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17 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: a strong city
The results of discriminatory refusal to prosecute which allowed multiple attempted murders to go unpunished and the attacker to remain at large.
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13 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: rev. dr. andrew d. wenmoth
Prosecuting Attorney G. Gary Tyack is allowing his staff to deliberately disregard clear risks to public safety, playing a "pass the buck" game to ignore indisputable evidence of major violent felonies, discriminating in cases involving the LGBTQ+ community.
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07 Apr, 2024 by Franco castro
Back on 2022, my car was vandalized. As a victim, I've never hear back from anyone, even though I called , left messages, and sent emails. The prosecutor went to a different area, and from the contacts provided that were handling the case, a request for status and restraining order was never acknowledge. As victim on case 22-ju-06267 and 22-ju-06254, I can attest that the Constitutional rights for Victims of Crime, was never followed.
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17 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: a strong city
The results of discriminatory refusal to prosecute which allowed multiple attempted murders to go unpunished and the attacker to remain at large.
Read more
13 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: rev. dr. andrew d. wenmoth
Prosecuting Attorney G. Gary Tyack is allowing his staff to deliberately disregard clear risks to public safety, playing a "pass the buck" game to ignore indisputable evidence of major violent felonies, discriminating in cases involving the LGBTQ+ community.
Read more
07 Apr, 2024 by Franco castro
Back on 2022, my car was vandalized. As a victim, I've never hear back from anyone, even though I called , left messages, and sent emails. The prosecutor went to a different area, and from the contacts provided that were handling the case, a request for status and restraining order was never acknowledge. As victim on case 22-ju-06267 and 22-ju-06254, I can attest that the Constitutional rights for Victims of Crime, was never followed.
Read more
17 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: a strong city
The results of discriminatory refusal to prosecute which allowed multiple attempted murders to go unpunished and the attacker to remain at large.
Read more
13 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: rev. dr. andrew d. wenmoth
Prosecuting Attorney G. Gary Tyack is allowing his staff to deliberately disregard clear risks to public safety, playing a "pass the buck" game to ignore indisputable evidence of major violent felonies, discriminating in cases involving the LGBTQ+ community.
Read more
07 Apr, 2024 by Franco castro
Back on 2022, my car was vandalized. As a victim, I've never hear back from anyone, even though I called , left messages, and sent emails. The prosecutor went to a different area, and from the contacts provided that were handling the case, a request for status and restraining order was never acknowledge. As victim on case 22-ju-06267 and 22-ju-06254, I can attest that the Constitutional rights for Victims of Crime, was never followed.
Read more
17 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: a strong city
The results of discriminatory refusal to prosecute which allowed multiple attempted murders to go unpunished and the attacker to remain at large.
Read more
13 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: rev. dr. andrew d. wenmoth
Prosecuting Attorney G. Gary Tyack is allowing his staff to deliberately disregard clear risks to public safety, playing a "pass the buck" game to ignore indisputable evidence of major violent felonies, discriminating in cases involving the LGBTQ+ community.
Read more
07 Apr, 2024 by Franco castro
Back on 2022, my car was vandalized. As a victim, I've never hear back from anyone, even though I called , left messages, and sent emails. The prosecutor went to a different area, and from the contacts provided that were handling the case, a request for status and restraining order was never acknowledge. As victim on case 22-ju-06267 and 22-ju-06254, I can attest that the Constitutional rights for Victims of Crime, was never followed.
Read more
17 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: a strong city
The results of discriminatory refusal to prosecute which allowed multiple attempted murders to go unpunished and the attacker to remain at large.
Read more
13 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: rev. dr. andrew d. wenmoth
Prosecuting Attorney G. Gary Tyack is allowing his staff to deliberately disregard clear risks to public safety, playing a "pass the buck" game to ignore indisputable evidence of major violent felonies, discriminating in cases involving the LGBTQ+ community.
Read more
07 Apr, 2024 by Franco castro
Back on 2022, my car was vandalized. As a victim, I've never hear back from anyone, even though I called , left messages, and sent emails. The prosecutor went to a different area, and from the contacts provided that were handling the case, a request for status and restraining order was never acknowledge. As victim on case 22-ju-06267 and 22-ju-06254, I can attest that the Constitutional rights for Victims of Crime, was never followed.
Read more
17 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: a strong city
The results of discriminatory refusal to prosecute which allowed multiple attempted murders to go unpunished and the attacker to remain at large.
