my best interest in mind when it came to negotiating my parenting plan. And being that I live out of state he made it a breeze, because before I hired him I did not have a lawyer and dealing with law issues especially out of state is just a nightmare, he truly took the stress away and made it as easy as possible.
Read more
29 Jun, 2023 by Amy
I highly recommend McKinley Irvin and Carry Porter as an excellent divorce attorney. She helped me navigate the divorce and custody process and was a strong support and incredibly knowledgeable resource throughout the process. Her paralegal Justin is wonderful and was always quick to respond to any questions I had. Carry and Justin helped make a difficult process manageable, and I am very grateful for their help. Highly recommend!
Read more
30 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
Carolyn had my back every step of the way and made sure I was making good decisions. This is a very confusing process and her attention to detail is unbelievable!!
I highly recommend her!!
Read more
25 Feb, 2019 by Mike
I cannot begin to say enough good things about Carry and her assistant Michael. She guided me through a confusing, frustrating process, gave fantastic advice, calmed me down when stressful incidents happened and helped keep moving things in my case along. Her knowledge of the legal process was top notch. She knew what reasonable resolutions were that a court would reach and that gave me the confidence to reach an equitable solution in mediation. She knew what was worth taking to trial and what wasn't and that helped keep my case out of court. I would re-hire her in an instant.
Read more
02 Mar, 2020 by Mara
I have been working with Erin for seven years now. Her commitment to my child’s well-being and her passion for justice make her stand out. She employs a steadfast, earnest approach to high-conflict cases. She is a lighthouse in the storm of family court, remaining ever-vigilant of relevant issues, with prompt, clear communication. She is accessible and well-versed in the law but never talks down to me. And while she is confident, she also actively seeks out case perspectives from other, experienced peers on a regular basis - a humble, resourceful quality which I value. She manages sensitive matters with poise and grace. She uses her time more efficiently than anyone else I’ve ever known. She is a quick study but exceedingly thoughtful in her responses. She also works well with opposing counsel. My child’s father has used five different attorneys over the years and Erin has forged a working relationship with each one. In short, I trust her implicitly and can’t imagine enduring this process without her expert, compassionate presence and due diligence.
Read more
04 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
After finding myself in a situation where I needed an attorney I was referred to Erin Blower. Erin was a beacon of hope for me at a time when my situation seemed impossible and I would never see a resolution. After my first meeting with Erin I knew she was extremely smart, articulate, had exceptional communication skills, and was also a great listener. I trusted Erin right away and every interaction I had with her after solidified and built that trust. Erin had the ability to communicate to me clearly what was going on in my case, what was coming next, and what I had to do. Her professionalism was incredible. I leaned on Erin for support and watched her as she argued convincingly in the courtroom while displaying great confidence and knowledge in my case like it had happened to her. I felt so powerful having Erin on my side and was very pleased when the ruling was in my favor. More often than not, family law issues and disputes can feel hopeless like you're at war and for me I will never again go into another "battle" without Erin. I highly recommend Erin Blower.
Read more
24 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Erin is compassionate, insightful, effective and very thorough. She made the most difficult time in my life easier. I had peace throughout a most difficult divorce knowing I have an attorney that was working hard for me.
I will always be grateful that I was able to find a strong, intelligent and compassionate attorney.
Read more
20 Jan, 2021 by Laura
I have utilized Inga for personal and business services. Inga is approachable, extremely responsive, and willing to accommodate a very busy schedule! She has a strong knowledge of law and the court system. In conjunction with her passion, she is someone that you want on your side of the court room.
Read more
18 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
We used Inga to help us with some Master Services Agreements (MSA) and she was extremely thorough and clearly explained our liability as well as some of the language in the contract. This helped us understand what we were agreeing to. In addition, she made some very good recommendations for amendments that were accepted by the other party! I would highly recommend her.
Read more
02 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
Inga was great. She helped me out on a family law case. She was very knowledgeable, and made me feel confident throughout the entire process. She was kind and patient, and she was always available to answer my questions.
