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19 Sep, 2024 by Christopher burke
Michael's thoughtful approach and dedication made me feel confident throughout the process. He gave me the kind of attention and expertise you would expect from a big firm, but with the personal touch and care of a local lawyer. Even after the case was done, he followed up to make sure I was taken care of. A relentless advocate with a heart—highly recommend!
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14 Nov, 2023 by William haggarty
Mr. Reinhart could not have saved me any way better than he did. -Absolute 100% great legal service in and out of the courtroom.
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13 Nov, 2023 by Michael wilson
Michael Reinhardt is a fantastic attorney to whom I will be forever grateful. He is friendly, caring, capable and experienced. I messed up badly several year’s ago and was caught red-handed, in the act. I was arrested, jailed, and charged with a felony criminal offense that carried a mandatory minimum sentence of eighteen months imprisonment. The outcome - guilty - seemed inevitable, and I dreaded the consequences. Michael Reinhardt represented me during the many court appearances I had to make. He explained the various stages of the judicial proceedings, and contacted me regularly to discuss progress and the strategy he was following to best defend me. Remarkably, after much consultation and discussions, Michael managed to have the charges against me dropped altogether - to my immense relief of not just me, but my entire family, all of whom had been living under a cloud of anxiety. I cannot thank Michael enough for literally giving me back my life. I’ve changed a lot since then and intend to stay far away from trouble in the future. Although I hope not to need Michael’s help in the same way again, I know who to call if ever I do!
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05 Jul, 2019 by Chandler
I had such a great experience working with Karen on my recent divorce. She is incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and a very pleasant person to work with. She helped me draft all of my paperwork, prepared me for all possibilities, and advised me on every step of the divorce process. Everything went incredibly smoothly in the end, and this was all thanks to Karen.
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10 Oct, 2018 by Peter
I hired Karen to handle my divorce. A divorce, in and of itself, can be a very trying experience. It is a lengthy, time consuming process, with several emotional highs and lows. It requires a good line of communication, which Karen provides, to allow for the appropriate strategic approach to each of the the significant number issues that arise. I found her to also have a balanced awareness to the cost benefit of those approaches. I never felt rushed, however, I never felt there was any time being wasted. I am very satisfied that I hired Karen and would highly recommend her.
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06 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
Karen helped me manage and stay on track with my divorce. She is knowledgeable with various aspects of asset division that involves stock options, buyout of marital property, health insurance, IRA, etc. Without Karen, I could have easily lost out in this process. She is caring and sensible with the emotional ups and downs of a divorce--probably due to her background in clinical psychology--which helped me stay cool and focus on the tasks at hand, which was to get the divorce finalized as quickly and as fairly as possible. There were times that Karen would work after hours and over the weekend when there were urgent documents to review and edit, not because I gave her the pressure, but because she recognized that we had momentum and cooperation from the other side and should just get it done and over with. She paid great attention to details with documents, with careful edits that helped protect my interests in all aspects. I would highly recommend Karen for her excellent experience, knowledge and professionalism!
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15 Jul, 2015 by Stephanie
Steven worked with me diligently during a horrible divorce and custody battle. Not only did he work closely with my other attorney, but he also showed something very few attorney's do, compassion. He was so dedicated to making sure my family and the best outcome was what we got. He was able to truly, with my other attorney, my voice to be heard in court and went above and beyond to communicate and meet with me, even if it was out of the way for him. I have never had such a pleasant experience with Attorney Ballard in my corner with my other counsel and it was great to see someone truly care about justice and what it right vs wrong. I cannot thank him enough for his efforts and highly recommend him to anyone who needs someone that will fight for you and what matters most. He also has a great blog that is worth reading that gives you a great insight to just what kind of attorney he is and that is also what put my mind at ease when going in to trial during my divorce.
