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31 Mar, 2013 by Ward
I hired John Connors to handle my divorce. He was outstanding ... Hard-working, honest and blunt. Mr. Connors carried me through a tough patch. I appreciate his thoughtful and well-considered guidance.
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11 Jul, 2024 by Alana duvall
I am so thankful that Fairbanks has such quality professionals like Jay Fulk and his entire team. Needing and then finding a lawyer can be overwhelming and daunting, but Jay was able to meet with me in a timely manner and then exceeded every expectation I had of the process and outcome. I would recommend Fulk Law Office to anyone looking to have the strongest representation, on your side!
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03 Jul, 2024 by Rick phillips
Mr. Fulk and his entire staff have been wonderful to work with through very difficult custody issues. I highly recommend them to anyone, they are always clear and communicate very well, and in legal issues making sure I understand everything is very important to me!
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03 Jul, 2024 by Ashley m. cowles
Was scheduled to meet with them they scheduled me last minute for a consultation and then canceled the consultation the day before my trial.
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12 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
Heather represented us on a DUI. She thoroughly reviewed the case information, kept us in the loop on what was occurring and worked hard to get the best outcome under the circumstances. Heather answered all of our questions and provided us with realistic and practical information to assist us in this process. She was extremely pleasant, helpful and had a wealth of knowledge in helping us navigate the unfortunate situation that we were in. I highly recommend her to anyone in the Fairbanks area looking for legal assistance.
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02 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I had what was a slam dunk situation (described by Ms Brown and another respected lawyer) in my favor and the way Ms. Brown wrote up the paperwork, it not only got denied by the court. It was filled out wrong and I had to go and scratch out parts of her work and rewrite parts of it. Once my situation was denied, I tried calling Ms Brown and I couldn't even get a return call from her. I hope local residents avoid this attorney. So many better options out there and you deserve so much better treatment from an attorney.
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09 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Heather was a true pleasure to work with, in my trying time. She helped me along the way explaining every step and walking me through every situation. By far the best in town. All tough I hope I never need a lawyer again. If I do, there is no question who I will be calling.
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13 Mar, 2017 by Lee
At a time in my life when one step forward yielded two steps back, Ms. Therrien was helpful, professional, and actually only charged me what she said she would in the first place. She stated what to do, what to expect, where to be when, and gave me a timeframe. And when I had an additional related question for her and asked what I owed her for taking the time to answer, she actually said it was a relevant question and therefore included in the previously stated charges.
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04 May, 2024 by Jennifer pierce
When you need an attorney is when it really matters who shows up. My experience, unfortunately, had me frantic to hire an attorney to protect my best interest as well as my resources. I had more than 5 experiences with consultations, payments and contracts prior to scheduling with Burglin & Doxey. I sincerely would have preferred that I began with this firm. What I appreciated throughout my experience has been Mr. Doxey's transparency, responsiveness, thorough explanations, knowledge and experience in supporting my informed decision making process to navigate a situation where I am having to trust strangers to help me through a legal situation. I appreciate that Mr. Doxey didn't sugar coat nor glaze over potential complications. I noticed a review that said Mr. Doxey was ...nastiest man, blah blah...my goodness, thanks for that review, as that is exactly what I want from an attorney I hire and have working for my best outcomes, though not once did I experience that. I can not convey enough positive feedback, all of my interactions with staff at Burglin & Doxey have been professional, personable and pleasant. Save yourself the headaches, start here! 10 out of 5 Stars, in my opinion.
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14 Apr, 2024 by Benjamin fenwick
Burglin and Doxey is a outstanding firm
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14 Apr, 2024 by Bird naughton
I feel sorry for anyone that hires Jason.
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08 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
Deserve zero, stay away, will burn you. she will waste your money doing stupid letters, motions, phone calls and all are worthless, just rip you offffff. stay away, she does her own thing and will sell you for free to the opposition. I asked many people after the fact; they mentioned her name even without saying one word. everyone knew she is crocket dishonest, disrespectful, and doesn't deserve to be an attorney. I fired her after destroyed me. hopefully the new one will fix what she broke
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15 Dec, 2016 by Jason
Was going through a messy divorce and consulted With Rita. I sat there, essentially the entire time just nodding my head as she kept talking about various tangential topics about divorce. We spoke very little about my case in particular, and the conversation seemed to have no direction towards my needs. Waste of time
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02 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
We went in to get advice and Rita did not sit and listen to us, but instead simply spent all but perhaps 5 minutes very slowly rambling on about facts about our case that we already knew and other generic information = wasted time and money. When we interjected to get the issues we were concerned about on the table, she would cut us off and insist we hear her out. When we asked specific questions about hypothetical outcomes and how we should proceed, she said, "I didn't go to the school of magic wands". Providing practical what-if's and solutions to those would have been GREATLY appreciated. Instead, we paid $240 for an hour (wait, only 48 minutes, 5 of which actually pertained to our concerns) of her rambling on instead of listening to and advising her paying clients on what they were truly concerned about. There should be a high level of integrity of use of one's time when your services warrant $4/minute. We got better information from websites for free by far. We paid her to give us valuable advice that we couldn't find elsewhere. This was not the case. The front desk office manager was not the friendliest and was very defensive as well. We would not recommend Rita. Please let our costly mistake keep you from making a similar one.
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18 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
Incredibly unprofessional. Makes actions and comments based on personal opinion rather than best interest of the client . Ignores phone calls and request.
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Questions? We have answers

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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