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5.0
50 Reviews
29 Apr, 2024 by Josh alexander
Excellent excellent excellent service no surprises, Joe is a professional at what he does , highly recommend!!!
Always answers the phone for questions,definitely worth every penny !!!!
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24 Apr, 2024 by Dawn anderson
I have only positive things to say about Joe Kelly. I chose to call him based on great reviews and his website. When I called, I expected to leave a message, but he answered the phone. Joe was very professional and knowledgeable which put my mind at ease. He gave me appropriate advice for my situation. I highly recommend him.
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06 Mar, 2024 by Chris limbeck
Joe Kelly is awesome! He listened to my situation, explained the process, and was available to answer my questions. Experienced and trustworthy. I highly recommend.
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23 Sep, 2022 by P flynn
Christopher Paul was very knowledgeable and professional in 2017 when I hired him for divorce filing. He provided law services at a reasonable cost. Hopefully he's the same way now in 2022 when I contact him again.
UPDATE: He is
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24 Sep, 2020 by Darcy running
A fun out of door pergola under which coffee tastes even better.
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15 Dec, 2016 by M anderson
Greg is an extremely competent, honest and loyal attorney. I would recommend Greg to a friend.
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29 Apr, 2024 by Josh alexander
Excellent excellent excellent service no surprises, Joe is a professional at what he does , highly recommend!!!
Always answers the phone for questions,definitely worth every penny !!!!
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24 Apr, 2024 by Dawn anderson
I have only positive things to say about Joe Kelly. I chose to call him based on great reviews and his website. When I called, I expected to leave a message, but he answered the phone. Joe was very professional and knowledgeable which put my mind at ease. He gave me appropriate advice for my situation. I highly recommend him.
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06 Mar, 2024 by Chris limbeck
Joe Kelly is awesome! He listened to my situation, explained the process, and was available to answer my questions. Experienced and trustworthy. I highly recommend.
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5.0
12 Reviews
5.0
1 Reviews
25 Aug, 2024 by Thomas bonk
09 Apr, 2021 by Rodney
I had the privilege of working with Merlyn on a few different occasions. He is extremely knowledgeable and will guide you every step of the way. He and his fantastic staff carry a lot of respect by their peers and the court. Merlyn will be upfront and honest to your situation and what he can do for you. He and his staff will work for you and provide you the best outcome possible . I highly recommend Merlyn and his team.
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05 Feb, 2021 by Michel
If you are looking for an attorney who listens well, protects your best interests and makes you comfortable discussing your situation with the utmost confidentiality, see Merlyn. In legal situations, the bottom line is to protect yourself. Merlyn does it with dignity and a strong moral ethic.
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20 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Liz helped us with a rather complicated business and personal bankruptcy. She is very professional, punctual and doesn't hold any punches back. She was excellent and guided us through the process. We highly recommend her any of your legal needs.
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17 May, 2011 by Anonymous
Liz filled in on my case when the attorney I had been working with for years was on maternity leave. I was reluctant to work with someone new because my case was cumbersome and overwhelming, but Liz far exceeded my expectations. My case was very emotional, as most family law cases are, and Liz offered compassion and integrity that I had not seen in the courtroom before. She is bold and detail orientated. Liz did a great amount of research for me on my case and I felt confident and calm with her representing me. She responds to emails and phone calls very quickly and has been very patient with me, taking the time to explain every step of the process in detail. Truly, I was proud to be represented by Liz in these matters, and without hesitation, I would recommend her to my closest friends and family. It is clear that Liz takes great pride in her work, and all throughout the process, I felt like she really cared about me and my family and the outcome for us all. Liz really went to bat for me.
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26 Mar, 2010 by Amy
I have been having a dispute with my contractor that was starting to feel hopeless to me, until I called Liz. I knew I needed help but had no idea what to do next. Liz has been very patient with me, explaining all my options and helping me to figure out the best way to resolve the issues. While my case is not finished yet, I now feel like I have a course of action and some control over my life again. I am confident that I chose the right person when I came to see Liz.
