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Juliana Un-kyung Wong, experienced Family Law attorney in Bellevue, WA with 22 reviews
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27,35
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4.0/5
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4.6
8 Reviews
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3.6
14 Reviews
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09 Sep, 2024 by Amy egtvet
I have worked primarily with Dan Findley over the years. He is very responsive, thoughtful, pragmatic and explains legal matters in plain English. I recommend him regularly to people looking for sound legal advice.
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16 Jul, 2024 by Gale m
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18 Aug, 2023 by Robin briggs
Molly Crouch was such a joy to work with! Thank you for everything!
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Leslie Elizabeth Gilbertson, experienced Family Law attorney in Bellevue, WA with 15 reviews
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18,83
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3.5/5
Avvo
3.5
15 Reviews
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21 Dec, 2019 by Fire leslie!
Leslie represented my wife’s, child’s father in a simple matter of a revised parenting plan as we had moved back to the state of WA. Dealing with her was not only a nightmare, but at times completely comical! Her and her staff don’t even bother to read e-mails let alone review documents I sent to her TWICE! Or, so she claims. My problem is this woman’s character. I question how attorneys sleep at night when they represent people who don’t pay child support ever and abuse women in a variety of ways? But hey, it’s all about the money right?! Clearly, this is Miss Gilbertson’s ONLY objective as neither herself, nor her incompetent paralegal ever review any documents at all. I received paperwork that first time that had the child’s name spelled incorrectly all over the entire document as well as his agent wasn’t even right! I had to correct and send back to her with revisions to come to a full, two party agreement on the parenting plan. Then, she emails me saying one of the forms the court no longer accepts because there’s a newer version. As a family lawyer, you would think both her and her staff would be knowledgeable about changes with legal docs required to be submitted? Here’s where it gets “fun”. Because this matter was simply a parenting plan revision, my wife and I did not retain an attorney. So Miss Gilbertson used that to try and pull fast ones I believe in opinion several times. When I sent the document back to her two times with the changes, it was filed with the King County court in the ORIGINAL format she had very first sent without revisions and/or agreed upon modifications. I have an e-mail chain of around 50 e-mails to support this. She essentially took the signature pages my wife signed and swapped them to her original proposal. So, without accusing her, thays either fraud OR utter incompetence by her and her staff to not only not read a document on two adorarte occasions but not review for spelling and other errors and omissions when filing a court document. I filed formal complaints with the WA State bar and AG office as well as the local BBB and will make sure everyone knows about this as she will not admit to answer my question as to wether is was indeed fraud or stupidity? I suppose neither are a good answer but nonetheless one I deserve. I believe the first is the winner as when I called her on this via e-mail, she then began to threaten to use “enforcement” aka calling the police to remove a child from my wife stating the non agreed upon document that was filed was legally binding. I told her that was fraud and I was going to e-mail the judge which I did, then she started back peddling. So, as I can see within the last few years her reviews are awful! Do yourself a favor if you’re looking for an attorney and go elsewhere Leslie isn’t worth any money what so ever! Blows my mind people who have such little attention to any detail are allowed to even practice law. Just chalk it up to one more joke that is America today! Sleep well at night Leslie... hope that money outweighs the conscious of being a female that represents men who live with their mommies in their 30s and have a history of abuse and lack of support for their own child all documented and ignored by our glorious court system!
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20 Jul, 2018 by Emily
Leslie helped me to successfully dissolve my marriage with the least amount of hostility and drama possible. She was thorough, helpful, and is extremely knowledgeable and professional. She will work hard for you. I like her straight up approach. She doesn't drag things out or take up extra time unnecessarily. Highly recommend.
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23 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Ms. Gilbertson to do the paperwork for an uncontested divorce. After getting the process started she stopped responding to communication, leaving me in the dark as to the status. After calling and leaving messages I finally got a response and status update from a lawyer in a different firm(huh?) but no word from her. You'll notice that this lady has lots of good reviews before 2017 but since then mainly negative reviews. I give her an unequivocal "don't hire" review.
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Matthew Jolly, experienced Family Law attorney in Bellevue, WA with 5 reviews
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18,17
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3.4/5
Avvo
3.4
5 Reviews
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15 Sep, 2020 by Cindy
Matt Jolly was hired to help. He ignored facts and information from many professionals. He did not help and actually caused harm. Matt Jolly is not a good choice for any family law case.
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15 Feb, 2020 by Brent
Has helped me through a nasty divorce situation over 15 years. While he opposed a demonstrative “super lawyer” in trial, he ran a great case and kept my kids with me. Honest, humble, practical and gets the job done.
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04 Apr, 2017 by Laura
Matthew Jolly was honest, compassionate, informative and straight forward. He offered solid advise regarding my case and potential outcomes. He helped me navigate through a complex situation and I believe the outcome was the best it could have been under the circumstances. I highly recommend him for family law services.