Read more
13 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: rev. dr. andrew d. wenmoth
Prosecuting Attorney G. Gary Tyack is allowing his staff to deliberately disregard clear risks to public safety, playing a "pass the buck" game to ignore indisputable evidence of major violent felonies, discriminating in cases involving the LGBTQ+ community.
Read more
07 Apr, 2024 by Franco castro
Back on 2022, my car was vandalized. As a victim, I've never hear back from anyone, even though I called , left messages, and sent emails. The prosecutor went to a different area, and from the contacts provided that were handling the case, a request for status and restraining order was never acknowledge. As victim on case 22-ju-06267 and 22-ju-06254, I can attest that the Constitutional rights for Victims of Crime, was never followed.
Read more
17 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: a strong city
The results of discriminatory refusal to prosecute which allowed multiple attempted murders to go unpunished and the attacker to remain at large.
Read more
13 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: rev. dr. andrew d. wenmoth
Prosecuting Attorney G. Gary Tyack is allowing his staff to deliberately disregard clear risks to public safety, playing a "pass the buck" game to ignore indisputable evidence of major violent felonies, discriminating in cases involving the LGBTQ+ community.
Read more
07 Apr, 2024 by Franco castro
Back on 2022, my car was vandalized. As a victim, I've never hear back from anyone, even though I called , left messages, and sent emails. The prosecutor went to a different area, and from the contacts provided that were handling the case, a request for status and restraining order was never acknowledge. As victim on case 22-ju-06267 and 22-ju-06254, I can attest that the Constitutional rights for Victims of Crime, was never followed.
Read more
17 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: a strong city
The results of discriminatory refusal to prosecute which allowed multiple attempted murders to go unpunished and the attacker to remain at large.
Read more
13 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: rev. dr. andrew d. wenmoth
Prosecuting Attorney G. Gary Tyack is allowing his staff to deliberately disregard clear risks to public safety, playing a "pass the buck" game to ignore indisputable evidence of major violent felonies, discriminating in cases involving the LGBTQ+ community.
Read more
07 Apr, 2024 by Franco castro
Back on 2022, my car was vandalized. As a victim, I've never hear back from anyone, even though I called , left messages, and sent emails. The prosecutor went to a different area, and from the contacts provided that were handling the case, a request for status and restraining order was never acknowledge. As victim on case 22-ju-06267 and 22-ju-06254, I can attest that the Constitutional rights for Victims of Crime, was never followed.
Read more
17 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: a strong city
The results of discriminatory refusal to prosecute which allowed multiple attempted murders to go unpunished and the attacker to remain at large.
Read more
13 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: rev. dr. andrew d. wenmoth
Prosecuting Attorney G. Gary Tyack is allowing his staff to deliberately disregard clear risks to public safety, playing a "pass the buck" game to ignore indisputable evidence of major violent felonies, discriminating in cases involving the LGBTQ+ community.
Read more
07 Apr, 2024 by Franco castro
Back on 2022, my car was vandalized. As a victim, I've never hear back from anyone, even though I called , left messages, and sent emails. The prosecutor went to a different area, and from the contacts provided that were handling the case, a request for status and restraining order was never acknowledge. As victim on case 22-ju-06267 and 22-ju-06254, I can attest that the Constitutional rights for Victims of Crime, was never followed.
Read more
17 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: a strong city
The results of discriminatory refusal to prosecute which allowed multiple attempted murders to go unpunished and the attacker to remain at large.
Read more
13 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: rev. dr. andrew d. wenmoth
Prosecuting Attorney G. Gary Tyack is allowing his staff to deliberately disregard clear risks to public safety, playing a "pass the buck" game to ignore indisputable evidence of major violent felonies, discriminating in cases involving the LGBTQ+ community.
Read more
07 Apr, 2024 by Franco castro
Back on 2022, my car was vandalized. As a victim, I've never hear back from anyone, even though I called , left messages, and sent emails. The prosecutor went to a different area, and from the contacts provided that were handling the case, a request for status and restraining order was never acknowledge. As victim on case 22-ju-06267 and 22-ju-06254, I can attest that the Constitutional rights for Victims of Crime, was never followed.
Read more
17 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: a strong city
The results of discriminatory refusal to prosecute which allowed multiple attempted murders to go unpunished and the attacker to remain at large.
Read more
13 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: rev. dr. andrew d. wenmoth
Prosecuting Attorney G. Gary Tyack is allowing his staff to deliberately disregard clear risks to public safety, playing a "pass the buck" game to ignore indisputable evidence of major violent felonies, discriminating in cases involving the LGBTQ+ community.
