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29 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Amy helped me resolve a messy business matter. I met her through BNI and im glad I did. With her dillugence, integrity, and ethics I was able to get my issue resolved. Thank you Amy.
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11 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
I can't thank these ladies enough! They went above and beyond to help me and my son.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Katie payette
Andrew is the guy. He was phenomenal, and pleasant to work with. He helped me every step of the way and made the process easy and stress-free. Affordable, efficient, and truly cares. I cannot recommend him enough!
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11 Oct, 2024 by Maaliyah brooks
Andrew Poole represented me very well he cares and he’s not just out for your money. I’m beyond satisfied and grateful for his service and I highly recommend!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Zack howell
Its always nerve wracking to hire a lawyer. I needed one for a case that was coming up so I talked to several different lawyers some of whom were referrals. Andrew had great reviews and seemed to have a better handle on my situation than the other guys I talked to. On a leap of faith I hired him. He asked for payment up front which I understood but was hesitant about. He worked very hard for me, had great advise and always communicated. It took 18 months because of covid and he never gave up. He finally got my case dismissed against all odds. I couldn't be more happy with his performance!!!
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22 Sep, 2024 by Mikayla w
Where to even start, I just want to scream THANK YOU to Katie for everything you’ve done for my life and my family. Because of you I am able to finally rebuild a relationship with my son again. For that I am forever grateful. Katie is by far THE best family attorney in Duluth, she actually cares about the people she works with. She treats me like a human and not just a “client” She has went way above and beyond for me as her client and that is a trait you don’t find often in attorneys. Honestly, I suggest you book her now before the prices go up because I promise you one day Schwandt Law will be the biggest firm in Duluth Minnesota. 💯
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19 Sep, 2024 by Jacob
I can't say enough good things about Alexander M. Landreville. He helped me through one of the most challenging times in my life – my child custody case. Thanks to his hard work and expertise, my ex-wife and I were able to come to an agreement through mediation, and now, I have the incredible opportunity to see my son regularly. Alexander M. Landreville was always professional, compassionate, and available to answer any questions. His knowledge of family law is top-notch, and he fought for my rights every step of the way. I am forever grateful to him for giving me the chance to rebuild my relationship with my son. I highly recommend him to anyone facing a family law battle!
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20 May, 2024 by Pamela r k ardis
As an attendee of a course on conciliation (25 April '24) led by Katie Schwandt, I came away extremely happy with not only the amount of ground she covered in a short period of time, but also the way she made time to make certain the material was helpful as well as understood. She was obviously enthusiastic about her subject and made potentially difficult to understand legal material very approachable. Highly recommend reaching out to her. Thanks so much Katie.
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20 Dec, 2024 by J p
My name is jesse peterson..I had the best experience with louis...he was always there when I needed him...always answered my questions always pointed me in the right direction even if it was about another law case for my family...or friends...I recommend him to a few friends...I will always do business with him...he got my case done and got everything I needed and wanted out of my case...thank you louis you will always be my#1 go to guy for all my law needs....
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20 Dec, 2024 by Chauncey riggs
My wife and I contacted Stockman law with an insurance issue. Mr. Stockman took the time to meet with us and go over our situation. He was very kind and really listened to our concerns. We spent around an hour discussing our issue and he said it would be in our best interest to bring in someone who really specialized in our unique case. We contacted the third party, and he was able to help us out. Please remember this case took a few years to get resolved, but Mr. Stockman would check in with us to make sure we were being taken care of. We finally won the case, but Mr. Stockman was fantastic in his follow-up with us. I will say if when I do indeed need an attorney I will make the first call to Mr. Stockman. Thank you very much for the help and your kindness!!!!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Wess grassini
Got T Boned by a DTA bus in Duluth, Mn and Stockman represented me and did a great job!
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12 Dec, 2024 by Katie payette
Andrew is the guy. He was phenomenal, and pleasant to work with. He helped me every step of the way and made the process easy and stress-free. Affordable, efficient, and truly cares. I cannot recommend him enough!
