Lawyers map
>16
experienced lawyers
Filter by
19 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Attorney David Hisle has provided me excellent legal counsel on two separate occasions. Attorney Hisle is extremely knowledgeable and presents the information in a manner that is easy to understand. I appreciate the time he takes to fully address the matters to my satisfaction. I highly recommend.
Read more
02 Jul, 2024 by Teyo
David did to help me win my case he was able to explain to me every step of the way into the process of the case he also did a great job.
Read more
07 May, 2024 by John carberry
Cares about clients and wants to get you a positive outcome without bankrupting you. I have learned that you can pretty much divide divorce attorneys into 2 categories: one group that simply wants to churn information back and forth between attorneys as well as between attorney and client in way that simply bills hours and accomplishes little until the 11th hour when it could have been settled in the first or second hour. And then there is a group, like Karen, that truly wants to problem solve, propose solutions, avoid litigation and get an outcome for her client that is both fair and reasonable in cost. Karen is honest, dedicated and she told me what I needed to hear rather than what I wanted to hear. I cannot recommend her highly enough. I was fortunate to have someone recommend her to me and, every time I mentioned her to someone in the legal community in Maryland (4x), the response from each attorney was overwhelmingly positive. If you are looking for someone who will be in your corner, fight for you, shoot straight with you(the good and the bad), look no further than Karen Amos.
Read more
20 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
We highly recommend working with the lawyers at Lewicky, O’Connor, Hunt & Meiser. They feel like family and have always gone above and beyond for us. They are incredibly competent, hard-working, and most importantly to us, they’re incredibly kind.
Read more
07 May, 2024 by John carberry
Cares about clients and wants to get you a positive outcome without bankrupting you. I have learned that you can pretty much divide divorce attorneys into 2 categories: one group that simply wants to churn information back and forth between attorneys as well as between attorney and client in way that simply bills hours and accomplishes little until the 11th hour when it could have been settled in the first or second hour. And then there is a group, like Karen, that truly wants to problem solve, propose solutions, avoid litigation and get an outcome for her client that is both fair and reasonable in cost. Karen is honest, dedicated and she told me what I needed to hear rather than what I wanted to hear. I cannot recommend her highly enough. I was fortunate to have someone recommend her to me and, every time I mentioned her to someone in the legal community in Maryland (4x), the response from each attorney was overwhelmingly positive. If you are looking for someone who will be in your corner, fight for you, shoot straight with you(the good and the bad), look no further than Karen Amos.
Read more
13 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Eleanor won my case gracefully and without any hesitation. Every step was clear, documented and discussed ahead of time. I could not have asked for more. Thank you so much for helping me and my children.
Read more
28 Aug, 2024 by Jeff
Lindsay was the perfect attorney for my case. Lindsay provided the guidance, empathy, education, and care necessary to help me through a very difficult time. Her poise, knowledge, and patience led me through a confusing legal landscape. Her professionalism and expertise was truly astounding. I cannot speak more highly of her. I would recommend Lindsay Stanton as the most well-rounded attorney I have ever had opportunity to represent me.
Read more
07 May, 2024 by John carberry
Cares about clients and wants to get you a positive outcome without bankrupting you. I have learned that you can pretty much divide divorce attorneys into 2 categories: one group that simply wants to churn information back and forth between attorneys as well as between attorney and client in way that simply bills hours and accomplishes little until the 11th hour when it could have been settled in the first or second hour. And then there is a group, like Karen, that truly wants to problem solve, propose solutions, avoid litigation and get an outcome for her client that is both fair and reasonable in cost. Karen is honest, dedicated and she told me what I needed to hear rather than what I wanted to hear. I cannot recommend her highly enough. I was fortunate to have someone recommend her to me and, every time I mentioned her to someone in the legal community in Maryland (4x), the response from each attorney was overwhelmingly positive. If you are looking for someone who will be in your corner, fight for you, shoot straight with you(the good and the bad), look no further than Karen Amos.