Read more
04 May, 2022 by Ryan
Although we certainly didn't want to be in the legal battle we found ourselves in- I am so so glad that we had Sound Family Law on our side. They fought tirelessly on our behalf and were so professional and responsive. I really don't know how they do all that they do so efficiently. Thank you Sound Family Law/Stacie, you helped a couple of scared, overwhelmed folks feel safe and empowered.
Read more
04 Aug, 2014 by Erin
Stacie handled my divorce, which was obviously a very difficult time. She was professional, knowledgable and understanding. She was always available to me even though she was pregnant through out the whole case. I would recommend her in a heart beat.
Read more
21 Aug, 2013 by Amanda
Stacie was there every step of the way during my family court case. She was very helpful in explaining things to me and letting me know what was realistic and what was not. Great attorney, very responsive and helped keep things going!
Read more
13 Oct, 2020 by Julia buck
24 Feb, 2020 by Tammy white
15 Jul, 2018 by Kelcey shelton
13 Sep, 2016 by Heidi
This woman is like Mary Poppins she is perfect and amazing in every way. Let me say this, I have delt with abuse of my abuser for 15 years. After abusing myself, our child, and then another child he had with another victim, he continued on his path. He nearly got away with it. FCS bought his lies and didn't spend the time to look through the hundreds on end pages of evidence from doctors, mental health providers, and school records, as well as look into all the CPS reports from the school against him. But this lovely woman made sure the truth was heard and the evidence was seen and I was granted my permanent order. Hire her, there is simply no one better. You wont regret it. She has an incrediable background as well. Her heart is kind and genuine. Her last name is now Stratton.
Read more
03 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
Evangeline Simmons represented me in a Domestic Violence Protection Order stalking case. My case ended up being unusual in a few ways, and she did a very skillful job building a strategy that was successful for me. I was tremendously grateful to her for her knowledge, commitment, and the way that she went the extra mile in pulling together the documents and pleadings for the protection order, as well crafting responses to other intervening events, which had added to the complexity of my case. Throughout, I felt she was doing everything that she could to help me. I had never been through anything like this before, and was fairly stressed by the experience. Evangeline's professionalism, plus her clear compassion for domestic violence/stalking victims, gave me the faith that I was in good hands -- and I was. Even though it's possible to go through a DVPO hearing on your own, without a lawyer, I know that I would have been lost without her help. She was available, responsive, clear, caring and resourceful. I absolutely recommend her, without reservation. She did an excellent job.
Read more
23 Aug, 2024 by Mark
ATTY. JAY KROHN was one of a kind driven lawyer! I want to give thanks to him and Beckwith law group for their exceptional legal services in resolving my recent court case. His expertise, clear communication, and meticulous preparation stood out throughout the process. Thanks to his commitment and professionalism, we achieved a favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. I'm deeply grateful for Atty Krohn assistance and wholeheartedly endorse him to anyone in need of outstanding legal representation. His dedication and expertise make him an exceptional advocate, and I will continue to refer friends and family to them without hesitation.
Read more
10 Dec, 2021 by Elizabeth
If you are in need of legal assistance, Jay is on it!
I was able to get my consultation almost immediately and he was very knowledgeable.
Call him or message him today; he will help you.
Read more
09 Nov, 2015 by Beatrice
I really wish I knew what to say to describe my experience with Ross Amkraut. I can only convey the feelings that I experienced after each consult. Ross gave me strength throughout the beginning process of my divorce proceedings. Whenever I was feeling anxiety, it seemed as if he knew, and would call to inform me of updates in my case. I feel Ross was extremely attentive to whatever I needed. If I felt uncomfortable in a situation dealing with my spouse Ross would offer to handle it. Ross gave me strength throughout the eight months he worked on my divorce case. I would highly recommend Ross to anyone needing a lawyer.
BBS
Read more
21 May, 2024 by Cortney
Julie and her team helped me through the worst time in my life. Separating from an abusive x, they not only helped me get majority custody of my child, but also got the court to order a domestic violence evaluation. I had zero experience with the legal system and was terrified after being manipulated and abused for years. They not only helped with the legal stuff but constantly encouraged me. I will be keeping Julies contact information for sure!