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11 Oct, 2024 by Maaliyah brooks
Andrew Poole represented me very well he cares and he’s not just out for your money. I’m beyond satisfied and grateful for his service and I highly recommend!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Chelsae erkkila
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12 Dec, 2024 by Katie payette
Andrew is the guy. He was phenomenal, and pleasant to work with. He helped me every step of the way and made the process easy and stress-free. Affordable, efficient, and truly cares. I cannot recommend him enough!
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11 Oct, 2024 by Maaliyah brooks
Andrew Poole represented me very well he cares and he’s not just out for your money. I’m beyond satisfied and grateful for his service and I highly recommend!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Haley marie hamble
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24 Oct, 2024 by Eve utyro
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21 Oct, 2024 by Grayson gray
Worst attorney ever! Don't pay for his services or if assigned to your case, do it yourself, odds are much better. "Sit and look calm" is the only defense he used and we were laughed out of court despite everything I sent him prior to trial to prepare. I kept having to correct him on the facts listed on court documentation and he just couldn't wrap his head around dates of service. I was completely embarrassed having him as my attorney. UPDATE: And after an accurate yet horrible review for you, you want to talk about my case. Excuse me, what part did I get wrong? None of it. Its been 3 weeks and you never called, until I posted what a God awful attorney you actually are and now you call. You can't fix what you did. I have to live with your complete inaction. The 3 phone calls during trial to ask if you were going to submit all the evidence in rebuttal? You did nothing! Absolutely nothing. I thought you were drunk in court. You just sat there. Nothing. So no, theres no need to talk so stop calling. I guess we both have to live with the consequences of your half a$$ job now.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Jeremy duban
This law firm is amazing. Drew was always very helpful and answered any questions I had the entire time. He always explained everything throughout the entire process. I highly recommended them and would call again. Thank you Drew and to your staff. Everyone I talked with was very helpful.
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03 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
The saying "The lawyers are the only ones getting rich is true. There were a lot of unnecessary emails between the lawyers. The meeting with the mediator was a waste of time. She said all the information wasn't collected so we should reschedule. Of course told that 5 hours in. They get paid hourly. I personally think they are all in on it to get more money. Cost me $1200 for nothing. I had a simple yes or no question to determine if I was to continue and the lawyer wouldn't answer unless I paid another $1500. She had already got $8000. She was nice enough until that point then rude to me. We decided to settle on our own and it worked out. I know not always possible. Alot of unnecessary stress.
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05 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
he really is the best at what she does. If you give her all your facts up front she can get you where you need to be. I can’t say enough and how she is worth every penny. She is prompt with responses and does not waste your time on the phone. I really like that she tells it like it is because that’s what it takes to understand what needs to be done on your end to keep your kids and to be headed in the right direction as a client. She vouched for me, kept immaculate records, and always had my back. I recommend her to everyone for family law/custody things on the moms pages for a reason. I wouldn’t have my kids and the custody schedule I’m on right now if I had chosen someone else.
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06 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I was referred to Jessica by a friend. Jessica did an amazing job with my very complicated divorce. I know she cared as much about the outcome as I did and completely had my best interests in mind. She did an amazing job managing my expectations and her communication skills were very impressive. She did a really great job making me feel comfortable in a very very uncomfortable life event. She was a true professional with experience second to none.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Amy
I reached out to Beaumier Trogdon Orman Hurd & Viegas, Attorneys at Law, PLLP, through the MN State Bar Association website for assistance with a post-divorce child custody matter. The gentleman who answered the phone was professional, attentive, and helpful. As promised, I received a call from Attorney Jeremy Hurd the next day. He exhibited a thoughtful blend of compassion and legal expertise, and I truly appreciated the professionalism, knowledge, and advice he provided.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Nate mitchell
I hired one of the partners. Awful and incompetent. Recommendation given to judge was not possible under statute and was essentially thrown out. Waste of money. Biased. Don’t hire
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10 Mar, 2024 by Melisa mauricio
Matt Beaumier and his team are so kind and helpful. They truly care about the clients. They answered all my questions and concerns with care. I couldn’t have made it through my custody case without them. I highly recommend them.
