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07 Apr, 2024 by Tim neumann
Austin worked with me through my divorce which initially started in late 2022. At some point through the process I tried to work things out which ended up in a second filing. Not only was he polite and understanding he ensured I walked away happy. I highly recommend Austin to anyone especially if it appears to be a complicated situation. He will not only get the job done well...he'll do it with flying colors. Thank you very much for your services!
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22 Mar, 2024 by Eunice garcia
Austin was a referral from a friend of mine and I am extremely grateful for hiring him when I did. I was apprehensive of hiring another lawyer after having had a terrible experience with a different attorney who was a disorganized mess. Austin is extremely professional, well versed with family law, puntual and most importantly, organized. If you are in the market for an attorney I would highly recommend Austin, he takes a great deal a pressure off your shoulders and you genuinely feel like you’re in good hands.
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05 Mar, 2024 by Pamela yellen
James Kuzmich helped us through the sale of our intellectual property and other details and shepherded us through a difficult negotiation and transition. He is prompt, efficient, easy to work with, reasonably priced, and very fair to both parties in everything he does. His assistant Austin was very helpful as well. I feel very fortunate to have been referred to Jim to help us with a once-in-a-lifetime event.
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30 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Joshua and his team are without a doubt the best around! They went above and beyond to meet my every expectation and ultimately won my case. Huge shout out to Joshua Barreda and his team of legal experts!
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29 Nov, 2023 by Melissa
If I could give more than 5 stars I would! This was one of the most difficult times in my life and Mr. Barreda and his team were on top of it every step of the way. Josh and Karen were amazing and were always available for any questions I had along the process. I believe that any case they take on will end in the most favorable. Rest assured that they will handle everything for you from beginning to end. I highly recommend their entire team for any family law matters. They will not disappoint!
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29 Oct, 2023 by Traci
First of all, I want to shout out a huge THANK YOU to Mr. Joshua Barreda and his wonderful staff for all of their support and professionalism! Josh, the day finally came for us and it was worth every tear and all the ups and downs of this extremely life changing case! Mr. Barreda took our case on behalf of my daughter and our precious, innocent grandson. Upon our first consultation, Josh took the challenge of this unique , and complex case . We had been advised prior by family court attorneys that this case could not be done and we would have very little chance of winning. My grandson needed an advocate on his behalf to keep him safe, physically and emotionally, from an absent parent that abandoned him since birth, due to the arrest and criminal charges and a lengthy and prolonged 6 yr criminal trial with his co-defendant. We filed a private severance case and due to the other party's excuse/ argument, it set the case as a precedence. If won by opposing party, it would have altered past and future cases for the worst, including adoptions. During the lengthy trial we united and prevailed as a family in prayer and support and Josh stood strong by our side during this difficult time. He was amazing and we knew he would do everything he could. Josh, did an excellent job in providing exceptional and applicable case text to support the written argument as well as applying it to tear down the defendants defense arguments. Many false allegations and weak excuses by the defendant were brought to light by Mr. Barreda. Josh, took the matter to heart and he knew the seriousness of this matter and the injustice. He dug deep in the final days and used his knowledge and skills along with his tenacity to WIN on behalf of our family! I can say that we truly believe he saved their lives! Words cannot express our gratitude. We are so truly grateful to God for sending us Mr. Barreda. I would also like to say this, for those that are fighting against the odds and protecting your children (we were told by many the verdict we received was equivalent to obtaining a death sentence) nothing is impossible! Mr. Barreda and his law firm obtained that victory. They believed with us and put it into action on behalf of our family! When others told us it was too late and impossible, Josh, had a different opinion and was fearless and bold enough to take it and advocate for the innocents. He knew the law and was aggressive when needed. Needless to say, I highly, highly recommend Barreda Law! We put our most precious things in his hands , our children!
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14 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Michael (and Josh) were exactly what I was looking for! I had a previous attorney that would not listen to me and it cost me so much anxiety, stress, frustration, and money. These guys listened to me, provided guidance, and took me out of things that I didn't need to be involved in which let me breathe and not freak out unnecessarily. My case was complex and difficult to prove. I wasn't sure I would find someone that could help me but Michael did just that! Can't recommend them enough!
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10 May, 2024 by Nick
Michael is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. He was always available to answer my questions and concerns. He put me at ease throughout the legal process and he always came prepared and ready for court. I highly recommend Michael as securing him as your attorney.
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16 Oct, 2023 by Bill
We've worked with Barreda Law and Michael Alvarez frequently on multiple topics - and will continue to do so if needed. Michael and the firm are excellent advisors, communicators and in-court representatives. While no one can always predict the outcome of any case with perfection, the pros and cons and reasonable-ness are very much appreciative and spot-on.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
My divorce case was public safety related involving complicated pension matters. Zalena was extremely knowledgeable and effective in representing my petitions.
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25 Aug, 2022 by Reggie
