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05 Jan, 2024 by Shane
Scott and Kendall are Amazing!! They are knowledgable and helped us get to a positive outcome!!!!
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21 Nov, 2023 by Donna
From the first encounter with Scott, I knew he would be the attorney to represent me. Throughout the almost 3 year continuously contested divorce, Scott was professional, kind, compassionate, and understanding with me. Even though he is highly skilled and educated, he makes you feel like you are an equal intellectually, and if there is something you don’t understand, he will explain it to you in a very kind and patient way. Kendall was also a joy to work with! You leave feeling cared for and heard.
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15 Nov, 2023 by Renee'
My daughter was going through an ugly child custody battle. Scott and Kendall absolutely went over and above to assure the child was placed with the correct parent. They actually care about the child, and not the money! So very rare these days! Kuddos to Scott and Kendall, the best of the best!!
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01 Dec, 2013 by David
We found Mr. Watkins through the American Acadmey of Adoption Attorneys. We needed a Texas attorney who specilized in adoption to work with our attorney in New York. He was a true professional and with his expertise, we were able to expedite the process. Our family is now complete. We highly recommend Mr. Watkins if you need an adoption attorney.
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22 Apr, 2012 by Connie
My daughter hired Mr. Watkins in 2009 for her divorce. He was personable and compassionate and did the very best that he could for her in her situation. I would highly recommend Mr. Watkins to anyone who needs an excellent attorney/mediator.
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31 Mar, 2011 by Margaret
Mr. Watkins was appointed by the Court to mediate our divorce case. The case had been pending for almost two years. It was a complicated case with custody and property issues. Mr. Watkins was able to work with my ex-husband and myself, as well as our attorneys, to help us reach an agreement. He was very professional and it was his expertise in Family Law that helped us bring our divorce to a satisfactory conclusion.
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24 Oct, 2019 by Gayle
Did a will, power of attorney, she is very professional and informative . She walked us through it so we could understand what we were signing.
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16 Mar, 2018 by James
Catherine helped me through a civil suit, she won it with no problem. Also she did a will for me. For each the prices were so reasonable it literally made me wary! But no need for wariness, this lady has both the intelligence and Integrity and will do her best to get you through whatever you're dealing with.
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25 Feb, 2018 by Jeff
Katrina’s consultation toward our real estate questions were both genuine and thorough. She is personable, professional, and receptive toward our individual needs.
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12 Jul, 2016 by Mike
Katrina Pemberton has always been understanding and compassionate about my needs as her client. She stays on top of my deadlines, and keeps me informed of every legal situation I bring to her. I would highly recommend Katrina as an attorney that truly cares and represents her client's needs.
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13 Jun, 2018 by Michael
Katherine and David is the very best Attorneys I've ever seen in action. No BS Attorneys here. They shoot straight from the hip and dead ringer EVERYTIME. All the Attorneys of this office and Para-Legals and Office Staff are TOP notch great and professional and most of all! -( EFFECTIVE) and worth every penny for representation !!! Cant ask for more . Thank you guy's for your dedication and Awesome work.
* Everyone reading this please UNDERSTAND that your Attorney is only as good as the COMPLETE truth you give them ...
TY MSH and family. Love yall !
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16 Dec, 2017 by Patty
This attorney is no nonsense and will get the job done. I have referred her to many friends and family.
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08 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Philip went above and beyond. He is very professional and quick witted. What I liked most is that he did not draw things out. From the time I filed for a modification to the time it was granted and the final order was signed by the judge was only three weeks. Some stuff came up last minute and he jumped through some hoops to subpoena witnesses for the next morning at court. He worked hard to make hat happen last minute and still with minimal cost. It only costed just a hair over $5,000. His retainer is $5,000, but definitely worth it. Some attorneys charge you a retainer and then start charging you for transactions. The upfront cost for Phillip covered all but about $300 of the total cost. He will work hard for you and he's sharp and to the point. Have a list of questions you need to ask before going in. His firm has offices in Greenville and in Emory. They are very familiar with local courts and judges
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20 Jun, 2024 by Dannielle thrall
Lauren was truly exceptional. Her thoroughness and clear explanations of the adoption process made everything easy and stress-free for us. We feel incredibly blessed to have found an attorney who clearly takes joy in providing support.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Susan dennis
Lauren is a highly competent and articulate attorney whose goal is to provide advice and service which achieves the client’s goal in the most efficient and cost-effective way. If I need an attorney in the future, I will most certainly return to the office of Lauren Hudgeons. Highly recommend.
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17 May, 2024 by Geralynn hill
For the elderly, it is comforting to know your wants & wishes for the "tomorrow" are safe and secure. Thank you Lauren for providing that to me.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Jeff edgcomb
Jessica McDonald and her staff are the best. When you need a chainsaw, call her. She is the best divorce lawyer in Greenville Tx.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Megg weaver
I have never seen someone fight so hard for what's right and just. I was amazed at how knowledgeable her and her associates are! 100/10 will always recommend this crew with any of your needs!
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24 Jul, 2024 by Vandon hobbs
Jessica and her team have been a pleasure to work with. Her office took my case 4 years ago and have worked with us making the best legal decisions in my custody battle. She is a "shoot ya straight" person and truly cares for her clients. In an emergency she put us on the front and made sure she did everything possible to ensure my childrens safety. Through 4 trials and 4 years she guided me to getting custody of my children. I absolutely love her and her staff!!! Extra thanks to Ashley Brian and Will!!!
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10 Jan, 2021 by Blair
They will lie for you. They will destroy families. They destroy lives of mom, dad, son, daughter, gradma, grandpa, etc. They get paid.
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21 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Immediately fought and had removed a highly unnecessary temporary restraining order that my ex had filed on me. Fought hard for me to keep my rights with my child. Very knowledgable when it came to family law. I trusted her to help me protect mine and my child's rights.
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23 Dec, 2010 by Anonymous
I paid several hundred dollars for an initial consultation with Holly Gotcher. Not only was she not up to date on the current law she misinformed me. The recommendations she provided were not in my best interest. Too bad I didnt realize her incompetence until I got a second opinion with a better attorney. By the way, I didnt pay a dime for the second opinion.
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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.
