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17 Sep, 2024 by Aimee ziter
DL Vermont is simply an outstanding Law Firm! The whole team from the Lawyers, Paralegals and investigators, are all extremely conscientious, ethical, honest and very knowledgeable. The whole team is exactly what they present from the first time you meet them. Nothing short of humane and understanding of any situation life unfortunately can present. They state they are "out of the box thinkers", that is hands down exactly what makes them great at what they do. Sam and his team are nothing short of people with integrity that you want in your corner. I had never experienced the Court system, hired a Lawyer or knew anything that I was up against. The whole team was very informative, very patient with me, transparent at all times, and kept me up to date on the process at a moments notice of them knowing. From providing support, lunch meetings/check-ins and advice on how to find peaceful ways to make it through the process. This firm hands down is the sole reason I made it through my situation with my dignity in tact, and the outcome better than I expected! The bottom line is if you want a hard-working, knowledgeable, empathetic, and supportive TEAM then look no further than DL Vermont! They are like second family and you can immediately tell, they are Family outside of their work and support each other in all aspects of work and personal lives. I am forever grateful and will always turn to DL Vermont.
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18 Jun, 2024 by Nicholas marinelli
As a financial advisor, I've had the privilege of collaborating with many attorneys, but working with Brittany LaBerge and the DL Vermont Team to support my clients has truly been a standout experience. Their expertise, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to their clients make them an invaluable partner when my clients need their services.
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04 Nov, 2023 by Timothy boltin
I would like to tell you why I would always recommend Sam Dworkin for your criminal defense. He is tireless. He clearly puts his clients before anything else - and will leave no stone unturned when winning his case. He employs his entire team to win the case. Imagine, you hire one lawyer and you get the entire office to get the job done. Sam isn’t afraid to ask questions, interact with other agencies and even pester people (in a kind way) to get the answers he is looking for. His team feels the same way. Call Sam when you want the very best for you or your client - Don’t wait!
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18 Mar, 2021 by Aaron
I was in need of a lawyer for legal representation during a divorce and family court. What I got was someone that treated me as a friend that seemed to have know me forever, Austin truly has his clients best interests at heart, and he will fight for you as if you were part of his family. I am truely grateful that Austin represented me because without Austin I would have been completely screwed. This guy knows his stuff I would highly recommend him to anybody! And to top it off he is a great guy! He takes his time to explain everything and you will never be left in the dark! If you need a lawyer for family/divorce hire this guy!
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26 Apr, 2019 by Luiza
Mr. Gray is an amazing Attorney. Our family use d he's services multiple time and I have to say, Mr. Gray is the best. He takes great care of he's clients, and takes time to explain everything to you. Also, when you call or email him, he answers quickly. We are very glad with choosing him to represent us. Thank you Sir for all you did for us.
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03 Jul, 2018 by Rich
I have hired Mr. gray on a few occasions that ranged from a simple Quick Claim Deed so I could legally add my new wife onto a property I had previously owned before marriage, to navigating through an eviction process in order to have a tenant removed from my rental property. Each time I contacted and worked with Mr. Gray I found him to be very curious and helpful in navigating the legal system. I also found Mr. Gray to be quite clear with explaining the options as well as focused on what the desired outcome was while reassuring me that he would handle the tough stuff. If I find I am ever in need of legal assistance I will not hesitate in calling Mr. Gray. He truly was a great help when I needed the assistance.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Dan heyde
Andy Delaney is the best attorney on planet earth. He is Tom Brady meets William Wallace meets Gandalf. My wife and I were in an all-of-a-sudden horrible and complex situation through no fault of our own (which I won’t be getting into here). We exhausted several family and friend recommendations for legal counsel in this area but it seemed that no one could/would help with our case. Then, after seeing the high Google review ratings, we decided to take a chance on MDR who were at least willing to meet with me. About five minutes into the meeting, realizing the complexity of the situation, the guy I was meeting with says, “I think I need to get my boss.” Enter Andy… Within one hour I walked out with a cohesive plan of action, and (despite MONTHS of research on my own) a hundred times more understanding of the legal circumstances we were in. Andy ended up taking over our case and delivered like you read about. I can’t say enough good things about Andy. The dude saved our bacon when we needed it most. There are already plenty of reviews talking about how intelligent, professional, funny, and caring he is (all of which I absolutely agree with); so I'll just say that if you're seeking legal counsel and you find anyone on earth that's better than Andy... I owe you $50. He is the best there is, end of story. Andy is the GOAT.
