Lawyers map
>169
experienced lawyers
Filter by
28 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Attorney Jane Michner has won justice in the MI COURT OF APPEALS. She doesn’t need to advertise on every Detroit TV station to be proud of her accomplishments.
Read more
13 Jan, 2022 by Noahshurwitz
Rich Zmijewski is a rock star for estate planning! He is knowledgeable, responsive and has taken care of my family and relatives for years!
Read more
10 Dec, 2024 by Kimkajoon arnold
Is it possible for an attorney to have a 5-star google reviews?....YES. Mr. Bruce Weider works to earn his 5-star reputation. Regarding our SSDI application, Mr. Weider was thorough, detail-oriented, clearly has years of experience with SSDI and knows their requirements to ensure you are represented to your best advantage. We give a 5-star review for these reasons and also because he was kind to us and very good at what he does. Thank you Bruce.
Read more
02 Dec, 2024 by Paula reposa
I've never had to deal with lawyers, but I'm glad I chose Bruce. He was always there if I had questions. His staff was the best I've ever dealt with very helpful and kept me informed of my case progression. I highly recommend him. Please if you need a disability lawyer call him. Thanks again, Paula R.
Read more
14 Nov, 2024 by Booby man
False advertisement. This lawyer and many other lawyers have Google list all kinds of services but don't actually offer them all. He is not a employment lawyer and does not have anyone in his firm who does employment law.
Read more
12 Aug, 2024 by Lyle bashaw
My name is Danyelle. I have to use lyles phone and e mail to exercise my freedom of speech because mine was blocked from warning everyone of my experience at fessler law. I went to fessler because there were missing bank accounts for my dad's estate. The greedy personal representative tried to keep everything she could from the estate. Fessler petitioned the bank and when the evidence came in, fessler changed his mind ABSOLUTELY DID NOT WANT THE jUDGE TO KNOW! He told me for 6 weeks that we would set a hearing after we receive the evidence then changed his mind. He is unprofessional, corrupt, unethical and was useless in my case.
Read more
22 Feb, 2024 by Schacole aliko
I called for a consultation and they were super helpful! I highly recommend them!
Read more
14 Nov, 2023 by Mrock rice
If you need a divorce lawyer look elsewhere.
Paul C. Fessler is neglectful, unethical, and the only thing he’ll provide is a lack of representation. All the things I signed for in the retainer with Paul C. Fessler of Fesser Law P.C. (aka Paul Fessler) were never honored. 1. Diligent representation by the firm. 2. Mediation and Discovery. 3. Bill rates.
4. Communications, and 5. Refundable retainer.
He performed no mediation or discovery in 9 months, he wouldn’t even have a conversation with me during this time, never spoke other than to hire him. He took advantage of me by draining my retainer. I was charged the higher! of the 2 rates the lawyer rate of $250/hr vs, the paralegal rate of $100/hr. She was doing the work, yet not a single $100/hr. paralegal charge, even the frivolous charges were billed high. Second, in over 9 months I only received 3 invoices which should have been coming monthly, this way I wouldn’t see he was draining my account. I had no communications, no emails regarding correspondence from opposing counsel or the court system. Emails I sent were never followed up, phone calls very slow or not returned at all. A refundable retainer? It’s just bait. Once you pay he just made $1500. He stole my money and won’t reply to my request for it back. Super Lawyer? Rising Star? they expect firms to pay for their press, so I was fooled.
I fired him and got another attorney who immediately performed discovery and set mediation. I began receiving communications from opposing counsel and the courts within days, what a difference! My new lawyer also witnessed firsthand how Paul C. Fessler lacks professionalism ethics when he didn’t respond for almost 2 weeks after being called and emailed several times, so it’s not just me.
I believe I would have lost everything staying Paul C. Fessler. Since mediation wasn’t performed, I was unknowingly being placed into a position where I was just one day away from heading to court to have the judge divide everything in half. The courts don’t have time to mediate cases, this is why mediation so important to work things out before that Settlement date or final judgement day, and discovery is part of that. So, looks like he took my money to let the judge do the work. Paul is the type that gives lawyers a bad name.
In hindsight, I should've found a lawyer with hundreds of reviews, not like Paul C. Fessler’s 5 or 6 reviews.
