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18 Jul, 2017 by Karl
DeAnn Taylor was recommended to me by another attorney due to the complex nature of this case involving the DPS. I feel very fortunate that she represented me in this case. Not only is she extremely intelligent, she is a highly skilled lawyer who knows the law and knows the system. DeAnn exudes confidence and professionalism and is an exemplary attorney in my opinion. She kept me well apprised in all aspects of this case by mail, phone and personal meetings. The case took a while but it went just as she anticipated. She won my case which was a tremendous relief for me personally. I Highly recommend DeAnn Taylor.
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26 Jan, 2017 by Lorenzo
I came to DeAnna and explained my situation and she gladly took my case. She explained all the details very well to where I could understand everything. I was kept up to date on everything and she responded very quickly to questions. Won my case in less than two minutes, highly recommend DeAnn Taylor!
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08 Apr, 2015 by Nick
Mr Morton herd my case had an answer for me in minutes.I hired him because he made me fill that he was a honest and trusting attorney,and he did his job!I would refer him to any one with family issues.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Traci deforest
Person that answered after being on hold for 15 minutes was rude and hung up on me before I could ask a second question. I thought they were supposed to be here to help.
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17 Jul, 2023 by Jamie gregor
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04 May, 2023 by Victor calderin
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29 Apr, 2024 by Dallas pierce
I have bee. Calling my attorney for days and can nor get them to call me back. I am currently in treatment out of state had court in witch the judge and DA as well as my attorney knowing I wasn't going to be there for my court and was faxed all the paper work showing where I am I'm treatment and because his secretary's not paying attrition or him one caused a warrant t o be put outfox my arrest. When I called with my counselor she tried to say we didn't fax all the paper work in but once she went ro his office and found we had stared to crawl dead backwards about it and said she would tell my attorney and contact the courts in which never happend. The courts told me my attorney would ha e to come and have it lifted but will not return my calls nor have the warrant lifted due to his mistake so I don't have anything good to say about the man.
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26 Mar, 2024 by A. rodriguez
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26 Mar, 2024 by Shane holt
Jesus wept. John 11:35 Gilmartin is ethically and morally bankrupt IMHO. He was worried about paper on the floor in a picture, but was careless with a could care less attitude about child psychological abuse and child neglect. Child that had oozing wounds on scalp from neglect of counter-parenting custodial parent. Tried to blame me for counter-parenting custodial parents neglect. Child abuser by association and in my opinion should be in prison. Then he has the gall to talk about freedom and the loss of rights on Facebook. Disgusting person that only cares about $$$. Child Psychological Abuse by the criminally insane is not in the best interest of a child. https://youtu.be/brNuwQNN3q4?si=zT_ckoVLfjOBVDQj Children who are alienated and fiercely defend their abusive parent often do so due to complex psychological dynamics. This behavior can stem from a variety of factors, including: ‼️ Trauma Bonding: Children may develop a strong bond with an abusive parent due to the cyclical nature of abuse, wherein moments of kindness or normalcy are interspersed with abusive behavior. This can create a sense of loyalty and attachment to the abusive parent. ‼️ Manipulation and Coercion: Abusive parents often manipulate and coerce their children into defending them, either through direct emotional manipulation or by instilling fear of consequences if they speak out against the abuse. ‼️ Self-Preservation: Children may defend their abusive parent as a means of self-preservation, especially if they fear retaliation or abandonment if they speak out against them. ‼️ Psychological Defense Mechanisms: Children may employ psychological defense mechanisms such as denial, rationalization, or dissociation to cope with the cognitive dissonance of loving someone who harms them. ‼️ Identity and Belonging: Children may identify strongly with the abusive parent as a way to maintain a sense of identity and belonging within the family dynamic, even if that identity is tied to abuse. ‼️ External Influence: External factors such as societal norms, cultural beliefs, and pressure from other family members or authority figures can also influence a child's defense of their abusive parent. It's essential to approach these situations with empathy and understanding, recognizing the complexity of the child's emotions and experiences, and providing them with appropriate support and intervention to address the underlying issues of abuse and alienation. #letthemlovestopparentalalienation #ParentalAlienationSyndrome #StopParentalAlienation #parentalalienationawareness
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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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