Read more
21 Oct, 2017 by Mick
Janet was amazing! Comprehensive. Timely. Caring. Has many, many years of experience which provide a significant advantage.
Strongly advocated for me and made sure that I understood what was going on every step of the way! Could not be more satisfied. She is awesome!
Read more
16 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Morgan was instrumental in quickly accomplishing changing my birth certificate. It's a task I have put off for so long partly due to the lack of lawyers and knowledge around LQBTQ needs. Id highly recommend contacting Morgan to anyone that is needing a knowledgeable, trustworthy lawyer on their side!
Read more
15 Aug, 2024 by Elizabeth mckay-campion
12 Aug, 2024 by Dianne
I have not experienced such dedication and tenacity, accuracy and above all kind patient and helpful in putting up with me. I am so grateful for Mr. Symmes. I have nothing but praise for him and his Law group. My case went well. There were no problems with the paperwork submitted to the court. His knowledge, expertise and informative responses and understanding his area of law.
Read more
01 Aug, 2024 by Mrjukes
Richard was amazing to work with! He recently helped me purchase a house without the use of real estate agents. His guidance made the entire process go smoothly. He took the time to answer all my questions clearly and concisely. He was also super responsive, usually getting back to me within 5 minutes no matter the time of day! I will be using his services again in the future.
Read more
09 May, 2024 by Cameron george
More than professionals employed here, family is how I was treated with care dignity and diligence by this firm, I heard horror stories about litigation or mitigation might be the word I’m not sure, but my claim was settled in less than a year, and could’ve went on much longer, without their entire team this wouldn’t have been possible, personal standing out gratitude to counselor Humza.
Read more
09 May, 2024 by Kyle g
Kendra was extremely helpful and she was efficient at processing our case, she also helped us feel comfortable through the process
Read more
08 May, 2024 by Erick mm
This firm gave me a warm, friendly feeling.
From our First meeting Noe BolÃn explained everything to me in terms I could easily understand. He was always very responsive when I had questions outside our meting.
Read more
27 Aug, 2024 by Clints30
Chris Black did an outstanding job throughout my entire case. I highly recommend if you need great legal defense to give him a call. He guided me through what was a very stressful time and my charges were dismissed in the end.
Read more
20 Aug, 2024 by Xin feng
horrible experience, spent 3 weeks for scheduling and the assistant never sent email but claimed that they did and told me need to wait for another 2 weeks for an appointment. the front desk absolutely have no clue of anything.
Read more
19 Aug, 2024 by Jesus sanches
I worked with Chris Black for the last year and he brought peace of mind regarding my case, he was honest and direct with everything, he was easy to reach out when i had questions or concerns via email or phone. He fought for me and did the best he could. I recommended him to anybody who looks for an attorney because is rare but he is an honest direct person who wont bs his way around.
Read more
5.0
20 Reviews
4.9
138 Reviews
27 Aug, 2024 by Clints30
Chris Black did an outstanding job throughout my entire case. I highly recommend if you need great legal defense to give him a call. He guided me through what was a very stressful time and my charges were dismissed in the end.
Read more
20 Aug, 2024 by Xin feng
horrible experience, spent 3 weeks for scheduling and the assistant never sent email but claimed that they did and told me need to wait for another 2 weeks for an appointment. the front desk absolutely have no clue of anything.
Read more
19 Aug, 2024 by Jesus sanches
I worked with Chris Black for the last year and he brought peace of mind regarding my case, he was honest and direct with everything, he was easy to reach out when i had questions or concerns via email or phone. He fought for me and did the best he could. I recommended him to anybody who looks for an attorney because is rare but he is an honest direct person who wont bs his way around.
Read more
5.0
26 Reviews
4.9
40 Reviews
19 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Nicholas Andrews is the best attorney you can have working on your case. Mr. Andrews is a very professional attorney that is dedicated to his profession and truly cares about his clients and works hard to get the best outcome possible for his clients.
