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11 Aug, 2014 by Kristine
This attorney is intelligible and responsible. He has helped me for a few different reasons and he has came through on all of them! He even helped some of my friends and prevailed. I personally would suggest him for almost any capacity of law. I found his pricing to be fair too.
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10 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
I hired the firm of Law Offices of Faud Haghighi, after myself and two friends were involved in a serious car accident. At first one of my family members recommended another firm which handled my case for about two months after the accident. Once I realized that they had nothing at all, I was referred to Law Offices of Faud Haghighi by my neighbor who recommeded them after they had resolved their immigration case. The office was courteous, professional and immediatley return my phone calls. After about three months of handling my case the insurance wanted to depose myself and my friends. Immediatley after the deposition Mr. Haghighi was able to obtain the maximum policy limit from the insurance. I would highly recommend Mr. Haghighi and his office for any legal problems you may have. And although I hope I won't need to, I would not go anywhere else if involved in an auto accident!
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01 Oct, 2013 by Ruth
Christine was great. She was very responsive, knowledgeable and helpful. I would reach out to her again when I have a need. Thank-you!
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24 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Christine has been very thorough and responsive to my needs concerning my situation for my mother who had dementia. I was required to obtain elderly guardianship for my mom as she was no longer able to take care of herself or her finances. I would highly recommend Christine to any of my friends who are need of an attorney to help with their loved ones.
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23 Jul, 2019 by Steven
Wallace Francis is an exceptional attorney and I would recommend him to anyone who has an ethical case.
Like most litigants, he is absolutely committed to his clients' financial interests. Yet he also recognizes what matters outside of money. He offers solutions that consider all factors. An example would be if a client had to pick two options, one that would likely yield $10,000 and another would gain $6,000. While one might think the obvious answer is $10,000, Mr. Francis might offer caution with what the emotional and timing costs would be to get the additional $4,000.
In my particular case, he was amazingly helpful. During a very dark time of my divorce, he was the only attorney who willing to meet with me on a Saturday. He listened to my situation without judgment and offered a small amount of compassion along with outlining a variety of legal options I had.
Ultimately I think Mr. Francis passionately cares to help people who are against malicious litigators, narcissistic people, or any sort of bully in the legal system.
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20 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Francis helped me get through a very contentious divorce that included property and custody disputes. He was very knowledgeable and thorough. Although the other side tried to pull tricks, he was not fooled by their nonsense. He was also compassionate and caring and listened carefully to what I had to say.
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01 Sep, 2023 by Maureen butler
Ms. Sowers has been the legal counsel for many of the foster infants in my care. She is professional, open and most of all passionate about her role. She cares deeply for the children she represents and her passion is evident. Whenever she is assigned a child in my care, I rest easy knowing that the child's best interest will be heard in court.
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07 May, 2018 by Marnie (cummins) giacoletti
Words along can not express what this Lawyer means to me and my family. My 2 boys were in the states care and Madaliene was their lawyer ~ she was amazing ! very caring and a super professional lawyer ...its been years 20 years since I have see her but I think of her often My family is doing well - my boys are grown - I have 1 grandson ... I would love to touch base and catch her up on our lives
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28 Nov, 2022 by Nydessa
Stacey Made us feel like family in the most professional way. She took our case personally and worked extremely Hard on helping with My son's safe return as well as Sole Physical and Legal Custody with No Visitation. It wasn't the easiest case either as we had to involve the Child Abduction Unit and Stacey as well as her Assistant Bonnie went above and Beyond. I mean words can not express my gratitude. If needed in the future I will be happy to retain Stacey again as well has recommending her to everyone who may need representation. Bye retaining her you will NOT be disappointed.
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09 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
She provided sophisticated experienced representation. She was understanding and easy to commuincate with.
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27 Feb, 2014 by Nataliya
Assertive. Professional. Patrick Corrigan! I am a former client of Patrick Corrigan. I had a very complicated child custody case with final orders that needed to be reconsidered. Not only Patrick handled my case in a highly professional manner during the trial two years ago, but he also made sure that certain stipulations would go into the court order which would protect my case in the future if needed. Unfortunately with child custody case there is a strong possibility of going back to court, I have had to do it today, but thanks to Patrick I was protected.
