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16 Reviews
05 Apr, 2024 by Iris foster
Mr. Leizer Goldsmith is the Best of the Best. Thank you and your law firm for representing me. Iris Foster
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21 Jul, 2023 by Ski winter
Ms. Royal is pleasant to talk to and very helpful! She really puts an effort to help her clients which is a blessing since you don't see that with a lot of other attorneys. I highly recommend her!
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07 Jun, 2023 by Jayden x
20 Sep, 2023 by Eric villalta
01 Jun, 2022 by Kevin royster
Forget About It
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11 Apr, 2020 by William hughes
Working class law professionals.
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20 Sep, 2023 by Eric villalta
01 Jun, 2022 by Kevin royster
Forget About It
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11 Apr, 2020 by William hughes
Working class law professionals.
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23 Oct, 2012 by Michael
Great Lawyer - has some timely issues - however I would highly recommend this Atorney. I felt represented, very trustworthy, tough as nails - will champion your cause.
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28 Feb, 2017 by Mark
I was referred to Meaghan because my wife and I decided to get a prenuptial agreement before our wedding.
Meaghan was wonderful, caring, and insightful. They explained each step, pros and cons, potential issues, and areas I never thought of. She was efficient in their time and were upfront on costs. Meaghan even emailed me best wishes on my wedding day! How considerate!
I hope I never have to execute my prenuptial or need a lawyer, but if I do I’m calling Meaghan.
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25 Jan, 2018 by Samuel
Very good. Handled my case with , promptly and most of all maintain a good Proffessional conduct throughout the whole proceeding. I remained informed promptly of any changes in my case.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Osei king
if I could leave negative stars, I would. Do not waste your money with this person. He is too busy to review your case, and doesn't submit key evidence on time. He is an utter embarrassment. I would strongly recommend that you never do business with this person ever!
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02 Jan, 2023 by Dale k.
26 Nov, 2021 by Joseph jordan
06 Sep, 2024 by Osei king
if I could leave negative stars, I would. Do not waste your money with this person. He is too busy to review your case, and doesn't submit key evidence on time. He is an utter embarrassment. I would strongly recommend that you never do business with this person ever!
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30 Aug, 2024 by Judith
I had a very corner case scenario. First off, I was able to speak directly with Mr Colbert without going though 20 questions with a gatekeeper or wait days for a call back. Second, instead of just saying nope, can't help you, he brainstormed during our call and gave me a few ideas I never would have considered to help resolve my issue. He gives lawyers a GOOD name. Thank you!
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02 Jan, 2023 by Dale k.
05 Apr, 2024 by Iris foster
Mr. Leizer Goldsmith is the Best of the Best. Thank you and your law firm for representing me. Iris Foster
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21 Jul, 2023 by Ski winter
Ms. Royal is pleasant to talk to and very helpful! She really puts an effort to help her clients which is a blessing since you don't see that with a lot of other attorneys. I highly recommend her!
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27 Jul, 2022 by Craig jackson
Said they would have someone contact me within 24 hours.
NO return call!
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01 Oct, 2024 by Richard
Mr. Schy has been very helpful advising me on how to navigate significant legal issues regarding a family member's very contentious divorce. He has been a trusted source and has been incredibly supportive and understanding through the process. His advice and thoughts suggest a very defined and significant understanding of the legal environment regarding family law. Empathy is abundant, wrapped in a no-nonsense approach to the realities.
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13 Apr, 2024 by Liz martin
18 May, 2022 by Catalina
Mr. Schy helped with a few of my cases regarding custody and child support. He is extremely knowledgeable, very smart and easy to work with and helped me understand how to navigate the legal resources. I have worked with a few attorneys before hiring him and he proved to be the best of all! He is also very kind, compassionate and very decent; he genuinely wants to help. He was very assertive in understanding my position and how to create tactics to support my case. I highly recommend him with no hesitation. His skills are outstanding and I have high regard for him! Over the years I gained deep respect for Mr. Schy. It was an honor to have him as my lawyer!
