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10 Oct, 2024 by Maria castro
Thank you David for all your help in getting my granddaughters back with their family. If it hadn't been for you and the help of God this would not have happened.
You are a very helpful, caring caring man to help family reunite. You are a great man that does everything in his ability of the law to help a family reunite.
Thank so much David you did a great job. This would not have happened without your help.
God bless you.
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12 Jan, 2024 by Shawna griffith
04 Aug, 2023 by Linda holden
Extremely poor communication with the courts. No showed on client today, no communication to judge. Inexcusably unprofessional. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND.
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09 Jan, 2024 by Rebecca karr
a waste of time. Paid $650 for a consultation for him to sit and fill out an intake form. Did not get to talk or ask any questions. Waste of my money and time. Highly do no recommend
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07 Dec, 2023 by Michelle
Highly recommended! Amazing paralegals & staff who are easy to work with! Great family law practice in Kern County.
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01 Aug, 2022 by Park place special events
Good man...Best Family Law Attorney in town
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27 Aug, 2024 by Rose haulaway
This attorney will do anything for money. He does not care about the safety of children and calling him The devil's advocate is putting it light. May God have mercy on his soul for what he did to me and my children!
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15 Apr, 2022 by Yadira garcia
Rogers paralegal, Victor, was a great help. He really knows his stuff and got a magical result for my friend.
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06 Oct, 2020 by Lynne delatorre
15 Aug, 2024 by Grice1985
One of the premier Juvenile attorneys in Kern County. Highly recommended as an expert in the field.
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24 Aug, 2023 by Cleancutcam
Are you looking for a lawyer who will pass your case onto someone else even though you did your consult with him? Bynum’s your guy. Want a lawyer who will tell you that he hasn’t prepared for your case the night before your hearing? Bynum’s your guy. Want a lawyer who won’t let you know that you went over your retainer until the middle of your hearing for custody over your children? Bynum’s your guy. Want a couple of lawyers who will submit the wrong paperwork to remove themselves from your case? Then Bynum and Trujillo are right for you!
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14 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
Whoever writes a bad review about my this lawyer,, is as dumb, as they are ugly. You failed your kids. You’re a failure parent, just say that useless people who couldn’t take care of their kids. Stfu next time. You’re mad, you lost your kids, that’s your fault, not the person who tried to help you. I’m a foster kid, so I should know how pathetic all you are, f all of you. MT is the one not one who helped me. Maybe think of someone other than yourselves, and you might get somewhere. :)
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11 Jul, 2022 by Mj
All my paperwork were done all ready. All I needed Thompson was to be their and speak on my behalf. The worst lawyer!! He never showed up in court keeps on asking for continuous. The only paperwork he and his paralegal Adriana Duenez did was copy some of my old court paperwork that was filed and still managed to screw that up. Adriana can’t spell. There’s autocorrect spelling how can you mess that up? Thompson is quick to promise results but never delivers. The only quick thing he ever did was to take my payments. DO NOT HIRE THIS LAWYER HE IS A JOKE SO IS ADRIANA DUENEZ. The only 5 stars he gets is from his employees.
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22 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
We used Mr. Thompson for a child custody case. In my opinion, he was very unorganized and just wasn't the aggressive lawyer we thought he would be. In fact, we got further with my fiancé representing himself, we lost time after hiring Mr. Thompson. He never told us when he wasn't going to be present in court, which happened on multiple occasions. He didn't always have his paperwork prepared or readily available. In fact, one time he said he didn't have the necessary paperwork that the judge asked for even though we had turned it into his office via email and in person. This resulted in us being served with a sanction to pay the other parties attorney fees, luckily he ended up taking care of that since it was his fault. If you're looking for an aggressive lawyer who will fight for you and is organized, keep looking.
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16 Jun, 2021 by Vlad
I have retained Mr. Thompson several times over the years for different cases involving criminal and family law matters, both times the work was excellent.
Thank you.
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01 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
Incompetent attorney that doesn’t fight for you. He creates court dates then is not prepared to argue your case, loses focus, doesn’t have a plan to win and takes your money. Unprofessional.. he does not answer questions or return emails or calls. His wife is his secretary and legal assistant that also will not call you back and makes you feel like your an imposition and wasting her time.. Both should retire and stop pretending to practice law!
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06 Mar, 2023 by Tess wright
Don’t waste your time and money. Less than 1 star.
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19 Dec, 2020 by C snell
I would not trust this man to go to court . He is not aggressive, and in fact will let things drag on for years and years without resolution. He is extremely difficult to reach for communication regarding a case and does not truly know the client not their wishes. He is complete waste of money.If you want to spend a lot of money and loss in court your custody case and your court case than this is the man for you!! Don't waste your time or money, choose another lawyer.
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21 Sep, 2021 by Jessica
I was very disappointed in their lack of communication. I had no idea what was happening, what I needed to do, or what the next steps were unless I asked several times, which is very scary when you have kids and your future is up in the air. I don't think anything would have gotten done if I hadn't checked in almost every week, which essentially cost me money because I was taking up their time. It did finally get settled, so that is good. I asked for a refund of my remaining retainer in July and am still here waiting for it at the end of September. I would hate to have to contact the Bar just to get my money back.
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18 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
At every turn, failed to take up my cause. Couldn't have cared less about my case. Would lie and say he was in court as an excuse for his inactions..I would look on the court website and he would have nothing scheduled. I would communicate my desires and he did nothing. Every e-mail he sent had numerous cc's, thus ensuring each person in his office could also bill for looking at his communication! Dont walk, RUN! The truth is an absolute defense.
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16 Oct, 2020 by Topher
Don't allow him to represent you Charges you tremendous amount and his offices workers only reply if you contact them first. You'll never receive info about your case unless you ask. Tells you in the beginning he's going to help you out but is so unorganized going into court! Same Family Law matter for 4 years and still no outcome. Didn't even get to custody & visitation issues that's even more thousands! Thousands of dollars later you will still have nothing accomplished and his office will keep charging you for the same paperwork over and over until you go bankrupt then they will quit on you.
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19 Feb, 2025 by Jared harris
I would not recommend this lawyer if you’re looking for efficiency or professionalism. He takes an excessive amount of time to get things done, dragging out even the simplest matters. On top of that, he is incredibly rude—not just to me, but to other clients as well. His lack of urgency and poor attitude make for a frustrating experience. If you value respect and timely service, look elsewhere.
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05 Mar, 2024 by Carlg805
Waste of time! Keep scrolling, don’t waste your time on this dude. Could care less about “facts” unless you write them down on a paper prior to consultation. My GF was going to be the one to loan me the money (which he didn’t know) and completely undermined any and all comments and questions being asked. His favorite thing to do when upset is grind his teeth and say “I can read!” “That’s nice”. All while shaking in his seat. His office is a pig sty with NO organizational skills whatsoever! This guy needs to retire, find a hobby, or maybe finalize his 4 year on going divorce. 1 star is even giving him too much credit.
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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.
