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28 Feb, 2024 by Tara christianson
Caitlin O’Rourke is a blessing to have as representation in a high conflict divorce. She’s always there to lend an ear, honest opinions & feedback. I truly believe she fights for the rights of her clients and actually cares about the outcome.
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23 Feb, 2024 by Karen tobler
Ms. Jendro and team were extremely helpful with guidance and all the documentation for my case. Ms. Jendro took the time to understand the issues and made a long-standing stressful situation very manageable and with the desired resolution in a short amount of time.
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23 Feb, 2024 by Alisha toltzman
Benjamin Sime is an amazing attorney. He really made the divorce process bearable. He communicated well and had real empathy. He really helped me fight for myself and for that I will always be grateful. I have had nothing but positive experiences with everyone in the office. They really are good and knowledgeable people!
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05 Aug, 2024 by Carissa stern
My family cannot thank Earl enough for his work and efforts for our family. From the start, Earl listened to our story, was upfront about what to expect, and outlined all possible outcomes. He was an excellent communicator and made us feel like we had a partner, an advocate, and our best interests at heart. When life presents you with the most stressful situations, you want someone like Earl going to bat for you. We will always look to Earl for any future needs. He is truly the best. THANK YOU Earl! -The Stern Family
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24 Jul, 2024 by Dawna czeck
I needed a lawyer for my child custody case. I chose Winslaw after consulting with Earl for almost an hour on the phone, he was easy to talk to and put me at ease throughout the legal process. Earl has a thorough knowledge of the law and defended my case with determination. I highly recommend Earl Wins. Considering the size of the case and all that was involved, I was very pleased with the outcome! I very much appreciate all that you have done for me and my family! I admire your composure and professionalism.
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23 Jul, 2024 by Dawna
I needed a lawyer for my custody / parental alienation and child endangerment case. I chose Winslaw after consulting with Earl for almost an hour on the phone, he was easy to talk to and put me at ease throughout the legal process. Earl has a thorough knowledge of the law and defended my case with determination. I highly recommend Earl Wins. Considering the size of the case and all that was involved, I was very pleased with the outcome! I very much appreciate all that you have done for me and my family! I admire your composure and professionalism.
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25 Apr, 2018 by Kristi and josh
Sara was tremendous! We live out of state and she worked with us and on our case with ease. We believe her strategy and dedication were a huge part of winning our case. We can't thank her enough for all she did. If we ever need a lawyer pertaining to our case again we, without a doubt, would hire Sara again.
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01 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Hired Sara Daly when I filed for divorce. My divorce was a very high conflict divorce and though I conveyed to Sara what type of person my ex wife is, I'm not sure she took it seriously at first. I assume that most attorneys hear from their clients that their ex spouses are the worst. In this case, mine actually is. After four mediations, one lasting 9 1/2 hours, I think Sara finally realized it. As a father fighting for joint custody, I was fighting an uphill battle against an attorney who had no problem promoting her clients lies. I had to earn my parenting time when I was a father who, prior to filing for divorce, worked nights so I could stay home with my child during the day to avoid daycare. But somehow after I left the family home, I was made out to be an unfit father. I did not feel that my attorney represented me well in my original divorce. Two years after my divorce was finalized, and literally non stop problem, I decided to take my ex wife back to court for more parenting time as well as several other issues that have. Once again, my ex wife came to court with a laundry list of lies. Sara exploited her lies, one by one. Sara came to the hearing very prepared and made my ex wife as well as her attorney look like fools in court. When my ex wifes attorney would tell a lie, Sara would counter it with the truth and the documentation to prove my ex was lying. Though I was disappointed the first time around, I turned out to be very glad I rehired Sara. Sara is a very honest attorney and really is interested in the well being of the children involved. She also has no problem telling her clients if they are doing something they should not be doing. I would highly recommend Sara. She is straight forward and knows the law thoroughly. Unfortunately no court order can force someone to be a good parent.
