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10 Aug, 2019 by Breonna
Mr. Morris represented me in a move away case recently and i cannot express my satisfaction enough. All family law cases are difficult on everyone involved no matter what the situation is. Mr. Morris and his staff made the process less stressful from beginning to end and they focused on what really mattered and that was what was best for my daughter. Mr. Morris and his staff exhausted all efforts to make sure my daughter ended up with the best possible outcome and the Judge ruled in our favor because, in my opinion, he saw that we were focused on what was best for the child. I highly recommend Mr. Morris. He has experience, a heart and he and his staff are relentless. Another bonus is that he personally handles his cases and does not outsource his work to associate Attorneys. He KNOWS his clients!
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25 Jul, 2019 by Kevin
Kevin K.- Charles Morris (& staff) recently assisted me and my wife with our Estate Plan. We had many questions and concerns during the entire process and Charles was there to answer each and every one in a timely manner. He was responsive, extremely professional and detail oriented with each and every aspect of creating our Estate Plan. We had no idea of the level of detail required for an Estate Plan, but because of Charles (& staff) we now have the peace of mind that our desires will be fulfilled.
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11 Jul, 2019 by Fritz
It’s with great pleasure I recommend Mr. Morris. The law office helped with my divorce and I’m very grateful everything turned out the way Mr. Morris said it would it finished on time and on budget and I got A fair amount of time with my kids.I also got to keep my house.
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21 Sep, 2023 by Nathan hanning
I love this place; it's filled with the kindest, most professional people you'll ever work with.
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01 Aug, 2023 by Victor quiroz
Very Unprofessional never calls back ,doesn’t answer his phone keeps texting saying he will call you back after a Deposition and never Does
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07 Jun, 2023 by Gary murakami
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20 Nov, 2023 by Sue
We are home builder. The stucco contractor left a ton of debris after work. BMr. Kazackki helped to send him a legal letter to pay for the site clean up. The second time, he and Ms. Victoria, his assistant helped to revise the CC&R. I could not believe his fees. They are so small but his works were fast, efficient. I always thanks my retired lawyer Mr. Brifman who referred Mr. Kazachki to me. He is honest, helpful, trustworthy and affordable.
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03 May, 2019 by Eric
I have chronic pain, and I’m almost bedridden. All I did was want some company and picked the wrong roommate. I was referred to Dan by Gary Labin, who is an excellent criminal defense attorney and a great one if you ever need. Dan was great. He helped me get rid of my psychotic roommate. I eventually did cash for keys right before he would’ve taken her to eviction court but I couldn’t have done it without all of his advice and counsel. He is a very good lawyer and I strongly recommend that you hire him. He does have an emotional side that he does let out sometimes to comfort you, but in general he stays lawyerly in order to protect your butt. I highly highly recommend him.
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18 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
We needed a last minute immigration law advice and mr. Kazachki was so kind to talk to us late in the evening and even come to court the next morning! We highly appreciate the help and professional work, thank you!
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26 Jun, 2024 by Maria alvarez
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27 Jan, 2022 by Alfred zamora
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03 Feb, 2018 by Brady tolman
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29 Apr, 2013 by Bethany
We hired Scott Rose to represent us in a child support case. We had done ALL of the research & leg work to support our stance in this case. My husbands ex had lied about the lack of income when we proved she in fact had made income. We made it clear to Mr. Rose that we had full intention of going before the judge. The day of our hearing Mr. Rose was so unprepared & unprofessional, he actually sat on the bench outside the courtroom & ordered my husband to go get to opposing counsel for him??!! Awkward! He couldn't find papers that we had faxed him promptly (as he asked) , that he spent 1/2 the time trying to get abreast on the facts & locate these papers after he accused us of not sending them! We showed him the confirmation email his secretary had sent us that she in fact HAD recieved the fax! He shouted at us, insulted us & flat out said he did not feel confident representing us & that we needed to settle with the lying ex. He forced us into a corner.. We could have represented ourselves (as we did ALL of the work) & had the facts straight. 2 months after the court date we got an ADDITIONAL bill that was marked Passed Due!! The lack of organization, the lack of discovery of the case & it's facts cost us a lot of $ in attorney fees & now in child support. I would highly advise to not hire Scott Rose.
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28 Sep, 2011 by David
I HAVE JUST COMPLETED A VINDICTIVE CUSTODY ACTION WITH MY FORMER SPOUSE. THE COURT APPOINTED SCOTT LEE ROSE, ESQ. AS THE ATTORNEY FOR THE MINOR CHILDREN. HE MET WITH THE CHILDREN, ATTORNEYS AND THE PARTIES. HE VOICED HIS OPINION OF WHAT WAS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILDREN CONSIDERING ALL OF THE FACTS GARNERED BY HIM DURING THE COURSE OF HIS INVESTIAGATION. WHILE MY SPOUSE AND I WERE POLARIZED IN OUR RESPECTIVE POSITIONS HE WAS ABLE TO BRING US BOTH TO THE REALIZATION THAT WE BOTH WANTED THE "BEST" FOR OUR CHILDREN, AND HOW TO REACH THAT GOAL BY ACTUALLY WORKING TOGETHER. HE SUGGESTED A METHOD OF COMMUNICATION AND INTERACTION THAT HAS BEEN EFFECTIVE AND HAS IMPROVED NOT ONLY THE RELATIONSHIP I ENJOY WITH MY CHILDREN BUT WITH MY EX SPOUSE. OBSERVING MY ROSE'S DEMEANOR AND PRESENTATION OF THE CASE FACTUALLY AND FAIRLY TO THE COURT GAVE ME THE HIGHEST RESPECT FOR HIS ABILITIES AS AN ADVOCATE FOR HIS CLIENTS, THE CHILDREN. I WOULD AND WILL ENDORCE HIM AS AN EXCELLENT LEGAL COUNSEL IN ALL TYPES OF FAMILY LAW MATTERS, ESPECIALLY CHILD CUSTODY.
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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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