Best Family Law lawyers in Columbia, MD

139 Family Law Lawyers in Columbia, MD

>139

experienced lawyers

Gauri Bayoumi

6851 Oak Hall Lane, Columbia, MD

Child Custody Child Support Estate Planning +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

5.0

56 Reviews

11 Jun, 2024 by James dimaggio

Lauren has very helpful with my family's estate planning needs. She walked us through the process, teaching us the pros and cons of all of the available options that best suited my family (will, trust, advanced directive and power of attorney). Would highly recommend!

14 May, 2024 by Cliff robertson

I recently had the pleasure of working with Ms. Leffler to update and initiate a number of legal documents. I was impressed with her legal knowledge, skill, and professionalism, and would highly recommend her and her team.

13 May, 2024 by Tony humbert

Ms. Leffler was very helpful, competent and responsive during our interaction. Everything I've seen while I was at their office was the way it should be: a professional environment that fostered the trust necessary for our long term engagement. No need to go with a "big" name when you can get quality services from people in your neighborhood. I highly recommend them.

Emily Patricia Koning

9256 Bendix Road, Ste. 307, Columbia, MD

Child Custody Domestic Violence Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

18 Reviews

5.0

30 Reviews

04 Sep, 2024 by Danielle

Attention to detail and fairness, in my case, was great. Being realistic with financial means long term and short term helped greatly in moving along the case.

08 Aug, 2024 by Sarah cahill

Michael Katz and his team are top notch customer service providers. They are different than most offices - you can tell they do truly care and are true to their word and mission. They take time to understand your case and are have lots of expertise.

15 Jul, 2024 by Susan you

Ms. Jessica keister is a fantastic attorney! She cares so much about her clients ! She helped me with my divorce and was both professional and empathetic. She kept me informed every step of the way through the process . Not only was she supportive, but she took a lot of time to explain those things I didn't completely understand. Her advice was on point and led to a good outcome for me and my family for which I am grateful. Thank you so much Ms. Jessica keister. I highly recommend her !

Sarah Novak Nesbitt

9256 Bendix Rd., Columbia, MD

Adoption Child Custody Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

9 Reviews

5.0

30 Reviews

08 Aug, 2024 by Sarah cahill

15 Jul, 2024 by Susan you

18 Nov, 2023 by Tiffany h

Emily Koning, and every member of the team there at FLAG, operated with such competence, clarity, and integrity that I was shielded from the confusion and loss that my divorce could have caused me and my children. I am forever grateful! Anyone, who has to go through such an unfortunate situation as divorce, can trust this team to deliver the best litigation for their case!

Amos Matthew Whitney

2000 Century Plaza, Suite 446, Columbia, MD

Child Custody Child Support Domestic Violence +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

24 Reviews

22 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous

Mr.Whitney was very supportive of our families needs. He helped negotiate a settlement and decrease the toll of divorce proceedings on our loved ones as much as possible.

19 Sep, 2024 by Gary

Absolute professional. Amos and his staff navigated me through a very difficult legal process. What I appreciated most was his honesty, patience, responsiveness, genuine concern and exceptional legal acumen. What a Great legal team to have on your side. . Highly recommended.

07 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous

Good communication. Compassionate with clients. Great expertise. He’ll get you the outcome you are hoping for!

Shavina Kumar Mukesh

10630 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD

Family Law Personal Injury Real Estate +3

5.0/5

5.0

22 Reviews

10 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous

Ms. Mukesh is an outstanding attorney. She handled my divorce case and did a great job. She has a small practice and because of that she is able to provide personal attention to all the details of the case. She is very knowledgeable and explains the ins and outs of the case. She always looks for the best interest of her client and tries her best to bring the case to an expeditious and successful closure instead of dragging it along. She is very flexible with her schedule and always does her best to make herself available to meet in person and returns phone calls/emails in a very timely manner.

02 May, 2024 by Anonymous

She showed compassion, and took time to listen to my case. She also gave good advice and insight on the procedures and how to deal effectively with the situation. She was also patient, flexible and responsive.

21 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous

My attorney Shavina Mukesh was very patient and kind. She went out of her way in trying to settle my divorce out of court in which she was successful. Which saved me money and time and most importantly I was mentally relieved. My divorce process was mentally draining but Mrs. Mukesh was always there to hear me out. I was very pleased with her services and would recommend anyone going through a similar experience to hire her as your attorney. She will make the process as smooth as possible.

