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08 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
This worst lawyer anybody can hire the only thing he does good is take your money and doesn't do anything he was hired for, been waiting a year an no feedback on the progress of he was hired to do just disgusted at this substandard lawyer
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16 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Thomas Hinote for child support/custod time with my daughter. Although Mr.Hinote did get my guidelines on paper and my child support on paper I felt that I had no choice but to sign what he brought me on the manner of witch he acted like I had no other choice. My issue is that the child support was calculated wrong and he has admitted to it being wrong and he refused to fix the issue without being paid for it. I've been paying 287.00 EXTRA every month and I've just now figured it out sadly 26 months later now that I educated myself on how to calculate the formula. I met with him and he simply told me yea its a mathematical mistake and those things happen and I should have looked it over before I signed it and he wasn't going to correct the mistake. I strongly recommend you use someone else unless your familiar with child support paperwork because obviously if he makes a mistake he will tell you that it was a mistake and you should have noticed it before you signed. I told him that's what I hired him for so I wouldn't have to know how to calculate that stuff and he told me it was simple math and wasn't hard so I shouldve known. I will continue to let people know how I was treated on paper and face to face until this issue is resolved. I really hate to blemish one's reputation or lively hood but in this case my life has been majorly effected by his mistake. 287.00 a month is a lot of money to me and would have made a ton of different in my life over the last 2 years of overpaying it.
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17 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Jerome Carter refused to prepare for my Divorce Hearing. He knew nothing about my case, nor what was at stake. I had to correct him from the witness stand when he stated a falsehood that the opposing party could have easily produced evidence to the contrary.
Carter refused to meet with me upon my request to review the evidence and devise a strategy to present my case in court. Carter refused to review evidence, and refused to present evidence in court.
I paid Carter $2,500.00 for legal representation. He accepted my money but did not provide any legal counsel what's so ever. He just showed up to my hearing late and without preparation or a legal argument.
During the proceedings Carter started writing out a few questions to ask the opposing party, then tuned to me and asked "what do you think I should focus on and what questions do you think I should I ask him?"
Carter told me if I hired him the first thing he would do is file for immediate child support payments. Carter lied - He took no such action. Carter also stated he had a close relationship with the presiding judge and stated they were once lawyers with the same firm (if not partners in the same firm).
Carter lies and uses deceptive practices to get your money and does not do what he said he would do. Further, Carter takes your money just to show up to court wearing a suit and tie - and that's all you get for your money - is Jerome Carter showing up to court late wearing a suit and tie.
Carter does not prepare for your case in any way. Don't hire Jerome Carter unless you just want to donate Your money to his personal favorite charity - HIMSELF. Don't hire Jerome Carter - You Will LOSE!!!
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19 Feb, 2021 by Freida
If I could give zero as a star I would, James Sims is not a good representation of an Attorney, he will take your money once he is paid in full not communicate with you for months until it's days away from your court case, no returned phone calls after he has full payments. Upon going to court their is no representation from him,he literally has no fight in him for his clients. My family paid James Sims almost $3000 for our disabled Brother's divorce and got no fair representation from this man, he should be disbarred for how he rips his clients off,worst Attorney in Alabama. Take my advice do not give James Sims your hard earned money, he is useless.
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29 Mar, 2023 by Jonathan
He broke my phone and cussed out my mom and dad. He looks likes he is drugs. And he scared his secretary to death. And me I'm only thirteen.
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26 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
I'm an actual client. This is my honest review. Carson Nicholas at first is good at selling herself. Please don't be fooled as I was. She will turn on you. It is too late for me. Once she gets your retainer she becomes your worst enemy . She will even tell you not to come to court for hearings and as she told me she can handle without me attending. Please don't fall for that! I hope this helps everyone who reads this. Thank God for this site. Stay away from sites that only post good reviews.
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30 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Drake is an awful attorney. He was hired almost 5 years ago and has met with me once, to get his retainer fee, that he said would be efficient to get through the whole case, then after doing nothing of substance for 5 years, he notified me another 7k would be required to proceed. He’s never made time to speak to me, have always had to deal with his employees. No communication, no step closer to a case resolved. Do not hire this man as an attorney.
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11 Sep, 2014 by Nancy
This Lawyer I hired in 2009 for a divorce and custody of my step granddaughter. During the custody hearing I found out he did not even file or fight for me. My Divorce was handled with me sitting in a court room while my Lawyer My ex-husband and his Lawyer behind closed doors. Mr Moore would come out asking me certain questions and go back behind the door. I was married 20 years and this Lawyer told me I could not get alimony because of the economy. He said the best he could do was get me 1800 dollars. 200 hundred a month for 9 months. When I asked why I was not back there he told me I could. I told him I was going to the restroom then we would go back. When I stepped out of the restroom Mr Moore was standing there telling me we were done. I left speechless. I paid this Lawyer 2500 dollars and all I got was 1800 dollars. I would not recommend him to handle any cases if he is not willing to fight for you
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04 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Etheredge for several matters and he assured me he and Dustin Fowler would keep me up to date on my cases. That did not happen and I did not receive a favorable result. I was overcharged and never provided a contract or letter describing what I paid over $25,000 for. I have complained to the bar, but nothing has happened.
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30 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
We pre-paid this lawyer, via a RocketLawyer search, to assist with creating quit claim deeds and a divorce agreement. He took the money and literally disappeared. going so far as to disconnect his phone number. My husband and I have attempted to reach him for months via any avenue possible. We have had to engage a new lawyer to complete all of our paperwork before years end so this man has cost us thousands of dollars.