Read more
30 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
She insulted me using sexist, belittling language, and her defensiveness about this negatively affected the subsequent legal services I received. Additionally, she went on vacation to Africa without any form of notice (I actually feared for her well-being, only to find her at her desk weeks later), failing to provide timely response to issues she had been retained to address.
Read more
17 Jun, 2015 by Wes
Debra Keehn was able to bring reason and resolution to my my case, this was an extremely complicated case with a high conflict opposing party. Debra exhibited high ethical morals, clear concise direction and last but not least a measure of compassion I had yet to find in the 4 years of litigation in the family court system. Debra was more than my lawyer, she was the advocate for myself and my children, I give her the highest possible endorsement!
Read more
25 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Deb Keehn is a brilliant attorney with the highest level of integrity. Deb handled an extremely complex, extremely high-conflict custody case for my family and through every difficult twist and turn of the case she managed to keep her cool and composure. Deb’s sensitivity to others makes it possible for her to persevere through the most difficult cases. She is highly respectful, courteous, and insightful. Her calm demeanor allows her to manage extremely stressful situations with diplomacy and kindness.
In addition to her exceptional talents as an attorney, Deb’s unique professional background in psychology and social work also serves her well. Deb has the most finely tuned instincts and insights of anyone I know and her ability to empathize with others helps minimize the damage inherent in a high-conflict custody case. Most importantly, these abilities allow Deb to help the most vulnerable people in high conflict divorce and custody cases, the innocent children caught in the middle of warring parents. This unique ability certainly served Deb well in my family’s case, and more importantly it served my child well. I cannot recommend Deb Keehn highly enough. She is quite simply the best!
Read more
01 Sep, 2024 by Daniel like
02 Aug, 2024 by Postcode 3000
26 Jul, 2024 by Skyk
Ein wahnsinns Ort! Die Bibliothek ist sehr beeindruckend und zum Lernen mit Sicherheit hervorragend geeignet! Der ganze Campus ist wunderschön! Wer die Harry Potter Filme mag, wird diese Bibliothek lieben ♡
Read more
02 Oct, 2024 by Ezra brooks
I am very pleased with the support I received from Ms. Fanning. I unexpectedly found myself in the role of caregiver for a relative, and had many questions that needed to be addressed quickly. Ms. Fanning provided excellent advice, and was very supportive. She is knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly cares about her clients and their families. Her staff are also quick to reply to communications. It was a great relief to know there was someone who understood my situation, and was able to help. I highly recommend Ms. Fanning to anyone who needs assistance with elder law and related issues.
Read more
10 Jun, 2024 by Amanda staples
Suzanne took over my cousins estate in 2020, I have yet to hear anything on the estates assets and what exactly was split between the other inheritor and I. It has been 2 years that I have not heard from her. I have sent emails and text messages and called. NO response. The house papers were never filed to put my cousins house in my name and I have lived here now for 4 years, I have sent emails asking for help to fix it and resend the papers. I still have not heard anything. In the beginning I took care of canceling all credit cards, the house insurance and much more that should not have had to do. she is not very respectful in a matter of getting back to anyone or even giving updates to the family. too much to list and this is still ongoing, and me not knowing what is going on.
Read more
15 Mar, 2024 by Stefanie t
Ms Fanning and her team were very helpful and efficient! It was a pleasure working with them for my Estate Planning. I would highly recommend Suzy Fanning!
Read more
07 Dec, 2024 by O o
Unprofessional, rude and racist. I called because I am in a current domestic abuse situation I was interested in seeking some advice and I was referredby a friend. She insulted my last name by calling it "unusual". Whats unsual is for a lawyer to be this uneducated on different ethnic backgrounds and insulting someones name. She apologized but it was not sincere ad she was trying to still defend why my name is unusual. What kind of human being says that? It's a persian name. Michigan has a highly populated middle eastern community. I don't recommend. Nasty attitude.
Read more
15 Jun, 2023 by Mary tobin
My son and I were very happy with the result Francie obtained for my son. She handled a landlord-tenant case which arose from the landlord playing fast and loose with landlord-tenant law during Covid. She communicates well, negotiates well, and her fees are more than reasonable. I would not hesitate to recommend her.
Read more
06 Mar, 2023 by Nadaly marchi
Great Lawyers, friendly and helpful with understanding procedures.
