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03 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
Mr. Moore handled my divorce. I was in a bad relationship with a young son. Mr. Moore took the time to listen to me and help me understand the laws. He helped me and my ex-husband sell our house, deal with custody of my son and everything else in-between. I highly recommend his services if you are looking for an attorney who is dedicated to you and your issues.
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27 Feb, 2016 by Todd
Mr. Bassett has helped us three times, and each time his advice led to a successful outcome for us. He always puts our interests ahead of his own. In one situation, his advice included that we were better off without a lawyer; he advised us how to proceed on our own, and it worked out perfectly. In another situation, Mr. Bassett helped us more than the lawyer we had hired to help us.
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11 Mar, 2016 by April
James McNamara has been my attorney in several cases, most of which were last minute giving him only days to prepare. Each case ended favorably on my behalf, thanks to James' expertise, professionalism, and concern for his clients. I would recommend James to anyone, regardless of the nature of the case. He does not judge you or make you feel ashamed in any way, and his knowledge of the criminal justice system is superb, which I can say from personal experience, will make you feel at ease and confident that you picked the right person to represent you in court. I give James a 5 star rating, hands down and without hesitation.
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23 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
Legal matters are complex, time consuming and troublesome. Ms. McFarlane thoroughly explained my legal situation in clear concise terms, presented me with several viable options and finally helped me execute the option I selected. She could not have been more helpful.
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07 Dec, 2023 by Jackie
Mr. Chan is a professional, kind, and a zealous attorney. He advocates for his clients and is an excellent trial attorney.
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03 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
Maile is a very compassionate person. She took the time to listen to my tearful concerns and to get to know our family. I whole heartedly trusted Maile and valued her opinion from the start. I would definitely recommend Maile to other families.
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28 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
I was completely screwed by my last attorney who basically took all my money and did nothing. Ilene remained aware of my finances at all times and got custody orders that I wanted without wiping my out financially. She is compassionate and honest and as an attorney, one of the ones that are hard to find . . .
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13 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I was looking for a competent and trustworthy family law attorney who could help in my Santa Barbara and Santa Maria matter. I was pleasantly surprised as to how patient, understanding and quick Lynn was at addressing my challenges and answering my questions. I know she has a lot of experience from working with the Santa Barbara Legal Aid Society which has allowed her to see many different and uniquely challenging situations in family law cases. She never made me feel stupid nor did she behave in a short and quick manner as many attorneys seem to do. I would recommend her services to anyone who appreciates family law experience and is looking to achieve results in their case. I am thankful to her for alleviating the stress I was feeling more than anything else. That feeling is priceless.
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17 Oct, 2018 by Debbie
Wow! Where do we begin? Audrey, from the very first meeting, was very understanding, professional, & compassionate. She helped guide us through a very difficult & emotional situation. She was extremely knowledgeable in Family Law. She always did so much research - we were amazed at the facts & laws & relevant cases that she knew. Audrey was very competent and caring and patient in dealing with us. She always had our son's & grandchildren's best interests at heart. She was always very calm and reassuring. We all were extremely happy with our outcome. Audrey Oliver is a real Class Act. She rocks! We would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone who needs/wants a fantastic Family Law Attorney.
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19 Oct, 2012 by Matt
Richard Wilson helped me with family law custody issues. He listened to all my concerns, answered all my questions, and gave me very helpful advice. When I contacted him I was very worried about the well being of my son. I highly recommend his services.
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05 May, 2012 by Anonymous
My divorce was dragging on forever. Heidi got us to make an agreement in one session. She didn't flinch when my ex screamed into the phone, just listened to him, and came up with ideas that we could both live with.
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02 Jun, 2013 by Teresa
I hired Anthony to write a simple will before I left on my oversea trip. He is very professional and informative. Within several days, he emailed me the will. I made several changes to the will (via email) and he never complained. Anthony sent me the updated changes as I modified the will several times. He's very professional, prompt, attentive to my needs, easy to talk to, and pleasant to work with. I will definitely use his service for all my future needs.
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07 Jun, 2012 by Anonymous
Vanessa was a pleasure to work with. She made it a point to tell me, "I'm here for you and I have your best interest in mind." She's honest and professional. I would recommend her to my friends and family. We went into the courtroom with a plan and the judge approved it. She won my Child Custody case. Outstanding work! Thank you Vanessa!
