Best Family Law lawyers in Cedar, MI

1 Family Law Lawyers in Cedar, MI

experienced lawyers

Dennis Hurst

294 E Traverse Lake Rd, Cedar, MI

Family Law Government Real Estate +3

2.5/5

2.5

4 Reviews

26 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous

I hired Mr. Hurst for one thing and he represented me for another. He seemed very OCD and did not call you back when you call. I am not sure If I would fully recommend him. I would make sure that he is passionate about your case before you hire him. I sensed he may take cases on for the money and then not really want them. I parted with him on good terms but I paid him a lot of money and hired a new lawyer to do what I had hired him for. I would say Buyer beware! He could be good if he is interested but bad if he is not in your case.

17 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous

In 2015, I hired Dennis Hurst to defend a referee’s recommendation regarding support. The referee’s recommendation included a small amount of support to be paid by my ex and a stipulation that he could not use alcohol while in the presence of the two minor children involved. My ex objected to the referee’s recommended order and requested for my income to impute at an astronomical amount that I’ve never made and for the alcohol stipulation to be removed. Through, what I was thought to believe was my “representation” we filed an answer requesting for their objections to be thrown out because there was documented police reports and CPS reports showing that my ex’s home is violent, I’ve never made that much money, and they filed their objections on the 22nd day (1 day past the 21 day deadline). In closing, at the hearing, my attorney, Dennis Hurst didn’t base his statement off of what we had filed and agreed to, but said that my ex “did deserve a de novo hearing”. I honestly believe that it should have been an open and shut case and would have been if my attorney didn’t end with that closing comment. Another hearing was scheduled. When I expressed my surprise at what he had said while we were walking out Mr. Hurst told me that he did that for a reason and because my ex was “the most difficult person he had ever dealt with” he was going to give me ½ off for the next hearing ($750). Red flags went up but I felt as if I was between a “rock and a hard place”. Mr. Hurst then gave me a gigantic list of things to get ready for the hearing; things like average wage and salary information, finding out what the FOC used, and even delivering exhibits to my ex’s attorney. Mr. Hurst had me omit things that I really thought were relevant to my case as well. The judge did not end up making a decision at the hearing. A few weeks later, I asked Mr. Hurst if he had heard anything, he told me that the judge must not have gotten to it yet. This went on for over 3 months before I finally called the courthouse myself. That is when the courthouse informed me that the paperwork accidentally got put away and that the judge didn’t even have it on his list of things to do. In the long run, my-ex got his alcohol stipulation removed and my income imputed at a number that he pulled out of the sky. I did end up firing Mr. Hurst. In the interim, I filed my own objections and at one of the hearings, Mr. Hurst approached my ex’s attorney right in front of me and said, “hey, (unmentioned name) did you get the client I sent you yesterday? I really feel as if Mr. Hurst always had his own agenda and what was best for him and his business at heart. I don’t believe that Mr. Hurst did one thing that helped me on my case and feel as if I paid him for extra counsel for my ex. Also, I did file a grievance with the Attorney Grievance Commission and when Mr. Hurst sent his response, he of course mentioned the stuff he really did but also took credit for work that I had performed. The commission did not find that he did anything wrong.

25 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous

He does know what he is doing. My relative used him for a custody case. Her & the father agreed on terms. Dennis did not like it. Dennis wanted a fight. He was real mad there was no fight. The Fight has been mainly With Dennis. What a Nightmare. He seemed mainly interested in Racking Up The Bill. Protect your money if you use him.

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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.

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.