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05 Jul, 2024 by Urania williams
Wonderful service if it wasn’t for the attorney I had I would not know where I would be right now
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01 Apr, 2024 by Jhon valero
08 Dec, 2023 by K m
They are amazing 🤩 attorneys and Staff Paralegal they are wonderful God bless them 🙏🙌
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17 Mar, 2024 by Matthew cooper
Bonnie and Thomas are fine upstanding citizens who know and understand the law. I am glad to have worked with them under most unfortunate personal circumstances but am happy with their representation and defense of what is right. Five stars without reservation.
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20 Dec, 2022 by Moriam oshodi
The American justice system is clearly set out to destroy men, especially black men! It has lumped all cases into one conclusion. The woman is right!
Some women can now boast of destroying their husband, denying them access to their children, threatening to call the cops and lying in court over property.
But Ms Butler! But Ms. Butler of the Butler Mc Keon & Associates is a rare gem!
She came through for my brother! She came through for my family. She took this case as it was, and she shed clear light to the truth.
If there are any men, black men looking for an excellent lawyer in the Maryland area. You will be liberated in your truth!
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10 Sep, 2022 by Denise limmer
I had the great pleasure of having Tom McKeon as my attorney. . He is professional and knowledgeable of the laws. His staff was helpful throughout the case with helping me to use of the zoom. Thank you all for what you did.
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02 Jan, 2023 by Miles grant
This is undoubtedly the greatest counselor / attorney in Maryland, Sheldon and his partner Ronnie have decades of experience between the two of them there's no matter that they cannot handle I've been a client of his for decades myself and always left his office more than satisfied. I highly recommend these guys so if you're looking for a good attorney call Sheldon mazzellis or Ronnie Wertheimer. That's if you want the best.
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26 Dec, 2022 by Ashley jones
If I could give a 0 I would. Working with this law firm has been the worst experience ever! The Lawyer has been out sick and he has his secretary handling the cases. She’s very rude when you call and has an attitude as if we are not paying a third in Lawyer fees even while the Lawyer is out sick.
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03 Jun, 2022 by Pam pratt
Mr. Sheldon is great. His partner is the worst, he never communicate with the clients, he cheat clients out of their settlement, and the staff lies terrible. Mr. Sheldon is our family attorney but It seems he is not practicing .I will pass the word on to my family how I was treated recently.
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02 Jan, 2023 by Miles grant
This is undoubtedly the greatest counselor / attorney in Maryland, Sheldon and his partner Ronnie have decades of experience between the two of them there's no matter that they cannot handle I've been a client of his for decades myself and always left his office more than satisfied. I highly recommend these guys so if you're looking for a good attorney call Sheldon mazzellis or Ronnie Wertheimer. That's if you want the best.
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26 Dec, 2022 by Ashley jones
If I could give a 0 I would. Working with this law firm has been the worst experience ever! The Lawyer has been out sick and he has his secretary handling the cases. She’s very rude when you call and has an attitude as if we are not paying a third in Lawyer fees even while the Lawyer is out sick.
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03 Jun, 2022 by Pam pratt
Mr. Sheldon is great. His partner is the worst, he never communicate with the clients, he cheat clients out of their settlement, and the staff lies terrible. Mr. Sheldon is our family attorney but It seems he is not practicing .I will pass the word on to my family how I was treated recently.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Sheree20708
This was an absolute waste of money that I didn't have. The divorce process is hard enough and Mr. Gann made it harder. He was everything that was the opposite of an advocate. He did very little for over two thousand dollars. But, every move he made was the wrong one. I actually thought my ex hired him to sabatoge me. Not to mention he is rude and lacks the compassion necessary to be the advocate he claims to be. He didn't provide advice or make any efforts that were in my best interest. My case could've gotten thrown out but due to his poor advice, I was put under time constraints that I wasn't prepared to handle. If my instincts didn't tell me to seek out a real attorney to represent me, I wouldn't have a fighting chance. He is definitely NOT worth the money he claims he's saving you. At least now i have some peace of mind knowing that I am fighting and have a skilled attorney fighting on my behalf. If I could give zero stars I would. Absolute nightmare. What he is doing should be a crime.
