Lawyers map
>596
experienced lawyers
Filter by
04 Apr, 2022 by Ami
He guided me throughout each step of my arduous divorce process. He was patient with my questions. Responded in a timely manner and was very proactive with the documentation, communication that was needed. Through his efforts was able to do mediation thus avoiding prolonged, expensive trial. Highly recommend
Read more
23 Sep, 2019 by Arthur
I needed an attorney for dissolution of a long term marriage. I was not very familiar with the steps of dissolution and Attorney Rainer Steinhoff helped by informing me about this overall process, as well as providing valuable legal opinions when questions arose.
He is very knowledgeable about family law and provided me with sound guidance when I was faced with specific situations which had to be dealt with.
Mr. Steinhoff listened to me carefully and compassionately, and I have high regard for him. He put me at ease during a very difficult time, I am grateful for his kindness and knowledge.
Read more
29 Oct, 2017 by Julie
Rainer is a wonderful attorney and knows the law very well. He thinks of the details others may miss. He is straight forward in a kind way and not pushy. I highly recommend him if you are looking for an attorney. Rainer also is fair with his pricing.
Read more
16 Jun, 2017 by Annette
Joshua Hall successfully reduced my speeding ticket to no points which helped with my insurance rates not going up. I didn't have to go downtown and deal with the hassles of parking and traffic as well taking time off work. I highly recommend Joshua Hall.
Read more
11 Jun, 2017 by Lauren
My husband and I were very pleased with our experience with Mr. Hall. Prompt, professional, and exceeded all expectations when dealing with our concerns.
Read more
09 Oct, 2015 by Paige
Very professional! Handled everything that I needed done and helped to get my case closed. I would definitely recommend Josh to anyone needing assistance.
Read more
25 Feb, 2021 by Chris
I consulted with Doug mid-court action. While I have no complaint about my previous attorney, I really appreciated Doug's ability to explain the issues at hand. It was so refreshing, comforting and he definitely went beyond my expectations in terms of effort. The court action I was involved in was stressful several unexpected roadblocks to winning. While he wasn't magic and couldn't erase those, he did provide a great analysis of their weaknesses so I was able to get a decent settlement. He would definitely be my first choice if I ever need future representation!
Read more
15 Jan, 2021 by Jesu
If you are in need of a lawyer, kutsko law firm is excellent. Dependable hardworking, will give it to you straight. Doug and sandy helped me and my family, made me fill at ease when I didn't. Trust kutsko law firm, i did and it was well worth it. Thank you very very much Doug and sandy.
Read more
29 Jul, 2020 by Shawn
Doug helped me through a divorce. I had always heard that they can be messy and expensive. He and his staff made it pretty painless, fast and it did not cost me a bundle. He is extremely knowledgeable, doesn't sugarcoat anything and is very open, honest and diligent. Parking at his office is not a problem, which is rare in Columbus. He walked me through the entire process step by step, did all the work and got it done fast. A bonus is that they are kind and amazing people who genuinely care.
Read more
21 Jan, 2015 by Johnathan o'neil
Awesome awesome awesome. I have sent many people to attorney Johnson and they were as pleased as I. I would 100 percent recommend attorney Johnson for any of your legal issues.
Read more
25 Feb, 2012 by Ashley hart
Usherala did a custody case for me for my three children. She was an excellent attorney and I received everything I had asked for.
Read more
20 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
In my opinion Usherala Johnson is an excellent person as well as a lawyer. I never met someone who cared about her job as much as Usherala. Even though I did not have that much money to pay her she still worked with me. I would recomend her to any one for any case.
Read more
21 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Jeff is a wonderful attorney. We were in a situation where due to false accusations we were facing the possibility of loosing our children and/or dealing with the possibility of criminal charges. Jeff is very well known and well respected. Most importantly, after a year of dealing with the court system and uncertainty, our case is resolved and we never did loose our kids. We will be forever grateful to Jeff for everything he did to preserve our family and to fight for justice. Thank you!!!
Read more
15 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
I came to Jeff to figure out and clean up a custody mess that I was involved in. Jeff worked through over a year's worth of junk in a timely and professional way then delivered a workable solution. Along the way he counseled me and really took the time to listen to my concerns while also answering a lot of my previously unanswered questions that I had accrued throughout my custody action. In the end Jeff helped me understand the system better. Ultimately Jeff helped me change my mindset so that I was able to move forward with the process for my daughter's sake. Jeff is also not one to waste your money.
