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03 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
If you're involved in a high conflict situation, Courtney will sort out the drama and calmly present a case that a judge will be able to follow. Given the flak often present in divorce cases locally thanks to incompetent "advocates" and such, a lawyer who can filter the BS and present reality to the court, enabling our often easily confused local judges to see through the smoke is worth the fee. Exceptional record in father's custody issues.
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08 May, 2014 by Dan
Courtney helped me get through a not-so-fun divorce. As tough and stressful as a divorce can be, she took the lead and handled everything. I was able to sit by the pool and drink Margaritas and live relatively stress-free knowing Courtney was on my side. This was my first and hopefully last time in a courthouse, but I know if I'm in need of a lawyer I won't hesitate to call Courtney again.
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08 Dec, 2019 by Jennifer wilkinson
12 Sep, 2018 by Erika
Sarah (Sally) is the best! I would highly recommend her!
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24 Aug, 2015 by Kathy
Ron made a very difficult situation easy. He answered all my questions and made the whole process very easy and I was able to have peace of mind. I would highly recommend Ron for your legal matters. Thanks Ron!
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28 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
My six months working with Mr. Dee was the most pleasant Lawyer experience i have incurred. I am retired and I have seen and experienced a lot to compare with. Mr. Dee personally returned my calls and e-mails promptly and with specific answers. My case is finished and I can go on with my life . I would recommend Mr. Dee to anyone who thinks they need a lawyer .
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26 May, 2020 by Shannon
I have hired Jessica to help me with two legal cases. Both times her and her paralegal, Carrie, were extremely helpful, professional and responsive. She took all the stress off my shoulders when it came to my divorce! Also, while I was away on military duty she continued to handle my case when I wasn't able to attend face-to-face meetings and contact was limited due to my circumstances.
I highly recommend Jessica to assist you with your family law issues.
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03 Jan, 2011 by Michael
Jessica Rotole served me well and I would recommend her to anyone who wants an honest, hardworking, and ethical attorney. She was organized and worked hard to build my case. I appreciated her focus and determination.
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18 Aug, 2019 by Mark
I hired Susan Halloran to represent me concerning a difficult divorce case, and was more than pleased with the results, and Susan made sure that I was treated fairly. Then when I was accused of criminal mischief by my wife, during my divorce process, Susan handled that issue as well. She kept me from needing 2 attorneys. And when I was arrested as a result, Susan dropped what she was doing and immediately, got me out of jail. If that wasn’t enough, she also represented me on a separate case where crossing timelines/court dates of both cases could have caused me to violate a probationary period.
This whole event was going on in conjunction with my having a life changing medical issues. Susan made me focus on the help she needed from me. Susan had this huge jigsaw puzzle to put together, along the way, her patient mentorship of me, and her attention to detail made all the difference. I had 2 major surgeries during that timeframe. And Susan was patient kind and was a calming influence. She multitasked in a way which resulted in my vindication within several court systems, simultaneously.
Susan a no-nonsense, exceedingly hard, working attorney. She proved to me what a huge Heart she has. She stuck with me, and never quit.
My opinion is that if you hire an attorney because they are a go getter, hard worker, and you are counting on that person to resolve your problem.
Then you must also expect that they will need you to contribute to your defense. And if that process fails, so can your case.
Contributing to my case made all the difference. One cannot just pay an attorney and expect them to do it all on their own. Susan should be charging much more than she does, however she cares about her clients, and I can tell you that she did much more work than she charged me for. And also let me do some footwork, that saved her time and lessened my fees. I felt cared about…
My retainer was spent quickly, because it was used to fulfill court requirements in setting up my case. I imagine that’s why they refer to it as a retainer. I got expert help, but wasn’t charged as such. The way Susan streamlined all these issues within several court cases, simultaneously, saved me thousands of dollars. And she kept an innocent man out of jail, and put his life back into the most manageable financial condition possible.
That being said, I can tell you from my perspective that I was impressed by Susan’s level of organization, professionalism, as well as her attention to detail. (I am Retired IT/IBM). Susan is a fair honest and loyal Attorney with a Huge Heart. I can say that I trust her, and if she specializes in a service that I require in the future, I will hire her immediately.
