Lawyers map
>9.8k
experienced lawyers
Filter by
30 Jul, 2022 by Timothy higginbotham
They worked hard for me. I highly recommend this office. Mark and Tom are awesome.
Read more
05 Nov, 2021 by Crystal nelson-grishkin
06 Feb, 2018 by Briana arellano
Both Laura and Craig are both amazing lawyers. I've worked with both of them on separate issues and both are very understanding very helpful and very good at what they do!
Read more
01 Dec, 2015 by Sara nicolson
Mr. Bassett is an intelligent, thoughtful, and client focused attorney who has served our family very well over the years.
Managed a couple different estate plans for both my grandmother and parents. Highly recommended.
Read more
29 Dec, 2019 by Jose espinal
They are the best. I recommend all lawyer
Read more
08 Oct, 2019 by Ariel green andersson
The team at Jewell, Stewart and Pratt made our transition from Czech Republic to California go remarkably well. A large amount of paperwork, all very clear and thorough and timing was exactly what they told us and better. Claire, Monique and Mable made a great combo and we highly recommend hiring them when you are looking for results beyond the basics, special requests and international managing of affairs across borders, oceans and mountains of red tape. In 1st moments we thought to do it on our own. Then, realized there were some surprises along the way and that our team got results we were not able to get on our own and we didn’t want any mistakes during an already stressful period of change. This was the best investment in our future we made, by far. No regrets. No surprises. Professional and straight forward. Exactly what you need when moving yourself and family to U.S. Crossing the border with confidence is the best gift you can give yourself.11 minutes at the airport border crossing/special room, amazing. Do yourself a favor and relax into a professional team who knows what’s needed, so you don’t.
Read more
20 Jun, 2014 by Fred
After cancer entered our lives we thought everything was over. All are dreams were destroyed and then we turned to Matthew. His professionalism and manner was a life saver to us to find. His understanding of our predicament allowed us to willingly place our fate in his hands. That decision has led us to debt-free status today.
Whatever you decide, ensure you sit down and have that serious conversation with Matthew. He is truly an honest and forthright lawyer, and I do not say that too often.
Read more
09 Aug, 2013 by Mlf
I felt very comfortable that I was in good hands. He made a difficult situation, not difficult!
Read more
04 Feb, 2020 by Stephanie bader
I have had the pleasure of getting to know Preston Marx III through the Roseville Business Networking Group. He is a Bar Certified Estate Planning/Trust attorney. I find him to be passionate and knowledgeable in helping families in the difficult tine following the death of a loved one. I look forward to working with his firm more in the future.
Read more
11 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
I recently had the pleasure of working with David Kelly on a case where my client, who is a resident of Washington, needed the help of California attorneys. Mr. Kelly has a very in-depth knowledge of estate planning in California. He is also a gentleman and shows compassion for the client.
Read more
03 Feb, 2020 by Goalzenlife
He's a good landlord, and brilliant Attorney. Decent man.
Read more
02 Jan, 2020 by G perkins
Was referred by a friend and he was great!
Read more
12 Jun, 2016 by Mau
Attorney Nguyen defend my divorce case started 8/2010 and completed in Jan 2014.
Ms Nguyen fought very hard for me, her dedication and her professionalism were the key of the success defending me
Read more
10 Jun, 2016 by Hoa
I hired Ms.Nguyen on December 16, 2009 to represent my W.C case. As soon as she was on board, she got in touch with the defense attorney and W.C insurance to have my TTD payment resumed at the correct rate. She did it within weeks, which the previous attorney failed to do. Under six years of Ms.Nguyen representation of my W.C case, she helped me get all the treatments I needed for my industrial injuries and processed all legal procedures properly. When I had questions, she was there to answer them. She did a wonderful job. As a result of her great work, I've gotten a good settlement; I'm very satisfied with her work. I would reccomend her to anyone.
