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18 Jan, 2023 by Danielle
Sherine has been an enormous help to me during a high conflict and difficult time. She is both professional and incredibly thoughtful and I am so grateful to her for her understanding and patience with her clients like myself. She makes me feel safe and taken care of. She has invested personal time in reaching out to me to ensure things are going smoothly with my case and problem-solve whatever comes my way. I can't say enough good things about her. She's got you covered on the legal side of things, but also just makes you feel like you're being genuinely cared for by a friend. She is strong-mannered, detail oriented, and I've heard her be compared to a shark (in the best way) while in court. I also appreciate how strongly she advocates for those having trouble fighting for themselves. I can only hope that more people who are struggling find her because she is such an incredible resource.
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17 Mar, 2021 by Adam
How do you beat the best offense? By paying attention! Having a keen eye with a quick response. In my case, I got lucky to have an attorney who actually cares about me and the best interest for My family. Best part about Sherine is that she will quickly find the hidden secrets Lingering in the dark. Don’t be shy or scared to tell her everything. That’s why she’s there. To protect you. To help you. To be your shining light at the end of the tunnel. Don’t go to war with this attorney. YOU’LL LOSE.
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20 Feb, 2019 by Tamilla
I called Sherine's office completely out of hope and at a loss for what step to take next. I was immediately comforted by her wonderful and compassionate office staff who have been always been extremely helpful and supportive. Sherine passionately cares about her clients and uses her extensive legal experience to do everything she can to put you at ease. Despite every curveball that was thrown in my Child Custody/ DV case, Sherine and her staff have always been persistent, knowledgable and handled my case with a sense of urgency. I am forever grateful for the help, support and feeling a safety that I felt after choosing Sherine's office to represent me.
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14 Sep, 2023 by Jill
Raquel Silva: She was the unwavering savior of my life and the lives of my daughters. With relentless dedication, she painstakingly assisted me in rebuilding my shattered life, consistently exceeding the expectations of her role. She was not just my legal advocate; she stood by my side through countless courtroom battles, passionately fighting for my rights when I was unable to speak without tears. Her remarkable qualities include boundless compassion and exceptional intelligence. In times of adversity, she is the person you want in your corner, ready to defend your interests.
Her guidance was consistently grounded in practicality and tailored to my best interests. The process of divorce is inherently humbling, irrespective of the side you find yourself on, yet Raquel handled every aspect with grace and dignity. When our journey concluded, I had amassed four comprehensive binders filled with divorce-related documentation. Furthermore, she generously assisted me in establishing a trust, an act for which I am immensely grateful.
Raquel's resourcefulness shone when I needed it most. Whether it was connecting me with a bankruptcy attorney, a tax specialist, a therapist, or providing guidance in matters involving the police, she always had a solution at hand. Beyond being an extraordinary attorney, she is an exceptional human being, and I cannot express enough gratitude for her invaluable support and counsel.
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07 Sep, 2023 by Michael
We hired Raquel Silva after putting off Estate Planning for years. Raquel was extremely knowledgable and guided us with ease, assurance, patience and confidence. Raquel made the entire process incredibly stress-free, and her professionalism through the process was A+.
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03 Sep, 2023 by Holly
Raquel put together my Living Trust/Will a few years ago. I was not looking forward to the process for obvious reasons, but also because the paperwork process seemed daunting. Raquel provided clear direction and took the time to explain and help me understand each section/item I was answering. This was extremely important since it is such an important document to make things easier for my adult children. She was able to complete the write up and I was able to sign in a short period of time. Her down to earth style is welcoming and I will definitely use her services in the future as needs arise.
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15 Dec, 2021 by James
Brian has not let me down. I think he is a stand-up lawyer and will fight for you to the best of his ability to get what you want.
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12 Nov, 2021 by Monika
I have been working with Brian for years now, on my quite complex custody case, and even thou we had some disappointing days at court, I always felt well represented. Brian and his team (Tiffany!) are very professional, attentive, and helpful. Brian is honest, he “fights” fair and responds vary quickly to any problem or concern I have.
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10 Nov, 2021 by Jassamine
Brian has been helping me for years now. He’s very knowledgeable and straightforward. He will tell you straight up so you don’t really expect too much out of it. He is very calm. He is ready all the time. Very helpful in regards to information I had a hard time understanding. The entire office crew are awesome. Easily reachable thru email. I’ve been thankful and grateful for all of them, especially to Brian.
