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25 Jun, 2024 by C.boothe77
There is much to be said about the type of lawyer you hire and the one your spouse hires. The original attorney my wife had was terrible and what should have been a fairly quick process turned into a long drawn out fiasco. Then she hired Nancy Brodzki. After this happened things went very smoothly. Nancy worked with my attorney and everything was settled in a short amount of time. Not all lawyers are for resolution that is good for everyone, some are just out to collect. I thought Nancy, along with my attorney just looked at us as people and wanted to work out things that would make everyone rest a little easier. I would recommend her to anyone, that is of course if my attorney wasn't available. :-)
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17 Dec, 2021 by Eric
The Brodzki Jacobs team was FANTASTIC! It is not just Nancy. They were very efficient, well organized and professional. They were patient and sympathetic to my needs as I processed my personal situation yet Nancy was never shy about being direct with me when I needed it by always helping me do what was best for the kids. I was always the weakest link in the chain (something I am not used to). They were highly recommended to me by two separate industry professionals I know as "the best but not the cheapest". I am glad I trusted the recommendations and let the Brodzki Jacobs team guide me through the difficult process. Ultimately, they did not waste my time/money. The process was swift and the overall cost at the end was well within normal expectations. Big thanks to Nancy, Tayane, Roberta, Misha and the rest of the team. I do not plan the get married and divorced again but if I do, I know who to call.
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05 Dec, 2021 by Andrea
Sadly, I must say that Nancy was to represent me in a divorce and I had much more anxiety dealing with her and her office than my ex husband. I found her to be extremely unresponsive. Emails ignored and phone calls not returned. I paid a $7500 retainer not realizing that there is a clause stating that the balance would not be returned if unused. It was so difficult to deal with the Brodzki Jacobs office that I fired them and plan to finish the divorce proceedings myself. Just too difficult to deal with her office. It was taking forever due to Nancy's many vacation days, out of office commitments and excuses for being unavailable. And was VERY annoyed that they would not return my unused balance on account. It's legal for them to have a no refund clause but certainly not nice or widely done that way. Would steer clear of this firm.
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09 Mar, 2020 by Juan
I went to Ms elena Perez, who is now in Coral Springs. Iam so glad that i met her and she was able to take my case. She and her office are very dedicated and let me know they were protecting me. I highly recommend her.
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10 Jul, 2019 by Josef
We hired Elena to resolve a child support case. She was consistently late, very unprofessional to my wife and overcharged us for a case that is STILL NOT resolved. Child support was never modified and she was completely unhelpful at the court dates
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28 May, 2019 by Cristy
For the rest of my life, I will regret having hired Elena M. Perez as my divorce attorney. From the very beginning, I usually had to deal with her assistant, because Miss Perez was 'not available'. The few times I was able to speak to her, she never seemed to remember what we had discussed the last time we spoke. After almost 2 1/2 YEARS as her client, she decided to drop me. This could have been a simple divorce. I paid her a few thousand dollars for (what I consider) to be nothing, because I had to hire another attorney (who got everything resolved in about 2 1/2 MONTHS). In the beginning, I was 'okay' speaking to her paralegal (Maggie), but after a while, I discovered they were practically one and the same. The only difference was that Maggie was much more 'accessible' and had a much better memory. When I complained to Maggie about Ms. Perez' memory, she admitted to me that it wasn't a very good one. Their receptionist could not speak English. It was not long after I became their client, that the receptionist left. After I received a call from Ms. Perez that she had decided to drop me as a client, I received a call from her paralegal who offered to come to court with me on the last court date and she would help 'walk me through it' and also said that I should not tell Ms. Perez that she was going to do that for me. She told me she would not charge me so much as Ms. Perez since she was just a paralegal. I found out later from another attorney's office that the judge would not have allowed that. Yet Maggie had asked me for some upfront money. I have text messages and emails on my phone which can testify to most of what I have to say about this 'divorce attorney' and her co-workers. Some things, however, were discussed by phone so I have no way to prove those things. The last conversation I remember having with Ms. Perez (after she dropped me), was to request my records. At that point, she said: "but I thought you were going to allow Maggie to go to the Courthouse with you on the final date." Sounded to me like they were in on this from the moment Maggie said she would 'help' me - without Ms. Perez' knowledge. Very unprofessional 'team'. I would not let Miss Perez represent me if she would offer to do it for free.
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25 Nov, 2015 by Sam
After trying to deal with post divorce issues myself, I hired Ron. He reviewed my case and immediately sought mediation with the other attorney. Unfortunately the other attorney did not wish to settle fairly, so we went to court and we won. We actually went to court on a few issues, each time Ron was very prepared, very clear in his presentation in court and buried the other attorney with facts and law. Listen to Ron upfront, he will let you know where you stand in the eyes of the court. Even if you win, you need to way the cost of winning and settling.
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06 Nov, 2015 by Jim v.
Hired Ron to do some real estate and financial matters for me. Ron handled my issues in a clear, understandable manner. All of my phone calls were returned promptly and Ron's para-legal Robin is simply the best. I would recommend Ron Luzim without reservation for any legal or financial issues. Jim V.
