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16 May, 2013 by Melvyn
I am pleased to endorse this lawyer. Our office had represented a client in a matrimonial matter in the County of Nassau, State of New York. A significant period after the entry of Judgment in New York, the defendant ex-husband commenced an action in California misrepresenting to the court that no judgment of divorce had previously been granted. Initially we did endeavor to address and resolve these issues direclty; however, we ultimately determined that it would be necessary for us to have local counsel. In this case Ms. A'Hearn who was retained as local counsel was able to immediately appear before the court and obtain an outstanding result in behalf of our client with a minimal expenditure of both time and money. Ms. A'Hearn acted promptly, was well versed and obtained a perfect result for our client. I would be more than happy to work with Ms. A'Hearn as co-counsel and/or to refer clients requiring representation in California to her in the future.
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19 Apr, 2013 by John
We have had the pleasure of having Elizabeth Ritter represent us in a guardianship case in the Barstow courts. We are grandparents who were not knowlegeable about the laws around 'guardianship' and found Ms. Ritter advice and professionalism (both to us and in the court) better than we could have anticipated. Ms. Ritter was very approachable and answered all our inquiries honestly. We found Ms. Ritter to be very forthright with information and guidance during a difficult and long process. Ms. Ritter brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and understanding. We are sorry that we had to switch attorneys, but circumstances changed and we had to change courts. Should we ever have to be heard in this region again, we would never hesitate to ask Ms. Ritter to represent us. We cannot thank her enough for her guidance over the years. Ms. Ritter comes with the highest recommendation from us, in areas of professionalism, knowledge, honesty, compassion, and integrity.
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16 Sep, 2015 by Patricia
Attorney Jeffries is professional but friendly and courteous. Helps you understand your options and guides you in all aspects. Hired to represent me in a Dissolution of Marriage and Estate Planning Legal Services.
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23 Mar, 2021 by Steve
Dret is a professional, well organized, and caring attorney. My case, that he successfully represented, was complex and lasted more than a year. Mr. McHatton kept my interests, my personal emotions, and the overall goal of a divorce as a priority. I can not thank him, and his staff (Michelle and Julie) enough. I would highly recommend Dret McHatton to represent you, keep you informed, and successfully lead you through the difficult and complicated process of a divorce. Highly recommended!
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19 Mar, 2016 by Allen
Andreas deserves a superb rating here. I really could not emphasize enough the quality character and ability this man possesses. He is top notch professionally! I hired him for a bifurcation with a divorce case that other attorneys sat on for nearly two years. He consulted with me over the phone as I was physically unable to travel. I received an invoice and he had my paperwork filed within the week! Andres took time to answer my questions both over the phone and via email, often at late hours, without nickel and dime-ing me. I trust him to represent me as he is straightforward and honest. He achieved my desired outcome. He is hands down the best attorney that I have ever had the privilege to work with and would look to again and again. Thank you, Andres!
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19 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
If you are looking for a caring, consistent, dependable attorney, this is the one! He is experienced, understanding, an excellent communicater and makes himself available when you need him. I highly recommend William Bleecker
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24 Aug, 2017 by Greg
I was refferd to Mr. Sanchez by a friend who hired him for a personal matter. After I came in for a consultation, I hired him on the spot to accompany me to court. He is intelligent, and realistic. His prices were very fair which relived a considerable amount of stress. If I have any legal problems in the future I can for sure count on Mr. Sanchez
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27 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
Scott has been very competent, compassionate, and efficient. He wants to be helpful and he's made sure I understand the legal portion of my case whenever I have contact with him. No question is stupid, or ignored. I really liked the fact that he wasn't afraid to admit he needed to verify some things before he could answer. He's very detailed and made sure all the i's were dotted, and t's were crossed so there was no delay. My biggest relief was his compassionate and human approach to my situation. I didn't feel like I was 'just a case number' as is rumored most attorneys treat their clients.
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23 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
James Tritt has been representing and supporting me for my case for a year now. His attention to detail and knowledge of the court system and processes has ensured the most beneficial outcomes for me and my family and has been an incredible comfort during trying times. His expertise, coupled with his ethical approach, ensures you receive not just legal representation, but a legal experience that upholds the principles of justice and fairness. James & Candace Tritt are always accessible and endlessly professional. I recommend James without reservation.
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22 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Helen is a sound attorney with a deep knowledge of the law and the procedures and applications in the practie of lawyering. She is a client advocate and attentive counsel to her clients in the community, but also in the coourt room. Additionally, Helen is a professor of law at the Southern California Institute of Law where she teached Family Law, Civil Procedure, and Evidence. Needless to say she is intelligent. I would highly recommend Helen as a lawyer.