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12 Aug, 2013 by Hannah
I met Patrick Corrigan in Feb.2013. I had complicated, not ordinary divorce situation. I am from Europe and relatively new in San Diego area. Patrick began to work on my case right away. He worked in two directions: reach settlement, or get favorable for me judgement. In six months my divorce was finalized and I am very happy with outcome. I recommend Patrick Corrigan to anyone, who needs help. He is professional and knowledgeable. He is taking his job personally and fighting for his clients. He was always responsive and kept me informed in details about all steps, he wanted to take, to help my case. He is also very patient and will spend as much time as you need to understand the law. The most important, you can trust him.
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20 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
I cannot recommend Mr. Iafe enough. He was very thorough and professional in the handling of my case. I could tell that he actually cared about the work that he did for me. Thank you.
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09 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Michael Iafe is an excellent attorney. He always kept me informed of what was going on in my case and took the time to answer any questions that I had. Highly recommended.
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19 Feb, 2019 by Sophie
I had the opportunity to have Attorney Brian Nguyen represent me in a car accident case and I would have to say that he went ABOVE AND BEYOND to ensure that the insurance companies would not try to weasel out of fixing my car.
He spent a lot of time listening and learning about my accident, then he presented different scenarios that I must consider to protect myself. He tactically advocated for my rights and remembered the exact details of my case, always keeping me in the loop. After he did 90% of the case, the adjuster wanted to talk directly to me, which Attorney Brian Nguyen prepared me thoroughly for to help me avoid any traps that may be set up for the insurance company to avoid liability.
In the end, I got what I wanted thanks to Attorney Brian Nguyen. He made what would be a time-consuming car accident case, very easy for me because he just did all the work. Additionally not only is he professional, he is actually really easy going, funny and has a kind heart, which is typically a rare find in a lawyer.
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25 Jul, 2018 by Lina
Where do I start??!! I highly, highly recommend The Law Offices of Brian Nguyen. I got into a car accident in November 2017, and was referred to contact Mr. Nguyen right away. His assistant Ms. Leon answered by call, and set up the consultation. Mr. Nguyen helped me understand my rights, walked me through the process, and was very kind! Mr. Nguyen cared about my case, and he cared about my recovery. His assistant would call me once a week to check in on me, and gave me status of my case. I would like to thank Mr. Nguyen for making this process smooth. You are the real deal!
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07 Jun, 2021 by Linda
I 100 percent I would recommend Mr. michael acosta anytime. he is a genuine ,honest person and does not charge you up the ying yang. He’s also one of the two in Eureka that went to an Ivy League school and graduated top of his class.
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27 Jun, 2017 by Anthony
Charged with a criminal case, you will be lucky to have Mr. Michael P. Acosta as your attorney. I found him to be extremely generous with his time. In the middle of a very large case, Mr. Acosta took the time to take on mine and gave it the quality attention it needed. His knowledge of the law is undoubtedly sound but it his years of experience and familiarity of the strategies and tactics of the DA’s office I found most reassuring. I cannot praise his work enough and if ever I should experience trouble with the law again I am calling on Mike. I just hope he answers.
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26 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
Mr. Layton did an EXCELLENT job of settling my case. From the moment I walked in his office, i was treated very professionally and with respect. The entire staff of H.F. Layton Law is amazing! He could easily be the best lawyer in the greater bay area! I couldn't be more pleased. I would strongly recommend Mr. Layton to anyone in need of legal assistance.
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16 Jun, 2011 by Daniel diaz
Mrs. Layton is excellent lawyer,professional,trustworthy,and friendly,he is bilingual lawyer. I recommend to any one he is the best for family law.
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06 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Daniel Cota is both skilled and caring. The skilled part is more common, the caring part means that he cares about his clients and that is why he wins so many cases and is one of the best attorneys around. I highly recommend him.
