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26 Sep, 2024 by Steven leyva
My Experience With Nordean Law Was Very Helpful and Fast Forward Justice !!! Nordean Law is my number one to go too when a car hit me while I was on my bicycle.They Helped Me with getting me into the right treatment and financial needs. The outcome was the best because it helped me get through the right treatment and the perfect way to get justice in court .i highly recommend Nordean Law ❤️💕💯
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26 Sep, 2024 by Abdulhadi masri
Thank you for your efforts.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Jeffrey mccann
On point everything they did was on point they communicated very very well if I couldn't get a hold of one person and I had several other people to get a hold of and they would get a hold of me within the hour wouldn't keep me waiting I just want to tell my team thank you very very much and keep up the good work
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01 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Divorce is tough enough without legal eagles and their ego exacerbating things. I very much appreciated her down-to-earth pragmatic approach to resolving my issues and supporting through the process.
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25 Apr, 2011 by Brad
She is one of the few attorneys who always works on your behalf verses working for your money. I have used her several times and she will work hard for you and when you get her bill, you are pleasantly surprised. She is very honest.
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12 Jun, 2010 by Tomas f.
Even though there's no perfect lawyer ,Julie is in my book
the best chance you may have and closes to perfect.
As i been threw a few before her.
The laws can always work against you or with you.
So Julie Duncan is your best hope on finding whats best
for you and children.just be patient, and at the closing of agreements
or court orders you shall be happy or at least fair with the out come.
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24 Apr, 2010 by Rita sandor
I met Mr. Billington when I was already being sued by a former employer, with only a few days to answer a summons in court.
As an Attorney, he could not have been more an answer to my prayers.
He walked me through the process, persisted with my case to make sure that it was settled equitibly for both sides, and saved me over $30,000 in compensation that belonged to me. Years later, I remember that there is one Attorney that values trust and honesty as much as I do. Randall Bilington is a great choice.
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23 Sep, 2024 by Nathaniel asm
Cheryl was incredibly professional, compassionate, and dedicated throughout my entire divorce process. She provided clear guidance, kept me informed, and worked tirelessly to achieve the best outcome for me. Her expertise and support made a challenging situation much easier to navigate. Highly recommend her services!
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23 Sep, 2024 by Palmcloud
23 Sep, 2024 by Benny
I recently worked with Cheryl for my prenuptial agreement, and I couldn't be happier. She was knowledgeable, professional, and made the process smooth and stress-free. Cheryl took the time to address all my concerns and tailored the agreement to fit my needs. Her communication was prompt and clear, providing peace of mind as I enter this new chapter. I highly recommend Cheryl for anyone seeking a top-notch prenuptial lawyer!
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04 Sep, 2024 by Simon s
I have known Mrs. Kirk for 29 years having gone through law school with her. She is respected by the Court and has always worked tirelessly to aid her clients in the most appropriate case resolutions. On the cases I have been privy to, she has shown care for the well being of her client and their families and her dispositions, including alternative sentences, speak to her years of experience.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Anastasiia haggard
I am extremely pleased with Diana's help in running my business. She is very professional, attentive to detail, and provides excellent customer service. Diana went above and beyond to find the best solutions for my concerns. I will definitely work with her again and highly recommend her services.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Emerald magic events
I have been an exceptional experience with Diana Isyanova's legal service! Her professional approach and attentive care throughout your business dealings are truly commendable. Thank you for highly recommending her services.!
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04 Sep, 2024 by Simon s
I have known Mrs. Kirk for 29 years having gone through law school with her. She is respected by the Court and has always worked tirelessly to aid her clients in the most appropriate case resolutions. On the cases I have been privy to, she has shown care for the well being of her client and their families and her dispositions, including alternative sentences, speak to her years of experience.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Anastasiia haggard
I am extremely pleased with Diana's help in running my business. She is very professional, attentive to detail, and provides excellent customer service. Diana went above and beyond to find the best solutions for my concerns. I will definitely work with her again and highly recommend her services.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Emerald magic events
I have been an exceptional experience with Diana Isyanova's legal service! Her professional approach and attentive care throughout your business dealings are truly commendable. Thank you for highly recommending her services.!
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09 Oct, 2024 by Eric h
I had a great experience with Ash. From the beginning of the process to the end, Ash was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about my case. He guided me through every step of the process, making sure I understood my rights and options. His expertise in lemon law was evident, and provided me the best possible service.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Eric curtis
Great job. Ash and his team are great. The timing was a bit off, meaning it took a little longer than expected. But Ash was pretty spot on about what he could get.
He also will answer his phone!! I shopped around for several attorneys, and he was the ONLY one who picked up and was willing to have a 5 min conversation with me. The 5 min conversation actually extended into 30 min. He was very informative of the process, options, and steps that needed to be taken and what the bottom line was gonna look like in the end.
