Best Family Law lawyers in California

9,844 Family Law Lawyers in California

>9.8k

experienced lawyers

Michael D. Labrum

2625 Townsgate Road, Westlake Village, CA

Child Custody Family Law +2

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

23 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous

I noticed the trolls on his reviews who remain anonymous but it’s simply the competition seeking to drive down his ratings. Simply the best attorney! I guess when you sue attorneys for a clinging, there are going to be haters!

31 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous

Michael was able to guide me through the legal process that led to joint custody, 50/50 timeshare, and a zero child support order. Over the course of this journey, Michael was responsive, professional, and went above and beyond to accommodate my needs. I highly recommend his services and counsel.

29 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous

Mr. Labrum was very professional and gave me great results in a timely manner. I was very pleased to have him by my side. I would hire him again in a heart beat.

Sara R Neumann

3333 Camino Del Rio South Suite 140, San Diego, CA

Adoption Child Custody Child Support +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

17 Sep, 2024 by Stephanie

I am not Ms. Neumann’s client. But I can say she did a great job for her own client. Because she fought for a guy to win in DVTRO and get the shared custody. This is a guy who touched his 9 year old daughter during/after the shower and videotaped her while she was changing her clothes, and who withheld medication and night-guard from his 8 year old son, who developed migraine/headache and grinding teeth after DVTRO was filed. This does not even include what he did to his ex-spouse.

28 Sep, 2015 by Tanya

When I came to Sara I had hired and consulted another lawyer to handle a paternity suit that was sprung on me while I was visiting the USA after residing in another country. This was very difficult, as I could not leave the country with my child and go home to my husband and my child's stepdad (whom she views as her dad). I was very scared because I had single-handedly raised my child and I knew no one else should have the right to keep me from traveling anywhere, as this person had not even contributed to my child's birth or upbringing in any significant way. But, that being said, the reality was such that I was being advised by my first lawyer that I should respond to the paternity suit with a move-away trial as I had barely missed dismissing the case with a jurisdictional claim. I felt something was off though, because this case was so clear and cut (my ex was not on the birth certificate, he had not emotionally or financially supported me/the child in any significant way). **I saw the light when I spoke to Sara. She confirmed my intuition with her expertise, immediately confirming that I indeed could file for a termination of parental rights. She lay my fears to rest. We met and I presented her with the facts of my case. After assuring me she would not take my case if she did not believe she could help me, I released my other lawyer from duty and hired her. What a great decision!! She lived up to her reassurances: it took perhaps longer than the move away trial, which was inconvenient only due to my particular case of being in a country we no longer reside in, away from my husband and our new life abroad, yet so worth it so that, a) my husband could adopt my son; and, b) to get the ex out of our hair so that he could no longer make our lives difficult. I had faced a lot of disempowering conversations amongst not only people, acquaintances, etc. but also lawyers: people discouraging me from doing the termination of parental rights just because it sounded "mean" and so "final" to them. I knew inside of me, however, that the way my ex was handling this was unhealthy and selfish towards my child, with a paternity suit (after I had tried SO many times to civilly settle for some kind of visitation, yet he disappeared whenever he wanted, was inconsistent, and really only looked after his own interests and not my son's, who needs consistency in his life) and not being agreeable to reaching some kind of settlement (other than keeping my child after he had NEVER had custody, ever, or even seen him more than a handful of times/hours in his years of life). The point is--Sara empowered me. She never once questioned me, she backed me up 100% and was a strong ally. She understand completely what I wanted, why I wanted it, has a child herself and understood my protective feelings toward my child, that I was 100% committed to her best interest. She did her job diligently. I knew I could count on her to show up at the court appearances, and made an uncomfortable situation even pleasant. She wrote the briefs in such a way that made complete sense to me. She has ample expertise on the topic of stepparent adoption and termination of parental rights. She knew a lot of the staff in the courts/ offices we were in, and they knew her. She was personable, kind, compassionate, prepared, in communication, easy to get a hold of. Her offices made it easy and pleasant to pick up/drop off documents. Also, when I told her that I was looking to get budget-oriented towards the middle of the whole legal situation, she was so cooperative and helpful with this. We won our case and just got word the appeal was dismissed as well. Cannot recommend her enough if you are in this sort of situation. She certainly seems like *THE* lawyer to hire in any kind of similar situation. I recommend her fully.

20 Jun, 2011 by Aldo

Mrs. Neumann understood the most important aspect of my case. She demonstrated lots of compassion and treated me and family with the utmost respect you could not possibly imagine. All the times I have found Mrs. Neumann to be dependable, reliable, hard-working, conscientious, honest, and very courteous. Mrs.Neumann is helpful. She satisfied all my concerns and skilfully took control of all my case as if it were her case Thank you Sara for all your help. You gave me my life back. To anyone who is seeking a lawyer that cares... I'd contact Mrs.Sara Neumann she'll get the job done. Don't waist your time with anyone else. All the Best!

Sara A Weinstein

12401 Wilshire Blvd Suite #200, Los Angeles, CA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

05 Jan, 2016 by Cynthia danner

Professional. Knowledgeable. EFFECTIVE. Like many of us, I have had the misfortune of finding myself in the middle of a very emotional divorce. Thankfully, I had the Law Offices of Sara Weinstein on my side. Ms. Weinstein clearly knows what she is doing and is able to navigate the complicated court system with ease. She listened to me, and was concerned with my personal situation. She anticipated my needs and worked hard to get them met, keeping me informed every step of the way. I was able to confidently rely on her expertise and get the results I was looking for. If you need legal assistance, don't waste your time going anywhere else. (Cause if YOUR ex reads this review, it could be you on the losing side!)