Read more
20 Dec, 2019 by Z watkins
5.0
21 Reviews
4.9
46 Reviews
03 Sep, 2024 by Perry power
I found myself needing a divorce lawyer after being served separation paperwork from my spouse. Shelly and her team were able to do an initial consultation within a day, and truly took the time to understand the complex issues surrounding my case. Shelly and her team have worked TIRELESSLY through this entire process to ensure that my rights as a father were preserved and protected. I truly owe this law firm my everything, as they have advocated for me and my children as if we were family. Being a father in divorce court is no longer the doom sentence that it once was, and the entire team did everything within their power to make sure my rights were protected. Ultimately, the final outcome of my case exceeded my expectations. I attended countless mediation sessions, hearings, and ultimately a custody trial. Shelly and Jessica both were very effective at communicating and guiding me through this entire process, and I am so grateful to have them by my side for every step of the way. Divorce truly brings out the worst in people, and having absolute faith in your legal team is a must. Shelly and her team delivered time and time again. The only reason I gave 5 stars is because there isn’t 6. Thank you!!
Read more
30 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
One believes they will be married forever and then after several decades, circumstances can change leading to the end of ‘forever’. In the beginning, my husband and I agreed we would do a quick online divorce without lawyers so we created our own separation agreement. I started to feel uneasy when his amicable behavior changed, he stopped communicating and began wavering on our agreement. I soon realized that I needed legal representation to protect my interests. None of my friends had legal recommendations so I did an internet search.
I came upon the website for the Law Office of Shelly M. Ingram and started researching the firm. I was impressed immediately with the backgrounds of all the associates and reviews were spectacular. I was equally impressed when I made my initial inquiry with the Legal Assistant, Laurie Danko. She made the intake process over telephone and email seamless and had quick response time to all my inquiries. Jessica Gillespie, Associate Lawyer was assigned my case. I had never needed a lawyer before so I was really nervous and intimidated prior to our meeting. The law office is in a secured set of rooms in a professional building, giving me sense of safety. The conference room was designed with chic and beautiful features, yet it was warm and inviting. I was put at ease immediately when Jessica arrived. She was down to earth, approachable, and most importantly to me - empathetic. I had no reservations about hiring this firm.
My initial separation agreement needed to be revised in a few areas to protect my interests. I had very specific concerns about the wording of this document to ensure that my husband would not find a legal loop hole that would enable him to stop his financial obligations for me in the future. Jessica recommended a specialty law firm that could work in concert with her firm to address these specific items. Revising the agreement was a collaborative process that took a few weeks, which was important for me. She alleviated all my concerns, which made me feel that I was in control throughout this process. When we had our settlement conference at the Court house, Jessica negotiated a settlement that was very agreeable to my husband and me. Thankfully, everything was quite amicable, so much so that both our attorneys commented that they had never had a divorcing couple who were so friendly and agreeable to one another.
Ms. Gillespie has a busy caseload, yet she made me feel like I was her only client. She kept me apprised of everything that was happening with my husband’s attorney, the specialty law firm and all aspects with the Court process. I was concerned about this being a financial hardship, but she was very upfront and realistic about my retainer and expected legal fees. My divorce is now final and my concerns about my ex’s financial obligations were resolved as of this week. I even have a balance of my retainer that is being returned!
Nobody gets married with the intention of getting divorced. This process could have left me feeling defeated, however, I feel validated and empowered. I am so glad I decided to seek out legal advice. Hiring the Law Office of Shelly M. Ingram was the best decision I could have made.
Read more
03 Apr, 2024 by X li
01 Jul, 2020 by Jeanne gutierrez
I selected Emily Russell of McCabe Russell, P.A. for legal representation in a divorce case and a civil case as the Plaintiff and it morphed into an unfounded restraining order case and an unfounded criminal case with me as the defendant. Emily has the knowledge and experience in dealing with high conflict / challenging family law cases (narcissists) and her calm, professional demeanor and thorough preparation was successful in winning all the cases in my favor.
With the stress of four cases happening concurrently, having Emily, Associate Attorney Jennifer Bradbury and their supporting staff’s personal attention to the details of each case was a huge relief to me. They were patient, responded promptly and dedicated to getting the truth known to the judge in each case. They made a difficult time easier.
McCabe Russell, P.A. is a highly organized law firm. Their webpage is state of the art, allowing payments to be made and documents to be uploaded securely.
I would highly recommend Emily Russell and Jennifer Bradbury of McCabe Russell, P.A.
-Jeanne Gutierrez
Read more
13 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
Custody modification is often even more challenging than an initial custody proceeding. The "material change" and "best interest" standards are rather subjective and a judge is not inclined to change a custody agreement without overwhelming evidence that it would improve the child's situation.
Despite the inherent difficulty, Ms. Russell achieved the exact result we set out to achieve in my custody modification case. She is an incredible strategist and litigator with a total command of MD custody law. Every part of the plan was well-considered and well-executed.
