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07 Jun, 2017 by Tracy
Nadine Maleski is a very caring and knowledgeable attorney. When a good friend of mine needed help, Nadine was extremely quick in exactly what she needed to move forward.
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20 Jul, 2012 by Mark
Over a period of twenty-four months Nadine Maleski LLC provided professional and caring legal counsel in my ongoing precedings regarding child support, college cost responsibilities, and emancipation of my children. At every turn her firm was prepared, proactive and determined to bring desired results on behalf of her client. I am grateful to have had Nadine and her team "in my corner" and would highly recommend her services!
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27 Jan, 2011 by Janet
Nadine is extremely knowledgeable of family law. She is easy to work with as she knows how to get to the root of the problem and resolve it efficiently.
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11 Aug, 2023 by Terri
Hyun and her team were absolutely amazing. I was fortunate enough to have Hyun on my side during a stressful, heartbreaking, emotional, and horrific experiences in my life. Hyun helped guide me and help me pick up my shattered pieces through what seemed to be a lifetime. She always offered me options and explained everything in a way I could understand. Believe me when I tell me you me divorce was not easy, my ex was just awful, but Hyun managed to keep it together. She was strong for me when I was week and weeping. When I had to have a guardian legally designated to make my decision by the courts, I was just about broken again. How why. Was it enough my ex broke me. Hyun was there to guide me protect me What a fantastic team. Always called me back checked in on me bothe legally and emotionally. She stood up mental health when the other side tried to use it as a weapon I just can’t say enough. Thank you thank you thank
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03 May, 2022 by Christopher
I was broadsided with a facinorous and vindictive divorce, from my wife of 25 years. Against a 14-month long cruel assault from my ex, Hyun Lee directed me toward an outcome that has, in the final analysis, exceeded all expectation. She is a brilliant litigator, super smart and intelligent. She always responded to my issues with immediacy. We were always a team, in sync, aligned and as a result, managed to generated a favorable outcome under, sometimes extraordinary pressure. But, for me personally, Hyun is worthy of the highest review possible for what she did for me outside of the parameters of a typical client/attorney relationship. There were multiple times, I was under severe pressure. I needed emotional support. Hyun was always available, and on many occasions soothed and defused my stresses with her strong sense of compassion and empathy. Those two virtues saved me from having to spend more funds on counselling or therapy. It was my pleasure to present Hyun with a beautiful orchid yesterday, not just for her excellent representation, but for her compassion, which directly kept me mentally healthy and focused. Thank you Hyun, I will NEVER forget you!
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09 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Hyun's knowledge and navigation of the NJ Family Court System is extremely thorough. From start to finish, she executed my difficult divorce quickly and stayed the course when opposing counsel was constantly coming up with issues. She also provided emotional support when needed. Hyun is an experienced attorney who will represent your family court issue with professionalism and compassion, in addition to working very quickly, she does not waste time, she gets down to the issues and works to solve them.
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23 May, 2021 by Laura d.
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28 Mar, 2019 by Renee sopko
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25 Mar, 2019 by Doug gellner
Allison is a great lawyer whom exudes class . She was very caring through my difficult divorce precedproce.
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21 Aug, 2018 by Nick
She helped me file for annulment (which I received in short order), but she was careful not to rush the process and put a second motion for divorce in the same case to make sure that, if the judge's personal biases affected their decision, we wouldn't have to go through the exact same process again. She was flexible when I was uncomfortable with the initial higher retainer amount and she was very honest in billing and the refund of the unused retainer after the case. Already have recommended her to friends who also have nothing but good things to say about her services.
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09 Nov, 2014 by Judy
Marisa Trofimov and the Deni Law Group are great lawyers that looked out for me from preparing for the divorce to the many Motions after the divorce. Each time there was another issue to address that my ex-husband would throw my way, Marisa and the entire Deni Law Group were there to answer my questions, instruct me as to what needed to be done and kept me well informed so I understood why and what was going on. Responses were immediate and I was never left hanging. I have not heard anyone else that are that pleased with their attorney as I am. I highly recommend Marisa Trofimov and the Deni Law Group.
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04 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
Nick has represented me on several issues and had practical as well as sound legal advice and does not back down to aggressive bulldogs. I have used Nick for Criminal,contract, family and entertainment law.
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26 Dec, 2019 by Michael
Kasia and Neil represented me in my divorce. It was relatively simple because we had no real property but they still took it seriously and I felt like a valued client. They even looked into the best way to word the joint custody of our dog which seems trivial but I appreciated that they cared about what I cared about. They also made sure to be as expedient as possible and worked hard to get everything pushed through before year end.
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11 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. DiFazio has represented me for both real estate and municipal court matters. He was courteous, professional, and very down to earth in his explanations of my legal matters. I am very satisfied with Mr. DiFazio's representation and would definitely hire him again for any future legal matters.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Kim hutchinson
I cannot express enough my deepest gratitude towards Hyun Lee, an attorney at ME&Z. I walked into her office and from moment one she was kind, compassionate and listened to every word I said. Without her guidance I would have been lost in the system, unaware of the laws and rules. She made the worst situation of my life bearable. I would recommend Hyul Lee and her firm to anyone that needs clear guidance and true compassion. Thank you Hyun.
