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19 Sep, 2019 by Steve
My wife and I hired Brian to help out with a pretty scary legal issue. I was worried we would lose everything, but Brian got everything fixed up and squared away with just a couple of meetings and in a reasonable amount of time. It would be better to have never had to hire a lawyer in the first place, but Brian sure made us feel a lot better while our case was going on. I’d hire him again.
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24 Jun, 2019 by Randy
I contacted Brian to represent me in a speeding matter being a truck driver and a clean driving record no points or violations at all it was devastating being moving violations mean alot when truck driving and our safety scores not to mention can lose your job he was very sincere and communicated everything he would try to do although I was speeding never denied it but was not going as fast as the trooper indicated Brian worked hard and got it lowered to a no point violation during the time he answered all my questions and answered my calls or called me right back or text he was like a friend having your back his number is now on our company's wall in case any driver needs representation awesome job Brian and thank you oh and yes I will be keeping a very good eye on that speedometer thank you again
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31 May, 2019 by Steve
My wife and I hired Brian to help out with a pretty scary legal issue. I was worried we would lose everything, but Brian got everything fixed up and squared away with just a couple of meetings and in a reasonable amount of time. It would be better to have never had to hire a lawyer in the first place, but Brian sure made us feel a lot better while our case was going on. I’d hire him again.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Hired attorney and complete waste of time. Did not want to handle difficult issues with child custody case. He would mention needing a mediator when talking to him about complex issues. Ended up not getting a response back from him he completely ghosted me and told me he was no longer my attorney and to look elsewhere. Very unprofessional!!
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02 Sep, 2022 by Matt
DO NOT HIRE THIS GUY!!!
If you just need an attorney to show up to court this your guy! Don’t expect any actual effort to be put forward.
This clown will not go to bat for you. He charged me to have 5 witnesses subpoenaed for court yet not a single one was subpoenaed. The morning of our most recent court appearance he made me scramble to contact the previously stated witnesses to ask them if they would be able to join via telephone for the hearing (this was at 5:00 A.M.) I was able to contact two of them at that time and both were extremely confused as they hadn’t heard from him and weren’t in a position to give their testimony. In a year and a half he never appeared as if he was actually prepared. when push comes to shove he would blame me for changes in circumstances. Silas and his office staff are extremely unorganized. I had to repeatedly send him the same information and documents. I finally had enough and fired this lazy piece of crap yesterday.
Please don’t make the same mistake that I made.
DO NOT HIRE THIS GUY!!!!
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24 Jul, 2020 by Brian
Silas has been instrumental in successfully guiding me through the probate system on two occasions. I was executor on my father & his wife's estate, and Silas was great throughout the whole, painful, bureaucratic, legal nightmare of probate.
As others have said his response time is excellent. I was NEVER left hanging and every E-mail was responded to quickly, sometimes way after normal hours. I would send a message late, assuming he would respond in the A.M., but often got a response instantly.
Silas also prepared Wills for many family members, Powers of attorneys, et cetera, His treatment of my very elderly and not-very-trusting-of-lawyers Mother and her husband during the estate planning process, was very professional and personable at the same time. He won them over in a single meeting!
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15 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
I have contacted Adam for several things, from divorce to traffic violations. He has always been honest, professional and fair. I
highly recommend him!
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26 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
I would not recommend I hired mr doxsey and I still lost my case after he told me otherwise Im not happy with his work
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30 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
I was desperately in need of an attorney so I decided to call of Slater and Zurz. I wish I had never called because Jeffery Hawkins lost my case which should have been easy to win. He never defended me and gave into easily to other attorneys. He never fought my case and I had to continuously send thesame email over and over again and got charged because he wasnt listening to what I was saying. He was more concerned about getting paid than help me and my family. My kids were in harms way and he did nothing but try to get me out the door. Always too busy to talk. Don’t do the same mistake I did. Don't let someone like him defend you and your family because you will lose the case even though I as the mother had all the evidence and we still lost because he wasn’t defending. He was rushing out the court house so he could go on vacation. He would rather talk about Taco Bell and his family than my case and my family that he is getting paid for to defend. I am writing this review to hopefully help others before it is too late.
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11 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
If you are looking for someone to F*ck your case up literally look no further. Jeff here is THAT man.
Poor communication at it's finest. My initial phone interview went well with Jeff. So well I scheduled a 2nd and by the end of the 2nd I hired him. He blew so much smoke up my rear about what he could do it was unreal.
When it came time to actually put those words into action he failed at an epic level. He is too interested in his own custody shannanigans with his grand child to be worried about YOUR issues.
Need an appeal filed? My as well file your own... I had to file my initial appeal myself. My subsequent appeal that needed filed by Jeff was filed late which in turn got my case dismissed.
After case was dismissed Jeff slapped me with a bill requesting an additional $567.00. I do not feel comfortable paying for services not properly rendered.
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06 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
Hawkins decided that 8 minutes before my first divorce hearing via Skype would be a good time to learn how to set up a Skype account. He failed miserably . Being 25 minutes late didn't make the magistrate very happy and he let Hawkins know it throughout the whole hearing and it showed in his ruling. He was under prepared and over matched by opposing counsel. He basically went down in a ball of flames after being smoked by my ex's attorney. His handling of paper work was pitiful rendering it usless. Needless to say he did me more harm than good and was promptly fired. Avoid Hawkins at all costs.
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31 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Does as little as possible. Has no communication skills seems to just take tge easiest option. Does not stand up for clients
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02 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
He didn't do 1 single thing to defend me as my court appointed lawyer. He works for the other side, for the state instead. I'm appealing my last court case cuz he completely screwed me over. This time I'm hiring a REAL lawyer. He never asked me 1 question about my case. All he cared about was me pleading guilty. He was extremely rude for no reason even tho I was being cooperative. Like I said he works for the state of Ohio. Period. DO NOT HIRE THIS FRAUD!!!
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25 May, 2018 by Theresa
Paul is not the kind of attorney he claims to be. He works for the other side at your expense. He is very judgemental. If he don't like you then you should worry. Because all he is doing is taking your money and laughing all the way to the bank. He does not defend you even if you have proof of being innocent. He is not good at communication but what he is good at is giving you dirty looks and belittling u in court. He is very good at taking your money and doing nothing to deserve it. I'd your trying to get your child back and out of children services. You would be better off doing it alone. I had him file motion for custody and he has delayed it every time we have gone to court. It has been almost a year and I still haven't got him back.
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24 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
George did a poor job in representing my loved on. While my he was waiting for trial he had to do his own research and tell George which motions to file on his behalf. Throughout the case George lied repeatedly, stopped answering phone calls, was rarely available to go see his client and only called when he wanted more money for a job he was barely doing. My friend has spoken with other lawyers who all agree that George could have done a much better job but simply chose not to. I would never recommend him to anyone. Now my friend is in jail for a crime he didn't commit and has to fight for his freedom.
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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.
