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12 Apr, 2018 by Rivka
Mr. Lamm is one of the best lawyers out there. He really cares about his clients. He is honest and will let you know what to expect.
He helped me a lot though my complicated divorce he was compassionate, caring and made me feel I’m in good hands. He fought really hard for me and was very invested in my case. Unlike most lawyers he was always responsive and got back to me right away. even late at night. The most amazing thing was that long afterwards he was still there for me for any question or concern free of charge. Michael is a really special man. you can’t find a better attorney!
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24 Sep, 2013 by Michael
Michael represented me as my attorney for my divorce 7 years ago. I still recommend him to others as he was with out a doubt great. My divorce wasn't complicated but one of the two people who I referred him to had a messy divorce. She was more then happy with him as well.
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19 Nov, 2024 by Ofri mann
Daniel helped us close on our first home - he was very professional and responsive, and was happy to answer our many questions.
I highly recommend Daniel, and will definitely work with him again.
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22 Sep, 2024 by Adam shelly
16 Sep, 2024 by Christopher friedella
My family and I hired Daniel Kaplin as our attorney for a real estate sale & closing. Daniel was extremely responsive, diligent, straightforward and knowledgeable. My family and I would highly recommend Daniel, he was great to work with.
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07 Aug, 2024 by John-paul kocot
Kiva Waters and the Waters Law Group were there every step of the way through the entire process. She took care of everything, answered every question that I had, and helped me through a complicated process with both compassion and dedication. I highly recommend the Waters Law Group to everyone.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Reshonah bennett
Kiva Waters of Waters Law Group did an exceptional job walking me through the process of Bankruptcy. She was passionate, knowledgeable, determined and compassionate about my financial situation and long term goals. Her game plan throughout the process was strategic and I am finally no longer overwhelmed and I am debt free! Peace of Mind ❤️
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07 Aug, 2024 by Mena cammett
Waters Law Group has provided excellent service and peace of mind! Kiva is a champion for her clients - expert, responsive, and caring. I would definitely recommend this practice.
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08 Apr, 2015 by Paula
In the toughest court in the land, Manhattan Divorce court, where the majority of lawyers play couples against each other, using children as pawns. Seth stepped in and put our kids mental well being first and expedited a speedy end to an extremely emotionally painful case. Thank you Seth M. Kaufman.
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02 Mar, 2010 by Anonymous
Great experience! Attentive, personal, reasonably priced. Very happy with the experience.
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29 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
A complete professional who treats his clients with respect and knows what he's doing at a reasonable price.
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16 Oct, 2009 by Emily sachar
Rare is the attorney with Matt Kazansky's intelligence, compassion, legal knowledge and courtroom acumen. He handled a recent motion by my husband's ex-wife for an upward modification of child support. Matt beat back the motion and my husband won hands-down in the form of a complete dismissal of the case. In fact, my husband didn't even have to testify because Matt shrewdly saw how thin the evidence was and knew he didn't need to jeopardize my husband's testimony to win the case.
Matt prepared thoroughly for the court date. He interviewed both me and my husband multiple times, took copious notes and reviewed reams of court documents. But his bills were low. Matthew met with us in person and held several phone conferences. He returned calls very promptly, and he is available by e-mail, cell phone and office phone.
Matt is also a very caring person. And he's social in just the right ways. He works the courtroom and he knows the judges and magistrates; he has a very easygoing style but has a shark's temperament. It's a perfect combination.
And, most important, he knows the law like the back of his hand. Matrimonial law is his specialty, but he has handled all sorts of other matters for us, including labor cases.
In the child support matter, Matt researched case law prodigiously, and he used his findings to great effect in the courtroom. He was such a pro through and through.
I can't recommend Matt highly enough. He is going to rise through the ranks quickly. So grab him while you can -- when he's young, eager, and filled with verve for his profession (and while his fees are still so reasonable).
Matt is a winner and he will do a winning job any client he represents!
