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15 Jan, 2019 by Briana
Mrs merchant was able to answer all my problems with a positive outcome, she fought for my son and myself, she is caring and loyal but just tough enough to get thr job done! I could not have been more satisfied!
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23 Jul, 2018 by Juanita
Ms. Merchant was very helpful in a custody case as well as very knowledgeable in family law. I would highly recommend.
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21 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
After being served unexpectedly with divorce papers, I was referred to Shelly Merchant by a family member. After consulting with Shelly, I knew she was the legal professional I wanted representing me and my interests. She and her office kept me updated at all times. They were accommodating when it came to scheduling appointments, and expected costs were always discussed. Shelly guided me successfully through this process, and I am forever grateful.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Stephen
You are better off with a public defender!
I paid lot of money for absolutely nothing.
I eventually had to drop him after the 2nd time of him not sharing information I needed to know about my custody case.
Because of him I went longer than I ever should have to see my child. He honestly made it the situation worse.
Please save your money, hire anyone other than him. Or just stick with a public defender, at least they’ll actually show up for the court dates .
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08 May, 2023 by Troy
David helped me in a divorce that was very difficult to work through but at the end of the road I was really glad he was there for me. He had a way of visiting with me so that I wouldn't get to low or to high and had more of a balance which was greatly appreciated.
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05 Jun, 2021 by Monica
I had been fight a battle of trying to divorce an abusive ex husband that wouldn't not sign the papers and he lived in another state. This went on for a year and 10 months before deciding to hire David as my lawyer. This was during the pandemic and I never even met him in person but he really came through for me and made everything so easy and stress free. He had me divorced in a matter of 3 months. Some how he even got my ex to willingly sign the papers. I'm forever grateful for David and his team. Thank you so much and I will recommend David to anyone who needs a lawyer.
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28 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
My ex-wife filed a modification case seeking to change our Agreed Final Decree of Divorce several years after it was completed. Her grounds for the change were in my opinion self -serving and based on several alleged points that would be detrimental and restrictive to our adult child's future.
Ben and the team at Slate & Associates all worked together in a coordinated effort to help with the defense of the case. They listened and learned the details of me and my family's circumstances. And they believed in me and my support for my adult child.
Throughout the process, Ben kept the focus on the relevant legal points that mattered. As I reacted to all the irrelevant and distracting points that the opposing counsel continuously put out there, Ben worked to help me understand the legal points and strategies that we were using to get to our end goal.
The process included filing a Motion for Summary Judgement which was granted by the Court in our favor. The process of working thru this was extensive. All the Paralegals were very knowledgeable and helpful to the entire process. And the Appellate team within Slate & Associates was very helpful to have as a resource and provided support to Ben. Thru it all Ben kept on point. In the Hearing, while the opposing counsel used his showmanship, Ben kept his focus on the relevant legal points, which is what mattered most to the Judge.
I can't thank Ben and everyone else at Slate & Associates enough who helped me - Dominique, Bronwyn, Emily M., Karlene, Emily C. and Brenda.
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22 Sep, 2023 by Julie halsey
I cannot recommend Ben Raia and his team enough. They were professional, knowledgeable, and empathetic. They took the time to listen to my concerns and answer all my questions thoroughly.
Their attention to detail and expertise in family law made me feel confident that my case was in good hands. Most importantly, they showed a genuine care for my well-being and the well-being of my family. They were supportive and understanding throughout the entire journey of my case.
Overall, I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional service Ben provided. I would recommend Slate and Associates to anyone in need of legal assistance in the family law arena.
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10 Mar, 2023 by Julie
I cannot recommend Ben Raia and his team enough. They were professional, knowledgeable, and empathetic. They took the time to listen to my concerns and answer all my questions thoroughly.
Their attention to detail and expertise in family law made me feel confident that my case was in good hands. Most importantly, they showed a genuine care for my well-being and the well-being of my family. They were supportive and understanding throughout the entire emotional journey of my case.
Overall, I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional service Ben provided. I would recommend Slate and Associates to anyone in need of legal assistance in the family law arena.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Kevin mcelroy
My family and I have used Bradshaw several times with good results. However, I have tried to reach them and left messages for over two weeks and sent an email and I have not heard one response from them.
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30 Apr, 2024 by Harry huili gao
"Zero star" and "robbery" service. I used them for my speeding ticket. They barely responded your email and you have no idea what happened. Then after a couple weeks, they would call you and said your case was worked out. But you have to pay extra $300 for dismiss. There is another option for safe driving course, but they never take it for you. They said their option is the best.
They also lied about the court date. They told me that they just got the information last week, but it turns out it was almost 2 weeks ago.
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28 Mar, 2024 by Savannah joned
Apparently I came around the end of lunchtime. I showed up at 12:48. I called at 12:50 and a girl answered the phone, I asked if they were open she said yes, I told her that I tried to open the door and it was locked. She replied that they had just gotten back from lunch and that was probably why. OK cool. I went back up to the door, tried to open it, still locked. So I thought OK maybe they don’t open until exactly one? I go back up to the door at 1:02. Door is still locked. I knocked on the door, waited about a minute or so.. Tried calling the number again, Someone else answered and said that they were remotely calling? I asked them if she could ask the people inside to open the door? She placed me on a five second hold if even that, then came back on and said no one answered her call and that she could take a message for me. I don’t understand why there are no business hours posted anywhere, no lunch hours listed online or at the location..
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02 Sep, 2024 by Debbie girouard
The worst Attorney ever. He tell you one thing and does another thing, Do not use him. I only reason I gave him one star because had to.
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21 May, 2024 by J d
Mr. Willis was responsive, and efficient.
This case had been in the hands of several attorneys prior.
He asked a fair wage for difficult work.
He gave wise counsel, and gave it to me straight.
The legal theory was sound, and the execution was to standard.
I will continue to recommend him to friends and family, and have only heard good reviews back from them.
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26 Oct, 2023 by Travis john white
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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.