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01 Aug, 2014 by Nl
I reached out to Mr.Cota to assist with the removal of my name from the DOJ child abuse index. My experience with Mr. Cota was excellent to say the least. He is very knowledgable, very prompt, continuously updates you, and is very professional. Not only did he get a decision rendered in my favor but he earned my trust. I never doubted he could not get the job done. I am very pleased with him and I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking a lawyer to resolve pending litigations.
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29 Jul, 2015 by Tom
I was arrested on a felony charge under a highly questionable legal basis. The charge was reduced to a misdemeanor, but the prosecution continued. Ms. Slone moved to have charges dropped for illegal search and seizure, but the judge refused. Ms. Slone filed an appeal, and the appellate court ruled in our favor. In an unusual circumstance, the three judge panel ruled unanimously. Ms. Slone is professional, yet friendly, and she sure got the job done for me. Highly recommended.
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13 Jun, 2014 by Sharon
I had the most pleasant and comforting experience when I went for my consultation with Attorney Debra Slone. She was very informative and covered all basis so that I could an informative decision as to what I needed and should do. That is why I hired her to do my Bankruptcy. I had spoken to several Attorneys before but none were as helpful and efficient in meeting my needs as Debra was. She even allowed me to make payment arrangements and also came in on s Sunday afternoon to help me. Her off is very neat, clean and organized. Her staff are very friendly and professional. She is also proficient in many other specialized areas of law in her practice. I would highly recommend Debra Slone for all of your needs when seeking legal representation.
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19 Feb, 2013 by Amie
Mr. Rounds came through for me in a variety of cases, he was able to get a multiple count traffic ticket dismissed, and when I again asked for his services, he also assisted me in my DUI case that was much more extensive than I had known at the time of my arrest. It was simplified and charges were dropped while others were reduced. I appreciated his thorough communication with me on my cases, which was something I had heard many lawyers in this city did not practice. I am so grateful, and I would 100% recommend Mr. Rounds for any traffic/DUI case. You will be in good hands.
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28 Sep, 2012 by Ana cabedo
Mr. Thomas Rounds was fabulous handling a complicated case of misdemeanor and a master
not only by overturning the charge but also by doing it so in time record.
Mr. Rounds was very attentive, kind, prompt to respond to all questions and easy to reach.
Words can’t describe how thankful my mother and I are to him.
We highly recommend him!
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06 Nov, 2023 by Kristina
I can’t say enough good things about Julian. He easily translates the legaleze for us layman to understand and does so without being at all condescending or impatient. He is quick to respond and does a great job managing expectations. I never worry about contracts knowing I’ve got him in my corner.
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06 Nov, 2023 by Arshia
Julian assisted my team and I through IP issues with a university. He helped us understand our position, the university’s position, and how to best move forewords. I appreciated his conviction, clarity in communication, and resolve.
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09 Apr, 2016 by Bari yonkers
Joanna is a pleasure to work with. Her professionalism and work ethic shine through in everything she does. She was able to swiftly help me on my legal matter and I would definitely use Joanna Wald's services again for all of my estate planning needs.
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10 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Corey Pollak answered our call, was responsive to our requests and dealt with our issue swiftly. We would highly recommend him in the Real Estate arena.
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02 Jul, 2019 by Judie
I have gone to Leigh Rodriguez for legal advice and assistance law I need help with; easy to work with and always very effective. A friend came to me the other day asking if I could recommend an attorney and I gave her Leigh Rodriguez's name and phone number right away - no question!
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05 Apr, 2018 by Andrew
Don represented me in a workers' compensation case, did a great job, and I can't recommend him highly enough.
He took all the time necessary to understand my case, fully explain the process and my options at each step, and answer all of my questions as they came up.
Deadlines and process steps were handled promptly, and I was represented aggressively throughout the case, leading to a very positive outcome.
As Don's client I felt I had representation that was highly professional and effective, and also cared about my situation on a human level.
Highly recommended!