27 Jul, 2011 by Miriam

she is the toughest aggresive and most honest and caring lawyer in town. she listened to me when I was caught up in the middle of a bitter custody battle.I was destroyed and heartbroken and I needed someone to take over and right all the wrongs and she did it! i got my kids back and a large sum of child support from my former husband. she fought for me and got me what I needed I highly recommend her. Literally she saved my life.

01 Nov, 2009 by T.a.

I had three prior attorneys. Ms. Weinstein is by far the most professional and has a tremendous amount of integrity in her profession. Very compassionate and has a good understanding of business issues as well which I have not found with other family lawyers. She simply gets the JOB DONE.

James William Rouse

2020 Hurley Way Ste 175, Sacramento, CA

Child Custody Child Support Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

07 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous

Jim is not only very intelligent but compassionate. He protected my family and I in a very difficult case. I very much respect him as a lawyer but also a trusted friend. He went beyond what other lawyers can do... Simply the BEST!

12 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous

I worked briefly with Jim who gave me good advice and was responsive to questions and to concerns. I found Jim more adept at interpersonal skills than the two attorneys I had retained prior to deciding to handle my case on my own. I was grateful that he assisted me in a limited capacity when I felt I needed representation in the courtroom.

23 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous

This is such an amazing attorney at law. He will ensure you are represented adequately in the court of law and your sincere desire for your family will be granted. Don't worry about financial concerns, talk to him and your outlook about divorce, separation etc will positive changed.

Rosanne Elizabeth Calbo-Jackson

Ross House, Suite 200, Oakland, CA

Child Custody Family Law +2

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

07 Aug, 2021 by Debra callahan

I had a protracted 7 year long divorce which may seem impossible given the laws in California but if one party has money and decides rules are not for them you find yourself in court. If I had not found Rosanne at the beginning I would not be where I am today. At age 56 you can't just walk away with noting and say I can start over. The reason I am whole now is because she not only knows the law, she makes it her business to research new case law and as a result of her diligence it made all the difference in what the court awarded to me. Her briefs are so well written many judges used her text in there judgements. I was in front of 4 different judges on my journey. I couldn't have done it without her. The first thing she did was try to settle out of court and ironically if my ex had accepted the offer which based on what California law said I was entitled to nothing more, he would have saved hundreds of thousand of dollars. She makes every effort to keep you out of the courts but if you find yourself in my position she is the one you would want representing and advising you.

02 Aug, 2021 by John

I wanted a lawyer who listened, counseled in a way that I understood (this being my first time dealing with a legal representative), and was a fair and honest advocate for my legal needs, and I found that in Rosanne. She helped make a difficult time in my life a little bit easier, while getting a result I feel was both acceptable and fair. I didn't want a win-at-all-costs lawyer, but I wanted someone who had my back, was easy to communicate with, and who I felt comfortable with. We avoided court, which was important for my child's emotional well-being, and worked with a sometimes challenging ex-partner to achieve as amicable a result as was feasible. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Rosanne to anyone I knew who was seeking similar legal support.

31 Jul, 2021 by Leo

Rosanne represented me during my divorce case as well as through a child custody trial, and I was highly satisfied with her work on both cases. Despite my ex-wife being an incredibly difficult person to deal with, Rosanne did an exceptional job maintaining her professionalism while at the same time standing very firm so that my parental rights would be upheld. She was very attentive to my needs and also was very proactive in making sure I was always prepared for hearings. She is easy to work with, very knowledgeable of the court system, flexible, and just a good person to the core. I was extremely satisfied with her work and highly recommend her services!

Erik C. Oh

414 W Grand Ave. #292, Corona, CA

Child Custody Child Support Domestic Violence +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

09 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous

Erik assisted one of my parents in a case that we didn’t think had the capability of ending in a positive outcome. However, through his tenacity and drive to help his clients, he ended up obtaining a result that was better than we could have imagined. He’s a very excellent and caring Attorney. I couldn’t imagine hiring anyone else. Thank you again, Erik!

08 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous

As a father committed to my daughters, I was disheartened with attorneys who seem to lack interest in fighting for me. After almost giving up, I gave Real Fathers Rights a try, and boy, o boy, I did not regret it. Erik, fought for me. Thanks to Erik, I was able to be part of my daughters life! Fight for your kids, and this guy has your back!!!

01 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous

Erik is a great advocate for men going through divorce. He is knowledgeable and empathetic. He is also an extremely skilled litigator. I would highly recommend any man in family court speak with Erik

Mark A Irwin

1370 Brea Boulevard, Fullerton, CA

Child Custody Child Support Domestic Violence +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

09 Nov, 2015 by Arillyn

I contacted Kelly and Mark Irwin, after going to court alone without representation, regarding an assault case and abandoned mediation. Both Kelly and Mark are very familiar with Family Law and how it works. I felt secure that they would do a very good job for me and they did. I was most impressed with their professional and knowledgeable approach on how to negotiate a successful end to a very disturbing case.

21 Apr, 2014 by Mark

I couldn't be happier with the way Mark handled my divorce. He kept me informed the entire way and I always felt Mark was working in my best interests. Mark was very understanding during the difficult times of the case and was empathetic to my situation. In the end Mark achieved everything he (we) set out to accomplish and I couldn't be happier with the results. He is truly a person of good moral character and a professional who always worked hard for his client. Thanks Mark.

13 Aug, 2012 by Peter

I don't see how our recent case could have gone any better, or relieved me of so many details I do not enjoy. It was a wonderful experience having Mark's guidance and assistance. Mark was right on target with the decisions he left to me, and those he took by himself in our behalf, and he is clearly an enterprising person with a good ability to press his case without seeming aggressive.

