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29 Sep, 2024 by Sam blackops
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29 Aug, 2024 by Jason
Ray and his staff are top notch ,and made me feel right at home by handling my case with professionalism and I can't thank you enough for doing so. It was a pleasure to have been represented by you and your firm. Schlegel Law ,Professionalism at its best.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Samantha ward
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02 Apr, 2024 by Pam
I hired Whitney to be my divorce attorney. She was very responsive to my questions and helped me work through all the details during this big life change. She was professional, personable, knowledgable and reassuring. I would highly recommend her.
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30 Mar, 2024 by Talitha
I cannot recommend Whitney enough. While I am sure she had quite the caseload, I never felt that my case received anything other than her full attention. Her effort and time, along with attention to detail went beyond my expectation. While I hope I never have to return to litigation, if ever do, I wouldn’t hesitate in asking her to take on my case again.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
After going through a very long custody battle and using different attorney's in the process, Ms. Matney was by far the best fighter for me. Not only was she prompt in responding to my emails and calls, her knowledge for my case was superior. She new exactly what needed to be done to achieve what I wanted and knew to be best for my son. Her recommendation for an ad litem for my son was also outstanding because she new that he would be very thorough in his part of our custody case. Thanks to her she has prevented and saved my son from a very negative, dangerous influence. I cannot express how much I appreciate her. I recommend her to anyone who needs someone to fight for the safety of their child.
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11 Mar, 2015 by Christina
Mr. Garrett is a professional who is caring and personable. From our initial consultation through the final court hearing he kept me promptly informed of the progress of the proceedings. He is a man of his word following through with doing what he says he will do when he says he will do it. Trustworthy and I highly recommend as an attorney.
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17 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Garrett was helpful and easy to work with. He was always calm and professional and he helped me accomplish everything I needed.
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10 Jul, 2014 by Steve
I have dealt with many lawyers through the years, Earl is the most prompt lawyer on getting things done I have ever hired. He is very knowledgeable and straight forward. Family is the most important asset I have. There was not a better selection I could have made in helping me protect the well being of my greatest assets. I will definitely call on the services Earl again if the need arises and would strongly recommend him for your legal needs.
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26 May, 2016 by Keri
Tim represented me in my divorce and made sure all my needs were met. He answered all my questions and made himself available. He was attentive to responding to emails and calls in an incredibly fast manner, and he made me feel comfortable with all the major decisions I was having to make. His friendly demeanor put me at ease during this stressful time, and his professionalism proved his desire to do what was right for his client. I highly recommend him.
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03 Mar, 2016 by Wayne
Tim represented me during my divorce and took the time to truly listen to me and understand the situation I was in. He made sure I understood what my options were and how to proceed with each if necessary. He helped me secure joint-custody of my children, which was my number one priority. Tim knows the law and clearly explains your rights and how to obtain a favorable outcome for his clients. I felt like I was speaking to a friend, rather than my attorney. He will fight for your rights to the best the law will allow. Without Tim in my corner, I would have never known my rights and how to defend myself, and I would have not been able to receive joint-custody of my children, which would have been devastating. Although Tim was busy, he was always responsive to my calls and emails and made me feel like I was his number one client. I highly recommend Mr. Penhallegon to anyone in need of family law representation.
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28 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Represented my daughter on DUI. Reasonable rates, showed up in court, far more than I have seen others do. Sentencing was fair.
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21 Nov, 2016 by Kelly
Samantha was hired as a divorce attorney. She handled the case with respect and was very open and honest about what to expect. She was passionate and fought for what we thought was responsible and got just what we wanted. I would hire her again in a heartbeat!
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10 Nov, 2009 by Anonymous
Catherine helped me more than I could ever imagine. She was certainly a major force in changing my life.
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29 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
About three years ago, I contacted Brian to find out if he could assist me through a separation. A close friend had referred me, and I am SO thankful for her recommendation. Brian assisted FAR beyond "filing papers". He stood by me every step of the way and fought diligently for the best interest of myself and my daughter. To this very day (literally), he continues to navigate my battles with incredible compassion, expertise, and patience. I wouldn't want to be represented by anyone other than Brian.
