Lawyers map
>56
experienced lawyers
Filter by
09 Oct, 2024 by Tara mcginty
Horrible customer service. Zero care for clients and do not value your business. Will not work with you in anyway - will cancel your account for making a request to update the billing email incorrectly. Sheila is not an employee a profitable company would want working for them.
Read more
02 Oct, 2024 by Jerry black
Great attorney and staff!
Read more
25 Jul, 2024 by Jacob padilla
Kevin helped me win custody of my child. Great Attorney. would recommend.
Read more
18 Jul, 2017 by Ali
Ive been in the legal business 17 years. If I were to need a criminal attorney, I damn sure don't want some sweet talking, hand holding attorney that isn't straight forward and honest concerning the possible outcome of my case. I want a bulldog!! I want a fighter! I don't need or want a babysitter to talk sweet and soft. I need a go getter. An attorney that will push it to the absolute limits to see his client gets a fair trial and exhausts to insure his client received the best representation possible.
Also, I don't need an update or a call everyday with some useless bs. I need him working for me. That's why I hired him. Not wasting time calling or emailing with insignificant redundant information that is only wasting his time instead of focusing all his attention on his job. Plus the courts are stacked with pending cases so when Mr. Moore knows something relevant to the case he will contact you. He cares about his clients and represents each to the best of his ability. He takes his oath very seriously bcz his clients have chosen to put their trust with their life, future, well-being etc...in his care.
I know I'm just now to began my first year of law school but Sam Moore You taught more than any law school will ever teach me. Represent each client always remembering the sworn oath taken. To take pride without fear and stand in front of a jury or judge knowing that's the absolute ultimate an attorney can do for his client. Thank you!! I couldn't ask for a better Mentor.
Read more
26 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Moore in 2015 and it's now 2017. The level of care I was accustomed to receiving left with the paralegal, Athena, back in the spring. Now when I call in to check on my case, Mr. Moore either doesn't take my call or flips out because I'm disturbing him. I feel like I have the right to question what's going on since I paid the old grump $5,000.00. I know my case was an uphill battle, but I would like to know someone was working for the hard earned money that was paid. The few times I've been able to catch Mr. Moore, he smells like a bottle of whiskey and is totally rude. Good or bad, I just want my case to be over.
Read more
27 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Sam Moore last year and it's now the end of August 2016, however my case is far from being over. During the initial consultation, Mr. Moore indicated that he would take care of my case quickly and efficiently, but that hasn't happened. My wife's attorney has told her that she can't get a hold of him on the phone nor are her emails or phone messages acknowledged so I know that it isn't just me that is being screwed over. I paid Mr. Moore $2500 plus fees and can't afford to hire anyone else or I would have already taken my case and bailed. The buffer between Sam and the public (his paralegal Athena) was laid off when he sold his office and I'm afraid he has gone off the deep end. Anytime I call the office Sam is very abusive, screams on the phone, and implies that I'm interrupting his afternoon schedule which I'm sure is just his nap time given his old age. Athena was the one person in that office who actually cared about what I was going through and took the time to actually listen to me when I called or dropped by.
In closing, spend your hard earned dollars on some other attorney instead of an old, mean, loud drunk who smells like a brewery whether in the office or when you go to court with him. Mr. Moore is the type of attorney who gives lawyers a bad name!
Read more
15 Aug, 2024 by Steven rogers
Although I wasn't able to get help there the lady was very nice, and tried to help.
Read more
19 Apr, 2024 by Melody hook
Very helpful
Read more
15 Apr, 2024 by Joann franks
04 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
I hired this lady and Mr Wilson. They both worked together, advertised they both had experience in family law. Yet she had zero experience. Ruined my life and my families life. I lost my job after 30 yrs of experience for taking her advice. She advertised she has family law experience. She isgay, has no experience in families and even admitted to me she had none after ruining my family by giving bogus information. Use this lawyer and you may end up screwed like I was.
Read more
25 Feb, 2020 by Michelle pennell
07 Sep, 2023 by Cheyann jaramillo
Professional and talented
Read more
31 Jan, 2023 by Amy brumley
Matt Price is very kind, professional and someone that I trust. His advice was extremely helpful preparing legal documents for my mom. I would highly recommend Matt for your family legal needs.
Read more
30 Jan, 2023 by Julie mcdonald
We had a great experience with Matt. He was very professional, informative, patient & flexible with our busy work schedules. If you need any legal help, Matt is great!
Read more
22 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
I've personally only had to use 2 lawyers for my custody and Claire was the replacement to my first lawyer, and I can say without a doubt I would have preferred my first lawyer. Firstly Clair charged $6500 more for her retainer fee and fed me all sort of excuses why we would need the larger fee, to continue on with the crap shoot I provided hours of audio recording, a detailed journal of events, a handful of videos, and quite a bit of other scrapes of evidence that clearly outline my ex's failings so far as a mother (ie drug use, borderline abuse, abandonment ect) just for it all to be sweep under the rug and forgotten. The entire time my case was going on it was a struggle to even contract her, I couldn't tell you how many times I heard 'I'll call you back' but I can say I've never received a call back unless I owed them more money. All in all Clair Mehaffey charge me a total of $15000+ to get me 50/50 custody and paying child support when a had proof my ex lied about me and that she likely needs to be in jail (Again).
Read more
05 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired this lawyer over a year ago to assist with my custody battle with my child. It has been the most stressful and the worse experience I've ever had with an attorney. After countless of evidence ( video, message and pictures) against the other party I have provided throughout the year along with thousands upon thousands dollars spent I ultimately feel that she never had my interests at heart. It was all about money with her and if you can pay thousands of dollars BEFORE anything gets done and IF anything get done. She did not file anything to assist with my case and my childs' welfare was in jeopardy countless times and nothing was done. She has failed to stay in contact with me and will not contact me (even after payment) about the next steps in my case or updated me when things were happening. She avoided going to court at every instance even when it was a necessary step at one point. I have continued to give her chance after chance in hopes that she will help. EACH new instance that occurs requires around a $3500 dollar retainer. So basically I am back to square one with my child in the hands of someone who is unfit, me out of thousands of dollars and an a attorney who is good for.. nothing really. I wouldn't recommend her to my worse enemy, she's HORRIBLE.
Read more
30 Dec, 2018 by Martinez
Claire is amazing! She helped us gain custody of my step-daughter. She was great fast and professional.
I don’t know where my family would be without her great knowledge of family law
Thank you Ms. Mehaffey
Read more
20 May, 2021 by Anonymous
This lady was court appointed in my cps case and she did a very poor job non professional. She was never at any of the meetings, that's when she did inform me of a meeting. I missed very important meetings for my voice to be heated because she never kept us up to date on the case. She is the reason my rights were terminated. Her and cps case worker were more worried about argun in front of my daughter at the visits, or at court in front of cps lawyers because she did not want to inform the judge about me wanting to address the court of ongoing problems. Also she handled my appeal Wich I was never in person at none of the court for that. She just sent me a big yellow envelope in the mail notify me of terminated rights. So sad this lady needs to quit her dam job and quit ruing and taking the states money. Shame on you.
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 Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