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16 May, 2018 by Samuel
I have been doing business for many years and was searching for a new attorney to handle my real estate business. I was recommended Irina by a good friend and colleague. She has been handling my real estate transactions for 3 years now and I am very pleased. I highly recommend her. She is always extremely professional, courteous, extremely diligent and hard working.
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20 May, 2017 by Melanie
Richard Bonfiglio has been my divorce case lawyer for almost 7 years. He is genuinely skilled in the practice and never miss the opportunity to educate me about the law. On trial, he circumvented his opponent without an inch of attitude in order to gain respect and agreement from judge. Capable of quickly process large volumes of information due to solid professional knowledge and calm attitude, Richard is also blessed with excellent math, writing and memory skills. During the course of the trial, the judge noted Richard's unusually modest fees request, to which this lawyer answer was : "I can work by myself, no need for extras ". Richard Bonfiglio is now happily retired and lives in a peaceful country environment with his family. I am glad that I could leave this review today
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17 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
got me out of a dirty litigation case we setteled things calmly and affectivly via mediation
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29 Jun, 2016 by Connie white
In the most part there is nothing more frighting then to face a Criminal or even Family court matter, though the most one could ask in either situation is to be Blessed with an attorney, that will not only have compassion, insight, strength an courage to hold on keep you Believing an yours eyes set on the goal you would dream to be achieved. I could not be telling you for no other reason of gain or favor, but to have found such an Attorney as Mrs. Alison Hart in my Criminal an Family Court Matters. In all the struggles that go on around us today in our daily lives, the one less thing to have never worried about was my attorney an her determination an confidence in her self an in cases. A truth in a world of lies. Thank You so so much Mrs. Hart.
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25 May, 2016 by David levine
I hired this lawyer for my divorce. He was impatient, uncommunicative and did not return my phone calls. He must have had several other jobs. When I hired him he quoted an estimated price. It cost a great deal more. Only good thing is I got my divorce eventually. Otherwise one star
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14 Mar, 2017 by Kimberly
When I was faced with a lawsuit, I was clueless on how to begin to defend myself legally. It's a big decision when choosing the right representation. Luckily I met with Yuriy and he defended me for almost 3 years. He is trustworthy, intelligent,down to earth and realistic. He gave me my options and fought hard on my behalf every step of the way from discovery to depositions. He was always in communication with me on the progress of my case. I highly reccomend him and if I should ever need future counsel, I would hire again.
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22 Oct, 2018 by Feng
Legally ending a marriage involves a number of decisions, from dividing finances to visitation schedules.
Divorce (or dissolution of marriage) is a legal ending of a marriage and the unwinding of your life from your spouse’s. To initiate a divorce, one spouse will file a divorce petition, then both spouses will come to an agreement that divides any property or responsibilities, including the custody of any children.
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04 Aug, 2024 by Magtoria magnificent
Outstanding firm. They communicate extremely well with the client and fight until the end to get what is deserved.
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30 May, 2024 by Anna mq
I am beyond pleased with my experience . From the first meeting Pawel explained everything to me and was always very responsive when I had questions. If anyone is looking for a knowledgeable attorney I highly recommend Pawel and his law office.
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22 Mar, 2024 by Joanna sul
I would highly recommend Green & Szymanski Law Firm.
Amazing support .
I am very happy with the outcome.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Paul luz
Kevin provided us with invaluable information and guidance regarding our visa concerns. We were initially quite confused about our next steps, but Kevin patiently addressed all our questions in detail, providing clear and reassuring answers. His prompt responses and expert advice were instrumental in helping us determine the best course of action. We highly recommend his services.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Eileen o' riordan
Kevin has represented me whike working in Red Hat. He not only helped me but people in my team navigate the world of immigration from Ireland to India and Brazil. Kevin is thoughtful and listens . He is diligient and you alkways know where your application stands. You are in good hands with Kevin
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16 Apr, 2024 by Lucy rafter
I had an excellent experience with Kevin. He gave me really helpful tips in the process of obtaining my visa. His advice was accurate and clear. He made the process very easy for me. Thank you, Kevin!