This whole series of events spanned 2+ years. 2 years of hell, that Susan got me through and somehow made it all a bit more bearable.
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13 Aug, 2019 by Penny
Ms Halloran represented our family during a difficult time when options were serious and confusing. Ms Halloran's expertise brought us the best possible results. Working with her was reassuring, as it was evident our case was as important to her as it was to us. I know she spent more time on our case than she listed. She was easy to contact, very direct, and genuinely cared- but not the kind of attorney to pat your hand and let you go on and on about your “feelings”.....while the bill gets bigger, and she doesn’t waste time just “saying” what you want to hear but gets straight to the important business and keeps things on track- redirecting conversations to what is necessary to resolve the case. She identified inaccurate information in court documents and got them corrected. At times, she was more determined than we were, to get things resolved in our favor. She was tough... towards me when it was needed, and tougher on the opposing party, which is more important than I realized at the time. I will definitely call her again if a need arises and highly recommend her! Her work is more than worthy of her very fair fees.
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27 Jan, 2015 by Steve
I remember Howard Bittman defending me on a few occasions some years back. (20+ plus years ago)I was charged with 8 felonies. Yes, 8 felonies all at the same time. This man saved my life. He was able to get 6 of the felony charges dismissed. I did 60 days home detention and payed some restitution for my last 2 . My friends have used him over the years with awesome results. I thank him for being there when I needed him most. He is the best attorney in Boulder County by far!
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18 Dec, 2012 by Micheala
Helped me legally acquire funds that were unclaimed . Money wired to my account the other day! Very reliable, responsible and straightforward!
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19 Apr, 2016 by April
Charles was professional, honest and understanding. He was exactly what I needed during the stressful time in my life. He is aggressive and knows how to deal with bullies in the court room. Mr.Esqubel takes pride in all he does and his work in my case proves he cares.
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18 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Ooo man what a firecracker this man is he goes far and beyond my expectations i had no lawyer in my divorce for the first 6months of it got my kids tooken from me because i got in an argument with my ex husband and my exfriend the first time we go to court i got my kids back 50/50 final decision is next month i would recommend him thank for your help sincerely the curly haired gal
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29 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr Gilbertson is amazing at what he can do in the court room. I used him as my divorce attorney and he was able to get me more than I could have asked for in the settlement. He is seriously hard headed but it works for him and he did not back down at all in court which was a huge benefit for me. I will be using him in the future if the need arises.
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15 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
He was supportive, knowledgeable and gave personal service. Sometimes was difficult to get in touch with as he is a sole-proprietor and not always at the office. Expects his clients to keep their end of the stick as well. Has alot of business savvy as well so he probably has litigated in other areas besides family law. Overall, a good experience!
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24 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
I am grateful for the work that Katie and her para legal Lori did to efficiently resolve my legal affairs.
I particularly appreciate that Katie recognized, accepted, and supported my personal concerns, and not merely the strict legal perspective.
She presented options on how to resolve the matter consistent with my wishes.
With her knowledge of law and court precedent, Katie negotiated with opposing council from a position of strength; thereby, per my will, she kept us from being in court, and minimized legal fillings. She also knew how to push-back on financial claims so-as to resolve the issue with minimal cost to me.
She was efficient with her time and efforts during negotiations, and meticulous with the final court fillings to ensure all of my concerns were specifically addressed, and accepted by the court in its ruling.
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18 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Katie took care of my case at the last minute and got me the result I wanted and needed. Really appreciate her taking care of things. Sadly I have had to lawyer up a few times in my life, but working with Katie was so easy it was worth mentioning. Thanks for your help.
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01 Sep, 2023 by Ashley
Took time out of his day to advise me on perplexing problem. Really grounded, insightful and polite. A pleasure to talk to, very calming and reassuring. While ultimately outside his practice area, which was a bummer -- would've been a pleasure to work with.
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11 Jun, 2019 by Jenny
It’s with pleasure and thankfulness that I take the time to write this review for Mr. Phil Klein. He offered very professional service, outstanding counsel and best law practices in Colorado, being always ahead of deadlines and follow-up procedures, all this making the divorce process very short and effective. Right from the beginning I had a very good impression of Mr. Klein’s attentiveness and honesty; I needed someone I could trust since I was trying to perform the whole process while living in Europe! Mr. Klein gave me excellent representation at court, being as well fair to the other party. The outcome exceeded my expectations! I’m very thankful for having found this exceptional lawyer and for the excellent help provided by Monique Mountain with all the paperwork! I highly recommend Mr. Klein’s Services and wish him and his team and families many blessings!
