Lawyers map
>200
experienced lawyers
Filter by
13 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
I hired Charles for my divorce and although my divorce was finalized pretty quickly, I am very unhappy with how things went. He confused me on two separate occasions with a different client, with one time having an entire conversation about 'going to court' before realizing he had the wrong person. My documents written were too vague and had to hire an additional lawyer to write an addendum upon hearing that my divorce was finalized. I was very dissatisfied with how things went and am very disappointed with how much money I spent on mediocre service.
Read more
31 Jul, 2022 by Weslyn
Mr Messina was very knowledgeable and kept it real! He did not recommend pursuit of my case as he said it was a hit or miss. He seemed straightforward and honest. I would love to have him for representation. I would recommend anyone to at least talk to him and consider him for representation.
Read more
09 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
I contacted Chuck due to him having stellar reviews all over the inter webs. I had a few questions for a legal matter and he advised me within hours. I hope I don’t need him. But if I do I can tell that I would be in good hands.
Read more
12 Jun, 2018 by Davette
I write this review knowing that Dave has moved on into a different career field but I just wanted to say he was a phenomenal lawyer.
My case was probably like no other he had encountered because he told me so but Dave worked diligently on my case that involved spoofing, fake Facebook accounts, and someone impersonating an attorney. There were people who conspired against me to ruin my reputation and my family relationships. I can't even begin to express my sincere gratitude to Dave for uncovering the truth and dispelling a bunch of lies. My life was seriously affected because of viciousness and jealousy. I thank you David for proving beyond doubt that nothing that was said or done was done by me and for helping to mend relationships that had been broken because of this incident. I am forever indebted to you and grateful that you believed in me considering the craziness of the situation.
Read more
06 Jun, 2018 by Karen
Dave was a godsend during the hardest time of my life; escaping a very abusive violent marriage, also involving my 3 children effected by abuse. He stood by me, helped me stay focused & at times sane in the face of my psychopathic husband andhis never ending head games.
I can't Thank you enough Dave, its not over yet I miss you greatly But am so happy your following your path & goals. Your support & legal knowledge is still helping me fight for myself & my children!
Read more
10 May, 2018 by Shawn
Dave was excellent in my situation my sibling my situation was complicated I I had several issues that had to be resolved and he resolved all of them he simultaneously took care of a legal issue and the matrimonial issue together he was very concerned about me and my situation I had several times when I change my mind about situations but he always reminded me that certain things were a waste of time and money and he was always looking out for my best interest he was always there when I called he always return my emails and he set up a very good settlement for me it was excellent but I decided to converted to a separation agreement which turned out to be maybe not the greatest idea but the settlement he did get me was excellent in the best settlement I could get under the terms I know everyone is not satisfied with the job that attorneys sometimes do but I have to speak from a personal point of view this attorney was very caring he took the time to really formulate my case people have to remember that is not only the attorney that prepares your case but you are also responsible for some of that stuff also meaning your behavior at the end of the day I would highly recommend this attorney wherever he's at
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Jimmy santos
I have no idea what happened I was called in sat down and this lady without hesitation tells me that a judge don't care the new laws don't help tenants. I'm being evicted because I refuse to do yard work for free after 15 years so he wants me out. I refused the eviction notice what is happening
Read more
03 Jul, 2024 by Elizabeth reger
This attorney office is God awful. They support the other side and are against low income individuals. They are obviously an organization that supports the real estate market and contributes to putting people on benefits in the street. Sharon, a lawyer there lied and said Good Cause Eviction Law wasn't good across NYS and went against Assemblyman Pat Burke's office. I called to make sure my illegal, discriminatory eviction case was closed, and at first told me it was closed, then proceeded to give me 5 outcomes and go against Pat Burke's office and NYS Division of Human Rights Bronx, NY. She then told me I supposedly had no understanding of the Good Cause Eviction Law. Sharon ought to be fired and get a job at something she is good at, not law.