Kennedy Koblin

5700 Stoneridge Mall Rd., Pleasanton, CA

Child Custody Child Support Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

27 Aug, 2011 by Jeff

Kennedy helped me with my legal issue and was just amazing throughout the whole process. He was always available to explain everything to me and really put my mind at ease. I am not an easy person to work with and Kennedy really helped me calm down and guided me through my issue. I could not have obtained the result I did without Kennedy's expert assistance. His command of the law is truly impressive.

24 Aug, 2011 by Robert

Kennedy is one of the finest Family Law attorney's in the San Francisco Bay Area. I have had the privilege of working with Kennedy during a very challenging time in my life. He explained the complexity of the law in a manner I could understand. He also advocated diligently on my behalf with an excellent court presence. The Judges would often agree with Kennedy and take his side on crucial issues. Kennedy also helped me relax as much as possible. The emotional cost in such cases is extremely high. Kennedy would help manage this and understood the struggle I faced. He acted with great professionalism and with compassion to help me work through the case. Without his strong counsel, I would never have succeeded. I am forever in his debt.

21 Apr, 2011 by William

Even though Kennedy looks like a 17 year old, he is impressive in his knowledge of law, his intuition of the case and his strategies for settlement. He seems equally capable and comfortable in the courtroom or at the settlement table. He helped me weigh the facts, consider the emotions and evaluate the cost of my case. He leans towards the collaborative style of divorce and I believe wants the best for his clients. In partnership, with Cristin Lowe they make an impressive team.

Joann Uhley Babiak

3020 Bridgeway Number 365, Sausalito, CA

Business Child Custody Child Support +2 +5

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

21 Jun, 2020 by Cj

Joanne was amazing in helping me through one of the roughest times you’ll ever hope to go through. It’s a difficult balance of upheaval and tough reality. Joanne helped me navigate it as best as one could hope for. She’s tough, yet kind. She’s very good at what she does.

20 Sep, 2018 by Brian

I can give no higher recommendation. I found myself in a difficult divorce case at long distance (Texas-California) and numerous complicating personal and financial issues. Honestly, it was overwhelming but Joann was a rock with a personal touch. She was always available for questions despite time differences. Always worked with me to craft the outcome I wanted to have happen, guiding me as to consequneces and possible responses. She went above and beyond with counseling and calming when things seemed most overwhelming. Explaining how I and my kids would come through this time of difficulty not just legally but personally. She gave me the perspective to both legally find the best outcome but personally feel empowered in the system. Joann was both a strong advocate and a generous counselor. She truly cares about her clients. I will always be grateful to Joann for being there when we needed her most, she is simply the best.

04 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous

I had a child custody case that I consulted with Ms. Babiak about. She listened attentively while we discussed my story, then explained all my options and the potential ramifications. Her fees were quite reasonable and she spent some extra time with me that she didn't even bill for. I have not (as yet) needed to litigate my case, but I can tell she will be an excellent advocate should I ever need to.

Shiry Tannenbaum

2618 San Miguel Dr., Newport Beach, CA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

27 Dec, 2020 by Jim

I recently went through a lengthy, complicated and needless to say, very emotional divorce and child custody battle. I was fortunate to have Shiry on my side. After spending endless hours writing/reading/editing emails, reviewing documents, and talking on the phone, I dealt with all levels of anger, frustration with the legal system, confusion about the laws and previous other court rulings, and fear of losing my case. Shiry was there ALL along the way, with her patience, compassion, professionalism, intelligence, tremendous knowledge of the law, toughness and empathy. Yes, a kickass lawyer who really cares. That’s what you’ll get if you hire Shiry. I prevailed in every court ruling we argued and won my case. I feel blessed that Shiry was on my case and no doubt, she was a difference maker. If you need help, hire her now.

05 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous

Going through divorce and child custody can be pretty nerve racking. You never know what to expect. Having Shiry in my corner was one of the biggest blessings of my life. Shiry, calmed my concerns and anxiety but more importantly went to work on my case and achieved EVERYTHING I could ask for. My case was tricky and long but Shiry is knowledgeable and did excellent work every step of the way. I trusted and continue to trust Shiry and my life is a better life because of it.

12 Dec, 2018 by Courtney

Shiry Tannenbaum is a one of a kind attorney. From the moment I contacted her for a consultation until my divorce was finalized, she worked above and beyond on my case. Going through a divorce is the most challenging experience, but Shiry made it the easiest it could possibly be. She talked me through each document, spent countless hours on the phone and email answering all my questions, and ultimately, made sure my settlement was to my liking. She is professional, organized, dedicated, and her passion for her career is evident in all that she does. She is a true asset to family law and I would hire her again in a heartbeat.

Kambiz Drake

24007 Ventura Blvd, Calabasas, CA

Bankruptcy Business Estate Planning +2 +5

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

17 Jun, 2020 by Mark

He is amazing I love what he did for me I got rid of all my debts. Thank you thank you

14 Sep, 2019 by Alen

He’s awesome. Extremely impressed with the law firm and its professional attorneys that were handling my Personal Injury case. Not only the kambiz have a lot of experience but also were able to explain to me what going on with my case in a simple way so that I can understand. He always updated on my case and had full confidence that it’s given full attention. Highly Recommend working with the Kambiz if you are looking for results.

24 Oct, 2015 by Shadi halavi, esq.

I hired Kambiz after he found a major flaw in the trust and will I got prepared by another estate attorney. He was thorough and up to date with the changes in the law. I highly recommend him!