Read more
25 Jul, 2023 by Al p
Tom has been my lawyer for a lot of years. He's a good lawyer, and a good person. Debbie is great too.
Read more
10 Feb, 2023 by Timothy
While Tom may lack some "flair" in the courtroom, his steady and thorough demeanor more than make up for it. He remains engaging and invested in the multi-year high conflict divorce in which we are still embroiled. He also represented me in the appeal from the opposing side.
Read more
16 Jun, 2022 by Gino lombardo
25 Nov, 2024 by Michael lincoln
Did not return messages for months. Ended up quitting on us. Has a female gender bias in my opinion.
Read more
04 Oct, 2024 by Alexandra bourdeau
Jen Lawrence is the best lawyer anyone could ask for -- incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and affordable. She has helped me navigate several family law situations with ease, and peace of mind that I knew all my options and was receiving the most thorough legal advice that I could get. She also has an incredible amount of experience that she draws upon when making decisions about the effectiveness of options, so that you don't waste your time or money.
Read more
01 Oct, 2024 by H s
Mine was a high net worth divorce and the opposite side was very difficult to work with. Sandy had all the knowledge, experience and willingness to advocate for me and got me a fair settlement and child custody arrangement that I’m very happy with.
What really impresses me about Sandy, is her ability to foresee the potential problem years down the road, and she stops them even before they begin, by putting certain restrictions on the JOD.
Sandy is a brilliant attorney who fights hard for yours and your children’s future. She is deeply compassionate and extremely supportive. Sandy is very fair with her rate and doesn’t nickel and dime her clients. I believe that Sandy finds satisfaction from serving her clients to the best of her ability.
I highly recommend Sandy to anyone going through a divorce.
Read more
29 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Eileen has represented me in my difficult divorce & also modifications for parenting time for my daughter. Eileen's honesty has always been first & foremost. She has always explained things to me in terms that I can understand & made sure I understood the different outcomes of each action we took. Eileen's experience & knowledge has always been extremely helpful in such overwhelming & emotional situations. She has excellent writing skills in drawing up motions/orders & all other legal documents. Eileen is a compassionate person & genuinely cares for her clients & their children. I would highly recommend her!
Read more
25 Jan, 2016 by David
Ms. Slank was not only my lawyer, but an integral part of my survival after a tough divorce following a long marriage. You see, she made sure that I not only got a fair settlement, but a settlement I could truly live with.
When the dust settled, I hired her to do my estate planning as well since I knew she "had my back". If I ever need her type of legal services again I absolutely won't hesitate.
I could go on, but the truth is that the highest recommendation I can give her is to say I'd hire her again in a heartbeat.
Read more
23 Apr, 2011 by Mr. hawker
i was married to my wife for 5 yrs. eileen got me 3 yrs of alimony (6500) total, no child support for 3 kids,50/50 parenting time. eileen worked hard and smart! explained language of divorce papers to where i could understand what was actually being said. very aggressive and takes control. she is a little slow on call backs and emails. very personal and socialable to her clients. the look on apposing councels face when we entered mediation was priceless. worth spending money on for sure.
Read more
25 Jul, 2023 by Al p
Tom has been my lawyer for a lot of years. He's a good lawyer, and a good person. Debbie is great too.
Read more
16 Jun, 2022 by Gino lombardo
24 May, 2022 by Gabriel schray
31 Jan, 2021 by Jon
Our family has utilized the legal services of Steven Garris for more than 30 years. He has always provided excellent advice and promptly did all of the legal work we needed right after we asked for it. That has ranged from real-estate work to estate planning. We wouldn't trust any other attorney in the area with our legal work nearly as much as we trust the Garris law office.
Read more
29 Jan, 2021 by Loren
Steve Garris and the eponymous law firm has provided me and members of my family with prompt, well-considered legal counsel as well as doing so in a compassionate manner. We have used the Firm’s services for over a decade in areas of law as diverse as family, estate/trust and criminal issues. In particular, I am very grateful for the kindness and professional manner Steve showed to my mother when handling her personal affairs. I recommend the use of the Garris firm without reservation. We hired Steve outside of Avvo. The Garris firm is well known to local area residents.
