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07 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Timothy without having ever met face to face to facilitate my same sex divorce in Mass while I lived in a distant state. Of the five attorneys I spoke to by phone, Timothy was, by far, the one I felt most comfortable with. He asks good questions and answered most of mine before I was able to get them out. He worked quickly and I am more than happy with the outcome and Timothy's service
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06 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Tim represented my family member in divorce and property settlement. I appreciated his kindness and compassion in making the process as stress-free as possible. He was knowledgable and accessible and achieved the hoped- for outcome
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05 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Tim helped my wife and I as we started our family. As two women, there were many factors to consider, and Tim helped us understand the legal parameters for each type of donor, as well as outlined the steps we would take for second parent adoption. The paperwork could be a bit confusing, but Tim talked us through all of our questions and personally filed our case. Tim regularly checked in with the court on our application, and walked us through the adoption reading with the judge. He is thorough in his communication and candid about the legal options available. He also provides sage advice about next steps. We have recommended his services to several friends and colleagues.
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02 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Hether started working with my attorney at about the two year mark of a length dispute over an estate. She is very easy to communicate with and clearly explains what is going on. She is supportive in her suggestions for appropriate action and responds quickly to questions. I think her skill as communicator is very helpful when you are in the midst of an emotional situation.
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22 Feb, 2015 by Marcy
Hether Cahill has been wonderful to work with. She is always professional, informed, and prepared. At the same time, she is friendly and sensitive to your needs, and has the ability to make you feel comfortable because she keeps you informed at all times of the situation . If I should ever need professional help again, I will not hesitate to call Hether Cahill.
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15 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Attorney Cahill is very smart. She wrote excellent briefs for my case. She was very attentive to detail, analyzed facts cogently, and presented them persuasively.
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24 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Molly handled a difficult subject for me and my family with empathy and skill. She was very thorough and patient in making sure I had a complete understanding of the legal processes and my options. Highly recommended.
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23 Nov, 2016 by Simonetta di scipio
I've been working with Molly for the past year. She has been my support throughout my divorce. She's responsive, sensible, and caring. I've never felt that she led me in the wrong direction. I would and have recommended Molly.
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11 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Molly Wilson is an excellent lawyer. She handeled my case in a very professional manner. The case was resolved in less than six months. Molly had my best interest in all the negotiations and made sure that I was treated fairly . I am very pleased to have chosen Molly as my lawyer and I do recommend her to my friends.
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24 Jun, 2019 by Nikki
I will forever be grateful to Catharine Blake. She helped me navigate the most painful time of my life: a three-year-long high-conflict divorce. My case ended up settling. Cate is extraordinarily professional, level-headed, practical, direct in her communication, ethical, and extremely knowledgeable about the law. She is also very kind, and I always felt that she cared about me and my two young children. I never questioned Cate’s judgment or the soundness of her reasoning—and I have a standard for comparison because I worked with two family law attorneys (Cate was the second). It’s clear to me that Cate has the highest and most admirable motivation to do this work: to serve people well at an extremely complex and difficult time in their lives, and to advocate for children in the process. I recommend Cate highly and warmly.