Anne E. Lewis

14338 Park Avenue, 1st Floor, Victorville, CA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

02 Jul, 2015 by Norma quintana

I was referred by a friend to lewis, after 3 years battle for divorce, she finally gave me my freedom. i highly recommend her, very professional, thank you Mary, Sara, Tina, and Anne.

21 May, 2015 by Gaspar

Anne Lewis is a first rate lawyer during a very messy divorced which had taken over 10 years my previous attorney had a history of continuances, after I fired that attorney and contracted Anne Lewis and her staff, Sarah, Mary and Tina , took care of all legal procedures in such a fast efficient, professional and caring way that the process became less stressful and was moved along that I finally got my divorce and I am so grateful that Anne Lewis and her staff where the ones there for me I wish I had gotten her as my attorney from the beginning and not have loss so many years...If a family court attorney is needed I will wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Lewis and her staff You cannot get much more caring besides your family

07 Aug, 2013 by Jen

Anne E. Lewis is the best attorney in the high desert. She is extremely competent in her field. I have used her services before and I have been pleased with her representation as my attorney. I highly recommend her.

Julie Rand Mack

380 Stevens Avenue, Solana Beach, CA

Child Custody Child Support Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

12 Nov, 2014 by Robert

She's kept me well informed .Has-been there every step of the way for me fighting hard for me . Sticking to principles and ethics at the same time which are very important to me . And the ladies at the office Jody and Rihanna and the rest of the girls will be there to help you every step of the way also. Truly a team effort !

27 Aug, 2014 by Jp - san diego

My spouse and I did a mediated divorce with another attorney. A year later, my ex-spouse hauled me back to court for what was essentially a divorce "do-over". Julie and another attorney (at a different firm) were recommended to me by someone in the legal profession. I interviewed the other attorney and Julie Mack. For my situation, Julie Mack was a better fit. She provided me with excellent advice and guidance on how to move forward in a stressful, and contested situation, while being rational with a long range view. She was also efficient, and did not bill me for excessive hours. In the first consult with Julie, I was very clear in stating I did not have significant $$$ to spend on this round two litigation as I was still paying off the mediation attorney fees. As result, she was clear that I needed to as much work as possible, and it was my job to provide her with clearly organized and concise information about my case, so that she did not need to spend excess time doing research, or doing back and forth questons/phone calls, emails with me, and bill me at lawyer rates. She put ME to work with clear directives as to what she needed. As result, this kept the billings down, and I feel I got my $$$ worth from her. My over-all impression is that she is a rational lawyer, not a shark out to rake your spouse over the coals, or milk your bank-account. Her advise was spot-on, and her knowledge of California divorce law, and the bias of the local court, excellent. Most important, she helped to lower my stress levels throughout the process, and helped to craft an agreement that I was happy with, and remain happy with years later. In my divorce I worked with 4 attorneys. In this round two, I interviewed Julie and one other attorney. If I had it all to do over again, I would have hired Julie outright in round one. In contrast to the negative review here, the crafted round two agreement is water-tight, clear, and correct. If you are not out for blood, but want to craft an agreement you can live with for the rest of your life and look yourself in the mirror (and your children in the eye), I highly recommend Julie Mack.

04 Dec, 2013 by Andrew

Julie has been our lawyer for nearly a decade after we had a bad first-time experience with another family law attorney. She is very fair and very understanding. She takes her clients' matters to heart as does her staff. Her goal is in the best interest of the children, which is what a GOOD family law attorney strives for. After we moved up to Riverside County, we were going to transfer the child custody case up there but decided against it just so we could retain her services in San Diego.

Jennifer Moore Keith

177 Bovet Rd #600, San Mateo, CA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

29 Apr, 2020 by Tarah

I was in a desperate situation to find answer for a complicated out of state custody case.the legal advice Jennifer had was more than ANY lawyer out of the several I already contacted and consulted with ever gave me! I have hired lawyers in the past as well for different matters and just my consult over the phone alone with Jennifer was more than they ever did, she was so sharp and caring talking to her was so nice she was a breath of fresh air, I wish I was able to hire her but being my matter is out of state it’s not possible but she went out of her way to give me all the support ,knowledge and resources she could, she’s so intelligent and professional I honestly can’t say enough good and can’t thank her enough! There are lots of good lawyers but respect,personality and empathy are key and she exudes all of it .

09 Sep, 2015 by Natasha

I would recommend my attorney Jennifer Keith to anyone involved in a difficult family law case. She has represented me the past 6 years, in a terribly difficult case where in my ex continues to fight over Custody. She has been Fair, extremely responsive, has a wonderful staff of an assistant and associate attorneys who are also very responsive. Jennifer will guide you to be Real, practical, talk you off the legde when you can take no more. My outcome, even after repeated attacks by my exes now 6 lawyers in 6 years has been superior. My kids are protected, safe and her guidance, both legally and personally has been a true gift. Insight, relationship and knowledge - are her attributes - recalling even the smallest - yet crucial details of a custody or marital settlement from 4 years back. Sometimes she does need to quiet me - from anger and resentment, but always does so in a polite, justified manner. Again, you can't go wrong with Hiring Jennifer Keith and her firm to represent you here in the Bay Area.

28 Apr, 2015 by Rinské

Jennifer will care deeply for you and your family. She is committed to provide steadfast legal representation to her clients under what can be very difficult circumstances. Jennifer works tirelessly to achieve the best outcome for her clients in many complex areas such as custody, child and spousal support, property and business interest divisions to name a few. I have seen first hand, that she is well respected among other clients, lawyers, judges, forensic accountants, family therapists and community leaders. It is truly gratifying to know that in vast sea of family law attorneys, my attorney... Jennifer Moore Keith, stands out as a strong and passionate legal advocate for my family's future.