Read more
07 Apr, 2024 by Franco castro
Back on 2022, my car was vandalized. As a victim, I've never hear back from anyone, even though I called , left messages, and sent emails. The prosecutor went to a different area, and from the contacts provided that were handling the case, a request for status and restraining order was never acknowledge. As victim on case 22-ju-06267 and 22-ju-06254, I can attest that the Constitutional rights for Victims of Crime, was never followed.
Read more
17 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: a strong city
The results of discriminatory refusal to prosecute which allowed multiple attempted murders to go unpunished and the attacker to remain at large.
Read more
13 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: rev. dr. andrew d. wenmoth
Prosecuting Attorney G. Gary Tyack is allowing his staff to deliberately disregard clear risks to public safety, playing a "pass the buck" game to ignore indisputable evidence of major violent felonies, discriminating in cases involving the LGBTQ+ community.
Read more
07 Apr, 2024 by Franco castro
Back on 2022, my car was vandalized. As a victim, I've never hear back from anyone, even though I called , left messages, and sent emails. The prosecutor went to a different area, and from the contacts provided that were handling the case, a request for status and restraining order was never acknowledge. As victim on case 22-ju-06267 and 22-ju-06254, I can attest that the Constitutional rights for Victims of Crime, was never followed.
Read more
17 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: a strong city
The results of discriminatory refusal to prosecute which allowed multiple attempted murders to go unpunished and the attacker to remain at large.
Read more
13 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: rev. dr. andrew d. wenmoth
Prosecuting Attorney G. Gary Tyack is allowing his staff to deliberately disregard clear risks to public safety, playing a "pass the buck" game to ignore indisputable evidence of major violent felonies, discriminating in cases involving the LGBTQ+ community.
Read more
07 Apr, 2024 by Franco castro
Back on 2022, my car was vandalized. As a victim, I've never hear back from anyone, even though I called , left messages, and sent emails. The prosecutor went to a different area, and from the contacts provided that were handling the case, a request for status and restraining order was never acknowledge. As victim on case 22-ju-06267 and 22-ju-06254, I can attest that the Constitutional rights for Victims of Crime, was never followed.
Read more
17 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: a strong city
The results of discriminatory refusal to prosecute which allowed multiple attempted murders to go unpunished and the attacker to remain at large.
Read more
13 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: rev. dr. andrew d. wenmoth
Prosecuting Attorney G. Gary Tyack is allowing his staff to deliberately disregard clear risks to public safety, playing a "pass the buck" game to ignore indisputable evidence of major violent felonies, discriminating in cases involving the LGBTQ+ community.
Read more
07 Apr, 2024 by Franco castro
Back on 2022, my car was vandalized. As a victim, I've never hear back from anyone, even though I called , left messages, and sent emails. The prosecutor went to a different area, and from the contacts provided that were handling the case, a request for status and restraining order was never acknowledge. As victim on case 22-ju-06267 and 22-ju-06254, I can attest that the Constitutional rights for Victims of Crime, was never followed.
Read more
17 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: a strong city
The results of discriminatory refusal to prosecute which allowed multiple attempted murders to go unpunished and the attacker to remain at large.
Read more
13 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: rev. dr. andrew d. wenmoth
Prosecuting Attorney G. Gary Tyack is allowing his staff to deliberately disregard clear risks to public safety, playing a "pass the buck" game to ignore indisputable evidence of major violent felonies, discriminating in cases involving the LGBTQ+ community.
Read more
07 Apr, 2024 by Franco castro
Back on 2022, my car was vandalized. As a victim, I've never hear back from anyone, even though I called , left messages, and sent emails. The prosecutor went to a different area, and from the contacts provided that were handling the case, a request for status and restraining order was never acknowledge. As victim on case 22-ju-06267 and 22-ju-06254, I can attest that the Constitutional rights for Victims of Crime, was never followed.
Read more
17 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: a strong city
The results of discriminatory refusal to prosecute which allowed multiple attempted murders to go unpunished and the attacker to remain at large.
Read more
13 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: rev. dr. andrew d. wenmoth
Prosecuting Attorney G. Gary Tyack is allowing his staff to deliberately disregard clear risks to public safety, playing a "pass the buck" game to ignore indisputable evidence of major violent felonies, discriminating in cases involving the LGBTQ+ community.
Read more
07 Apr, 2024 by Franco castro
Back on 2022, my car was vandalized. As a victim, I've never hear back from anyone, even though I called , left messages, and sent emails. The prosecutor went to a different area, and from the contacts provided that were handling the case, a request for status and restraining order was never acknowledge. As victim on case 22-ju-06267 and 22-ju-06254, I can attest that the Constitutional rights for Victims of Crime, was never followed.