Read more
22 Feb, 2024 by Jean klimczyk
Best landlord/tenant defense. My problems started when I was admitted to the hospitsl for six
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Jimmy santos
I have no idea what happened I was called in sat down and this lady without hesitation tells me that a judge don't care the new laws don't help tenants. I'm being evicted because I refuse to do yard work for free after 15 years so he wants me out. I refused the eviction notice what is happening
Read more
03 Jul, 2024 by Elizabeth reger
This attorney office is God awful. They support the other side and are against low income individuals. They are obviously an organization that supports the real estate market and contributes to putting people on benefits in the street. Sharon, a lawyer there lied and said Good Cause Eviction Law wasn't good across NYS and went against Assemblyman Pat Burke's office. I called to make sure my illegal, discriminatory eviction case was closed, and at first told me it was closed, then proceeded to give me 5 outcomes and go against Pat Burke's office and NYS Division of Human Rights Bronx, NY. She then told me I supposedly had no understanding of the Good Cause Eviction Law. Sharon ought to be fired and get a job at something she is good at, not law.
Read more
22 Feb, 2024 by Jean klimczyk
Best landlord/tenant defense. My problems started when I was admitted to the hospitsl for six
Read more
07 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
My husband hired her , then after 3 months we realized that she has no clue what she was doing.
But it took time to find a new lawyer . We spent over ten thousand dollars for a case which she was totally clueless. Finally we got a better result with a new attorney.
I wouldn’t recommend Lana Tupchik to anyone.
Read more
25 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
SCAM. She takes $250 for a consultation and does nothing. Hurt me as survivor domestic violence as she tricked me. Failed to provide any legal advice or a retainer. Completely unprofessional and draining as an experience, the opposite of holistic. Save yourself the annoyance and time, and money. This is how the fake attorneys sound that takes your money.
Good Morning Miss ____
Thank you for your email, I wish you the best of luck in finding the attorney you are looking for, it was my pleasure speaking with you.
Good luck and best wishes,
Lana
Read more
09 May, 2021 by Anonymous
In 2020 I hired Ms.Lana to represent me in a Family Court matter. Before I engaged her to represent me, I had spoken to other attorneys who seemed more interested in the retainer and fees than in my concerns. Due to my past experiences I had absolutely no faith in the Legal System and did not think that there was an attorney who would really care about my situation. When I met Ms. Lana all of that changed. She was truly a gift from God. She definitely is the attorney you want on your side. She fights for you from the beginning until the end. She has your best interest at heart. Ms. Lana wants to know how you feel about situations and will not just make her own decision without discussing things with you first. She keeps you fully informed. She is a great listener, caring, compassionate and understanding. She is never to busy too address any concerns that you may have. Ms. Lana always responds to emails, text messages and calls very promptly. Ms. Lana is the best! I assure you that if you hire her you will not be disappointed!
Read more
12 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
I had to hire Chris because my previous attorney never returned emails and went through lots of money in just one month. Within days of taking on my case we are headed to a resolution. I highly recommend Chris to anyone needing a matrimonial attorney.
Read more
10 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Made my divorce a living hell. Had to hire another attorney who said it was the worst divorce agreement he has ever seen. He conviently “lost”my file of 4 years. New lawyer trying to fix all of his mistakes. Total incompetent. Don’t trust him at all!
Read more
06 Mar, 2024 by Patty y-s
I'd rate higher if it was an option. Maureen is always professional, very knowledgeable, compassionate, timely, friendly, and successful!
Read more
01 Sep, 2023 by John knope
03 Nov, 2022 by Cassie brenner
Retireing soon ....don't waste your time
Read more
03 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Terrible terrible terrible woman!! I hired her to help me with my custody/visitation case and she completely let my ex win custody of my children and I was left with nothing but 2 weekends a month! She failed to listen to me on what I wanted she instead only did what she wanted to do. She was very rushy and wanted the case to be done and over with as soon as possible with whatever results my ex wanted. Do not hire this crazy lady. She gives everyone dirty looks and always has an attitude when talking to people. She talks down to everyone as well. Stay far away from her!! Nothing but disappointment and nastiness from her.
Read more
05 Jun, 2015 by Frank
Words cannot explain how pleased I am with Cate as an attorney, She is trustworthy, responsive, knowledgeable, and has always kept me informed.
Please disregard the previous bogus comments. This is a competitive business, and the best people in the industry are not always the most well liked. Cate is a great person. She works incredibly hard for her client. Enough said. She is widely recognized as a top tier attorney by her peers and that is why I chose her.