I gave Jeff a five-star rating because he is a game changer. Thank you Jeff!
Read more
12 Apr, 2016 by Rebecca
Mr. Liston came highly recommended to us when our teenage son needed some serious legal help. Thanks to him our son ended up with no charges at all now on his record. It gave our kid a chance to grow up and become the person he was meant to be. I couldn't be more grateful for his help and advice. It changed our lives (especially our sons) for the better. If you need help, I would definitely recommend him.
Read more
04 Jan, 2024 by Michael
I hired Mr. Cook to handle my bankruptcy.
He was very professional and thorough.
He made the whole process easy and made sure that I understood exactly what was happening and what would happen.
His communication through the whole process was just as great.
I highly recommend Mr. Cook!
Read more
01 Jun, 2020 by Michelle
I had the privilege of having Mr. Cook represent me while going through a Bankruptcy last year. He made the process appear seamless, explaining what’s to expect during each phase. Mr. Cook possesses great communication skills and orally articulate. He was reasonable, professional and I would highly recommend him!
Read more
23 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
He was very detailed professional and knowledgeable. He made sure that all of my questions and concerns were answered in a timely manner as well as email correspondence. He was very in tune with his clients.
Read more
09 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
For my divorce case, I chose the Friedman and Mirman firm on the recommendation of the Dean of the law school at Ohio State because I feared my controlling partner might be so difficult that I would need to be prepared to go to trial.
Heather represented me masterfully for nearly two years in what became a protracted and high-conflict divorce case. Her steady professionalism, responsiveness, and knowledge of the law helped me feel protected and supported despite my toxic situation. Working with Heather, the co-parenting coach, and our guardian ad litem, I could feel confident I was doing everything possible to make a clear, calm future for my kids despite a very difficult and obstructive co-parent.
Heather worked tirelessly to create a VERY detailed shared parenting plan that addressed every shenanigan that came up on the two years of resistance from my sons' dad. The SPP created enforceable boundaries and accountability that will make a difference for my family over the next 14 years.
She also persisted and negotiated a reasonable financial settlement despite a very deep "everything is mine" view from the other side.
Although we seem to be VERY CLOSE to total settlement and I have hoped to avoid trial from the start, I have no doubt that Heather would have made a powerful case and would have pressed for every possible benefit and support for my kids and me, within the realm of what is possible.
Heather has the knowledge and networking skills to help clients navigate difficult divorces. She's strategic, savvy, funny, and confident. Heather's intuition is as excellent as her legal research. By listening to her guidance, a client can get through even the messiest divorce.
My interactions with partners, paralegals, receptionists, and others at the Friedman and Mirman firm were positive without exception.
This divorce has been incredibly expensive--I'll be recovering financially for years---but there is NO PRICE too high for freedom. Every dollar I spent on Heather's representation was money well spent.
Read more
03 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Heather was very responsive to my needs during this process. She explained the process step by step as we advanced through each part. She is very professional and responded to my phone calls and emails very quickly.
Read more
19 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
Heather was very professional during the longevity of my divorce process. She explained reasoning when i didn’t understand opposing parties statements. I could call her at any given time when necessary. She was knowledgeable in all aspects of the terms of the law and I felt very comfortable, confident, and trusting that I did choose the right attorney to represent me.
Read more
10 Apr, 2017 by Bea
Mr. Jones represented me with my bankruptcy filings and help me understand the difference between chapter 7 and 13 and which best fits my situation. He is very polite and easy going and can feel comfortable. The fee's is more reasonable than other law firms.
Read more
19 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
I appreciated friendliness and responsiveness of the office in setting an appointment and the good communication from Attorney Andrew Jones while he was working on my legal needs.
Read more
16 Nov, 2014 by Charlotte
I used Lawyer Andrew Jones for a debt I owed to a company that was trying to garnish my wages. Andrew took care of it for me. I told Andrew about what I could pay monthly, so he negotiated with the company, and I get to pay monthly payments I can afford; instead of an ugly wage garnishment.
