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27 May, 2024 by Corinna burton
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20 Nov, 2023 by Chris
William was an absolute pleasure to work with. He was very respectful of my busy schedule and conducted everything virtually. He never required prompting and proactively solved my case with minimal input on my end. I highly recommend his services
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07 Mar, 2020 by Maria ascher
Amazing lawyer!!
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29 Jul, 2022 by Ward gilley
We needed to consolidate our debt and I was looking at some options. But first we had 3,000 to 4,000 to throw at it to get some of the utilizations down to possibly get a better rate. One is an instalment loan from last summer when our HVAC failed. The payments are ridiculously almost all going to interest and we are still above 90% utilization several months later. Our FICO score taken a hug drop since we took our last summer, we couldn’t apply for anything again in the country. But all thanks to PINNACLE CREDIT SPECIALIST who came through for me. They helped me raised my credit score to (807 TransUnion, 802 Experian 805 Equifax) they also cleared all my debt and reduced my utilization. They’re the people’s Angel helping people from financial stress. You can contact them via
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23 Jul, 2020 by Alec
I was referred to Mr. Schneider by a family friend. Mr. Schneider has dealt with many cases throughout his career that were very similar to mine. With utmost confidence he told me he was able to help. Even with Covid 19 amongst us, the firm was professional, easy to reach, and a pleasure to work with. Through every step of the process I felt informed and secure with all that was happening and in the end my charges were dropped down. Mr. Schneider is a very personable and knowledgeable attorney that I would recommend to anyone!
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24 Nov, 2015 by Matt
I hired this firm about 7 years ago after being charged with Wanton Endangerment for having an altercation with neighbors who were living in an apartment above mine. They were partying very loudly all night one weekend and I asked them several times to quiet down. Finally at around 0330 I got fed up so I wrote in mustard on their porch, "Shut Up," then went to the ground level on the grass and yelled up at their apartment to shut up, they then came outside onto their porch yelling down at me to go F myself at which point they saw the mustard message on their porch. They then came running down the stairs yelling that they were going to kill me so I ran into my apartment as they were hot on my tail. I didn't have time to shut the door behind me as they were coming at me fast so I ran into my apartment and grabbed my pistol from my kitchen and told them to get out of my apartment. A little struggle ensued as I had one by the throat and was pushing him out and his friends saw that I had the gun so they were helping to pull him back out of my apartment. After I got them out my roommate called the police. When the police showed up apparently one of the officers knew one of the rednecks upstairs and took their side of the story, saying that I came outside with a gun pointing a pistol at them and threatening to shoot them. Complete BS. (The smart thing to have done would have been to call the police to begin with. I understand that I was foolish that evening.) Schneider suggested that we just plea to a lesser charge, a disorderly conduct charge, and not go to trial. Herein lies the problem with our legal system I suppose. This charge has caused me many thousands of dollars in immigration lawyers, not to mention all of the time I have wasted with not being able to work in the new country that I live because of immigration issues related to this 'case.' I suppose it was evident to Tim that I did not have the money to go to trial at the time, or maybe he is just used to the systems' 'routine' procedures, so I agreed to just accept the disorderly conduct charge. All of that aside, when it came time for me to be eligible to expunge my charge, Tim would not respond back to me either via email or phone. I left a message with his assistant and sent many emails. I'm not sure why he did not respond to my emails or phone call so that I could get the charge expunged. I'm not sure what benefit there could possibly be for an attorney to not have one of their client's charges expunged, so I don't think it was malicious, but it was aggravating and an email from him stating, "I'm too busy to take your case," would have been better than nothing. So I'm giving 2 stars instead of 1 because at first he at least did communicate with me in a professional manner, even though his advice caused horrible consequences. I believe that the advice and course of action that we took created many problems for me and cost my family an additional $10,000 not to mention the time and opportunity cost of not being able to work in another country for years. Then not responding to me when it was time for expungement was really unprofessional. I hired another attorney in Campbell County and got the charge expunged relatively pain free.
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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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