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30 May, 2024 by Dana
She is a person you will never forget. She is a professional from beginning to end. You will never regret hiring her. I will never be able to thank her for all the work she did for my son and I.
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24 Jun, 2017 by Rick
I hired Mrs. Bair after an awful experience with another attorney practicing in Amador County California. She came highly recommended by one of her peers who had faced her in his own divorce. She did not disappoint. Mrs. Bair was very respectful of my feelings and my financial limitations. VERY highly recommended. 5 stars!!
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18 Apr, 2010 by Mcintyre
The only lawyer to have in family law I can't say how much she helped me during the worst time of my life.
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27 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
Sarah is an outstanding attorney. She is proactive, professional, experienced, and a pleasure to work with. She is well respected in the courtroom and community.
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29 Mar, 2017 by Don
Chris Dietrich retained as divorce counsel was wise choice. I found Chris thorough, personable, persistent, delivering as promised. I could not ask for better results. Thank you so much
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07 Dec, 2016 by Dolores
Chris helped represented me well with a DVTR case but failed to follow through with support related to my divorce agreement. After over a month waiting for a response to my consultation, eventually I had to seek help from another professional. My divorce could have been settled months ago.
Provided poor customer service.
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08 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
I needed an emergency motion filed to deal with my difficult ex-husband about summer school for our son who will be in the 12th grade. Our son is in IEP & had failed English class in his Junior Year. During my son's annual IEP evaluation meeting earlier this year, it was recommended by his English teacher, counselor & principal that he take 11th grade English in summer school so he could graduate on time with his 2017 class. My ex-husband & I trade off custody a week at a time in the summer months. My ex-husband was informed about summer school but had been opposed to taking our son. I enrolled my son in summer school and he attended the first 2 classes during the end of my parenting week. The following week father had our son & was adamant about not taking him. I had explained over & over Sunday night via text to my ex-husband that there is a recommendation by the school as well as our son wanting to make up the English class during the summer. My ex-husband refused to budge. That following Monday morning I took the day off to go to the high school and explained my situation to the Teacher In Charge. He printed me a copy of my son's transcripts (where it showed his failed grade for English); his Summer school enrollment form and he typed up a letter indicating that it was highly recommended that my son attend summer with only two absences allowed. This is where I needed legal help. My son had already missed this Monday's class which meant I needed to be in court the following day to get him back to summer school Wednesday. A coworker & I googled lawyers & came across a highly recommended firm. I lucked out and got an appointment with Chris. He listened to my story, wrote notes and explained various options to me. He was willing to take my case and go into court the following morning so that my son could get a chance to stay in summer school and not be dropped due to an uncooperative parent. We were taking a lot of chances as we did not know if the judge would even be willing to hear my case without 24 hour notice to the court. I was relieved that Chris was willing to do that for me. The documents were prepared & emailed to me for review. My ex-husband was served via telephone where he agreed to show up at 8:30AM. Tuesday morning, Chris met me at the courthouse 15 minutes prior to us being in court to sign documents. He explain proceedings when we were in front of the judge. I felt at ease until my ex-husband was nowhere to be found at 8:30AM. My ex-husband showed up 17 minutes late. Outside the courtroom, Chris had only a few minutes to give him a copy of the motion & answer any questions. My ex-husband was furious, argumentative & loud. He was embarrassing himself while Chris was trying to explain the motion. The bailiff had to go out there to tell my ex-husband to quiet down. After the judge heard our case, he went into his chambers. I was worried & prayed in my head the entire time we were waiting for the ruling. The judge's order was for my son to participate in summer school with each parent responsible for getting him to & from school. Yes! Leaving the courtroom, Chris took the time to explain the ruling to my ex-husband who was asking him questions on our way out. Chris also followed up with an email so that my ex-husband fully understood.
I highly recommend Chris to anyone. He has heart & compassion. He cares. I'm very grateful to Chris & I know my kiddo is too. Thank you Chris!
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07 Sep, 2023 by Lybah asad
Hard to reach by phone. Charge crazy amount for consultation
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10 Feb, 2023 by Jesse woods
25 Oct, 2022 by Northern california “ncbp” breakthrough parenting
We always have a wonderful working relationship with Mr. Banks, and his office. As a provider, we appreciate his quick and thorough responses. He is the type of colleague we appreciate working with, to help make all the family law transitions seamless. They are always a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ to us, and their clients always report their satisfaction of this firm to us during feedback.
- Thank you Keith and team 💫
NCBP appreciates you all!!