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06 Apr, 2015 by Lisa
Jim Carlson helped me in obtaining custody of my children and much more. He made me feel comfortable and I received everything I needed to start a new chapter in my Life. I cannot thank him enough.
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22 Sep, 2012 by Dj
I had a run in with the Eagan police over my temporary tags. Mr. Carlson was recommended to me by my boss because his sons had been in trouble. I was looking at a Grand Misdemeanor which would have been a problem in future employment. Jim worked with the prosecutor and got me a continuance which will disappear off my record in a year.
Jim was highly responsive and aggressively pursued a fair verdict. He is well-connected and liked even by his adversaries. He has common sense and a sense of humor that no doubt helped cut through the rediculuous nature of my case.
I would recommend him to anyone in a similar situation.
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25 Aug, 2008 by Anonymous
I was facing a pretty serious criminal charge when I hired James Carlson. Although I was guilty, James was able to negotiate a plea agreement with lenient terms. Even more important to me, James settled my case quickly and made the process virtually painless for me. Because of James Carlson, I was quickly able to put the nightmare behind me and move on with my life. My family and I are grateful!
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31 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Deborah was recommended to me by a friend knowledgeable in family law issues and a family law attorney I had worked with in the past. I hired Deborah to represent me in a motion to terminate permanent spousal maintenance. She knew what issues needed to be addressed and facts to be presented. This case went to the appeals court and again, she knew what was important to address with respect to the questions that arose and arguments that were subject of the appeal. I highly recommend Deborah and was very pleased with her representation.
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16 Feb, 2015 by Robert
I hired Deborah to handle a child support case.
She proved herself to be very knowledgeable and professional yet tenacious when the situation required. She answered when I called. She responded to my emails in a timely manner, she patiently answered my questions and addressed my concerns.
I feel fortunate to have had her working on my behalf. I recommend Deborah Dewalt highly.
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12 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Coulter is good about talking through situations & giving options on how to handle issues at hand. It was ideal for me to knock around & talk through what if I do this or that or can I do this. He always entertained my emails or phone calls & I never felt rushed. He's receptive to help, he's thorough & knowledgeable. Overall, a genuinely good guy that I will reach out until my horrid situation ceases. I initially hired Mr. Coulter to write up a mutual agreement of actions & consequences that would attempt to protect my kids from a parent's chemical dependency. Forward a few years, a relapse triggered the order but was contested by the other party. I hired Mr. Coulter for the second time to represent me in mediation. He was helpful in hashing out the back & forth until the other party & I figured something out for the new stipulation.
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19 Aug, 2015 by Tana
So I was in a predicament where I had jail time and years of probation over my head. Tim worked hard on my case and got it resolved in a timely fashion. No jail time and a reasonable amount of time for probation. I'm very thankful for Tim and I'm happy I chose him as my lawyer.
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12 Nov, 2021 by Dani reed
Natalie is awesome! She helped me get a harrassment restraining order against my abuser. She was so kind and non judgemental about everything. Very responsive to all my calls and emails. Thank you so much Natalie for everything you did for me.
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5.0
20 Reviews
3.7
22 Reviews
01 May, 2024 by Gemma blankley
Thank you JOHN BURNS and Dawn, for helping me through this tough time and aiding a new beginning of our lives.
Your strategic approach and attention to detail were truly exceptional. Your unwavering support and professionalism not only won my case but also brought great relief during a challenging time.
I am immensely thankful for your hard work and commitment. Thank you again for your dedication and for ensuring the best possible outcome on my behalf. Your services are greatly respected and recommended.
Thanks,
Gemma.
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01 Apr, 2024 by Leo frandrup
John was referred to me by a former classmate. John the lawyer, and Ben the paralegal were there for me going though a nasty divorce. They and the others in the office made you comfortable and feel at home. They were there every step of the way. John will do the best he can for you with truth and honesty.
