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20 Apr, 2023 by Cristina brittian
Very professional, listened to all of my concerns and answered all of my questions
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19 Dec, 2022 by Justice joycetv
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07 Jun, 2022 by Patti c
Detric and Beth are beyond amazing. Very personable and compassionate. Love them!
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23 Jun, 2024 by L k morgan
I appreciate Jessica's assistance. She was very attentive and took the time to go over our options. She was always available for follow-up calls and recommendations. We never felt rushed to make a decision.
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22 Jun, 2024 by Darren kirkham
The state of MD is hard to work with and likes to make getting refunds really hard to get. I tried on my own for over a year before I finally hired Jessica. She was awesome to work with. She made the process quick and easy and got me my refund in a matter of weeks. I highly recommend working with her!
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21 Jun, 2024 by Janice engle
I cannot speak highly enough of Jessica - I had millions of dollars tied to my name for a company that was not mine. Not only was she kind, non-judgmental and understanding of my situation but she was also bullish and persistent when fighting for the assessments to be dropped off of my name. If you know anything about the State of Maryland remaining persistent in communication is KEY or you will be left by the wayside. I can finally have a good night's rest knowing that I no longer have such a big number tied to my name. Thank you so much for everything Jessica!
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13 Aug, 2024 by Wilma albuquerque
I appreciate the attention the attorney and his assistants gave me on my case. Thank you!
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09 Jul, 2024 by Darvin vargas
Conocemos al abogado Carrillo desde el año 2009, desde la primera cita siempre fue directo, honesto y sincero con nosotros, luego, luego se notó que el no es un abogado que solo quiere dinero sino ayudar a nuestra comunidad. Agradecidos con Carrillo & Carrillo por ayudarme desde obtener mi residencia hasta convertirme en ciudadano. Dios bendiga al abogado Carrillo y a su amable y muy profesional equipo de trabajo.
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05 Apr, 2024 by Alan noznesky
Elizabeth is an outstanding lawyer. She thoroughly understands the legal and emotional process of separation and divorce and the impact on families and children. She is calm, firm, and very skillful in her approach to the process. She is also very patient as these matters sometimes take months and years to adjudicate. Furthermore, her fees are reasonable considering her expertise and the time involved. I feel lucky that she "hand held" me through my situation and was empathetic to the psychology of my former partner. She had a good handle on things from a financial and psychological standpoint and has the experience to adjust to the need of the client depending on the situation..ie, level of contention between estranged spouses. I highly recommend Elizabeth if you are in the process of seeking counsel and she is available. Good luck !
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02 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I am very thankful to have met Ms. Lisa Trail. I was in desperate need of legal assistance for my family situation, and she helped me through everything. Thanks to her compassion, professionalism, knowledge, and assistance. I was able to get the legal help I needed. I am forever grateful to Ms. Lisa Trail and would highly recommend her to anyone!
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21 Feb, 2024 by Bob
Lisa was extremely helpful throughout my divorce process. While this was a “mutual consent” divorce with no minor children or alimony issues, it was a relief to have a resource such as Lisa to guide me throughout the process. She was always responsive and supportive.
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21 Nov, 2023 by Jim
Lisa was excellent throughout my divorce process. She made herself available to talk within reasonable timeframes and responded to emails quickly. Lisa guided me through the process effectively. I appreciated her candor when talking strategy before and during mediation. She made a difficult process easier to manage.
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27 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
I was looking for a lawyer with experience and confidence. She came highly recommended from the court employees and in the community. Handled the case with concise instructions and respect in regards to the case. Very just and fare dealing all involved.
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28 Nov, 2023 by Michael k
It doesn’t get any better. Karen and her assistant, Chrystal, are Superb. I was a lost little sheep, in a wolves den. Then came Karen. Her actions helped me mentally, and financially. Usually, in these scenarios, there is only one winner. So, if you don’t want to watch your monies get burned up by a callous Lawyer actions, call Karen. She is the “Good” Karen. Tho, in your corner, if needed, Big Bad Karen, will back you up. Give them a call. You’ll find out quickly , of what I speak….
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08 Jun, 2021 by Layton
Great job with all of my tribulations !! You Made it seamless, and tolerable Thank you so...so much for all your assistance.