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11 Mar, 2010 by Anonymous
If you google the firm Atwood and Cherny you would see an experienced firm with attorneys who represented some high profile cases. One of the cases being the Richard Sharpe case in which the firm represented a Mrs. Karen Sharpe. When we went to the firm for our "consultation" we expected it to be hopeless considering the divorce predicament we had fallen into. Cate was the attorney assigned to our case and through the entire proceedings has been professional, reasonable and encouraging to avoid court rather then go to court. Her knowledge of the court system and her experience with the probate courts made the modification process extremely easy. She not only handled the paper work but her unbiased perspective helped ease tensions from the very unprofessional opposing counsel at the Law Offices of Nicastro in Roslindale. As the opposing counsel purposely avoided Cate in order to up their own clients fees and fired up their client rather than diffuse their clients anger Catharine stayed poised and professional with every contact. One of the most challenging things about being an attorney must be having to deal with opposing counsel and Cate did it in a way that other attorneys would admire. When the bill came it was always a shock, but for the positive. I expected with the amount of emailing, contacting and back and forths from the opposing counsel that the bill would be much higher. Cate and her firm were fair in their minutes and hours. The opposing counsel would send 4 page letters which Im sure would cost the other side hundreds and yet, Cate would merely reply with 1-2 page letters that ignored the he/said she said and stuck to the points at hand. At one point we emailed Cate a long lengthy letter and rather then draft something imeediately that she knew would anger the opposing counsel she asked us to think about our actions and understand the consequences. Once we thought about things we changed a few decisions which resulted in larger gains. We first went to Cate because our previous attorney was a complete fraud and had cost us thousands in damages. Cate, not only made sure the damage didnt get worse but she remedied some of the most important issues we had with the opposing counsel. Because of Cate and Atwood and Cherny's counsel we ended a 6 month battle that would have resulted in thousands of attorney fees and endless court battles. We cannot thank the firm and Cate enough for their patience and courage. I am amazed that this firm was exactly as they had advertised. They are by far an amazing firm and although I cannot post what my final bill was I can definitely tell you, it was nothing compared to what we thought it would be.
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28 Jan, 2016 by William
Kelly is very professional and responsive. She did a superb job of taking a highly contentious and complex divorce and bringing it to a successfully resolved mediation. I really can't thank her enough for helping me navigate an enormously difficult process.
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01 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Kelly is a great attorney whose primary focus, I believe, is divorce law. As a favor to me she assisted me with a business dispute where a lawsuit had been filed against me. She successfully filed a motion to dismiss the plaintiff's complaint within 3 days of my being served with the complaint and the Plaintiff's motion for an attachment. The complaint was dismissed with prejudice on her motion (which was opposed by two attorneys hired by the plaintiff).
I contacted Kelly because more than one of her clients had told me she was an excellant attorney.
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19 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
I worked with the Tony for several years on an extended settlement case in both court and arbitration. He was very knowledgeable, smart, effective, fair. He provided excellent advice on difficult situations regarding what was wrong but not worth pursuing. He listens, works with you to decide a strategy, then effectively carries it through. He is funny which helps in a long case, does not over charge and he is just top of line. I highly recommend him for divorce, for post divorce, for any issue he covers. You will be very happy with his representation. He is a rare person.
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12 Apr, 2008 by Anonymous
Tony is always cool, calm and collected. He was quite responsive and knowledgeable with respect to my complex divorce. I am happy to recommend him.
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08 May, 2014 by Anonymous
I consider myself fortunate to have found Matthew Moore - after having worked with many other lawyers he is by far the easiest to work with. For the first time, I felt I was understood. He really works with you and for you. He is also very pleasant - I would recommend him to anyone.
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08 May, 2014 by Anonymous
My wife and I could not be more pleased with Mr. Moore's services. We asked Mr. Moore to create family trusts, wills etc. for estate planning purposes. We found Mr. Moore to be knowledgable, experienced and above all, patient with us. Being novices, Mr. Moore took the time to breakdown the applicable state and federal laws in order to fully explain our different options as well as the pros and cons of each option. Mr. Moore allowed us to control the process. Instead of just being told what we should do, Mr. Moore utilized his experience and expertise to educate and guide us. We will continue to call upon Mr. Moore for all of our estate planning needs.
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19 Nov, 2021 by Savitha
I worked with Zoe when she was still a law clerk in Barbra Black's firm. She helped me understand the financials, something i had a lot of trouble getting my head around.
Zoe has great attention to detail and follows up on tasks. She became a lawyer while still working on my case! I was very comfortable working with her.
Zoe brought calm to my chaotic situation and that helped me during my contentious divorce! I strongly recommend Zoe! She is awesome.