Read more
04 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Cate did nothing but great things for my family. Although divorce can be a very difficult time, Cate did her best to find harmony between both sides. Her insight, credentials, and years of experience are truly unmatched in this industry and she is without a doubt one of the top attorneys in the area. Furthermore, she cares about her clients and is in the business for all of the right reasons. I would gladly refer Cate to any of my friends or family going through a similar situation.
Read more
15 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Incompetent, poorly advised me, did not return phone calls, emails. I would not recommend her to anyone.
Read more
11 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Mindy was recommended to us by an attorney friend. She is busy and does take some time to return emails, however, her assistance is always there when needed. Very knowledgable and friendly.
Read more
20 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Ms. Marraca was assigned to me. She has not responded to any emails or voice messages left. While I understand that she has a busy job, unanswered messages is not encouraging and completely unprofessional. We will be seeking another attorney to represent our case.
Read more
15 Jun, 2024 by Lisa c
My first visit with her with my traumatized children after leaving my abusive ex-husband was spent listening to her finish up a call with someone setting up an ice cream date for her own children. Obviously, this was a few years ago, but I spent many years cleaning up the damage that her “representation” of my kids did. She’s the worst kind of human being - a person who spends their existence gleaning adoration from what she does for others while being completely inept and borderline cruel to those who have to deal with her. She caused our family so much pain. I’m so grateful that my now adult boys are doing well, but it’s definitely despite her - she made things so much worse for them.
Read more
15 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Mary Anne represents children but it shows in court that she also fights for the wrong party. Maryanne isn’t just about the children she literally puts kids in the hands of the wrong caregivers. She doesn’t just fight for children she fights to keep children with unfit grandparents and away from very capable fathers. If you are a male and need a child’s attorney please look elsewhere because you aren’t going to get anywhere with this one.
Read more
17 May, 2011 by Chris
Mary Anne is an attorney for our young child. At first I was concerned about if a lawyer would treat a child properly in terms of court proceedings. After her first visit my daughter just wanted to go back and visit with 'the lady she just met' again. I'm not sure how things will fully pan out in our case, but so far she seems like a really terrific attorney, with the very best of intentions towards our child.
Read more
10 Jan, 2023 by Shaun
Reading the other 3 reviews honestly made me sad. We are all human after all... and she obvious has issues just like all of us... And while she personally could relate to my case do to a family member... I cant help but feel let down with the results we had.
I had to advocate for myself... and thank god I held my ground. She was ready to plea for something that would have cost me a year of my life... Instead... She asked the judge for what I wanted... and the Judge approved the conditional discharge.
What bothers me the most is I had 2 charges... and the one she told me to keep (cuz 1 was throw away) Has cost me several job opportunities... That the other charge wouldnt have. I literally was Hired and fired due to the choice of taking the 1 Misdemeanor.
And while it was hard to get a hold of her... I think she did care but maybe had too much on her plate.
This was also in 2014, so maybe things are better now. I wouldnt say dont go to her, I think she really does carel But you need to gage it for yourself. Remember, most ppl dont post positive reviews, they only post when they are really upset.
Read more
27 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
after representing me in a case she told me how she promised to fight for me and counter sue and how she would make the other side pay for all the damage they had done, but after doing the bare minimum she never returned my phone call after wards and then told me i was harrasing her because i called several months later to get an update.... DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY WITH HER GET YOUR SELF A FREE LAWYER WHO WILL DO MORE THEN HER
Read more
10 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Gail does the bare minimum as a laywer. She can not even return a simple phone. I've been working with her for 6 months now. There has been no improvement in my family court case. Its like it went stagnant. Do NOT waste your money. Your child's life is on the line and Gail will not fight for you.
Read more
20 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
If I could select zero stars, I would. My spouse had used Ms. Bestine in a previous court matter, working with her for approximately a year on a very complex case. Fast forward 6 years later, we contacted Ms. Bestine with a major update via email at the beginning of March, explaining that we would need to have a consult prior to our court date at the end of March. She sent a very snarky response stating that she did not have time to deal with this and that she does not advise over email, which she previously did in November when we had a question regarding our rights. My spouse called Ms. Bestine's office, and was then asked who he was and his phone number, and stated that he would get a call back. Fast forward three weeks, we still had not received a call. We call her office today, 3/20, and are told that she would like to schedule an in-office consultation, which we live two hours away and are now on a time crunch due to the next court date being fairly soon. Ms. Bestine's schedule does not allow any availability for an in-office consultation and we are now left scrambling to find someone to provide us a consultation prior to this court date. Steer clear of Ms. Bestine if you'd like a reliable, professional, and stable attorney.