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21 Mar, 2024 by Ben g
I cannot recommend working with Greg Gann enough. He is thoughtful, intelligent, and he is sincerely interested in working for his client's best interests vs attempting to delay the process to collect additional fees like so many of his peers. Greg also takes a more holistic view of the entire situation so instead of focusing on the narrow matter that he was hired to review he'll take a more consultative approach by potentially inquiring how X may impact Y.
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20 Dec, 2023 by Cary jacobson
I have had the opportunity to refer several clients to Greg Gann for financial guidance during their divorce proceedings, and the feedback has been consistently outstanding. Greg's expertise as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst is evident in his approach to complex financial issues. He provides clear, well-reasoned advice, helping clients navigate the intricate financial aspects of divorce with ease and confidence. His professionalism, combined with a compassionate understanding of the emotional challenges faced during this time, makes him a standout in his field. Greg's ability to simplify financial complexities and present viable solutions is remarkable. I highly recommend his services to anyone seeking a knowledgeable and empathetic financial advisor during a divorce.
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08 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
I came to Ms. Pinderhughes for an accident case. The staff she has is remarkable and helpful. She handled the case quickly and promptly. She made sure I understood each step of the process. Great attorney that I will refer my colleagues to.
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31 Jul, 2014 by Kristen
Alice G. Pinderhughes is very difficult to work with. She has a horrible attitude and can be very disrespectduk. She seems to be intelligent and knowledgeable about her craft but I simply can not stomach being spoken to in the rude disrespectful ton she insists on using when answering my questions and so that I can better understand my case. I would never recommend her to anyone.
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17 Mar, 2024 by Matthew cooper
Bonnie and Thomas are fine upstanding citizens who know and understand the law. I am glad to have worked with them under most unfortunate personal circumstances but am happy with their representation and defense of what is right. Five stars without reservation.
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20 Dec, 2022 by Moriam oshodi
The American justice system is clearly set out to destroy men, especially black men! It has lumped all cases into one conclusion. The woman is right!
Some women can now boast of destroying their husband, denying them access to their children, threatening to call the cops and lying in court over property.
But Ms Butler! But Ms. Butler of the Butler Mc Keon & Associates is a rare gem!
She came through for my brother! She came through for my family. She took this case as it was, and she shed clear light to the truth.
If there are any men, black men looking for an excellent lawyer in the Maryland area. You will be liberated in your truth!
Read more
10 Sep, 2022 by Denise limmer
I had the great pleasure of having Tom McKeon as my attorney. . He is professional and knowledgeable of the laws. His staff was helpful throughout the case with helping me to use of the zoom. Thank you all for what you did.
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3.4
16 Reviews
23 Jul, 2024 by Elzena
06 Oct, 2022 by Pastor roland johnson, jr
16 Jun, 2022 by Tae tae
This office is full of crooked people who don’t care for justice or truth i had a lawyer there named Joshua Sprit and all he did was lie to me and sell me out for a conviction don’t not trust him at all he came to me with a deal and lied to me about what the deal ment because he did not want to go to trail don’t trust these people at all!
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23 Jul, 2024 by Elzena
06 Oct, 2022 by Pastor roland johnson, jr
16 Jun, 2022 by Tae tae
This office is full of crooked people who don’t care for justice or truth i had a lawyer there named Joshua Sprit and all he did was lie to me and sell me out for a conviction don’t not trust him at all he came to me with a deal and lied to me about what the deal ment because he did not want to go to trail don’t trust these people at all!
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30 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
She was awesome-took my calls outside of business hours with good results. Not many lawyers would do that with charging more money. She was great.
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13 Sep, 2011 by James
I hired Ms. Kohler to represent me in a few matters. She was bright, easy going and kept me updated on the status of my claims. I believe she was a bargain, was happy with the results of the case and highly recommend her to friends and family.
