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07 Apr, 2021 by John
Amy is a terrific Attorney. She is quick to respond, and takes action even faster. Amy cuts through the nonsense and cares about achieving her client's objective and goals. I highly recommend using Amy's services in your time of need. I will be using Amy's services moving forward.
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06 Apr, 2021 by Jon
I am a client of R&A and we just wrapped up a post-divorce case where the adversary got stomped. Everything the opposing party asked for got denied outright AND I was awarded attorney's fees. Amy K., and her team, gave her the business in a convoluted jurisdiction case wrought with lies by compiling and filing THOROUGH documents and information necessary to prove our case. It's not enough to believe you are right, you have to prove it with evidence within the confines of the lens the court is looking through. R&A did exactly that. I wholeheartedly recommend R&A for family law matters.
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01 Apr, 2021 by Veronica
We had a delicate family matter not often processed through the courts. Amy and staff (Krystina) were professional and understanding throughout our difficult time and helped us get the best outcome for our situation. If you need help, this is the place to go.
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10 Apr, 2023 by Melissa
I hired Dorothy to help me get consent from my ex-husband to move out of state with my son who is a minor. Dorothy did a great job negotiating with his lawyer and making points on my behalf in order to get the content agreed to. The outcome couldn't have went any better. Thank you Dorothy!
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10 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
I had been trying since the middle of the pandemic to get my very high alimony lowered since my income had been cut in half. I used a cheaper lawyer and the situation only got worse. Dorothy and her team took this mess and got me the relief I needed. Dorothy is a tough negotiator. I’m definitely glad she was on my side.
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01 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
After being stuck in a six year child custody battle my former attorney had to retire and my case was referred to Dorothy. I am very glad it was! Dorothy very quickly understood the ordeal I had been through and how to resolve them. She really fought for me and my family and helped me obtain all of the goals I was hoping for and more. I never expected to win as strong as I did and I never would have been able to do so without Dorothy. Thank you so much Dorothy and for using "the power of No" so effectively!
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11 Jun, 2019 by Larry
He has helped me with many real estate transactions in efficient, professional and reasonable outcomes. He is an adept matrimonial lawyer by reputation.
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14 Jan, 2017 by Joe
I wanted to take a moment to express how beyond pleased I am with Attorney Ira Cohen and his practice. I am not sure if you are familiar with how many hours actually go into closing a house, and how many particulars are involved. He and his Assistant Susan made this closing like champions. They went above and beyond and payed attention to my concerns, calmed my worries, and eased my stress level. This process can feel like an eternity, yet it was closed in an expedition manor. Susan is an amazing support and was always there to answer any questions that I had. I highly recommend using Attorney Ira Cohen his services will get you the results you are looking for !
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10 Mar, 2015 by Ken
James spent the necessary time to understand my long winded divorce and post-divorce motions. I know that getting involved at the point he did, isn't easy for any lawyer. James was able to work through the facts and convey my position to the courts to achieve a positive outcome. Wish I found him earlier but thankful nevertheless we connected.
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24 Apr, 2014 by Linda
It was a real pleasure to work with Mr Destefano he has a comforting and very professional manner. He was very caring and understanding of the feelings I had during this difficult time made for an outstanding job that helped me get though my divorce. His positive attitude and WISE COUNCIL leaves me to say that I would highly recommend James to anyone that is looking for a great professional trustworthy lawyer. Thank you LINDA
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25 Nov, 2018 by Donna
The single most important component for a successful outcome in litigation is the attorney and firm you choose, we selected the best! Thank you so much, Gary Botwinick and Adam Sandler for the truly outstanding representation you provided to my daughter. It was astonishing how quickly and effectively you achieved the justice and result we hoped for. You are highly skilled Attorney's and we are so grateful for your representation. The Einhorn Firm has gained a new loyal client! Thank you so much. Sincerely, Donna A.
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14 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