Shannon Leigh Kowitz

10015 Old Columbia Rd Ste B215, Columbia, MD

Child Custody Domestic Violence Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

21 Reviews

11 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous

Shannon and her term were awesome. She helped me navigate an ugly child support case and very likely saved me thousands. I can't say enough about how compassionate and professional she was. If I ever need family law services again, I'll be going back to Shannon Kowitz for sure.

28 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous

Mrs. Kowitz is a great attorney. She's knowledgeable and stay current, hardworking and really caring. She makes each client a priority. She's easy to get along with and instills confidence and makes working together easy. Great person and great lawyer.

10 Nov, 2023 by Lance

Divorce is hard. It has been a long, frustrating, 2-year process. Shannon has been an excellent guide and lawyer for me. She is well versed in the law, well respected by her peers, and by the magistrates and judges in Howard County. I would highly recommend Shannon to represent you.

Lauren Nicole Leffler

6851 Oak Hall Lane, Columbia, MD

Estate Planning Family Law Mediation +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

12 Feb, 2023 by Kathy

Lauren was extremely helpful in creating our Family Trust and how to place all our assets into the trust. We highly recommend her.

26 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous

Lauren Leffler was just the attorney my family needed. My spouse and I approached her with the thought we were making small edits to our wills, but she helped us realize that we needed a full revamp. She was really knowledgeable about our unique needs and we feel secure that our wishes will be upheld thanks to our documents that she created. It would not have happened with the old ones. We’re so relieved to have found her! A few months later, we needed to update my parents’ documents, this was much more of a time crunch than ours. After our good experience, I reached out to her for help. She got their documents done with the speed we needed. She was equally knowledgeable about my parents’ needs, which were very different from my own. We’ve been doing a lot of meetings for my parents these days getting their affairs tidied up, and Lauren has been the only one who has come to the initial consultation meeting having read their existing documents in advance. Their office is easy to get to, but for my housebound parents, she came to their apartment. My sibling plans to use Lauren to update their documents, my other sibling who lives out of state is disappointed they can’t use her (they asked). We’ll definitely call Lauren in the future for any needs that arise.

12 Dec, 2021 by Rhonda

I hired Lauren to help me with a guardianship case. There are not enough good things I can possibly say about my experience with her. She gave immediate attention to all the items needed in the case and returned emails and phone calls quickly. She seemed to always be one step ahead of the case. Her and her staff made this an easier than I anticipated experience. Not only is she knowledgeable and professional but she really cares about you and the parties involved. I can never thank her enough and highly recommend her and her firm.

Margaret Hackett Oliver

6851 Oak Hall Lane., Columbia, MD

Adoption Child Custody Estate Planning +2 +5

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

21 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous

Meg was recommended to me and handled my contentious protracted divorce. She was extremely responsive and had a special ability to "calm" the emotions and stay focused on the case issues. I felt well supported by her, and she answered all my questions. She hung in there as an advocate no matter how hard it got or how obstructive my ex-husband was. With her help and support I am happily divorced. I appreciated and benefitted from her skills and wisdom. She was definitely in my corner through it all. With her advocating hard for me the case did settle.

30 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous

After my 24 year marriage came crashing down around me I had no idea where to turn or what to do next. As a man, about the only thing that I knew was that I wanted to hire a female attorney with a lot of experience. A friend of mine recommended that I reach out to Meg Oliver to have her guide me through the divorce process. I am so glad that I did. Meg is a unique blend of experience, great communication skills and patience. In the end Meg Oliver negotiated a fair agreement with me ex-wife's lawyer. I was pleased with the outcome and highly recommend Meg to represent you in your divorce.

12 May, 2023 by Sam

Meg provided me with all legal route options related to my case with all possible paths and outcomes including timeframes and financial burdens. She is incredible with communication via emails or phone calls, keeping track and staying on top of all required documentations. Her knowledge and experience in divorce law helped me in a great deal to get a settlement and a court order. She also has a wonderful office staff. I am extremely happy that she was on my side.

Naima M Said

Ste 219, Columbia, MD

Family Law Immigration +2

5.0/5

5.0

20 Reviews

10 Sep, 2021 by Melissa

Naima has been my lawyer for over 15 years. Every case has been a success. My family wouldn’t be where it is today without her. Naima is very intelligent and understanding with all her clients. Keep up the good work!!!! The Ghaiad Family.