I had begun my Court case journey with Zalena during the early 1990's. My divorce took about two years to resolve, and child custody continued another five years before I received full custody of my daughter. The case was very difficult and complex at times mainly due to the financial means of my ex's family and the legal representation they were able to obtain. Zelena and her team had to contend with a couple of different high-powered AZ law firms in order to get the matter settled via the Court. Zelena was determined to obtain an outcome that would serve both my daughter and me over the long haul. We were eventually able to move on with our daily lives uninterrupted from court proceedings. This would not have happened without Zalena's tireless efforts with my case. Please remember during the 1990's, representing a guy was probably a bit more difficult at that time than it probably is today. Fast forward 25 years later, I'm a member of the Arizona State Retirement System and I begin looking into retiring, it was during that time that I found out that the Domestic Relations Order (DRO) was being interpreted by ASRS differently than what was intended. Lucky for me Zalena was still practicing, I called her up and discussed the issue, she refiled to correct the DRO and ASRS had the updated document within a month or so which was very timely because the Courts were closed for physical entry during this time due to the covid pandemic. I guess the most important thing that I would like you to know about Zalena is that she won't be out worked.
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12 Aug, 2019 by Dana
Zalena Kersting was my attorney of choice not once but three time in my divorce and child custody proceedings over 10+ years. Dealing with a narcissistic co-parent brings unique challenges to the table. At each phase, Zalena handled the case with competence and efficiency. I was always informed on the status of my case and her preparation prior to and in the courtroom gave me confidence I could protect my child. I have and would continue to highly recommend Zalena.
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08 Nov, 2017 by Victoria
Tiffany is absolutely an incredible attorney. She is very skillful and knew exactly what to do with my case. Tiffany is professional, quick at responding to any questions that I had either through email or phone call, and just made me feel a sense of relief ever since the beginning. During my trial she was very organized, extremely thourough, and knew what actions to take. Her pricing is fair and her firm is very friendly and clean. I would recommend her to absolutely anyone that is taking on a stressful situation, as I believe she is the best! I am so thankful for all she did for me and I am happy for what my future holds thanks to her.
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28 Dec, 2016 by Don
First in the consultation she was confident in my case, this really made me feel like she could be trusted to handle such a delicate matter . Very professional to the point.
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20 Sep, 2016 by Phuong
Prior to hiring Tiffany Scott to assist with my child custody case, I had a total of 15 consultations with attorneys from all over the valley. I felt confident with my decision to move forward with Tiffany for many reasons. The #1 reason was because I felt she was the most genuine and transparent about my options and possible outcomes, while others pretended they could guarantee the outcomes I wanted, which you find out very quickly into a family law case that it is not possible. At every stage of the process, Tiffany took the time to provide me with every possible scenario so that I could make the decision I felt was best for myself and my son. It was critical to me to always have a realistic picture of what I was getting into and what it meant for my son's future relationship with me and with his father. Another reason I appreciate working with Tiffany so much is because she immediately provided tips on how to save money on unnecessary attorney costs, such as minimizing emails and phone call costs by asking as many questions as possible at once. As a single mother, saving costs was very important to me and other attorneys I had consultations with suggested to immediately pursue temporary orders, which ultimately would have been a costly and unnecessary step in my case. Additionally, there were not any minimum hours billed for physical court appearances while one attorney I spoke with charged a minimum of 3 hours for court appearances. A 3rd reason I loved working with Tiffany is because of her timely response to my emails and phone calls; and her clear, detailed and effective communication, which I felt ultimately saved me costs by minimizing back and forth emails or calls. I could go on for a few more paragraphs on why I will undoubtedly hire Tiffany again and refer Tiffany to anyone looking for a family law attorney.
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24 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
During the time that Rory Whipple was our attorney, we found him to be nothing but straight forward, truthful, and conscientious. I personally would not believe allegations directed against him. He has preformed his duties in a professional manner with never a hint of any misconduct. I am sure that anyone can have negative allegations lodged against them. Many times it is difficult to prove your innocence, but innocence is there none the less. This is true especially when you have persons, that they themselves have twisted facts. The state bar as usual, has acted in a manor that has not served justice in this case, much as they have done in the past. The state bar hits and misses.
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27 Aug, 2009 by Marshall
I have worked with Jeff Gibson for several years and have found him to be a very knowledgable and credible person and attorney. I would highly reccomend him .
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27 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Fong assisted me with a recent business separation. I was impressed with his ability to simplify a (for me) very complex situation and find a solution that would make me happy. In our initial consultation he was able to clarify options I had not thought of and we made a plan to get me where I wanted to be. He followed up and delivered. He was very helpful in his guidance and professional in his approach while being genuinely caring. I highly recommend him and will surely use his services again in the future.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Heather torgersen
Andy was amazing! He is kind, caring, efficient and did a great job! We are grateful for him and The great job he did for us. I would recommend him to any of my family and friends.
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17 May, 2024 by Austin patton
Friendly and thorough
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18 Apr, 2024 by Bobbie