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Deborah Anne Bianco, experienced Family Law attorney in Bellevue, WA with 12 reviews
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15,13
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2.7/5
Avvo
2.7
12 Reviews
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01 Oct, 2020 by Leslie
“Deb” Bianco is focused solely on practicing law for financial gain. I have witnessed first hand -Deb Bianco lie to the court and attempt to use her position as pro tem commissioner in family court to manipulate the legal process and to gain favor with other commissioners on her private practice cases. Deb Bianco has violated DV PTO orders in place by the court (against her client) by seeking contact of the friends, family members, acquaintances m, coworkers, ex husband and former relationships of the protected party. ABD Deb Bianco sought to legally represent these parties against the “protected victim”. Deb Bianco violated a DV PTO -stalking protection order by making contact and she’s obtained information about the protected party to use in court on behalf of her client the perpetrator. Further Deb Bianco manipulated a third party by offering to legally representation- AND Deb Bianco accepted payment for legal services. Yet.,., Deb Bianco denied- In deposition filed in King County representing the third party and she denied accepting payment by check. Deb Bianco should be removed as a commissioner in King County Family court. “Conflict of interest” is an understatement.
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03 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
If I could give her negative stars, I would. She was issuing Domestic Violence Protection Orders in court, but yet seemed to have no knowledge of domestic violence at all. She also did not read over any of the court records for the defendant and based her decisions off of what was said during the hearing. If she did, she would have known about the consistent issues the defendant was presenting with. I did not feel supported at all and felt like she had no idea what she was doing, but is yet up there making all types of decisions about peoples lives and safety. I want to make a complaint about her
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26 Feb, 2015 by Sylvia
Deb and Lesley handled my case with the utmost professionalism and care. Although it took over two years to obtain a divorce decree and another two years in Appellate Court (both were in our favor) she handled my stresses and unending questions with kindness and compassion. While I certainly hope no one goes through what we had to endure, I would recommend Deborah to anyone - and have!
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Alice Bagirova, experienced Criminal Defense, Family Law attorney in Bellevue, WA with 5 reviews
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14,53
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2.6/5
Avvo
2.6
5 Reviews
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16 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
abandons people , fails to judge to the end. stretching time, Big Lie.no need to deal with this lawyer, run away further.
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25 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
This is my first negative review. I was a client of Alice and was forced to leave her services and hire another lawyer. Alice almost never answers calls right away, and if she does, you feel that you are constantly bothering her. She never let me know when the hearings were, so I missed all of them. Despite the fact that my case was initially easy, it became difficult because of this. I had to overpay and hire a new lawyer. Do not be afraid, look for good English-speaking lawyers, and do not rush here just because they can speak Russian with you! Это мой первый негативный отзыв. Я была клиентом Алисы и была вынуждена оставить её услуги и нанять другого адвоката. Практически никогда Алиса не отвечает сразу на звонки, а если и отвечает то ты чувствуешь что ты ей постоянно мешаешь. Она не разу не поставила меня в известность когда слушания, из-за этого я пропустила все из них. Несмотря на то что моё дело изначально было лёгким оно из-за этого стало сложным. Мне пришлось на переплатить и нанять нового адвоката. Не бойтесь, ищите хороших англоговорящих адвокатов, а не кидайтесь сюда только из-за того что здесь могут с вами говорить по-русски.
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09 Jun, 2021 by Larisa podgorny
Alice is professional Attorney and very easy to work with. I referred to Alice few of my clients. She helped as agreed. She is also helped with traffic tickets for my son and my sister. Thank you Alice.
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Yulia Khorun, experienced Estate Planning, Family Law attorney in Bellevue, WA with 5 reviews
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11,93
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2.6/5
Avvo
2.6
5 Reviews
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11 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
Yulia Khorun is a lawyer who promises a lot, but does not fulfill anything - she did not make a single promise based on the results. If I were without a lawyer, I would not have lost more than I lost with her "help". Often does not answer calls and emails. She gave me false information about the possibility of my virtual presence at the court. For 2 months of "cooperation" on the divorce proceedings, I did not report to the judge the facts and information that I gave her and asked to attach to the case. I changed my testimony in She allowed herself to speak to me, raising her voice and be rude. Deliberately delayed the process in order to earn more money, dissuading me from the terms of the peace agreement.For two and a half months of "our cooperation" she took 8600 dollars and did not work a single cent, I had to be left without a lawyer, realizing that they take a lot of money from me, but they only bring harm by their actions. Took a huge zero-score fee for me, highly discouraged!
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08 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Julia did a great job for me handling a support modification motion filed by my ex-, and was able to cut through the many distractions, delays, and exaggerations offered by the opposing party to reduce the case to a very manageable and favorable outcome. The case against me was dismissed!