Highly recommended.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Jason perea
I can't thank Lemon Law Champions enough for their incredible work on my 2018 Kia Optima case! After dealing with constant engine issues and getting nowhere with the dealership, I reached out to them, and it was the best decision I could have made. They immediately took charge of my case, explained the entire lemon law process in California, and made me feel confident that I was in good hands.
Their team was professional, responsive, and truly dedicated to getting the best outcome for me. Thanks to their expertise, I received a total engine replacement at no cost, and I didn't have to deal with the stress of battling the manufacturer. They handled everything efficiently and kept me informed throughout the entire process.
If you're facing vehicle issues and need a lemon law attorney in California, Lemon Law Champions are the best in the business. They turned a frustrating situation into a positive outcome, and I couldn't be happier with the results!
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20 May, 2024 by J robledo
I couldn't of asked for a better law firm than in Easton & Easton. Brenda and the whole team made my experience with them as painless and as you'd want, especially after a car injury. Thank you for the win and the peace of mind
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09 May, 2024 by Nikki morales
Worst lawyers ever. They let a whole year go by and never sent my husband to the doctors or anything. They had my email , his email, my number , his number , including our home address and we’d call for updates and they’d always say everything is going great if they needed anything they’d call us. After a year they dropped our case for “no communication”. And then told us they had the wrong number on file. Now we’re struggling to fight a car accident case because of how long it has been.
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12 Apr, 2023 by Tony a
Attempted to open a case with them. No call back for 3 weeks. Called them back 4 times. Unresponsive. This is NOT the type of attorney you want working for YOU!
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10 Sep, 2024 by Diane weise
I recently had the opportunity to participate in my very first mock jury trial at the MLG Attorney's office in Costa Mesa. It was an incredible experience and truly an eye opener to our legal system. It's amazing how quickly I could shift my perspective upon deliberating with other jurors. The insights I gained are priceless and I am grateful to have been selected. Thank you for your professionalism and opportunity to collaborate with your staff. Should I ever need representation I will surely reach out to your team!
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06 Sep, 2024 by Nn
Sherry represented me for my original divorce (separation agreement) with my ex-wife as well as my restructuring of the spousal support order several years later. Throughout the entire process, Sherry worked with clarity, integrity and sense of toughness and yet collaboration to get my case represented. I consider Sherry a friend for life in helping me through the toughest stages of my life. Continue to stay classy Sherry!!
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21 Aug, 2024 by Jocelyn leal
I had a wonderful experience to be part of a mock trial at this office. Everyone was very professional and friendly. Highly recommend this law firm.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Diane weise
I recently had the opportunity to participate in my very first mock jury trial at the MLG Attorney's office in Costa Mesa. It was an incredible experience and truly an eye opener to our legal system. It's amazing how quickly I could shift my perspective upon deliberating with other jurors. The insights I gained are priceless and I am grateful to have been selected. Thank you for your professionalism and opportunity to collaborate with your staff. Should I ever need representation I will surely reach out to your team!
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21 Aug, 2024 by Jocelyn leal
I had a wonderful experience to be part of a mock trial at this office. Everyone was very professional and friendly. Highly recommend this law firm.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Christopher shields
Very professional employees
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10 Sep, 2024 by Diane weise
I recently had the opportunity to participate in my very first mock jury trial at the MLG Attorney's office in Costa Mesa. It was an incredible experience and truly an eye opener to our legal system. It's amazing how quickly I could shift my perspective upon deliberating with other jurors. The insights I gained are priceless and I am grateful to have been selected. Thank you for your professionalism and opportunity to collaborate with your staff. Should I ever need representation I will surely reach out to your team!
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21 Aug, 2024 by Jocelyn leal
I had a wonderful experience to be part of a mock trial at this office. Everyone was very professional and friendly. Highly recommend this law firm.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Christopher shields
Very professional employees
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09 Oct, 2024 by Eric h
I had a great experience with Ash. From the beginning of the process to the end, Ash was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about my case. He guided me through every step of the process, making sure I understood my rights and options. His expertise in lemon law was evident, and provided me the best possible service.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Eric curtis
Great job. Ash and his team are great. The timing was a bit off, meaning it took a little longer than expected. But Ash was pretty spot on about what he could get.
He also will answer his phone!! I shopped around for several attorneys, and he was the ONLY one who picked up and was willing to have a 5 min conversation with me. The 5 min conversation actually extended into 30 min. He was very informative of the process, options, and steps that needed to be taken and what the bottom line was gonna look like in the end.
Highly recommended.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Jason perea
I can't thank Lemon Law Champions enough for their incredible work on my 2018 Kia Optima case! After dealing with constant engine issues and getting nowhere with the dealership, I reached out to them, and it was the best decision I could have made. They immediately took charge of my case, explained the entire lemon law process in California, and made me feel confident that I was in good hands.
