Lawyers map
>6
experienced lawyers
Filter by
25 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Hired for order of protection case and it was resolved quickly to my satisfaction. Would recommend to others
Read more
11 Aug, 2014 by Jane
I had a wonderful experience when I obtained Ms. Nichols services, I found her to be very informative and patient when dealing with my unusual circumstances. I would highly recommend her legal advice.
Read more
20 Jan, 2023 by Shelli w
So disappointed he is retiring. He had been amazing!
Read more
08 May, 2020 by El tejedas
29 Jan, 2018 by Fauna pappalardo
09 Nov, 2018 by Dave & lauri
After our long time lawyer, George Wolf, retired and returned our papers, he gave us Vincent's name as an option to work with. We initiated that relationship to re-do all of our personal paperwork (wills, power of attorney, etc.). He with his assistant, Nicole, prepared all of these documents, reviewed them with us, and maintains a copy of file in his office. This week, we had an unusual letter in the mail from lawyers in California, stating that we had a security refund that they would process for us for a 15% fee. Vincent reviewed this letter and advised us that we could go online and do it ourselves, which we did... at no cost to us.
Read more
17 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Barone has worked with my family on legal matters for years and has always been trustworthy and reliable. He put us at ease and made sure any questions we had were answered. I would highly recommend Barone Law Offices and continue to use their services in the future.
Read more
31 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Paid large upfront fee, was told verbally and in contract that I would be informed of any additional fees in writing and money would need to be added to acct to be drawn on. Was also told the initial upfront fee would cover the cost of what I needed done. He made several careless mistakes in a divorce agreement that I had to call about and was charges for those calls...waited in waiting room 30 min for an appointment that I was also charged for. Case was dropped in the middle, no court involvement at all and still was charged in the end another 1500$.... Charges were not valid and I was never notified of any additional charged till I dropped the case. He didn't hold his end of the contract and over billed me for bogus inflated charges. He also told me it would take a couple weeks just to draw up divorce papers and two months later I had to call and ask what was going on, which I was charged for. His excuse was training a new employee. He is dishonest and deceitful. Find someone else.
Read more
22 Mar, 2012 by Brian
Place & Arnold handled the will and estate for my grandmother under direction of my uncle (her son). Unfortunately my uncle's desire was to prevent an update to grandmother's will that would reduce his portion of the inheritance, and Place & Arnold assisted this by delaying the execution of the updated will. Upon her death, Place & Arnold sent out forms to be signed by various family members that effectively agreed to relinquish any rights we had in the manner, they gave inaccurate advice regarding New York State law around family rights (verified by my own attorney) and even resorted to attempts towards intimidation when we were reluctant to sign such documents.
Be very cautious when dealing with Place & Arnold; they have demonstrated questionable ethics.
Read more
13 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
As I am moving through the divorce process, I have found my experience with Robert Place to be nothing but positive. His knowledge and approachability are his assets. He has a "keep it real" attitude that has helped me stay focused on what's really important. He reminds me not to sweat the small stuff and keep the big picture in mind.
Read more
11 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Ex-wife filed for divorce in the middle of 2015. Went out looking for a lawyer and was ultimately referred to Mr. Krause. I met with him.
I asked numerous questions during this meeting and had a lot of concerns about kids, property, financials, retirement, and so on. Mr. Krause had answers to all of my questions and provided information on how the divorce was going to proceed and what outcomes to expect. Ultimately I retained him as my lawyer.
It is now approximately 9 months later and I can tell you that everything Mr. Krause stated in our first meeting came true. The process was exactly like Mr. Krause told me on that first meeting. The challenges that were faced along the way were exactly as we had discussed so long ago.
The time it takes for a divorce to occur is long and there are many items which need to be addressed. This takes time and because of this there were periods that Mr. Krause and I didn't speak. This was not due to Mr. Krause, it was due to the process.
This was my first divorce so I have no other lawyers to compare Mr. Krause to. I can say that he is extremely knowledgeable, fair, and "tells it like it is". If this is what you are looking for, then I would recommend Mr. Krause.
Read more
19 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Was very poor during time of hire. Only time anything was done is when I called and complained. Asked for bill after nearly six months and there was not one prepared. When asked for bill a comment made "I can't drop everything and do that." When returning back inside I in turn dismissed him. A bill was finally ready in less than an hour. This was after walking in and commenting that I have been waiting for something to get done. As leaving he finally asked for the file to work in it. Extremely unprofessional and bad attitude after hire. During consult is respectful. would nit suggest to hire.
Read more
10 May, 2015 by Anonymous
After hiring Mark for another legal matter years ago(which then he was great) I quickly retained him when my wife filed for divorce. He is very slow to return calls(have waited months to get in contact with him or his secretary. Gave me poor advice on more than on occasion, and my concerns with the lack of progress regarding the divorce or child custody have been downright ignored. My UNCONTESTED divorce has been in "limbo" for over a year now. I dismissed him as my attorney and hired another with an excellent reputation. Maybe he is great in other aspects of the law, but would not recommend him for divorce or family matters.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
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:
-
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.