I was involved in a first cousin's estate, and it was a highly emotional situation; it involved my siblings. I hired Gary after my siblings (unbeknownst to me) fired the estate attorney we all initially agreed to hire. At some point during the long, drawn-out process, I lost the family I had always known. It was an extremely painful time of my life. Not only did Gary provide legal services, he also provided compassionate support to me as a person. Gary has an excellent grasp of how best to handle complicated, highly-charged estate matters. He listened to me regarding what I was and was not willing to do, and he took my personal values into account throughout the negotiations. In the end, I compromised instead of going to court because of the emotional trauma I believed seeing my siblings in a courtroom setting would surely cause me. However, there is no doubt in my mind that Gary was the lawyer I wanted to fight for me in court if it had come to that. I cannot say enough good things about Gary. He was always prepared for our calls and meetings; he kept me in the loop every step of the way; and he was extremely responsive. Gary (supported by his friendly and helpful paralegal Christina) is a great attorney to have on your side. Gary knows the real value is not always in dollars and cents but in helping his clients overall. Gary not only handled the estate matter with a high level of expertise utilizing his in-depth knowledge of the law, but he also helped me survive the whole ordeal on a personal level. I feel very blessed to have Gary as my lawyer.
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04 Nov, 2017 by John
Mr. Marx is a wonderful attorney, diligent, responsive and understanding. He represented me for real estate closings and also for other court matter that did not come my way, however, was confided and advised to my satisfaction my David Marx. I recommend him for these reasons, he is a down to earth attorney. I was happy and proud to be represented by him.
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12 Apr, 2018 by Ml
Jennifer is an outstanding lawyer, who takes the time to understand your situation. She was quick to respond to any of my concerns and made every effort to achieve great results.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Mina selwanes
Mr king is fantastic. Very responsive, very professional and efficient .I can’t say enough Highly recommended !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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24 Sep, 2024 by Ryan barta
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24 Sep, 2024 by Christine aziz esq.
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28 Nov, 2023 by Matthew aversa
Exceptional attorney. Angelo's expertise and attention to detail made a difficult real estate transaction as stress-free as possible. I would highly recommend Mr. Dattolo to anyone.
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17 Sep, 2022 by Christine gardner
Fantastic Real-estate Attorney
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02 Feb, 2022 by Julian cabrera
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12 Sep, 2024 by Eva rose
Thank you, DENNIS SHLIONSKY and DANIELLE! This is the second time Dennis represented me, and I couldn’t be more thankful. Right when we were about to settle my first case, I got into another minor accident that made my neck pain even worse. The insurance company tried to brush it off as a simple fender bender, but Dennis didn’t let them get away with it. Even though I had surgery after the first accident and the MRI showed my herniation had shrunk, Dennis fought tooth and nail to make sure I got every dollar I deserved. Dennis isn’t just an incredible lawyer, he’s a genuinely good person. He listens, cares, and follows through on everything he promises. There were times I needed to reach him on weekends or late at night, and he always picked up the phone, no questions asked. He made sure my medical bills were taken care of and never let the insurance company push me around. Dennis truly saved the day and got me all the money I was owed. If you need a lawyer who’s relentless and also has your back, Dennis is the one. He’s hands-down the best.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Geisiane santos
Excellent
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11 Aug, 2024 by Arthur w
I’m really grateful for Dennis Shlionsky and his amazing team! I was stopped at a red light on US 1 in North Brunswick when a chain-reaction crash ended up with my car getting hit. It was a mess, but Dennis and his team took care of everything. They explained the whole process clearly, answered all my questions, and made sure the responsible parties were held accountable. Dennis and his team worked hard to get me all the compensation available. If you need a smart, caring lawyer with a great team, I highly recommend Lawyer Dennis Shlionsky!
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12 Sep, 2024 by Eva rose
Thank you, DENNIS SHLIONSKY and DANIELLE! This is the second time Dennis represented me, and I couldn’t be more thankful. Right when we were about to settle my first case, I got into another minor accident that made my neck pain even worse. The insurance company tried to brush it off as a simple fender bender, but Dennis didn’t let them get away with it. Even though I had surgery after the first accident and the MRI showed my herniation had shrunk, Dennis fought tooth and nail to make sure I got every dollar I deserved. Dennis isn’t just an incredible lawyer, he’s a genuinely good person. He listens, cares, and follows through on everything he promises. There were times I needed to reach him on weekends or late at night, and he always picked up the phone, no questions asked. He made sure my medical bills were taken care of and never let the insurance company push me around. Dennis truly saved the day and got me all the money I was owed. If you need a lawyer who’s relentless and also has your back, Dennis is the one. He’s hands-down the best.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Geisiane santos
Excellent
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11 Aug, 2024 by Arthur w
I’m really grateful for Dennis Shlionsky and his amazing team! I was stopped at a red light on US 1 in North Brunswick when a chain-reaction crash ended up with my car getting hit. It was a mess, but Dennis and his team took care of everything. They explained the whole process clearly, answered all my questions, and made sure the responsible parties were held accountable. Dennis and his team worked hard to get me all the compensation available. If you need a smart, caring lawyer with a great team, I highly recommend Lawyer Dennis Shlionsky!