Read more
02 Feb, 2023 by Nikita garcia
10 Aug, 2018 by Mahesh dixit
24 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Stephanie Finelli
Choosing Stephanie to be our lawyer was like hitting the “jack pot “
Smart, realistic really knows her stuff
And how to fight for it
I wish we had her for the trail court because we most likely would have never had to go to the appeal court
Where other lawyers turned our appeal case away she jump for it
She was excited to help us
She helped us file the right paper work at the right time
She gave us an opportunity turn this extremely unreasonable judgement that didn’t follow the law around
She wrote an amazing opening brief and reply brief
She is familiar with our case for oral argument
She is truly amazing no matter which way the appeal case goes
I know if you choose Stephanie ,
you have an amazing lawyer to back you up
Read more
23 Dec, 2015 by Xavier
It is my privilege to recommend the Law Office of Stephanie J. Finelli as an excellent practice focused on legal matters with regard to appellant law. Stephanie J. Finelli is an exceptional appellate attorney!
To be frank, I had an awful disposition due to the impacts of a trial court ruling. The legal process prior to that ruling had been very challenging and I was entangled in a legal experience no one should have.
I consulted with several appellate attorneys but Stephanie's engagement was remarkable. She is a legal expert. She understood the challenges and what was needed to unravel occurrences to achieve our goal. I will use a term I don’t really use but she was "brilliant" in her decomposition of issues and analysis of the ruling in the trial court. She identified a dichotomy in the case law applied and its applicability to our case as well as a need to improve the law. That was the basis for her argument before the State of California Appellate Court. Unfortunately, the appellate court did what it is inclined to do: it found a way to uphold the ruling of the trial court.
In spite of circumstances, I had rather optimistic expectations of outcomes from the appellate court. Stephanie had confidence in her argument but leveled our expectations with pragmatism. The ruling was disappointing and a seemingly devastating blow. It is in times like that when “having a legal expert to represent your interests and provide you with counsel” really matters. Stephanie was respectful of the appellate court's ruling and explained it to me. However, she also told me she believed the appellate court "did not get it right" and explained why. Her counsel was to persist with our argument to the State of California Supreme Court.
Stephanie performed an analysis to identify issues with the ruling of the State of California Appellate Court. She believed asserting the issues identified would be compelling for the State of California Supreme Court to consider our case. She believed if the Supreme Court would accept our case, the veracity of our argument may prevail.
The rest of my accounting is history now...for the State of California. The State of California Supreme Court (it declines ~90% of the cases submitted to it) was compelled to accept our case. Stephanie was excellent in her presentation and argument to defend our case. She won and changed/improved a rather fundamental law that governs us in the state of California. She helped establish a “bright line” that improved Family Law in California.
I highly recommend the Law Office of Stephanie J. Finelli. Stephanie is principled, a resolute litigator, and a very good person. Stephanie J. Finelli is what every person needs their lawyer to be: candid, a consummate professional, a legal expert, and a winner!
Read more
05 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
My dire divorce situation took a very strong, positive and productive turn when I hired Holly Mattice. I finally felt like I had had some control and there's no doubt this is because Holly and her team actually cared about my case and lifted me up from the dirt I was shoved in by very unfair circumstances. If you want justice in your case, Holly and her team will make sure you get it, and on top of that, they will kindly and firmly educate you on the process so you can be a leader in your case and truly change your life for the better. I cannot thank her enough. Thank you Holly
Read more
16 Oct, 2017 by Cheri
Holly is a rock Star! She is quick responsive and down to earth and get's the job done quickly. Divorce is never easy and the last thing you need is a lazy attorney. She was on-top of my case from the start to the finish. Thank god!