Gregory William Cabo

1855 W Katella Ave Ste 365, Orange, CA

Family Law Trusts +2

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

13 Jul, 2021 by Brian

Gregory Cabo seems very capable, experienced and professional when handling my trust. He answered all my questions and and responded to any inquiries in a timely manor. I recommend him to anyone in regarding a trust.

20 Mar, 2017 by Doraine (dori) warner

He gives great answers to complicated questions, is diligent, experienced, and worked very hard on my case. He was not afraid to stand up for me, and represented me very well.

02 Dec, 2010 by Michael

He came highly recommended from my business attorney and did an excellent job with my case and handling my sensitive child custody situation. I would recommend him to anyone going though a divorce.

Sarah Anne Weddle

405 8th Avenue, San Francisco, CA

Child Custody Child Support Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

09 Feb, 2017 by Sean

I worked with Sarah and she was amazing. She responds to questions quickly and clearly. She is pragmatic in her advice and is great at explaining options and alternatives. She made a tough situation way better. She's calming, supporting and all around great to work with. Can't recommend her enough.

02 Feb, 2016 by Rennee

Sarah Weddle is a dedicated and hard-working attorney. She will take the time to figure out what is best for her clients and will devote all resources available to her in order to ensure that she is well-prepared, her clients are kept informed and she obtains a favorable outcome for them. She has been a pleasure to work with and I know that anyone in need of a family law attorney is in good hands with her.

06 Oct, 2014 by Cyril

Sarah is a very knowledgeable and thorough family law attorney. She has been very responsive from day one, and has been doing a fantastic job at educating me with all the traps and pitfalls to avoid in the complex family code, for us to build the best defense possible in my case. Indeed, I can tell I was very lucky to find her only one day before my first hearing and she handled for me all of the scary paperwork overnight. Ever since, I could appreciate how much her representing me has spared me what would have been otherwise a disaster if I had decided instead to represent myself before the court and all the petitioner's claims. I am very glad to be able to recommend Sarah to defend you with everything related to child custody, child and spousal support, separation settlements, and the like.

Lena Ghianni

12975 Brookprinter Place, Poway, CA

Child Custody Child Support Domestic Violence +5 +8

+1 (858) 602-0816

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

08 Jul, 2024 by Kathleen sampson

I approached Ms. Ghianni to prepare our Living Trust. We have some unique issues that needed to be addressed and Lena gave us alternatives to consider to make that process easier. Her advice and instruction were sound and so helpful. I highly recommend her legal counsel!

08 Jul, 2024 by Eddie russell

08 Jul, 2024 by Stephen poirier

Jason Allen Ewing

1600 Sacramento Inn Way, Sacramento, CA

Criminal Defense Family Law Personal Injury +3

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

29 May, 2016 by Anika

I live outside of the state and contacted Ewing Law Group when I was faced with a stressful, frustrating case and a very short time frame that would require them to travel to another county. I spoke with Jason Ewing, and during our very first conversation it became clear that he is an honest person of integrity. I explained my situation, and he took the time to answer all of my initial questions, then advised me that he could take my case but that it would be cheaper for me to choose someone closer to the county where my case was filed. Knowing my financial situation, he also offered to help me complete paperwork myself, but in the end, I asked him to take the case to avoid the stress, and I am so glad I did. Through the course of working with Jason, he was very professional, but I felt more like I was communicating with a friend than simply an attorney. I never felt rushed, or that he was “squeezing me in”, even though I had a deadline coming up when I contacted him. He was very knowledgeable, and was always willing to answer any and all of my questions, no matter how annoying I’m sure they were. I tend to worry but he never discouraged my “what if” questions and was patient and understanding of all my concerns. He took the time to break things down into simple terms and make sure that I understood things clearly. I was impressed with his consistent promptness in returning calls and emails – there are attorneys who figure once they have your money, you are basically stuck, so you can wait until they get around to dealing with your situation. He informed me that he believes if he is being paid to perform a service, he owes it to his clients to address their concerns as soon as possible, which is something I really respect. He was very thorough, and I appreciated that if I sent him an email, he made a point to address each issue individually – I never had to email him again or call him back because something was overlooked. Jason went above and beyond in my case, and we got the outcome we wanted. I would not hesitate to recommend Ewing Law Group to my friends and family, and would call him immediately if I ever needed legal assistance in the state of California in the future.

18 Apr, 2014 by Kevin & kay

My wife and I who are senior citizens found ourselves in the grips of grave injustice's being waged against us . We were renting a home from a landlord who made our lives a living hell by failing to provide safe and habitable conditions, and then persecuting us for simply asking management to fix the problems. After my wife became very ill and had to be taken to the emergency room because her airway was closing and she couldn't breath due to the landlord failing to provide safe living conditions , we contacted a law firm. Jason Ewing and his co counsel Janet Haines handled our case with surgical precision, They listened to us and made us at ease, They immediately went to work for us, setting us at ease along the way, Jason and Janet guided us through the complicated litigation process comfortably, they took on what would be a complex muti- layered case, and with their experience, tenacity,and dedication to their clients they sought justice from the mighty insurance industry and a grizzly bear of an opposing counsel, With Jason and Janet's resolve, integrity, honesty, and an unyielding spirit of determination, we were successful in winning our case. Jason and Janet slew the dragon and proved there are angels among us. Thank you Jason and Janet.

26 Sep, 2013 by Courtney

Im one who doesn't trust law enforcement, judges or lawyers. Been through too much, too independent, and count on me. But... when I absolutely needed a lawyer I interviewed and hired jason! Family man. And more importantly was always communicated and in it for me not his own pocket. In this economy and world, he is a lawyer to count on for you not your check I ng account. Thanks jason for making my problem easier on my stress and being there and honest!