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18 May, 2012 by Anonymous
My life would be drastically different had I not employed the compassionate, understanding, effective, pragmatic, good humored, wise and tough advocacy services of Steven Ballard. Against the odds of a slowly changing court system that has traditionally favored only mothers as able and willing caregivers Steven blazed a trail that will afford my children the good fortune of being with their father a fair equitable and exact 50% of their lives. From hopeless despair through humble and triumphant success Steven was there every step of the way providing whatever I needed legally and emotionally while staying true and focused on the big picture with integrity. Regardless of gender he will stand up for you and for what is just and fair no matter your circumstance.
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11 Feb, 2010 by Rick peralta
Attorney Ballard is sensitive, caring, intelligent, talented, congenial and so much more. He stood for me with dignity in difficult circumstances and challenged injustice. Regardless of the adversity he remained true. I have recently been reviewing his work and found that it was far more impressive than it seemed at the time. He subtlety wove into his work a richness that is uncommon. Having him on your side is to have integrity in your corner.
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21 Mar, 2019 by Tess
Attorney Rubino is a highly skilled and experienced attorney with a great deal of insight, compasssion and intelligence. Every interaction is positive, encouraging, realistic and thorough. Attorney Rubino is an exceptional listener and will find ways to express your needs and opinions to the court with power and conviction. In my case she left no stone unturned, supported me throughout the entire process, was respectful and vigilant of cost and argued in the most impressive manner. This is most likely the highest recommendation I have ever written and I stand by it, an exceptional attourney.
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17 Sep, 2018 by Annemarie
Ms. Rubino is exceptionally knowable, dedicated and honorable attorney. She is self motivated and a tireless advocate for her clients. She is compassionate as she is intelligent. She cultivates and deserves her clients trust. Highly, highly recommended. Her services were irreplaceable for me and my family on our case.
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20 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Lauren has been a superb combination of an excellent lawyer and advocate for my best interests, and a caring human being. I had very specific and personal ways in which I wished to handle my divorce. Lauren was scrupulous about identifying the pros and cons of my preferences, as well as in implementing my decisions. She was a great communicator too, making sure she completely understood me before every action. She kept the process moving despite an often-unresponsive opposing counsel. I am delighted with the settlement we worked out, and will continue to retain her for other matters.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Christopher burke
Michael's thoughtful approach and dedication made me feel confident throughout the process. He gave me the kind of attention and expertise you would expect from a big firm, but with the personal touch and care of a local lawyer. Even after the case was done, he followed up to make sure I was taken care of. A relentless advocate with a heart—highly recommend!
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14 Nov, 2023 by William haggarty
Mr. Reinhart could not have saved me any way better than he did. -Absolute 100% great legal service in and out of the courtroom.
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13 Nov, 2023 by Michael wilson
Michael Reinhardt is a fantastic attorney to whom I will be forever grateful. He is friendly, caring, capable and experienced. I messed up badly several year’s ago and was caught red-handed, in the act. I was arrested, jailed, and charged with a felony criminal offense that carried a mandatory minimum sentence of eighteen months imprisonment. The outcome - guilty - seemed inevitable, and I dreaded the consequences. Michael Reinhardt represented me during the many court appearances I had to make. He explained the various stages of the judicial proceedings, and contacted me regularly to discuss progress and the strategy he was following to best defend me. Remarkably, after much consultation and discussions, Michael managed to have the charges against me dropped altogether - to my immense relief of not just me, but my entire family, all of whom had been living under a cloud of anxiety. I cannot thank Michael enough for literally giving me back my life. I’ve changed a lot since then and intend to stay far away from trouble in the future. Although I hope not to need Michael’s help in the same way again, I know who to call if ever I do!
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19 Sep, 2024 by Christopher burke
Michael's thoughtful approach and dedication made me feel confident throughout the process. He gave me the kind of attention and expertise you would expect from a big firm, but with the personal touch and care of a local lawyer. Even after the case was done, he followed up to make sure I was taken care of. A relentless advocate with a heart—highly recommend!
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14 Nov, 2023 by William haggarty
Mr. Reinhart could not have saved me any way better than he did. -Absolute 100% great legal service in and out of the courtroom.