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13 Jan, 2024 by Jsv
This guy John Burns jr is a fraud and a joke. He claims he is for father’s rights on his website and more. Yet he rather help pad his pocket and help take a kid from a great father. Straight scum and any client should run from this liar. So many proven records to show and will expose him. Will be talking to the bar and showing you shouldn’t be a lawyer. Masquerading an an attorney for fathers rights. Yet you only take mostly women clients. I hope anyone take notice and run. Fathers deserve better.
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01 Sep, 2023 by Catherine tutor
I cannot say enough about Jim. He took my case on with a FIRE I've never seen from an attorney. I recommend him without hesitation!!
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22 Aug, 2023 by Tim aanestad
Excellent
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19 Feb, 2023 by Craig loeschke
14 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Engaging the services of Wayne Alan Jagow has been an overwhelmingly disappointing experience. Despite his proclaimed 36 years of expertise, my interaction with him left much to be desired.
One of the most distressing aspects was Mr. Jagow's apparent neglect of time-sensitive matters in my case. I anticipated a higher level of diligence given his extensive experience, but unfortunately, this wasn't the case. His oversight led to unnecessary complications in my situation.
Trust is crucial when working with legal professionals, and it was disheartening when Mr. Jagow misrepresented the status of my case. Specifically, he incorrectly asserted that I failed to file a motion for citation, a claim that was later disproven with evidence. Confronted with his error, he retreated from the responsibility, stating, "I don’t think I can work with you."
This experience left me feeling frustrated and questioning the integrity of Wayne Alan Jagow. Time was wasted, and my family was unnecessarily hurt in the process. It's essential to choose legal representation wisely, and unfortunately, my encounter with Mr. Jagow fell short of the professionalism and ethical standards I had hoped for.
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26 Jun, 2019 by Marshall
From a person that has never been in trouble with the law, this was very scary for me. Wayne Jagow was recommended to me. As soon as I met with Wayne, I felt super comfortable and he put me at ease. The best thing is I always felt that Wayne believed in me and never made me feel like a criminal. Even though the county made me feel like a criminal. Wayne knows the law and operates ethically within the law. Wayne reassured me throughout the process that if I am truly innocent and I tell the truth and back it up with facts the truth will prevail. Justice was upheld that day in court. When the county tried to stack the deck in their favor. Wayne knocked down their house of cards and countered every one of their accusations with the law and facts backing me up in my actions. I felt that Wayne fought for me and not a paycheck. I thank god every day for Wayne’s help. I highly recommend Wayne Jagow.
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23 Mar, 2017 by Catherine
Wayne represented me in three cases both criminal and civil. Not only three cases but in three counties all at the same time. Wayne guided me through the legal proceedings from day one. I was completely overwhelmed with the severity of the allegations against me. Not only did Wayne reassure me on countless occasions he supported my over the top emotions over the nine months my cases took to resolve. He listened to my concerns and my stories. My cases were serious cases with multiple felony charges. I would highly recommend Wayne Jagow for his professionalism. I can personally say that Wayne cared and believed in me.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Do not waste your time, energy, and money. This attorney will do nothing you hire him for, not experienced, not strong, plus will try to harass and scare. Will lie and try to charge even if you fired him long time ago. Do not recommend. He even was not able to get to the of Minnesota Law School. Unprofessional and lies a lot.
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02 Apr, 2024 by Nataliya mccoy
Matt (Matthew)Gilbert is the worst attorney! He is dishonest, harasser, and terribly weak as attorney. If you ever become his client, he will harass you 2 years after you fired him and creates imaginary fees even he is not your attorney and was fired. He is not sharp either! He lost many of his deals, do research! He done absolutely nothing for me, got fired, the court order all fees to be covered by my husband. 3 years after firing him, he sends me harassing letters, in each of them changing tie amount I own him. Even though I don’t own him any money! But the truth is on my side!
Very unprofessional and lier! If you want the worst person, here is your man!