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13 Dec, 2024 by Paul luz
Kevin provided us with invaluable information and guidance regarding our visa concerns. We were initially quite confused about our next steps, but Kevin patiently addressed all our questions in detail, providing clear and reassuring answers. His prompt responses and expert advice were instrumental in helping us determine the best course of action. We highly recommend his services.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Eileen o' riordan
Kevin has represented me whike working in Red Hat. He not only helped me but people in my team navigate the world of immigration from Ireland to India and Brazil. Kevin is thoughtful and listens . He is diligient and you alkways know where your application stands. You are in good hands with Kevin
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16 Apr, 2024 by Lucy rafter
I had an excellent experience with Kevin. He gave me really helpful tips in the process of obtaining my visa. His advice was accurate and clear. He made the process very easy for me. Thank you, Kevin!
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26 Jan, 2025 by Jay gonzales
THE BEST IN THE GAME !!! HANDS DOWN THE BEST ATTORNEYS I’VE EVER HAD!! I MADE THE DECISION TO SWITCH ATTORNEYS BECAUSE MY LAST ATTORNEYS WERE NOWHERE NEAR AS PROFESSIONAL,HELPFUL AND APPRECIATIVE AND SINCERE THIS FIRM IS!! I WILL SAY THIS .. THEY WILL DO EVERYTHING IN THERE POWER TO HELP YOU!!! I AM WRITING IN ALL CAPS BECAUSE THIS IS HOW POWERFUL THERE LEGAL TEAM IS!! THESE PEOPLE HAVE BECOME MY FAMILY FROM MY HEART!! & CANT FORGET THE LOVELY TIFF!! THANK YOU GUYS SOO MUCH .. ROSS & HILL WILL ALWAYS BE MY NUMBER 1 !!!
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22 Oct, 2024 by Autumn boone
As for someone who is a victim of sexual assault. I came across this law firm hoping to be taken as a client but unfortunately this did not happen. Don’t get me wrong, the staff is very nice. However, they make it seem like you are talking to Norma for the 1 hour intake call on the website but really you are speaking to a Law Clerk named Roshelle who was also very nice. I did not appreciate the fact, they didn’t have the decency to call me to tell me the unfortunate news. I had to scroll through a bunch of emails to find an email from Norma. If you have to pay a $275 fee (only refundable if they don’t take you as a client) just for a person to get information about your legal situation when other lawyers do it for free is kind of crazy.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Bharat lande
28 Feb, 2025 by Daniel sanchez
Un excelente personal, me trataron con mucha amabilidad
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20 Feb, 2025 by Thomas styles
Avoid this firm at all costs. They led me on for months and would take weeks to review documents and continually request more just for them to ultimately drop my case. They take wasting people’s time to the extreme.
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02 Dec, 2024 by J
The best attorney of New York and helps every step of the way. They give you care package when you complete the retainer online with them. In addition they only work with workers compensation. I recommend to any employee, family and friends. Thank you Markhoff & Mittman, P.C.
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28 Feb, 2025 by Daniel sanchez
Un excelente personal, me trataron con mucha amabilidad
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20 Feb, 2025 by Thomas styles
Avoid this firm at all costs. They led me on for months and would take weeks to review documents and continually request more just for them to ultimately drop my case. They take wasting people’s time to the extreme.
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02 Dec, 2024 by J
The best attorney of New York and helps every step of the way. They give you care package when you complete the retainer online with them. In addition they only work with workers compensation. I recommend to any employee, family and friends. Thank you Markhoff & Mittman, P.C.
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16 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Attorney failed to provide explanation of fees, required high upfront retainer, failed to provide itemized accounting of costs, neglected to provide any court hearing paperwork, and refuses to account for or return unspent retainer after numerous requests.
