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24 Jun, 2023 by Edgar
From the moment I stepped into Renehan Pearlstein office I was greeted by friendly staff who immediately made me feel welcomed and at ease during a really stressful time.
Mr. Pearslstein was warm and inviting and made me feel very comfortable from the start. Throughout the course of my case, Mrs. Renehan has continued to gain my confidence in her skills and I firmly believe that she cares about me and my needs.
I hired Brodsky Renehan Pearlstein for my divorce. They was very kind and helpful in making what could have been a very difficult and confusing situation into one that I felt in control of and confident in.
They have also kept the divorce moving forward despite opposing counsel’s sluggish progress.
They handled my case with the utmost professionalism. The staff was kind and attentive. Should I ever need a family law attorney again (cross my fingers I don't), I would certainly look to Renehan & Pearlstein for a guidance once again. . You and your staff have been wonderful.
I highly recommend Mr. Pearlstein as a family law attorney.
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07 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Mr. Pearlstein and Ms. Renehan handled my case very professionally, responsively, and with great knowledge. My case was unique as I needed to transfer custody from another state to Maryland, which required a thorough modification. Having both of them made me feel safe and heard. They were always on top of my needs, meeting deadlines, and, best of all, they were there for me. They had the best interests not just for me as their client, but also for my child. They were very passionate about what they do. Lastly, their extensive experience in Family Law is what makes them a powerhouse in helping me achieve the custody agreement that I have wanted.
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01 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
"In my opinion divorce is one of the lowest points in one's life, much like death. Faced with divorce, emotions are heightened, there is anger, resentment and the list goes on and one loses the ability to think clearly and rationally. The wrong attorney uses these emotions and feeds it to build billable hours. The wrong attorney promises things that most often they know they can't deliver, again, just to build billable hours.
At the end of last October my marriage started to unravel and suddenly within one weeks it came to an end. I was faced with having to hire an attorney.
I always do lots of research before doing anything but time was not on my side. I studied the web, looked up many attorneys, read their bios, and read reviews as much as I could. I narrowed the field down to seven attorneys and tried to talk with them or to meet with them. Several of them never returned my call. I made an appointment with five.
I had the good fortune to meet with Mr. Pearlstein as my second appointment and after leaving his office I cancelled all other appointments. He was and is amazing. He listened to me attentively, he never gave me false promises. What I really appreciated was that he did not take the position of let's fry the other side, and let's do this and that. As we worked together I began to realize just how fortunate I was. He knew exactly how to calm me down, how to communicate with the other side, he knew exactly what to do. He knows the law, what is the right thing to do and all along I knew that his most important focus was the best outcome for me and absolutely, definitely not building billable hours. I have developed such respect and appreciation for this man and I am so grateful for finding him.
I am not much for writing reviews but if you are in the position of needing a family lawyer I would definitely say that he is in my opinion absolutely the best. During a divorce one stands to lose much with the wrong lawyer and to end up with an astronomical legal fee on top of the losses is not something that one recovers from. I believe that Mr. Pearlstein delivers the best outcome as he has done for me."
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27 Mar, 2024 by Suzanne
I highly recommend the legal services of Steve Plaisted. He is highly knowledgeable about Maryland estate planning law. I used his services to write a trust, wills and POAs in order to get things in order for my husband and me as we rapidly approach our senior years. I have also had the opportunity to know him over many years (as my neighbor) and can say he is truly a person of strong moral character. He is sincere and easy to work with. Steve operates with integrity, dedication and is very thorough. I felt we were in very good hands under his legal guidance,
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15 Nov, 2021 by Doug
Before finding an attorney, I spent a good deal of time researching my options. Steve exceeded my expectations. To be clear, Steve has a Christian focus but I went with Steve because of his absolute command of the law and the process. He is remarkably good at what he does and I would trust Steve with any dispute I am confronting. Steve is also very practical and will listen to your concerns and develop a plan that takes your concerns into consideration. Steve is absolutely fantastic.