I would highly recommend Emily for any family law matter. I would also recommend listening to her when she provides advice. Unlike some attorneys, she doesn't hedge on every recommendation to the point that you're making all the decisions without knowing the possibilities of how those decisions will turn out. She will provide sound advice taking into account the facts of the matter. Tell her the truth, take her advice, and let her do her job. She is equipped to attain the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Read more
27 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
My very first impression of Emily was amazing. Friends of mine were having their first child and the hospital would not allow the non birth mother to access their newborn due to them being a same sex couple. Emily not only answered her phone right away, she drove to the hospital to make sure her clients were being taken care of!
Emily (and Heather) stepped in to handle was was quickly becoming a very emotional situation. Within moments the problem was solved and our friends had a smooth adoption afterwards.
I knew Emily was going to be my first call to handle dissolving a civil union (issued only in Vermont) that I had been a part of since 2001. Emily met with me to go over my options on what I was told by two other attorneys would be nearly impossible and very costly. My former partner and I were tethered to a civil union that states no longer recognized and they were obsolete as marriage equality was on the horizon. The unfortunate part was those living in civil unions who had separated, like myself were caught up in the red tape of the courts with many courts claiming no jurisdiction, yet this was still a legal binding that would had to be dissolved to get officially married.
From the start Emily said "we will get this done, and if we can't at first we will keep trying until we do". Emily went far above and beyond in my case. On the day before the trial, the courts were all of a sudden requesting my EX be present. She lives 1200 miles away. Emily called the court endlessly the entire day and after hours, she faxed forms to the judge and guided not only me but pointed my ex in the proper direction to make sure she would not be left in some sort of trouble with the courts. As my case was in front of the judge, i was worried! I felt the judge was tough on the cases before mine....Emily was right next to me and consistently told me "its ok". When it was time for my case, Emily was confident and calm in front of the judge. She had a quick response for every question and was prepared for what seemed like anything and everything. 10 minutes later, my civil union which had been in limbo for years, was dissolved! Emily Charged me a regular uncontested divorce rate. She responded to every call and email within hours. I still can't believe it and Emily and I stay in touch to this very day!
if you need an attorney, this is your answer. EMILY AND HEATHER. They are not just attorneys, they are real people who truly get it. You'll never feel intimidated or pressured, Emily made me feel like she was fighting for a personal friend the entire time.
Read more
07 May, 2024 by John carberry
Cares about clients and wants to get you a positive outcome without bankrupting you. I have learned that you can pretty much divide divorce attorneys into 2 categories: one group that simply wants to churn information back and forth between attorneys as well as between attorney and client in way that simply bills hours and accomplishes little until the 11th hour when it could have been settled in the first or second hour. And then there is a group, like Karen, that truly wants to problem solve, propose solutions, avoid litigation and get an outcome for her client that is both fair and reasonable in cost. Karen is honest, dedicated and she told me what I needed to hear rather than what I wanted to hear. I cannot recommend her highly enough. I was fortunate to have someone recommend her to me and, every time I mentioned her to someone in the legal community in Maryland (4x), the response from each attorney was overwhelmingly positive. If you are looking for someone who will be in your corner, fight for you, shoot straight with you(the good and the bad), look no further than Karen Amos.
Read more
20 Dec, 2019 by Z watkins
30 Jan, 2019 by Lisa polson
21 Aug, 2020 by Christine
Hilary was part of the McCabe Russell team assisted me during my divorce and contempt cases. It was such a hard time and two children were involved and Hilary was always very quick with a response that was easy to understand. She helped make the experience as low impact as possible. It was and still is a hard thing I have had to deal with but I would highly recommend her as part of your team.
I truly enjoyed working with her as there is so much paperwork that had to be done and so many questions that came up when I was trying to work out what was best for the children. I benefitted on how reliable she was and how she always had answers. I would highly recommend her in any family law situation. I am sure she would handle any situation she was called to in a professional and meaningful way.
Read more
26 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
She is a top notch attorney who will give you the facts straight, speak directly to you about the matters at hand, and all while showing compassion for her clients.
I engaged with Linda who worked with another attorney in the practice on my case for over three years. There was some stoppage on my part because of personal matters and also because of the pandemic.
But I would highly recommend a consult with her if you are serious about pursuing a family law case. Her hourly rates reflect her professional and experience in the field but are more than worth it!
