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23 Sep, 2021 by Yeats family
Megan has been amazing to work with! She has made us feel like her only client and been great at walking us through the process. We highly recommend for any family type of law, you will not be disappointed!
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18 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Hands down the best decision was to hire Megan. She is not only friendly and easy to work with, but upfront and transparent, leaving out any guesswork and not stringing me along. Responses and actions were prompt and accurate. I felt confident working with her in the past and she'll be my first call if needed in the future.
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16 Nov, 2016 by Dan
Megan assisted me in perhaps the hardest time of my life regarding my divorce and specifically my child custody battle. She was honest with me regarding my position in the case and what results I could expect. Her knowledge of child custody laws was vast and I felt that I was represented by a professional who could safely guide me through emotional muddy waters. I would recommend her to anyone who has to suffer thru a divorce, especially if there are children involved. Megan listened to my questions, calmed my fears and stayed in constant communication with me throughout the process. Rarely was I left wondering "what's next?". I consider my choice of her as my legal representation and council the correct one and feel that she truly cared about me and my case. On a lighter note.... I was impressed with her "yanking of the reigns" at times during my case. Most divorces are messy and emotional. There were times I had "fight" in me that would have cost me both financially and emotionally. This fight would have likely yielded unwanted results in the end. Megan was knowledgeable to see that and direct enough to stop me from proceeding down those paths. Thanks for saving me the stress (and the money) Megan. - Dan
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31 Aug, 2012 by Jeff
Scott is a professional and hardworking attorney. He helped me through the stages of a difficult and emotional Child Custody and Chips case. These two cases took place in two townships. In one township, the legal team in the courtroom looked to him for leadership. Scott walked me through each step, which helped ease the emotional stress of the situation. After many months of hearings, Scott was able to get me full custody of my son.
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24 Aug, 2009 by K. olson
Scott's persistence paid off. After two years of trying to collect a debt, Scott was able to get the job done quickly and with a good outcome.
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02 Jul, 2024 by Daisy dou
My husband and I hired Robert as our lawyer for a custody case we had with my daughter. He was honest and told us his thoughts and how we should proceed. He didn't ask for a huge retainer up front like most lawyers did. He helped me get my daughter home. She was 5 at the time and she's now almost 11 years old and doing good. Thank you!
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09 Apr, 2024 by Ace schap
Robert is a good, solid, and straightforward attorney. My case was handled quickly and efficiently, and he kept me apprised all the way. Robert took the time to hear my concerns and did everything within his power to get the best outcome, which was amazing! Charges dropped. Robert was honest as well. Part of my retainer was even refunded. Most attorneys I feel would have kept the excess fees paid to them. I HIGHLY recommend Levasseur Law!!
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08 Mar, 2024 by Noah larson
Hands down, best attorney in the area. I was appointed Mr. Levasseur as my public defender for a felony case. First time meeting with him to discuss my case and I had a bad attitude about the whole situation. Well, he gave the facts to me straight, and took the time to explain things I had misconceptions about. I was always able to get ahold of him and discuss details of my case so I felt confident I had adequate representation. He really knows what he is doing and is well respected in the courthouse. I took the case to trial, and the day before trial he called me to let know he had spoken with the prosecutor and that the case was being dropped. The guy is on top of his game and I got a lot of respect for him after he was willing to go to bat for me like that and I couldnt have had a better outcome!!
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21 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Charles disclosed confidential information to other party. I almost reported him to the bar association for misconduct. I was not sure if he was working for me or the other party. Luckily I found a better attorney prior to my hearings.
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10 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Charles represented me and he was irrational in his responses and behaviors. It was embarrassing to me and others involved. I would not recommend him.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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