Read more
13 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Great consultation. Gave me a better view of what I could expect moving forward. I got more information about my case, and received some non-legal advice. I wasn’t pressured into making a payment right away.
Read more
28 Jun, 2024 by Miguel mendoza
Good lawyer, awesome with his clients the best in Seattle and gets it done highly recomiende
Read more
23 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Sophia was an incredible advocate, helping to resolve issues promptly and balanced. Sophia was professional and extremely prompt with replies. Highly recommend!
Read more
06 Aug, 2024 by Naiella
Sophia stepped in at the final leg of my divorce process to help push it through and see it finalized. I had been working with a mediator whose timeline kept shifting, and tasks were not being met. The process was feeling muddy and I was taking on more responsibility than I had signed up for. We missed a court deadline, and that was the last straw. I reached out to Sophia because she had been highly recommended by a close friend, and she immediately took charge. She made space in her schedule and quickly, in a spirit of ease, polished up the final draft of the attorney documents and submitted them on time. She helped me to feel calm, and organized through the process, and helped us complete everything as hoped. I highly recommend her professional skills.
Read more
01 Aug, 2024 by David fingerhut
Sam is an excellent real estate lawyer and someone you definitely want in your corner when negotiating complex real estate transactions or disputing a contract.
Read more
15 May, 2024 by Joanna schmidt
Mehera @ Pride Law helped take a giant pile of stressful choices and legal forms and translate it all into something we could easily understand so we were able to make informed decisions and finally get our Will and Trust set up.
Mehera was clear, easy to talk with and we are so happy we had the chance to work with her. We highly recommend her.
Thank you Mehera! ❤️
Read more
10 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Dallas is helping me with a dv situation and he is absolutely thorough, diligent, trustworthy, straightforward, and extremely knowledgeable.
Read more
19 Mar, 2021 by Erin roudybush
Lisa was immensely helpful with my case. She was able to get me the best results I could have asked for in my case. She was professional but still friendly and made me feel like she was doing her absolute best for me. I highly recommend her.
Read more
07 Aug, 2024 by Terry
I'm grateful for Julia's hard work and commitment. From start to finish, her dedication and expertise were evident. Finally, my case is dismissed. Thank you for your exceptional service!
Read more
22 Jul, 2024 by Cairo saunders
Julia is meticulous. She requires patience. She is not the type of attorney to flatter you with fancy words and will give you the cold hard truth. I watched her fight me for tooth and nail in court in the most tactful and professional way utilizing her experience; to navigate all the different challenges my case presented. Julia will not tell you whatever she thinks you want to hear. She is an attorney with integrity and grit. She doesn’t fold under pressure. She’s one of the best. Plenty of other attorneys have vouched for her talent, experience and ability to navigate the court system in Los Angeles. She tenaciously worked to get my case thrown out and won by a landslide. I was almost brought to tears after I given a second chance at life professionally. This is an attorney you want to speak on your behalf make no mistake about it. She won my dmv hearing and my criminal case. Trust me when I say this. HIRE HER!
Read more
13 Feb, 2024 by Bryan
Navigating DUI charges can be overwhelming, but Julia at Aspen Law Group made a significant difference in my experiences. Having faced DUI charges twice, Julia's guidance was invaluable. In my first case, she was supportive and knowledgeable, making a challenging situation manageable. For my second DUI, which carried harsher penalties, Julia's expertise shone through. She's tough, fair, and reliable, working diligently to minimize my penalties. Notably, she helped secure a reduced home arrest and facilitated the use of an interlock device, allowing me to drive my car more quickly again.
Julia's approach goes beyond legal defense; she offers a clear path through the uncertainty of DUI charges with confidence and trust. Her dedication and ability to navigate the legal system are unparalleled. I wholeheartedly recommend Julia and Aspen Law Group to anyone facing a DUI arrest. With Julia, you're not just getting a lawyer; you're gaining a steadfast advocate who can guide you toward the best possible outcome. Trust in her expertise and her firm's capabilities to navigate this challenging time.