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20 Apr, 2023 by Cristina brittian
Very professional, listened to all of my concerns and answered all of my questions
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19 Dec, 2022 by Justice joycetv
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07 Jun, 2022 by Patti c
Detric and Beth are beyond amazing. Very personable and compassionate. Love them!
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28 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Diana Schobel handled my divorce from start to finish. She handled every aspect of what issues arose and provided phenomenal legal advice commensurate with her extensive experience. She guided me through the entire process, explaining things to me (sometimes a few times). I rate her an A++. I could not have asked for a better attorney.
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21 Jan, 2016 by Joan
Great experience. Went above and beyond. Will always be greatful for her help.
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16 Dec, 2015 by Olga
We contracted with Diana M Schobel to assist with a DLLR - Work Place Fraud audit. Ms Schobel was able to help us resolve this matter quickly, at minimal expense. She was efficient, professional, and very personable. Ms. Schobel was able to keep up informed as to the status of our case without resorting to excessive billing. We were very happy with her and wouldn't hesitate to recommend her firm.
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05 Apr, 2022 by Lisa romano
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30 Jun, 2021 by Ann
She made my MSA iron clad and so grateful! I totally recommend her! I have to go back to court though because my ex has not followed the financials of the MSA and if I had more money to spare I would definitely hire her!!!
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16 Oct, 2016 by Kirsten
Laura took time to understand our overall legal needs and estate planning and completed and filed the documents we required flawlessly. She was a pleasure to deal with and would highly recommend, an expert in her field.
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14 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Laura was terrific. She was informative, 100% supportive and knowledgable. She was attentive to my needs and the needs of my case. She went above and beyond my expectations. I will recommend her to anyone who needs an attorney in her area of expertise.
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05 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Mary Anne is well respected within the court system. She is efficient and does not trump up charges. Also has been very supportive of my position and has helped me have confidence of the whole process. My case is still open but the first and second court appearances went very satisfactory. At this point of my case I am very satisfied and I believe she will follow through to best benefit me. Highly recommend for either side of a divorce. You are her client and works the best for you.
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28 Jun, 2011 by Katie
Mary Anne Day represented me in a modification case four years ago. She is down to earth, extremely knowledgeable of the law and does her best to negotiate a settlement and avoid the huge cost of going to court. I was impressed by her relationships with other lawyers, they seem to really respect her. Unlike my previous lawyer, I felt that she did not waste my money. All lawyers cost an arm and a leg, but Mary Anne did not waste my money on unnecessary pleadings or letters. She covered all bases in a cost effective way, and to me on a tight budget was important. Only con is that she is a trial lawyer, and is in court a lot, and sometimes it took a few days to get a call back. I would use her again.
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04 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
My wife is 92 and permanently in bed, not able to get out any more, I am 86 and too much for me to take care of her. I want to marry a lady who would take care of her. My wife agreed to that. I would like to apply for divorce!
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24 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Russell represented me in my divorce from my husband of 30 years. I found him to be extremely knowledgeable, kind and professional. I always felt that he had my best interests as his first priority. I highly recommend Mr Russell for divorce.
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07 Feb, 2015 by Jason
Michael Sweet is the best general practice lawyer I've been to in Frederick, hands down. Very attentive and professional. I plan to use him for all of my legal matters going forward and I've already recommended him to friends and family.
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02 Dec, 2018 by Connor
Mr. Schiszik gave me the legal advice and prowess that I wouldn't have had access to otherwise to end the case I had been suffering through my entire teenage life. Mr. Schiszik is extremely adept, professional, and understanding. I would definitely contact him and his firm if I, a friend, or family member ever was in need of a lawyer.
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24 Dec, 2012 by Roy
I had a criminal case in Frederick Maryland and I was facing 22 years. Needless to say that I was scared. Attorney Straile was calm and knew exactly what to do. I got 2 years probation. Best lawyer I've ever had.
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23 Jun, 2024 by L k morgan
I appreciate Jessica's assistance. She was very attentive and took the time to go over our options. She was always available for follow-up calls and recommendations. We never felt rushed to make a decision.
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22 Jun, 2024 by Darren kirkham
The state of MD is hard to work with and likes to make getting refunds really hard to get. I tried on my own for over a year before I finally hired Jessica. She was awesome to work with. She made the process quick and easy and got me my refund in a matter of weeks. I highly recommend working with her!