Read more
01 Jun, 2022 by Lee ramirez
29 Aug, 2020 by Tara saldivar
10 Oct, 2014 by Craig
During the most difficult time of my life,John was there to walk me through everything I needed to navigate. John stuck with me through a 3 year delay before I could finish the process,and helped me to finally get past the stress and uncertainty ,
Read more
04 Sep, 2014 by Danni
I remember a time when I was on top of the world. Everything I touch turned to gold, any idea I had I knew would be successful. Those were the days I thought I was untouchable, and quite honestly I was. I had found success, financial security and was living the life I always wanted. I was providing for my kids making my family proud did not have a care in the world. Then in an instant everything changed, I went from being on top of the world to falling hard, hitting the ground with a very large splat! I like many, had been caught up in the real estate bubble and when things burst all over the nation, they burst big in my home as well. I thought I was done for; I had no hope, and no understanding of how I could make things better. With some stroke of luck I reached out and called my attorney (Tamara Harper, who also had become a friend of mine), and I explained that I was upside down in life and needed some help. She referred me to two individuals who are now not only my attorneys but also dear friend, John Rounds, and Randy Sutter of Rounds in Sutter ... John and Randy made an appointment with me the day that I called them. Without getting to specific about my troubles….I am here to tell you that John and Randy gave me reason to breathe again. With their strong support and extensive legal knowledge, they provided me a path to a new life. John and Randy were then and will always be my ROCK. They always have my best interest at heart and keep my legal matters in perfect order. I recommend to anyone who needs help with their life to see Rounds and Sutter. They are the BEST!!!
Read more
30 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Michell took care of everything and anything my case needed and guided me through it with excellent advice! The hearing was a breeze with Michell by my side and I am so happy with the outcome. Thankful to have been recommended to her.
Read more
28 Oct, 2020 by Jonathan
I cannot recommend Michell highly enough! After hiring two lawyers before hiring Michell, I soon realized that finding legal aptitude is not easy. Having the wrong lawyer on your team can be frustrating and costly. From the very first phone call, Michell listened intently to my legal plight, which had become an extraordinarily complex and elaborate situation inside the court. Michell always listened to understand, and she communicated clearly in a way that I always felt well taken care of. Ultimately, Michell was able to argue my case during a motion for reconsideration, and it was successfully overturned. Vacating previous orders in Family Court is not an easy thing to accomplish! I will continue to work with Michell and highly recommend her services. Thank you, Michell, for the peace of mind you have afforded me since starting to work with you. I am grateful to have found you!
Read more
31 May, 2012 by Sherijoy
Finding Patrick McCrary was like hitting a home run for me. There is no one better to represent you in court, and guide you to the best outcome possible. Attorney McCrary is passionate about his work and goes above and beyond for his clients. I was blessed to work with him in an extremely difficult, high conflict case. Mr. McCrary was well versed in the Court system, and very effective in the courtroom. I cannot thank him and his staff enough for everything they did for me and my son.
Read more
12 Feb, 2011 by Jackie
I've been trying to get child support for 8 years through the California courts. I was recommended to Pat McCrary and he succeeded very quickly to an order for all the back plus getting current payment obligations set up. I am so grateful and I highly recommend him. Very courteous and professional and extremely smart.
Read more
23 Feb, 2018 by Sophia
My now husband and I were in need of an attorney that could help us with a pre-nupt before our wedding date. We called many family lawyers in the region that either didn't do pre-nupts anymore or didn't want to make the time to help us. We only had three weeks to make it happen and we didn't know there was also a 7-day required waiting period for the State of CA. We called Sally because ARAG referred her and she was able to help us in such a narrow timeframe. Sally was able to represent me and her officemate was able to represent my husband. We were able to get everything signed by our wedding date. She was so fast at getting back to us and asked us questions to make sure that the legal wording accurately reflected our intentions. She was even able to assist us with amending our shared property title and notarize a couple of documents. We are so grateful for her and will definitely be back for our estate planning needs in the future. We highly recommend Sally!
Read more
01 Jul, 2014 by Doug
Very efficient and communicative. She's very up front about what she charges (very reasonable charges by the way) and extremely effective at negotiations with the opposing attorney, I've had to contract with several attorney's over my 60+ years now and from my experience, she's the best I've ever encountered.
Read more
02 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
I have never met an attorney who is honest, hard working (24/7), very responsive to your case matters, looks out for your best interest, is extremely knowledgeable and gets the job done to win your case.