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07 Mar, 2017 by Scott
Attorney Richard Batelman and his staff not only met but exceeded my expectations. Having been introduced to his office via referral by the Brooklyn Bar Association, I too would now highly recommend him and his support staff. Both the strengths and weaknesses of my rent-dispute case were explained, thereby allowing me to weigh the risks against the potential rewards of going to full trial versus settling. Subsequent to an agreement by both adversarial parties on terms to resolve our dispute, Batelman remained engaged throughout the follow-through process to ensure that the agreed-upon terms were properly enacted. In conclusion, Batelman and his staff impressed me as professional, knowledgable and cordial. My experience was a positive one.
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01 Mar, 2016 by Rebecca
We hired Mr. Batelman to help us mediate with and eventually evict one of the worst tenants we have ever seen. He not only gave sound advice, but was also responsive to our every need---which was often! He stayed in constant contact via phone, text and email. He kept us up-to-date with every drama this tenant created. He is honestly the best attorney we have ever dealt with. You can tell he takes pride in what he does.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Ardasher zuurov
26 Nov, 2024 by Shakhram
He helped me find a good solution for my deportation status. I made a very good choice with him
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14 Oct, 2024 by Mukin kabirov
Супер он советую его
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23 Feb, 2025 by Diane baker
Great service very informative the staffs are knowledgeable and professional.
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01 Feb, 2025 by Lisa compe
He service was prompt, professional and achieved very positive results. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of representation.
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25 Jan, 2025 by Michael
I have known Peter since law school. He is an extremely competent trial attorney who is not afraid to take a case to verdict.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Mike rizzo
Words can't describe how happy I am that I used Mr. Perskin. I was in a pretty gnarly situation (to say the least) and from the moment we met, he showed immense confidence, listened to me, and fought super SUPER hard for me. It was a relief and gave me so much satisfaction to see how much he got my back (which i didn't have previously). His communication was A+ and in the end I was able to avoid a trial because of him. He kept me honest, managed my expectations, and also i really loved working with his son Jared, that dude is GOING PLACES! I will recommend Brian to everyone and also has an awesome book! thank you thank you!!
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29 Oct, 2024 by Sean paul
Terrible law firm. Did not even take the time to listen to my case he just rushed me off the phone. Do not use this law firm. Horrible!!!
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29 Jan, 2024 by B n
Paid to have my review removed! Cried in court about the truth of their firm ignoring my calls and emails, threatened to give it to judge to further hurt my child custody case, but rachel will speak up in court to give the judge a copy of the google review... looser liberals firm that quit when i went to law enforcement courses. Does not back the Blue...
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09 Nov, 2024 by Salome johannes
Stay away from this law firm. Their m.o. has not changed in years. Someone posted five years ago how Mr. Goldberg gave them the run around. He does the same to me and I am his client! He never returns my phone calls or my emails. I called the office recently and left a message for his partner and nothing. They don't value their clients. Go elsewhere. Had I known what I know now, I would have gone to a different law firm.
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29 Jul, 2018 by Adriane simmons
19 Mar, 2018 by Jassy pha
09 Nov, 2024 by Salome johannes
Stay away from this law firm. Their m.o. has not changed in years. Someone posted five years ago how Mr. Goldberg gave them the run around. He does the same to me and I am his client! He never returns my phone calls or my emails. I called the office recently and left a message for his partner and nothing. They don't value their clients. Go elsewhere. Had I known what I know now, I would have gone to a different law firm.
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29 Jul, 2018 by Adriane simmons
19 Mar, 2018 by Jassy pha
09 Nov, 2024 by Salome johannes
Stay away from this law firm. Their m.o. has not changed in years. Someone posted five years ago how Mr. Goldberg gave them the run around. He does the same to me and I am his client! He never returns my phone calls or my emails. I called the office recently and left a message for his partner and nothing. They don't value their clients. Go elsewhere. Had I known what I know now, I would have gone to a different law firm.
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29 Jul, 2018 by Adriane simmons
19 Mar, 2018 by Jassy pha
20 Dec, 2024 by Hector rivera
This firm communicated excellently throughout the entire process, made no mistakes and missed no deadlines. They also optimized the experience so everything was digital and easy to sign and submit. Thank you for making us comfortable throughout a very vulnerable and intimate process.