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30 Jun, 2011 by Jane
In my personal opinion, this Lawyer needs to get more of an education in laws. She seems to be scared to death to really work for the client. She certainly is afraid of going to court on something and does not speak up in a court room either. I definitely would not recommend this Lawyer for anything other than to make a simple will or drafting up a Power of Attorney. This is the worst lawyer I have ever met with.
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10 Aug, 2022 by Sharon
I use to work in Mr. Maizels office for another attorney, and I can tell you from experience he is one of the hardest working attorneys that you will ever hire. He studies the law books and asks for advice from the other attorneys in the office so he does do research on all of his cases!
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14 Feb, 2021 by Jay
I ve had Harvey as my attorney for multiple cases. From criminal matters to custody and support. His courtroom tactics put me in a good light and many favorable rulings.
My criminal case that Harvey handled. I was indicted on four felony counts in Baltimore County with a very tough judge (Levitz). I was looking at 60 years. What Harvey did....was 1) during plea negotiations....he sent the State's Atty. to where I was sitting to introduce himself and shake my hand (a prosecutor?) to come outside the courtroom for negotiations, 2) Harvey settled the case with three of 4 charges dropped and plead to a misdemeanor and now my records are expunged.
Harvey might not look like a winner....lol but he wins. This is just one of many cases I've had with Harvey. Oh, he will even eat lunch with you and treat you like a person. I like his style!!!!
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05 Aug, 2019 by Brian
Harvey Maizels is amazing. In 2005 Harvey got me a not guilty verdict for my 7th DWI. I did quit drinking completely through his rehabilitation process and owe my sobriety and freedom all to his magnificent rehabilitation and recovery process. He also handled my sons and other family members cases with the same positive results. I have just today 8/5/19 hired him again to handle my nephews case which is extremely sensitive and he is facing 75 years in prison. I have no reservations with hiring Harvey Maizels again, and thouroughly believe that Harvey Maizels is the best man for the job, and I would not even consider using any other representation. 5 stars all the way ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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30 May, 2019 by Edward
I was referred to Hurst Hessey by a friend of mine once my ex-wife decided she wanted to separate and divorce. From the beginning I found Hurst to be straightforward and honest. He stated from the beginning it would be a challenging case and it would be better to litigate the marital separation agreement out of the courtroom. What began as a case with very little in my favor — ended with an agreement that was in the best interest of my child and me. I know that if it was not for Hurst’s consistent presence and counsel the agreement would not have ended with the same result.
Hurst always made me feel as if I was the most important case he had even though I knew he was quite busy. For that I am grateful.
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04 Jun, 2015 by Charles
Nice enough over the phone, I retained Hurst Hessey to help me with a custody case. Paid my retainer and met with him an hour the day before court to discuss the case. All down hill from there. We met at the Towson courthouse and he was late. He appeared disheveled and while I cannot prove it I would swear he'd been drinking. The fact of the matter is that I was going into court with an attorney that did not even know I had twins! Yes, he actually forgot that we were going to court for custody of my son and daughter TWINS. How do you forget that? Court was a joke, lasted a few minutes, and I accomplished less than I would have if I would've just filed some do-it-yourself forms on my own. Hurst walked me out to the garage after court and I asked if we were done and he told me "I think I might actually owe you some money." Weeks later I received another bill for over $900. To this day I still have no clue what this bill is for. For fear of an attorney's wrath I thought of paying it, but why, when I legitimately did not owe it? I received no follow up, no nothing. To this day Hurst Hessey refuses to return copies of documents to me that I provided to him at the start of the case. These were the only copies that I had. He has literally blackmailed me and said he will not return my documents until I pay this mystery balance. I've been waiting for my documents for 5 years, yes - FIVE YEARS. This is the most no-professional lawyer I have ever encountered. I asked for a break down of the services that created this bogus invoice and I was simply told that he did not have to furnish one because his books were in order. He may be good in other matters, but in terms of family law do yourself a favor and skip Hurst Hessey.