Read more
12 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
He is very skilled and knowledgeable concerning litigation and the laws. He really does his homework and looks out for the best interest of his clients. He is very honest and trustworthy. He doesn't beat around the bush and sugar coats things. He tells you how it is. I have a great deal of respect and admiration for him. He is truly a wonderful person.
Read more
26 Nov, 2013 by Michael
3 years ago I had a significant change in my life and needed some expert advice. Upon a recommendation from a friend, I contacted Michael Finein and I couldn’t be happier with the support and advice that Michael has provided to me over the past 3 years. In cases like mine, I needed someone who could present me with the facts of Law, walk me through various options available to me while always listening to my concerns and with a focus on controlling expenses. I appreciate Michael’s honesty, direct feedback and a sincere desire to do everything possible within the law to support my needs. If you are looking for someone who will truly act as an advocate on your behalf with the highest integrity, responsiveness and partnership, I highly recommend Michael Finein.
Read more
14 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
Michael was a strong advocate who exercised outstanding judgement and provided good counsel throughout my divorce.
He was sensitive throughout this very difficult process to present all options, make a reccomendation, and help me understand the ups and downs associated with each option.
During my divorce I worked with no less than 4 attorneys, and I can't say enough about how much sanity and humanity he brought to this process.
Read more
03 Jun, 2010 by Sam
I have worked with this attorney on several business litigation matters and she is an excellent attorney. More than anything, she is honest, which is more than can be said about most of the lawyers... I would use her again for any other matter.
Read more
06 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
I know Roza Crawford for many years- and she is excellent attorney, very professional. ... She handle my case... criminal matters, and I recommend Roza as attorney!!!!!!!!
Read more
09 Dec, 2020 by Mike
Hughes Law group recently helped me complete a highly contentious divorce. I was recommended to the firm by someone with a great deal of experience in family law, and I could not have made a better choice than to hire Marc and Melanie. After taking the time to learn my needs, they determined an appropriate path for my case, set clear expectations, communicated with me through the entire process, and ultimately landed a fair CCRC and judgment which was precisely what I sought.
Read more
31 Aug, 2011 by Anonymous
I am in the third year of a complicated divorce involving domestic violence and many other issues. Hughes Law Group has been responsive, knowledgeable, and ethical, and they have been extremely effective in ensuring my children’s safety and well-being. I am so thankful for their representation and would recommend them without hesitation.
Read more
27 Jun, 2013 by Gloria
Ms. Ben-Elyaho represented me during a painful custody dispute with my son. With her help I was able to get back custody of him. We spent a full day in Court over this matter and with her professionalism and refusal to take no for an answer everything worked out. She is an amazing attorney who really cares about her client's best interest.
Read more
15 Mar, 2013 by Sherry
Attorney BenElyaho is dedicated, knowledgeable and a true professional. She's highly motivated and fights for her clients!
Thank you for your guidance.
Read more
01 Jun, 2022 by Lee ramirez
29 Aug, 2020 by Tara saldivar
10 Sep, 2015 by Al francis
Attorney Reese did an excellent job in my case. I am very happy with the results! She was kind and compassionate and still very efficient it achieving our objective and outcome!
Read more
10 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Mauri Reese is an amazing attorney! She is compassionate and extremely efficient! She did a great job for me in winning custody of my children!
Read more
02 Dec, 2014 by Zach
Mr. Barnitt was appointed as my counsel while I was a minor during a particularly nasty custody battle between my parents. While I was too young to appreciate him at the time, I realized later that Mr. Barnitt was invaluable in representing my interests to the court when my parents were too busy using me as a pawn in their war against each other to care much about what it was I wanted/what was best for me.
Though I'm unsure if Mr. Barnitt is still available for appointment as minor's counsel, I have no doubt that the professionalism and caring he showed during my case translates to every area of law that he now practices.
