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01 Feb, 2021 by Melissa
For almost three years Lorena represented me in a custody battle that included a FAPA order. There is a lot of back and forth that happens throughout the years, and Lorena kept matters lawful and to the point. Her knowledge around domestic abuse, the law and keeping children first always kept me at ease. She is kind and well spoken. There is no doubt Lorena knows her stuff!! When it finally came down to going in front of the court, Lorena did not disappoint. Everything she had said throughout the years. What we worked towards. Came together masterfully when she spoke. Also, her legal assistant, Bre is lovely to work with. She is also helpful, knowledgeable and to the point. No one is wasting time or money at Reynolds Law Firm. It was an honor to have them on my side through an emotional-stressful time. I’ll forever be grateful.
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25 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
My Family Law case was more complex than average. I needed to look for new Counsel in the middle of my case. Lorena was a life saver when should took mine. She was compassionate, uber organized, and highly effective in the courtroom. She well outperformed my Ex's confident attorney. The settlement was more than I could have hoped; allowing me to move to a more secure place to raise my kiddos. We have a wonderful life to look forward to. Reynold Law saved my soul.
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07 May, 2018 by Laurel
Lorena has helped me during two court appearances which were high conflict custody cases. She is an absolute bulldog of a lawyer who is going to direct you in order to build a solid case. She is very knowledgeable, and has her team bring up relevant evidence in order to support you. I have been very happy to have her represent me and will continue to seek her for legal advice, and representation.
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16 Jul, 2022 by Martha
Steve wrote a will and trust for me when I remarried at age 69. He carefully followed my wishes. The documents he produced will make my future life smoother and the dealing with my estate easier for my executor. I recommend him highly.
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18 Jan, 2020 by Michael
My wife and I used Steve to re-do our wills and establish a trust. My wife has become a Stage 6 Alzheimer's person and future care was going to be an issue. Heinrich helped navigate the complex Medicare/Medicaid environment to help us protect our limited assets. He also developed a great care plan for my wife in the event of my death before hers.
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18 May, 2018 by Anonymous
First let me say that in my business I have had to deal with lawyers for over 30 years. Please be very very careful before engaging with this attorney. He will have you sign a fee agreement that is complicated and overly detailed as to how billing is done. That should have been my clue to walk away but had already started the process with him and he is a knowledgeable lawyer in elder law. Unfortunately, He did research ( which is in the fee agreement ) at his discretion but in our case was a long list of rabbit hole research and “what if’s” that he admitted would most likely not happen and I never asked him to check on. It is Then charged us!! I asked him to write a simple short friendly letter to medicaid to feel out a situation that had most likely been resolved already but I wanted to be sure. He charged for listening to messages, and getting them from his assistant who got what I said wrong several times! He also charges for emails. He also charged me for a synopsis of our first meeting that cost more than the first initial meeting! I did not ask for that synopsis I took notes of my own. In the end I never got what I needed and was afraid to make notes on the draft since the first time I asked for two tiny changes his “research “ cost ME almost $800! In my experience he does not stay on track and do just the task requested. I say stay away unless you have money to burn. Thousands billed to me for what should have been a few hundred dollars in my opinion and experience:
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23 Feb, 2023 by Carol
He took $2500 of my money and then Gave some personal information out about my company And then told me I would have to go to trial . I was very disappointed, I lost my business
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15 Jun, 2022 by Ken
Andy handled my divorce, as well as some associated issues. He did excellent work all around, getting some false accusations cleared and getting a very fair settlement done in the end while up against a very prominent attorney in Lincoln county. I've referred two people to him since then, and both have had excellent things to say about him and his staff. I would absolutely go with him again if I had additional troubles, though of course I would prefer to not have to. He will take good care of you.
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12 Mar, 2022 by Shellie
Andrew S. Noonan is a talented, personable, Reliable attorney. He listens attentively and asks questions to further enable the clients best interests.
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19 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
Hired this attorney regarding a corporation. He did not complete the paperwork properly. He is not very efficient and leaves things untidy. I would never hire this attorney again.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Crystal
He refused to answer phone calls, refused to answer emails, refused letters, and refused to visit his client after the first meeting and saying he would return in two days. 6 months later after much fighting we had the Bar and the Client assistance office replace him. He didn’t even both to show up for court at one hearing. And lied out right at a second hearing stating that he had reached out to the Public Defenders Office personally to replace him, without realizing that in the hearing he misses the PDO had already stated they had not heard from him, only his client.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Did not review evidence and made unsubstantiated accusations. Sons arrest information: https://gazettetimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/corvallis-man-allegedly-eggs-jewish-center/article_02606142-0e5b-5e6c-a8f5-d8e1a93644e9.html
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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:

  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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