Read more
17 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: a strong city
The results of discriminatory refusal to prosecute which allowed multiple attempted murders to go unpunished and the attacker to remain at large.
Read more
13 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: rev. dr. andrew d. wenmoth
Prosecuting Attorney G. Gary Tyack is allowing his staff to deliberately disregard clear risks to public safety, playing a "pass the buck" game to ignore indisputable evidence of major violent felonies, discriminating in cases involving the LGBTQ+ community.
Read more
07 Apr, 2024 by Franco castro
Back on 2022, my car was vandalized. As a victim, I've never hear back from anyone, even though I called , left messages, and sent emails. The prosecutor went to a different area, and from the contacts provided that were handling the case, a request for status and restraining order was never acknowledge. As victim on case 22-ju-06267 and 22-ju-06254, I can attest that the Constitutional rights for Victims of Crime, was never followed.
Read more
17 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: a strong city
The results of discriminatory refusal to prosecute which allowed multiple attempted murders to go unpunished and the attacker to remain at large.
Read more
13 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: rev. dr. andrew d. wenmoth
Prosecuting Attorney G. Gary Tyack is allowing his staff to deliberately disregard clear risks to public safety, playing a "pass the buck" game to ignore indisputable evidence of major violent felonies, discriminating in cases involving the LGBTQ+ community.
Read more
07 Apr, 2024 by Franco castro
Back on 2022, my car was vandalized. As a victim, I've never hear back from anyone, even though I called , left messages, and sent emails. The prosecutor went to a different area, and from the contacts provided that were handling the case, a request for status and restraining order was never acknowledge. As victim on case 22-ju-06267 and 22-ju-06254, I can attest that the Constitutional rights for Victims of Crime, was never followed.
Read more
17 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: a strong city
The results of discriminatory refusal to prosecute which allowed multiple attempted murders to go unpunished and the attacker to remain at large.
Read more
13 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: rev. dr. andrew d. wenmoth
Prosecuting Attorney G. Gary Tyack is allowing his staff to deliberately disregard clear risks to public safety, playing a "pass the buck" game to ignore indisputable evidence of major violent felonies, discriminating in cases involving the LGBTQ+ community.
Read more
07 Apr, 2024 by Franco castro
Back on 2022, my car was vandalized. As a victim, I've never hear back from anyone, even though I called , left messages, and sent emails. The prosecutor went to a different area, and from the contacts provided that were handling the case, a request for status and restraining order was never acknowledge. As victim on case 22-ju-06267 and 22-ju-06254, I can attest that the Constitutional rights for Victims of Crime, was never followed.
Read more
25 Feb, 2024 by Robin
She’s biased towards men keeping their wealth … my spouse stole hundreds of thousands of dollars my first attorney lied to the judge and said she sent a document to get forensic and as soon as I called her out she withdrew and there’s zero accountability with this judge! I was the defendant and the rules only applied to me! And she signs off on these bottom feeding attorneys zero accountability ! Then she noted to my 3rd attorney how my x who quit his job 10 days before trial and gave me a lump sum of 20k for alimony after a 27 year marriage … what a joke and he took over 2 million and I got a whopping 57 k and I’ve been a stay home mom for 25 years I make very little and they bankrupted me! The entire case was orchestrated by my stepson attorney who told me exactly how it was going down so this is total corruption!!! She sided with him the entire case … as he pretends to be a victim when he was the abuser! He controlled me with money and she didn’t care! Gave me 7 credit card bills to pay and zero alimony … then made me list my home with a realtor as it was listed with a flat fee company so I lost my home too!!! She is a horrible judge and needs to go!!! Corruption at its finest !!! He even wrote the restraining order to his rules … it’s disgusting ! No justice and total biased! Get rid of her!!!
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15 Dec, 2022 by Shay
She’s very biased towards men. She’s a horrible magistrate. She’s very rude and disrespectful. She does not care about the kids only the mother. The judges needs to do their job instead of her! She only cares about the mother’s interest and not the kids. She needs to be out of office?
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21 Aug, 2022 by Jay
Jamie L Allen is absolute hack. It's sad that she is now a magistrate with no real field work to prove. What do they say? "Those who can't do, teach." She couldn't do, and then she spent all of her time before becoming a magistrate as an instructor at a community college. Now however, she spends time pulling children from good father's and giving them to abusive mothers. Proven abusive mothers, which is of course blatantly ignored by her. She is disrespectful and disgusting towards anyone in the courtroom she deems as someone who may have bullied her as a child, while she sits behind her desk sweating from obesity and harshly judging men. Jamie L Allen is everything that is wrong with the justice system, and three men alone in Delaware county are actively bringing her decisions and weak willed judgement before the supreme court. Can't wait to see her go down for what she is.