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21 Jun, 2024 by Janice engle
I cannot speak highly enough of Jessica - I had millions of dollars tied to my name for a company that was not mine. Not only was she kind, non-judgmental and understanding of my situation but she was also bullish and persistent when fighting for the assessments to be dropped off of my name. If you know anything about the State of Maryland remaining persistent in communication is KEY or you will be left by the wayside. I can finally have a good night's rest knowing that I no longer have such a big number tied to my name. Thank you so much for everything Jessica!
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13 May, 2024 by Megan vaughn
Easy to work with and understanding in any situation. If the need ever arises I would definitely work with him again.
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25 Mar, 2024 by Daly martinez
He is a great lawyer! He stuck with me thru my case as a genuine person who truly cares for his clients. Not only did he get me thru and fight in my divorce, he also fought for me in my protection order case. I highly recommend him.
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13 Nov, 2023 by Vania jacobs
Rob was wonderful to me. I was super apprehensive about filing for divorce. But helped me through it. He was extremely flexible, always with a smile and good sense of humor. Very professional and told me facts and that is what I needed. Fair cost too. Overall I am super happy with his services.
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13 May, 2024 by Megan vaughn
Easy to work with and understanding in any situation. If the need ever arises I would definitely work with him again.
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25 Mar, 2024 by Daly martinez
He is a great lawyer! He stuck with me thru my case as a genuine person who truly cares for his clients. Not only did he get me thru and fight in my divorce, he also fought for me in my protection order case. I highly recommend him.
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13 Nov, 2023 by Vania jacobs
Rob was wonderful to me. I was super apprehensive about filing for divorce. But helped me through it. He was extremely flexible, always with a smile and good sense of humor. Very professional and told me facts and that is what I needed. Fair cost too. Overall I am super happy with his services.
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07 Feb, 2023 by Sifu tim berkemeier -traditional wing chun
I spoke to Jamie Crestfield in reference to a legal matter Im dealing with by referral. Even though my matter was outside her specialty she still took the time to listen and gave me honest advice. If you're looking for an attorney within the aspects of law that she covers, I would definitely check her out.
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30 Oct, 2024 by Joe baker
The process of having my Estate Planning documents completed at the Law Office of Lena A Clark was wonderful! Being both an employee and a client of this firm, Justin, Maury, and Anna all made the process very streamlined and simple for me to have my Estate Planning documents completed. I highly recommend these services for yourself.
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28 Oct, 2024 by Randy schwartz
Lawyers were very knowledgeable and helpful. Their friendliness made a difficult session easier to deal with. We feel confident that we made the right choice of lawyers to help us develop our end of life decisions for our family.
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28 Oct, 2024 by Tracey garcia
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21 Jul, 2024 by Samantha young
Our family chooses Horman Nichols for all our legal services. I’ve known Marshall and Andy for many years, and they are candid, caring, ethical attorneys. It’s always pleasant dealing with them and the rest of the team! My husband and I have each, unfortunately, been in auto accidents recently that were caused by other drivers. In both situations, Andy Nichols got the maximum allowable settlements for us! He and his team communicated with us each step of the way to let us know the status of the case and what to expect. Marshall Horman has also been great caring for our estate planning needs and questions. I recommend Horman Nichols for all your legal needs!
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26 Jun, 2024 by 717 services llc
Great to work with!
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19 Jun, 2024 by Natalie ritenour
Trevor Addie-Carter is an amazing attorney! He is knowledgeable and explains things so well. He doesn’t pressure you to take a deal, He gives you all of the pros and cons and allows you to make an informed decision. I couldn’t have picked a better attorney if I tried. Thank you Trevor!
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01 Oct, 2024 by Hanna
I recently had the pleasure of working with Michael Gast as my fiancé's legal representative during a trial, and I cannot express enough how impressed we were with his professionalism and dedication. From start to finish, Michael was prompt in his communication and highly proficient in getting the other party to respond, which made the entire process much smoother. What stood out the most was Michael's commitment to fully representing his client. He went above and beyond to ensure that my fiancé's interests were prioritized, demonstrating a level of care and diligence that is truly commendable. We wholeheartedly recommend Michael to anyone in need of legal representation and will definitely seek his services again in the future. Thank you, Michael, for your unwavering support and expertise!
