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12 Sep, 2024 by Cdj cdj (cj)
Sandy Steeves has been such a great child support and custody attorney to have around. For the last two years, he has always been attentive to my situations and extremely knowledgeable to guide me in the right direction for the best outcome. Sandy will fight for your rights and knows the law! He is well known in the court buildings and is highly respected by many judges and other attorneys. He’s a great listener and very confident in his job! Sandy will not hesitate to negotiate with the other side to fight for the best outcome for you! Great attitude, great follow through and communicates well. Thank you Sandy for taking on my challenges and sticking by my side for the last two years! Happy with the outcome! Keep up the great work sir!
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02 Aug, 2024 by Rick webb
Sandy Steeves is a dependable, knowledgable lawyer. He was a great advocate for my family and very helpful in his advice and clarifications of the law. I appreciate his connection and support of the community as well. He contributes his time to the Catonsville Men's Civic Association as President of the nonprofit and is a personal sponsor to events around town as well, supporting the Catonsville Santa House and music festivals for Music City Maryland. Community is very important to him and Catonsville is fortunate to have the support of businesses like his.
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08 Jul, 2023 by Hunter mccolgan
Sandy is not only an incredible attorney but is also an incredible person. Truly looked out for the best interest of me and my family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Sandy.
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15 Mar, 2021 by Joseph
Ms. Rossbach is a Top Notch Attorney with a very professional & reassuring demeanor in servicing her clients. From Consultation to Representation I always felt secure that she had my best interest at heart & cared about my welfare & outcome of my legal dilemma (Bankruptcy)... While personally an emotional wreck & worried about my future financial welfare, Ms. Rossbach guided me through this very unfamiliar process every step of the way, & I was completely confident in her ability from day one. I have since referred her to others in need of help as a result... I would highly recommend this wonderful lady & Attormey to anyone who needed help! Thank you Ms. Rossbach for all that you did!
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13 Jan, 2021 by Steve
When I was served with a temporary restraining orders from my wife, kids and residence on a Sunday morning, my world flipped upside down. I never had domestic issues before so I was scared beyond belief. Thank the moon and stars for Natasha! She got back to me on a Sunday, calmed me down and said she would be at court the following day at 8a. OMG the relief! The next morning the hearing was heard. Natasha's task was very very hard. The evidentiary standard for me to be removed from my home was very low. The judge made this clear to us all. The judge then asked if I would just consent. The amount of stress I felt was crazy. Low bar did not sound good at all. We proceed to trial and it was exactly what you never want to see and hear. A so called loved one spewing lies under oath and "fishing" for anything they can find to meet a "low bar". The expedition went back 10 years in time, things me and Natasha never had a chance to discuss as it was never mentioned in this complaint. Natasha did not fret at all during the hearing. Natasha tore my ex up pretty badly on cross. To the point of reminding her about perjury. My ex's lawyer was forced into speaking mostly after that point and Natasha shut that down. The judge had seen enough of the act. The order was struck down and I was able to return to my home where I have lived since Natasha's win for me that day in court July 2019. Most guys don't get past this point. Once your out the house, the narrative changes, especially with kids involved. Along with this restraining order, my ex charged me with criminal charges as well. After a quick discussion with the prosecutor, Natasha had the state drop these frivolous charges before the judge even took the bench. Our defense was based on the previous testimony. Natasha's cross examination was that strong. Natasha takes abuse of the system very seriously. She knows her criminal law and she knows how it is abused. She is a blessing for me and my family. I recommend her very highly and cannot thank her enough for what she has done for me and my family.
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13 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Natasha is a great person and lawyer she truly does look out for the underdog, I know sometimes she hard to get a hold of but that's because she is extremely busy between work and home life she truly is working her tail off because after I call her the bombast pitbull in a skirt lawyer I have ever met and had the pleasure of working with because shes help me a lot between doing my bankruptcy case and my slumlord landlord case and heres the best part I'm a single parent on a fix income and can actually afford to hire a great lawyer and I couldn't ask for a better lawyer so
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02 Aug, 2024 by Amber peddicord
This is going to be long, but if you are considering Mike as your attorney, it is everything you need to hear. I will forever praise Mike Mastracci. Not only because of his ability as an attorney, but because he is an all-around amazing person. Let me explain.... I stumbled across Mike on Google 16 months ago. I am from Anne Arundel County, but I needed to find an attorney who could represent me in a (very) complicated custody matter in Worcester County. I had other consultations but once I spoke with Mike, I was no longer interested in using anyone else. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable about the law, but his calm demeanor and laid-back personality immediately puts you at ease. During my case, I learned that Mike has a unique ability to adapt to situations quickly and under stress. He has a very friendly demeanor that allows him to put others at ease while he works his magic, but do not let that fool you because when he needs to come out swinging, he is not afraid to. My custody case was a unique one, but that didn't discourage Mike. Others I had spoken with thought the outcome I was seeking was impossible. Mike did not. From the very beginning, Mike believed in what I wanted and even though he made sure I had realistic short-term expectations, he stayed in the fight and was able to obtain an even better outcome than I had originally expected... one that ensured I can always prioritize my daughter's best interest. I truly believe that hiring Mike was the key factor in the success of my case. I will also add that Mike and I were presented with a situation where I was able to see his integrity shine through. In a situation where many other attorneys would have gone back on their word, Mike did not. I won’t speak to the specifics of the situation, but even after I explained to him that I understood if he needed to go back on it, he refused to. His word meant more than anything, including money. As a legal assistant, I am certain that Mike is true gem in the legal world. I will be forever grateful that our paths crossed and he believed in what I was asking for, against all odds