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07 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Stay far away from this attorney. He has no business practicing law. He would get dates mixed up, not return phone calls or emails for weeks and be extremely vague when you do get to speak with him. His staff is extremely rude. I changed attorneys and couldn't be happier.
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14 Feb, 2011 by Tony
28 months after filing for divorce, Mr Rosenthal's promises were not kept. There were plenty of opportunities (missed dates, contempt of courts) to settle this before hand, but Mr. Rosenthal "decided" that the case should go on. After thousands of dollars spent, this lawyer still refuses to answer questions. Unless you want to waste your money, avoid this lawyer!
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11 Oct, 2021 by Cynthia
Interviewed and hired Miss Wrice to represent a family member. Told me our case would be ready to file in court in about 3 months after I hired her. (She had already reviewed our files and accepted the case). She also told me she hired another lawyer as her co-counsel to help with the case. After months turned into years, I discovered she had basically given my case to that new lawyer (Donald Wiggins Jr) who was barely out of law school. He kept giving us the run-a-round and continually missed deadlines. In addition, there was little to no oversight from Miss Wrice. She never knew what was going on and referred all calls to Wiggins. After we became increasingly frustrated and impatient, he (Wiggins) gave us a draft that was full of typographical errors and false information. We couldn’t use anything he produced. Miss Wrice acknowledged the incompetent work but couldn’t do anything because Mr Wiggins stopped responding to all of us and refused to return the files I provided. In the end, Miss Wrice refunded my money after a lot of hassle, but I am complaining to the Bar about my files and the almost 3 years I wasted with nothing to show for it.
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19 Oct, 2012 by Tiffany
He will lead you to believe that you can't win anything that it's not worth fighting for. I honestly feel that he just didn't want to take the time to drive to court in another county. At the time, I believed what he was telling me. Now a few years later, I have to hire another attorney to fix the mess he created in my life.
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19 Nov, 2020 by Pissed off
Stay away from her!! She sucks and sends the child to the abuser!!! We had custody of my step daughter from she was 1 to 8 and then the witch sends her back to her mom where she's been sexually assaulted twice and has tried to harm herself over and over again!!
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21 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
She informed me that it was law that my child's father can claim him on his taxes every other year. We have never been married. This is NOT law. I should have gotten a 2nd opinion, but I trusted her. I was wrong. Stuck paying her for her unprofessional job.
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26 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
I began a client-lawyer relationship with Joel Campbell in November 2015. I thought my case was a pretty straightforward Trust dispute. In July 2018 I terminated our relationship and retained another lawyer. There were two primary reasons for this decision; The first was his lack of billing in a timely manner, his not being transparent in his billing and not providing billing statements when I requested them. The second was that he didn't seem to have a direction in mind and much time was spent reviewing and re-reviewing the same material.
Although Mr. Campbell wrote that he would send me an engagement letter, he never did and when I began getting bills they did not include hours, only activity and amounts so I didn't even know what his hourly rate was or have a way to cross check his statement with my records of our phone calls. I moved in June 2017 and sent a change of address to Mr. Campbell requesting that invoices be sent to the new address. It was apparently not noted and I stopped receiving any statements at all. So in April, in May and in June of 2018 I requested, via email, updated statements. In spite of my multiple written requests, I did not receive an updated statement until July 2018, a full year later.
After more than two years, I felt that Mr. Campbell still didn't have a clear understanding of the case. We spent hours on the phone and sent several lengthy emails back and forth about what to ask in the deposition, Mr. Campbell suggested we both write out our list of questions and compare them. I responded that I had already given him the questions I might ask and that I thought he should have enough information write up the list. Later I received a list of random and rambling cut and paste questions and statements from standard templates and from my emails. One of the questions was this beauty (remember this is a trust case and I was never married to the defendant), "Identify the location and contents of any safety deposit boxes, vaults, safes or other places of deposit and safekeeping in which you deposited any money, documents or other items of personal property and/or value during the MARRIAGE". (Caps mine). Nor were either of the two questions I deemed important included.
I terminated the relationship at that point.
I had had no prior experience with a lawsuit and honestly didn't know what to expect from a lawyer or I would undoubtedly have acted sooner. With regard to the billing problems, I don't know if they were caused by the office staff by Mr. Campbell himself.
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FAQs
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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:
-
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.