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30 May, 2019 by Anonymous
As a divorce attorney he is a joke!! He cashed my check the same day and i never heard a word from him. I had to call him if I wanted any information about my divorce and he didn't seem to care about working for me at all. It took like four months to sign papers for a uncontested divorce. I will never use his services again!! What a joke!!
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26 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
I was a victim at a military school. I had my arm broken and suffered a massive concussion from getting my head bashed in by a rifle. I called in April of 2013 to voice my opinion of the school and its long and blatant and proven history of brutal abuse and he told me I deserved what I got and the school pays me to cover all abuse up. He told me to deal with it and move on and told me he could care less what happens to me or any other cadet at the school.
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21 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
My experience with Sandra Lewis is that she was extremely rude and inconsiderate towards me during my case. She performed only two out of eight tasks that she gave me her word on. She charged me over $4,000 and when I asked about the other tasks, she gave me a sarcastic answer. I did not get the results that I should have gotten, although I did get some favorable results. You deserve better.
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16 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Paid cash for a service to the paralegal in 2017 rite after i was awarded with my disability for neurological issues and ptsd, They forgot I was disabled years later, didn't attempt to contact me during this four year period and have told me through email I would be contacted but it never happened. Four years later I'm feeling forgotten about and manipulated because I had just got my disability and was relying on this business heavily for me to see my child , I still have the receipt and am trying to get my payment back with no luck. Now I'm in severe distress..
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12 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
This lawyer is a waste of air i would highly recommend that you find a qualified lawyer to handle you legal needs. After 2 years of probate he wants more money to do what he was paid to do.
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30 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
If I could rate no stars I would. This woman was my attorney appointed to me by the court of Heflin Alabama and she did not exolain anything to me no paperwork was explained she barely kept contact with me through my entire case and actually told me that I probably wouldn’t win this case bc my hair folic almost test for the court had “amphetimine “ not m*th amphetimine just to be clear I would not use this woman to lower my casket in the ground when I died. I’ve never seen an attorney this horrible before she caused me to lose my child completely. And I find it strange that with 5 yrs of being licensed she don’t have a single review until now but has a 6.0 rating well it’s about to go down bc I will never give a good review on this woman
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28 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
OMG! He is one of the worst attorneys I've ever had the privilege of having. He was such a weak force in the courtroom and very unprofessional. I called him all the time and only spoke to him once. I asked him by email numerous times, in person, and over the phone to get body cam footage and that was in a 4 month time span and he couldn't even do that. Saying " Well I asked them about it but there is none." 6 officers don't have one video huh? You couldn't find a motion to get the body cam footage, you just asked huh? He's not what your looking for if you have your life in his hands. Definitely a piece off... he's a peculiar fellow I should say.
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18 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Clyde for my family law case . He seemed very caring understanding made me believe he could represent me ! However that was not true . I lost my money , my family , my career. Paid him 10,000 just for 2 hours I thought he was going to see me through the end .
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01 Nov, 2015 by Melanie
This attorney completed my divorce filing in 2010. I did not receive vital information that would have affected how I handled a credit card on the divorce fiiling. That oversight ultimately left me vulnerable to the future spending of my ex husband. When approached for assistance, she was unresponsive and detached. I was not, at the minimum, advised to seek a settlement that followed state guidelines. I lost tens of thousands of dollars in possible child support over the last 5 years. I was not advised to have the money directly taken from his check. When he stopped paying, it was extremely costly to go after that money. I am in the process of re-doing the divorce, costing me thousands more dollars. I would strongly recommend against hiring her for any legal representation.
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24 May, 2019 by Janiece
I hired Mr. Forrester to represent me in a case against DHR. My grand children were being abused in foster care and I wanted to get custody ot them. Mr. Forrester was well prepared as he had been given all the facts and everything was on our side. he could have easily got the children home but without even consulting me he asked the Judge for extended and did not attempt to get the children out of foster care. He later told me that I should not question his strategy. My new Attorney reviewed his work and his itemized statement and she could not believe the amount he had charged and what he had charged for. She said she would help me deal with him. But nothing can ease the pain of knowing my grand children are suffering and being abused and he has caused our family so much pain.
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06 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
In our personal experience, my siblings and I were extremely disappointed in the representation and advice Mr. Latham provided us for our case. He did not demonstrate any degree of interest in seeking out the most ethical resolution we were seeking in our case and did not take any initiative to investigate our concerns whatsoever. Early in the handling of our case, the siblings involved collaborated and agreed that Mr. Latham was ill equipped to properly represent us. It was after the fatal health issues one of our siblings experienced that we decided to just give up and bring the case to the quickest resolution. While we were eventually reimbursed the approximately $8,000 in legal fees we paid to Mr. Latham, we unanimously agreed it was money wasted that could have been better utilized with more effective, motivated, and skilled representation by a more mature legal organization in another city. Personally, over the years I have been on the plaintiff side of no less than five prior legal cases ranging from real estate tort, personal injury, family law, to wrongful death. Without a doubt I feel that the representation I received from Mr. Latham was the least effective I have ever received of the numerous attorneys I have engaged over the years.
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14 Oct, 2014 by Yolanda
while he was defending my son he asked the other lawyer if he had a job opening
this was on Oct 13,14
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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.