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16 Feb, 2024 by Kalena kettering
21 Sep, 2023 by Vision motors
Excellent firm, in depth knowledge, with an even more appealing and exciting work culture from top to bottom
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09 Aug, 2023 by Mike cape
Fair legal work and expertise in all forms of benefits, health and welfare. Great option for TPAs, vendors and professionals who require legal oversight on the mild to insanely complex. However, if not pressed for time on more rudimentary items, their are likely many as good options locally to whom a greater oversight can be applied with similar results for far, far less expenditure.
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26 May, 2024 by James n
Unresponsive
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09 Apr, 2024 by Ashley nichols
We reached out to SB&R to request an initial consultation, which are offered complimentary to members of our union. We called and were told to fill out an online form. We very briefly filled out the form with minimal detail, intending to provide more information during the consultation. The firm's specialties appeared to align with the issues we were exploring.
We received an email response. "We are unable to provide you with legal services for your matter. Thank you for contacting our law firm."
We replied to the email to request clarification. We never received a reply.
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09 Apr, 2024 by Carl hutchens
I cannot say enough good things about this firm. They are not cheap, but I have always believed that it does not matter what a person pays for a given thing, as long as the money spent is worth it. Conor Dirks was the senior attorney throughout my issue. He was concise, candid and accurate. There were no surprises on billing. Conor briefed me on what he saw was a likely outcome, what he and his staff could do to help me, and let me make the choice. Throughout it all, Conor or his staff were in contact with me when necessary and they were always available to answer my questions.
If you need an attorney and are having trouble deciding, call these people. The consult alone was very informative.
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26 May, 2024 by James n
Unresponsive
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09 Apr, 2024 by Ashley nichols
We reached out to SB&R to request an initial consultation, which are offered complimentary to members of our union. We called and were told to fill out an online form. We very briefly filled out the form with minimal detail, intending to provide more information during the consultation. The firm's specialties appeared to align with the issues we were exploring.
We received an email response. "We are unable to provide you with legal services for your matter. Thank you for contacting our law firm."
We replied to the email to request clarification. We never received a reply.
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09 Apr, 2024 by Carl hutchens
I cannot say enough good things about this firm. They are not cheap, but I have always believed that it does not matter what a person pays for a given thing, as long as the money spent is worth it. Conor Dirks was the senior attorney throughout my issue. He was concise, candid and accurate. There were no surprises on billing. Conor briefed me on what he saw was a likely outcome, what he and his staff could do to help me, and let me make the choice. Throughout it all, Conor or his staff were in contact with me when necessary and they were always available to answer my questions.
If you need an attorney and are having trouble deciding, call these people. The consult alone was very informative.
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16 Feb, 2024 by Kalena kettering
21 Sep, 2023 by Vision motors
Excellent firm, in depth knowledge, with an even more appealing and exciting work culture from top to bottom
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09 Aug, 2023 by Mike cape
Fair legal work and expertise in all forms of benefits, health and welfare. Great option for TPAs, vendors and professionals who require legal oversight on the mild to insanely complex. However, if not pressed for time on more rudimentary items, their are likely many as good options locally to whom a greater oversight can be applied with similar results for far, far less expenditure.
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13 Apr, 2024 by Liz martin
15 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
It’s no wonder she hasn’t been held in contempt for her out bursts in court.
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14 Sep, 2022 by Sam
After working to undermine the constitution while a member of the Trump administration she has gone on to defend insurrectionists -- including members of the Oath Keeper -- at trial. If you are a traitor and have been caught trying to destroy democracy give her a call. All others should point and shout "Shame! Shame!" upon sight.
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17 Apr, 2024 by Albert “jack joe” moore
20 Nov, 2023 by Jibo zhuo
Thanks a let I need a law help
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28 Aug, 2022 by Rachael goldberg
16 Aug, 2024 by Roberts john
19 Feb, 2024 by Maria
Imagine going to law school and quoting Instagram comments pretending they're lawful evidence. Katie Morrone is extremely unprofessional.