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21 Nov, 2023 by Virginia flood
Adam Eisenhut represented me in my recent divorce. From our first conversation, I found him to be incredibly knowledgeable, honest, professional, and empathetic. He made an otherwise painful time bearable, and always exhibited a high level of integrity and composure. I believe that the outcome of my situation would have been much less favorable had it not been for Adam's measured approach, guidance, and tenacity.
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06 Sep, 2023 by Jill obrien
Ok at negotiations but after close to ten thousand dollars never sent me any documents or anything email call until 23 days after my divorce was filed. I had to call them to ask. What is happening? After that conversation they emailed the official documents.
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20 Jan, 2016 by Cathleen
Mr. Rittley and his paralegal were invaluable in helping me to do the needful with my aunt's estate. I live in Western PA; my aunt lived in NJ. Before hiring Mr. Rittley, my aunt had given a large retainer to a lawyer who has since been disbarred; Mr. Rittley helped to recover those funds and to guide me through the mess that was my aunt's estate. The house was a mess, boxes and boxes of papers had to be sorted through to determine what assets might remain-- people had taken advantage of my aunt's failing health and helped themselves to her things-- Mr. Rittley and his paralegal were knowledgeable, efficient, accurate-- and very kind to a clueless out-of-stater as together we navigated through a sea of obstacles. Every step of the way, he guided me through a morass of paperwork and bureaucracy, and we have recently and SUCCESSFULLY concluded the matter. He even pitched in and physically assisted with the clearing of the house and property in preparation for its transfer to a charity in accordance with the terms of my aunt's will. I would most heartily endorse Mr. Rittley and his paralegal, Sue, to assist anyone needing legal counsel.
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18 Nov, 2015 by Thomas
I was facing an uphill battle with my husband who filed for a divorce out of the blue. He tried to take the children, my pension and our savings. He even tried to change the title on our investment properties. Mr. Rittley really came through. He got me immediately into Court and stopped all my husband's attempts to poison the children, stopped him from trying to sell the investment properties. Even though it took two years, I got the children, my pension, more than half of all the accounts and I even got our investment properties. It was a battle but I was happy I had Mr. Rittley by my side. I would highly recommend him. I could tell he really brought the judge around to seeing the case our way.
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18 Nov, 2015 by Mary
We had my business as well as a family to separate and my husband was running into Court at every opportunity. Mr. Rittley was able to shut him down in Court. Once that happened, the case resolved quickly. I'm not one for getting outsiders involved in our business, but Mr. Rittley really came through, he figured a way to save the business that I started. With the $4,000+ I receive every month, I am able to take care of the children and keep my business running for my children's future.
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04 Nov, 2016 by Mary
During one of the most difficult times for me in my life during my recent divorce battle I was fortunate enough to have Caitlin Toker from D&D Family Law as my attorney. From start to finish Caitlin was not only professional but also supportive and was truly able to put my mind at ease throughout the entire process. I would recommend Caitlin to anyone looking for an amazing divorce attorney who truly cares about her clients! Thank you Caitlin!
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01 Jun, 2015 by Matt
I was recommended to see Caitlin by a personal friend a few years ago when my marriage imploded and I needed to file for divorce. This was quite frankly the worst rock bottom time of my life. I was very fortunate to have hired Caitlin at that time. We sat down, she listened to me and determined what was important for me and helped me understand the legal process and negotiations. The result: we were able to negotiate a settlement agreement and finalized the process within six months of filing the divorce. She also focused on keeping the process as cost effective as possible, and given her genuineness I can see her doing this for everyone. I will stress this though. Don't let the innocent picture fool you. Yes she is a good negotiator, yes she is able to work with everyone to come up with a fair agreement, but she knows when to pick her battles. Let's put it this way when she's in the right this girl is a little spitfire (As I can't give too many specifics by the guidelines I can say it was fun to watch). Remember this is family law so if you have preconceived notions from popular TV courtroom dramas I'd say throw them out the window. A good and ethical lawyer will tell you about the law and what is likely to happen even if you don't want to hear it. I have had experiences with attorneys who have made it sound like the case is strong and then after losing at court then said something like oh I know we were going to loose. You're not going to get that from Caitlin. She will tell you the good, the bad, and the ugly. She will listen to you regarding what you want to accomplish, then she will advise you about what you need to try to meet the goal, how much it would potentially cost, and the overall chances at the end. In my case and in yours this keeps the price down and at the end of the day I was able to walk away with getting what I wanted all be it was in a different form that what I envisioned. Overall I'd highly recommend Caitlin if you are in a bad spot like me and are in need of a good attorney. She will listen to you, she will try to keep things in budget, and she will be supportive of you going through this rough spot in your life. She will work with everyone to come up with a reasonable settlement but at the end of the day she won't take any (well you know what).
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19 Sep, 2020 by Rick l
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01 Mar, 2019 by Nnenna e
Not punctual and extremely unresponsive to clients once they’ve paid
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16 Apr, 2018 by Garrett armbruster
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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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