-- Best of luck
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18 Jan, 2017 by Joseph kelley
I had a pretty horrible accident and injury while on a run/jog back in 2013. Trip-and-fall. Invisible dark blue parking stopper. Unlit business/parking establishment. The bottom line was an avulsed tendon, cracked kneecap. Surgically-repaired by a top orthopedic surgeon twelve days later. 3-4 months of GRUELING physical rehab followed. It was a nightmare, a complete interruption of my year/well-being/lifestyle. But for Attorney DePaoli coming-in, taking the case, helping me towards a very fair settlement? It would have left a very sour, bitter taste in my mouth. The gratitude I have to/for this attorney can't be measured. It was not an easy time, an easy case, there were all kinds of issues. Including my own liability for cutting-through an unlit parking lot.
Fifteen attorney's refused to take the case. I'd decided to let the whole matter go when a fellow Y member suggested Attorney David A. DePaoli. My friend said, "Speak to David - THEN let it go - as you deserve SOMETHING for all of this pain, angst, recovery, etc. - "
Attorney DePaoli is nestled along with two other outstanding attorneys in Montrose. Super easy access, right off of the 2 Freeway, couldn't be easier to locate, park, go in. It's a bristling law firm, a friendly office, and I was welcomed.
Dave is a young, brilliant, athletic, friendly, good-looking guy. He didn't think it was an especially good idea to be running at nine p.m. In an area known not to be especially well-lit. Nor did he completely agree with my choice to cut through a dark parking lot. But he did understand the circumstance, did feel both parties were at fault. Therefore it was my great fortunate an attorney of David's stature and background took my case on. I knew I was in excellent hands when we signed the representation agreement. With both David and a second attorney at 2015 Montrose Avenue in Montrose. A week or so before the case would have exceeded the two-year Statute of Limitations.
David has worked both sides of Personal Injury cases. So he explained the strengths, the weaknesses of my case. What would be needed on my part (patience/cooperation/medical records). Obviously there was going to be stress, a deposition - it was going to take time (it only took David less than one year to resolve this matter). But David was confident, super- knowledgeable in this area/field. Plus I liked both himself and Attorney Cooper. They put nervous/stressed clients at ease because they kid-a-lot and to relieve the angst/stress.
IMHO the case was won at the first deposition. Due to Attorney DePaoli being super-prepared. Not just prepared and spot-on in protecting me through the first (of two) depositions. But spot-on and prepared in the way of all photographs, evidence, medical records, etc. Attorney DePaoli caught - then pointed-out a critical mistake the other side was making. One which could be exploited, used for gain. Rather than choose the option of embarrassing the other side/attorneys? Attorney David A. DePaoli merely pointed OUT the error. While I can't get into specifics? It would/could have been huge, a huge advantage for our side. But by being respectful and honest. Not going for the jugular? David won the respect of the other side/team. Thus a fair and equitable settlement was offered and just ten months later. Just a wonderful attorney and wonderful experience. An attorney I feel great gratitude towards. THANK YOU Attorney David A. DePaoli !! Not just for WINNING but for PUTTING UP with me for a year!! Amazing !!
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24 Apr, 2010 by Rita sandor
I met Mr. Billington when I was already being sued by a former employer, with only a few days to answer a summons in court.
As an Attorney, he could not have been more an answer to my prayers.
He walked me through the process, persisted with my case to make sure that it was settled equitibly for both sides, and saved me over $30,000 in compensation that belonged to me. Years later, I remember that there is one Attorney that values trust and honesty as much as I do. Randall Bilington is a great choice.
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02 Feb, 2018 by Nicholas abraham
This attorney was referred to my wife and I by Robert Powell in San Jose. I am happy we reached out to this attorney.
Rachel went into the Dependency Court Room here in Orange County and brought things back in to focus. Without her we would have to stick with the public defender that was totally stringing us along and not doing anything we would as him to do. I even requested a Marsden Hearing which was already played out before it even started, of course I proved and made all my points but the judge said she sees nothing and no reason why he shouldn't remain my attorney.
Now with Rachel we have an ally in the room now, to make sure they are not pulling their normal day to day shenanigans.
We trust her, we know she will do a great job, the only bad thing about this whole ordeal, is that it takes time. Which brings up another thing about Rachel, she gave me a very fair price. Even though It was a lot for us since we really do not have the money but was a great price considering all other Attorney's quoted more, she was nice in basing it on our ability to pay.