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15 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
I was so lucky that Zoe joined the Black Law Group just as my case began. Zoe is smart, empathic, diligent, and a great communicator. Zoe's and Barbara's outstanding legal expertise and kindness made the stress of going through this with a crazy ex-spouse bearable. I will be forever grateful for their help and would want them as friends if we had met under other circumstances!
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28 Jan, 2020 by Nicole
Julie Gallup Esq., did an amazing job of my custody case, which was extremely stressful for me. She kept in touch and on track at all times! Julie is very compassionate, and empathetic to any situation. I would highly recommend her.
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19 Apr, 2018 by Karen
Atty Julie Gallup did an amazing job getting my paperwork ready and reponding to my court case. She was very understanding on my financial situation and I do believe she went above and beyond to help me. I will recommend her to everyone that I said in need of legal device regarding divorce and family law.
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21 Mar, 2017 by John
After paying another attorney from Worcester over $10,000.00 over a period of 8 months to amend my divorce decree and getting nowhere, I hired Jim to handle my case . He was easy to work with , quick on his feet, and expertly negotiated a fair agreement in no time at all . He was just plain fantastic. I would give 10 stars if it were allowed. Cant say enough good things. Wish I had met him the first time!
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21 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Jim was willing and capable of negotiating a settlement between myself, my now ex- wife, and her attorney. Jim steered me away from personal actions and communications that may have hurt the chances for a negotiated settlement. My particular situation could have been lucrative for him to litigate as it was complex and there was much discovery that would have accompanied a court battle. However he kept my best interest in mind , avoided litigation, protected my interest as well as possible, and treated my ex - wife with respect. He was bright and really understood the issues which really helped my case. We were able to settle in an very short time compared to stories I have heard from others.
I also believe that negotiation saved both my ex-wife and myself considerable costs. Most importantly it was easier emotionally for the entire family, including our adult children.
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06 Sep, 2015 by Joseph
I was a passenger in a very serious motor vehicle accident. My injuries, which were painful and permanent, left me unable to return to work as a police officer. The accident was not work related and left my family and I with staggering medical expenses and a very uncertain future. Counselor Rossi understood what we were going through, provided us with great legal advice and was readily available to answer the many questions we had. John is a highly skilled attorney and a truly compassionate advocate.
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31 Jul, 2015 by Steve
When a former employer reneged on my employment contract I hired John to make sure I got what I was owed. He negotiated on my behalf and I got everything I was entitled to. I would recommend John to anyone caught in a similar circumstance
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19 Aug, 2022 by Michelle
Attorney Forkner has been a superlative advocate for my family’s best interests for many years. Her knowledge of the law, ability to recall all the pertinent facts (and then some!) and empathy have made a truly traumatic experience more positive and humane than it would have otherwise been, both in terms of her “bedside manners” and, importantly, the results she has achieved for us. She has a winning spirit, attitude and personality that is highly engaging and deeply effective. She will internalize your family’s needs and do her utmost to successfully fight hard for them, with decorum and grace, due assertiveness, quick and logical thinking, deep knowledge of family court process and family law, and, again, powerful results. I give Attorney Forkner my unreserved and highest recommendation.
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25 Feb, 2020 by Libby
Claire Forkner is an intelligent, well spoken, well trained and diligently prepared divorce lawyer. She combines the highest level of professionalism with genuine patience and kindness. As a client I felt listened to, understood and properly represented. There are not enough stars available in this forum to adequately represent how deeply grateful I am to Claire for her work. I almost wish I could get divorced again.
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09 May, 2019 by Angela
I was extremely happy with Attorney Kyziridis. She represented me in a simple issue that my ex-husband made overly complicated. She handled him politely yet firmly and was not willing to compromise on my desired outcome or be distracted by my ex's insane demands.
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01 May, 2019 by Savanna
Sophia is a great attorney. She was very attentive and responsive to our e mails and phone calls and very professional and knowledgeable . Highly recommend Sophia and the Halks Firm for any family/probate case!