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09 Feb, 2024 by Gale montelongo
Katie Wright Morrone is incredibly unprofessional.
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28 Mar, 2022 by James
This post provides a written response to the Virginia State Bar’s (VSB) request to initiate a formal ethics investigation against Christopher Martin Locey. It contains information and provides specific examples how Mr. Locey violated provisions of the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct. In addition, it illustrates how Mr. Locey’s actions and behavior contradict the Principals of Professionalism as he consistently failed to act with diligence, dedication, respect, courtesy and in my best interests. Mr. Locey’s professionalism and ineptitude caused me to experience undue stress and severe anxiety, which ultimately undermined my confidence in his ability and trustworthiness.
Listed below are specific violations of the rules and principals along with a brief description of each. These examples provide a glimpse and represent only a small portion of the almost daily challenges that I faced. Ultimately, Mr. Locey’s inappropriate, demeaning behavior forced me to find new legal representation to ensure adequate legal representation. A complete list of additional violations and their substantiating documents are available upon request.
Rule 1.1: Competence
Mr. Locey filed a motion that contained unsubstantiated and inflammatory acquisitions that were based on his opinion. The motion was submitted after I had instructed him to remove them from a draft that I reviewed. The motion, which was later removed portrayed me as a trained killer who targeted his wife for elimination.
a. “Father’s shocking behavior during litigation has an explanation that does not require Dr. Lane’s evaluation. As the Court is aware, Father is 23-year veteran of the U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy who served several combat tours in Afghanistan. He has been trained, and is an expert in, assessing threats, and then neutralizing threats by any means necessary, without reflection, without remorse. Unfortunately, it appears that, in litigation, by seeking to “take away” his children and his family, Mother made herself a “threat” to Father, consciously and subconsciously, and he reacted as he was trained, and learned through experience, to do – to neutralize the perceived threat to his children, by any means necessary.”
Mr. Locey was demeaning, argumentative, and adversarial toward me on numerous occasions. His emails and phone calls were inappropriate and unprofessional in nature. For example, when negotiating a settlement offer for equity and distribution Mr. Locey was sarcastic, condescending, and even insinuated that I suffered from a learning disability.
b. “You are a smart man. You know how to read. You certainly know how to speak up for yourself and ask a question if something is confusing or you do not understand. And this exact issue was one we had already discussed, so there was no way it could be confusing to you the second time unless you have some sort of learning disability you have not disclosed, or else you did not read what I sent to you. Either way, I instructed you to tell me your thoughts, which requires you to read what I sent. Either you hid from me a learning disability, or you did not do what I asked you to do (or you are making this all up, which I suppose, is a third option). None of those are my responsibility.”
Mr. Locey used the threat of seeing my children in the future to push his own opinions and narratives. On numerous occasions he used statements like, “If you ever want to see your children again” to influence me into making decisions contrary to my desires.
a. “If you want to ask for this, the only hope is to do it with a tone that is the equivalent of begging, on your knees, for her to help you, and by extension, the kids, by agreeing to direct communication.”
b. “if you want to see your kids as much as possible and as soon as possible, you really need to appear to be a sweet, happy, cooperative guy. You should be looking for ways to bend over backward to help out Liz.”
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21 Dec, 2015 by James
Ive had 5 or 6 Attorneys in my lifetime and I feel that Chris is honestly the best one I've had. I say this because when I signed the retainer agreement he actually included literature that explained exactly how I as the client can help keep cost down. Further more, when I was forced to discontinue with Chris due to an unfortunate conflict of interest (my wife had already consulted with his office partner - sort of (she didn't show up for actual appointment but had talked to him on the phone)), but once we went our separate ways he actually gave me back almost all of my retainer even though he had already done a substantial amount of work, time and effort. Couple this with the fact that he was extremely responsive to my every single email, phone call, and was also very patient and knowledgeable. I cant tell you how upset I was when I could not keep working with him, but I can tell you that the next time I need an attorney, I will approach him again. Very reasonable priced and he seems very honest - which I have never ever said that about an Attorney before in my life.