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26 Jun, 2024 by Claudia buell
Mike is the best attorney I’ve ever used. Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. He knows the law and gives sound legal advice and counsel.
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10 May, 2024 by Ken white
Mike has helped me navigate the waters of divorce and custody and was an invaluable source of information through the process. I would recommend his services to anyone in need.
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22 Sep, 2015 by Mike
I have worked with Ms. Jensen on several cases and always found her to be well versed in the law, very prepared and able to exercise a great deal of positive influence over her clients to achieve desired (win-win) results. A great choice in attorneys.
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25 Aug, 2015 by Tascha
I've hired Robin on several occasions. She's extremely personable, has reasonable rates and will work with you financially. She's exceptionally well versed in all areas of family law and is straight forward with the realistic outcomes, so that you're not disappointed if things don't go as expected. I'd recommend Robin to anyone in need of a divorce/ custody attorney and truly wish we would have hired her sooner!
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20 Jul, 2015 by Louise
Robin has been my lawyer for a number of years. She worked through my divorce with my very uncooperative ex with tenacity and professionalism. She reached a fair agreement and the divorce was settled without having to go to court. Robin kept me informed throughout every step of the process and was always available to discuss the case. I would highly recommend Robin to anyone looking for an attorney.
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24 Mar, 2021 by Geoff
Jaime is a brilliant and experienced attorney. Easy to work with and knowledgeable. Gives very sound advise and support.
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17 Nov, 2020 by Robert
Jamie was able move my divorce case forward and to bring the process to a close in a very reasonable period of time after my previous attorneys were unable to get resolution over a several year period. The end result was much better than I expected. She was able to navigate all the issues in a firm, polite and reasonable manner that allowed all parties involved to come to a satisfactory agreement. In my opinion, it was her focus, determination, legal knowledge, reputation and experience in family law that made the difference. Jamie also showed that she could handle all the necessary QDRO’s involved with my case, including working with additional council to provide acceptable documents for Railroad Retirement, pension plans, IRAs and 401k plans. She followed up on all the necessary components and made sure they were prepared and submitted for execution appropriately. As far as working with me as a client, she was patient, empathetic, nonjudgmental and was able to carefully explain all the components of the process in a plain, easy to understand language. She identified the road blocks, explained my options and carried out my preferences. Her fees were reasonable and her invoices were clear, accurate and precise. Although my general divorce experience wasn’t pleasant, Jamie made the process much less stressful. I highly recommend her for any family related legal matter, especially those involving children or with complex financial concerns. The service she provided was worth every penny paid.
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03 Oct, 2019 by Princess
I have never seen an Attorney as Dedicated, Understanding, Committed and Professional as Jaime Cheret. She will carry you through every step of your case through Calls, Msgs, Emails and i am glad how my case ended(Very Successful). I will highly recommend Jaime Cheret in any of your family case. She is 100% able to deliver trust me. Thank you Jaime You remain the BEST Attorney Ever.
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28 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms. Navarro truly helped me in my time of need. She took care of my legal issues with ease.
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14 Nov, 2017 by Damom
I will recommend this attorney he was very reliable understandable and work with me
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12 Sep, 2024 by Cdj cdj (cj)
Sandy Steeves has been such a great child support and custody attorney to have around. For the last two years, he has always been attentive to my situations and extremely knowledgeable to guide me in the right direction for the best outcome. Sandy will fight for your rights and knows the law! He is well known in the court buildings and is highly respected by many judges and other attorneys. He’s a great listener and very confident in his job! Sandy will not hesitate to negotiate with the other side to fight for the best outcome for you! Great attitude, great follow through and communicates well. Thank you Sandy for taking on my challenges and sticking by my side for the last two years! Happy with the outcome! Keep up the great work sir!
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02 Aug, 2024 by Rick webb
Sandy Steeves is a dependable, knowledgable lawyer. He was a great advocate for my family and very helpful in his advice and clarifications of the law. I appreciate his connection and support of the community as well. He contributes his time to the Catonsville Men's Civic Association as President of the nonprofit and is a personal sponsor to events around town as well, supporting the Catonsville Santa House and music festivals for Music City Maryland. Community is very important to him and Catonsville is fortunate to have the support of businesses like his.
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08 Jul, 2023 by Hunter mccolgan
Sandy is not only an incredible attorney but is also an incredible person. Truly looked out for the best interest of me and my family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Sandy.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Cdj cdj (cj)
Sandy Steeves has been such a great child support and custody attorney to have around. For the last two years, he has always been attentive to my situations and extremely knowledgeable to guide me in the right direction for the best outcome. Sandy will fight for your rights and knows the law! He is well known in the court buildings and is highly respected by many judges and other attorneys. He’s a great listener and very confident in his job! Sandy will not hesitate to negotiate with the other side to fight for the best outcome for you! Great attitude, great follow through and communicates well. Thank you Sandy for taking on my challenges and sticking by my side for the last two years! Happy with the outcome! Keep up the great work sir!