Read more
27 Jan, 2021 by Patton
I have relied on Mr. Garris and his team as my small business legal council for five years, and I always receive prompt, well-researched, and trustworthy advice. Throughout the process of growing our business, Mr. Garris has been my go-to source for answers about business licensing, corporate structure, real estate acquisition, staffing issues, and countless other needs. I have the utmost respect for him and his work and I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Read more
25 Jul, 2023 by Al p
Tom has been my lawyer for a lot of years. He's a good lawyer, and a good person. Debbie is great too.
Read more
16 Jun, 2022 by Gino lombardo
24 May, 2022 by Gabriel schray
27 Aug, 2024 by Alyssa schams
SLS was extremely helpful in dealing with a nightmare landlord. My attorney, Gayle, always answered my emails quickly, and saved my roommate and I a few thousand dollars. I genuinely don’t know what we would have done if I didn’t have access to SLS.
Read more
17 Apr, 2024 by Jie xu
I agreed- “the receptionist was very impolite and rude for someone asking for help. Don't call if you are looking for support.” 😅I just asked a question where is the event. She replied with very very bad attitude: “how would I know!”
Read more
03 Apr, 2024 by Angela fay
The receptionist was very impolite and rude for someone asking for help. Don't call if you are looking for support.
Read more
07 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Where to begin. Right off the bat he was trying to scare me by claiming there this booklet he had said there are all these enhancements that would make my charge punishable by something like 2 decades (in reality I ended up with a year of probation and 180$ fine). He kept postponing the hearings for no viable reason. We would show up for the hearing and sit there for hours and the when it was our turn we’d stand at the podium and he’d ask for an extension or postponement. The judge would suggest a date and he would flip thru a blank appointment book and although the entire page for that date was blank he would say no I’m too busy on that day. Again and again, he did the same thing. Also every time we showed up in court he’s pretend that he was trying to negotiate with the prosecutor and play these weird games lke have me sit across the room and wait for a hand signal from him letting me know if there was a deal or no deal. I eventually got suspicious as it looked as tho he was just back slapping, laughing and joking with the prosecutor but then would come back and say he’s really out to get you. So I had someone sit behind the prosecutor and listen to their conversation. Not only did the prosecutor never say anything about wanting to make an example of me, MB never mention me or my case, after months and months of this I, in flustered desperation, said is there some way to just pay some sort of fine and get this over with. Then when he thought I had disposable income, he immediately tried to get me to pay his friend to do a polygraph, knowing full well they weren’t admisable in court. He also made it a point anytime we weee in the courtroom or hallway within earshot of the other party to repeatedly say “these people are gonna sue you you” over and over making sure they heard it. He clearly thought he was a shoe in to represent me in that event. It was quite obvious why he was doing it. All in all he was slippery, weasel-y man who I found to be completely untrustworthy.
Read more
21 Apr, 2017 by Bob
Over the years, Martin Blank has handled several legal matters for me and my family, including civil litigation, wills and estates and real estate. Hard working, honest, fair minded and very reasonable fees. We have been so satisfied with his professionalism, work ethic and work product that we have referred him to many friends and family members. The referral topics have included an even broader range of representation, including DUI, drivers license restoration, divorce and criminal, and the people referred have always thanked us for the great work provided. Regardless of the job, the person you want working for you is someone you feel confident about referring to those closest to you, and we couldn't have any more confidence than we have with Martin Blank.
Read more
01 Jul, 2013 by Beryl
Mr Blank has been absolutely outstanding in handling a difficult and complex divorce for my mother, bringing it to a favorable resolution in short order. He is unusual in keeping a client fully informed of all circumstances, and gives/shares immediate copies of all pleadings in a case. His fees are precise, and he attempts to keep "billable hours" to a minimum. He is knowledgable and intuitive, and is also good with negotiation.
Mr. Blank handled my own difficult divorce many years ago, and was equally effective in resolving it.
I would highly recommend him to anyone.
Read more
08 Oct, 2024 by Curtis gambrell
Wow, just got off the phone with Tisha. She is not a nice person. I literally was just asking questions and she turned what I said into something completely opposite, and when I said you misunderstood.... she became another person. I didn't realize this until asking my next question... If you are looking for a lawyer with a quick temperature and no patience... you've found your law firm. I would like an apology.