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30 Nov, 2023 by Paul
If you are seeking Charles Ross as an attorney related to family law, I strongly do not recommend him and ask that you seek another professional. Mr. Ross is one of the most unprofessional lawyers that I have ever come across in the District of Columbia.
The goal for hiring Mr. Ross was to legally assist me in working with my wife on amicable terms related to a legal separation agreement, filing divorce papers after 6 months of separation and divorce proceedings, assisting in sound communication, work towards joint legal custody/child support agreement, and assistance along with separation of assets.
Mr. Ross showed during our legal relationship (May 2023 to November 2023) that his expertise and professionalism is subpar. He also is very negligent as he never formally filed my divorce papers to DC Court after being given signed documents and expressing that he did multiple times. He also lied about serving papers to my wife and lied in telling me that I had an initial divorce court date when the court date never existed. DC Court verified with me that he never did anything. He ignores phone calls 9 out of 10 times and leaves his clerks (who all work remotely) to be given messages.
To save your time, money, and resources, please find another lawyer who will best suit your needs.
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09 May, 2022 by Sophia
I would like to highly recommend Mr. Charles Ross for his excellent work and knowledge on the matter. We recognize that at all times the services of Mr. Ross were professional and well done. If you are looking for legal services, I recommend you Mr. Charles Ross.
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26 May, 2021 by Yolanda jeter
ALWAYS EXCELLENT SERVICE.
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06 Apr, 2019 by Kerry bedard
26 May, 2021 by Yolanda jeter
ALWAYS EXCELLENT SERVICE.
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06 Apr, 2019 by Kerry bedard
02 Apr, 2020 by Tjm
My first experience using this law firm for estate planning was phenomenal. The team was fast, responsive and provided excellent service! I laid out my desires for my estate and Sarah A. was able to recommend the best course of action. I definitely plan on using Dunlap Bennet & Ludwig for future legal needs.
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30 Oct, 2019 by Zach knotts
I hired Dusty Gwynn to represent me to get a parenting plan changed. He wrote one letter and made one phone call to my son's lawyer. He dragged just doing that out for at least two months. Then when he talked to my mother's lawyer he claimed up and did the opposite of what I asked and made things worse for me. He basically told me just to do what my son's mother lawyer said, and we'd try again later. I told him I did not want to sign a plan I didn't agree to, as that was how I got in my predicament to begin with. He didn't say much and I didn't hear from him for 6 months until he contacted me and gave me a bill for $700 when the whole time I kept asking him about price and he said not to worry it wouldn't be much. So basically he drug my case out for over 6 months, did the opposite of what I asked him, he put me in a?worse spot than before, and then charged me a big bill for one phone call and one letter. I would highly not recommend this law firm as they seem to screw the client and take their money while helping the other team.
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02 Apr, 2020 by Tjm
My first experience using this law firm for estate planning was phenomenal. The team was fast, responsive and provided excellent service! I laid out my desires for my estate and Sarah A. was able to recommend the best course of action. I definitely plan on using Dunlap Bennet & Ludwig for future legal needs.
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30 Oct, 2019 by Zach knotts
I hired Dusty Gwynn to represent me to get a parenting plan changed. He wrote one letter and made one phone call to my son's lawyer. He dragged just doing that out for at least two months. Then when he talked to my mother's lawyer he claimed up and did the opposite of what I asked and made things worse for me. He basically told me just to do what my son's mother lawyer said, and we'd try again later. I told him I did not want to sign a plan I didn't agree to, as that was how I got in my predicament to begin with. He didn't say much and I didn't hear from him for 6 months until he contacted me and gave me a bill for $700 when the whole time I kept asking him about price and he said not to worry it wouldn't be much. So basically he drug my case out for over 6 months, did the opposite of what I asked him, he put me in a?worse spot than before, and then charged me a big bill for one phone call and one letter. I would highly not recommend this law firm as they seem to screw the client and take their money while helping the other team.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Zai knab
Rashida and Attorney David worked with me throughout the night, using every resource available to them to assist me. Some clinics are truly helpful but the people truly make the connecting difference and allowing me to better navigate my own situation which is part of their main purpose. Much appreciation to the two that added that difference for me Rashida and Attorney David!☺️🤌🏾💕
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19 Dec, 2023 by A white
They promise to get back to you and then ghost you. A complete waste of time and totally unprofessional.