Lauren M. McAllister

13960 Ventura Blvd Fl 2, Sherman Oaks, CA

Child Custody Child Support Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

10 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous

I can only say amazing things about my experience with the Sperling Law Firm. Lauren, Aree, Caroline, and team handled my case with grace and compassion while providing me with excellent guidance. Unlike with other attornies, I felt heard and empowered by the team at Sperling. Going through any kind of Family Law matter can be a very painful, treacherous, and vulnerable experience and I am so grateful that I was referred to Sperling Law to handle a very ugly, very devastating custody and DVRO suit. Lauren and the team were very attentive throughout the process and helped me overcome the pressures of the legal system with grace and compassion. They were immensely generous and always provided the advice and guidance that made the most financial sense in my case. I greatly appreciated that they always considered and respected my limited financial resources. I would recommend Lauren, Aree, Caroline and team to anyone looking for a Family Law firm THAT CARES!!! I hope that I never need their services again, but I am grateful to know that if needed I have a team of lawyers who are by my side!!

28 Apr, 2021 by Jack

I hired Lauren through a recommendation and I’m so glad that I did! After using another attorney for my divorce and spending way more than I expected, I begrudgingly hired Lauren to represent me against a vindictive ex and her hostile attorney. Lauren listened and was sympathetic in my fight to stay in my daughters’ lives while being alienated by their mother. I feel that her adherence to the law and her professionalism is exceptional among attorneys. She genuinely seeks the truth and maintains hope that the truth will, in fact, prevail in court. She is calm and precise in the courtroom as well as in her filings. Her words are impactful, and she gets results. I highly recommend her!

13 Dec, 2018 by Spencer

I hired Lauren McAllister of Sperling Law Firm to represent me in my divorce. She has been exceptional. I never felt I was nickel and dimed. I felt as though I was her only client (though I knew she had others.) Most importantly to me she was very compassionate to my situation. She's very kind but also tough when she needs to be. She's supported by the rest of the legal team at Sperling Law who were always up to speed with my case. I could not recommend Lauren McAllister enough.

William Thomas Tanner

1913 E. 17th St., Suite 212, Santa Ana, CA

Debt Collection Family Law Litigation +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

19 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous

I paid very high rental in one of Irvine city brand new community, but landlord neglected management caused me a series of non-stop headache. I found and consulted William, he paid empathetic attention to listen my suffering and gave professional moderative advice, fair and equal to understand and accept. He taught me how to collect evidence and stand for my right. William is not judgemental at all, comfortable to talk. I very appreciated his service and time. Would love to recommend him to my friends!

30 Nov, 2017 by Rouzbeh soleymani

I worked under the supervision of Mr. Tanner before starting law school and throughout this time, Mr. Tanner acted as a real mentor by motivating and teaching me and many other young law students about the law and compassionate advocacy. He truly cares about his clients and goes above and beyond during the course of their representation. He also teaches at many prestigious academic institutions, which enables him to remain highly educated and up to date with developments in many different fields of California and national laws.

21 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous

I consulted with Bill Tanner and was very pleased and satisfied with his knowledge and advice he gave me.

Jaclyn Janel Flynn

44 Montgomery St Ste 3750, San Francisco, CA

Child Custody Family Law +2

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

24 Apr, 2019 by Randolph

Jason Wolford is truly the best attourney I've ever worked with. His legal expertise and professionalism went above and beyond my expectations. I am so grateful for his passion, dedication, and professionalism. Thank you so much!

16 Apr, 2019 by Lisa brewer

Jason Wolford professionally and brilliantly represented my case and made THE difference in the successful outcome as well as took a personal interest in my well-being during the process. I would emphatically recommend Jason Wolford as a powerful, professional and brilliant attorney who produces amazing results in a comfortable courageous atmosphere.

09 May, 2018 by Ken murphy

I was recently in a difficult--and frankly, scary--dispute with my landlord, and initially felt completely intimidated and overwhelmed by the situation. I talked to a number of attorneys, including several of the more well-known tenant's rights firms in the Bay Area, many of whom gave me the run-around, or agreed to handle some aspects of the case but not others. I'm very grateful that I finally connected with Jason. He took on the entirety of the case, and developed an overall strategy to navigate the complexities of the situation. He handled the case with great skill and competence, and brought it to a very positive conclusion. He's a clear, strategic thinker, fair-minded, and not intimidated by the bullying tactics one encounters in these situations. And he really is just a good guy, and treats his clients very fairly and honorably. If you find yourself in this kind of situation, look him up!

Joel Hillson Tranter

2161 Shattuck Ave, Ste. 315, Berkeley, CA

Child Custody Child Support Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

23 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous

This review is long overdue. I reached out to Joel in 2018 after being self represented for the majority of my divorce proceedings. I needed help with finalizing the remaining steps in my divorce. Although my divorce was initially filed in the Bay Area and had since relocated to Southern California, Joel was not only able to meet with me on short notice while on a trip there, he was also able to represent me from afar. A few months later, my divorce was finalized with no hiccups along the way. He was always pleasant to work with, knowledgeable and extremely responsive given that most of our communication was via email and sometimes even txt. I couldn’t be more thankful to him and his expertise. Joel, thanks again for helping me to close this chapter of my life. Do not hesitate to hire this attorney. If you’ve worked with Joel before, remember to leave a review as it may help someone else in need of legal representation.