Their team was professional, responsive, and truly dedicated to getting the best outcome for me. Thanks to their expertise, I received a total engine replacement at no cost, and I didn't have to deal with the stress of battling the manufacturer. They handled everything efficiently and kept me informed throughout the entire process.
If you're facing vehicle issues and need a lemon law attorney in California, Lemon Law Champions are the best in the business. They turned a frustrating situation into a positive outcome, and I couldn't be happier with the results!
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09 Oct, 2024 by Eric h
I had a great experience with Ash. From the beginning of the process to the end, Ash was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about my case. He guided me through every step of the process, making sure I understood my rights and options. His expertise in lemon law was evident, and provided me the best possible service.
Read more
09 Oct, 2024 by Eric curtis
Great job. Ash and his team are great. The timing was a bit off, meaning it took a little longer than expected. But Ash was pretty spot on about what he could get.
He also will answer his phone!! I shopped around for several attorneys, and he was the ONLY one who picked up and was willing to have a 5 min conversation with me. The 5 min conversation actually extended into 30 min. He was very informative of the process, options, and steps that needed to be taken and what the bottom line was gonna look like in the end.
Highly recommended.
Read more
04 Oct, 2024 by Jason perea
I can't thank Lemon Law Champions enough for their incredible work on my 2018 Kia Optima case! After dealing with constant engine issues and getting nowhere with the dealership, I reached out to them, and it was the best decision I could have made. They immediately took charge of my case, explained the entire lemon law process in California, and made me feel confident that I was in good hands.
Their team was professional, responsive, and truly dedicated to getting the best outcome for me. Thanks to their expertise, I received a total engine replacement at no cost, and I didn't have to deal with the stress of battling the manufacturer. They handled everything efficiently and kept me informed throughout the entire process.
If you're facing vehicle issues and need a lemon law attorney in California, Lemon Law Champions are the best in the business. They turned a frustrating situation into a positive outcome, and I couldn't be happier with the results!
Read more
20 May, 2024 by J robledo
I couldn't of asked for a better law firm than in Easton & Easton. Brenda and the whole team made my experience with them as painless and as you'd want, especially after a car injury. Thank you for the win and the peace of mind
Read more
09 May, 2024 by Nikki morales
Worst lawyers ever. They let a whole year go by and never sent my husband to the doctors or anything. They had my email , his email, my number , his number , including our home address and we’d call for updates and they’d always say everything is going great if they needed anything they’d call us. After a year they dropped our case for “no communication”. And then told us they had the wrong number on file. Now we’re struggling to fight a car accident case because of how long it has been.
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12 Apr, 2023 by Tony a
Attempted to open a case with them. No call back for 3 weeks. Called them back 4 times. Unresponsive. This is NOT the type of attorney you want working for YOU!
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20 May, 2024 by J robledo
I couldn't of asked for a better law firm than in Easton & Easton. Brenda and the whole team made my experience with them as painless and as you'd want, especially after a car injury. Thank you for the win and the peace of mind
Read more
09 May, 2024 by Nikki morales
Worst lawyers ever. They let a whole year go by and never sent my husband to the doctors or anything. They had my email , his email, my number , his number , including our home address and we’d call for updates and they’d always say everything is going great if they needed anything they’d call us. After a year they dropped our case for “no communication”. And then told us they had the wrong number on file. Now we’re struggling to fight a car accident case because of how long it has been.
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12 Apr, 2023 by Tony a
Attempted to open a case with them. No call back for 3 weeks. Called them back 4 times. Unresponsive. This is NOT the type of attorney you want working for YOU!
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14 May, 2024 by Timothy moffett
I had an extremely disappointing experience with Morley and Upton. Their communication was virtually nonexistent, and they often wouldn't respond for months on end. Even after my medical treatment was completed a year ago, my case is still open with no clear resolution in sight. I strongly advise looking elsewhere for legal representation.
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02 Feb, 2024 by Antonece clark
I truly do not know where to begin when it comes to Robert and the farzad company. From the first time calling and meeting with Robert I felt extremely comfortable with expressing my concerns and doubts. Robert quickly gained my confidence not only within my self but within the justice system all together. Robert and his team especially Shawn at the San Diego location have been nothing but wonderful to me during this difficult time period I had . Words will never be able to express my gratitude towards everyone at the farzad company . THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING, you will always hold a special place in my heart .
If you want a team to back you up and have full reassurance on dealing with your case , you can confidently trust them .
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24 Jan, 2024 by Michael cleveland
Family law can be a very difficult and challenging endeavor. Nicole Nuzzo is a detailed listener, flawless litigator and expert negotiator. She is compassionate sees the full picture. I would confidently recommend her to anyone who needs help navigating a divorce as well as looking into a prenuptial agreements.