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10 Nov, 2023 by Saritha
This organization doesn't care about workers or our rights.
I called about a workplace discrimination case and they had me detail my traumatic experience in great detail to a layperson. This person who had no legal background then forwarded the info to an attorney. The attorney swiftly looked at my case and said that though my experience at this racist & hostile workplace was "uncomfortable" & "unpleasant," that I had no recourse.
Luckily, I put no faith in the legal system here and know that there are other routes to seek justice. But what if I hadn't known that & took their word? This is why abuse and racism perpetuate, because citizens (particularly vulnerable ones) are to defer to "experts" who don't care for justice, only virtue signaling & getting paid.
Do NOT use this service. Save your time & your emotional well-being by not being gaslit and having your traumatic & illegal experiences diminished . Get second, third and fourth opinions and know that all REAL change occurs through defiant citizens, not lawyers or politicians.
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06 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
Dan listened to me, contacted third parties to get corroboration and wrote a letter to try and help me protect my young children from the indecency my ex was exposing them to with his relationship outside of marriage post divorce having the kids sleep under the same roof as him and his paramour. Unfortunately, we live in a society where nothing is shameless or indecent anymore so nothing changed. Still, I appreciate the efforts Dan made to help. He came highly recommended and did the best he could.
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20 Sep, 2022 by Mo
I went in for a consultation and considered hiring this lawyer. After two meetings, I decided he was not good for me. The 2nd time I met him was less than a month apart, however, this lawyer could not remember a single detail from the first time I consulted him. He watches the clock religiously and will not respond to email with content but a simple "Call me" to make sure you are charged for any time on the phone. He made it difficult even to refund the remaining retainer that was unused. I do not recommend and am happy he is off my divorce case.
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02 May, 2022 by Anonymous
I would highly recommend Dan. I have never really needed an attorney for anything prior to working with Dan and he was very professional in his approach and I appreciate his help in drafting my prenuptial agreement. I did my research and after working with Dan, he exceeded my expectations.
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03 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
This is not a lawyer you should trust to take care of your loved ones. He doesn't communicate with families and has poor judgement in providing a safe environment for his elderly clients. Mr. Parker placed my family member in an unsafe environment who required around the clock care, but did not receive it. Please reconsider any thoughts you have of asking him to represent you or your loved ones.
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06 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
It would be great if Mark Carlin were the last lawyer on earth, but I wouldn't hire him even then. In my experience, there was nothing professional or artful about his work except how he could abuse the legal system and get away with it. He was a brazenly dishonest influence peddlar and used every dirty trick in the book, not in the best interest of his client, but to milk fees for himself. When I read he was a "lawyer's lawyer," that explained it all. Why is he no longer at the firm he founded?!
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15 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
Be careful. He is not very detail oriented and loses most of his motions cause he just rambles on and judges get angry with him. He lost our case cause he had not argued the main points of the case and had just put a brief together without actually arguing the case issues. Yes that's odd.
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14 May, 2024 by K schilling
I ended my relationship with him feeling worse then when I started and in a worse legal and financial situation. He showed up to court at the last minute, making me feel alone and unsupported. He showed up to an online zoom arbitration with a professional mediator in a sweatshirt, which I thought looked sloppy and unprofessional. He yelled at me for being upset that a legal decision went against me, making me feel shamed and judged for feeling upset in very stressful circumstances. I tried to put the whole affair behind me, so we settled my account, I paid a final bill and tried to focus on moving forward. I was unfortunately contacted after we ended our relationship and he told me that he "forgot" to send me a bill that I had to pay.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Maria
Timid. Did not aggressively represent. Did not effectively communicate with me. Billed excessively
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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.