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02 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
On behalf of my family and myself i wanted to take a few minutes to gratefully acknowledge and thank attorney Ronald Luzim and his para legal Robin for the continuous and impeccable care of our family through a very difficult time. Not ever having been through probate and being the personal representative of my mom's estate i was very apprehensive to even know where to begin. I was walked through every step of the way by Robin and she made the journey easy and comfortable and is an absolute asset to to attorney Luzim'a office. We are just about finalizing and closing the estate and never would have gotten to this point without the help of Ron and Robin. My siblings and I travelled down to Florida to sell and close on our mother's house and got to meet Ron and Robin and all felt exactly the way i do. They knew right then and there that we were in good hands! They are true professionals in every sense of the word and compassionate at the same time. I would highly recommend the Law Offices of Ronald A. Luzim to everyone and anyone to handle their estate affairs. L.S.
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25 Nov, 2016 by Heidi
I thank God for you. I thank you for helping me through a hard time. I call you the "FIXER". :-) I came to you broken and confused. Piece by piece together we began to put life back together. You kept me grounded. You taught me patience. I am greatful for your hard work, encouragement, and dedication.
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14 Sep, 2016 by Steve
John Sorkin is a caring and competent professional. He handled my very difficult divorce proceedings with competence. I highly recommend John and Robin Sorkin.
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22 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
John Sorkin did not handle my divorce well. I never felt comfortable with his legal advice and was getting billed for everything. He had a terrible rapport with my now ex wife's attorney that I felt was preventing a settlement. He failed to explain things well and was always asking me what I wanted to do. We went to mediation, the mediator was a friend of his who did nothing but insult me and tried to put me down questioning me why I need to see my children so much and spend so much time with them. The mediator did nothing but try to push my now ex wife's proposal on me telling me that a judge will never give me what I want. We spent 6 hours in mediation without settling on a single thing. The entire time in mediation, John never once spoke up for me to the mediator. After mediation, I expressed my confusion, frustration and discontent about the mediation and mediator at which time Mr. Sorkin basically said that's the way it goes. Shortly after the mediation, I ended up firing Mr. Sorkin and hiring a new attorney and my divorce was settled one month later thanks to my new attorney.
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25 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I hired Tayane Oliveira with the expectation that she would help mediate a family matter and simplify the process. Unfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory. Instead of streamlining the issues, Tayane's approach only made matters more complex and resulted in significant expenses. It felt as though her focus was more on benefiting financially rather than genuinely assisting her client. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend her for simple legal services. I was forced to file a motion to withdraw her legal expense at additional costs.
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03 Aug, 2020 by Simon
Tanane and the Lawyer Firm Of Brodzki Jacobs Did a Excellent Job and went through with me step by step in this very Stressful and emotional time. Everything was taken care of and I couldn't be Happier I would like to thank Tayane once again. Simon
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11 Jun, 2020 by Mariana
I went to Tayane with only problems to resolve. It’s very hard to go through a life disappointment and to find a lawyer that you can trust. It amazed me how professional she is, how she handled my case so well, even with topics that I was unaware about. I highly recommend her if you or anyone you know needs a lawyer.
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20 Sep, 2020 by Seymour
This is the second time Lee has represented me. He is knowledgable, compassionate and very patient. He makes a bad situation (divorce) easier to get through. Also, great communication.
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11 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
I used this attorney and it was a horrible experience. The initial retainer fee was fair, but the excessive fees that were inflated to absorb the retainer was the biggest problem. I made numerous complaints to try to get the bill corrected, the firm manager refused to assist. The attorney agreed to remove some of the charges that were inflated, but not all, and charged me for my messages and calls to attempt to get the bill corrected, so I ended back with the same bill. It’s not worth using a lawyer like this. He charge you for things that you don’t even have access to, for example I was charged over $200 one day for the lawyer to communicate with the opposing counsel. That’s excessive. There was many excessive charges. DO NOT USE THIS LAWYER!!!!
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20 Nov, 2017 by Sarah williams
Lee is an exceptional attorney. Our divorce was convoluted and stayed with me for all 4 years.
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01 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
I was contacted to repay a debt . I was told I will go to jail if I don't pay the debt and I wouldn't last a day there. I paid the first payment and told them what day I could pay in the following month but they disregard what I said and charged my debt card twice in a month
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18 Nov, 2014 by Courtney
This company was hired to collect money for a debt that I owed. I agreed to allow them to charge my debit card $150. I go onto my bank account and this company charged my card twice! I immediately called them back and spoke to Carol Lewis who assured me that this was reversed back and would be back into my account within 24hrs. The next day I show this didn't happen. I made a total of 6 phone calls with her and my bank to get this taken care of. I told her that my bank needed a document on letter head letting them know that the second charge was in error. Carol even argued with my bank who told her they see no request for reversal from them as she stated. Needless to say Carol never "did right by me" as she would say repeatedly. My bank was gracious enough to reverse the second charge that was not authorized. But because of their error this caused me $257.11 in NSF that I had to pay for cause this company said it "wasn't their fault" I spoke with the attorney and he was SO RUUUUDE.. said that it was my fault and they are not responsible for the NSF that they caused! He told me to have an attorney call him. WHO SAYS THAT?
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05 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
We had a situation where a former associate tried to claim ownership on one of our properties. Mr. Katz was able to advise me as the managing member, that the work we had done to Copyright, Trademark and help protect our intellectual property was sound. He was also able to help identify some holes in our corporate operating documents and advised on the creation of a new document. We are now more confident that our new products will be protected and our company will be able to move forward without concern of false claims.
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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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