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09 Oct, 2012 by George garcia
Had a really good experience. He was very responsive. Easy to work with straight to the point i highly recommend him
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17 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
Represented me on a criminal case. He is clueless!!!!
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29 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
This man did a very good job for me and my son.Now I have full custody of him.-Earl and his son
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19 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Promised me the world. All I wanted was custody of my two children and child support. Stated he was the best and that husband's lawyer was no match for him. He settled the case in the end because I had no more money. I'm still trying to gain full custody of my children and child support. I got charge for services I could've done on my own.
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23 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Professionalism and integrity fell short for the amount of money we paid. Phone calls would not be returned or told to hold and never answer the phone. File was misplaced and our case was on hold due to inactivity on lawyers part. Unfortunately, our lawyer misplaced or lost original birth certificate of our daughter and after numerous attempts of having her replace birth certificate she failed to replace. Her assistants would tell us Ms. Canales was going to send us proof they had sent for an original copy but no email arrived to us or birth certificate. Something that was bothering was her lack of accepting responsibility for birth certificate and shifted blame to Mexico.
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30 May, 2012 by Jesus
I had a great experience with this lawyer she always kept me up to date with anything regarding my case never gave me any false promises. She was the only one that was willing to take my case when other lawyers saw my case as a lost case. I'm very thankful for all she did for me.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Luigi rodriguez
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08 Jul, 2024 by Hector rivera
He is a great attorney...
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jacqueline rein
Took care of my speeding ticket for $25
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04 Mar, 2024 by Reyesvero03
Spend a lot of money for her to side with my ex-husband. Went to mediation in 2012 and when I let her go in 2013 the notes from mediation was never signed by a judge. So my ex-husband was not paying the new child support. The lawyer never kept me informed. I had to call and ask what was happening to my case. With her for over 3 years and nothing was done.
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18 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired Paula around seven years ago. I have re-hired her regularly since then because she is phenomenal. She knows Texas Family Law like the back of her hand. Paula guided me through my legal issues, and I trusted her advice. I wholeheartedly believe she is the reason my family is intact. We are in a happier place, and we are very thankful for her expert help.
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04 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Paula Thomas is a danger to the families of El Paso. She will sign a contract and take payment with no intention of representing her clients. She has called me when she thinks she is calling the other party (who she does not represent) and show her deceitful side. She is uninterested in the facts of a case and is fighting a personal vendetta. When she gets caught in lies, she runs and becomes really awful. Stay away from this woman. She will say something to your face and pretend she is representing you and then sabotage you behind your back because she has a mess of a personal life that she’s litigating through her clients lives. Stay away from this mental health mess.
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15 Mar, 2022 by Brenda
Mr. Macias was my court appointed attorney. He did offer me a plea deal buy I insisted I was innocent because I was so he took the time to do his research, build up an excellent case, he really put in the work and was able to prove me innocent to the jury. So grateful its all behind me and that Mr. Macias believed in me.
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01 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Extremely sexist. Constantly reminding my friend she belongs in the kitchen.
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07 Feb, 2018 by John
Very bad!!! he just rushed through everything and just pushed it through the courts. He never took the time to fight for my son's case and show all the evidence that would have cleared him or at least help him. He had us pay money that was from an old case that he wasn't even on and said that it was for the new charges he had. We paid because he said it was going towards the new charges and it would help. He lied. Do not waste your time hiring him.
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13 May, 2016 by Yolanda pirk
If it wasn't for Mrs, Ramirez. my mother would be dead today. She helped me get guardinship of my mother. When I had already giving up. Thank you Mrs. Ramirez
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10 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Maria for my divorce it took her 10 months to get the temporary orders. The only thing she knows very well is TO CHARGE. She charged me a ton of money overinflating the times spent on my case. Never call to update me on the case. Months with out doing nothing. She will make decisions without consulting me. She drags the case as much as she can to spend more time and charge more. Very Disrespectful (even with the judge) she does not talk she screams.
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19 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I read these reviews after I hired this attorney and I was worried but she did everything she said she would. She was prepared for every court date and although sometimes I did not want to hear what she told me she was very truthful about my case. I would hire her again.
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28 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Attorney Xochitl Ambriz and her team are phenomenal to work with as they make the process smooth, stress-free, honest, effective, efficient, and offer reassurance every step along the way. I know a good lawyer when I work with one! I recommend them with confidence.