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22 Feb, 2021 by Donna
Today I would like to honor a special man, Steve Plaisted, who has been a good friend for over 20 years. Out of our friendship, we developed a client-attorney relationship that served me so well in my greatest time of need. Steve’s calm demeanor and excellent work ethic helped my case get resolved satisfactorily. I will eternally be thankful for you, Steve, and congratulate you for 30 years of excellent service to your clients! God bless you my friend!
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12 May, 2016 by Michael
I must say that Paul Lewis, who represented my mother in her auto accident court case, showed total professionalism, compassion and empathy. Since my mom was a nervous wreck from the beginning of the ordeal, Paul demonstrated a relaxed, but committed attitude toward her. I believe that and his expertise in such court matters proved to be the successful formula to minimizing my mom's final verdict. In the end, I will not hesitate to recommend Paul to others in need of his genuine legal services. AAA rating.
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10 May, 2016 by Anonymous
In working with Paul, it was clear he had good handle on the legal and technical issues involving the situation but equally important was Paul's "bed side manner" in caring about the stress the situation was having on the family. This did not go unnoticed. At times, it felt like a family member was on our side. This is no small item. Other than a medical professional, I'm not sure there is a more important person to display emotional empathy than an attorney. It might be "routine and normal" for guys like him to be handling cases but for every day "Joe's" that need legal help in our lives, having a caring advisor is key.
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07 Apr, 2016 by Frm
Like most, my divorce was pretty difficult from day one, and Paul was there every step of the way. Not only was his legal advice exactly what I needed to get me through my separation and a complicated divorce, but the fact that he really cared about me as a person made the process so much easier to deal with. I truly believe that Paul Lewis is not only an excellent attorney, but a good and caring man as well.
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22 Aug, 2013 by Kirk
I dreaded having to engage an attorney...
Having dealt with several over the course of my professional career which left me ever so slightly,.. unenthusiastic,.... about retaining one for my own divorce.
If I was religious I would "thank God" that I chose Mr. Bouquet. His experience AND expertise were starkly apparent from minute one and remained so to the conclusion. There is no way in, ...wait, I said I wasn't religious, ...there was just no way I would have fared so well in this nightmare of a life changing event without him.
I was VERY happy with his representation and feel that you simply could not be in better hands than his during a divorce.
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22 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
After many years of marriage my wife and I separated and decided to divorce. Ed represented me through a difficult divorce. As a business owner the separation of assets was contentious. Ed took a lot of time to understand what was important to me and was able to work out a divorce agreement that was reasonable and agreeable to my former wide. I can't say enough good things about Ed. I would definitely recommend him to friends and colleagues facing a similar situation.
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21 Aug, 2013 by Howard
I have known Mr. Bouquet in a professional capacity for over 10 years. As a family law practicioner in the same jurisdiction as Mr. Bouquet I have been involved in several matters with Mr. Bouquet. While advoacting vigorously for his respective clients, he still always maintained a courteous and professional demeanor to me as his counterpart. Accordingly, while we both fought for our respective clients, his representation did not resort to posturing or other form of grandstanding. In one of the cases that we had together, my client suffered from a rather serious addiction. Mr. Bouquet was appropriately sensitive to those issues and that party's needs without impeding representation of his client. Overall, I have found him to be one of the best family law practicioner's in our county.
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26 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
He has been my lawyer as well as several other family members of mine. He is sharp, cut throat, to the point, and best of all... he knows his stuff!
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20 Nov, 2012 by P
Stuart Postow has been my lawyer for over 8 years. I have had my share of trouble and he has been right there! We have a great laid back relationship and I would highly recommend his service!!!
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04 Aug, 2008 by Anonymous
Stuart is the best! Just meet him and see what I mean. He is so sharp and funny. He really helped me out of a messy bankruptcy.