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23 May, 2022 by Anonymous
Steve has been an ally on my case for a few years now. I recommend Steve and his staff, especially his paralegal, Shannon. They have been diligent in their efforts, personable and attentive to the extra effort that my case requires. Steve and Shannon have not wavered in standing up in my case. I feel that my thoughts and views are respected. Even if we don't see eye to eye on something, Steve and I talk through and come to an agreement on how to address an issue. I recommend Steve at Smith & Cook regularly as a family law attorney.
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23 Jan, 2021 by Bruce rumsey
I refer a lot of people to Steve Cook! He combines a sincere warmth with tactical competence, strength and tenacity. I have found him to be dogged in his efforts to thoughtfully guide his clients to safer ground, while advocating for them in every way imaginable. Mr. Cook has the unique ability to balance toughness and tenderness in his comprehensive approach to client protection and well-being.
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01 Aug, 2022 by Brasil eco ventures inc brasil eco ventures inc
Worked them on probate issues, good people, knowledgeable...
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12 Nov, 2021 by William
20 Nov, 2017 by Amy
Justin was my lawyer on my case back in 2015. He was the best lawyer ive ever dealt with. He did a good job for me on my case. Hes very kind and cares about how his clients feel. He answers all of your questions and makes sure u understand wats going on with your case.
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03 Jun, 2017 by Christina
Mr. Haenlein is still my lawyer and has never stopped fighting for me and my family. I have had Mr. Haenlein since September of 2016 and my family and I have been very grateful to have him on our side.
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07 Jan, 2016 by Teresa
Every time I need Rob or Gerry Hernandez they step up to the plate and get the job done. I would recommend them to family and friends with whatever the situation is cause they get results
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17 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Rob Sutton handled our small civil matter quickly and efficiently, and I can't say enough good things about him. We had called several other attorneys who had no idea what to do with our case, and who proposed a variety of inappropriate (and ridiculously expensive) solutions.
Rob Sutton listened, and calmly suggested exactly what we needed: A small estate affidavit. He and his excellent staff did a fantastic job, and we are extremely pleased.
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21 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
We hired David to help in a problematic offshore domain registration issue. David was both very knowledgeable on the subject and very creative in his response. He dealt with the issue pro-actively and decisively, representing our position robustly. I would definitely recommend David for any internet-related legal issues and we would happily use him and his firm again in the future.
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10 Sep, 2015 by Ryan
We consulted with Lawrence on how to file paperwork for our child, who was being carried by a surrogate, to be issued a proper birth certificate. While his experience in this area of law was slightly limited, he researched thoroughly previous cases and Colorado precedent, and presented us with everything we needed to successfully file with the court. He was very helpful in explaining each necessary exhibit and affidavit, and our order was granted by the judge with no issues. I would highly recommend Lawrence, and will certainly seek consultation from him, or hire him in the future.
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22 May, 2012 by Beebe
Saved me from a doom that other attorney's said was inevitable. Not to be believed how intelligent and compassionate this professional is. Hire him!
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13 Jan, 2017 by Jessica
She is a compassionate lawyer with integrity. She went above and beyond for me and my son. I could never begin to thank her enough for the services she provided me.
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22 May, 2020 by Ben
I needed a name change and Heidi was able to get everything handled quickly. Even with the Covid-19 crisis Heidi was always communicative and kept me up to date as things progressed. She was professional and friendly through out the entire process. There is no doubt that in the future if I need legal help I will be asking Heidi for guidance.
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26 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
A contractor placed a lien on my property. I hired an attorney that did me wrong. Spoke with several attorneys who wouldn't handle because it was too small of case. Called Craig and he was happy to help. Because of a biased judge making a biased ruling against me, we had no choice but to go all the way to the state appeals court. We won the appeal (which also stated the lower court was wrong in their decision) due to Craig's great arguments contained in the motions of my defense. After the win from the appeals court, we were able to eventually settle the case rather than going to trial. Though it was a very long process, due to no fault of Craig's, I ultimately recovered some of the money I was due. Wouldn't have happened without Craig. If you have a civil situation, would recommend you call Craig!