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14 Apr, 2023 by Hilda
I don't recommended this lawyer, such a horrible bad experience with the lawyer and her staff, she is all about money, she took long for an easy case with all the people involved in the case agree with everything, and the charge me even if the housekeeping lady see my papers, I never got to see her in person she will miss her appointments with me and never apologized, but they charged me for the appointment, the staff is the worse lied so much and it was always miss information between them, when finally the case was closed I had an appointment witch I missed due to my job, so I called next day left a message and I called again they didn't answer, they never returned my call, when I called again to make Another appointment for my final questions they told me that I have to pay again for a new consulting because supposedly I passed 30 days, I told them that I been calling before the 30 day but they never answered my call. Very rude people, they treated me like I was asking to do the job for free till one day I told them that I will not pay one more penny and that I want my case to be done and of course what happened after they close the case already explained before. The staff and lawyer they don't know what the doing they just want your money.
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03 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
Don't hire this attorney!! Paid her $7200 and never finished my case. If she worked on my case instead of billing me we would have finished. All I wanted was some rights to my grandchild whom I have raised since she was born (14 years). Never called me back, didn't even know who I was in the courthouse hall. I went to make payment arrangements and the following week she withdrew from the case (I had to pay for that also). Several discrepancies in the paperwork, all in favor of the other parent but wanted me to pay for her mistakes. To this day I have not gotten any documents from her. Almost two years. SHE'S ALL ABOUT MONEY! Very cold and uncaring.
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12 May, 2016 by Christina
I hired this law firm for my husbend for him to be released for a detainer in 2011. I had called probably 10 lawyer's and they had all denied to take my husbend case. Finally I went down the list of attorneys that were closer to where he was and I called this law firm. I do a free consultation and they told me that he could get out and we'll just listening to them I said forget it and I hired them without taking in the fact of what everyone else said and 1 month later at my husbend court date. Boom he was out. I am sooo thankful I found this firm. Thank you Mr. Ray and Mrs. Patricia..
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15 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Did my paperwork incorrectly and attempted to charge me for the correction. He filed with the court an order appointing my son as his own father and changing his name to the wrong name. Then when I asked him to change it quoted me $2k. His secretary yelled at me for questioning that charge. Is that ethical or legal? Get it right with a better lawyer who can read and spell.
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19 Nov, 2014 by Jennifer
Unethical. He made an error on a court order. It states that my son is his own father. When I asked to help change it and even offered to pay the court filing, he requires his retainer. $2500. I wonder if this is a business. Make an error and funnel more money from people? Good idea in theory but save your money and find someone to do it correctly the first time.
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18 Mar, 2019 by Lorenzo
Mr. Philip Mullin was legally retained and paid $21K to represent myself and my family. However, the day before our trial, Mr. Mullin advised us that he failed to file any motions on my family’s behalf and, as a result, we lost our case on a technicality. In other words, since Mullin missed the court's deadline to file his legal documents on my family’s behalf, we lost automatically and never had the opportunity to present our case to the presiding judge.. Afterwards, I discussed a reasonable refund with Mr. Mullin, but he laughed at me and told me, “No way, I'm giving you a dime back!" And also stated, "I’m sorry, but time just got away from me.” This was my family’s experience with attorney Philip Mullin of El Paso, Texas. Beware.
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13 Feb, 2019 by Patricia
I first used Mr. Mullin as my divorce lawyer 12 years ago. He went against a State Senator and did very well! I chose to retain Mr. Mullin on a yearly basis regardless if I needed him. He is a very good lawyer. He has assisted my family and has continued to fight for my children when any issues would arise. Mr. Mullin assisted me greatly when I had issues with my former employer. He was very well prepared, and won our case which was quite lengthy. It was not an easy case, but he was very knowledgeable in the area of labor laws. Mr. Mullin reassured me that everything would be fine and he was right. He is a very professional and well versed lawyer with many years of experience. His small family law firm went head to head against one of the biggest law firms in El Paso, and has won! It took several months, but beleive me Mr. Mullin knows what he is doing. He recently completed a child support issue, and although it takes him a little bit to get around, he managed to recover quite a bit child support due to an increase. Once again Mr. Mullin went against a large law firm in San Antonio and was very successful. Mr. Mullin has instilled hope to both of my children (who are now young adults) and in me. The bottom line is that he cares about his clients. I know that I have used Mr. Mullins services many times and I truly appreciate his fighting for justice! Thank you Mr. Mullin and Azalea for all that you have done for my family over the years. We are grateful.