Read more
07 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
Do not hire this person and save yourself a lot of heartache and money…She did not keep me informed, she was disrespectful, rude, condescending and seemed to purposefully drag things out when our divorce should have been a quicker process. As I read in other reviews, she seemed to be working for the other side as evidenced by her actions and was against me throughout the entire process…she never spoke to me as her client but as someone substandard to her nor did she prepare me for anything to come so I would know what to expect, then she would get angry with me for not knowing something …it seemed that I was telling her what to do at times…it was the most horrible experience
Read more
28 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
I wish I had read the other reviews before hiring Ms. Bestine. Thankfully, I only had a couple of encounters with her before determining that she was not the right attorney for me. I saw her have sudden emotional outbursts that are unbecoming to an attorney. For example, she would start screaming "you are going to be f*** up by ..." without explaining her reasoning or the type of "f*** up" that she was referring to. I cannot say much about the extent of her knowledge or her ability to represent a client in court because I switched to a very competent lawyer before she could do any damage.
Read more
23 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
My experience with Mr. Panasci left me feeling alone and insulted and frustrated.
Mr. Panasci took on my case, called me for our first conversation without having looked over case from the previous attorney, then he became defensive and argumentative when I became frustrated at the idea that I had to explain my story all over again.
He showed no sympathy for the fact that I did not know my previous attorney, Melissa Horvatits, had dropped my case without a word to me.
Mr. Panasci insisted I tell him personal health information, stating it may be relevant to my case. I had to defend my personal health decisions to him only to have him angrily insist a few moments later that no personal information has any relevance to my case.
He wanted me to explain my health issues but was not at all interested in hearing anything else I had to say about the dynamics of my abusive marriage and he wanted me just shut up, do what he says and proceed with the divorce after having built nothing but a lack of trust in only a few minutes of our first meeting.
Mr. Panasci was insolent and condescending.
Mr. Panasci was short tempered, defensive and very angry at the notion that I want to express my concerns over my divorce and it's effects on my future.
I hung the phone up feeling humiliated and alone, just like my husband always makes me feel when I try to communicate with his narcissism.
Read more
11 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
I found Mr. Sperrazza to be completely incompetent. He made a very basic error regarding the age of support termination and even after I pointed out his error he still filed it with county wrong. After all I paid to have him create that document he did not even read it which I know because he himself stated it was an error. Then after the fact I brought this issue to his attention and he did not fix and I have had to deal with it. The whole thing was a disgrace.
Read more
10 Mar, 2024 by Lpawloski1
Your website is a big joke. All you want to post is positive remarks about attorneys. Too bad. Alot of them stink! My review was based on being a caregiver for a 12year old boy for many years. Mrs. Rutkowski was supposed to be looking out for this boys best interests. Instead she held a personal vendetta against the child's great-grandfather who has had custody of this boy for 7 years.
Read more
29 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired John to represent me in my divorce. He seemed very good at the beginning but after many court dates and repeated calls and unreturned phone calls I came to realize this guy was just telling me what I wanted to hear. He didn’t follow through on anything he said he would do and did the bare minimum to protect me and my children. Do yourself the favor and hire the attorney that costs a little more and doesn’t have their own problems to deal with.
Read more
14 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
I found this attorney to be extremely unprofessional. She did not return phone calls or emails - to the point that the opposing client's attorney thought she was no longer representing me. I did not find her to be helpful. She did manage to get my case finalized, but it was frustrating and stressful the whole time - solely because of her actions (or more often, lack of action). I also felt that her fees very unreasonable given the quality of work performed. Obviously, cases like this cannot be compares apples to apples. However, I know of a few others (in the same area) who went through divorces that were much more complicated and complex. They had their cases handled MUCH quicker, and MUCH cheaper. I would not recommend her to anyone based on my experience.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