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29 Jul, 2024 by Pilotguy275
I want to express my sincere gratitude to Charles Martin for his exceptional legal support. His dedication and expertise were evident as he meticulously handled my case, ensuring justice was served. Mr. Martin's professionalism and compassion provided me with the reassurance and confidence I needed during a difficult time. I highly recommend Charles Martin and his firm for their outstanding service and commitment to their clients. -Lauri K.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Samantha white
Walks the walk! Andrew Delaney is unique in that he truly believes in the principles he advocates for. Most of the world, especially at the professional/fancy-degree level, is motivated primarily by money, but Andy was persistently focused on doing the right thing. Not pretending to do the right thing, and not doing the right thing to the extent required by his job, but actually doing the right thing for its own sake. Andy has a brilliant mind, equally able to make witty jokes and cite obscure procedural rules from memory, and an unheard-of work ethic, willing to focus on a case above his own needs at 9pm or on a Saturday, and still be good-humored about it. He worked tirelessly for us, preparing his strategy perfectly, piecing together everything, thread by thread, until he had a beautiful tapestry that showed the truth of the matter in a direct way. Andy also does one other thing that is unheard of for attorneys in his (exceptional) skill bracket as well: he is willing to communicate. The entire time, he gave feedback and explanations and was never too important to take a call and genuinely care. Most attorneys of his station will let you talk to the assistant and *maybe* get called back, but the only time his assistant replied for us was when he was out sick and, even there, she was well-informed and gave us some useful information. Never once did we feel like anything less than real people who mattered, represented by an attorney who actually cared about our outcome. Finally, thanks to his preparation, we wound up getting well over double the amount we even thought was possible to get. With anyone else, generally not willing to listen to the clients or take the time to go over everything, we're convinced that outcome would have been impossible. If you want an attorney who has real principles, truly cares, and gets results, Andy is the person to talk to. Thank you again!
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29 Aug, 2024 by Dan heyde
Andy Delaney is the best attorney on planet earth. He is Tom Brady meets William Wallace meets Gandalf. My wife and I were in an all-of-a-sudden horrible and complex situation through no fault of our own (which I won’t be getting into here). We exhausted several family and friend recommendations for legal counsel in this area but it seemed that no one could/would help with our case. Then, after seeing the high Google review ratings, we decided to take a chance on MDR who were at least willing to meet with me. About five minutes into the meeting, realizing the complexity of the situation, the guy I was meeting with says, “I think I need to get my boss.” Enter Andy… Within one hour I walked out with a cohesive plan of action, and (despite MONTHS of research on my own) a hundred times more understanding of the legal circumstances we were in. Andy ended up taking over our case and delivered like you read about. I can’t say enough good things about Andy. The dude saved our bacon when we needed it most. There are already plenty of reviews talking about how intelligent, professional, funny, and caring he is (all of which I absolutely agree with); so I'll just say that if you're seeking legal counsel and you find anyone on earth that's better than Andy... I owe you $50. He is the best there is, end of story. Andy is the GOAT.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
29 Jul, 2024 by Pilotguy275
I want to express my sincere gratitude to Charles Martin for his exceptional legal support. His dedication and expertise were evident as he meticulously handled my case, ensuring justice was served. Mr. Martin's professionalism and compassion provided me with the reassurance and confidence I needed during a difficult time. I highly recommend Charles Martin and his firm for their outstanding service and commitment to their clients. -Lauri K.
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star star star star star
02 Mar, 2024 by Samantha white
Walks the walk! Andrew Delaney is unique in that he truly believes in the principles he advocates for. Most of the world, especially at the professional/fancy-degree level, is motivated primarily by money, but Andy was persistently focused on doing the right thing. Not pretending to do the right thing, and not doing the right thing to the extent required by his job, but actually doing the right thing for its own sake. Andy has a brilliant mind, equally able to make witty jokes and cite obscure procedural rules from memory, and an unheard-of work ethic, willing to focus on a case above his own needs at 9pm or on a Saturday, and still be good-humored about it. He worked tirelessly for us, preparing his strategy perfectly, piecing together everything, thread by thread, until he had a beautiful tapestry that showed the truth of the matter in a direct way. Andy also does one other thing that is unheard of for attorneys in his (exceptional) skill bracket as well: he is willing to communicate. The entire time, he gave feedback and explanations and was never too important to take a call and genuinely care. Most attorneys of his station will let you talk to the assistant and *maybe* get called back, but the only time his assistant replied for us was when he was out sick and, even there, she was well-informed and gave us some useful information. Never once did we feel like anything less than real people who mattered, represented by an attorney who actually cared about our outcome. Finally, thanks to his preparation, we wound up getting well over double the amount we even thought was possible to get. With anyone else, generally not willing to listen to the clients or take the time to go over everything, we're convinced that outcome would have been impossible. If you want an attorney who has real principles, truly cares, and gets results, Andy is the person to talk to. Thank you again!
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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:

  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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