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16 Aug, 2024 by C. hemphill
It is my honor to share my experience with Smith & Little, P.C. I had the pleasure of having Attorney Candace Little representation in seeking paternity and child support for my son. I searched many firms and was referred to Atty. Little by a friend. This was by far the best decision I could have made in proceeding with Smith & Little, P. C. Attorney Little is a phenomenal lady with the character and poise to match. Her expertise of the law allowed my son to receive what was just and fair. I did not have to constantly call for status updates because her office kept me abreast. She was always open for questions and ensured that I understood the process. I knew regardless of the ruling she had my son's best interest at hand. She was always well prepared and her confidence swept the courtroom. Smith & Little, P.C is a powerful, respected firm with excellent attorneys. I had the opportunity to have Attorney Little as my mouthpiece and advocate for my child. Many, Many Thanks!!
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04 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
She got my case and mislead me about due dates, setting me up for a hiring where she said would be the best for me , which wasn’t. Confused me with the judge decision and gaslight me. I found out her “ mal practice law” when my next lawyer review my case . Lost my case and a lot of unnecessary money for her “ mistake” .
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13 Apr, 2022 by Steven
If your reading this you found your attorney. She is awesome!! Honestly I have had to use other family attorneys in the past and just never felt great about the representation or relationship. She will fight for you every step of the way and truly cares for her clients. Not to mention she is one of the best persons I have had the pleasure of meeting in my life time!
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01 Nov, 2020 by A mom with a sick child
You know when you hear about lawyers having no heart? This is her! She tries to keep Georgia’s most fragile children from accessing life-saving healthcare.
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10 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
Attorney Hawks is very professional and organized. She is knowledgeable and overall pretty good. I can't really think of any thing negative from my expereince but I had to do more foot work than usual. She made herself available regardless of her scheduled work day.
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16 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
I can not recommend Mr Huddleston as a divorce attorney. His representation for me, against an angry abusive husband with his strong attorney, failed to arrive at a fair settlement for me of a nearly 30 year marriage to a very successful man. It was a costly venture for me.
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05 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
We used Mr. Huddleston for arbitration to avoid a long drawn out court situation. Mr. Huddleston used horrible judgment in my divorce case ignoring both the recommendations of the court appointed guardian and forensic accountant to make decisions that have had a profound negative impact on my family. We should have gone to court.
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23 Sep, 2020 by Andrea brown
They are very backwards. Why are they sending notices to a house that they banned me from going to. I've given them my correct address several times, but I guess that means nothing, smdh.
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20 Feb, 2019 by Joyze taylor
04 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Attorney Trenile Nicole Tillman does not care about the well-being of the children she comes into contact with. She's very quick to point fingers without any investigation nor evidence. She claims she knows best, but does not even take the time to connect with her clients mentally nor emotionally. Please beware of this attorney. She's not for you or your children!
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23 Sep, 2020 by Andrea brown
They are very backwards. Why are they sending notices to a house that they banned me from going to. I've given them my correct address several times, but I guess that means nothing, smdh.
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20 Feb, 2019 by Joyze taylor
23 Sep, 2020 by Andrea brown
They are very backwards. Why are they sending notices to a house that they banned me from going to. I've given them my correct address several times, but I guess that means nothing, smdh.
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20 Feb, 2019 by Joyze taylor
10 Apr, 2023 by Jocelyn li
Debra M. Gold allowed my daughter to be taken from the court TPO hearing against my daughters ex and allowed her to be placed in a convenient room with his attorney. This is against procedures of the Atlanta Volunteer Foundation and court procedures. The attorney for the ex Charla Strawser, who also had volunteered at times with the AVLF and knows procedures and Debra M. Gold. My daughter arrived at court at 8:30 am and was kept until late in the afternoon between the hall out side this room and in this room and threatened they would inform the Judge of their own accusations that my daughter had smoked pot and the Judge could take her child and it was in her interest to drop the charges. They also executed a document to further entice my daughter to agree by offering her joint custody. Charla Strawser took the signed copies and never filed them.
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18 Jan, 2015 by Bruce
I thought Debra Gold incompetent as a guardian. During the court hearing she distorted and embellished facts, jumbled dates of occurrences and events and seem to have little grasp of the case details and simply winged her testimony which because she was acting as a guardian for the child was almost impossible to contradict. Some facts were so distorted and her testimony so flaky many in the court had problems following what she was testifying. Sadly facts that were important she simply left out of her testimony. Given how important her testimony in in a case, to so sloppy is unprofessional. It was a joke.
She seemed to have informed the opposing party of some of these distorted facts such that her embellishments became primary facts in their presentation. if you read the opposing parties initial filings those facts did not exist nor were they part of discovery such that the could have only come from Debra Gold. While everything you say can become part of the court record, assisting the opposing party before the hearing and not in a official report is i think unethical. Thus being open and honest with Ms. Gold put my case at risk. If you have Ms. Gold be careful what we say.
She did not investigate and talk to or ignored many family members, witnesses and therapists that were given to on the onset of her engagement. She ignored obvious lies of the opposing party or forgot important facts such that she was easily duped or fooled. She disappeared for months and only came back to the case when the court scheduled a hearing to find out what was the status of the case. Then Ms. Gold rushed to make her decision.
Toward the end of the case she stated many times to me and in the court her belief that one parent (most likely the mom) should have most of the time with a child and the other a few days a month and anything different is “more than one usually gets” or “more than they should have”. It is my opinion that if you want something different than a 1950s style parenting plan, Ms. Gold is highly unlikely to agree. Thus her non-investigation and incoherent grasps of the facts may be a moot point anyway as her final decision was and will be based primarily on her ridged sexist belief system than on the facts of the case.
Thus, In my opinion, if you are stuck with her do not spend your time discussing parenting plans or anything outside her beliefs as you are just wasting your money and as she will likely help the opposing party, you will end up paying for that wasted time.
Sadly the only fact she seems to remember is how much you owe her.
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23 Sep, 2020 by Andrea brown
They are very backwards. Why are they sending notices to a house that they banned me from going to. I've given them my correct address several times, but I guess that means nothing, smdh.
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20 Feb, 2019 by Joyze taylor
23 Sep, 2020 by Andrea brown
They are very backwards. Why are they sending notices to a house that they banned me from going to. I've given them my correct address several times, but I guess that means nothing, smdh.
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20 Feb, 2019 by Joyze taylor
23 Sep, 2020 by Andrea brown
They are very backwards. Why are they sending notices to a house that they banned me from going to. I've given them my correct address several times, but I guess that means nothing, smdh.
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20 Feb, 2019 by Joyze taylor
23 Sep, 2020 by Andrea brown
They are very backwards. Why are they sending notices to a house that they banned me from going to. I've given them my correct address several times, but I guess that means nothing, smdh.
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20 Feb, 2019 by Joyze taylor
28 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Charlie Bailey put his own agenda before advocating for the children he was hired to protect. Our family is no better off after hiring Mr. Bailey than we were before. He failed to fully investigate and the work he did do resulted in no legitimate expertise to problem solve. In addition, he was not able to relate to our family concerns based in his lack of personal experience. During the worst moment of our family's life, Mr. Bailey made our circumstances more complicated rather than helping. We all were very disappointed in his abilities as a professional.
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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.