Read more
12 May, 2021 by S organ
Best of the best.
Read more
18 Oct, 2018 by Amanda richards
19 Jun, 2017 by Robert lipscomb-jackson
11 Jan, 2019 by Makel
Vincent by far is one of the best lawyers ive seen so far. very punctual and charismatic. very knowledgeable and takes his work serious. every time I call or text he picks up right away, and treated me more of a friend then a client although ive never met him before its like ive known him for years. I can tell he treats his work with passion and not just for the money. highly recommendable!!
Read more
27 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
Vince worked hard to fight for what was best for me during my divorce, I sometimes was working against him in my case not always realizing it but he did what needed to be done to make sure I got my divorce handled.
Read more
07 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Attorney Vince took on my case through legal aid, and went above and beyond what he was required to do. He showed me compassion and helped me and my children get out of a tough situation. I will forever appreciate his hard work and dedication to helping my family when we needed it the most.
Read more
14 Feb, 2019 by Mary
I am writing this letter as a recommendation regarding Marcus VanWay who was the attorney responsible for my son case. I had the pleasure of working with Mr VanWay for over a year. Mr. VanWay was very personable whenever I contact him. He would always explain in detail the next steps he didn't make us feel like we were less than. He has a very calm demeanor that was a blessing for clients in and out of the courtroom. Marcus strong sense of organization helped us stay on top of what was going on behind the case and the steps we had to take to move forward.
Marcus is an extremely talented attorney who cares a great deal about his clients and his firm.
Read more
05 Nov, 2015 by Renee
Marcus Van Wey represented me in a domestic violence and assault charge plus four other charges. He was so wonderful with me and he kept in touch with me every time court was continued. He did not judge me about my charges and was very understanding and very compassionate. Mr Van Wey got 5 out of the 6 charges dropped. He was also very good at returning my calls every time I called him or text him. I would highly recommend Marcus or anyone in his Law Office to represent anybody.
Read more
07 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Marcus Van Wey was amazing during the last few months. He kept me informed the entire time so I knew exactly what was going to happen at each step along the way. I put my faith in him 100% and he followed through! So glad I made the decision to proceed with Wolf Van Wey and Associates.
Read more
16 May, 2017 by Jeff gueulette jr.
When first approaching my divorce I must have tried meeting every lawyer I possibly could in order to find the right fit. I ended up knowing right when meeting him that this was the person I wanted to represent me in my battle that was going to be the worst thing I had ever in my life went threw. I walked in his office with a ton of anger from not being able to see my kids and all the false information being said about me. By the 3rd time I seen him I had my head firmly secured and was able to focus 100% on my goals. He was only a attorney yet made such a HUGE positive impact and set me and my children on the right path and not simply because he was being paid to do so. At many times he showed his genuine care, compassion and understanding. My kids grew to know his name and are still to this day very thankful for him. I am a father that now has my kids the majority of the time and can see to it the kids have a bright future. A few years have passed since concluding my divorce and I was forced to be right back in court for contempt that was so far from the truth. I figured I could try to find a cheap attorney to hopefully quickly fix the problem, 2 years later and thousands being wasted nothing was fixed. I once again hired Ken and the problem was fixed and luckily I am out of court again. I learned my lesson, any future needs he will be my first call! I was never asked to make any reviews or offered anything to do so. This awesome man truly deserves a good word put out there for him, about him.
Read more
20 Jan, 2016 by Ryan
Mr. Kline helped me with my prenuptial agreement. He is knowledgable, prompt, and clearly explained the document I was signing. I would highly recommend.
Read more
07 Jan, 2016 by Jeff
I hired Mr. Kline for my divorce and child custody case. He went above and beyond! Kenneth was able to get me everything that I asked for, including sole custody of my children. He is compassionate, incredibly knowledgeable, and professional. Mr. Kline was not only my attorney, he was my advocate and my strength when I felt defeated. He gave me my life back while making the process as pleasant and smooth as possible. It was a complicated case, he worked tirelessly to reach an outcome that was in the best interest for my kids and I. He is an absolutely amazing lawyer and I will forever be grateful for all he has done for my family.
