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30 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Jennifer has helped my family on more than one occasion. She advised me during my divorce. She helped me modify the parenting plan when I relocated. She held my ex accountable to pay his share of our daughter's medical bills. Just recently, she represented me to negotiate a child support modification. Her advice and representation has always been excellent. She understands and respects my priorities and values. Her fees are fair. I am so grateful for Jennifer's advocacy when I've needed it.
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19 May, 2015 by Peggy
Jennifer helped me to obtain a legal separation. She was responsive and concerned to my specific needs, gave great advice, always responded quickly and managed to get his lawyer moving. She explains everything in down to earth terms and is laid back and makes you feel comfortable. She took me through a terrifying ordeal and helped me to come out with my head held high. She gave emotional as well as legal support and I will go to her for any legal matters and HIGHLY Recommend her to any and all....oh and she is very fair and reasonable on her fees! The ex's attorney fees were triple what mine were!
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02 Apr, 2014 by Tim
I have 8 children and was facing a divorce - demanded by my spouse of over 30 years - that I did not want. My spouse had been gone for several years but wanted me to carry her financially so she could continue her permanent vacation. My priority - having complete control of the children - was understood by Jennifer and she laid out my options and likely responses by the court. Jennifer never 'blue-skied' me, but was there each step of the process and was consistently, ALWAYS right on the money with advice on how best to wind our way through the options available as well as negotiating agreements. In the end, despite the arcane demands of my now ex-spouse, Jennifer kept me calm and focused on what was important and led the way to a divorce I am very, very happy with. Jennifer is professional, knowledgeable and the best!
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28 Apr, 2024 by Mark perez
Perfect
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25 May, 2024 by Dwayne lorenzo
If you want to lose your children go here. Everything the attorney said wouldn't happen, happened. They will share your account numbers and social security numbers with the apposing party. Don't recommend this office at all go somewhere else. Would give 0 stars but 1 is the lowest available.
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30 Apr, 2024 by Nick auzston
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25 Feb, 2024 by Christian huggins
Very good personal injury attorney. I worked with Sam & Debbie, and they both were great. Answered all my questions, and helped me get a good settlement.
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27 May, 2021 by Davin
Jacob Clark was in close touch with me the entire case. Jacob is very patient and respectful with his clients. Highly Recommend.
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27 Oct, 2020 by Brandy
I would unfortunately not recommend him to ANYONE. His lack of communication is a huge issue and he lacks the drive to actually fight for your freedom. For over 3 weeks my S/O sat in jail with out a single peep from Mr. Clark. We attempted to contact him many many times during that 3 weeks and never until 330pm the DAY before court, did he jLFINALLY show up to the jail to meet with my B/F. But that was right after calling his ex wife telling her and his 5kids he was going away for a lrewllybong time. Keep in mind that it's a driving on suspended from over a year ago. He now has his license and has for quite some time. Then he finally goes to see him and says yeah your going away for a while your going to be in here for quite some time and my b/f tried to ask questions but Jacob wouldn't answer questions nothing said he was busy nothing he could do and and leaves. So this whole last 3 weeks not a single call back, reply to email nothing now at 330 the day before court that is at 830 am this is what we got. You can only imagine the anxiety and the hair pulling stress we were really under now. We have no time to do anything at thisbpoint. If he don't want to deal with his case then I wish he would just say so that way we can atleast try and find an attorney that will pretend to care and fight for him. I shouldn't be spending my time trying to figure for my B/Fs freedom when he has an attorney. His attorney should be itye one telling the judge about everything my b/f has done and accomplished telling the judge when he says hey your going to jail because you didn't do this Jacob should have said your mistaken my client has already done this and this and this and here is thebproof instead of saying nothing and now here I am trying to be heard so the judge knows no the things you asked to be done by the time of court was done by court but his attorney didn't do his jobvandbmake sure the courts had that proof to. So now that it's been brought to light and my b/f has sat in jail for over a month with no bail for no reason other than his attorney not doing his job and updating the courts with the proof my bf did what he was supposed to. Now here we are again waiting another almost 2 weeks for jacob to get him on the docket for sentencing and as of yesterday at 4pm he STILL had not got him on the docket for court on Wednesday. And ONCE AGAIN ZERO COMMUNICATION WT ALL!!!!; I have filed a bar complaint which I hated to do but honestly I don't know what velse to do. Truthfully that solves nothing. I can't force Jacob to start caring about his clients and look at his very poor conduct as an attorney. With the way he practices and the absolute zero communication until the very last minute you would be better off without an attorney then having him. The stress and anxiety and mental anguish you go though trying to get Jacob to atleast just communicate let alone actually defend you instead of just sitting there doing nothing is enough to make anyone loose their mind and be angry just as we are. I hope something can be done to where Jacob realizes the way he handles things is completely not ok. Maybe he needs to find a profession he wants to do and strives for. Being a criminal defense attorney clearly isnt it unless someone just don't care about being free.
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28 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
I agree with the prior review for the most part. I don't recommend him now, but maybe in the future when he listens a little more, communicates alot better and yes, lightens his work load.. everything is last minute which only creates more anxiety for the client. Lack of response of phone calls and emails contributes to the anxiety as well. I do believe that he does care but other things are getting in the way and it didn't come out to be a good experience for us. I do hope that he grows and learns and is open-minded enough to listen to the reviews becomes better equipped and Focused, which will only lead to more satisfied clients, referrals and I would imagine the chance of a more positive outcome for the client which is ultimately the goal.
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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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