I had a smooth and efficient working experience with Andy. I would highly recommend him to family & friends. He is very caring, honest, knowledgeable, professional, and understanding.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Jen dunn
From representation to getting my retainer back, my experience was awful. Best Law Firm will nickel and dime everything, even when big mistakes are made on their end that they have to fix. I caught and called out the errors myself, which shows the level of care & attention that was missed. All painfully expensive bills were paid on time (disputes never acknowledged so don't even try), yet it took nearly 3 months to get my retainer back and it was still $900 short. Unfortunately, my case was made more complicated for me due to my representation. If you want to pay a fortune for representation from an attorney who makes a sensitive, high conflict case more stressful and emotional, then inadvertently puts the opposing party over you (case could have been dismissed), acknowledges it and still bills you for it, this is your place. What truly bothered me the most (and still does) is that I was very clear that I did not want to involve my children or any witness, etc. and would only consider it if opposing party and I could not agree and had to go to trial - yet on the very first meeting with the Judge - my attorney requested a child interview. Luckily, we never got that far and our children were not traumatized with that having to get sucked into the mess. In addition, I connected with the attorney I paid to do my first consultation with and was raw and emotional spilling the details of my case... I was then told at the end that she does not take cases and just does the intake calls and I would be passed to another attorney who would take great care of me. That connection was never made again. To make it even more disconnected - that initial attorney I connected with did not even recognize or acknowledge me when I came into their office less than a month later. My case was the most important thing happening in my life as it involved my children and the entire experience felt like a slap in the face. Extremely disappointing.
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21 Mar, 2024 by Javier dominguez
Best lawyer, knowledgeable, experience,and explained the case with full detail that I was able to understand everything.keeps you update and advices what would be best I hope I don't have any other legal encounters, but if I do I am calling shaw and Michele .. I would recommend the law firm ..
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10 Mar, 2024 by Golden prospector
Bryan Shaw at Signature Law Group is an outstanding family lawyer whom I've had to hire on numerous occasions. His professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to his clients are truly commendable. Bryan's expertise in navigating the complexities of family court issues is unparalleled. He has always been on point, providing clear guidance and support throughout every step of the legal process. I cannot express enough how much I appreciate Bryan and his team for their unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for their clients. If you're facing family court issues, I highly recommend hiring Bryan Shaw. You can trust him to advocate tirelessly on your behalf.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Quanisha gill
Absolutely an Amazing Firm! I WON MY CASE thankyou TREMENDOUSLY Erin and Josh and Leticia!!! 💐🏆🎉🎉🎈🎈
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10 May, 2024 by Nathan
Josh Barreda is absolutely exceptional!! I highly recommend seeking his counsel for any legal matters you may have. His entire team, including his managing paralegal, Ms. Karen Silva, demonstrated the utmost professionalism, kindness, and transparency throughout the handling of my case. I'm incredibly relieved to know I have the support and access to Josh and his team whenever I need it.
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08 May, 2024 by Fredy quintana music
Very professional and helpful as well, they understand your situation and try they’re best to have your back 100% of the way. Genuinely care about they’re people.
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28 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
I see Tad deactivated his Facebook page to hide all scathing reviews made against him as well as disabled his Google reviews. He's up for review soon with the AZ state bar and it's ridiculous they're still letting him defend himself in court when he conned many of his clients out of millions of dollars. I hope they throw the book at him.
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31 Mar, 2024 by Kyle dee
I do not know how this lawyer is maintaining positive reviews even after disbarment, as he probably hires bots for the positive ones hes recieved. Tad Davis was recently disbarred for ignoring his clients. Myself included, he dragged my case out way past the statuate of limitations. I would like to pursue a group lawsuit where anyone whose case got dropped take Mr Davis to court and make him refund money for any unearned legal fees. I messaged him Myself but he only left me on read. Please reach out to me if you're interested. I believe we could all set up a gofundme or something.
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28 Feb, 2024 by Anne
I feel like tad is a very nice guy he comes off sweet but as an attorney he was horrible took my deposit and did no work made false promises and lied I basically did most of the work myself I lost a year of time with my children I cannot get back he complicated my case in a bad way my new attorney has done more in half the time tad did and his paralegal Ashley was extremely unprofessional bragged about cps involvement and having five baby daddy’s as well as being paid under the table completely blindsided by this and heartbroken
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11 Mar, 2024 by Andy
Hire someone else. very shady person. Be careful with her. unreliable and lacking in integrity. I would advise exercising caution and reconsidering your decision to engage her for your needs.
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04 Feb, 2022 by Sean
Hire someone else. I never post review like this, but I feel a duty to warn the next person. She started off great!y wife and I really liked her way of handling things! She was doing a great job on our case. Problem is she doesn’t k ow how to effectively manage her practice so she takes on way too much of a caseload. We have been waiting literally since December for her to type up a settlement offer for our case that should have taken 1 day. Her office staff keeps telling us end of the week and yet another week pushes by with no response. To make things worse she also is late with her billing for the same reasons. She charged me late fees and interest in Oct and Dec invoice when I sent the check the day I received the invoice. Very unprofessional. I have 850 credit score and never pay anything late. It’s a slap in the face for her to just slap interest and late charges on all of her invoices without reason. I have tried to get her to adjust and no response, but that has become very common with her. I actually haven’t had an email returned since Jan 10th a month ago and I have sent several emails. Still to this day Feb 4th 2022 I have no settlement offer from Selena and no replies to any of my calls or emails since Jan 10th