16 Mar, 2021 by Haisam

Mrs naima said office has the best lawyers they very helpful and professional I just got my card thank you mrs laila the one that manage my case she is very professional thank you all the office

29 Jan, 2020 by Tatiana

Recomiendo totalmente a la abogada Naima M Said Son un equipo de trabajo muy amables, honestos y confiables gracias a Dios y a ella hoy tengo mi permiso de trabajo y cuando ya pueda aplicar a la residencia pienso hacer este proceso con ella

Katherine Frieder Thomas

5560 Sterrett Place, Columbia, MD

Estate Planning Family Law +2

5.0/5

5.0

2 Reviews

5.0

12 Reviews

17 Sep, 2024 by Alan goldstein

Jennifer did an amazing job with our family trust. Every base was covered and every possible contingency was addressed. Her encyclopedic knowledge of not just the laws but also of financial and tax matters was invaluable. She made the whole process easy and was such a joy to work with.

12 Sep, 2024 by Maggie martinek

Jennifer McManus and her team are amazing! They helped my family through a very difficult and stressful time in our lives when our mother became ill and then passed. They later helped to set up a revocable family trust, and also provided counsel for us regarding our rental properties. They are outstanding at simplifying the process and providing exceptional service every step of the way! Jennifer and her team are patient, honest, and provide timely and consistent communication throughout the process. They stay on top of everything, providing updates, and doing exactly what they promise. They were always available when I had questions or concerns with very timely and often immediate responses. I could not have asked for better counsel. I would not hesitate to recommend my friends and family to Ally Legal Planning. Thank you, Jennifer, Stephanie, and Kristen for all your help!

25 Jun, 2024 by Grant bim

As a Realtor i have worked with Mrs Kristen Lohmeyer, Mrs Jennifer McManus and their wonderful staff + team multiple times and they are always very helpful, prompt to respond and knowledgeable about the process. Believe it or not it can sometimes be very difficult to get folks on the phone but with The Ally Legal Team they either answer the phone when i call or will get back to me very promptly. A true professional that i will continue to refer! - Grant Bim with Winning Edge Real Estate

Katherine Furlong McCool

7120 Minstrel Way, Columbia, MD

Child Custody Family Law +2

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

06 Jul, 2017 by Anne

It was an absolute pleasure working with katie. She went above and beyond to help me through a rough time!

03 Jul, 2017 by Wallace sreaves

She covered all the angles for me. She went the extra mile to consult with military lawyers so she would be straight on that part of my case.

26 Jun, 2017 by Sheida

When I met Kathie, she introduced herself a new lawyer. After 10 minutes, I knew she is a sharp, no nonsense, knowledge and she was no rookie. she handed me a plan of action, which I was trying to accomplish in months with another attorney who had 20 years of experience. Kathie listen to client and guide the client like me to a clear path. she explains all the procedures, options, facts, and take you step by step to your goal. I am so grateful to this amazing young attorney.

Erica Daniell Wilkinson

8850 Columbia 100 Pkwy Ste 303, Columbia, MD

Estate Planning Family Law +2

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

16 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous

Erica Wilkinson demonstrated knowledge of MD bankruptcy law and provided excellent legal representation. She was honest and forthright on explaining the legal and litigation processes that was ease to understand. Also, she’s a patient listener and promptly responding to all inquiries. I strongly recommend her if you’re seeking a hard worker, good legal representation and excellent litigator.

29 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous

Thank you so much you help us a lot. We would recommend Erica to anyone. She was there for us. She answered any questions we had and explained everything to us. She kept in touch with us.

28 Nov, 2023 by Anna

Thank you so much you help me a lot again Thank you Sincerely, Anna I would recommend Erica to anyone.

Randall J. Meyers

10420 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD

Business Family Law +2

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

27 Apr, 2017 by Jason

I used Mr. Meyers services to complete a divorce proceeding that another lawyer was too incompetent to handle. Mr. Meyers was familiar with the law surrounding my particular situation and brought the matter to a satisfactory conclusion with little time wasted. A true professional.

09 Apr, 2017 by Mark

I have used Mr. Randall in an adoption matter and in a divorce. He does not waste time filing motions and charging me a ton. He streamlines the case and is honest in how the judge wants things to be worked out between the parties. I highly recommend him

28 Jan, 2017 by Sarah

I have used Mr. Meyers on two occasions to resolve employment law issues and he really understands business needs having actually ran a business himself and the importance of a quick affordable resolution. He puts the business first. I would highly recommend him to anyone.

Robert William Landolt

5401 Twin Knolls Road, Suite 7, Columbia, MD

Estate Planning Family Law +2

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

09 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous

Robert has provided me with legal advice on multiple occasions and two words come to mind - Personable and Straightforward. I appreciated his personable approach. He really made me feel comfortable in discussing the legal matters. Robert was very knowledgeable about the matters and he was straightforward with providing me with recommendations and a game plan. This was so helpful in a stressful time. I would highly recommend him!