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13 Nov, 2023 by Michael wilson
Michael Reinhardt is a fantastic attorney to whom I will be forever grateful. He is friendly, caring, capable and experienced. I messed up badly several year’s ago and was caught red-handed, in the act. I was arrested, jailed, and charged with a felony criminal offense that carried a mandatory minimum sentence of eighteen months imprisonment. The outcome - guilty - seemed inevitable, and I dreaded the consequences. Michael Reinhardt represented me during the many court appearances I had to make. He explained the various stages of the judicial proceedings, and contacted me regularly to discuss progress and the strategy he was following to best defend me. Remarkably, after much consultation and discussions, Michael managed to have the charges against me dropped altogether - to my immense relief of not just me, but my entire family, all of whom had been living under a cloud of anxiety. I cannot thank Michael enough for literally giving me back my life. I’ve changed a lot since then and intend to stay far away from trouble in the future. Although I hope not to need Michael’s help in the same way again, I know who to call if ever I do!
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10 Jul, 2021 by Declan
willing to do or say whatever it takes, irregardless of truth for her client, watch out for lengthy outcomes.
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16 Aug, 2019 by Mackenzie isidor
If you’re reading this review, you and I probably had quite a bit in common at one point in life. If this is true, hopefully my testimony can help you with your decision making process. When I first made my decision to cut ties with my wife I met with a few different lawyers before making my final decision to go with Mansur Law. The confidence that they displayed in their ability to protect my assets and I made choosing them to represent me a no brainer. Sure enough they delivered 10 fold. Being Active Duty military, the dichotomy of my situation went from complicated to a living nightmare, fast. My spouse attempted to go after my career by means of slander and false allegations. Karla was there with me every step of the way and ensured that my career was protected along with my assets. Her emotional investment in my particular situation during some of worst days was the affirmation that I needed to know that I made the best decision when choosing someone to represent me. In the end, I was more than satisfied with the outcome and I was even more grateful for everything Karla and her team did for me. A special thanks to Meghan and Joleen for all their work for me as well. If you’re on fence about choosing a lawyer just ask yourself would you bring a knife to a gun fight? With keeping my personal experience in mind, If I had equate Karla’s services to a firearm, she would without a shadow of a doubt be the best weapon in the arsenal. I hope you make the right decision. Good luck
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22 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Attorney Karla Mansur was my divorce layer. I recommend her especially if your divorce case requires limited assistance. She provides flexible service that fits your special needs, she is honest and charges fairly, and is understanding and considerate. Before I hired her, my husband and I already reached terms on separation agreement. Since I was overseas then and would not be able to return for the divorce, I needed a lawyer who could convert our draft agreement to a legal document, and present it to the court on my behalf. When I had an interview with her on the phone, Karla happily agreed to take my case, at a cost much lower than those for cases needing a lawyer’s intervention to reach agreement. I was also impressed by her honesty. When I asked whether she would charge extra if I paid my legal fees with credit card, she said charging extra amount is illegal. And she promised to get my divorce certificate from the court for me when she visited the court after the divorce was over, and mail it to my address abroad. Before Karla, one of the lawyers I interviewed claimed to have been a divorce lawyer for 19 years and go to the court all the time. She told me that she only accepts personal checks for payments, and if I paid with credit card, she would need to charge an extra percentage. She also said that she had to make special trips to and from the court to pick up my divorce certificate, which would be charged at more than $300 an hour (maybe $400 or $450, I do not remember the exact amount). Wait a second, did not you just say you go to the court all the time? Can’t you just pick it up when you are at the court on behalf of other clients? I did not dare to hire this lawyer because she would have all kinds of reasons to pile up the bill. Since my husband and I agreed to execute the agreement terms before submitting documents to the court, I expected my divorce to end about three months after hiring Karla. However, my husband lied endlessly and created all kinds of hassles during the process, which entailed more than 5 months’ unnecessary delays. Karla had been very patient and understanding along the way. I felt that she was behind me all the time, and her support and considerateness made the frustrating and lengthy process a little more tolerable. I also want to thank Joleen, the paralegal, for her conscientious work. She kept a record of all the documents related to my case, scanned and emailed electronic copies to me before mailing them to me, in case anything got lost during international shipments.