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27 Apr, 2017 by Jackie
Sara is amazing at what she does. We were really nervous walking into our Termination/Adoption process and she made sure we were comfortable and educated on every step we took. We knew walking in that every difficulty that could be faced with the termination would be headed our way because the biological father would not consent to an adoption but Sara still helped us to take it one step at a time and kept our hope up! She helped us prepare for possible outcomes of a Trial and helped to us mediate our voluntary termination agreement. Sara was so prepared for everything and still I can't even count how many times I watched her read our case files just so she had that last hint of information. She impressed me more and more every time we walked into a court room. Hiring her was one of the best decision because of the dedication that she gave to our family.
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21 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Caitlin is compassionate, thoughtful, tenacious and wicked smart in navigating family law!! As a divorce attorney, she listened intently to the aspects most important to me and led legal efforts with this in mind. Incredibly professional and she researched applicable case law to support our position. I was so proud that she was my attorney during the court proceedings and I was honored she was representing my family in a very difficult circumstance.
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05 Oct, 2021 by Jeff
Caitlin very effectively navigated through the dissolution process for me. I am very grateful to have had positivity and support in my corner during this chapter of my life. All of her contributing advice and input aided in my decision making process, which ultimately helped to bring this unfortunate chapter to an end. Thank you very much Caitlin!
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17 Aug, 2021 by Kevin
Caitlin, was awesome and helped me every step of the way. I really appreciate her.
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11 Nov, 2017 by Brian johnson
I had a lawyer before Lynne and she was not very good. I wish I would of had Lynne from the start. I had a year long family court issue with a lot of issues. Lynne was great! Even returned e-mails and phone calls on a Saturday. She cares and know her job.
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18 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Lynne represented me for a divorce. She was very knowledgeable and helped me through this difficult process. She was responsive to me and provided the guidance I needed to make decisions about my case. She advocated for me when I was unable to reach an agreement with my ex. I would recommend her to anyone going through a divorce.
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16 Aug, 2011 by Anonymous
I hired Lynne to handle my divorce case. I made it clear to her that my primary objective was to keep my kids at home as much as possible. My wife and I had worked out a parenting time schedule in advance, which I was happy with. My only goal was that that schedule should not change. So, our strategy was to not fight the division of assets and debts, as long as it meant keeping the parenting time schedule the same. The divorce decree was signed by the judge in May. I took $450,000 in debt, which included credit cards, student loans (my wife's) and a house that is $200,000 under water. This arrangement made some sense, because my wife was underemployed, making minimum wage and could not afford to take on any of the debt. Yesterday, my ex filed to have the parenting time agreement changed because she got a new job (paying $52,000/yr). There is nothing I can do to stop her. I have spoken to several attorneys who have said that any judge would rule in her favor. However, all of the asset and debt division are indisputable once the decree is signed. Now, I have all of the debt and no kids. Lynne NEVER mentioned that the asset/debt divisions were final, but that the parenting time agreement could change at anytime. She never informed me that this strategy was going to backfire. All my spouse had to do was wait until the decree was signed, go find a job and BOOM! Now I am completely screwed.
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18 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Rhonda handled a sensitive probate matter for me with such care. She really went above and beyond to make sure my loved one’s wishes were followed. I have friends who have used her for their divorces too and they are so happy with the work she’s done. I highly recommend Rhonda. She really is the best attorney in the area.
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17 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Years ago I hired Rhonda Magnussen for my divorce and possible move out of state. She not only didn’t prepare for my court case… She called my ex Mr. Marty, by his first name, completely unprepared. This impacted my life’s path, and ability to move out of state with my now husband. I do not recommend her for multiple reasons. She did not prepare or even do research on my case. She overcharged everywhere she could down to a 15 minute phone conversation.
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29 Aug, 2023 by Jill
Rhonda Magnussen is a fantastic attorney who answered all my questions timely and is a professional in the court room. I highly recommend her.
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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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