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19 Jul, 2012 by Yorkyp
I hired this attorney for a bankruptcy. Avvo wont allow me to post reason for bad review so I guess all I can say is stay away from this guy.
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02 Jul, 2012 by Luciana
This lawyer has no integrity and no character. I have done business with him and find him to be unorganized, unethical, and a total creep. With so many lawyers out there....do not use this lawyer.
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08 Mar, 2012 by Brenda r
i was saw this lawyer for couple thing the first was for a case the arrasment and made guilty a person hit me and we win the case other now for filed my divorced but im trust in him plenty any case he will help doesnt matter is not his area cuz he recommend to you another lawyers working with him he is hard worker too ...
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16 Jul, 2021 by Brenda
Attorney Baker at all times was a Professional, She knows the Laws and those things that are new She investigates fully to give you the best possible representation. She fights for your rights and welfare relentlessly. She is fair, honest and hardworking And Yes. I Would recommend her to anyone.
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04 Jun, 2019 by Ibrahim
I went to Diane for custody case and I went from not able to see my kids to having primary custody. She is very responsible and she is very quick in response..... you want to win your case go to Diane .
Thank you Diane
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25 May, 2018 by Nicole
I went to Diane Baker custody case, she charged $3000 as retainer and exhausted all retainer within weeks not doing any benefit for me or the kids which was not what we agreed on from the beginning, and she asked for another $4000 retainer to continue my case without reaching any progress or doing what she promised from the beginning, I decided to fire her and complained to the bar and BBB as she has no work ethics and that can't happen in such a sensitive job that affects people life, please don't do the same mistake I did and find yourself another lawyer that actually cares and works for your benefit.
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07 Mar, 2024 by Akm
Hillary hall went above and beyond, she’s by far the best attorney in the state. 10/10.
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06 Mar, 2023 by Terrell 'nh roy'el' williams
Check Out My YouTube Channel -Terrell Williams "Twaddle Williams Testimony"
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21 Oct, 2022 by Teddy meriweather
08 Aug, 2024 by Outlandish cash4
Don’t waste your time calling for a private attorney if you are seeking landlord/tenant lawsuit. How can you call yourself DBCA that referrals to you lawyers and not have all the bases covered. They don’t even tell you this when you call and neither on their site. They didn’t even bother to give me info to a lawyer that can provide such a service. Instead it was useless info. Info I am already aware of and have tired with mediocre results. The only decent one is a local codes officer, but I am seeking a lawyer. Not a none existent lawyer. Google is more useful. Do better. Hope this helps out a lot of people to save precious time.
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05 Oct, 2022 by Beth grumbine
Waste of $50
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29 Dec, 2021 by Dana togans
12 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
The woman clearly can't even take care of herself and make herself presentable yet she's in charge of the welfare of so many children. If you are lucky she will be a friend of the attorney you hire and then you can get away with anything. You will know right away if they are on a first name basis. Absolutely pathetic human being
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09 Jul, 2021 by Amy
She is a pathetic so called attorney and human being that just goes along with whatever the DA wants. She does not care what happens to you and your family. I would say it's just a 9-5 with her only she doesn't give any effort that an actual job would require. The one star was because i had to.
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14 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Hired Attorney Smith for my divorce and custody matter. She talked a good game during my consultation about how quick she gets back to her clients. Once I paid the retainer, I found out that was a lie. She stopped returning my calls and emails. She drug her feet submitting my custody petition, so when she got around to it weeks later, she found out the other party had already filed in a different county so I had to go retain a new attorney in that county. She never returned my emails and calls to follow up and let me know my divorce was final or send me the decree. I found out the divorce was final after it was posted in the newspaper and I had to go to the court house and find out how to get my own copy of the divorce decree.
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12 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I find Ms. Staley Ogorman to be highly unprofessional. Her correspondence to the opposing party "hit below the belt", which is acceptable to some clients but it did not work for me. Aside from the fact that the letters were offensive....the grammar and misspellings added another layer of unprofessionalism that was not worth the $250 per hour. I look back on my experience and wish I would have retained a better attorney.
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21 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
I went to her for representation for a divorce, she sent letters without my approval, never followed up on letters regardless of time sensitivity. I had to follow up every letter, and got billed for reminding her to contact opposing council. Did not respond to emails or billing questions. Billed 2 hours for initial consultation, never stated I would be billed, contract states she does not begin working on case until a retainer is received, when asked about the consultation fee, she stated she bills for all time spent working on my case, which is in contrast to contract, which was provided at the end of our meeting. Apparently I was billed for my time spent reviewing her working relationship agreement, then not given a copy to take with me. As if divorce isn't difficult enough to have an attorney take advantage of my situation is horrible. To date she has refused to return my retainer despite having terminated her relationship with me. In her recusal documents, her reason for removal was inaccurate. I have wasted my money and was provided no representation, should have bought a book divorce for dummies. Cited reason for not responding to some emails was because she checks emails on her phone and must have missed part of the email, because the screen is so small, REALLY? hello iPad? You would think for these rates she could sit in front of her computer at the end of the day and reviews emails to make sure she didn't miss anything. Basically I was billed multiple times for the same thing because I had to remind her to do her job. Despite my multiple requests to review documents prior to them being sent, due to inaccuracies in the letters, she refused to allow this claiming it was counter-productive for her and her staff. Apparently it is ok for me to have to call or write, be billed for her time, have her redress these issues, be billed for her time, not be able to review the letter, be billed for a re-write, not be allowed to see it, have to call or write again because of errors, be billed for her time. You get the picture! Financially productive for her. HORRIBLE ATTORNEY! More excuses than answers, at $225 per hour I expected so much more!
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13 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Horrible experience. She cares nothing about your case and only about over billing you. Paid thousands and in the end I just gave up and settled it myself rather than continue to pay her to drag it out and bleed my checkbook. Honestly, divorce is traumatic enough--hire someone that has your best interests at heart. I wish I had.
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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.