Read more
01 Apr, 2022 by Bekah naylor
15 Feb, 2016 by Lisa
I needed an attorney for the dissolution of my marriage and ended up hiring Joshua. He is a true professional and I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for legal representation.
Read more
03 Feb, 2016 by Cat
Joshua has done a great job for us. He was willing to take our case on short notice, drive to Cincinnati from Grove City, take the time to explain the proceedings in our case very throughly and in terms that were easy to understand. He has been very flexible as far as payments for representation, and his retainer and hourly fee are not unreasenable. For people who are uncomfortable or don't understand the letter of the law, Joshua Farnsworth is the attorney for you.
Read more
02 Jul, 2018 by Maryssa
Chris is very professional, more loyal lawyer and support on my divorce cases. I would really love to in referring clients to his office as I know he can be trust well. He is very good listener and understood how I had through bad situations. He been very support very well and to make sure client feel satisfied their needs. He is very amazing lawyer. It worth price! He made me feel success with my divorce case that I had feel satisfied.
Read more
04 May, 2018 by Joshua
I was indicted on a Felony drug possession charge, and after consulting a few other attorneys, I felt most comfortable with Chris. He was understanding and listened to what had happened in regards to my case. He clearly went over the possible defenses and I was able to easily understand my options as he went over them. He persued my case with the utmost respect for me. Chris was in regular contact the entire time to go over court proceedings and schedulings as to keep me informed of when and where I needed to be. He diligently worked on my case to get Intervention In Liue of Conviction for me as this is my first ever felony charge. I thank him and his team for the professionalism they showed while attaining to my case. I highly recommend Brigdon Law because they helped me get a second chance. Thanks again.
Read more
05 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Chris is very knowledgeable and works diligently on his cases. I never hesitate in referring clients to his office as I know he can be trusted and will do what it takes to get the best result possible.
Read more
27 Feb, 2020 by Gheri
I hired Ron about 7 years ago and he was prompt, professional and informative about the law. He made me feel secure about the decision I had to make. There was no pressure or sales pitch. Throughout the years, if I needed advice or legal help, he has always been available to talk. Recently I needed legal documents that were filed when I first hired him and he immediately responded. He sent me the documents that I needed and the fact that he knows me by name (very personable) means so much. I’ve moved to a different state but if I could bring him here, I would in a heart beat! I highly recommend Ron! Best attorney I’ve ever hired! Thanks Ron for being so genuine and not only representing your clients but caring about them as well!
Read more
10 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I am so grateful I was referred to this Atrorney. He is sincere, compassionate, hard-working, and truly cares about helping people.
I suffered trauma after an auto accident (hit hard from behind), which caused severe trauma to neck and to my thinking. I had difficulty performing my job in the banking, and also in the insurance industries (shortly after that has ladted more than two years), and felt the need to resign (after being bullied by management, trainers, and fellow staff), because of being the "slow kid on the block," and the "weekest link" in the office. I was losing my memory and the fast funtion I had always had. Due to my medical problems, after resigning, I struggled with unemployment on and off for a few years. My finances became a chaos. I kept thinking, "This next job will work for me," but it never did. I struggled for nearly two years, with different office jobs and even MORE bullying.
Anyway, back to Ron...Ron was referred to me by CCCS of Columbus, as I was told by them that he has helped a lot of people in need of declaring bankruptcy. I never wanted to consider it, but he made it very simple for me to understand. I feel compared to other Attorneys, he is very fair in his pricing with tons of experience.
I can honestly say that I have never met a kinder attorney (only had two in my life). Ron is very down to earth, easy to talk with, and I feel that he took a sincere interest in my concerns, and my desire to get back up in my life. It may sound "mushy" to some, but I pray a lot, and I truly believe that "Attorney Ron," as I call him, was sent to me by God.
I was inundated with debt, and kept trying as hard as I could to get another office job, yet I struggled with my thinking and my neck each time, which made me look like an utter "Boob" every time (very frustrating, as I am actually a very brite person, intellectually).
Anyway, I finally found a lower stress job as a retail clerk for less than half of what I was earning in each office position, and sso had no choice really but to declair bankruptcy. Ron has never made me feel belittled, or judged in this, and that impresses me as I hear most Attorneys are "power hungry" jerks. Ron is NOT!