20 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous

I found Joel through an online search for a family attorney who could help me with a child support case. I hired him after our first consultation and he subsequently helped me through the court process of applying for child support. He always went the extra mile to explain any court procedures and documents to me before and/or after each hearing. The case was successfully resolved and I am very grateful to Joel for his excellent work.

11 Mar, 2014 by Heather

Joel has represented me in a case that has required an attorney who is ethical, intelligent and clever. He has been able to break down a difficult situation into a clear-cut case that leaves no room for any "dealing" to settle. He walks the walk...side by side with you, with honesty and integrity as his guideposts. I would not be writing this if I did not believe in him; his word is his bond, and he is a rare gem.

Annie Berlin

11755 Wilshire Blvd Ste 2140, Los Angeles, CA

Criminal Defense Entertainment Family Law +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

29 Sep, 2015 by Steve

I got a DUI back in 2014. Without getting into the details, my DUI case is not the typical DUI case and the DA was playing "hardball." Annie spent over a year fighting for me, filed motions to suppress evidence and was ready to take my case to trial. She refused to take just some plea deal. Annie was always on top of my case and kept me informed and updated. I don't know any attorney that would have put in as much time and effort as Annie did. I knew I was in good hands with Annie and I could not be happier with the outcome of my case.

28 Apr, 2015 by Milo

My case had to do with intellectual property being infringed upon by some VERY big names in the entertainment business. Before coming to Annie, I had my case reviewed by several other lawyers who, I felt, were intimidated because of the high profiles maintained by the potential defendants in my case. NOT ANNIE, however! She displayed an outstanding grasp of the issues involved in my case from our very first meeting . She understood the delicate nature of my relationship with Blink 182 and handled my case with much discretion. She also really understood my music, which was extremely important to me. Annie's kind, caring nature and her prompt response to my e-mails and phone calls allow me to recommend her professional services to potential clients without reservation.

27 Feb, 2015 by Reid e. martin

I had a Workers Comp case handled by a Law firm who used Hearing Representatives instead of Attorney's. After three Mandatory settlement conferences and false promises over a two year period the firm woke up and brought Annie Berlin to join the firm. Annie got more done in a three week period than any Hearing representative did in a two year period. At the settlement conference she was dynamic, professional and took my interest in the settlement. Thank you Annie for stepping up and getting this case settled and keeping me informed of everything that was going on with this case.

Heather J. Smith

10 Almaden Blvd Ste 1250, San Jose, CA

Child Custody Domestic Violence Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

04 Apr, 2017 by Bill

When my divorce lawyer was too busy to complete my marriage pre-nup, she recommended Heather to me, and boy am I happy she did. She listened to all of my thoughts and ideas regarding fairness and made some excellent suggestions many of which I adopted in the final draft. She did such a good job that my fiancee's lawyer thought it was one of the best pre-nups she had ever seen. She also made sure the my fiancee was properly represented. THANKS HEATHER!!!

22 Aug, 2016 by Edward

I have a learning disability, anxiety and depression, which had all gotten much worse prior to my wife's decision to divorce me. My wife tried to get out of permanent spousal support altogether, but thanks to Heather's intelligent, expert and knowledgeable assistance, I've got the support I needed. Thanks, Heather!

05 Apr, 2016 by Jane

Heather helped me with a complicated dissolution that included tax matters, business and property issues as well as other difficulties. Upon the first meeting, I knew she had the strength, wisdom and ability to take on the myriad issues. During the process, I learned how perceptive she was in meeting my specific needs. She listened carefully and explained legal procedures with efficiency. Above all, her compassion and focus on integrity carried me through many difficult moments. Due to the special traits of Heather J. Smith, I have had an entirely positive outcome which has helped me secure my future and move on.

Diane Anderson

629 New York Ranch Road, Jackson, CA

Bankruptcy Estate Planning Family Law +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

11 Sep, 2019 by Kelly

I want to thank Diane and her team for all the respect they gave me during my bankruptcy! I felt horrible I could not manage it myself, but they made me feel that I did what I could do.. and I needed their help desperately. I was under a tight time limit of two weeks to stop social security.. and they made it happen. They were supportive, answered all My dumb questions.. and they gave great advice. They even got my Tax return back. I just wanted to say thank you for all the help.. Thank you patty for taking all my questions. You all are great and would recommend you to anyone that finds themselves in a position they can’t handle on their own . Thank you for the respect! All all the respect back at you!

10 Jan, 2018 by David

Diane is very forthcoming and knowledgeable of what the right strategy is to resolve the case with the least worry. Very personable and focused on the agenda.

09 May, 2017 by Robin

Diane is an Attorney that truly stands out among her peers. Diane genuinely cares about helping people. Diane made an incredible difference in my life and was able to assist me with an extremely difficult divorce. I highly recommend Diane Anderson.

Sean Michael Cassis

3281 E. Guasti Road, Suite 700, Ontario, CA

Bankruptcy Criminal Defense Family Law +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

11 Nov, 2016 by Valerie morley

He kept me from getting nervous and helped me prior to going in to the court room.

28 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous

He helped us with our chapter 7 banckruptcy a couple years ago and to this day any related issues to that he has been a quick response in helping clear any discripency

05 Sep, 2015 by Gerald

Mr Cassis represented me at my disability hearing on behalf of PREMIER DISABILITY. I felt that he did a GREAT job and was very professional, nice and well prepared.