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11 Oct, 2019 by Tara burnes
By far the lowest fee we could find and our case was completed properly.
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12 Jan, 2016 by Mike dexter
The worst lawyer you can get!!!!!
Don`t even waste your time with this piece of ....
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17 May, 2024 by Starr robinson
21 Jul, 2021 by Tanika wesley
04 Feb, 2021 by Leah
30 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Met with Sharon for a meeting regarding my legal matter. She was rude, didn’t listen to me, barely looked up from her computer. I asked a question about the legal process and she replied that it was a “stupid question”. She was arrogant and then charged me double a consult fee of 2 hours when the meeting was only 30 minutes. Would not recommend.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Mike
Horrible person and a lier. She is not a godly person. You let those girls down
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25 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
You failed all those women. Shame on you May. You are a terrible liar as evidenced by your egocentric & unpersuasive interview in ‘The Keepers.’
What a low-life! Your career is a farce.
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16 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Wow were can I start 3 years and I do not have my license yet. I cannot believe I trusted her with all my money and then got a nerve to be disrespectful with my money yea it’s a little bit here and there but I need all mines I got kids, to then just waist it with her.
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11 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
hired her she talked a good game but i started to notice that she said she was going to do things and didn’t do them she said she was going to turn in a motion on monday i texted her monday to see if she did it she says yes i called the criminal clerk and they said nothing was put it so i called her and she said yes i put it in Wednesday but monday you lied and said it was in but all reality it was NOT IN AT ALL she did not do what she was paid to do
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01 Oct, 2018 by Gene
Once you pay her you will never hear from her, she cancels appointments at the last minute. She has left me sitting in the court house late for trial than shows up an hour late not professional dressed and a blank pad. I not only lost all the money I paid her but lost in court and lost even more from her poor advice
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30 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Baumohl, "assisted" me in my divorce case. My divorce should have been a simple case since my ex-wife, and I did not have assets to distribute. He milked me for money when this type of situation could have been handled for cheap. I paid $5,000 for his services and had to pay an extra $2,000 when the escrow ran out. Again, for a case simple and not complex. Additionally, when creating the settlement agreement, he put the wording vague and ambiguous to have me contact him in regards to the agreement. Doing this requires me to call/ email him for clarification. In return, I get billed for correspondences. He is brilliant....so brilliant; he knows ways to get money from you. From what I can determine, Mr. Baumohl is more worried about his bank account than the client. He will prolong a case to milk more money out of you. If I knew what I know now, I would have avoided this attorney from the beginning. Please, by all means, avoid using this attorney. Unless you like to spend your money with minimal results.
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07 Jul, 2018 by Steve
Represented me in a divorce case several years ago. Despite meeting with me three times for a total of six hours AND billing me another three hours for "preparation," he fumbled extensively in the courtroom. Asked me just before hearing to write him a sheet of notes of my issues. Didn't present properly labeled exhibits. Couldn't remember which questions to ask me or my ex-wife while on the stand. A horrible attorney whose focus is billing and receiving payment for inept services.
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24 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Did not respond to discovery requests in my case, gave other side extension without informing me and did not act in my best interests. When awarded funds, had attorney from other side send funds to him even though was no longer representing me.
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19 Apr, 2013 by Marie
I hired this lawyer when my lawyer failed to show up for me in courts. Strimber is fond of saying "only one parent should have the child(ren)." Though I enlisted him, he chose to side with my husband, a lawyer himself, and his lawyer, to go into Judge courtrrom without me and say I was "having a fit" after which it had been reported the Ethics Commission was called.
Would have been nice if this guy tapped me on the shoulder for my own hearing! Nonetheless, after behaving so badly, Strimber decided to bill me an extra $500 for "research"--AND have his wife/secretary return a different audio tape than I loaned to him--she sent a blank.