Read more
23 Sep, 2024 by Velda robinson
29 Jun, 2024 by Tim bronson
Absolutely incredible experience with my chapter 7 bankruptcy. The entire team was nothing but kind and prompt to respond if I needed anything. I think my process went well because I understood that there were going to be a lot of documents I would need to provide and I was always ready to get them to the lawyers promptly. I can't thank their entire team enough for giving me a fresh start. I would highly recommend them in the future.
Read more
24 Feb, 2024 by Maggie
I spoke to Ms. Martell the other day. I had previously reached out to her a day or so before. She return my call personally and was very kind. Ms. Martell provided my fiancée and I with very valuable and easy to understand legal advice with regard to LGBTQ parenting laws. We will definitely be using her for any of our estate planning and family needs.
Please note: I was a bit thrown off by the rating, But as I always, do, I read the reviews carefully. The low ratings are not a reflection of this business. Sometime ago, a scammer used the name of this business. This is similar to how a catfish steals someone’s photo off social media to scam others. This law firm is not connected with the credit card scammers in ANY way. The owner of the business is just as much as a victim as anyone else that was affected by the criminals involved.
Read more
31 May, 2023 by Michael de ianni
They're the victims, not you and your drained bank account. I got them on the phone and that was the story. It's their company and their name. The fact that they haven't addressed it speaks volumes. They are absolutely part of the scam. File a police report with your local PD
They will contact Ann Arbor PD.
Read more
28 May, 2023 by Robert ayala
Just reading reviews and situation. I was hit with a $300 fraud charge from this law firm. I’m dealing with the credit Union and getting new cards issued but a very bad way to start the Memorial Day weekend.
Read more
31 Mar, 2016 by Audra
He helped me regain custody of my child years ago! He was personable and very professional!!
Read more
01 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Kent was my attorney for a simple divorce. He charged me almost $20,000 AND we lost at trial, due to his ineptness. I appealed the Judge's decision and won in the Court of Appeals and MI Supreme Court -- which is very difficult in Domestic Relations law. Please -- there are many other divorce attorneys in Ann Arbor that will serve you better.
Read more
09 Dec, 2015 by Casey
I am a mom of two very outgoing and cheerful kids. In my recent divorce, Kent helped me to move forward very directly, quickly, professionally, and amicably with my ex-spouse, while looking out for the very best interests of our kids. He listened to the questions I had, helped me to find a focus on what I wanted out of the situation, and proceeded to help by being quick to respond to both my and my ex-spouse's attorney. In all, I would recommend Kent so very highly, and am glad to have found such a capable, friendly, and affordable attorney that helped me feel extremely satisfied with the outcome of my divorce and settlement.
Read more
01 Oct, 2024 by Jc mendez
Steer clear from Steven Reed. For me, he was a 40,000 dollar mistake! 10 years after my divorce I'm still dealing with the results of his carelessness. Stay away. He is a nice guy, looks very professional, and all the way through the judgement, I thought I had a 5 star attorney. I didn't know better, since I had never gone through a divorce. Retrospectively I know now that Steven should not have agreed to leave alimony and child support bonuses out of the standard Michigan formula (which the opposing attorney proposed), and that Steven should have reviewed properly the documents drafted by the opposing attorney. He did not, and left tons of loose ends, as basic as not defining exactly what "income" should be defined (is it gross, net, box 1 of W2, etc.) especially if the payments are a formula over "income". So 5 years after the divorce my ex came back with her attorney to file a motion for more money, claiming "income" is "gross income" and and although I hire this time attorneys that were not clowns, they had their hands tied because of all the holes Steve left on the document that was already signed and agreed upon. Do not use this attorney.
Read more
09 Sep, 2024 by Michael lincoln
I would steer clear. If nothing else I found this guy to be perhaps in a state of cognitive decline. He is much older, forgot to file my papers, forgot to read my settlement, and generally was forgetful of what I had asked him to do. I have spent 3 months with a new attorney just cleaning up.