Read more
04 Jan, 2020 by Christine
For those reading: I went to this firm on a recommendation and a warning that it would cost more than your average lawyer but it would be worth it and I could not be happier! I was divorcing my husband and in the beginning it seemed like an amicable divorce, he as mostly agreeable and we were able to file for an uncontested divorce and with the help of Heather and her team I have a very solid marital separation agreement that is very well written and covers things I did not think of at all. I have seen a few of my friend's separation agreements made up by other lawyer teams, and I will attest that the one written by this team was more extensive than any others I have seen.
Unfortunately I had trusted that my ex-spouse and I were able to keep in the agreement and I went "softer" than I though I needed to. Unfortunately I had to file a contempt of agreement and this law team again rose up to ensure I felt supported and not out of line in what I was seeing. He wasn't paying all the support he agreed to, and he was talking in ways with my children that they shouldn't be in a divorce. Her team filed everything and we found ourselves in mediation with their law team. It was good, I wanted time with my kids, he wanted money, we got through it, the advice the McCabe Russell team had for me was paramount and made me comfortable and confident. I am so much more educated and confident in my matters, and they also ensured that after mediation that all the paperwork was accurate and inline with my wishes. It was smooth and easy. I highly recommend this firm. I worked directly with Hillary and Heather and they were just fantastic, understanding, compassionate and just treated me humanely. Thank you. I will continue to utilize their services should I require them again.
Read more
08 Jan, 2019 by Gina
Without Atty Heather and Atty Emily I don’t have my son with me. Because of them I have peace. I thank God and will continue to pray for them and the family. Therefore, I highly recommend Atty Heather McCabe and Atty Emily Russell to handle your case and you will amaze for the results they will not leave you very supportive lawyers.
Read more
23 Nov, 2016 by Terrance
Contemplating or facing the circumstances of going through family court to do what you believe is best for your child(ren) is one of the hardest decisions that a person may face in life. The concept of having to fight anyone, let alone the other parent, for the opportunity to establish, maintain and/or protect the relationship with you and your child(ren) is a very difficult decision to make. Additionally, being an active participant in your child’s life is the life blood to being a parent and building those life long memories with your child(ren). As such, and while I believe that an amicable solution should ALWAYS be sought first, sometimes the only alternative you are left with is family court.
To that point, I was lead to the offices of McCabeRussell (also referred to as my “Dream Team”) and what a godsend they were and continue to be to me and my family. If I had to sum up my feelings, I would have to say that Heather McCabe, Emily Russell, Anna Sholl and the entire McCabeRussell team are absolutely, hands down AMAZING! And, unfortunately, that still doesn’t fully describe or quantify how unbelievable and well suited of a legal team they are to anyone facing a family court matter.
Before contacting McCabeRussell, I was a frustrated single father facing a system that I believed was stacked against me. As a man and an African American father, I have heard the horror stories of how the family court system is rigged against men and the hell that fathers sometimes have to endure to be involved in their children’s lives when the other party doesn’t share the same sentiments regarding parental involvement. Well, my story started the same way until I pick up the phone and spoke to Heather. I embarked on this journey facing multiple and, at times, ridiculous allegations about my fitness as a parent and access to my son of every other weekend and NO overnights. After speaking with Heather on the first phone call/initial consultation to the standing with Emily and Anna at final verdict being rendered some 14 months later, they were ALWAYS there at every turn, phone call, email, etc. While it was my hope that I would have been able to settle the matter out of court, Heather and Emily prepared me for the possibility of the inevitable – a trial. I hated this option but, realized it was necessary in my case. They helped me (emotionally and legally) navigate several phases of the legal process --- the initial phases of very limited access, fending off protective order attempts meant to further curtail my parental access and abilities, acquired me a three (3) hour temporary hearing to address my lack of access and finally, a trial where they were able to prove my fitness as a father and helped me attain shared physical and joint legal custody.
What I just provided was a snapshot of my own circumstances but, hopefully enough for you to glean why I say this office is my “Dream Team”. Heather, Emily and Anna are tenacious trial attorneys, well versed in all aspects of domestic and family law, compassionate, child focused, attentive, over prepared, organized, responsive and very professional. I was a novice entering this but have since learned that all lawyers are not made alike. Now, while I didn’t get everything I wanted from the court, I can take solace in knowing that McCabeRussell advocated hard as ever to get me a significant amount of time, decision making ability and ultimately, the peace of mind to know that I have a team to fall back on when or if I am ever faced with similar circumstances in the future. In short, I would ONLY recommend McCabeRussell as the law firm to choose if you are faced with a domestic or family law matter.
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.