Read more
06 Jul, 2012 by Bch
Patrick came highly recommended to me by professional friends of my father and I am really glad I have him as my attorney. My wife hired an attorney to represent “us both” and after talking to him I knew there was “No Way” Patrick cares about his clients in fact on more than a few occasions has stopped by my office to let me know whats the latest with my divorce. He is smart and professional, he has a thorough grasp of family law. I feel I'm in good hands.
Read more
19 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Steve worked with us over a period of several years. I would highly recommend him.
Read more
23 Jun, 2014 by Joe u.
Steve handled my case exceptionally! I was amazed how judges and juries respond to his persuasive skills and mastery of the law. He maneuvered through the complex legal and factual issues with perfection. Undoubtedly, one of the most intelligent persons I have ever met.
Read more
24 Aug, 2014 by Richard
Attorney Sharmi Shah is extremely professional, responsive and knowledgeable in legal matters. She was able to analyze my legal situation and was able to explain, in layman terms, the ramifications and options during each step. Her advice was always well thought out and designed to minimize any potential issues. She was ardent and authoritative in representing me. I firmly believe that with Ms. Shah's help, I was able to achieve the best possible outcome. I highly recommend Ms. Shah when you're in need of legal representation.
Read more
20 Aug, 2014 by John
Ms. Sharmi Shah is an Amazing Attorney!
She is ever so conscientious, hardworking, understanding, professional, quick, powerful and passionate for justice and all things fair. Expert and strong in her legal knowledge, she does not back down to anyone while defending my rights and protecting me.
I highly recommend Sharmi to anyone looking for the very best legal representative possible. She represents me at all times with care and dedication and goes above and beyond to protect me in one of the most difficult times of my life involving family, real estate and litigation.
Read more
09 Jan, 2016 by Elliott
Tres is a very professional attorney and will go above and beyond to help get the results you are fighting for. He has successfully helped me in my custody battle with my daughter's mother and I highly recommend his services.
Read more
27 Jan, 2012 by Johnathan
Tres definitely knows his business and is very quick on his feet. I got more than was expected in my custody case and couldn't be happier with his work. If you want someone who will get the job done and is honest and professional he's your guy
Read more
13 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I initially hired George to help review my MSA, but then, due to circumstances beyond our control, the mediation process went pear shaped, and I had to retain George to renegotiate a deal.
We succeeded in negotiating a satisfactory compromise, and for that I am very very grateful.
Read more
31 May, 2015 by Susan
Don't usually post reviews, but George is an exception. I had a mostly amicable divorce situation, and wanted to keep legal costs down by filing my own paperwork. I had an initial consultation with George where he listened to my story and headed me in the right legal/paperwork direction. I did most of my own filings, but the final paperwork is quite mysterious and tricky. Not wanting to drag things out by filing something incorrectly, I again scheduled time with George to help make sure I had the correct forms and had them filled out correctly.....I did not. With about 35 minutes of his time - and he only charged me for this amount of time, not an entire hour as some lawyers do - I had everything ready for final filing.
I definitely recommend George to help you handle your divorce - no matter how you end up dealing with things. He is very calming, understanding, honest, and extremely helpful.....and a very nice man!
Read more
26 May, 2021 by Ro
Let’s face it, divorce and separation is never easy, yet Rachael did an incredible job helping us find a middle ground on issues and provided guidance for making things amicable.
In the end we both got what we wanted and through Rachael’s legal advice, we were able to move forward with our lives.
I could not be happier with her services.
Read more
25 May, 2021 by Allison
We used Rachael for years against my husbands exwife. From child support, to the custody schedule, to ongoing disputes (ie educational and residential concerns) Rachael got us what we wanted every single time. I refer her to everyone I know in need of family law support.
Read more
11 Mar, 2010 by Teofilo
Ellaine is an excellent immigration attorney. She is very intelligent and thoroughly knowledgeable about her field, attentive to detail, and very reliable. I felt that she cared very much about my case, so I knew that I was in good hands. In addition to immigration, Ellaine is also very knowledgeable about other areas of the law.
