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18 May, 2023 by Kristen layman
Kristen is absolutely amazing, understating, and responsive. I highly recommend. Kristen is professional and supportive. I am thankful for her hard work and dedication to her profession and so are my children. Thank you!
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01 Feb, 2022 by Daniel coschigano
18 Jan, 2022 by Rick dacosta
10 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
This happens to be the very worst representation ever by an attorney. He could not be reached at the most crucial of times and took months to inform of actual Court Orders thereby destroying the chance of an appeal and eroding other rights to Due Process. Look elsewhere for proper representation in any legal field. He does too much in too many fields and is the master of no one area.
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13 Sep, 2023 by Wendy sandoval
We spoke with about 8-10 attorneys before coming to him and were met with not great resultso. Even though we did not end up hiring him because of the complicated case we had, he broke everything down for us and explained it all in laymen terms for us to understand. If we had known him sooner, we would have hired him in a heartbeat. He took the time to explain everything and answered every single one of our questions until we were satisfied and understood, knowing full well he could not take the case. If we had known him first, we would have definitely hired him no matter the cost.
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28 Mar, 2023 by Danielle fenichel
23 Dec, 2021 by Chris
I worked with Carl on an ongoing family court matter. From our initial phone call. His intent and misconduct was blatantly observed. Our case was messy and long drawn out. When I tried to give Carl a summary of the history of our case. He replied "... I'm not interested in any history, when I want history I'll ask for it.". He went on to say " I'm here to reel you in Mr ......., I'm a 30 year friend of Judge -----, & I have trained both opposing counsel and the attorney for the child". ( Glad I took a friend's advice and recorded our conversation.). Although we met under pandemic and at a time social interaction was greatly limited. Carl refused to share an email. For purposes of correspondence. He advised me " If you have something to say write me a letter". When I wrote and sent certified letters to his office. They were forwarded to Teterboro NJ. The office address he provided is for a building that has been vacant for sometime. I tracked my certified letter to a post office in Hopewell. After intercepting my own letter. I was able to glean his actual office address. Which when Google searched. Comes up listed as a vaccum company. Carl refused to acknowledge my petitions, failed to come up to speed on my case, and even blew off our deadline for discovery. He files a motion to be relieved as my counsel. Stating he was well versed as to the facts and circumstances of our case. Upon his exit . I requested a copy of my file. Carl issued me a hand full of documents. Although our case had been ongoing for years and the files I have contains hundreds of documents. Carl is a the equivalent of a "hitman" for the Dutchess County Family Court. I documented instances where he did not confer with me prior to, or after appearances. There was even an instance where he didn't show for court. Oddly on that day and representing myself pro se. I was able to get the current petition dismissed. I am not the only person Carl has done this too. But I can assure you the buck stops here. I will use any and all documentation I have obtained and retained. To ensure he is no longer allowed to operate in this fashion. The detailed grievance I have compiled against Carl. Complete with audio files of his blatant misconduct. Will be filed with the Bar and any and all governing bodies. In hopes of ending this criminal behavior, and / or drawing the much needed attention. To the broke Dutchess County Family Court system. Which grossly misuses their power and is in desperate need of reform . If your are thinking of working with Carl, or Carl is appointed as your counsel. Do yourself a favour. Find someone else, or represent yourself. As Carl has one agenda. His own. See you at the bar hearing Carl! Can't wait to hear how you articulate your argument against your recorded statements.....!
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12 Jun, 2018 by Gregory
I’ve used Carl Chu as my Real-Estate attorney twice. He’s awesome. Does a great job and everything went smoothe both times. His paralegal Jeff is also great. Both made me feel like i was right at home in their office and I was extremely comfortable with their business. They advised me well. ;)
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19 Dec, 2017 by Josh
Both Carl and his para Jeff made us feel like we were their only clients. Phone calls or messages were always answered immediately, and we were always aware of what was happening now and what to expect next.
We were able to pre-sign closing docs and move 2500 miles away while Cartl handled all transactions and even deposited our check in our bank.
Any time an issue was raised by the opposite side, we referred it to Carl and never heard any more about it.
If you want an absolutely hassle-free, hands-off transaction (and who doesn't), and you want to sleep at night knowing that somebody who knows the score is watching your back, thus is your guy.
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13 Sep, 2023 by Wendy sandoval
We spoke with about 8-10 attorneys before coming to him and were met with not great resultso. Even though we did not end up hiring him because of the complicated case we had, he broke everything down for us and explained it all in laymen terms for us to understand. If we had known him sooner, we would have hired him in a heartbeat. He took the time to explain everything and answered every single one of our questions until we were satisfied and understood, knowing full well he could not take the case. If we had known him first, we would have definitely hired him no matter the cost.
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28 Mar, 2023 by Danielle fenichel
23 Feb, 2022 by Daniel serkes
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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.