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15 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
I am so happy with the help Mary Jane provided! It was the best decision I made going through my divorce. She is experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable. She got me through the worst time of my life in a respectful, effective manner in the least expensive way possible. I highly recommend her!
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15 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
I would highly recommend Ms. Johnson as a divorce attorney. She assisted me through a very difficult and complicated divorce. She was incredibly responsive and knowledgeable and was a calming influence through a very emotional time in my life. Her fees were reasonable given the quality of advice she provided me. She was a life saver!
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30 Jul, 2020 by Deanna
She is amazing kind and a strong women. She does everything in her power to get what you need or want. She never quits. She fights all the way!! Takes her time, always opened minded, consults with you on ever move and a genuine person/ lawyer. I couldn’t have asked or found a better divorce lawyer than her. She’s not out to take your money. She’s out to get what you deserve!!
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10 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
Gayle Stone-Turesky is the best divorce attorney in MA.! She is extremely experienced, very professional, super smart and super competent. Gayle did not pass me on to a less experienced associate. She is very hands on and fought hard to protect me (with great success) in an extremely difficult case. The divorce process was the most difficult, painful experience in my life. I went through two other attorneys before I found Gayle. Gayle brought me through my divorce like a guiding angel.
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24 May, 2014 by Anonymous
I switched to Corona after a disastrous experience with a previous attorney. She handled my case in the utmost diligent, empathetic, efficient manner. A client couldn't ask for any more. As someone with a complicated immigration / marriage case, she was extremely kind, patient, and took the time to address my concerns (which were many) while making sure the case was progressing rapidly through the legal system. She exhibited superior knowledge in her fields, was trustworthy 100% to be on my side, and delivered outstanding results. Her professionalism and excellence shines!
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24 May, 2014 by Anonymous
I switched to Corona after a disastrous experience with a previous attorney. She handled my case in the utmost diligent, empathetic, efficient manner. A client couldn't ask for any more. As someone with a complicated immigration / marriage case, she was extremely kind, patient, and took the time to address my concerns (which were many) while making sure the case was progressing rapidly through the legal system. She exhibited superior knowledge in her fields, was trustworthy 100% to be on my side, and delivered outstanding results. Her professionalism and excellence shines!
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31 May, 2016 by Kathy
Chris helped me draft a contract related to joint ownership of real estate and all the documents related to my estate plan. He is incredibly experienced and knowledgable about the law. He is also detail oriented and makes sure his clients understand the details. He is great at translating the technical details into basic language that non-experts can understand. I highly recommend him without reservation.
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08 Apr, 2019 by Amy
Elisabeth’s intelligence, steady approach, and passion for her work made her an unbelievable asset and support during my divorce process. Her balanced viewpoint and researched approach kept things in perspective during turbulent times, eventually guiding us to an equitable settlement, which would not have been accomplished without her diligence. I cannot overemphasize how highly I recommend her.
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28 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
I was engaged in a complicated divorce in which complex issues of custody, property and finances were strongly contested, argued in court and negotiated with intimidating opposing attorneys. Gale Glazer’s steady, detail-oriented approach and strategic vision strengthened my position and helped me achieve the more equitable outcome I was seeking. Above and beyond this, she was able to provide me with strong references for important professional services such as financial advice, property assessment and guardian ad litem. Gale is an excellent communicator, unrelenting in her advocacy and ultimately a pleasure to work with. Now that the divorce is resolved I look forward to our continued friendship.
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19 Sep, 2018 by Scott
As a lawyer, with over 30 years of experience, I've come to know what a good lawyer looks like and I can tell you it includes the likes of Mary Schmidt and her team. Every once and awhile, a lawyer needs his or her own lawyer to represent them. When I needed a lawyer for a tricky probate litigation matter, there was no question but to seek advice and counsel from Mary Schmidt and her team. She is smart; capable and available, not to mention, extraordinarily hard working and good judgment and common sense. It was a bonus that both the Judge and clerks of the court knew and respected her. I recommend her without reservation.
