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18 Dec, 2021 by Michael
I could not recommend Ms. Browde more strongly to represent you in your legal matters. I had a situation where I had to be divorced and it came without warning. After being yanked around by a previous attorney I consulted AVVO who recommended Ms Browde. She took this very shook up Client, guided me through each step, took care of everything, and let me know she was only one call away whenever needed. In the span of three months the divorce was complete and my life is set right. Hiring Ms Browde was the best decision I ever made. Thank you . Michael D Casabianca RN BSPA CNOR
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07 Aug, 2021 by Mark
Kristen responded immediately every time I contacted her on the phone. She was always willing to answer any question I had, no matter how detailed. She was very helpful in assisting me prepare for an uncontested divorce filing, and very efficient. She was patient and willing to help me through the process step by step.
This review is from a client who hired this attorney. Her professional service was worth the cost.
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14 Jul, 2017 by Sigyn s. halverstedt
Kristen is not only thoroughly knowledgeable and expert in family law matters, but has a demeanor and a wisdom that I personally rely on when seeking strategy advice for litigation or appellate work. Her assistance has been invaluable both in and out of the courtroom. You can find no better counsel.
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06 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Barbara Castrataro fought for my children and for my parental rights as if they were her own. She is strategic, quietly fierce and relentless in her pursuit of justice for her clients. Ms. Castrataro’s in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of the law outpaced the opposing counsel at every turn. Working tirelessly for my family since the moment we met, she mounted a carefully orchestrated case and delivered it calmly and effectively. Ms. Castrataro was always accessible to me by phone and email and always had the details of my case at the top of her mind. I will be forever grateful to Ms. Castrataro for her extraordinary expertise, intelligence, kindness, and remarkable ability to always be one step ahead of the opposition. She is exactly whom you want by your side during such a stressful process.
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19 Nov, 2020 by George
I highly recommend Barbara A. Castrataro. Esq. for any advice and representation on legal matters-particularly those that involve divorce. She was extremely thorough in terms of her efforts to fully understanding the case at hand, and in getting to know each person who would be directly impacted by the outcome or decision in that case. Barbara showed a unique ability to understand interpersonal relationships and go to great lengths to assist above and beyond the normal parameters. She made all the difference in every aspect!
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25 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Barbara is not only an excellent lawyer, but also a very concerned, responsive, and reliable person. She was the kind of lawyer that I needed and I am glad we chose her. Barbara believed in my case and put a lot of hard work into revising my petition to include many more incidents that I did not even think about adding or knew that I could. She made my case much stronger and never doubted that we could achieve what I wanted, which was my own protection. She was always very well prepared, even beyond my expectations and could remember every detail. I could completely rely on her, which is most important in a legal battle.
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01 Dec, 2023 by Amber
She’s an awful person and only cares about making money and playing with the big boys. She’s part of the Marc Abram’s and Carol Most network.
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22 Jun, 2023 by A
From my experience, she skewed our conversations to support her decisions. Often she wouldn’t follow parent coordinator protocols; she’d rehash issues that were already decided, engage in lengthy one-one conversations, and broach topics that weren’t hers to decided all of which ended up costing me $20,000 a year. She’d regularly bill three months late and repeatedly promised to bill more timely and never did. She became irate with me when I couldn’t pay and told me that I could open up another credit card to pay her because her husband was out of work and she needed a new roof. She was friends with the other sides attorney and never disclose that to me. They were even Facebook friends. The judge called into question her decisions which she had no supporting evidence for and reprimanded her several times. Thankfully, the judge removed her. Michelle asked if she could stay on even after the judge removed her. Both sides said no. She have to make up that income elsewhere maybe actually work for it.
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19 Mar, 2022 by Rachel
Ms. Bermel was thoroughly dedicated to my son and daughter and very available at all times. Her knowledge of custody and visitation and parenting in general is amazing. Even my ex admitted that she was terrific. I strongly recommend her.
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26 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
This attorney came highly recommended to me .
Initially I felt confident, although overwhelmed by his fee's, which are higher than average for his area of expertise, but within the high end of acceptable.
Mr Lefkowitz gets to work quickly, and is assertive, initially impressive.
Once your knee deep in your legal matter, and stressed by your dilemma you will find his billing which he is very aggressive with is his true priority, and his performance is linked to your paying him large sums of money at a rate most attorneys don't expect. (I checked with several.)
This attorney is loud, and aggressive in court, and can be intimidating. He does know the law, and if he doesn't he researches .
This loud yelling , and aggressive , and insulting behavior will also be directed at you if your not sending him checks in the "timely" manner he expects. Which is absurd.
The man has a true bullying demeanor, and he can have you more upset than the original law suit which brought you to his office.
I have had clients sitting in my office when he telephoned ; they could hear him through the phone yelling, and insulting.
You may be thinking that the fees were not being paid, however more than half his fees had been paid, and yet the yelling and insults ,and demeaning conversations persisted.
He has no problem insulting you, treating you poorly, and can be absolutely verbally abusive.
I contacted several high power NYC attorneys, discussed this billing as well as the amount paid , and the demeanor of this attorney, not one of these far more successful attorneys felt that the amount paid was inappropriate or lacking, nor deserving of the abuse.
I would not refer this attorney to anyone He is loud ,abusive and a narcissistic .
In a court room this can be unattractive to the judge, and may work against you.
My advice is seek another attorney.
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20 Mar, 2015 by Sam
We were lead plaintiffs in a partition action. He acted as our lawyer through the twists and turns of getting the house sold at auction. He was extremely knowledgeable and always let us know what was happening & why.
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16 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
One of the worst legal experiences I have ever had with an attorney. He was not knowledgeable about the case law in my particular area and spent the entire retainer in one sitting wriitng just one paper. He thereafter billed approximately $3000 a month only for answering emails and phone calls but not for actual motions or for protecting his client. At the end of it all, he left me in a huge disadvantage in my case where I, at the beginning had the strategic and legal advantage.
A completely ineffective attorney who will leave you in the lurch.
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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:
-
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.