Read more
23 Aug, 2024 by M hurley
Steve was the most incompetent lawyer I have ever been associated with. Criminal or Civil. This guy was one of the worst. It was almost as if he had no idea who I was at times or what he was supposed to be doing for me. I’m in a worst place having hired him. Do NOT give this man any money for legal services
Read more
29 Sep, 2016 by Larry
Naomi Woloshin was a pleasure to work with. She handled an uncontested but financially complex divorce for me. During the consultation I described the type of legal support I wanted, and this is exactly what she delivered. She guided me through the process and was always available when I had questions. The case was completed on time and without complication. She set a very reasonable retainer for the case, and then completed the work with $$ to spare! The support staff in her office is also very helpful. I enthusiastically recommend Naomi Woloshin.
Read more
19 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
This Lawyer did nothing for me but take my money.
She did not go to court for me or inform me of changes
In the case. She left me hanging at a crucial time and
Because of her lack of knowledge and commitment
I lost everything. Do not work with this Lawyer!
Read more
04 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
My experience has been the worst. She never contacts you. If there is ever an emergency...forget trying to get a hold of her. But when she needs something oh you better contact her. Very unprofessional and unfair in everyway. I would never recommend her to anyone even my worst enemy. Everything is on HER TIME.
Read more
02 Dec, 2012 by Anonymous
Garwood was more concerned with making money and lengthy drawn out court proceedings than the well being of the family. The case should have been within a year, however Garwood drew out the process making the legal and time expenses extremely high.
Read more
01 Jun, 2012 by Douglas
I've been with Tammy for nearly three years in high-conflict divorce and custody issues. In my opinion she is one of the best out there. She is caring and honest but when the chips are down she is willing to fight for her client's rights.
Read more
08 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Fahrner may have been a good attorney at one time but be is not helpful once he draws up your documents! He prepared my parents documents and rarely returned my calls or emails. Twice when I contacted him for questions he would ask me if I could call him back because “he was on vacation” or because he “had a call in few minutes”. That seems pretty arrogant to me! He always seemed bothered when I would ask for clarification on documents. If you have clients and can’t help them at that time it seems the proper action is to take a message and call your client back! I think he’s retired and will only help you if he feels like it. Save yourself the fees and hassles, get a better attorney!
Read more
02 Aug, 2017 by Spencer
In January 2016, I scheduled an appointment with Dan regarding changing the current child custody order that was in place regarding my son, Bentley, and his mother. We discussed how the current order was not only poorly written but also problematic to both parties and the child. For instance, there were no specific pick up or drop off times stated and it left a lot of confusion and misinterpretation. I was hoping that he could help me clear the confusion and find a more equitable solution for both me and Bentley’s mother. I told Dan I would like to modify the order in the following ways:
• 50/50 custody with my son, one week on and one week off.
• Forgive all contempt’s that I have against her, and her against me so we can restart this co-parenting and make it a positive environment for our son.
• Revise child support my son’s mother’s income went up from 24k-36k
The actual results were completely different:
• Less frequent child visits
• Increased child support
• 2 days of jail time
• 1 year probation
• Publicly humiliated by the judge, who told the court that I have zero credibility, only care about myself and my needs, and that my fiancé and her family are not my son’s family and shouldn’t try to be.
• Terrible precedent for future proceedings
• Additional attorney fees and more court
• If mother files any contempt’s within year of probation I get automatic 15 days in jail, plus whatever the judge decides
• The judge’s parting message to me was “You have zero credibility,” and “you are lucky your son’s mother allows you to spend time with him,” and “your son is better off in day care than in your custody.”
• Criminal record
Dan’s wreckless counsel, carelessness judgements, and gross negligence made in my behalf resulted in 25 contempt charges which landed me in jail for 2 days, a year of probation, $3,000 in fees to opposing council, and a precedence for future hearings. I feel Dan did not advocate for me, nor advise me well. He was ill prepared in his intelligent devotion to excellence and seemed to lack passion for me and my case.
All I wanted was a more equitable situation for me and my son. I was not trying to be malicious or mean. I am worse off now than when I hired Dan and the firm of Cordell & Cordell to represent me. A bad situation was made even worse with even more debt and legal expenses to come.
I do not feel I received “passionate and intelligent devotion to excellence.” as there website states Mr. Lipsitz was not devoted to my case, my suggestions, or any form of service or excellence. Because of my relationship with Mr. Lipsitz and Cordell & Cordell I am worse off than when I started, in every conceivable way.
Would strongly recommend NOT using this firm and would NEVER recommend it to anyone fighting for there fathers rights!
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.