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15 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
This lawyer continuously calls people from other States that have nothing to do with current court cases and harasses them. Calls them 9 to 10 times in a row without leaving a message behind for no reason whatsoever. The people he calls has nothing to do with the case whatsoever. Does not communicate With anybody until the day you see him in court. Do you only lawyer I have ever met that harasses people that have nothing to do with the case whatsoever just out of pure spite . He needs to retire hes way too old to be practicing law, and when he was in the court-room outside waiting to be let in he continually asked other lawyers for law advice. He needs to Be fired and needs a wheelchair because he can barely walk let alone practice law.
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13 Oct, 2016 by Jesus
I completely agree with the previous review. The only time that Mrs Sipes seemed to be engaged and listening to me was during the initial consultation. During the consultation she put me at ease with all her advice and recommendations on how she was going to come after my ex wife. This feeling was short lived. Three months after paying my retainer nothing had been done on my case, I found this out when I called to get a status on my case. Six month went by and nothing much had changed with my case. At this time I took it upon myself to try to work something out with my ex wife in regards to custody with my kids and we came to an agreement. Even after I did all the work for her it still took her 6 months to draw up the paperwork and have it signed by the judge. Her paralegal Robert seems to incompetent, every time he emailed me the child custody order it had the same errors I had just corrected in the previous draft. This went on for a couple of months until I refused to deal with him anymore and only worked with Mrs Sipes son after that. Worst experience ever, would never recommend her to anyone.
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08 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Attorneys are hard to judge on the basis of just a single consultation. One the first visit, most of them seem amazing -- energetic -- optimistic -- motivated. I was referred to Doris Sipes by another attorney and I found her to be intelligent, soft-spoken, confident and reserved. At the consultation, we discussed the details of my case and I tried to listen as much as I talked. It seemed to me that we had similar expectations regarding the outcome of my case. I had heard that Ms. Sipes has a reputation for being a tough attorney and I interpreted the low-energy consultation to be a sign that she was being forthright and honest with me. What a relief to be dealt with in such a respectful way. What a relief to have avoided the typical over-promised sales pitch that I've experienced with other attorneys -- or so I thought. As the case progressed, I found it hard to get Ms. Sipes attention in any meaningful way. My case wasn't rocket-science but I had some important details that needed to be considered. The question of how to present the relevant details to the court in a way that would make sense was an important issue for me. How do we present a defense for a convoluted case in a way that the court will understand? How do we win? My attempts to get Ms. Sipes to discuss the nuts and bolts of my case only seemed to make her annoyed. She wouldn't discuss strategy with me and didn't ask me for any evidence to support my defense. All of the evidence presented in court was the evidence that I rushed to have her review in the minutes before the trial. I even asked her to call one witness in my defense and it seems like my request was ignored without the benefit of thoughtful consideration. Doris seems to be intelligent, articulate and capable. Maybe all of her best effort goes to bigger, better clients -- I don't know. The irony is this: The low-key consultation that made me think that Ms. Sipes was the right choice for my case was more like an over-promised sales pitch because that's the only time she engaged me regarding the details of my case. I'm very disappointed because I lost my case and I wonder how the results would have been different if Ms. Sipes had worked closer with me to present a better defense.
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16 Sep, 2015 by Becky
This man is a horrible lawyer and his paralegals are rude and do not know anything. My divorce is now going over one year and I have talked to McClure only once. His paralegals/secretaries offer excuse after excuse for him as to why he has not assisted me in my case. So far I'm over $6000.00 in the hole and have VERY little to show for it. Although, they sure are quick to take your money. I've heard from other clients of his that he is a carpet bagger. RUN!! DO NOT hire him!!!
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31 May, 2012 by Anonymous
I hired this attorney for my divorce and everything went well. Therefore; I took him a citation that was given to me the year after (2007). He told me everything was good and the ticket had been dismissed. Two weeks ago I went to renew my license plates and they tell me that I can't renew since I have a pending citation from 2007. It ended up being that the court allowed me to do defensive driving and he never notified me. Now I have a balance of almost $170. I went to his office and talked to his assistant and said they would take care of it and notify me when I could go get my plates. That never happened. I have been calling them everyday and leaving messages and they don't even answer the phone. Definetely not a good service!
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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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