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28 Sep, 2024 by Corazon
Mala la comida no tiene variedades
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03 Aug, 2024 by Kessie nyomah
09 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms Charles was easy to talk to about my marital problems. She advocated for me to receive an allowance, health and dental insurance and other well needed services from my estranged husband.
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10 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
I came to know Ms. Charles through the recommendation of a very satisfied client that had custodial and support needs similar to mine. She was very professional and well versed in the relevant laws. Ms. Charles has tremendous negotiation skills. Her strategy sessions made me feel like my needs were in good hands and I can trust they would be met. I’ve never known another lawyer more prepared or focused. Nothing seems to rattle Ms. Charles or distract her from the goal on a case, which of course, makes her extremely tough to beat. I strongly recommend Ms. Charles for her highly strategic and professional representation.
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05 Aug, 2015 by Amir
This letter, testimonial, is to express my satisfaction with the Law office and personal work of attorney Vernita Charles.
My family and I met Ms. Charles at a time when we were in a very stressful situation, with our house being in foreclosure. We had consulted with brokers who weren't always informative or as professional as they should have been. We had already consulted with real estate attorneys who asked for lots money up front, without much of a commitment on their end. People who were very slow in returning emails and phone calls. We were just about at wits end.
Alas, we were referred to the law office of Attorney Vernita Charles. From the very first day we met her we knew we were in good hands. She took charge immediately, with professionalism, courtesy and respect. The confidence that she exhibited gave us a sense of confidence and well being that we had not felt in a long time.
Ms. Charles took us from not being able to afford the monthly mortgage, and being faced with eviction from our home, to a new mortgage that is very affordable for us.
We are now enjoying our house again, looking forward to facing every day with confidence and a sense of security.
Sincerely,
Amir
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25 Oct, 2024 by Lil gas
18 Oct, 2024 by Esam krakor
أكتب لأعرب عن عميق امتناني لمكتب مايكل الـ ووكر لتمثيلك المتميز في حالتي. لقد كان لخبرتك وتفانيك دور فعال في تحقيق نتيجة ناجحة.
لقد كان أسلوبك الاستراتيجي واهتمامك بالتفاصيل استثنائيًا حقًا. إن دعمكم الذي لا يتزعزع واحترافيتكم لم يفلح في قضيتي فحسب، بل جلب أيضًا ارتياحًا كبيرًا خلال فترة صعبة.
أنا ممتن جدًا لعملك الجاد والتزامك. لقد كان من دواعي سروري العمل معكم.
و شكر و عرفان خاص للمساعدة فاطمة الذي كانت بمثابة الأخت إنسانة صادقة و صبورة و مخلصة في العمل
لقد وفرت قدرتك على التعامل مع المسائل القانونية المعقدة بسهولة راحة البال والوضوح الذي أحتاجه للمضي قدمًا.
إن سلوكك المهني وتفانيك في قضيتي لم يوفرا لي الأمان فحسب، بل تجاوز توقعاتي حقًا.
إنني أقدر بشدة عملك الجاد وسأوصي بكل سرور بخدماتكم للآخرين الذين قد يحتاجون إلى مساعدة
أرجو أن تتقبلوا شكري العميق على التزامكم والخدمة الممتازة التي قدمتموها. لقد كان موضع تقدير حقًا.
مع أطيب التحياتي: عصام كركور
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11 Oct, 2024 by Fatiha elsadki
I recently worked with Michael L. Walker for my immigration case, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the service I received. From the initial consultation to the final resolution, he demonstrated exceptional knowledge and professionalism. He was always available to answer my questions and guided me through the process with clarity.
I also want to highlight his assistant, Fatima. She was incredibly patient and supportive throughout the entire process, making sure I felt comfortable and informed every step of the way. Her excellent communication skills made a significant difference.
Overall, I highly recommend Michael L. Walker Esq and his team for anyone seeking immigration services. They truly care about their clients and deliver outstanding results.
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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.
