Lawyers map
>19
experienced lawyers
Filter by
11 Dec, 2017 by Anthony
I am an attorney who retained the services of Attorney Dowling on behalf of my client in a very complicated, highly emotionally charged probate litigation case. Within a very short period of time Attorney Dowling mastered the facts and the law. Her help was invaluable. She is smart, detail oriented and effective as an advocate.
Read more
22 Oct, 2017 by Jessica
Nancy of Solutions Law Group recently handled my closing on my home which wouldn't have gone through without her help especially the day before closing. Her law firm is currently engaged in completing my estate work. I could not be more pleased and satisfied with the efficiency and performance of Solutions Law Group.
Read more
08 Jul, 2015 by Yh
Attorney Dowling turned things around for me. I have a very complicated case, made much worse by the fact that it was not handled properly by my previous attorneys. Attorney Dowling worked very hard, stopping the loss from the moment that she took over my case. I would strongly recommend her to anyone who has cases related to custody and cross-states jurisdiction.
During the week, we exchanged many emails and had discussions over the phone to clarify my questions and doubts. She understood my case in its complexity and spent hours on documents that I sent her, in order to figure out the right angle to handle the case from. Unlike my previous attorneys, who did not want to spend the time to explain the legal theories and related risks in detail, attorney Dowling would explain the situation patiently and clearly.
From our communication, I feel that attorney Dowling has a very good grasp of legal theories and has a good understanding of different situations and difficult matters. She is the kind of attorney who would only go to the court with a full understanding of the case and thorough preparation.
I was happy to learn of the hearing result. Thank you so much for your hard work, Attorney Dowling!
Read more
25 Jan, 2022 by Nelia
Attorney Assunta Petez was my divorce lawyer. She is terrific. Very caring and experienced!! In Addition she is down to earth and her fees are reasonable. I am very happy with her hard work!! If you need an honest , awesome Attorney...give Assunta Perez a call!!!!!!
Read more
13 Aug, 2020 by Dean
Assunta Perez is a very hard-working attorney that will always fight for you. She excepts all challenges from every direction and manages all types of interference very well. She is poised with professionalism and good character. She is the attorney that you want to work for you. I highly recommend Assunta. It was enjoyable working with her over the past 13 months of my divorce.
Read more
13 Aug, 2020 by Martha
Assunta set up our house so our daughter was executive of the house as my husband has dementia. This was we save the house from a nursing home taking it. She did an awesome job.
Read more
31 Jul, 2022 by Jeanne
Without hesitation Cheryl Garrity’s work on my divorce needs to be rated 4 stars. She allayed many of concerns during my divorce and custody case. She consistently( and staff) responded to me in a timely manner.
Cheryl also handled my estate planning just as efficiently.
In addition her sense of ethics elevates her work
She is my go to attorney
Read more
03 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
We just discussed my case but she only discussed payment. She didn't care about me or my issues only the payment portion. Very greedy.
Read more
27 Mar, 2017 by Tom
Attorney Feeney represented me on a child support order. She was very polished and skilled. Attorney Feeney is so brilliant and clever and quick-witted she danced circles around the opposing Attorney but it was done in such a professional and classy way. I was amazed by her brilliant work. She is in a class all by herself for the work she does. She is a top grade Attorney who will fight for you until the end. Thank you!
Read more
25 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
After doing a lot of investigation on who I should hiring for an attorney to representation for my divorce which was going to be very difficult due to some military issue and child custody issues Attorney Feeney stood the front lines for me and my child and looked out for what was best for us. She fought hard for us and never backed down. At times I lost hope but she showed the judge what was best for the child and everything turn out great. I trust her and her knowledge of the laws and the court systems. I couldn't say enough on how great she was on protecting my child. Due to abuse I have to keep my name out of this to protect me and my child.
Read more
26 Sep, 2021 by Donna
Very poor experience. I was very inexperienced in picking out lawyers and was in a very abusive, tragic situation. She was so cold and shockingly unsupportive. I would never want any women or mother to feel as lousy and unimportant as she made me feel…sadly at the time my self-worth was very low.., she lowered it so much more….I still cringe over the experience 15 years later. if I had had access to more money at the time I would have cut my losses and found someone else.
Not someone I could Ever recommend to anyone.
Read more
14 May, 2021 by Linda
For my QDRO (qualified domestic retirement order) in Mass, she hired an UN-licensed, NON-qualified individual with an Environmental degree to write this critical document needed to divide our shared retirement assets. She didn't use her own paralegal? The guy botched it, lost 1.5% interest going forward into my future. She did not care. She paid this loser with my funds given her, $3,000 just $300, obviously cheaper than paying her own paralegal. I was cheated out of a fair sale price on my home of 16 years, $60K for a $500K house. She was lazy, didn't care about me, I was thrown out of my home with a restraining order, and not enough money for a hotel while she took her time taking in new clients, I guess. She did little for me and in the end tried to charge me another $2K+. I think she should be disbarred.
Read more
12 Jun, 2013 by Ken grondell
I hired this lawyer though the law offices. Not only did she show up at the wrong court building but she made it very clear on a regular basis she was very sympathetic for the woman I was seeking to divorce, as well as outright lie to me about my case. When I decided to seek other representation I told her as a courtesy and so I would not rack up further court fees. In response to me seeking other representation she fired me as a client with a very untrue and damaging letter to the court.
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.