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25 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
I hired Oya almost 2 years ago after meeting with several other family law attorneys. Oya is great. She genuinely cared about the well being of my children and was very supportive. Despite, a very messy divorce and custody battle, we finally ended up winning the case. I would highly recommend Oya. She may be pricey but in this case, you get what you pay for
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06 May, 2013 by Anonymous
I would highly recommend Ms. Oner to anyone with family law issues. She took my case and was very understanding. Most importantly, she was my advocate in my highly stressful custody case--a very rare thing to find in most attorneys, who are sometimes critical of their clients.
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26 Jan, 2023 by Claudia
I consulted with a number of top divorce attorneys in MD (six, to be exact) since I was very aware that my divorce would not only be highly contentious but would also involve a number of subpoenas. My consultation with Heather felt far different than the others. I clearly remember walking away from our meeting feeling hopeful, but, more importantly, feeling like I was heard.
Giving earnest thanks is daunting. One hopes to choose words that convey the amount of gratitude they feel. My divorce turned out to be far more challenging than I expected and lasted nearly 18 months. Heather kept in constant communication with me, and she was beyond outstanding in not only explaining the steps of the divorce process clearly to me but also embracing my many emotional meltdowns, anxiety, and frustration with this grueling process.
Heather’s genuine devotion and compassion for her clients, besides her outstanding knowledge of the law, is innate of the kind of person she is. Her work ethic and remarkable professional representation on my behalf resulted in a settlement far more beneficial and rewarding for me than I could have possibly hoped. Heather was relentless and fought tirelessly for me.
I never write reviews but wanted to share with others the recommendation in which I was blessed to receive from a close friend, whom Heather also represented. I couldn’t possibly recommend Heather more highly. I’m forever indebted to her.
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5.0
1 Reviews
07 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Mr. Pearlstein and Ms. Renehan handled my case very professionally, responsively, and with great knowledge. My case was unique as I needed to transfer custody from another state to Maryland, which required a thorough modification. Having both of them made me feel safe and heard. They were always on top of my needs, meeting deadlines, and, best of all, they were there for me. They had the best interests not just for me as their client, but also for my child. They were very passionate about what they do. Lastly, their extensive experience in Family Law is what makes them a powerhouse in helping me achieve the custody agreement that I have wanted.
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09 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Renehan represented me in a highly contested divorce. Not only did he represent me with dignity and respect, the judge presiding over my trial praised his representation of me and his knowledge of the law. Can't recommend him highly enough!
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11 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
Ms. Meiselman is a phenomenal attorney that I would and have recommended to other individuals. She is a very compassionate individual who has served as my attorney in a child custody/visitation case. Ms. Meiselman provided support and guidance to help me through this exceptionally difficult and trying time. During the past three years, I have found her to be extremely knowledgeable and well versed in several aspects of the law. She is an attorney whose passion for and commitment to the judicial system is to be commended. She is the attorney you want an attorney who is fair, honest, and will fight tirelessly.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Aurelia hodges
23 Dec, 2023 by Anupam basu
You are in good hands with Mr. Todd Elling.
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20 May, 2023 by Hans bergmann
Best experience I ever had in a lawyer, strongly recommend it
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13 Mar, 2024 by Aurelia hodges
23 Dec, 2023 by Anupam basu
You are in good hands with Mr. Todd Elling.
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20 May, 2023 by Hans bergmann
Best experience I ever had in a lawyer, strongly recommend it
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21 Aug, 2024 by Eloy avila
The Anthony Fatemi Law Firm. He is very attentive to your case. They keep you informed of every stage of your case. They inform you about how your case is going. Somayeh Babazadeh was in charge of our case she’s wonderful.. She is the best to keep you updated. I would recommend them to everyone. I am confident that they will help you with your case. Thank you
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16 Aug, 2024 by Marvin saravia
Great service
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06 Aug, 2024 by Edmore matowa
Very professional
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06 Jul, 2024 by Tom t
Possibly the Worst decision I ever made was calling these folks
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06 Jun, 2024 by Rachel
When searching for an attorney, I could have gone to the normal route, using commercial attorneys, but I took a chance on this practice...... 10 years later, I wouldn't go ANYWHERE else! The level of comfort, especially when you need it most!, has been the reason why if there is anything that happens in life, I GO HERE!