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23 Mar, 2010 by Dht
Attorney Van Hoang Tran handles my case in professional way. She is a person who I can trust...The most important of all she does not waste my time. I highly recommend
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18 Nov, 2015 by Deja
ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM!! HANDS DOWN THE BEST!! I hired the law office of Prescott & Prescott to help me with my divorce and custody battle.A co-worker of my mom's recommended them to me. He stated "they were sharks and fought tooth and nail for their clients and he knows, as that is who represented his soon to be ex-wife and Prescott & Prescott got what their client wanted and if he could he would have hired them." This was a very hard part of my life to go through. The fact of my family falling apart, or the fear of possibly losing my kids. Or having to base any of my future life around my soon to be ex-husband. It was hard with how my ex acted. That's why I am so glad that i went with Prescott & Prescott they were great the entire 3-3.5 years this went on for. They were on top of everything. I am the type of person that tries to stay 5 steps ahead and wants to know every possible outcome most people this annoys. But not them they took the time and made sure i knew all i wanted to know. There were many times I was just scared, nervous and flat out sick with all that was going on. Every single person that works in that office made me feel better, stronger and made me see what actually matters and put my mind at ease several times. they were able to get me to stop worrying so much and even laugh at times. They all put great care and detail into all aspects of their jobs and go way above and beyond. They always responded right away to phone calls and emails. Which I greatly appreciated. Valerie Prescott represented me in court and she is a shark. She is great in and out of the court room. She gave me more confidence when i was in court and the entire duration of this. Never once did i ever feel like she wasn't doing her best or doing what was in my best interest. She knows it all and then some. There were days where we had to spend all day in court, not her fault it was busy. But we would go over everything she would even answer questions I had regarding other matters. We would joke, laugh and talk about our families and share pictures and memories. To me this quality of hers is very important because she knows how much a parent loves their child and wants the best for them. She also had lots of great advice to offer about the entire situation. Also being able to relate to your client on a different level aside from attorney/client but as a parent made me feel more confident in my decision to hire Prescott & Prescott. At the end of this ordeal I was left feeling like more than just a client. I will forever be grateful for all Prescott & Prescott (their entire office) did for me. I know if anything needs to be readdressed i will look no other place than Prescott &Prescott. I will always be their client and would recommend them to anyone who needs a great family law attorney.
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07 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
George is an exceptional attorney who has demonstrated the highest level of professionalism, approachability, and friendliness in our interactions. When I found myself facing a legal situation that no other attorney was willing to take on due to its complexity, it became imperative to secure the services of the right legal expert. After consulting with numerous attorneys, it was George who stood out as the sole individual capable of providing the assistance I required. George simplified the entire process for me, making it easy to navigate. During our consultation, he exhibited a commendable dedication to understanding the intricacies of my case, ensuring that we were aligned in our understanding and approach. His genuine care and consideration for his clients were evident throughout, offering me a much-needed sense of assurance during a challenging time. While I ultimately decided to pursue a different course of action for my case, I am grateful that George was able to assist me during this critical phase. His pricing structure is notably affordable in comparison to other legal professionals, demonstrating his commitment to serving his community and clients over financial gain. This dedication to his clients is especially commendable in the current economic climate. George may not fit the stereotype of a flashy or ostentatious attorney with grand offices, but he possesses the qualities that truly matter. He is a straightforward and results-driven professional who knows how to get the job done efficiently. In my experience, George has proven himself to be a true gem among attorneys in Sacramento, and I wholeheartedly recommend his services. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to George for his assistance, and I am confident that should the need arise in the future, I can rely on him for steadfast representation. Thank you for your invaluable support!!
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22 Mar, 2017 by Tasha
Sandra Myers has been my attorney for several years now and has helped me and my son tremendously. She has always gone above and beyond, and shown a high level of commitment to helping us. In addition, she conducts herself with such a high degree of integrity and class...I am so happy I found her years ago. Recently Alexandra Myers took over my case and represented me throughout the course of a trial. She was very organized, focused and diligent, and showed enthusiasm that inspired me to stay optimistic throughout the entire process. She was also extremely resourceful in gathering information and prepping for the trial. In the courtroom she too conducted herself with professionalism and grace, and to say that I am grateful to have her as my attorney is an understatement. I would absolutely recommend both Sandra and Alexandra. They are smart, knowledgeable, dedicated attorneys who provide their clients with the best advice and service!
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19 Jun, 2012 by Anonymous
I got a speeding ticket recently as I was traveling on I8 headed Eastbound on my way to Arizona. I live in San Diego so this was a major inconvenience. I searched diligently for attorneys in the El Centro area and found Andrew Williams. He was very personable and I appreciated how he took the time to answer all my questions. He went to court 3 times on my behalf since the judge kept continuing the case (the officer wasn’t cooperating with the declaration process). Andrew’s knowledge of general principles as well as subtle details is stellar. He is very organized and approached the case in a systematic way which would catch even the best prosecutor off guard. His overall technique was flawless which led him the win the case! If you need a great attorney, I highly recommend Andrew Williams.