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31 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Geraldine McEvoy is excelent lawyer. She was able to ingest in very short time all details of comlicated long running case and present me in court. I also appreciate that she had to work on a weekend to prepare for the court on Monday. Comminications through email were quick and to to point. I was very pleased with successful outcome in my case!
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09 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
The divorce process was incredibly difficult directly attributed to an ex-spouse's actions and also uniquely complicated with a special needs minor. Geri and her team handled the entire situation with care, professionalism and continuous focus on guiding me through every step. Our life is now tremendously better, safer and happier thanks to Geri.
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30 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired her for a very specific thing, not as a long term lawyer. I was trying to overturn an arbitrators decision with very good reason but none of those reasons or suggested solutions were ever presented go the court. We asked to overturn the decision with no cause other than we thought what was previously in place was best for the kids. She failed to mention the arbitrators rationale was seriously flawed, he didn't follow his own protocol, and I had a method of eliminating multiple parent to parent transitions without modifying the amount of time each parent had with the kid whereas in an attempt to reduce 1 transition, the time with each parent changed significantly with no grounds for a change in custody. You only get one shot to overturn an arbitrators decision and she really let me down.
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11 May, 2024 by Jason campbell
I worked with Karla, she was very easy to work with and always available to me when I needed her whether through phone or email. She knew exactly how to get me what I needed. She got me everything I was looking for without us even having to go to court it was AWESOME!! I strongly recommend her to everyone.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
I hired Jessica to assist me with a high-conflict divorce case. Unfortunately, her assistant, who repeatedly asked the same questions seemingly to inflate the bills, was primarily responsible for my case. During the first hearing, Jessica appeared unprepared and unfamiliar with my case details. She struggled to counter my ex-husband's attorney's claims with my evidence, seemingly unaware of them. She frequently referred to the opposing attorney as "sister," which was unprofessional. None of my evidence was effectively used in my favor, and she even forgot my name. I was rushed into signing a document without reading it, with Jessica insisting we were short on time and I should trust her. This was a costly mistake. I spent over $50,000 for her to advocate for the other party, not for me. I would not recommend her services.
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15 Apr, 2024 by Paula fernandes
Would not recommend this practice
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10 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Got the job done but questionable charges. Must keep track of the charges/billing.
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07 Oct, 2012 by Cathy
If you need a family law attorney I would highly reccomend Karen. My post divorce matters contiunued to be very adversarial. Karen had no problem representing me, cutting to the chase and saving me money in legal fees. Karen, in my opinon, is an expert in family law. My case was a bee's nest, she was not afraid to get in there and kill some bee's and extinguish the case proactivly. Karen was dilgent, kept informed and provided sound tatical advice. She is very honest and trustworthy and I use those words sparingly with attorneys. I would definatly use her again. I would also use her as a referal source to any area that she does not practice. She is the best. If your even thinking of divorcing or having post divorce issues, you should give her a call....you will be releived you did.
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28 May, 2019 by Mike
I hired Attorney Kimberlie Sweet to handle a interpersonally difficult case involving a family members discloure of my privledged medical records. Attorney Sweet and her co-counsel mispled the case and when the opposing side motioned for summary judgement attorney sweets response was to withdraw when I asked how I had been left open to the legal arguments in the opposing sides motion for summary judgement. I spent 10ks of thousands with this firm and noone there will even respond to repeated calls about the overbilling associated with the improper pledings. In my experience , this attorney's actions on my case would indicate she value profits far more than her relationships with her clients or the results produced by her work or lack therefore. Proceed with caution.
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22 Mar, 2011 by Anonymous
This attorney handles my divorce. Too many issues were improperly handled. He was not prepared in court. As a result of this I have spent the last 3 years trying to get it all sorted out, all at great cost to me. Taxes, alimony, child support, division of the assets especially the marital home were handled poorly. O
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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