If you are looking for a good Attorney, in my opinion, Attorney Ron should be your guy. Don't worry, Folks, I get NO "referral fee." God as my Witness on that!
He's amazing. When my case is complete, I am sending praise about Ron to the BBB as well as the Colymbus Bar Association.
Thank you, Ron and may God bless you, richly.
Read more
22 Jul, 2010 by Cindy
I have worked with several other lawyers who just took my money and I didnt get anywhere. Megan put her heart into my case and I finally got what I was looking for. Megan and the office staff keep me informed and went the extra mile with everything. I could have saved myself a lot of time and money if I would have started with the BEST... Megan Kelley. I trust her wholeheartedly and will never need any other attorney.
Read more
17 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
Ms. Megan Kelley and Mr. Larry Hayman represented me in a complicated and lengthy contested divorce. Ms Kelley is a competent, reliable, highly professional and compassionate attorney. Ms. Kelley's knowledge of the law, and patient, courteous demeanor make her an excellent attorney for those clients unfamiliar with the legal process. Ms. Kelley's moral, ethical character was evident to me by her actions outside of the court case. I highly recommend Attorney Megan Kelley.
Read more
14 Nov, 2023 by Ashley
Had the pleasure to have Ken Goldberg as my attorney this past 6 months. He was very professional, thorough and lestioned to all my concerns during court. He brought light to a very difficult time for my family. Kens organization and communication in the court was a A+. Highly recommend if your looking for a straightforward and honest attorney.
Read more
21 Sep, 2013 by Connie
I would suggest Mr. Goldberg to anyone who is seeking a divorce. He is very kind and caring. He understands the emotional and financial toll of a divorce. He always returned calls and keep me up to date and informed about everything. And he always had my best interest in mind during the whole divorce process.
Read more
15 Feb, 2018 by Ashley
I hired John the very day that I decided to file for my divorce. He was the very first attorney that I spoke with, and after speaking to him for just moments I knew that he was a good fit for what I was looking for. Through my two plus years of this process, John has been understanding of my needs, highly responsive, educational, empathetic, and a great listening ear for me. John was always well prepared for our court dates and also for the day of my trial. I appreciate John more than he will understand. I feel that he had myself but also my child’s needs and wellbeing at heart. He fought hard and with his assistance and representation I was able to get just about every single thing that I asked for during my divorce; most importantly sole custody of my child. John, from the bottom of my heart THANK YOU for everything!
Read more
07 Feb, 2017 by Vickie
I hired John midway through my divorce because I was not pleased with my first lawyer. John was able to get up to speed quickly and jump in,right in the middle of negotiations. The dynamics in each divorce are different and John took the time to listen to my situation and focused on my needs. He helped me understand what to expect if the court were to decide our case vs. us coming to an agreement which helped me as I was asked to make decisions. He negotiated with the opposing council and was able to bring our divorce to a resolution much quicker than I anticipated. When the stress of the divorce was at its highest, John showed compassion but also re-focused my energy to the legal aspects needed to finalize the divorce. At the last minute when it looked like our deal was about to fall apart, John again worked effectively with opposing council to get over the last hurdle and move the case to resolution.
I also felt that John was very respectful of my money. He worked hard and efficiently to quickly resolve the case and keep my costs to a minimum.
Read more
29 Oct, 2013 by Matt
I was very satisfied with the representation. My attorney was very good. His staff was very friendly and helpful. I would use the attorney again if in need of legal services.
Read more
11 Dec, 2012 by Mark
I was very happy with the results I received from Mr. Barr. He is very friendly and extremely professional. He eased my mind with the amount of knowledge that he had regarding my situation. His staff always made me feel comfortable. If I need an attorney again in the future, I will contact him again for sure.
Read more
20 Jun, 2014 by Bill
I don't have firsthand knowledge of Mr. Greer .. So I'm not permitted to say what I really think. What I can say is that even though we have never met. He took an interest in giving me some excellent guidance in order to help me.. Taking time to answer my Posts. Heck I've had lawyers that never returned calls. If I needed to hire a Lawyer in Columbus.. This Guy seems like a can't miss..
