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13 Aug, 2020 by Ashley
My son was in some really questionable situations with his Dad. I found Rob quickly on google and made a panic call. He called me back, talked to me for an hour or so to get a feel for my case, and we set an appointment. I was immediately impressed by him. My case was tricky, but Rob calmed my anxious mind time and time again. He never made me feel like I was a burden. I never felt taken advantage of by him and he was sensitive to my financial situation. He went the extra mile by hiring outside help when needed, and we were able to keep my son out of further harms way. He was always honest with how certain situations might play out in court. He didn’t encourage revenge or unnecessary actions that might’ve made him money. His knowledge and experience and contacts really played a huge role. I am so grateful to Rob and the hard work he put in for my family. He is worth every penny and I will always recommend him to anyone. His office staff was always top notch as well. Anytime I spoke with Kim, she was kind, and professional and prompt.
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30 Jan, 2020 by Ana
Rob represented me during my divorce - has counseled me several times over the years with many different issues and through it all has maintained a sense of compassion and fairness. I would (and have) recommend(ed) Rob to anyone who wants an honest attorney who will give you advice on how to save money and time - he isn’t the attorney for you if your only desire is to punish your ex - or take your kids back no matter the cost. He is the attorney if you want to know what the judge would say - if you want to know the worst and best case - and if you don’t want to feel manipulated and like you just spent your last penny. I can’t say enough about him - hire rob!!
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04 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
First I need to say who I am to give what I have to say any value. I am a Christian, Father, Marine Veteran, and a Nurse in my Mid 30's. My mistake with Robert is that at first, I only used him for consultation when I should have had him represent me from the beginning . I thought I was smart and I could do this on my own. I was wrong and at the first court hearing it cost me both custody of my son and financially with child support. After that I knew I needed to put it all on the table, barrow money, take out a loan. I did what ever it took to have Robert represent me and try to get my son back. Two things need to be mentioned. First is you wont find cheaper out there for his 30 plus years skill set. Second is Robert is a lawyer, Not a banker. When I say Not a banker, Robert had many opportunities to let things go in a direction that would of benefited him greatly with lawyer fees but he didn't. Robert not only represented me, he also represented my financial well being. He directed my case so that most of the fees fell on opposing party. Luckily my ex hired a banker and not a lawyer and was happy to run up her charges. Not only that, I kept a detailed log of all the text, email, phone calls, meetings etc I had with Robert and every time he well undercharged me. A few times I wanted the case to go in a direction that I thought was best, I was wronged and I wanted justice. Robert respectfully advised that some things will cost you more than they are worth. Once again looking out for my well being when I was blinded by hurt and could not see a clear path. Robert is reliable, accurate, and fast. Every time Robert had gotten back to me within the Hour or at the most same day. He also knows how to put the pressure on opposing party and get results fast. At the end of my case. Robert not only got me my son back, I got everything and didn't have to pay child support. Way more than I thought that I would get. I told him that his Humanity was greater than many than I have seen in my life so far and this is true when someone takes less and does more to help a complete stranger. And what really impressed me was that not only did he help my case in the moment, he made sure that the agreed ruling would protect my son and I for the future. That's why I say Robert does not just represent you, he represents your well being. There are not words that I could say or write that could show how grateful I am that you helped get my son back. Thank you so much Robert.
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13 Nov, 2016 by Wayne
I'm a former client, shule was able to get things resolved, and taken care of. If I need a to hire him again, I would. I would definitely recommend Shule.
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17 Jan, 2024 by Meghann murphy
Attorney Hedman exceeded my expectations in every aspect. Her knowledge and experience was evident, and she approached it with a determined, go-getter attitude that got results. Working with her and her fantastic team was a breeze - they made the process seamless and as stress-free as possible. What set Attorney Hedman apart was her insightful and empathetic understanding of my situation. I felt understood and supported throughout. If you're seeking an attorney who combines expertise, a proactive approach, and genuine empathy, Attorney Hedman is the right choice.
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12 Jan, 2024 by Nope more nope
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02 Nov, 2023 by Jessi dixon veras
Walking through divorce is the absolute worst, but Natalie and her team make it so much simpler and manageable. In the legal world where it all seems overwhelming and confusing, she me feel able to cope and understand what was in front of me. They prepared me for each step along the way. Natalie sought to understand what my priorities were from the very beginning and never backed down from fighting for those things. She always spoke truth, even when it was hard to hear, and constantly reminded me not to speculate but rather focus on what was in front of me. She was compassionate and understood the difficulty I was being faced with and recommended some solid steps to help in the healing process as well. I am so thankful with the outcome of a very hard path and know we would not have ended where we are today without her.
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07 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Seek council elsewhere. Doesn't respond to emails, is lacking in general knowledge, doesn't pay enough attention to your case to actually have the knowledge to fight for you, cares more about providing professional courtesies to other attorneys than fighting for you. Lacked the basic knowledge and foresight to see the repercussions that child support, parenting time, and alimony have on income and taxes and how that affects refinancing the family home. There was a pressing matter involving a parenting dispute. I called the office and emailed Chamber. She never responded. Months later I had another question. Emailed her and again, no response. I called the office looking for her and was treated like I wasn't even a client. Do yourself a favor and find someone competent.
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08 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Basic communication is nonexistent, consistently forgets to respond to matters and refers to her clients in emails by the incorrect name. Save your time and money. In my opinion you are better off finding a competent attorney.
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25 Jul, 2023 by Shelley
I hired Chamber for my divorce, everything was very timely and professional. She told me exactly what to expect and was completely right on the money. Have also had her look at a contract for me and she broke it down for me and let me know it needed a couple of tweaks and then good to go. Over all a great experience and will hire again for other needs in the future
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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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