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03 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
I have only had one other experience working with attorneys (through work), and I didn't know that having a lawyer could be so reassuring. Justyn is whip-smart, personable, and responsible. I was concerned at first that her friendliness would mean she might not be strong in Court. But her comfort and confidence in Court made me feel a lot better. We got the Judge to see the important facts for my family, and I felt very good about the outcome.
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20 Apr, 2015 by Nicholas
I met Toby Adams while she was still in Law school, and working as legal assistant. She was excellent back then, and I'm sure she's even better now. Toby assisted me with the court paperwork needed for changing my name legally. She filled out and filed all needed documents with the court. I was informed that I might need to appear before a judge but her work was so spotless that the court approved my petition without my needing to appear. I'm am excited to hear that she has Graduated with her law degree and plan to hire her for any legal issues that may arise.
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27 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
Sarah is an outstanding attorney. She is proactive, professional, experienced, and a pleasure to work with. She is well respected in the courtroom and community.
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09 Dec, 2017 by Biggs
It is a Obvious to everyone that Amy is an expert, caring and kind attorney. She knows her family law inside and out. I would use her again (but hopefully I won’t get divorced).
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22 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Sadie Bissett was hired as my family law attorney. Her criminology background was helpful. I found her legal writing and litigation abilities to be outstanding. She was well-prepared and quick-witted in court. Her legal briefs were well thought out and compelling. My communications with her were pleasant and filled with strategies toward resolution. As her client, she zealously advocated for my rights.
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26 Mar, 2019 by Richard
David Butler was extremely professional and thoughtful as he not only handled my expungement case, but also went the extra mile when he determined that additional measures to seal / destroy the record might be appropriate to my specific situation. His work is thorough and detail-focused, which must contribute to his successful results. I’m grateful to David Butler and highly recommend him to anybody in the SF Penninsula and greater Bay Area.
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28 Feb, 2010 by Noble tran
Le Pelletier...oh how I love their style of things. I believe they are Psychologists with a suitcase and a powersuit. Like their powersuit, everything they do is custom-tailored and form fitting to the client's emotional spec along with his/her long term sense of safety. Le Pelletier is a safe place...or safehouse. They are your advocates.
Just think for a moment. Society is like a playground, you are being legally picked on. Le Pelletier is that older kid that comes and defends you and backs you up.
Joseph Le Runs the Santa Ana office and is a very helpful person and took initiative to send help my way when I didn't ask. I like that kind gesture a great deal. I had an issue where I called his office for help. He sent his partner, Erin Pelletier, in since she's more local. On day of, he surprised me by showing up. He drove over 400miles just to support the case. Joseph Le is like a superhero or a good older brother I've always wish I had. Saying he'll go that extra mile for you isn't really fitting-- I say he'll go an extra 500miles.
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05 Sep, 2023 by Rhyan harney
Tessa is very knowledgeable. I’ve called 15 attorneys and she was the only one that could answer a basic question about what state we needed to file in, which is a different state. Thus, we couldn’t use her as our attorney. But she was the only one that gave us honest advice without taking any money (whereas the others couldn’t answer my question but were still pursuing thousands in retainer fees). She was patient and empathetic. I wish we could have used her more as she was knowledgeable and reliable with returning our calls and answering our questions. I would trust her with CA cases and recommend her in a heartbeat.
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17 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
I came to Miss Adut when I had started my divorce on my own but had no idea what to do next. She met with me, helped me organize my papers, and explained the next steps. She is knowledgeable, professional, and understanding. She also gave me an honest evaluation of where my case was at and what needed to happen next. She is not afraid to fight for you in case you need to go to trials or even go to appeal for your case, she will be there for you. I would recommend her services to anyone who is seeking an attorney that works very hard for her clients.
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09 Oct, 2014 by David
I've retained three divorce attornies over that past 20 years and Mary was the last. She was by far the most caring and professional and I would recommend her to anyone seeking a strong advocate for a divorce participant, the system is adversarial much to its detriment but she is a warrior who understands how it works and is head and shoulders above her peers. She would make an excellent D.A.
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01 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Natalie treats you like family. I have used a few attorneys in the past and her performance outshines all of them. She always responds to my emails in a timely manner and on the weekends. She is kind and warm, but a pit bull in the court room. She isn't intimidated by anyone or anything. She actually made my ex so upset he was ordered to leave the court room. She refuses to allow her clients to be bullied. Other attorneys refused to take my case because of the lawyer my ex had and she took me on without a second to spare. If you want the job done right Natalie is the best option by far. I highly recommend her to everyone! This is the second time I have hired her and I have no regrets.