Beth has been someone who has been such a driving force as to my decision to keep coming back to this practice. I will forever extend my gratitude, and have always passed the word on when someone is seeking to find a reliable practice!
Thank you Beth!
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24 Apr, 2024 by Letitia hunter
Julie Mirman and team (Melissa Brooks) are the most savvy, compassionate and supportive people I have ever worked with. You will not be disappointed. Absolutely the best.
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28 Feb, 2022 by Nancy
El abogado Alex es un abogado con vocación, me ayudó y orientó en cada proceso de mi caso. A pesar que yo no conozco nada de leyes migratorias, él se tomó el tiempo en prepararme con mucha paciencia. Excelente servicio el que brinda a sus clientes y pagos accesibles.
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28 Feb, 2022 by Karla
Recientemente el abogado Alex pudo conseguir mi visa juvenil y ayudo a mi hermana para que obtuviera su residencia también, la verdad es que estoy muy feliz con la eficiencia de su despacho! Quiero darle las gracias abogado Alex por todo su apoyo, usted esta recomendado con cualquiera de mis amigos y familia!! Bendiciones!!!
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28 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
No me ayudó en nada solo se quedó con mi dinero se le llama y no contesta me dijo que el caso era sencillo y nunca me solucionó nada
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18 May, 2024 by Daniel geringer
Elliott Alman is very experienced, and guided me through a very high conflict and complex divorce. He is an honest attorney that really listens. I can really attest to his honesty, especially after dealing with a very dishonest attorney at a different firm. Elliott is compassionate too! He checked in on me regularly…just to see how I was doing. That really helped me, and gave me comfort that I had an attorney that really cared about me and my situation, and had that my had my best interest in mind. His advice was on point. Thank you Elliott!
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15 Mar, 2024 by Sumal karkera
I recently worked with Matthew D Alman to draft my will and officially change my last name, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the service I received. Despite the urgency, Matthew handled both tasks efficiently and effectively, ensuring that everything was completed in a short amount of time. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to meeting my needs were truly impressive. I highly recommend Matthew D Alman associates located in Gaithersburg to anyone seeking legal assistance.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Nana afful
They were very dismissive when I called them for a consultation. I mean, I pay a monthly deductible with Metlife for legal help and when it got there, I selected a lawyer who dealt with the issues I have, gave them a call, and they behaved like calling them was a sin. They asked me how I got their number and finally told me to find help elsewhere. Before I could even get a consultation, they wanted me to summarize my issues in 1 sentence which isnt possible. That is what a consultation is for and i couldnt even get one. There wont be a next time. Lesson learnt this time.
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07 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
After 42 years of marriage, I was presented with divorce papers. Shelly and her team made this as "comfortable" as they could to make the process easier. Each seemed genuinely concerned and supportive. Shelly was very responsive to my questions and provided much comfort to me in this difficult time.
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14 Sep, 2018 by Michael
Shelly McKeon (along with Jessica Kern) handled my divorce and the bottom line is she protected my interests and ensured I got a fair settlement. Although my ex and her attorney made the whole thing as difficult and expensive as it could be, Shelly made sure that I was well aware of what was to come, kept me informed and involved, and took every step needed to ensure that I was not steamrolled. Shelly knew the law of course, but was also familiar with the other attorneys and court personnel and explained to me what their likely actions would be (and she was spot on). I ended up much better off than I thought would be possible. I am so glad to have had Shelly on my side!
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21 May, 2018 by Anonymous
An expert attorney who provided the proper guidance and direction in my case. She always remained calm, professional and was very assertive in addressing key issues. Her advice was invaluable.