Read more
30 May, 2012 by J.
Mr. Greer was willing to take my case after I had many other lawyers that represented me with poor results. He had to review an extremely enormous amount of paperwork from legal documents to my own documents. He was able to review it and thoroughly understand the case in order for me to file an appeal. He represented me in the appellate court and the judges ruled in my favor 3-0. Mr. Greer has been very empathetic with my extremely long judicial journey to get justice. I truly appreciate all that he has done for me as well as my children.
Read more
13 Dec, 2017 by Brooke
Mr Bendig had helped me tremendously with several child custody issues. He's the best at what he does.
Read more
14 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Trying to navigate the legal world when it comes to major issues like setting up a trust is not only unnerving - it is also imperative to have a good attorney oversee the implementation of this final life request. Mr. Bendig was very professional, friendly and informative when I took this big step in finding the right attorney for my trust. I was very impressed when he mentioned the various ways to go about covering my life's assets to be set aside for my family after my time has expired. Thank You for your time and expertise during our consultation. I truly appreciate it!
Read more
05 Jun, 2019 by Cristhofer
i was always scared to deal with a lawyer that I've never seen in person before. Charles smith made it so easy for my family. he took his time to help us and answer all our questions and made it happen. we emailed and spoke on the phone often. i am all the way in New York , didn't stop him from doing his job. i-601a approved & work authorization.
Read more
01 Jul, 2016 by Clara diaz
The best immigration lawyer ever. His prices are very affordable. He is very nice and compassionate.
He is so patient. He is an excellent lawyer. Very knowledgeable.
I had consultations with several other lawyers that claimed to have so many experienced years and it was worthless. They didn't help.
I do highly recommend attorney Charles to anybody.
I wasted a lot of time and money with other lawyers. Until I found him. From now on he is my only immigration lawyer. Very trustworthy and reliable. The best!
Read more
13 Sep, 2020 by Robyn
Melissa, was very professional and and actually cared about my case.Very knowledgeable experienced if you want a lawyer that is great and doesn’t treat you like a number this is the one.
Robyn C.
Read more
26 Jan, 2022 by Nathan
In my long search for an attorney I came across Mr Zamora. I needed him for a residential, and custody situation. Which he handled very professionally and swiftly. I have returned for an injury case and again he handled it promptly and professionally. Since then I've referred all my family and friends. Mr Zamora made me feel comfortable and confident that he could handle my cases. I was highly satisfied at the outcomes, his was sincere and showed concern to each of my concerns, and offered different options that fit my budget.
Read more
07 Feb, 2023 by Shirley banks
Excellent service and feedback.
Read more
25 Mar, 2023 by Jimmy
Ryan may not be the cheapest out there but you get what you pay for. He does family law and many of these other guys do all kinds of stuff but Ryan focuses on getting results for his clients. He has had my back when I have had to do some very non-traditional and oftentimes white knuckle things to protect my daughter and he even got a BS CPO put on me dismissed with prejudice. This case is far from over but I have known Ryan as a friend before a being a client and he is for sure a family man and a great dad and is the man you want in your corner. He comes in no BS and straight to the point and very well prepared and makes sure your butt is covered and you are prepared for what you are about to face. He has an amazing demeanor in court and knows how to connect with the judges and also is a master of cross examination.
Read more
14 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr DeMaria has been an absolutely wonderful attorney for me. He alleys asks what I would like the outcome to be and then does his absolute best to deliver that result. He is very professional in correspondence and has a way of communicating that does not sound condescending. I would absolutely recommend him!
Read more
15 Jan, 2023 by Jerry
Kyle was very knowledgeable and extremely helpful in my final arrangements of my will. He was also affordable and completed the task in a timely manner. I felt comfortable discussing my personal matters with him. He was a pleasure to work with.
Jerry
Read more
02 Jul, 2019 by Karen
I hired Dennis Dahlberg to help me with the title and ownership of my home in the event of my death. Dennis provided me with the best option and endured all of my pesty questions as Christina did too. Without their help and suggestions, I would have gone a route that may not have resulted in what I wanted to accomplish. They were great to work with, informative and patient with me.
Read more
09 Sep, 2014 by Brannon
Ashley Lawson is by far one of the most trustworthy and dedicated lawyers I have ever met. She has passion for what she does and is very dependable. If I ever need another lawyer she is my first choice.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