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12 Sep, 2024 by Eva rose
Thank you, DENNIS SHLIONSKY and DANIELLE! This is the second time Dennis represented me, and I couldn’t be more thankful. Right when we were about to settle my first case, I got into another minor accident that made my neck pain even worse. The insurance company tried to brush it off as a simple fender bender, but Dennis didn’t let them get away with it. Even though I had surgery after the first accident and the MRI showed my herniation had shrunk, Dennis fought tooth and nail to make sure I got every dollar I deserved. Dennis isn’t just an incredible lawyer, he’s a genuinely good person. He listens, cares, and follows through on everything he promises. There were times I needed to reach him on weekends or late at night, and he always picked up the phone, no questions asked. He made sure my medical bills were taken care of and never let the insurance company push me around. Dennis truly saved the day and got me all the money I was owed. If you need a lawyer who’s relentless and also has your back, Dennis is the one. He’s hands-down the best.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Geisiane santos
Excellent
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11 Aug, 2024 by Arthur w
I’m really grateful for Dennis Shlionsky and his amazing team! I was stopped at a red light on US 1 in North Brunswick when a chain-reaction crash ended up with my car getting hit. It was a mess, but Dennis and his team took care of everything. They explained the whole process clearly, answered all my questions, and made sure the responsible parties were held accountable. Dennis and his team worked hard to get me all the compensation available. If you need a smart, caring lawyer with a great team, I highly recommend Lawyer Dennis Shlionsky!
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12 Sep, 2024 by Eva rose
Thank you, DENNIS SHLIONSKY and DANIELLE! This is the second time Dennis represented me, and I couldn’t be more thankful. Right when we were about to settle my first case, I got into another minor accident that made my neck pain even worse. The insurance company tried to brush it off as a simple fender bender, but Dennis didn’t let them get away with it. Even though I had surgery after the first accident and the MRI showed my herniation had shrunk, Dennis fought tooth and nail to make sure I got every dollar I deserved. Dennis isn’t just an incredible lawyer, he’s a genuinely good person. He listens, cares, and follows through on everything he promises. There were times I needed to reach him on weekends or late at night, and he always picked up the phone, no questions asked. He made sure my medical bills were taken care of and never let the insurance company push me around. Dennis truly saved the day and got me all the money I was owed. If you need a lawyer who’s relentless and also has your back, Dennis is the one. He’s hands-down the best.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Geisiane santos
Excellent
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11 Aug, 2024 by Arthur w
I’m really grateful for Dennis Shlionsky and his amazing team! I was stopped at a red light on US 1 in North Brunswick when a chain-reaction crash ended up with my car getting hit. It was a mess, but Dennis and his team took care of everything. They explained the whole process clearly, answered all my questions, and made sure the responsible parties were held accountable. Dennis and his team worked hard to get me all the compensation available. If you need a smart, caring lawyer with a great team, I highly recommend Lawyer Dennis Shlionsky!
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12 Sep, 2024 by Eva rose
Thank you, DENNIS SHLIONSKY and DANIELLE! This is the second time Dennis represented me, and I couldn’t be more thankful. Right when we were about to settle my first case, I got into another minor accident that made my neck pain even worse. The insurance company tried to brush it off as a simple fender bender, but Dennis didn’t let them get away with it. Even though I had surgery after the first accident and the MRI showed my herniation had shrunk, Dennis fought tooth and nail to make sure I got every dollar I deserved. Dennis isn’t just an incredible lawyer, he’s a genuinely good person. He listens, cares, and follows through on everything he promises. There were times I needed to reach him on weekends or late at night, and he always picked up the phone, no questions asked. He made sure my medical bills were taken care of and never let the insurance company push me around. Dennis truly saved the day and got me all the money I was owed. If you need a lawyer who’s relentless and also has your back, Dennis is the one. He’s hands-down the best.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Geisiane santos
Excellent
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11 Aug, 2024 by Arthur w
I’m really grateful for Dennis Shlionsky and his amazing team! I was stopped at a red light on US 1 in North Brunswick when a chain-reaction crash ended up with my car getting hit. It was a mess, but Dennis and his team took care of everything. They explained the whole process clearly, answered all my questions, and made sure the responsible parties were held accountable. Dennis and his team worked hard to get me all the compensation available. If you need a smart, caring lawyer with a great team, I highly recommend Lawyer Dennis Shlionsky!
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30 Mar, 2022 by Treasa
Ms.Riordan made me feel like everything would be ok from the first time I spoke to her. Her professionalism, patience, knowledge, and empathy is the perfect combination. She answered all my questions, gave me ideas to think about, and I really felt that she had my personal best interest at heart. She helped me through what was an incredibly difficult time and I am thankful for that. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a divorce lawyer who will listen them, and then work as a team for the best possible outcome.