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27 Oct, 2019 by Christine
Jessica was my lawyer when I went through a difficult divorce. She always listened and was very supportive throughout the process. Jessica's knowledge and strength were things I admired all throughout the process.I was able to achieve the outcome I wanted with Jessica's representation. I would recommend her to everyone.
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13 Nov, 2018 by Clement
She handled my case very well and every has been done on the a time. I really like the way she contacted my case.
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23 Jul, 2018 by Andrea
Getting a divorce is full of difficult, emotional decisions. Jessica and the team at at the McKeon Law Firm helped guide me through the hard decisions that come from a difficult divorce. Jessica was always on top what was happening in my case, always willing to talk through all of the details and adept at helping me remove the emotion from my decisions so that I could make good choices for me and my kids future. Jessica is smart, capable, patient, efficient, detail oriented and organized and I knew I was in great hands from our first meeting. I am so grateful that I hired her as my attorney. It was the best decision I could have made.
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3.0
2 Reviews
5.0
4 Reviews
20 Jun, 2024 by Josue chavez
05 Mar, 2024 by Yolanda guerra
24 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
She represented my children in a custody case and did not respect both mine, my ex’s, or my children’s wishes. My children were in tears after each time they saw her and were very unhappy with her approach. This layer continued to call them stupid and idiotic. DO NOT HIRE HER!
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23 Mar, 2015 by Dave
Jerry M. Gudis is possibly the most arrogant, unresponsive, rude and insensitive lawyer I have ever let handle a case for me. His office has no administrative services. Calling them is like playing Russian roulette. The man can display anger and pettiness in a major way. Sometimes one wonders if he realizes that one is a paying client and not a conduit for his abusive skills. If you desire a mature and sensitive lawyer it definitely is not this one.
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09 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Jerry Gudis represented me in divorce proceedings, and was a wonderful lawyer. He not only negotiated a fair and equitable settlement, but took the time to counsel me on issues pertaining to my personal development going forward as a single parent. I remain forever indebted to him for that. I can't recommend him highly enough.
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21 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Matt is professional and friendly. I believe he is liked by the legal community including judges. Unfortunately, his court room demeanor is more on the side of meek than aggressive. True story, my ex-wife had never made custody exchanges easy. We had two boys. My ex-wife refused to let the oldest return on our exchanges, then kicked him out of her house within a year. After I had both boys back with me for a month, my ex-wife took my youngest away and would not allow him to be exchanged. I hired Matt and we went in for an Emergency Hearing. The judge says, well what if he did abuse the child? Matt says nothing, just shrugs his shoulders. Swear. Not, "the ex has shown a past history, the ex has been removed from the house for child abuse and domestic violence in the past" nothing. Just shrugs his shoulders. After we left the courtroom he scolded me for wearing a dress shirt, dress pants, and a tie without a jacket. No apologies for lackluster performance.
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12 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
Save your money and represent yourself, you will get a better outcome. I have never dealt with a more incompetent attorney!!!!
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09 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
This case was extremely long and uneccesarily drawn out to the point it was emotionally draining and much more stressful than it would have been, if properly handled. Despite the statement on his website claiming, "We ensure you are fully informed of the law as it relates to your case," I found myself educating him about my employee rights including the Ledbetter law and Family Medical Leave, which anyone in this field should know. His negotiating skills are extremely lacking and I found it embarrassing when sitting in mediation with him as my representative due his demeanor, lack of knowledge, and disorganization. The session proved to be unproductive. Additionally, he showed up late to represent me in an unemployment claim appeal, which aggravated the judge from the start. His "contributions" were more of a disservice than anything else. I feel strongly that I would have had a better chance of having my appeal granted if he hadn't showed up at all and I had simply represented myself. I definitely would not recommend him and wish I had done more research to find an attorney with a proven record and positive client feedback.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