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14 Nov, 2024 by Darcie kilsdonk
Could never talk to my lawyer, para extremely rude and condescending, no help whatsoever
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08 Jul, 2024 by Leah madsen
My DWI case was very, very tricky but Andrew Poole knew exactly what his plan was. He even had said that this was the best result of a case he has ever gotten in this situation. I am very pleased with his hard work and determination to get me the best plea deal he could and he did it. Thank you so much to you and your team for always answering all my questions in a timely manner and having everything we needed for the best outcome. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
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08 Jul, 2024 by New uber
All the lawyers in this firm are awesome! If it was not for the good people working here I don't think I would be alive. I have worked personally with Andrew and Russ and the services at this firm are top notch!!
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22 Feb, 2022 by Paul
Brenda helped me several years ago with a custody case that had been in and out of courts for years. Brenda was the lawyer that finally made it so that my child had a voice in the hearings. After years of fighting for more time with my child it finally happened. Thank you Brenda for all of your hard work and brutal honesty about how things may or may not go.
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22 Jan, 2020 by Sean
Brenda handled my divorce for me like it was a piece of cake!!! She is very knowledgeable and has a lot of experience. I would not hesitate for a moment to recommend her to anyone. She also a very nice person, and it was my pleasure just to meet her. She will not let you down, so just give her a call! I'm so happy I did!
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20 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Ms. Denton took my case when I had a last minute, urgent situation, and has stuck with me through the end. She knows her family law. I chose Ms. Denton because of her reputation advocating for women in unsafe situations. I have enjoyed working with Ms. Denton through the years. I have come to recognize more about her outside of our case. Ms. Denton is experienced, thorough, intelligent, understanding, straight-forward, kind, and reliable. Lastly, I've noticed the professional rapport she has built in the justice system here in Northern MN. Ms. Denton has been my hero. I rate her 5-stars for walking through my messy and long-standing court case. Miigwech/thank you Ms. Denton!!
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18 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
I caught a case about 8 months ago and with in that time I've spoke to gerald 1 time even after numerous calls to his office. He's made multiple promises even in front of the judge and has not followed through deffinently would not recommend him
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21 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Later having a very bad experience with a previous attorney, I was scared to get too invested in any after that mess. But Gerald has far surpassed my expectations. He always goes above and beyond to make sure that I am represented as best as possible and to make sure that I have had nothing but fairness in and out of the court room. Gerald is hungry, and eager to do all in his power to help his clients. he has even met with me on weekends as to not interrupt my work schedule. I am very thankful to have him on my side. One of my favorite things about him is that he is a real person. He is funny and not a stuffy, stiff attorney with absolutely no persona which helps to make the whole ordeal of dealing with court a lot less stressful. I would recommend him to anyone in need of an attorney. Have a consultation with him and you will see that while he hasn't been practicing for a long time, he has everything to be one of the highest ranked attorneys in just a matter of time.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Amy
I reached out to Beaumier Trogdon Orman Hurd & Viegas, Attorneys at Law, PLLP, through the MN State Bar Association website for assistance with a post-divorce child custody matter. The gentleman who answered the phone was professional, attentive, and helpful. As promised, I received a call from Attorney Jeremy Hurd the next day. He exhibited a thoughtful blend of compassion and legal expertise, and I truly appreciated the professionalism, knowledge, and advice he provided.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Nate mitchell
I hired one of the partners. Awful and incompetent. Recommendation given to judge was not possible under statute and was essentially thrown out. Waste of money. Biased. Don’t hire
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10 Mar, 2024 by Melisa mauricio
Matt Beaumier and his team are so kind and helpful. They truly care about the clients. They answered all my questions and concerns with care. I couldn’t have made it through my custody case without them. I highly recommend them.
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07 Mar, 2024 by Shari
Benjamin Kaasa is a great attorney. He was able to be a great support and strength in a very sensitive time. Mr. Kaasa is very knowledgeable in what he does, sensitive to my needs (case), knows what he is doing, and is reasonably priced. I would highly recommend him.