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16 May, 2014 by Kelly c.
Mr. Burke handled a legal matter for me for a period of 2 years. He was active and progressive when I wanted him to be, and non-active when I requested that too. Very knowledgable and professional. It was great to have him represent me in court and see my matter to a positive ending. Highly recommend, and I will use Brian again should I need legal representation in the future.
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16 May, 2014 by Anonymous
Brian has been extremely helpful and knowledgeable in representing me during my divorce and ongoing child support issues. I would highly recommend him.
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29 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
I will recommend Sue Ann to anyone in a tough custody battle. She is knowledgeable, responsive, & quick to action where needed. She won’t oversell & under deliver. She was worth every penny & hopefully I won’t have to but I would choose her time & time again. I know how overwhelming & scary these situations can be but Sue Ann will bring you & your family peace after a long hard road.
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20 Jun, 2024 by Joshua deshields
It’s never for a good reason to have to retain a lawyer. However, I am so thankful that I reached out to Sue Ann to handle my personal matters. She was excellent at explaining process and removing uncertainty with a complex situation. I loved 2 things the most about my experience; 1.) Sue Ann always being reasonably available and very quick at responding over email to any questions I had. 2.) Brandy, an amazing and capable assistant that explained so many details in between emails and conversations with Sue Ann. Highly recommend this firm.
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16 Feb, 2024 by J rogers
Chose this firm based on word of mouth reputation, received nothing that comes even close to living up to that reputation. Highly suggest looking at other options
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13 May, 2024 by Gregory smith
Although still having problems I will not stop trying to figure out how.
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17 Jan, 2024 by Joey travis
Mark Drake gets a Five Star review from me. Mark has handled several Realestate transactions for me as well as provided counsel for me on other matters. He is genuine and honest. I refer to him as a “good country lawyer” as he isn’t always looking at the clock and milking me for his billable time. He has always been very fair with me in every regard. I trust him 100%.
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19 May, 2023 by Zachary bell
I worked with Seth and he is incredible. I would recommend him to anyone going through a divorce!
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16 Nov, 2018 by Cb
Definitely Highly recommended!! Someone who will go to bat for you. Very strong minded as well as persistent and very reliable. Im confident in his work and ability as an attorney to always have your side and get the job done.
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11 Jul, 2018 by Brittney
In a short story I having better opportunities moved from Arkansas to Texas, my daughters dad and his family still lived in Arkansas. We have been doing the whole custody thing for four years. I spoke to a few lawyers in NW Arkansas, even started my 4 year custody case with a different lawyer. When she wasn't aggressive enough and it felt like gainig custody of my daughter was a lost cause with no one telling me I even had a chance, I hired Eldon Cripps to be my lawyer. Many lawyers and others said a judge would never assign custody of a child to someone out of state when there was a parent living in state they could assign it to. This man worked several hours, over the weekend, late into the night and was a ROCKSTAR! He managed to get me full custody of my child, and have several accusations against me to be ADMITTED by the other side to be false! He is a tough, honest man and I don't believe any other lawyer could have achieved what he did for me. I highly recommend him, I only wish he was licensed in Texas so I could refer him more! He is certainly not for those who are faint of heart, but if you are willing to fight for your case, so is he! and you will be GLAD he is on your side come time for court!!!
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12 Jun, 2018 by Laura
Eldon Cripps was exactly what I needed for my mediation. He was to the point and honest with me. He will be brutally honest with you and aggressive but that is what you need when working with the court's system. He made me feel confident in putting my foot down with disagreements from the opposing party and really helped settle our dispute. Eldon is fantastic!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Christopher miles
Apparently asking a lawyer you’re about to pay $5k to walk out of his office is too much to ask anymore. Wakefield needs to adjust his attitude. We needed a family issue handled and he refused to meet with my wife and I in the conference room and instead continued to insist I meet him alone. Your loss.