Read more
17 Aug, 2024 by Michelle stroud
Hemmat Law Group dove into an existing Probate and helped bring it to completion with my total satisfaction. I worked specifically with Katie Olson and can’t say enough about how well she listened and understood my unique issues that were pending. Katie provided clear communication to myself, the team, and opposing counsel. John Socha also provided quick and gentle responses to my initial call and all inquiries thereafter. Steve Hemmat is simply a terrific Attorney and has surrounded himself with a more than qualified team that puts the clients needs first. Thank you!
Read more
23 Jul, 2024 by Sarah
I worked with with Mr. Hemmat and his team (his associates Anna Linden & Yina Finch are amazing!).
They held my hand through an extremely stressful time in my life. After some bad experiences with prior attorneys, I had lost hope of ever finding a legal team that met my needs.
But Steve and his team really care about the wellbeing of their clients, and the outcome of their cases. Highly recommend looking for a legal team that cares.
Read more
21 May, 2024 by Chelsia lau
I had a great experience working with Steve, Katie, Yina, John, and the rest of the team! They were professional, timely, and supportive throughout the experience. Highly recommend!
Read more
5.0
20 Reviews
4.9
48 Reviews
20 Aug, 2024 by Xin feng
horrible experience, spent 3 weeks for scheduling and the assistant never sent email but claimed that they did and told me need to wait for another 2 weeks for an appointment. the front desk absolutely have no clue of anything.
Read more
14 Aug, 2024 by Maryna volk
I highly recommend Lola Zakharova and Hailey Tran. They helped me so much! I’m so grateful for all the work done! And I always recommend them to all my friends. Really the best!
Read more
08 Aug, 2024 by Shubham mehta
30 May, 2017 by Ariel
I had a consultation with Attorney Laura Umetsu last week and she was extremely helpful. I felt like she truly cared about my case and gave me plenty of resources to help guide me. She also took the time to personally introduce me to a lawyer that specializes in exactly what I needed guidance on. Will definitely refer others to her and highly recommend her.
Read more
30 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Laura helped ease our worries by answering lots of questions regarding modifying an existing parenting plan with a resistant ex spouse, how to act in accordance with what is best for the child, and how to protect ourselves legally for the foreseeable future from all legal obligations and risk. Fantastic attorney with keen discernment of the law and justice. She does the hard work of understanding your situation/case and also has the knowledge and credibility to help client's understand their options. Highly recommend.
Read more
20 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I had reached out to this attorney and she replied in a timely manner. Although she was unable to assist, she gave a referral to another attorney who might be able to help.
Read more
30 Jul, 2024 by Mike
It has been a pleasure to work with David and his team to reach a successful settlement in our case. I appreciated the professionalism and the advice at every step. This is s team you can trust!
Read more
16 Jul, 2024 by Send anything
We hired Andrew on the recommendation of a friend and he was great. Really appreciated all of his help and highly recommend.
Read more
28 Jun, 2024 by Callahan greyson
15 Aug, 2024 by Jenny du
Attorney Wang is full of energy and has a sharp mind. He has a remarkable ability to uncover key evidence from details that most non-professionals would overlook, demonstrating deep insight into the case. His dedication is evident; he not only gives thoughtful consideration to the case during work hours but often brings up new ideas even on weekends. His colleague, Attorney Liu, is meticulous in gathering evidence and organizes everything with great clarity. Communication with her is smooth, and she skillfully distills our discussions into precise and well-structured notes.
Read more
01 Aug, 2024 by Zhang hang
來美國7年時間 第一次找律師諮詢 就遇到了王律師，非常的熱情且詳細的說明了我案子的情況 提出解決方案，有一個專業的法律建議和幫助 真的太重要了，推薦 推薦 推薦
Read more
14 Jul, 2024 by Xiangyu gao
I have an exceptional experience with Shanze Partners. They are willing to provide thoughtful feedbacks and patiently explain all details to me. The attorneys are highly knowledgeable and can clearly summarize the case to a point where people know how to efficiently proceed to maximize their interests. I truly feel supported throughout the entire process. If you’re looking for a trustworthy and skilled legal team, I highly recommend Shanze Partners.
