Lawyers map
>419
experienced lawyers
Filter by
20 Feb, 2010 by Anonymous
I hired Sapinsley to amend a Shared Parenting Plan. After incurring many thousands of dollars taking depositions, he then failed to subpoena any witnesses. We were presented with the Guardian Ad Litem's report on the Court steps and had no time to react. At Court we had nothing to argue, no witnesses to call and were forced into a humiliating withdrawal at a cost of over $40,000. I would strongly recommend NOT using Thomas Sapinsley (or his firm).
Read more
16 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
Tom Sapinsley charged me over 25,000 for a custody case which took 8 months. A few day before going to court he asked to pay 8,000 before we could go to court, we did. He then called me to his office the night before the trial for a "mock" trial. He has me assemble folders for three hours NEVER had a "mock" trial, he was on his phne in his office the entire time. We showed up in court he had charged us thousands of dollares in depos and had not subpeonaed one single witness. We had to walk away as if we never came to court. The day after this he sent me a bill for 17,000 dollars.
Read more
05 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
I rarely write reviews, but I feel compelled to warn others about my experience with Buechner Haffer Meyers & Koenig Co., LPA and attorney David A. Miller. Here’s a summary of my issues:
• The firm billed for mileage from the attorney's home rather than the office.
• They failed to notify the court of my representation, leading to a last-minute continuance that hurt my case. Despite this error, I was charged for time and mileage.
• The firm submitted court documents without my approval, resulting in additional significant fees. I have evidence proving these documents were unauthorized.
• David was unprepared for trial, leading to a disorganized meeting and false accusations which made the conflict significantly worse. He charged for time beyond what was actually spent in court.
• He frequently forgot details of my case and charged repeatedly for the same information. I ended up preparing questions for him and was billed for his time despite his lack of preparation.
• He billed for tasks I did, like contacting the court and handling case files. He also charged for services he did not perform and disputed overcharges without resolution.
• Key evidence and cross-examination questions were forgotten, leading to further complications.
• When the case became complex, David suggested hiring a second attorney but then duplicated efforts, leading to unnecessary costs. His overcharging continued when firing him.
• After terminating his services, David offered to consult me, which other attorneys warned against as it was inappropriate.
In summary, David A. Miller's poor performance, repeated mistakes, and excessive billing caused significant delays and additional costs. Despite complaints, the firm did not address these issues. Due to his actions and lack of actions; he assisted in extended my cases much longer than needed with a lot of unwarranted fee’s, increased and un-necessary conflict. The firm staff did nothing to address these concerns and let him get away with his actions. He did similar actions with other clients. I am seeking no refunds and anything from Buechner Haffer Meyers & Koenig Co., LPA. I am writing this purely to inform and warn people of this organization and attorney.
Read more
05 Apr, 2024 by Adam saidane
The worst lawyer can client get
Read more
13 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
This woman is a horrible human being. Very dangerous to put the lives of children in her hands. Nicholas Ader-Auguste's is dying alone at Cincinnati Childrens because of this woman.
Read more
25 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Hired her several months ago she said she would be in touch after the consultation. I have not heard back from her once. Hasn’t even asked for one piece of evidence and my trial is next month. what a joke
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.