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01 Feb, 2024 by Wendy
This was the first law firm we appointed to help with my son's divorce. We had hoped this law firm could assist our family in this matter in which we were completely wrong. We have spent the last year in a horrible mess which just keeps continuing. If Matt is such an expert in family law we would not be in this situation presently. His skills of OFPs, legal laws in other states and marriage counsel was an issue. We would recommend another firm for any type of family legal matters.
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25 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Laura Valentine was my son's public defender for a juvenile case in Scott County (Shakopee). My son/her client is an individual with intellectual disabilities with IQ below 65. Laura Valentine knew there was substantial evidence to support that my son couldn't assist in the legal proceedings due to his developmental disability. Laura Valentine deliberately failed to file for a Rule 20.01 review hearing for Competency Motion. Which violates the Fifth and 14 Amendments, the rights to due process. My son was later adjudicated of the juvenile offenses. But that is not all she did in this case.
Kaura Valentine on May 5th, 2020, forced my son to come to court for an in-person after Gov Walz activated the state of emergency stay in order because of COVID-19. I tried to stop the in-person hearing due to my son's asthma and my very serious health condition that put us at a high risk of getting COVID-19. But Laura Valentine didn't care and had my son/client come to Scott County Government anyway where she met him and then she unlocked the door to the courthouse, and they went in the building, it was dark. Laura Valentine turned on the lights. Nobody was in there, just them. They got into the elevator and went to the second or third floor. After reaching the third floor my son/her client had to go to the restroom and Laura Valentine kept walking down the hallway. After my son came out of the restroom and as they started walking towards Laura who was quite a distance down the hallway, about a minute later someone started screaming and yelling coming from behind them. When they turned around to see who was screaming at them. It was the deputy sheriff yelling at them to stop and had his hand on his gun. The deputy sheriff asked them how they get into the building and what was they doing in the building. My son informed the deputy that Laura Valentine his attorney unlocked the courthouse and brought them upstairs. My son and his escort were scared to death because the deputy was very angry that they were in the building when it was closed to the public. The deputy asked Laura Valentine if this was true, and she said yes. The deputy asked her how many other times she did this. Laura replied just once. The deputy took my son and the adult I sent with him back downstairs turned on the metal detector made them walk through it and then escorted them back upstairs. My son and his escort could have been shot and killed in that courthouse behind Laura Valentine forcing my son to a in person when every courthouse in America was closed to the public. Laura Valentine tried to give my son covid by forcing an in-person hearing 6 weeks after the pandemic stay in order and then almost got him and his escort shot and killed because the deputy mistaken them for burglars who had broken into a closed government building. Bottomline what Laura Valentine did in this matter to my son/her client was criminal. This is a very dangerous attorney and should be held accountable for what she did.
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12 Nov, 2019 by Yoni
Atty. Laura K. Valentine is one of the best attorneys I have had the pleasure to work with. She is not only very informed and responsive to questions, but she takes her clients' cases very seriously and works hard for each one. She is very good at her job, very compassionate and always ready to help your situation regardless in her extreme busy schedule. I felt as though I had a friend in my corner who definitely had me and my daughter best interest in mind. I can't thank Atty. Valentine enough for the tremendous help she had provided me. I highly recommend her.
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13 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
Used this lawyer as a divorce attorney, she never fought for my best interests and did not inform me of so very many things I should have been aware of when making decisions throughout the divorce process.
The final divorce decree that she presented me with for review appeared to be a form that contained items I never agreed to. One item was a life insurance policy for my ex-wife to cover spousal support incase of my death. This was never discussed muchless agreed to, yet it was on the decree, I had to point it out for it to be removed. Through out the divorce all Laura wanted to do was settle, whether it was in my best interest or not.
Post divorce I asked her to find out why spousal support was being taken directly from my check versus paying my ex-spourse directly as agreed upon and stated in divorce decree. To my knowledge Laura never followed up with the county, she certainly never followed up with me and has never contacted me again, even after I made several attempts to reach her.
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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.