06 Mar, 2015 by Karen

Bob assisted me with a family problem after my Father passed away. He was very knowledgable in assisting me with dealing with my Creditor. He knew answer before we met with them. I would refer him to anyone needing legal advice.

05 Mar, 2015 by Stacy

We could not have been more pleased with the representation provided by Mr. Landolt. He was responsive, knowledgeable, and very timely with his work. We have since referred him to a few friends and would absolutely use him again in the future.

Davida Elaine Harmon

10630 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD

Bankruptcy Child Custody Child Support +5 +8

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

07 Jun, 2023 by Donna

Thank you Burning Bush Lawyers once again for such excellent services that you all provide. This Law Firm never fails to disappointment me. This is my second time using this firm and they will forever be my lawyers. A great team to work with to solve all your needs. I have to add they have great/reasonable prices.

07 Jun, 2023 by Jasmine

I was referred to them by my Mother and very pleased with their work. They are great at communication, quick and efficient. I will definitely be recommending them to anyone in need. Thank you both for your time and patience.

08 Feb, 2023 by David

We have contacted Davida because we got a recommendation from a friend, me and my partners needed an attorney to help us out with our home improvement business needs, Davida and her team give us really good customer service and affordable price, they wrote for us a very good contract for our customers. Thank you very much. Highly recommend!

Sarah Lynn Nadolny

10015 Old Columbia Road, Columbia, MD

Child Custody Child Support Domestic Violence +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

2 Reviews

30 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous

Sarah Nadolny has a huge amount of experience litigating as a result of her eleven years of courtroom work in the area of domestic violence litigation. She is fantastic in the courtroom. I always felt supported, every question was answered (but she did not charge me for every single minute or every single call), and I knew what was coming next and what my options were going forward. Sarah and the MLO Team were committed to me and helping me through a very difficult time. I can see why they keep winning the Best Family Law Office in Howard County award. 5 stars from me!

31 Jan, 2023 by Erika

I had the pleasure of working with this great firm for my custody case! I specifically worked with Mrs. Sarah Nadolny and she was super attentive and had my best interest. I truly felt like I was being listened to and that they were fighting to get the best outcome for myself and my child. Strongly recommend!

Shannon Elizabeth Kreiner

9770 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD

Child Custody Domestic Violence Family Law +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

2 Reviews

30 Oct, 2023 by Sabrina, clarksville

Shannon and her Office were excellent advocates for me and my family. I was very impressed with her knowledge and commitment to servicing my case. I had some concerns about how my spouse and I could divide assets, especially since I have my own business but Shannon was diligent in answering my questions and organizing the necessary information to help me reach a more than fair agreement and resolution to my case. I am grateful for her and I highly recommend her and the Mulinazzi Law Office.

25 Oct, 2023 by Anthony

I needed to speak to an attorney regarding an emergency situation and Shannon took the time to speak with me at length during a consultation but their firm only charged me for one hour - even though I went way past that. She said it was important that she understood my situation and needs. She listened but asked tough questions and even though some of them were hard to answer, she helped me understand the situation more fully. She gave me great legal advice. It was practical advice but also very smart advice that helped me calm the situation so my spouse and I could talk things through a bit. I definitely left my consultation knowing my rights and I was glad I talked to her up front. I strongly recommend her.

Wayne Gordon Gracey

Ste 420, Columbia, MD

Criminal Defense Estate Planning Family Law +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

2 Reviews

10 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous

Mr. Gracey is a stand up attorney for what is right. When a "professional" was slandering his client and unethically telling the judge outright lies, he immediately took action to address the situation and made sure the judge was informed.

05 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous

My husband and I had trouble finding a reputable attorney, we had met 4. Wayne was the first one willing to put us on a payment plan for the retainer. He even traveled to our home when my husband was sick to meet with us. I have since referred him several other clients and they all seem equally as happy. His friendly staff was always available to answer our questions when Wayne was busy in court. We highly recommend him

Sara L Schwartzman

7120 Minstrel Way, Suite 202, Columbia, MD

Child Custody Child Support Domestic Violence +2 +5

5.0/5

5.0

1 Reviews

10 Nov, 2015 by Danny

I am a male who has fought hard for custody of my young son. Mrs. Schwartzman has been my attorney for almost a year and a half. During this time, Mrs. Schwartzman has remained by my side and fought hard, day and night, to make sure that I had every opportunity possible to spend time with my son. She has fought tirelessly throughout the entire legal proceedings. She always explained (in great detail) exactly what the next step would be and exactly what to expect throughout each and every step. Many times I felt defeated and I felt like being granted custody of my son was only a dream and it would never become a reality. Mrs. Schwartzman never gave up on me or my son. She fought tooth and nail and in the end I was granted FULL custody of my son!!! Thanks to Mrs. Schwartzman I am now living the ultimate dream! I could have never won custody of my son without her. Mrs. Schwartzman is a Godsend! She gave me back my son and she also gave me back a lifetime full of joy and happiness. I trust her with my life! Mrs. Schwartzman is the greatest attorney this planet has ever seen!