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16 Dec, 2015 by Patty
In 2001, my ex served me with divorce documents, which I signed but later discovered were never finalized. The dissolution should have been very straight forward as there was no property or children involved. But after 7 years and 2 attorney's, the action was still unresolved. A friend referred me to Michael G. Martin promising I wouldn't be disappointed! I wasn't. He was able to get my ex to cooperate and bring the action to conclusion. In July of 2008, it was finally done, I finally had the divorce I thought my ex wanted!
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04 Feb, 2021 by Gailly smallestoo
The notorious Ronald G is one hip dude, slammin the L>A> court system for many years, making it work for his clients. Don't cross this guy, or it will be the end for you. He has "people" and you do not want to piss him off. Descended from Jewish Warriors, and a past gym rat, this due is a survivor and a winner. Hire him NOW!
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15 May, 2021 by Csnvinny
Taylor represented me in two challenging cases, one criminal case and one divorce case. She was successful in achieving GREAT RESULTS in both cases. She outshined the ADA in the criminal case. Although the ADA was adamant that I spend time in jail, She convinced to court to allow me to participate in a 'Diversion Program' for veterans. I successfully completed the program and the case was dismissed. Regarding the divorce case, without going into specific details, she outlasted three attorneys, over a four year period, hired by my ex., and she obtained very favorable results on my behalf. In short... Gloria A. and Nancy G. move over Taylor is in town!
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04 Sep, 2009 by Anonymous
Ms Lapesarde handled a divorce and a child support case for me and handled both professsionally and left no detail unresolved. I would strongly recommend her to anyone, especially family law, civil & criminal matters. Top drawer attorney.
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28 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Mrs. Alpert is one of an amazing lawyer. Who is very knowledgeable, wise, intelligent, and experienced. I highly recommend her for your divorce and child custody case. She is very responsive, whenever I texted her she always responded me quickly. She's not just a great lawyer, she's also a great human being. I've never seen a divorce lawyer, who cares and have a good heart like her. She's a rare gem. I am so thankful for her being always by myself whenever I needed her. Her legal representation restored my faith in the justice system. And made me believe that there are still good hearted, caring, genuine people. And a rare lawyer, like her who truly cares, and have your best interest. If you're seeking legal help in Divorce and child custody cases, call Alpert law today. She will never let you down!!
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22 Feb, 2018 by Arabella
Patrick was my divorce lawyer and he did a wonderful job in defending me from my unrecognized husband which wanted to leave me out in the street without one penny. Patrick was honest, efficient, worked very hard against my husband and his nasty lawyer. I strongly recommend Patric as a Divorce Lawyer because he will look after your best interest. Also he made my husband to pay for all my attorne's fees.
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13 Nov, 2018 by Irina
Mr. Kondo was provided by the court for our divorce settlement conference. I was self-represented as I didn't have money to pay to a lawyer. Because of Mr. Kondo, I have gotten the outcomes that I would never have by myself. He is a very caring person and really cares about finding out the truth and justice. I would definitely recommend him as a lawyer because it is so hard to find one who is not only after money.
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01 Oct, 2016 by Juan
After going to another attorney, we found attorney de la Madrid and he was successful in getting a waiver for my mother. Attorney de la Madrid was patient with me and my mother when explaining the process. His office staff was also super helpful. If I'll need in the future, I will certainly go back to his office.
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22 Aug, 2011 by Chandra
I used John several years ago, he is the best at everything. You want to win, pick John. I have come back this year to use his services again.
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23 Jul, 2013 by Nancy
I have had this attorney for about a year. Since I hired him, all turned around !!! In my Family Law case in San Mateo, I went after my ex, who lied in Court and committed Perjury and Fraud. Fake RO against me and my husband was dismissed. My Attorney has become a part of my family. Very knowledgeable and honest, never overcharges, never wastes time, straight to the point. I recommended him to my best friend and he represents her now in Alameda County, CA and she is winning her case as well. Cannot dream of better attorney than Mr. Duong
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24 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
I recently used Stacey to help me with my legal rights against my ex husband who wanted to discontinue alimony payments. Stacey was very patient with helping me understand my rights and my position and encouraged me to pursue what I was legally owed, even when that situation seemed bleak. She sought counsel of colleagues in her firm to help determine our best position. In the end we got a very fair settlement, which was more than I anticipated, so I was very happy with her legal counsel and support of me in this difficult situation. I would recommend her to my friends and use her again if I ever needed legal counsel.
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20 Apr, 2017 by Steve
I hired Mr. Wiggins to handle my divorce and the results were nothing short of amazing. I was awarded custody of my daughter and have been able to finally move on with my life. Mr. Wiggins truly cares about his clients and I would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone.
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07 May, 2010 by Patrick
Nathalie Gachot quickly and efficiently resolved my tax issue. She is by far the most competent lawyer I have ever met. Nathalie is very professional and intelligent and she truly cares about her clients.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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