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10 Oct, 2023 by Laura mathews
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29 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Ms. Holder has provided invaluable counsel and advice on post-decree matters related to child support. I have been successful in all proceedings with Ms. Holder's support.
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14 May, 2013 by Dorothy
I would highly recommend Stephanie Holder, Love this woman, Stephanie handled my divorce and did a great job, she is very knowledgeable, kept me informed about all that was going on, She was very good about responding to me and took care of what I would request, within her margin of course, She is very trustworthy. I will continue to use her if needed and would again recommend her, She is very professional which impressed me.. My son and I are well taken care of, Thanks to Stephanie..
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14 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Georgina began working on our child custody an divorce case over 5 years ago. Though she was able to open and close our difficult case within a year, I have been fortunate to consult with her since that time. She is wise, honest, helpful, and ‘tows the line’ in sticky situations perfectly! Highly recommend.
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19 Feb, 2020 by Kevin
I have nothing but wonderful things to say about the team of people over at Kalamaya Goscha, especially the services of Ms. Georgina Melbye. Since the very beginning of my DUI case, she was there making sure that I felt comfortable and in the know with everything going on. Being that it was my very first court case ever, the whole process felt pretty scary and overwhelming. Having Georgina there made everything clearer, less confusing, and and overall just took a lot of anxiety off my plate. When it came to the sentencing of my case, instead of simply settling on the normal sentence the judge would typically address in this scenario, Georgina spent months and months fighting to get me a better plea deal from the DA. In the end, she did exactly that, and I am so grateful. She is professional, she works hard for her clients, and most importantly she is just really good people. Easy to communicate with, straightforward, nonjudgemental and compassionate. I can’t thank Georgina and the entire team and Kalamaya Goscha enough for their time and services through such a scary and uncomfortable time. Would highly recommend to anyone going through any legal troubles.
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11 Jun, 2018 by Chris
Sometimes mistakes are made in life and circumstances require legal representation. This was my first time having to get a lawyer and I cannot tell u how happy I was that I went with Kalamaya/ Goscha. Georgina did everything she said she would do and fought for the best outcome possible. She took the time to communicate all the legalities concerning my case and in a way that gave me confidence for a positive outcome in my case. I am grateful for how my case ended and would recommend Georgina to anyone who needs a lawyer
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22 Apr, 2013 by Scott sandberg
I worked with Alan Feldman on a complex and contentious case and Alan's insights and strategies were invaluable. I highly recommend Alan, who is a skilled attorney with both depth and breadth in experience.
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07 Nov, 2012 by Michael
Alan Feldman has represented Aspen Constructors for over 12 years and always obtained outstanding results in an efficient and economical manner. The nature of the matters include Real Estate transactions, Contracts, Constuction Litigation and general business. His advice is logical and straightforward with our best interest in mind. He also includeds sound business advice in his legal guidance. I would recomend Alan Feldman without resevation.
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06 Nov, 2012 by Monte rios - president ski key america
I hired Alan Feldman to represent me in a dispute over my minority shareholder rights and buyout of my stock from my former company which I was the President-CEO. I first met Mr Feldman when he represented a client that my former company had a contractual dispute with. Alan Feldman was tenacious, unrelenting and impressive in his pursuit of winning the case for his client, which he did. He impressed me so much that I was incline to hire him when I was in need of representation for a buyout and protection of my minority stake in the company I had built. If you are in need of an attorney who will not quit, fight hard, pursue every avenue and angle then Alan Feldman would be a great choice. Needless to say, he was able to bring my issue to a timely resolution that I was extremely pleased with and for a very reasonable fee. What more could one ask?
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07 Dec, 2016 by Rich
Eric Musselman was hired to represent my wife and I for a defamation case. His support throughout the process was outstanding. Eric was in constant communication, which was very important to us. We never felt out of the loop. Eric went out of his way to make sure we understood the law and how it related to our position. He was not only a advocate, but a champion for our side. I will always use Eric and his firm as our "go to" firm if I need legal support.
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01 Jul, 2024 by Olivia klotz
I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Michael Fox. He helped me navigate a nightmare situation and in taking my case on, made my settlement a stress-free breeze. I will forever be grateful for Michael's services. In addition to being extremely knowledgeable, he was always responsive and upfront, willing to walk me through and explain everything that was taking place. He continuously advocated for me which resulted in a better outcome than I could have even hoped for. I would highly recommend Michael for any personal injury cases. You will be in great hands!
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10 Jun, 2024 by Surly bob
My extremely challenging, high conflict divorce had gone off the rails and on a friend’s recommendation, I moved my case to Amy Goscha. Amy and her paralegal Haylie picked up my matter with a near seamless transition and immediately intractable impasses were broken and my sanity and calm were restored. Amy’s insight into the underpinnings of how behavioural health and abuse affect the progress of a case was transformational. Her wholistic and realistic advice not only regarding costs but importantly my personal well-being were invaluable. Amy implemented a practical and expedient plan to deal with a very challenging raft of actions from a difficult opposing counsel and pushed us through to a final hearing. My most heartfelt thanks to Amy and the team for giving me my life back after over a year of waste and turmoil.
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12 May, 2024 by Olaf satre
Good at taking my money but not good at making stuff happen. Everything was last minute and I felt like an afterthought. I also had to pay to fire them. I ended up negotiating a much better deal myself. The 3 stars because their billing department is top notch.
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22 Jul, 2020 by G
Faced with the shock of a divorce after a 25+ year marriage, I had to quickly secure legal counsel. Jeremy Bernstein was consistently mentioned as one of the best, and it was easy to find information validating his vast experience and legal knowledge. What I soon learned was that Jeremy is also personable, compassionate, honest and trustworthy. He was very responsive and resourceful, and guided me through the difficult unraveling of long-term investments and assets. Jeremy has a direct yet calming approach to dealing with the inherent challenges and disagreements in a divorce. I understand why friends consistently provided his name, and now I am happy to unequivocally recommend Jeremy!
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08 Jun, 2020 by Cathy
Jeremy came highly recommended to me from multiple people that he would be a fighter for me and my case. He was the only attorney I consulted and was impressed with him and hired him. Jeremy was friendly and understanding of my situation, which at times he had to navigate some complexities. Also, Jeremy's staff and paralegals were always helpful, kind and understanding. I frequently received quick responses from Jeremy and his staff including in the evening and on weekends. I felt that his office took care of me and that I got the best results possible in my divorce. I highly recommend Jeremy.
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06 Mar, 2018 by D’ann
I consulted with him. I found him condescending, arrogant and rude. I informed him that I would never hire help that is rude. There is never an excuse, in my book, to be rude.
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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:

  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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