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14 Jun, 2018 by Patricia nunez
Ms. Louis is not only smart, dedicated, and exceptionally organized but, most importantly is a kind, SELFLESS and caring individual, who truly wants to help her clients. In my first consultation with Ms. Louis she not only took the time to deeply get to know me and my 3 year old daughter, but with great detail she listened to my case and was constantly taking notes. I must have spent over an hour ( free of charge) speaking to her. What I love about Ms. Louis is that she cares much less about making money and truly cares about helping her clients. Ms Louis always responded quickly to my emails, calls, etc even on the weekends and many times free of charge. She was always extremely prepared for court and was constantly taking notes and strategizing ways to win our case while we waited for our turn in court. She never stopped working and fighting for my daughter and I. She not only became my advocate, but she became my friend. I still can't believe that my divorce attorney sincerely became someone who gave me so much light in a time of so much darkness. It was truly a privilege to have worked with Ms. Louis I truly couldn't have picked anyone better. Ms. Louis if you ever read this please never forget how grateful my daughter Sofia and I are for you. Thank you for fighting for us and standing by our side. Thank you for your selflessness, for your dedication and sincerity to help others. I will forever be grateful.
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03 May, 2017 by Brittany
We had a pretty cut and dry child custody case. I live out of state with my husband and new baby, my ex-husband would not allow my 7 year old daughter to come to Idaho to visit. At first my ex fought us in allowing her but now she will be coming for summers and holidays. Dustin spoke with his attorney and together they came to the conclusion that the case for us was strong. Child support was a bit more tricky- I have been paying $300/m and my ex wanted me to pay $659/m. Living in Idaho wages are lower and my ex makes 3x more than me. Thanks to Dustin I am now pay $188/m.
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13 Dec, 2010 by Jeanette
As I look back, things could have went another way to my advantage. However, in court Broadman was knowledeable, agressive, an
eat em alive kinda guy. Got the job done. I had 100% confidence in him. When he walks into court, you know you're going to battle and gonna win.
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09 Nov, 2015 by Katherine
Howard Posner is a hugley talent lawyer ! He practices law with great integrity , class and compassion for his clients well being ! I recommend Mr Posner services for anyone in need of a brilliant Lawyer!!!!
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24 Aug, 2016 by Dee dee
Going through a divorce is not easy. Finding a lawyer that was knowledgeable about divorce law who could provide me with the facts was very important for me. If you want a lawyer who will do her best and looks out for the best interest of your kids then this firm is for you. If you want to lie, cheat or stir the pot look else wear.
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01 Aug, 2013 by Michael
Heather has provided legal counsel for me for two separate problems. The first was an issue concerning the housing situation of my very uncooperative and sometimes hostile mother. Family issues can be very tricky to solve, even when the law is pretty clear. Family members tend to play by different rules when dealing with one another and there is a compassion that you give to relatives that doesn't come into play when dealing with strangers. Nobody understands this more than Heather. Her care and compassion for all parties involved give her unrivaled effectiveness in determining a solution with which everyone can be happy. Instead of just going through the legal motions of removing my mother from her current, undesirable housing - which was the legal help I sought - Heather actually went the extra two miles and found several housing alternatives that would fit my mother's financial requirements. She investigated records and found some government assistance programs for which my mother would be eligible. She thoroughly researched all possible avenues, including mediating discussions with other family members. Her warm-hearted demeanor and obvious compassion make her instantly likable and does not put anyone on the defensive, which I have found can be the most serious obstacle to progress. These factors were enough to overcome my mother's hostility and help her realize the right choice to make. I would hire Heather again in a heartbeat if another such situation arises.
Heather is currently representing me in a personal injury claim from a motorcycle accident. I am continually amazed and impressed by her organization and knowledge. Despite being young and newly licensed, she's an excellent researcher and knows when to ask for help. It's obvious to me that she cares most of all about my satisfaction and providing me what I need, rather than serving her own interests. Yet she doesn't just answer my questions, she asks me all the things of which I haven't thought and sees to it that I keep on task when dealing with the seemingly insurmountable piles of bills and insurance paperwork. I can be difficult person with whom to work, because I insist of knowing and understanding everything and doing it my way. Heather doesn't push or prod, but she tells me matter-of-factly what the consequences of each and every one of my proposed actions are. She'll tell me when I'm making a bad choice and after all is said will work tirelessly to whatever ends I choose. I feel very comfortable knowing Heather is representing me and I do not worry. She's not just a great lawyer, she's also a really great, caring person.
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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.