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09 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
I wish I would have found Selena from the beginning of my divorce. I was with a different lawyer at the beginning that I felt just took advantage of me and didn’t care about my case or what I was going through. Mid-way through my experience I switched to Selena and that made all the difference in the world. She got things done!!! Quickly and efficient and kept me up to date all the way through in a way I could understand. I highly recommend her and her team. They were amazing and I’m very happy with my results.
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04 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
One star is over rating this firm. Do not hire anyone at this firm. Look elsewhere!! Very shady attorney and you will find fees on invoices that are ludicrous. Very slow to communicate but yet good at numerous invoicing and charging for things you never requested and that were never filed to the courts.
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29 Nov, 2021 by Jonathan
I was referred to Kevin by my financial planner. I had a complicated divorce, and being a business owner I needed an attorney with a vast knowledge of how business work so that I didn't end up hurting my business's long term sustainability due to my divorce. Kevin was awesome and was able to help protect my business, assure my business partners of the process and the outcome was what we all wanted.
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09 Nov, 2021 by Tiffany
I was a prenup and was now facing a divorce. After consulting with Kevin and him reviewing my prenup he was able to find several issues to where he believed it would be wise to contest the prenup. After several months Kevin and his team where able to get my prenup thrown out and I was able to get what I deserved in my divorce.
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30 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
I was referred to Bernita Clark from a friend at church. I had just moved to Arizona with my daughter whom I’ve had custody of. I was told she would fight for me and understands my financial situation. I agreed to pay $200.00 a month until my case was complete. The case was simple, my daughters mom had been gone for two years with no contact with our child. Bernita was given emails with my stating she didn’t want the child and was on probation for a DUI. Before went in front of the judge, Bernita meet with my daughters my explaining what was going to happen in the court room giving her tips. When we appeared in front of the judge Bernita did not object or say any words but “I agree”. So the Jude ruled split custody’s and now we have to modify the order because law informent stated the order was not clear and there needs to be a modification. Feeling hopeless she took advantage of me knowing I was desperate and needed help. I have to hirer another lawyer to fix my case. My daughters step father emotionally abuses her daily and I can’t do anything. Please seek other options. She’s not in it for the passion but the pay check.
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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You

A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.

Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?

Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:

  • Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
  • Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
  • Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
  • Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
  • Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
  • Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
  • Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.

Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.

What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?

A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:

  • Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
  • Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
  • Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
  • Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
  • Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
  • Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
  • Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.

How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?

Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:

  • Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
  • Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
  • Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.

The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.

How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:

  • Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
  • Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
  • Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
  • Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.

Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.

Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer

Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:

  1. What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
    Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption.
  2. How will you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved.
  3. What are the possible outcomes of my case?
    An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case.
  4. What is your approach to resolving disputes?
    Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals.
  5. How long do you expect my case to take?
    While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases.
  6. Who will be handling my case?
    In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.

How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:

  • Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
  • Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
  • Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
  • Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
  • List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
  • Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
  • Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.

Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.

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