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17 Oct, 2014 by Diane
I engaged Joel Hunsaker two years ago related to an estate matter and real estate that I had inherited as part of a trust. He quickly identified the problems with the deeds, researched and made several recommendations as to remedies and counseled me in handling delicate negotiations with other family members. He provided reasoned and sound advice as to why to take one course of action versus another, and kept negotiations on track when they might have otherwise stalled. He is very knowledgeable and easy to work with.
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29 Jun, 2011 by Chris
Brian Kidnay and his group are in my opinion the best legal services group in the Montrose area. They are extremely knowledgeable on all areas of legal precedent and very easy to work with.
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20 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Amy handled my divorce case involving domestic violence. She navigated me through this difficult time and always got back to me in a timely manner when I had questions. I appreciated that she did not try to run up my bill unnecessarily. She is a smart lady and I was impressed with her knowledge and expertise in handling my case.
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29 Jul, 2012 by Barry
Steven took my case which was entirely time sensitive and ran with it and won a summary judgement that lifted a lien that had been illegally placed by a bad actor. Steve gathered the facts, and made; filed, pled and won the case in a matter of weeks, which was what was needed to preserve my partnerships investment and profit.
Steve did all this while going up against a major international law firm that sent three lawyers to plead the defendant's case.
My partnership stood to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars that it had invested and walk away from a multi-million sales price had Steve not performed as he did.
And all of this with empathy and a sense of humor!
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21 Sep, 2008 by Anonymous
Brent was forever on top of things. Followed up on all issues. I never had to wonder what was going on. Brent was also very understanding and compassionate. Would highly recommend.
K. McClurg
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02 Nov, 2012 by Mike
I have had the opportunity to have Mr. Shultz as my Attorney and I am throughly impressed. I would reccomend Nathan to anyone.
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30 May, 2024 by Kai
I had a fantastic experience with Shannon during my extremely complex and contentious divorce case. She was not only responsive but also patient with me throughout the process. She worked around the clock to ensure that all my concerns were addressed promptly. One of the things I appreciated the most about her was that she was not only skilled but also reasonably priced. She stuck through the entire journey, and her grit and preparedness during court were commendable. I highly recommend her services to anyone in need of a competent divorce attorney.
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27 Mar, 2024 by Amber
Chelsea worked on my divorce case as an associate. She went above & beyond to ensure that the process was as painless for me as possible. She understood my top concerns in my case & I felt heard every step of the way. She is thorough, hard working, & gets the job done. I highly recommend.
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04 Jun, 2024 by Terry
I first hired Clyde in 2019 when I first filed for divorce. I subsequently withdrew the divorce proceeding. after my ex-wife talked me into it then I used him. I hired him again for the second divorce filing. Of which has been now completed and very very satisfactorily. he has Demonstrated the professionalism and the personal attention to detail that was desperately needed in my divorce case and then after the divorce was final. We did the trust agreements and and will and medical power of attorney and stuff that I needed done. He did those after that. I would use him again anytime I need a lawyer and highly recommend him.
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09 Sep, 2016 by Joshua
I hired Jim during a very difficult divorce and custody battle. Jim was able to do everything I asked of him. I started out with only have a few hours a week with my son, and after hiring Jim that few hours turned into me having 365 overnights a year and 100% decision making. It was the best move I could have made. Jim is worth every penny, and he is willing to work with you. If you want a lawyer that will go to work for you and always have your best interest at heart Jim should be your first choice. He fought tooth and nail and everything paid off in the end. He will let you know straight forward and wont sugar coat it. He will look out for you and your family. I am truly thankful for everything Jim has done for my family. He is the best in town in my opinion. I cannot say enough good things about Jim and his law firm. Each and every one of them from Max at the front desk to Julie wants nothing but the best for you and your family. Jim is a very good lawyer and knows what he is doing. He is at ease and relaxed in the court room. When he is in court he is in his element and knows what has to be done to get the job done. I am in his debt for what he has done for my family.
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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.
