Lawyers map
>15
experienced lawyers
Filter by
26 Jun, 2024 by Holly
Dedicated, meticulous, confident, steadfast, knowledgeable and unshakable are all words that can be used to describe Attorney Mark Tseselsky. The manner in which he handled everything, including my nervous bouts, is what made all the difference. His professionalism and vast knowledge insured the safety of my child as well as mine. I am so grateful I was referred to him.
Read more
19 Jun, 2024 by Younan
Recommendation for Mr. Mark as an Exceptional Family Lawyer
I am writing to express my utmost satisfaction and gratitude for the exceptional legal services provided by Mr. Mark in handling my recent divorce case.
It was truly a pleasure to do business with Mr. Mark, and I am delighted that he represented me throughout the entire process. His depth of knowledge and expertise in family law were evident from the outset, and he consistently provided me with invaluable legal advice that guided me through this challenging time.
One of the things that stood out to me about Mr. Mark's approach was his ability to cut through the complexities of the case and get straight to the heart of the matter. He was always honest and transparent, never hesitating to tell me whether it was worth fighting for certain aspects or not.
Furthermore, I was impressed by the clarity and transparency of Mr. Mark's billing statements. Each statement provided a detailed breakdown of the services rendered, making it easy for me to understand and track the costs involved.
Based on my personal experience, I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Mark as a family lawyer to anyone in need of expert legal representation in a divorce case. I have no doubt that his professionalism, integrity, and dedication to his clients will ensure the best possible outcome for anyone facing similar circumstances.
Once again, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Mr. Mark for his outstanding service and support throughout this process.
Read more
07 May, 2024 by Jasmine
I was referred to Mark by an attorney on a related matter as a trusted partner to discuss my concerns and current situation.
Before I was able to reach out to his office, he called me directly and asked questions to assess the landscape and provide a recommendation on how to proceed. He was unusually patient and thorough in his analysis, both speaking in simplified, non-Legalese terms without being reductive; realistic and objective without salesmanship. As a working professional, I deeply appreciated his 360° approach.
He additionally, without request, gave me thoughtful pointers that were directed toward not only how to position myself for a positive outcome, but in the best interests of creating a productive plan forward for myself and my family.
While it currently remains as a consult, he will be the attorney I will call when it's time.
Read more
18 Jul, 2021 by Ernie gomez
24 Feb, 2021 by Mike long
I spoke with Ms McClane and, while she wasn't the attorney I needed, she hung on a call for 5 minutes with me and explained how to get a proper referral through the California bar. So this is a caring person. She didn't ask for a dime and I would have gladly paid $100 or more for the advice. By the way her advice worked out great. So thank you for paying it forward.
Read more
18 Sep, 2019 by Dina p
I met Christine McClane after having gone through 2 divorce attorneys who not only cost me a lot of money, but left me disillusioned with the entire process. Christine came across as knowledgeable, down to earth, hands on, and most importantly caring and comforting. Unlike my previous attorneys, she understood my concerns about having an amicable divorce through mediation. She was straight forward, always reachable & communicative with both of us. I am grateful & happy to recommend her services.
Read more
12 Apr, 2023 by Violetta
I hired Paul in my family law case and he was amazing. He actually cares about his clients and looks out for their best interest. He also won!! Thank you.
Read more
05 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
It has taken me some time to figure out what to write in regards to Mr Spear because no matter what I say its going to be an understatement of how amazing of an attorney he is. He joined my very difficult and dragged out dissolution case later on but picked up on the essence of the case, the issues and both parties strategies immediately and he started moving all matters forward. Mr Spear is fair, brutally honest, efficient, caring, very respectful and will represent his clients with integrity. He is very experienced and knew exactly how to proceed with the issues we had, he puts his clients first and will always ensure his clients are in good standing with the opposite party and the court. I can't rave enough about Mr Spear, I have spent more than 2 years fighting a lengthy complex battle against my ex husband and I am finally able to breathe knowing Mr Spear is handling my case. Best dissolution attorney out there.
Read more
03 Jun, 2020 by Allen
I received exceptional service from Paul Spear of Family Law Support. His professionalism, compassion and attention to detail made a very difficult time in my life considerably less daunting. Furthermore, Family Law Support's legal fees were much less than any other attorney I interviewed. With sincerity I recommend him and his firm to anyone going through difficult family legal issues.
Read more
24 Sep, 2020 by Annie
Esther represented me in the formation and signing of my pre-marital agreement. Throughout the process, she was extremely prompt, thoughtful, and professional. She followed up with me regularly when things were stalling with my fiancé's counsel. She explained the ins-and-outs of our agreement to me patiently and confirmed with me multiple times to make sure I understood what I was signing. She was timely in every response. If my fiancé's lawyer had been even half as conscientious as Esther, the process would have been much quicker. I highly recommend her.
Read more
15 Mar, 2018 by Jennifer
Esther represented me on visitation Modification Hearing order. She took my case about two weeks before the hearing and worked with me to get the supplemental declaration that needed to be prepared and submitted before the hearing. With only two weeks to prepare she was amazingly over prepared, confident and aggressive and did a great job. She had things finished well before the deadline and made it, so I didn't have anything to worry about. I was really impressed. She was available immediately by phone and email she never hesitated to give 100%. Esther was good at listening to me and knowing what to say to get the judge to see what was really going on. she was genuinely concerned about what was in my child's best interest and was very fair. She explained step by step the paperwork and forms to make sure I was comfortable and confident in what I was saying and filling. Family court issues can be highly emotional and stressful, but I felt totally secure during my case. Esther produced the exact results that I required, skillfully and efficiently. Esther is a very professional attorney yet has a warm and approachable demeanor. She remained well-composed, professionally aggressive, consistently on task, and always with a clear focus. She is very passionate about what she does, and it really sets her apart because she really connects with her clients! She handled my case with exemplary professionalism and helped me get through a very emotional and difficult time in my life. She was never tardy in responding to any questions I might've had, she always replied in a timely manner and always had an answer for whatever question I had. She made me feel like I could trust her and had my child's best interest. I also learned from her, how to handle the issues with knowledge and wisdom. The court sided in my favor! I could not be more satisfied with the intelligence, professionalism, and sheer determination of Esther Bitar. I am very happy to offer my highest recommendation to Mrs. Bitar. Thank you!
Read more
11 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Esther Bitar helped me with my divorce. During such a stressful and emotional time in my life, she was consistently supportive and professional throughout her entire service. She was accessible at all times no matter how ridiculous my questions were and was extremely knowledgeable which I was very grateful for. At the end of it all, I couldn't be more happy that she was the lawyer I had by my side. I will be highly recommending her to all my family and friends going through any legal trouble or anyone that needs legal assistance.
Read more
11 Oct, 2024 by Diamond boy
Excellent legal advice and top customer service.
Read more
14 Apr, 2024 by Marisol velez
12 Feb, 2024 by Chris knighten
Grace has a special touch that goes beyond a typical attorney. She took the time to listen to my needs, and offered counsel that was practical and easy to understand. Very professional and competent. Thank you!
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