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02 Aug, 2024 by Rick webb
Sandy Steeves is a dependable, knowledgable lawyer. He was a great advocate for my family and very helpful in his advice and clarifications of the law. I appreciate his connection and support of the community as well. He contributes his time to the Catonsville Men's Civic Association as President of the nonprofit and is a personal sponsor to events around town as well, supporting the Catonsville Santa House and music festivals for Music City Maryland. Community is very important to him and Catonsville is fortunate to have the support of businesses like his.
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08 Jul, 2023 by Hunter mccolgan
Sandy is not only an incredible attorney but is also an incredible person. Truly looked out for the best interest of me and my family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Sandy.
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04 Apr, 2023 by Ernie beidleman
Tom Cares…thats what makes Tom Snyder different from the rest of the pack..
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06 Jun, 2022 by Adrianna snyder
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30 Mar, 2021 by Todd mulloy
Great lawyer. Very clear and concise communication.
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17 Mar, 2020 by Jessica z
Jason Molidor was very friendly and straight forward we didn’t need his services at this time but he came highly recommend to my family and I highly recommend him to yours
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17 Mar, 2020 by Jessica z
Jason Molidor was very friendly and straight forward we didn’t need his services at this time but he came highly recommend to my family and I highly recommend him to yours
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16 Nov, 2014 by Lee
For the first time in 12 years I had problems with the tenant who rent an apartment in my house. He was been Awesome in helping me solve the problem without the hassle of having to go to rent court. He is thoughtful, tells you the truth and not what you want to hear, honest and is price didn't break the bank!
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14 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
I found myself in the need for an attorney for a divorce after a very lengthy marriage that included a difficult custody situation. Jason not only walked me through the entire process but while this was a very emotional situation for me he helped me make level headed decisions. I cannot recommend Jason enough.
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24 Oct, 2014 by Peter
In early 2012, I found myself in a situation where I had to deal with a DUI. Completely overwhelmed, I contacted Jason who had come recommended to me by a friend. He walked me through potential scenarios and directed me to actions I could take to better my situation before I had to come before a judge. He did nothing short of an amazing job preparing me for my court case. His manner was professional, thorough, and informative. Because I was able to take the steps that Jason clearly outlined for me, I was confident going before the court. I was clearly at fault in my actions getting behind the wheel intoxicated and was prepared to receive the maximum punishment but Jason worked with me to build a strong case for myself and subsequently received some merciful leniency from the judge. In fact, because of some of the positive actions outlined for me after that fateful day, I have been sober ever since. Jason is a fantastic lawyer and all around great guy. I would recommend him to anybody facing legal issues.
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13 Jan, 2021 by Gottie steele
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29 Jan, 2019 by David kelly
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18 Jan, 2019 by Chris dick
Rick Martel he has helped my family out many times he's a very nice guy he's a very helpful guy he's caring he's a good family man if you ever need a good recommendation for a lawyer I would highly recommend Rick Martel if that's I have recommended my friends to him and he's helped my friends out as well
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04 Apr, 2023 by Ernie beidleman
Tom Cares…thats what makes Tom Snyder different from the rest of the pack..
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15 Sep, 2022 by Gustavo medina
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06 Jun, 2022 by Adrianna snyder
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22 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Very unprofessional yells and over talks you does not listen before responding.
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FAQs
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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You

A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.

Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?

Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:

  • Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
  • Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
  • Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
  • Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
  • Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
  • Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
  • Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.

Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.

What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?

A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:

  • Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
  • Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
  • Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
  • Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
  • Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
  • Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
  • Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.

How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?

Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:

  • Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
  • Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
  • Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.

The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.

How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:

  • Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
  • Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
  • Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
  • Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.

Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.

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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