Cheryl Lynn Weiss

51 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell, CA

Child Custody Child Support Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

09 Apr, 2022 by Shierre anne medula

Working with the law office of Cecelia Soboleski has been one of the best decisions I have ever made since my divorce process started. I say this because despite the distance and time difference, I currently live here in the Philippines, we were able to communicate well. She manage to discuss the plans and educate me about the case thru zoom meetings and email. She gives you insight but she let’s you decide on everything. Zoom meetings were arrange so that it would both fit into our schedule. She would definitely reply to questions and clarification thru email. Overall, Cecelia is efficient and truly an expert in her field of practice. Thank you cecelia

08 Apr, 2022 by Manish verma

I highly recommend the Law Office of Cecelia Soboleski for all your needs in regards to Family Law whether it is divorce, child custody, spouse/child support, etc. This law office was good at listening to my case details and suggested me what is in best interest of me and my child. I am just happy that I went with this law firm. Thank you for all the good work they are doing to help people get justice.

28 Mar, 2022 by S t

Even though, my husband and I have reconciled through a devastating separation, headed for divorce, Cecelia leveled the playing field and made sure I was left in a better place. Things would not have turned out this great without her effort, expertise, and her fierceness to make all of the right moves. Thank you, Cecelia, for your patience and understanding with me. You are a Super Attorney. I will always be grateful.

Deborah Lynne Dubroff

1939 Harrison St., Oakland, CA

Child Custody Domestic Violence Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

31 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous

Deborah Dubroff was a godsend during my divorce. Divorce is clearly one of the most stressful times in ones life and I felt like I had the best attorney in my corner. Deborah is brilliant, strategic, compassionate, direct when needed and settlement oriented but ready for litigation if needed. Her honesty and direction on each step of the process reassured me that I had the right professional advising me. With her years of experience, she is well connected and knew the expert / 3rd party that would be best for my case at each stage of the process. To say my divorce was long , challenging and contentious is an understatment and Deborah far exceeded my expectations as an attorney. She fought hard for my case to obtain an outstanding settlement. Without hestitation, I recommend Deborah Dubroff as family law attorney.

28 Jul, 2016 by Megan

I cannot recommend Deborah Dubroff enough. She is professional, articulate, knowledgable, assertive, and undeniably bright. She navigated me through an extremely trying divorce, one that began with the potential of mediation and turned into a high-conflict custody battle. She handled all of its phases brilliantly. She truly has her clients’ best interests at heart. In so many ways she took care to protect my financial bottom line, advising me which elements of s case were worth spending attorney time on—and which weren’t. Her knowledge of and experience with family law meant she knew what to fight for, where I was likely to prevail, and where I was not. She answered all of my questions clearly and thoughtfully throughout the process. She is a clever negotiator. She is well-respected by her colleagues, including judicial officiants. And in court she just shines. Ms. Dubroff’s tone throughout all our communication was professional and yet supportive. This lawyer cares. My divorce was the most difficult period of my life, but I now have a settlement that represents the best outcome for all parties, my child included. If you are going through this painful process, my heart goes out to you. And, I've got to tell you, Ms. Dubroff is an amazing ally.

19 Apr, 2015 by Brianna

Deborah Dubroff guided me through a very long, contentious divorce that involved all kinds of non standard stuff (QDROs, out of state moves, spousal support, even a contempt hearing). When I met her, I was immediately struck by her candor, razor-sharp wit, and her obvious generosity of spirit. What I mean by the last is that she took lots of time with me during our initial meeting and really listened to me. She made me feel like everything would be ok, and it was. I won the entire case, including a very large settlement. She strikes me as extremely honest. She always charged me very fairly. To sum up, I think that Deborah is sort of the antithesis of the lawyer stereotype. She really cares about her clients and their outcomes. She doesn't overcharge. She made me feel as though I got tremendous value for the money I paid to engage her services. I highly recommend her, without reservation.

Sara S. Thompson

287 Nevada Street, Auburn, CA

Child Custody Child Support Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

21 Dec, 2018 by Scott

Sara handled my case very efficiently and professionally. Despite the circumstances of why I retained her services, she made the experience as painless as possible. She was very timely in her response to my questions and she kept me updated as to any changes in the status of my case. I would highly recommend her for any family law needs.

21 Dec, 2018 by Dara

Sara is the main reason I was able to finally get a fair court hearing and be heard properly by the judge. She was very concise and direct with the judge on what I desire to achieve. She also provided great advice for me on what would be the best approach in hostility with the other party. Sara isn’t just an awesome lawyer but she is also a wonderful friend to have too.

14 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous

Sara patiently listened, offered concise and knowledgeable answers to my questions concerning legal actions with regards to my pending divorce. When I am prepared to file with the courts, Sara will definitely be my legal representation.

Paul Joseph Lorelli

9521 Charlene Cir, Garden Grove, CA

Child Custody Child Support Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

02 Jul, 2018 by Nicole

Paul is a very knowledgeable attorney. He truly cares for his clients and looks out for their best interest. I highly recommend Paul.

07 May, 2018 by Anonymous

I'm so glad I hired Paul Lorelli. Paul is an absolute professional. I could not recommend a lawyer more. Paul is the type of attorney people pray for but rarely find. Paul is a David to a Goliath. He is rare in this world... let alone as an attorney. Prior to hiring Paul in my present matter I had two other attorneys who couldn't hold a candle to him. Paul is intelligent and thoughtful, honest and good-hearted. Family matters are very emotional and frightening, but having Paul there makes them less daunting. I highly recommend Paul Lorelli. 10+ stars

10 Oct, 2012 by Don

I HIRED MR. LORRELI ON A CHILD SUPPORT MODIFICATION CASE. HE WAS VERY PREPARED AND PRESENTED WELL BEFORE THE JUDGE. HE IS A VERY HONEST AND CARING PERSON AND WOULD RECOMMEND HIM TO OTHERS WITHOUT RESERVATION.

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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.

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.

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