Filter by

star star star star star
16 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Brian Burns is quite possibly the best attorney on the planet. I have had numerous tickets across LA and OC for every violation under the sun, including multiple misdemeanors incl. arrests, many many front plate/exhaust fix-it tickets (thanks Irvine PD), a state-ref, unsafe lane change, carpool lane, and a bunch of speeding tickets. Brian Burns has never failed to dismiss even a single one. There is not a single point on my driving record. Even the state-ref, which I had a failure to appear for, he showed up for me and proved to the judge that I had corrected the violations and they waived all fees including the fail to appear fee. In all cases, he either fought for me vigilantly with the courts on top of knowing the right people for everything. He has given me super helpful advice as well on stopping myself from getting any more state-ref and exhaust tickets. Brian Burns is single handedly the reason that I can still be a car enthusiast in this lovely state. I recommend him to everyone I know because he's simply the best, and worth it.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
04 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Brian is an incredibly effective yet compassionate lawyer. He truly cares for his clients and goes above and beyond to help. I had two cases going on simultaneously, and even though he was paid to just help me on one of the cases-- he still helped me with the expungement of the other case even though it wasn't his responsibility! He was always available via text, call and extremely responsive. If you need lawyer you can trust to fight for you, Brian is definitely your man!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
17 Nov, 2022 by Michael
Brian Burns represented me on a serious traffic citation, ineligible for traffic school. I had a very hard time finding a lawyer I could trust. After consulting with many lawyers, I decided to retain Brian to represent me. I was extremely worried and wanted the best representation I could get. I wanted a lawyer who could really put up a fight. After two long consultations, Brian assured me that he would really fight for me. Brian was exactly the type of attorney I was searching for; an attorney who would seriously defend me. Brian clearly illustrated that he wholeheartedly cared for me and wanted to help. I spoke with Brian many times. Brian taught me many great things and provided good advice. He is an exemplary and strong traffic attorney. Brian’s experience contesting traffic offenses is evident. During my time as his client, my conversations with him uncovered diligent strategy, persuasive argumentation, and coherent expression. Brian displayed an impressive talent for communication and argumentation. This is something I admired about him, since, in court, you need an attorney with excellent communication skills. Brian listens well, responds quickly, and keeps you informed. Additionally, his pleasant character makes conversing with him an absolute joy. He's very kind, and I've had a great deal of enjoyment speaking with him. As a law student, Brian taught me valuable lessons about practicing law. Above all, Brian taught me to always remain cool, calm, and collected. I recommend that anyone looking for an attorney consult with Brian. He's a good lawyer. Thank you for everything Brian; it was a pleasure to have you as counsel.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
06 Aug, 2024 by Olga
Mr. Zaven, hello! I would like to thank you for your great work and help in solving my problem. The work is done 1000%. Justice prevailed, I and my daughter were protected. We feel we have a great future. I recommend Mr. Zaven to everyone - he is an excellent specialist and professional. Best regards, Olga.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
12 Jan, 2024 by Isabella
I was in a car accident that left me with some pretty bad back pain after my history of back problems. I hired Zaven after a friend of mine recommended him. He got me fantastic medical treatment that made me feel confident in my recovery, and made sure that I was financially compensated well as a result of the accident. Zaven is very professional, efficient, and knows the right strategies to help his clients. I’m super happy I chose to hire him and I’ll be recommending him to anyone who needs an attorney.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
27 Nov, 2023 by Vartan
My profound appreciation for the exceptional legal representation provided by Zaven in the aftermath of a personal injury resulting from an accident is insurmountable. From the outset, Zaven showcased unparalleled levels of expertise and professionalism. The case, which seemed to drag on indefinitely, posed complex challenges, particularly with fault initially being wrongly directed towards me despite evidence suggesting otherwise. Zaven's steadfast argumentativeness and persistence in dealings with insurance companies and the opposing legal team were instrumental. His meticulous approach eventually proved, without a doubt, that the opposing party was at fault. Zaven's mastery in mediation became evident when he efficiently navigated the process, extracting the maximum compensation possible and preventing the need for a trial. His ability to bring the matter to a swift and favorable resolution showcased not only his legal prowess but also his commitment to the best interests of his client. I wholeheartedly recommend Zaven for any legal matters. His exceptional treatment of clients, dedication to consummating legal proceedings for their benefit, and his unwavering commitment to securing justice set him apart.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
18 Oct, 2022 by Steve
Very hard to get a hold of her on the phone. She has no secretary or paralegal so that shows what kind of cheap law office she's running. Very long. Slow. Process. Look somewhere else. Takes payment right away but work. Service. Forget about it
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
10 Oct, 2022 by Deni ibbi
Took my $2,500 deposit. No paperwork. No reply’s. Filed a police report. State bar report.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
20 Aug, 2015 by Galen
I am a Legal Document Assistant, registered and bonded per California Business & Professions Code Sections 6400-6415, which authorizes me to prepare and file legal documents for self-represented individuals at a client's specific direction. I have known Mrs. Wilson professionally since 2009, and she is my "go-to" attorney whenever I encounter someone who simply does not fit the "self-help" approach to family law matters. EVERY SINGLE PERSON who I have referred to Mrs. Wilson has always called or emailed me back to thank me profusely for the referral. The consistent theme of the feedback is that Mrs. Wilson was able to efficiently help them, explained the law in a way that they could understand without all of the legalese, and that they found extremely good value for the money they spent on her services (whether on a limited scope consultation basis, or by hiring her for full representation). In essence, the people I have referred to her all have consistently felt the same way as pretty much every other person who has commented below. More specifically, I had a client who came to me to prepare documents in an existing case. After serving the prepared documents on the other side, the other party requested a hearing, at which point I referred the client to Mrs. Wilson for representation. After the hearing, the client called me and personally told me that the client felt that Mrs. Wilson had “accomplished more in one hearing than the client's previous attorney had done over the course of a year and a half”. I would say that this particular comment speaks volumes about Mrs. Wilson's ability as a zealous advocate for her clients.
Read more Avvo
See 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:

  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.

Scroll to top