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11 May, 2024 by Maria misal
03 May, 2024 by Terry sprehe
The entire staff were so helpful thru my stressful situation and always responded to my questions in a timely matter. My settlement was resolved and I am very pleased with the result. I would highly recommend there firm. Terry
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20 Apr, 2024 by Moriah langston
After having a horrible experience working with an insurance adjuster after a slip and fall accident Kelly and Bramwell came to the rescue and made getting medical attention a painless experience. And I didn’t have to pay a dime. I loved the service provided and will definitely be referring them for anyone who needs legal help.
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12 Dec, 2020 by Bryan colemere
Jeff has represented me many times. Each time he has given precise attention to detail. He is a master litigator, very well organized, professional and courteous in court. But don’t let that fool you, he is a bulldog and will get positive results. Whether you need a good letter or full representation, he is your attorney.
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29 Nov, 2019 by S a
👍🏻👍🏻
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02 Nov, 2023 by Victor midgley
Kit handled my case with the utmost professionalism and confidence. He was not intimidated by the Judge or opposing counsel. Kit is a terrific attorney that helped me in an important way.
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26 Oct, 2023 by Terrence t. bagley
I reached out to Raposa Law and spoke to an individual named Kit Ericson. I came to Kit vulnerable and worn down from attempting to reach my child for multiple years with no results, hoping he would be the answer to this continuous hell I’ve experienced. Unfortunately, he wasn’t. Kit didn’t pay much attention to what I said and wasn’t sympathetic to my plight. Later, my partner reached out to Kit to see if there were any sort of qualities or requirements he looks for when taking on a case (once again we need the help). However, Kit was rude and suggested my spouse inquiring about qualifications needed had forced him to rule out representation. His etiquette was the opposite of what his site suggests. I just want to provide all of you with a genuine and honest account of what transpired and the kind of lawyer he is.
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20 Sep, 2023 by Yolanda guifarro
24 Jan, 2021 by Emma
Chad was extremely helpful in my case and went above and beyond what I expected. He was timely in his communication and made me feel like I was his only client. I recommended him to some friends who were in the same situation as me and he has done so much for both of us! He was very great to work with and very knowledgeable.
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08 Dec, 2019 by Jen
Please read this before hiring Chad Shattuck or his firm to represent you. I am a former client of Chad’s and I am only writing this review after trying multiple times to resolve my concerns with him and his law firm. Their unwillingness to stand by their work and make things right has been very disappointing and makes what would have been a 2 or 3-star review (or no review at all) a definite 1-star review. While he was representing me, Chad was okay to work with and I didn’t have too many complaints, but after my divorce went through, I discovered critical mistakes were made in my divorce paperwork relating to retirement account division that led to an unexpected tax loss of $3,700. In speaking with other attorneys, the penalty could have been avoided if Chad understood basic retirement account division in divorce, had advised me appropriately, and drafted my paperwork correctly. As a new single mom, having to come up with thousands of dollars I was not planning on was financially painful to me and my kids at an already stressful time. When I contacted Chad and pointed out the problem, he was dismissive and initially told me I didn’t know what I was talking about. When I pursued the issue and pointed him to the specific things that he had not done correctly, he changed his position and told me he had never advised me to do it that way. When given proof that he did in fact advise me incorrectly, he stopped responding to me. I understand everyone makes mistakes. What upset me most was that when I respectfully brought the mistakes to his and his law firm’s attention, instead of looking into the issue and trying to make it right, they have done everything possible to avoid responsibility for the mistakes made. This has been extremely disappointing because when you pay a professional like Chad thousands of dollars for their expertise and advice in order to have things done correctly, there is a certain level of expectation that when mistakes are made, they will stand by their work and make things right, and this has simply not happened. Avoid them if you can!
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31 May, 2017 by Chelsea
Chad and Lori were super helpful and nice. They explained everything throughout my divorce and kept me updated the entire time. I attempted to do my divorce online, and after nearly a year of headache, a friend recommended chad to me and he got it finalized in just a month! Definitely recommended if you need an attorney:)
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19 Dec, 2017 by David
So when I went in for a consultation he told me everything that I wanted to hear. However, it turned out that he knew the father of my now ex-wife and was more concerned with staying on his good side than doing his job that he gave in to most everything. Also, he charged me for any time that he spoke to my ex's father and would charge me for almost an hour to read and respond to an email from him. I trusted that he would do the job he was getting paid for and he kept assuring me that he "had my back" so I didn't fully see what was happening (with going through a divorce that I didn't want I was a little distracted). Should have fired him and found someone else before my divorce was finalized, but didn't realize what was happening until it was too late. Basically I feel like I paid a lawyer to represent my ex and her father. Told me after everything was done that he "did things in a different way with my divorce" and that he "took things in a more spiritual manner" while representing me. I just wanted everything to be fair for both me and my ex, but with him it didn't turn out that way. My ex's father has some high callings in the LDS church and Mr. Tycksen was more concerned about making him happy and staying on his good side than he was about his client that was paying him for his services. I would not use him ever again. Also, he doubled up on his time on multiple occasions where he would be on the clock for me and would be working on other cases. Not an honest lawyer that I would recommend. Go find someone else.
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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:
-
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.