Ann Marie Grillo

5501 Twin Knolls Rd Ste 102, Columbia, MD

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

1 Reviews

30 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous

Ann is very focussed and always fight for you. Ann reviews the case very seriously and answers them perfectly.

Jon S. Greene

Ste 420, Columbia, MD

Family Law Immigration +2

5.0/5

5.0

1 Reviews

21 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous

Jon has the most high-standard work ethic, takes his time to listen to a client's concern, and approaches his work with great care. This is the lawyer to see if you really want results. If it can be done, Jon will do it.

Harry Dorman McKnett Jr.

5305 Village Center Dr Ste 241, Columbia, MD

Criminal Defense Family Law Litigation +3

5.0/5

5.0

1 Reviews

28 Mar, 2014 by Patricia

I would highly recommend MR Harry D Mac Knett Jr. I hire him for my son we both was very please with his services I think he is a great lawyer Patricia

Bonnie Wylie

The Law Office of Bonnie Wylie, Columbia, MD

Child Custody Child Support Criminal Defense +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

1 Reviews

15 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous

Bonnie helped me with a misdemeanor offense in 2010. It was a petty first offense and I got off with community service and a small fine. Her fee was reasonable and although she is not normally a criminal defense lawyer she knew her stuff and saw me through to the end with a positive outcome. She followed up and helped me expunge the record. She is a meticulous, helpful attorney who genuinely cares.

Leila R. Rundell

6851 Oak Hall Ln Ste 305, Columbia, MD

Estate Planning Family Law Government +3

5.0/5

5.0

56 Reviews

11 Jun, 2024 by James dimaggio

14 May, 2024 by Cliff robertson

13 May, 2024 by Tony humbert

Carol Lynn James

9256 Bendix Rd Ste 102, Columbia, MD

Family Law Lawsuit / Dispute +2

5.0/5

5.0

30 Reviews

08 Aug, 2024 by Sarah cahill

15 Jul, 2024 by Susan you

18 Nov, 2023 by Tiffany h

Michael Stuart Katz

9256 Bendix Road, Suite 307, Columbia, MD

Adoption Appeals Estate Planning +3 +6

5.0/5

5.0

30 Reviews

08 Aug, 2024 by Sarah cahill

15 Jul, 2024 by Susan you

18 Nov, 2023 by Tiffany h

Thomas Brian Stahl

6990 Columbia Gateway Dr, Columbia, MD

Child Custody Child Support Estate Planning +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

2 Reviews

19 Sep, 2024 by August

Getting guardianship of my mom was necessary and Tom was really good in this. Now I can focus on caring for my mom fully.

10 Aug, 2024 by Scott

Im a very satisfied customer! I spoke with Tom regarding estate planning and powers of attorney documents. He was very honest, forthright, respectful of my needs and wishes, and very efficient. I will be using him again!

Brendan Patrick McArdle

6851 Oak Hall Lane, Columbia, MD

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

2 Reviews

25 Apr, 2020 by Lindsay jackson

Great experience 10/10 would recommend to anyone needing a dedicated Lawyer

17 Sep, 2019 by Jeanine johnson

Andrea Sansbury Holz

6851 Oak Hall Ln Ste 305, Columbia, MD

Family Law Government +2

5.0/5

5.0

2 Reviews

25 Apr, 2020 by Lindsay jackson

Great experience 10/10 would recommend to anyone needing a dedicated Lawyer

17 Sep, 2019 by Jeanine johnson

Florian Eqrem Tabaku

6990 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD

Child Custody Child Support Domestic Violence +1 +4

+1 (240) 866-2540

5.0/5

5.0

1 Reviews

21 Aug, 2024 by Michael

Florian was exceptional throughout my divorce. His expertise, responsiveness, and compassionate approach made a challenging time much easier. I felt well-supported and confident in his hands. Highly recommend!

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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.

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.

Best Family Law lawyers in Columbia, MD

139 Family Law Lawyers in Columbia, MD

What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You

When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?

What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?

How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?

How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?

Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer

How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?