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14 May, 2024 by Timothy moffett
I had an extremely disappointing experience with Morley and Upton. Their communication was virtually nonexistent, and they often wouldn't respond for months on end. Even after my medical treatment was completed a year ago, my case is still open with no clear resolution in sight. I strongly advise looking elsewhere for legal representation.
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02 Feb, 2024 by Antonece clark
I truly do not know where to begin when it comes to Robert and the farzad company. From the first time calling and meeting with Robert I felt extremely comfortable with expressing my concerns and doubts. Robert quickly gained my confidence not only within my self but within the justice system all together. Robert and his team especially Shawn at the San Diego location have been nothing but wonderful to me during this difficult time period I had . Words will never be able to express my gratitude towards everyone at the farzad company . THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING, you will always hold a special place in my heart .
If you want a team to back you up and have full reassurance on dealing with your case , you can confidently trust them .
Read more
24 Jan, 2024 by Michael cleveland
Family law can be a very difficult and challenging endeavor. Nicole Nuzzo is a detailed listener, flawless litigator and expert negotiator. She is compassionate sees the full picture. I would confidently recommend her to anyone who needs help navigating a divorce as well as looking into a prenuptial agreements.
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15 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired Nicole for a divorce case. The divorce was ultimately filed in a different jurisdiction so I didn't get to see the full process through with her and her team, but I greatly appreciated their expertise, professionalism, and empathy throughout my time working with them. With their help, I felt informed and prepared to navigate the challenges of the divorce process. While I hope I never need these types of services again, I would definitely hire Nicole if I did and will recommend her as a resource for anyone I know who needs a good family law attorney!
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21 Jul, 2023 by Richard
I retained Nicole for the purpose of negotiating a buyout settlement with my former wife. Nicole was extremely detailed and thorough in every aspect of the negotiations. She was able to tactically work with my former wife throughout the entire negotiations. The end result was favorable for all parties concerned. I was able to payoff my former wife and move forward with my life with know more alimony payments I would highly recommend Nicole’s expertise for all aspects of family life. Thank you Nicole for your amazing work .
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28 Jul, 2022 by Lisa
Nicole was the right choice to handle my recent divorce proceeding. She was professional all the way through and I am very happy with the results of my case. She took charge from the beginning and although we were on opposite sides with an attorney, a forensic accountant and an ex-husband who wanted to challenge our positions every step of the way, Nicole did not back down ever and always fought for me to get me the best result possible. She did not sugarcoat anything - she explained my positions from a legal standpoint and if the laws were not on my side on a particular issue, she explained why. She is extremely thorough in her preparations and was always several steps ahead of the opposing counsel, which worked to our advantage. I wanted to get through the process as quickly as possible and I provided everything in a timely manner and Nicole and her team took it from there. I felt that we were a team working toward the same goal and we settled the case in about a year. There was never a time when I was waiting on her to get something done; Nicole was always on top of things and always returned calls or responded to emails quickly and efficiently. Nicole is very knowledgable about family law and really understands the legal environment in Orange County. During my case, she moved from a larger firm to a smaller, boutique family law practice as a partner. She explained her decision to do this as her wanting to have a better ability to serve her clients in the most favorable way possible, and I did find this to be the case after she made the transition. Nicole makes sure that whoever is assisting her in her practice is competent and professional. I was referred to Nicole through a family member who knows her from her work on the Orange County Bar Assoc. Ethics Committee. When opposing counsel or my ex became combative, Nicole firmly pointed out our positions, backing her assertions with facts based in law, and never tolerated disrespect or unethical behavior on the part of opposing side. She always handled any conflict with a firm understanding of the law, and a high standard of ethics. The opposing side knew that she was a force to be reckoned with, but she was never disrespectful and always expected propriety from everyone on both sides. Nicole conveyed confidence, integrity, and professionalism throughout the year-long divorce process. Nicole made sure that I understood what the future may hold in regard to modification of my court orders and she worked diligently during the proceeding to document all pertaining facts and to make sure that whatever may come later would be prepared for with substantial evidence and information relevant to my case. Nicole was also very responsive to my questions and inquiries and has remained so even though my case is now complete. I know that I can always count on her if I need her in the future. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for an intelligent, ethical, knowledgable family law attorney who will guide and advise them through what is very likely an emotionally difficult and challenging time. Nicole had the right amount of empathy for what I was going through, but also knew how to steer me toward getting to the end result - freedom from a marriage that was not working. Nicole made sure that I would have a future with the financial support that I deserved after a long term marriage and she really wanted the best for me personally, which I really appreciated. I always felt that she was on my side from start to end and I am very happy that she represented me. Nicole is a great family law attorney and she is a credit to her profession. Thank you Nicole!
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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.