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17 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
I was gravely disappointed in his overall performance concerning his representation during my divorce. There were circumstances, in this particular case, of an unusual nature that could have made a for a less painful end if he would have had the fortitude to actually pursue on my behalf. From the very beginning, he displayed an obvious condescending and arrogant demeanor toward me. One of several examples, on 11/22/19 , I had asked him for a ball park figure regarding the possibility, if this case went trial. His reply, “a ton of money”, or “a truck full of money” and on further occasions when I made this same inquiry…..as if I were incapable of understanding. That same afternoon, I asked about scheduling a consultation before the first scheduled FENE meeting….never got a response. Later, I dropped off some requested documents, inquired about the importance of some that I couldn’t get and asked about others that I didn’t include…..he just shrugged his shoulders giving me the impression that they weren’t actually that necessary. I also reminded him about the pre-FENE consultation previously requested…..again no response. Again, dropped off more documents that suddenly became important from the last time he requested info….hummm… and we finally had our pre-FENE consultation due to my constant urging. I asked him about my wife's income and bank account info…if he had requested this disclosure info. His exact response, “I hadn’t had time to ask for it”.....the day before the meeting? Am I not paying him to collect all info, that I have been asked to provide? Luckily, FENE got rescheduled. This should have given him more than enough time to collect the same kind of info that was required of me…..which he didn’t pursue. He still hadn’t requested it, until the day before the 2nd FENE, in an e-mail to opposing attorney. I again asked him about it that morning at the meeting, his response, "Her attorney says she has nothing and that is good enough for me”…..seriously? My wife had been on her own for three years. Numerous times he told me that my income wasn’t a factor; because my wife had been self sufficient for the past three years without my financial help. He also told me my home, which was purchased in 1994, could be considered non-marital. I asked about the validity of this, and his exact response, “I’m not worried about it” and just disregarded my inquiry. Seriously?.. he obviously didn’t do his homework as it was a completely different set of circumstances when I showed up at the 02/11/20 FENE meeting. During this entire process, he was unforthcoming and almost to the point of being blatantly misleading …all the way up to the morning of the 2nd scheduled FENE meeting. His efforts in representing me were lame and lackadaisical with his obvious attitude being, that any judgments or agreements against me were unimportant, as he had my retainer in hand, why try to actually represent his client for a more favorable and fair outcome? During the FENE meeting, he was shiftless and unhelpful. I felt he had made some kind of a “deal” with the opposing attorney before I even arrived....for it sure seemed that way, as he starting back peddling on everything he had previously told me about her access to my income, home equity values, personal property be it marital or non-marital, etc. He should have scheduled a consultation sometime before, to prepare me for these so called “changes” from his original dialogue/findings? Also, flashing around a Family Law text book made me sadly realize his level of incompetence, especially when he couldn’t even correctly formalize the equity in my home that she might be entitled…..he relied on her attorney's numbers without even fact checking. I certainly wouldn’t recommend Benjamin Kaasa representing on any legal matter.
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31 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
We recently had the pleasure of working with Mr. Kaasa as our attorney in a step-parent adoption matter. Both he and his office were very thorough throughout our case. They were great at responding to questions we had, and wonderful about keeping us informed at the status of our case. From our initial consultation to our final hearing, he was excellent every step of the way. I would certainly recommend Mr. Kaasa for family law needs.
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04 Aug, 2018 by Bruce
Cheryl has an overinflated opinion of herself that gets in the way of reaching a settlement. After almost a year I fired her and hired a new attorney. The matter was resolved in also a month. If you want to pay Cheryl for nothing then she’s good for you.
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06 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Hired Jake with a blank check to secure sole custody of grandson and assemble a credible case to do it My wife has been told by the Lord this was an appropriate use of our ample nest egg. I was a dentist in Duluth for many years. Not only did Jake lose the case, he refused to work for us in any appeal. He said we had no basis.
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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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