Read more
16 Jul, 2024 by Send anything
We hired Andrew on the recommendation of a friend and he was great. Really appreciated all of his help and highly recommend.
Read more
28 Jun, 2024 by Callahan greyson
13 Jun, 2024 by Cason bo
26 Mar, 2019 by John
I am so glad l was assigned Mr. Rajin, l had sixteen firearm felonies and two misdemeanors for drugs, and he
researchered me and my case and at the first court
date had the most serious assault weapon charges
dropped - then after telling me to request a jury trial,
ALL FELONIES DROPPED!, plead out on one misdemeanor - NOT A FELON - THANK YOU
MR. RAJIN - ( I WAS SO LUCKY TO GET YOU ) THANKS AGAIN, GREAT JOB! Thank you for keeping me informed the whole time and returning all my calls right away with
an immediate response
Read more
23 Sep, 2017 by Cd
I hired Naresh to help me with a hit and run charge. He got one of two charges from the accident dismissed, helped me strategize to avoid heavier charges and jail time, and generally is a very effective lawyer and nice guy. Not cheap; but totally worth every penny.
Read more
16 May, 2017 by Bob
I hired Naresh after consulting with several other lawyers. Unlike other lawyers, Naresh explained my options very clearly and most importantly, promised to attempt to dismiss my potential criminal case before it went to court by proactively contacting DA office first. Needless to say, Naresh succeeded, even though it meant he was making less money out of me. Naresh is very honest, approachable and easy to deal with. I highly recommend him!
Read more
5.0
21 Reviews
4.7
173 Reviews
21 Aug, 2024 by Lesya cline
If you find yourself in need of excellent law representation then you should definitely call Kevin! He is extremely experienced, very professional, commutative and 💯 dedicated to his clients. I am so thankful for the excellent representation!
Read more
09 Jul, 2024 by Mike preciado
Great lawyer!
Very informative and professional. Would recommend to anyone in need of a lawyer.
Read more
28 May, 2024 by Randolph leach
Always there to answer any and all question even after 2 years he was there to take time for follow up questions. with an Attorney like Mr Trombold you will be sure that he will follow through with your case and be there has you need. life will some times give you a twist and its a great felling to have someone that wont judge and will work with you and be there, with the monthly payments it made the whole experience less stressful.
I cant thank you enough. I would and have recommend him to others
Read more
5.0
20 Reviews
4.7
173 Reviews
21 Aug, 2024 by Lesya cline
If you find yourself in need of excellent law representation then you should definitely call Kevin! He is extremely experienced, very professional, commutative and 💯 dedicated to his clients. I am so thankful for the excellent representation!
Read more
09 Jul, 2024 by Mike preciado
Great lawyer!
Very informative and professional. Would recommend to anyone in need of a lawyer.
Read more
28 May, 2024 by Randolph leach
Always there to answer any and all question even after 2 years he was there to take time for follow up questions. with an Attorney like Mr Trombold you will be sure that he will follow through with your case and be there has you need. life will some times give you a twist and its a great felling to have someone that wont judge and will work with you and be there, with the monthly payments it made the whole experience less stressful.
I cant thank you enough. I would and have recommend him to others
Read more
21 Aug, 2024 by Lesya cline
If you find yourself in need of excellent law representation then you should definitely call Kevin! He is extremely experienced, very professional, commutative and 💯 dedicated to his clients. I am so thankful for the excellent representation!
Read more
09 Jul, 2024 by Mike preciado
Great lawyer!
Very informative and professional. Would recommend to anyone in need of a lawyer.
Read more
28 May, 2024 by Randolph leach
Always there to answer any and all question even after 2 years he was there to take time for follow up questions. with an Attorney like Mr Trombold you will be sure that he will follow through with your case and be there has you need. life will some times give you a twist and its a great felling to have someone that wont judge and will work with you and be there, with the monthly payments it made the whole experience less stressful.
I cant thank you enough. I would and have recommend him to others
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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:
-
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.
-
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:
-
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.
-
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:
-
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:
-
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.
-
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.