The Jury's still out--and you will be, too, if you hire this man instead of a proper attorney.
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03 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
I used Miss Glover for my divorce. She not only gave me very bad advice concerning my case (which cost me thousands of dollars). She did not make sure that timelines discussed in court where added to the divorce decree. This tied my hands in many ways in my case. She was very slow at sending documents to me (i.e. court papers, information from my ex about my case, and invoices). She was completely unresponsive for a month during my case. Her legal assistant stating that she was out of town. I sent her several e-mails and placed multiple calls to her. She returned very few, and billed me for the time. I would not recommend this woman to anyone as a lawyer. She was not only unhelpful in my case. She was detrimental. I eventually got another lawyer. I am still trying to fix the issues Miss Glovers incompetence caused.
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06 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
John was recommended by a family friend of my mother. He never provided an itemized receipt of the service that he provided my mother. That is required by law. When I was granted power of attorney for financial I called him and asked him for a receipt. He was perplexed as to why we wanted a receipt. Reason being my mother was quite able to make it to his law office at the time he gouged her on house calls. In addition John claimed that my mother paid up front and insisted on that. If that were the case he would have never known what the fee was. He never told my mother he was charging her exorbitant house call fees. Will lawyers r a dime a dozen and he took advantage of her. Still waiting for itemized receipt. I would not recommend him as an attorney he should tell his fees up front and not get so defensive when asked why and what they were. He obviously knew he took advantage of her situation.
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20 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Specifically - REPEATEDLY ASSURED me, I could leave the state with my son without fear of being arrested. ASSURED me custody modification was possible and pressured me to sign an agreement waiving custody. When I WAS brought to trial for emergency custody hearing she said I was LUCKY to not be held in contempt of court. When I returned to Maryland and asked her to start modification she strongly said there is no grounds.
I left THE RIGHTS to my CHILD and my HOME of 20 years, quit my job and spent thousands to relocate all based on her assurances. Based on advice from a divorced friend I repeatedly asked for the QDRO to be done and GINA told me not until the divorce is final...but I researched and found it is better to have it hammered out before finalizing a divorce. When I asked LEGAL aid to NOT ABANDON me, but reassign me, I was told they were not inclined at this time. She then FIRED me as a client when I insisted she make this right. More than 2 attorneys suggested malpractice after seeing my emails and court documents.
We depend on others as experts. I am not a doctor or mechanic or airline pilot or attorney so I depend on those professionals to fix things or fly the plane. I trusted her advice even though it seemed counter intuitive. But trust the expert I did.
She was MORE than lazy, I began to feel she was actually NOT on my team. Her fellow Legal Aid observers came up with great suggestions to protect me, she nodded and agreed and then did not implement any of those protections. I heard more than once her impatient tone "he's not going to agree to that!" at my suggestions to implement those protections that other LEGAL AID attorneys brought to her attention.
If Gina Polley doesn't like you, watch out!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Tyler
This man works with the pro bono center now for Maryland Legal Aid. He flat out failed me, and failed to call me back. I have attempted to call him 7 times over 45 days and nothing. I wouldn’t hire him if my life depended upon it.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Abu njaay
I paid the full amount, but he has failed to provide any services in return. When I attempt to contact them, my calls are rerouted to third-party representatives who refuse to disclose their identity or provide any assistance. I’ve been trying to reach them for several weeks now, but my calls continue to be ignored.
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27 May, 2017 by Anonymous
She did absolutely nothing to help my case. Very poor and disengaged lawyer.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Dub
I hired this attorney for my divorce at the recommendation of a friend.. She got me an awful settlement but kept telling me what a good deal I was getting. She told me that my deal was not modifiable, when in essence it was. She literally lied to me. Many years later, I ended up in court because my ex sued me for alimony modification., which Renee told me she couldn't do. My new attorney confirmed what a lousy deal Renee got for me and that the settlement should never have been able to be modified and in the hands of a competent attorney, it wouldn't be. Do not use Renee Ades.
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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.