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21 Jul, 2024 by John gore
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22 Feb, 2024 by Jon satterwhite
Working with Mauria was an awful experience that I thought was over until recently. During my divorce in 2019 Mauria never gave me the impression that she cared at all. I had to reach out to her multiple times to get any information at all. I spent all the money I had on this process and was told that mediation was the best choice. I expressed my doubts that my ex would be willing to make any concessions, but I trusted Mauria blindly. We go to mediation, my ex makes unreasonable demands, I ask Mauria about the court process since mediation obviously failed. I was told it would another thousand or so dollars that I didn't have. I had to stop after mediation and accept terms that I shouldn't have. Fast forward to November 2023. I have heard nothing from Mauria or the firm since 2019. I get an email stating that I owe $1025 for my mediation that was pointless in 2019. I talk to Mauria's assistant who tells me that they are doing year end numbers and that I need to pay. I express my confusion about suddenly owing $1000+ out of nowhere and was told to not worry about it for now. This week I got another email. Mauria is terrible memory that has back to be a worse one. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!
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15 Jan, 2021 by Cecilia
Really appreciated the concern and attitude that Mr Vernetti presented when I clearly was confused with my legal problem...He was patient as I asked multiple questions and made sure I understood his explanations for each question...I would certainly consult him whenever I needed an attorney and would recommend him to anyone who needs legal assistance...!!!
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06 Aug, 2020 by Mike
Bryan Vernetti is a wonderful attorney. From start to finish he worked with me to ensure my case was handled properly. Maggie, his paralegal, worked with me every step of the way and kept me informed about my case which really made me feel involved in the process. I highly recommend Mr. Vernetti to anyone in need of legal services!
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25 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
DO NOT HIRE MR. VERNETTI He broke so many Arkansas Rules of Professional Conduct. Look elsewhere. Do not waste your time and money. First off, I hired him in March and it took him 2 MONTHS to even serve the Defendant with papers and that's only because I was the one to call his office and demanded they tell me why it's taking so long. Come court date, he did nothing. Literally nothing! He embarrased himself and me while the defendents lawyer is telling the judge "I emailed Mr. Vernetti my clients information and he should have it." He was NOT prepared whatsoever! He literally called me at 6pm the night before court trying to prepare after weeks of me attempting to keep him up to date on my case. The morning of court as we are waiting to enter the court room, he is having me fill out papers to the best of my ability racing against the clock before going in the court room. After court he fails to contact me for 3 weeks! I went by his office, nobody there. I left messages, no call backs. I sent emails, no response. I fired him through multiple emails and also requested an immediate itemized bill. Weeks go by and he finally responds through an email. Made excuses for his lack of communication and poor representation. It took him 3 MONTHS to FINALLY file a motion to withdraw from my case and gave me exactly 30 days to find a new lawyer. Retaliation? I think so. Now I have to hire someone new and bring them up to speed on my case. You have been warned about Mr. Vernetti. Steer clear of this man.
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27 Feb, 2023 by Kristi
Kevin has represented me in more than one case where he was very professional, made me feel comfortable and as if I were family. In my experience Kevin is very involved and takes everything he does seriously and seems to always have a positive mindset. Kevin has always turned my poor life choices into way better solutions than I even thought possible. For that, Kevin is probably one of my favorite humans to date! I can't imagine anyone giving him a poor review.