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20 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
I was in a difficult position with an attorney that was not representing me well and not willing to fight for my case. I met with Julia and she agreed to represent my case which gave me peace of mind. She represented me very well, always strived to achieve best outcome in my case. Julia is professional and competent attorney, knows exactly what she is doing, and is passionate about the work she does. Ms. Khorun is very time efficient when it comes to dealing with workload of documentation and get prepared for court. Additionally, Julia clearly explains the process step by step and provides necessary guidance for her clients, so everything seems as 123. I found her smart, honest, well educated, and well informed. Julia was on top of any situation and responded promptly to my e-mails and phone calls personally. I am highly recommend Julia to anyone in need of a family law expert.
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Robert Scott Huff, experienced Criminal Defense, Family Law attorney in Bellevue, WA with 4 reviews
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11,78
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2.0/5
Avvo
2.0
4 Reviews
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18 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
He started out nice but as time went on I hired as my L&I lawyer he started cashing my checks from L&I and depositing in his account with out my knowledge and my signature on the checks Please don’t hire i would not want anyone to go what I went though
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14 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Be aware - DO NOT HIRE THIS LAWYER. We hired him in June 2022 for adjusment of status, paid him $6500 and up to this day he didn't even file. He refuses to return my file or get part of my money back. Biggest procrastinator you'll ever meet, he will take your money and ignore you indefinetly. He also has reprimands in the past. STAY AWAY
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13 Jun, 2022 by Jessica
Never provided a bill Disappeared for long periods of time No sense of urgency Waits to the last minute Doesn’t know how to e file
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Sarah Malone Wright, experienced Child Custody, Domestic Violence attorney in Bellevue, WA with 0 reviews
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8,00
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0.0/5
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Justin Matthew Nipper, experienced Adoption, Child Custody attorney in Bellevue, WA with 1 reviews
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7,17
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1.0/5
Avvo
1.0
1 Reviews
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20 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Justin failed to act in a timely manner at every part of my divorce proceeding. His communication was poor and made me feel as though my situation did not matter to him. It really did not. I wound up not getting most of my property back and was abused by the other party. Justin was happy to participate and keep charging me to make the situation harder. I fully believe that Justin made a deal with the other attorney to just sit on the case. He said some crazy stuff to me looking back and my new attorney tho is that he has intentionally avoided getting orders enforced.
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James H. Clark JR, experienced Family Law, Litigation attorney in Bellevue, WA with 1 reviews
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4,57
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1.0/5
Avvo
1.0
1 Reviews
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03 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Received a complaint letter from him. 70 pages of illogical gibberish, filled with typos and poor grammar. Hard to imagine how a linear thought could make it out of him. He had exhibits that made NO sense, did not contribute to his clients case and in fact made m case in several instances. Needless to say his client was so badly served that I must imagine this was pro bono work or at least that is what he should have been paid
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Meliha Babic, experienced Business, Family Law attorney in Bellevue, WA with 0 reviews
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4,00
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0.0/5
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Qiuwen Xu, experienced Estate Planning, Family Law attorney in Bellevue, WA with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Heather G Boyd, experienced Business, Elder Law attorney in Bellevue, WA with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Mark Cassell, experienced Criminal Defense, Divorce attorney in Bellevue, WA with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Laurie G. Robertson, experienced Divorce, Estate Planning attorney in Bellevue, WA with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Sarah Elizabeth Hovland, experienced Divorce, Family Law attorney in Bellevue, WA with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Douglas Wilson Miller, experienced Criminal Defense, Divorce attorney in Bellevue, WA with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Laura Helen Fitzgibbon, experienced Child Custody, Child Support attorney in Bellevue, WA with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Herbert G. Farber, experienced Business, Consumer Protection attorney in Bellevue, WA with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Stephen Hornbuckle, experienced DUI / DWI, Family Law attorney in Bellevue, WA with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Katherine Drewry Peters, experienced Appeals, Business attorney in Bellevue, WA with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Breanna Nusheen Eshghi, experienced Criminal Defense, Family Law attorney in Bellevue, WA with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Ryan Palardy, experienced Family Law, Real Estate attorney in Bellevue, WA with 0 reviews
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Michael Alexander Fridman, experienced Family Law, Litigation attorney in Bellevue, WA with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Holly S Greenspoon, experienced Family Law attorney in Bellevue, WA with 0 reviews
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4,00
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C. Scott East, experienced Family Law attorney in Bellevue, WA with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Joseph A. Shaub, experienced Family Law, Mediation attorney in Bellevue, WA with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Juanita V Cope, experienced Family Law attorney in Bellevue, WA with 0 reviews
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0,00
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Jingzhou Kang, experienced Criminal Defense, Family Law attorney in Bellevue, WA with 0 reviews
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0,00
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Hillary Roberts-Griffith, experienced Divorce, Family Law attorney in Bellevue, WA with 0 reviews
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0,00
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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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