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03 May, 2024 by Jason
I went through two lawyers (liars) who I will happily name when asked, who lied about their experiences and the knowldege they retained relatedly to my divorce. Upon further research I was blessed to meet with Gail Petrich from whom I recieved many names of attorneys she believed could help me. In the end it come down to one.
Jill Rappin.
My divorce was horrific because of the Attachment Based Parental Alientation being pepretuated onto my children from my former spouse. Jill, having studied extensively about ABPA knew exactly how to approach the situation in court. Her expertise was "BAR NONE" as we dealt with the contentious divorce as well as everything the previous attorneys screwed up.
The process ended with heartbreaking outcomes that scream to the archaic perspective, knowldege, and approach of the Family Court System. But, as far as Jill Rappin is concerned, I know that if I would have discovered her earlier in my divorce process the outome would have been dramatically different.
I will never seek another attorney than Jill Rappin.
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25 Apr, 2018 by Melissa
Jill is a great family law attorney. She genuinely cares about the family's of the cases she takes on. She is smart, honest and clever when it comes to practicing law. During my family law case I always felt she was on my side, that she really cared about what happened to me and my family. Jill is honest with you about your case and what all the possibility could be. I never felt that I did't know what to expect or what was happening. Jill always kept me informed. She is a great attorney, sharp, smart and a quick thinker. We had to go to trial on my case and she represented me wonderfully! She is always prepared and came to court ready to win! I would recommend Jill to anyone who needs a family law attorney. My case was very complicated and she got me the outcome I was looking for. I am 100% confident she would be able to do the same for others as well.
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25 Apr, 2018 by Penny
Jill Rappin is an amazing lawyer. She is knowledgeable and well respected in her field. Jill worked on my case for almost 3 years on and off. She was well prepared for court and always had my best interest in mind. I would highly recommend Jill Rappin.
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26 Apr, 2021 by Cynthia
I contacted Terry with questions about a legal matter. He took his time to explain the issue to me. He did not jump onto how much I need to pay him first like so many attorneys do these days. Not only was his advice sound it was also cost-effective. Hard to find in today's environment. Highly recommend.
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12 Jan, 2012 by Mr. jaime reyes
Terry Slaw is the best divorce lawyer you can hire. Terry is very thorough knowledgeable, professional, punctual and well respected in the court system. Terry has integrity and operates with a high code of ethics . Terry cares when it comes down to a custody battle in a divorce. Terry will work diligently to win his case. I am very satisfied with his work. Terry represented me in my divorce and my kids custody .
Great Job Terry
Thank you.
Divorce can be emotional and confusing , contact Mr. Terry Slaw he will help you.
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20 Nov, 2023 by Steve
Irina helped us with the case, perfect experience, always answers all you questions. Reasonable pricing. Highly recommended!
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04 Apr, 2023 by Denis
Irina is the best! She was my immigration lower. She and her office are very professional!
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29 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Irina Kameristy. She is very professional. She helped me through my immigration process.
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17 Jan, 2022 by Daniela
I consulted this attorney with special education questions. They were very professional, they knew the extent of law that was reasonable to our rights. They had other professional recommendations that were useful in our concerns. I recommend their knowledge of the school district and the help that they provided during a process I sought out help navigating.
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19 Jun, 2018 by Disappointed
My son has special needs that are not evident when you look at him. I paid Charlie a lot of money to help get my child into a better education situation than the one in his school district. Charlie made assumptions without ever meeting my child. As a result, I lost thousands, my child had to spend another year in a hellish situation where he was bullied and humiliated, and I have had to hire a different attorney who will do the homework and get to know my child.
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25 Jan, 2022 by Ryan
Very disrespectful. In our first call I had to say “let me finish” three times before he stopped interrupting me.
Took him 12 days to confirm receipt of an email. The secretary and other lawyer who were cc’d on it didn’t reply either.
Office staff refuse to give him a message and only send you to his voicemail (he wasn’t responding, so that’s why I called the office).
He forgot what we talked about for 45 minutes.
He didn’t hold the other party accountable to the things we had both agreed on—and he was on the call when we agreed!
He couldn’t produce any results, so I had to stop working with him.
He charges $400/hour for this—save your money!
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02 Mar, 2018 by Steven
Thank you for caring about my children and through your actions giving them a future that and I hope and believe will now be bright. The most important thing an attorney, a child rep or anyone can do is look after the children of our world. You helped look after mine, and my wife and I really appreciate it.
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01 Mar, 2018 by Ngm
I found Marc to be thorough and very patient during a most traumatic time in my life. I was involved in a never ending custody battle. He was very empathetic and great with my child. He helped end this court case where others had failed. He worked hard on my case and got me the results that are in my child's best interest. I am grateful to Marc and he and my child still have a connection. My child cannot wait to play chess with him again!
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16 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
This man is not well thought of by judges and argues cases only to get continuances. Charges a lot for having you prepare a few days ahead. Find someone else!
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22 May, 2021 by Anonymous
He helped me through a tough time, my ex won the Illinois state lottery and used his financial power to try and take my child from me. Marshall wrote a memorandum in my case and put his knowledgeable power into action and we won. I won walking into his office from day one. Always will be grateful
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01 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Stay clear, as others reviewed Marshall will just drag your case with endless motions that go no where. He is disrespected by the Court, Judges and colleagues. He will take all your money and accomplish nothing. Talks a big game with no results! Never prepared for court and stumbles his way through arguments, as if he gave no consideration or planning prior to appearing. Waits to a day or two before court to prepare and has you scrambling to do most of the leg work while collecting big checks. Does not have a end plan and just wants continuances and senseless motions to be able to collect more money. You will feel like you are his bank. Stay clear, you have been warned.
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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.
