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23 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
Amy was a great fit for me. She was honest and real. She never misled me or got my hopes up. I am happy with the outcome and would use her again. It was worth every penny. I would recommend her for custody issues.
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22 Jan, 2020 by Scott
I hired and have used Amy and her firm exclusively for over 18 years. They have seen me through two Divorces, Child support, Child Custody litigation with consistent positive results. I would not look anywhere else for the counsel needed in these matters. I was always clearly apprised of the reality of each situation and negotiated and/or litigated issues with mutually beneficial results. The cost has always been extremely reasonable. Amy is personable, never arrogant, explains things in an easy to understand manner and makes you feel like her only client.
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08 Nov, 2018 by Lauren
Amy is fantastic. It is obvious that she is good at what she does, but she also is there to help you and not take advantage of your situation.
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07 Mar, 2019 by Chelsea
Sarah was great to work with. I was going through a divorce situation and Sarah was sensitive to what I was going through but also listened to me and helped me to get what I was looking for. She made herself available even after office hours which meant the world to me!
She was extremely knowledgeable and gave me a lot of information. She made sure I understood everything that was going on at all times.
Thank you Sarah!
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02 Jan, 2019 by John
Executed my QDRO efficiently and timely. I had been confused for quite a while on getting it executed and a referral to Sarah from another trusted lawyer was right on!
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05 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
It was a great pleasure working with Sarah Wood and her team. Sarah is all you want an attorney to be - very professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and prompt. My case had the potential to be very messy, but with Sarah expertise and knowledge of the situation, she advised me of possible outcomes, and was honest and clear in her assessment. Sarah makes herself available by e-mail, phone or in person taking much of the stress out of the process She will work with you toward finding the best solution for you and for your situation. In the end, I know I got the best possible outcome and I am beyond satisfied with the result. Sarah’s representation made all the difference. If you find yourself in need the legal services. I would recommend Ms. Wood without reservation. Thank you!
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27 May, 2018 by Joe
Stacey was referred to me by a friend. I hired her in February of this year for a custody case (I'm a dad). My son's mother has some problems and he was very unhappy living with her. Stacey taught me how to document incidents, remember important details, and other things that are needed to prevail in court. In May, Stacey got me full custody of my son, which is difficult when you're a father. It was a good decision to hire her.
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21 Jul, 2017 by Julio angel nieves
31 Mar, 2020 by Mary
Complete neglect.
During my divorce proceedings, she repeatedly told me that it was fine for me to move out of my house and start my new life before the court hearing took place. As a result, the judge said I abandoned my children to which I then had to fight for custody. She had no remorse for her poor advice and only said, “I don’t know happened.”
I decided to change lawyers and after thousands of dollars spent, I was finally able to obtain partial custody of my children.
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06 Jul, 2016 by Jack
Terry and her staff went the extra mile to help me update our Last Will & Testament, Living Wills, and Power of Attorney. The documents were brought to today's standards and were done quickly, precisely and very professionally. I recommend her to all!
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17 Jun, 2016 by Stacey
Theresa Donnellan is not only an excellent lawyer, but she is also kind and compassionate. Theresa and her firm helped me during a very difficult time in my life and I will be forever grateful to them for the professionalism, attention to detail, care and understanding that went into every aspect of our correspondence. This firm is a class act!
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10 Jan, 2024 by Erika oroszi
29 Nov, 2023 by Jason t
Very unhelpful in all avenues. Drags things out. Cost too much. Can't even properly explain things, even if it is just clarification. Never recommend this Law Office. If I could rate in the negative I surely would.
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28 Jul, 2023 by Kelli lowell
Brandi was recommended to us to assist with purchasing our first home. She exceeded expectations! She was quick to respond. Explained the process to us. Her communication between us and the sellers was clear and detailed. On closing day she was personable and we could tell she had our absolute best interest at heart. We would 100% recommend her to anyone and she will definitely be using her in the future!
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09 Jan, 2019 by Elizabeth
I used the services of Neil Weiner of Clifton Park, NY during a contempt of court case with my ex-husband. I found him to be very disorganized and consistently unprepared. I am a very organized person and provided him with all necessary documentation to prepare to argue my case. He regularly prepared court documents that were filled with errors regarding dates and amounts of money. When I pointed these errors out to him he responded with anger and frustration demanding that I resupply the information he already had in his possession. He failed to appear in court with necessary documentation and stumbled through his arguments. On at least three occasions he emailed me correspondences and billing statements meant for other clients. If he was the only attorney available, I would go to court without one.
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04 Feb, 2016 by Lyn
Neil Weiner was my attorney in family court, my case is very complicated because there was many petitions pending and I switched attorneys right before my trial. Neil is excellent attorney who knows the law inside and out. Neil step in, worked very hard on my case by prepareing me for a trial. I was very satisfied what the results and I will definitely use his services again.
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23 Sep, 2024 by Mary rose
03 May, 2024 by Sierra dorvee
If i could rate this disrespectful incompetent 'attorney' a zero star rating, I would. I retained him for family court and he SO incredibly unprofessional, disrespectful & useless. His communication skills are absolutely awful, between replying in a timely manner & being overall VERY disrespectful. If you want nothing achieved on your end, hire him. He will be able to do what he does best, absolutely nothing.
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20 Apr, 2024 by Lydia cole
This guy is scared of his own shadow in court. It's no wonder he had to weasel his way into a political bureaucracy job where he can hide his incompetence.
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FAQs
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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:
-
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.