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06 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired attorney Martin Douglas and he did an excellent job. I recommend him without any reservations
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01 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
I have used this firm for several very different legal jobs, starting in 2006. Each of these jobs has required some basic research in court documents located in different jurisdictions, and then pulling that information together in a research memo to inform investment decisions. The office was same-day responsive to queries, kept me posted about the progress of the investigations, and the final reports were clearly written and useful.
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31 May, 2011 by Donny
You cannot possibly go wrong with this Lawyer .
My divorce took two years but in the end Nancy Freed
saved me a fortune, not to mention 2 buildings on Cape Cod .
I could not have asked for better results ..
She is one Sharp Lawyer !
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27 Jul, 2017 by Diana v perry md
I have taught my children that the single most important decision they will make in their lifetime will be their choice of spouse. Unfortunately, I did not get it right. Thankfully, there are attorney's like Patrice Morse to put your life back together when it falls apart during and after divorce. She will put your needs and the needs of your children first. This woman is a spectacular litigator, is well respected among the Boston area courts, and well known by the judges of Norfolk and Suffolk county as a respectable, highly trained and fair attorney. She takes the time to speak with you, learn your history, and learn the intense, important details of your marriage and why it fell apart. Most importantly, she cares. She cares about your needs and your children's needs. She is so easy to talk to and she knows the law. She does her research then goes to court and will nail your ex-spouse to the wall. She is a fierce attorney who held my hand tight as I sat in the courtroom waiting for a judge to decide the fate of my children and myself. I will never trust another human being like I trust Atty. Patrice Morse. If you are looking for a divorce attorney or for an attorney to deal with absolutely any post divorce issues, she is the one to hire. Do not waste your time looking elsewhere. She is the absolute best and worth triple what she charges.
Diana V. Perry, MD
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27 Mar, 2023 by Seth
Chelsea was fair and worked very hard to affect a fair outcome. She is compassionate and helps to guide her client to gain reasonable and fair outcomes. She thoroughly explains laws, procedures and the impacts of both so that decisions are well thought out. She effects great outcomes for her client and her firm. Being part of a very successful firm, she is the touchstone for that firm.
I am extremely happy to give her this glowing review
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16 May, 2024 by Luke
10 May, 2024 by Nancy mcdonough
Mr. Bigelow, has done a few cases for me, he is an excellent Lawyer. He knows his business. So if your looking for the best in the business, call Blair Bigelow.
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28 Jan, 2024 by Edward kennedy
16 May, 2024 by Luke
10 May, 2024 by Nancy mcdonough
Mr. Bigelow, has done a few cases for me, he is an excellent Lawyer. He knows his business. So if your looking for the best in the business, call Blair Bigelow.
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28 Jan, 2024 by Edward kennedy
16 May, 2024 by Luke
10 May, 2024 by Nancy mcdonough
Mr. Bigelow, has done a few cases for me, he is an excellent Lawyer. He knows his business. So if your looking for the best in the business, call Blair Bigelow.
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28 Jan, 2024 by Edward kennedy
23 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Helen Holcomb is a superb attorney. She represented me in my divorce and ongoing litigation for a period of many years, including successfully defending me in 2 appeals in which I was awarded fees and costs. She, and her team at Cunha and Holcomb, are professional, intelligent, respectful and know the law. They get results and do so ethically. Their office is a pleasure to work with - so important at times when one is going through personal stress. I would HIGHLY recommend Helen Holcomb without reservation!
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16 May, 2024 by Luke
10 May, 2024 by Nancy mcdonough
Mr. Bigelow, has done a few cases for me, he is an excellent Lawyer. He knows his business. So if your looking for the best in the business, call Blair Bigelow.
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28 Jan, 2024 by Edward kennedy
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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.