Read more
09 Mar, 2010 by Patty
She is a great immigration attorney. Gave me great advice and helped me throughout my immigration case and affordable pricing. She is responsible always answers me e-mails immediately and knowledgeable about the immigration process.
Read more
15 May, 2021 by The anderson’s
I’m not one to write reviews good or bad. But I will say that my families experience with Conor Nideffer was excellent. He took care, an unbelievable amount of time and compassion when we needed it the most. Conor is not only a dedicated attorney but a wonderful person. We truly appreciate all he has done for us.
Read more
18 Mar, 2021 by Jessica
Conor is amazing. I felt so comfortable from the first phone call, like I had a trusted friend looking out for me, not just an attorney. He not only helped me after a car accident (and got it settled for full value,) he is also now helping my family and I with our estate plans. So happy to have found him and have also referred him to friends. Thanks, Conor!!
Read more
Browse lawyers
Cities in California - Find a Lawyer Near Me
-
Los Angeles
-
San Francisco
-
San Diego
-
Sacramento
-
Irvine
-
Oakland
-
San Jose
-
Beverly Hills
-
Newport Beach
-
Palo Alto
-
Pasadena
-
Santa Monica
-
Santa Ana
-
Fresno
-
Walnut Creek
-
Long Beach
-
Glendale
-
Encino
-
Woodland Hills
-
Costa Mesa
-
Riverside
-
Redwood City
-
Santa Rosa
-
Menlo Park
-
Santa Barbara
-
Sherman Oaks
-
Orange
-
Torrance
-
Berkeley
-
Westlake Village
-
Burbank
-
Mountain View
-
Carlsbad
-
San Rafael
-
Bakersfield
-
San Mateo
-
Ventura
-
El Segundo
-
Roseville
-
Santa Clara
-
Calabasas
-
Tustin
-
Culver City
-
Stockton
-
La Jolla
-
Huntington Beach
-
Modesto
-
Pleasanton
-
Manhattan Beach
-
Anaheim
-
San Luis Obispo
-
Santa Cruz
-
Van Nuys
-
Sunnyvale
-
Burlingame
-
Fullerton
-
San Ramon
-
Rancho Cucamonga
-
Ontario
-
Salinas
-
San Bernardino
-
Encinitas
-
Napa
-
Monterey
-
Cupertino
-
Fremont
-
Thousand Oaks
-
West Hollywood
-
Los Gatos
-
Redding
-
Redondo Beach
-
Alameda
-
Monterey Park
-
Palm Desert
-
Cerritos
-
Folsom
-
Agoura Hills
-
Chico
-
Visalia
-
Mission Viejo
-
Marina Del Rey
-
Temecula
-
Oxnard
-
Aliso Viejo
-
Laguna Hills
-
Davis
-
Brea
-
Chula Vista
Browse lawyers
Practice Areas in California
-
Business
-
Litigation
-
Real Estate
-
Intellectual Property
-
Personal Injury
-
Estate Planning
-
Criminal Defense
-
Family Law
-
Tax
-
Workers Compensation
-
Civil Rights
-
Insurance
-
Consumer Protection
-
Immigration
-
Government
-
Appeals
-
Probate
-
Trusts
-
Car Accident
-
Mediation
-
Entertainment
-
Class Action
-
Child Custody
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Domestic Violence
-
Wrongful Death
-
Bankruptcy
-
Medical Malpractice
-
Child Support
-
Elder Law
-
Discrimination
-
Financial Markets And Services
-
Wrongful Termination
-
Juvenile Law
-
Sexual Harassment
-
Debt Collection
-
Employment / Labor
-
Copyright Application
-
Divorce
-
Social Security & Disability
-
Federal Crime
-
Sex Crime
-
Foreclosure
-
Adoption
-
DUI / DWI
-
Debt Settlement
-
Landlord & Tenant
-
Drug Crime
-
Construction
-
Cannabis Law
-
Credit Repair
-
Life Insurance
-
Constitutional Law
-
Education Law
-
Environmental Law
-
Contracts
-
Admiralty / Maritime
-
Corporate
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
