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14 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
Failed to respond in a timely manner. Showed very little or no conviction. Had to remind her what this case was about several times. She was unable to provide any legal argument. Worst legal representation possible. Wasted thousands of dollars.
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08 Feb, 2016 by Angela
I've used Julie for several years now and am very pleased with the service she's provided for me in my very challenging post-divorce cases. Having a difficult ex-spouse isn't easy, but Julie handles it very well. She is brutally honest with me and I appreciate that about her. She's friendly, knowledgeable, witty, aggressive, and trustworthy (I know that's not usually a word we associate with attorneys). I really feel like I am in good hands, and that takes away some of the stress and anxiety of being in these circumstances.
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03 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Julie was amazing throughout the whole divorce process. She made every step of the way smooth by explaining what would happen next. She is prompt at returning emails and phone calls. Julie does her research and keeps up with current laws and cases. Julie is always open to ideas and work through issues. She is willing to hear her clients out and work with their ideas. Having children involved, she knows the law and works for the best interest of the children. Even since my divorce was finalized, I have been able to contact her with questions and concerns about my case. I would highly recommend her!
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19 Sep, 2024 by Maggie b.
I have never had to hire a lawyer in my adult life. When I needed to find a lawyer within 72 hours I panicked and didn’t know what to do. I went on google and typed in best lawyers practicing family law near me. Larry among six or seven other lawyers came up. Believe it or not the reason I picked Larry is because he was the only one willing to talk to me without an appointment. I didn’t understand why a lawyer wouldn’t want a quick rundown of what you are looking for. It takes two minutes to listen and see if you are interested in representing me. Then I would make an appointment, come in, and go from there. Fortunately Larry had the same thought pattern as me and willingly spoke to me for about ten minutes. We made an appointment for the next day. I was in a very bad time bind. I had less than a week to try and win full custody of my niece. My brother passed away about 14 years ago when she was six years old of a brain aneurysm. I found out she was in a terrible situation. I’m not gonna go into details. She had to be removed from her bio mother‘s house immediately. Larry went above and beyond putting in emergency orders, asking for emergency court dates, hearings, motions, ect. He also went above and beyond doing things he wasn’t paid to do. He was on the phone with the Munster Indiana school system on a daily basis for about a week helping me get my niece registered. I cannot get her Registered without proof that I was her legal guardian. She had already missed two weeks of school while I was waiting for the judge and courts to go through the process. In the meantime Larry or his amazing secretary Stacy B. was either calling and talking to someone at the Munster high school, emailing, writing letters, verifying information, etc. They had to work miracles and jump through hoops for me to get my now adopted daughter registered in school. (Not that this is relevant to my review but trying to register a child in the Munster school system is ridiculous if the child isn’t your bio child. I had my niece living with me for years and had all the proof in the world. Since I was not her legal guardian Munster high school would not let me register her in school, even with bio mom’s permission! Even after Larry contacted them via email,phone,and chain mail, telling them/showing them proof I had a court date for guardianship and I was her legal caretaker and they still wouldn’t let me register her!) Larry got very upset at this point and filed for an emergency hearing and luckily we got it! A week later she was in school. I have already rambled a lot so I will wrap this up. Larry was very kind, considerate and caring. He went above and beyond what he was supposed to do, he made me feel very comfortable and answered all my questions. he promised he would get this done in a very short amount of time and from the first conversation until the judge granted me full guardianship it took less than two weeks. His prices are very reasonable. I can’t remember exactly how much I paid it was over $900 but under 1500for sure. I just want to add a year and a day from me receiving guardianship I legally adopted my niece and became a mother for the very first time. I still don’t feel comfortable saying that I’m a mom, but I love it until now. I had no children by choice. Thank you, Larry.
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12 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Very bad divorce and child support lawyer don't use never did what he was supposed to do never helped with divorce or child support he was supposed to stay with getting support staying at $75 a month but they reduced the rate to $50 a month on a single mother with 2 kids and didn't put up a fight very bad lawyer I definitely wouldn't use him just looking for $$$$$ and no help this is why this country is going down the tube its not about helping people that need it but screw people that need help
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05 Aug, 2021 by Susan
If you’re looking for a compassionate, helpful attorney- run the other way. Once I was 3 minutes late for a scheduled call and he refused to take my call. Prior to a court hearing (which I flew into Indiana to attend) he couldn’t meet to prep. Okay, I understand overlapping obligations could make meeting difficult but when I suggested a 15minute phone call instead, he oblected. The final straw came when toward the end of my divorce I owed him$500 and even after I give him thousands and had a pending settlement he refused to take any of my phone calls.
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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.