Very easy, personable attorney, cares about the people and about seeing that the law is fulfilled, which is what we want.
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12 Sep, 2011 by Douglas
Every question I had was answered on time and precise to the point. Matthew really knows how to smplify your issue and handle it from start to finish without complications. Thanks again Matt!
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09 May, 2017 by Andrew
I retained Mr. Richard Malone with the Zumbrunn Law Corp for a case of a contractor had put a lien against my deceased mother’s home that I was trying to sell. I had been dealing with this for months, talking with other attorneys not going anywhere. When I talked with Mr. Malone, he told me what he can do. Mr. Malone had the case settled within a few weeks and cleared the lien. I recommend Mr. Richard Malone for any real estate issues, he is very professional, fast and efficient.
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05 Dec, 2016 by Greg
I hired Carla to prepare a living trust for me. She was very detailed oriented and prepared a top notch trust with many extra documents like a durable power of attorney and medical directive. Later on, I had a family legal question and she was able to decipher the document and explain what it meant. Hiring a lawyer in life is probably not the best thing to have to do in life, but it seems we will all need one eventually. I would highly recommend Carla and use her again in the future.
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23 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Amazing attorney. Very helpful and understanding, taking into consideration not only my needs as a client, but my needs as a person. From the moment of initial contact, I felt very confident that I made the correct decision to contact her.
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03 Mar, 2016 by Edward wesley duncan
I retained Mr. Thiessen in 2007 to represent me in my Divorce Case. From the very start Mr. Thiessen was so on top of everything that I felt very confident that I had the best Representation possible. There was a large amount of money involved in a complicated case. We also had to file an Action in the Civil Courts, Brian Thiessen proceeded in the same integegrable fashion and represented me to the fullest. As if things weren't complicated already, my Father passed away during this time leaving his Trust. We ran into some major issues with other family members and had to file yet another lawsuit. During the course of eight years Brian D. Thiessen represented me in 3 Law Cases in which two of the cases went to trial. . Brian took care of everything with such Integrity that I never had to worry about anything. The end result was that we settled the divorce and won the two lawsuits. I can truly say that Brian D. Thiessen is among the most amazing people I have ever known. Brian got me through the most difficult time of my life. If your in need of the best representation you can get Brian D. Thiessen is the one. Thankyou Brian for staying with me and getting my life back to normal. My deepest gratitude. ***Three Thumbs Up *** Edward
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13 May, 2015 by Lesley
Attorney Nalan is so down to earth. I was referred to him by a friend who had previous retained his services. He assisted me throughout the entire process of my personal injury case, and always kept me updated on any changes and appointments. He is extremely nice and works hard on your case. I am very happy with my settlement and glad I decided to hire Mr. Nalan. You will not regret having him represent you!!
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16 Jan, 2018 by Cosimo pecchioli
Elsa helped me during my divorce, which was a little complicated since it was between the US and France. The competence, compassion and humanity of Elsa are off the chart. To make a long story short, there was a dispute of jurisdiction between the two courts (California and France), Elsa was so good that the Judge in France mentioned her work in the sentence (which attributed the competence to California). But it was not only during this international dispute that Elsa was extremely helpful, even during the preparation of the hearing in California she was really valuable and supportive. You have always the feeling that she is genuinely caring about the best possible outcome for you. I don't know how to say it again, but if you are in the unfortunate situation that you need a divorce lawyer, Elsa is the best you can find!
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5.0
1 Reviews
02 Apr, 2019 by Debbie
I have known Robert Miles for several years and am always impressed with his vast knowledge of estate planning, but most importantly I am impressed by how he treats each and every person he sees. Robert gives each client the most personal attention, he digs deep into what they need to properly plan and is honest, smart and the most decent lawyer that I have met in many years. If you are ever in need of an amazing estate attorney, you must contact Robert Miles, you will not be disappointed.
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08 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Robin is professional and kind. She is allways cost conscious and works hard for her client.
Very knowledgeable yet allways makes sure to get a clients input on the case. Truely a rare find.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
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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.