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16 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
I worked with Catherine on a case with a Narcissistic and emotionally abusive spouse as well and found her to be a poor choice. She did not listen or take any of the things that my ex did seriously and basically worked to just get things done not in mine or my children's best interest. She did not listen, did not follow through, and implemented rules, and then only tried to enforce them for me but not my ex. I would not recommend her to anyone unless they had a very straightforward and low conflict situation.
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03 Mar, 2021 by Frank
I cannot thank Ms. Riordan enough for her counsel, advice, and support throughout an often frustrating case. If you need an attorney that honestly cares about you as a person, not just as a client, than look no further than Catherine Riordan.
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01 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
I had been stuck in a six year post judgement child custody battle with my ex-wife. My case took so long my prior attorney had to retire before my case was finished. I was referred to Tom who quickly absorbed my case history, quickly ascertained what the problems were and developed a strategy that resolved my case in just a few months! I found him to be direct with me, which I really appreciated, as well as completely empathetic to my plight. After being stuck in the family court legal system for years and after asking for help from multiple attorney's I wish I had found Tom right off the bat! Thank you for everything you did Tom!
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08 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Tom worked on my case for almost 2 years. He did a good job for me but made things very u comfortable for my wife and children. He made very personal attacks against my wife and caused a bigger rift between us which was unnecessary. He fights for you but is very expensive and does not fighting dirty
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11 Dec, 2016 by Robert
Tom represented me in my divorce. I am extremely happy with the settlement he negotiated for me and the services provided by Tom and his firm.
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19 Nov, 2009 by Anonymous
Worst attorney ever...broke our family finances apart and we settled for what we talked about 15 months earlier. Do not waste your money
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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You

A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.

Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?

Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:

  • Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
  • Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
  • Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
  • Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
  • Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
  • Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
  • Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.

Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.

What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?

A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:

  • Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
  • Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
  • Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
  • Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
  • Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
  • Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
  • Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.

How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?

Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:

  • Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
  • Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
  • Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.

The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.

How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:

  • Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
  • Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
  • Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
  • Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.

Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.

Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer

Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:

  1. What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
    Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption.
  2. How will you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved.
  3. What are the possible outcomes of my case?
    An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case.
  4. What is your approach to resolving disputes?
    Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals.
  5. How long do you expect my case to take?
    While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases.
  6. Who will be handling my case?
    In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.

How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:

  • Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
  • Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
  • Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
  • Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
  • List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
  • Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
  • Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.

Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.

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