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10 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
In my opinion he is very unprofessional, extremely rude, and not good at what he’s supposed to do. He had his head down several times in court! I can’t say he was asleep because I’m not sure but either way it was rude and SO unprofessional for anyone, let alone a lawyer! It seemed to me he did as little work as possible with the case. Definitely NOT enough work for how much he got paid, not even close! After hiring him I found out a nickname I’ve heard around town for him, Kevin status quo Bonner. Wish I would’ve known that prior to hiring him! I do not recommend
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02 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Tom when I was in desperate need of some one not only to stand by me but fight for me. It was the most important case of my life. My children and I depended on him to fight for our future as a family. Not only was this actually in the best interest of everyone involved but it was his job that I had paid him for in advance. But neither seemed to matter much to him. Not moral nor professional responsibility concerned him, I learned far too late. As he kept reassuring me that he would preform according to my request, I reluctantly trusted him because I was other wise completely alone and this was my first time dealing with legal system. I trusted him only reluctantly because A) I wanted him to bring to light some important issues that I felt strongly about yet, he listened to most of what I was trying to tell him with a look of annoyance and dismissal. B) Tom Smith had not an ounce of compassion or understanding towards how serious and devastating this was for me. C) when I made a mistake that was quite human and hardly devastating to my case, I told Tom about it. He was inappropriately angry as if it was personal. He reacted by picking up his huge law book which lay in front of him and literally went to strike me over the head with it, barely stopping short. D) I got a strange feeling when I would mention my rights or the constitution and he would shut me down really fast by telling me that "better not mention the constitution in this courtroom." And by reprimanding me as if I were a child for putting in a request for the freedom of information act. Saying "it'll only make things bad for me." Later I learned that I was on the right track all along. If we had fought using my method I would've been better off if only just because, at the very least my side would've been heard. Mr. Smith completely refused to speak on my behalf in front of the judge like I had counted on him to do. Although I reminded him in court that day. First, by whispering, then by writing it down and placing it in front of him and last, as my frustration grew, by elbowing him and giving him a swift kick to the shin as the judge ruled not in my favor, and I saw the most important thing in my life slip away. He was lucky because he deserved far worse than a controlled tantrum. All because of my decision made out of desperation and an attorney's unknown motive my life has been ruined beyond redemption. I fight still, 4 years later and will not give up until I have my children safe with me. But the time that goes by is time forever lost.
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06 Sep, 2010 by Jonathan
After dealing with Tom I concider him a personal friend. That is how he treated me and that is how I will always treat him. I believe that Tom is the best attorney in his field.
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04 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
wouldn't return calls. Charged me an outrageous amount and did NOTHING. Cost me my house and half of everything I owned. Stay away!
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20 Nov, 2015 by Jennifer
Bryan has helped me out many times in the past 6 yrs. On different cases. He has always pulled through & got what I wanted done. He also works with you on making payments. Which is helpful in times of hardship.
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22 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Bryan was able to assist me in getting full custody of my daughter and an emergency hearing the day after christmas. As a father it is hard to get custody of your child in Arkansas but Bryan can get the job done if it is at all possible for you to get custody. He has been very helpful in many other instances where I needed quick legal advice and very reasonable with his cost compared to his competition in the area. If you are in a bind and need a quick & reliable lawyer Bryan is the guy you need to call.
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19 Jul, 2023 by Linda
I hired Macy Nuckles to assist me in my divorce after being served divorce papers. I told her before I paid the thousand dollar retainer fee that I needed an attorney that would "go to bat for me." She never responded to that, but she took my case. This attorney did absolutely nothing for me but the worst thing that she did is one week prior to an important court case, she gave me a letter stating that I could either pay another retainer and follow her to her new law firm OR stay with one of her fellow partners. I had no choice but to remain at the firm and go with another attorney there. She also must have known that she had a new position weeks prior, and during this time I was sending her e-mails and asking her questions and getting charged a lot per e-mail racking up a bill that she knew she was never going to follow through with. I would never trust this attorney with my case or anybody else's case because she is dishonest. I am disgusted with her and the way she handled my case.
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22 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
She would not listen, she forgot specific items we discussed. She was rude and did not try to understand or even give an effort to fight for me in my custody battle. Do NOT use this awful attorney. She does not earn her 3,000 dollars whatsoever.
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16 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
Perfect for being a warm body in the room to introduce you to the court. That’s about it. He never kept in contact with us, never offered advice, only actually spoke with him once. Might as well work for the other side!!
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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:

  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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