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07 Sep, 2023 by Lybah asad
Hard to reach by phone. Charge crazy amount for consultation
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10 Feb, 2023 by Jesse woods
25 Oct, 2022 by Northern california “ncbp” breakthrough parenting
We always have a wonderful working relationship with Mr. Banks, and his office. As a provider, we appreciate his quick and thorough responses. He is the type of colleague we appreciate working with, to help make all the family law transitions seamless. They are always a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ to us, and their clients always report their satisfaction of this firm to us during feedback.
- Thank you Keith and team 💫
NCBP appreciates you all!!
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14 Mar, 2024 by Tiffany
Finding a lawyer can be very difficult, especially one with morals, and ethics, that genuinely cares about their clients, and works hard to get the job done. Derraugh is the whole package. She is timely and hardworking, I swear she never sleeps! If you’ve got a high conflict custody case or a difficult divorce she is the lawyer for you. Her knowledge of family law is unsurpassed. I would give her more than 5 stars if I could, truly. She also really cares about her clients as people, she is positive and reassuring. And yes….she definitely wins her cases. She has honestly been a blessing to my life and I can’t say that enough. If you’re looking for a caring, knowledgeable lawyer who gets the job done she is definitely the lawyer for you!
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03 Oct, 2023 by Jeremy
I came to Ms. Dawson to help me through a particular family matter. I was very pleased with my experience with her services. I found her to be very knowledgeable, sharp, and well organized. I greatly appreciate Ms. Dawsons guidance and fortunately, There was a happy ending of reconciliation with my family matter.
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07 Sep, 2022 by Puii
Ms Dawson has worked with me for four years now, and in this time period she has made every effort to be as helpful and efficient as possible. She has made a tremendous difference in my life. She is experienced and hard working, and makes so much extra effort that I don’t think many lawyers would. She genuinely cares for her clients. The best quality Derraugh has is her honesty. I know for a fact that had it not been for her I would be homeless and penniless today.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Jorge luis chaidez
Thank you Christopher Dietrich! I do not have the words to express the gratitude I feel for what you’ve done for my daughters and I. You pulled my case out of the deep, dark hole it was in and brought it to light with your knowledge of the law and the court system. When we first met I was angry, frustrated, and I just wanted to fight. Had we done that, I think we’d have won a few rounds but never achieved what we did. You changed me. Your approach to family law has changed the way I look at co-parenting, and has changed the way I will proceed going forward. Your suggestions were against all of my instincts however, I put my case in your hands and little by little we just continued progressing forward until the end. Your planning and attention to detail were incredible. The only mistakes in my case were the times I didn’t listen to you. That’s why put my case in your hands. Now my daughter’s will enjoy the peace and harmony of the environment you helped create for them. Family cases are never easy for anyone involved but, I highly recommend Christopher Dietrich if you wish to achieve the greatest outcome with the least amount of collateral damage. As serious as this case was, I cannot believe how peacefully it ended, and now, having been giving the tools to do so, I wish to continue keeping it so. Thanks again Chris!
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17 Jul, 2024 by Matthew moore
I had this firm create a trust for my son because I had health concerns which made such a trust expedient.
I called to inquire about this same trust and waited for a response for a week. I then called again and waited.
When I called the third time I was told it's preparer wasn't "well versed" in such matters, and that (presumably) was the reason I had not received a response.
My take on this: This law firm didn't see my inquiry as a way to make a significant profit, and thus chose to ignore my request.
I would not recommend this firm for anything based upon my experience.
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16 Feb, 2024 by Jeffry valerio
Thank you so much Kopper, Morgan and Dietrich for representing me and my son. You guys did a great job, especially Chris. Thank you Chris! I recommend these guys to anyone serious about being heard in court.
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07 May, 2021 by Steve
Courtney is dishonest and unreliable. She has missed every appointment her office has set with me. She has said after the fist 3000 dollars she wasn't asking for anymore money but has since bill an additional 1700. It took her a year to
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05 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
I had Courtney for my divorce and custody case, to say the least she is lazy, incompetent and disorganized. She failed to make court dates, couldn't provide accurate information to the court. I was beyond embarrassed and mortified for the times she did make it into the courtroom speaking for me. Seems that her personal life overflowed to work and the partying and living a reckless life style caught up to her but I had to suffer the consequences. After this she wouldn't even refund me at all. We tried many times to take care of things. Highly recommend you DO NOT hire her.
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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.