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28 Mar, 2024 by John
Mr Gast stood with me through a particularly tough transition in my personal life. He was responsive with communications and guided me through both civil and criminal proceedings. At a time when everything felt stacked against me Mr Gast was steadfast and reliable. The divorce process lasted a ridiculously long time but Mr Gast was there throughout and I am now happily on the other side in large part thanks to his representation.
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11 Dec, 2023 by Jessica
I have hired Mike as my attorney 3 times. First for a divorce/custody case when I was in my early 20's. Once for a Custody case while in my early 30's. And this last case that just finalized for a divorce from an all but 17 year marriage. The most recent one lasted almost 2 years, because the court system is still so far behind on cases. My now ex decided to bring his "girlfriend" into our home, with me and our children there. Mike was very professional, empathetic, and aggressive when needed. Each time I hired him, he explained everything, all of the possibilities of outcomes, what I should do to keep my kids and myself safe and protected. I am disabled and currently fighting for disability, my ex was claiming that I wasn't disabled because he didn't want to pay me alimony. Mike got me in contact with James Sullivan, a Vocational expert to speak with my Doctors and be a expert witness. Doing that got me alimony, and saved me thousands of dollars because I didn't have to hire one of my doctors as a expert witness which is crazy expensive. Without Mike and his Knowledge of the laws, I don't know what I would of done. I highly recommend Mike Gast to anyone looking for a great, affordable, easy to work with attorney.
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11 May, 2024 by Donald lambert
Great People
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09 Feb, 2023 by Shawn g
Always professional and helpful with my many questions.
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13 Jan, 2022 by Janet cooper kraus
Their process of settlement for a real estate sale was smooth. Staff is professional and friendly.
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11 Jul, 2024 by Achsah hammond
If you need a lawyer, YOU NEED Nicholas McDaniels! Lewis McDaniels law firm is a dedicated company as a whole and gets you the justice and help you deserve! They are knowledgeable, genuine professionals who earned much deserved respect, recognition, and appreciation from me! Thank you 1000x times for everything!
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19 Mar, 2024 by Jeremy weaver
Ryan, Nick, and Jack are the real deal. Great for real estate litigation.
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28 Jun, 2023 by Steve rose
Hank was great in all aspects with the sale of my business. From the initial contract review through the sale and dissolution of my business. I was able to get the financial terms I wanted through his tenacity with the buyer. Thank you for your professionalism. I would recommend Hank to anyone.
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11 May, 2024 by Donald lambert
Great People
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29 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Best lawyer ever to the person who put that she is bad you are a tupid human being
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09 Feb, 2023 by Shawn g
Always professional and helpful with my many questions.
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28 Apr, 2023 by Jaime beezel
I cannot recommend Linda Bush with the Law Offices of Shipe and Bush highly enough. She is professional, smart, honest, realistic, and determined. She’s a smooth operator and that courtroom and fought for me with everything she had. When it comes to divorce and family law, look no further! You will definitely have the best by your side.
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12 Sep, 2022 by Christian sotomayor
Great customer service!
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31 Aug, 2022 by Tina merryman
Wonderful to find someone doing what they were meant to do. When a person can combine intelligence, likely years of education, experience and humanity… it can make an unfortunate situation much smoother. Kevin is a patient, smart, kind and compassionate human being with the intelligence and expertise needed for his type of work. Compassionate office staff, as well.
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28 Apr, 2023 by Jaime beezel
I cannot recommend Linda Bush with the Law Offices of Shipe and Bush highly enough. She is professional, smart, honest, realistic, and determined. She’s a smooth operator and that courtroom and fought for me with everything she had. When it comes to divorce and family law, look no further! You will definitely have the best by your side.
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12 Sep, 2022 by Christian sotomayor
Great customer service!
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31 Aug, 2022 by Tina merryman
Wonderful to find someone doing what they were meant to do. When a person can combine intelligence, likely years of education, experience and humanity… it can make an unfortunate situation much smoother. Kevin is a patient, smart, kind and compassionate human being with the intelligence and expertise needed for his type of work. Compassionate office staff, as well.
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26 May, 2024 by Brittany smoot
Been waiting on my disability claim for 3 years now 😔
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13 May, 2024 by Subhash rastogi
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27 Apr, 2024 by Syla c
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26 May, 2024 by Brittany smoot
Been waiting on my disability claim for 3 years now 😔
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13 May, 2024 by Subhash rastogi
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27 Apr, 2024 by Syla c
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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:

  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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