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12 Mar, 2022 by Chelsea
Attorney Moritz became more than just an attorney, he is so genuine and caring and also very thorough. I’m forever grateful for attorney Moritz as well as Holly!
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10 Jun, 2021 by Rob
To be clear, I spoke with his assistant Holly most of the time. She was kind, informative, and very helpful whenever we conversed. That being said, it was frustrating when I would not receive a call or text back sometimes until the next day or even the following. Other than that my experience with them was of the utmost professionalism, and quality. Attorney Moritz will tell you the way things are plain and simple. When you speak with John it's short, to the point, and clear of his opinion and intention. You either have a case or you don't. If he thinks you've got something and accepts your case, he intends to win. I've hired him 2 times now and both times he's given me exaclty what I wanted out of my divorce and child custody. He will represent the good fathers who deserve their kids in their life. He will fight for you, and he will win for you. I HIGHLY recommend John to anyone, especially the good dads out there that are tired of letting the legal system step on them. Hire Attorney Moritz, and give yourself that win.
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10 Nov, 2020 by Emilie
John Moritz, went above and beyond for my case. He was honest, knows exactly what to do, and gave results better than I could have imagined. 10/10 would recommend, absolutely exceptional at what he does!
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07 Mar, 2017 by Marcus & angie
Dan is a "Real" attorney and is passionate about his job. He is understanding and will work with you in every aspect. He is not set on some agenda other then "yours"! You can hire any attorney...if you want the best, then hire Dan Goeman. If you hire anyone else your not getting your monies worth. I cant thank you enough for what you have done thus far for our family. In a word...Thank you for being you!!! Mark & Ang
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26 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Going through divorce is never easy. Dan lead me through a very difficult time, standing up for me when I could not stand for myself. The emotional damage from a long and unhealthy relationship made it hard for me to see what was fair and real. Dan fought hard to get a settlement that allowed me to get back on my feet. He was also good at addressing the fine details, asking the right questions and helping me to understand what was going on. He prepared me for our hearing so that I would know what to expect. This helped to calm my nerves. Dan even came to the closing on my house and kept me from getting taken advantage of. Dan is very knowledgeable of the law and truly cares for his clients. I would highly recommend him for any legal matter.
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14 Feb, 2012 by Anonymous
Mr. Kinnaman was very helpful and understanding while we went through the divorce process. He explained each step, why we were doing what we were doing and how to present ourselves in the best possible light. My daughter was devastated by her (now) ex-husbands behavior and that of his family. This hit her out of the blue. Mr. Kinnaman has had ample opportunity to see the effects of divorce on the wronged spouse, as well as the children. His focus was protecting our daughter and her two children from any more of the ex's nastiness. Mr. Kinnamen's prices are reasonable, his office is easy to find, and he's friendly but always professional. He asks questions and actually listens to your answers. He did everything in his power to make this unfortunate situation as painless as possible. In the end the experience was very enlightening. Mr. Kinnaman's manner in dealing with those within the court system and those representing the other side is quite interesting to see. He has my complete trust and I would highly reccommend him.
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05 Mar, 2024 by Breck wyngarden
Did my 1st ok.2 case its pivate
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24 Jan, 2024 by Morgan k
Went in for a consultation and received fantastic service. They treated me with kindness and professionalism. They answered all of my questions and beyond. Greatly appreciate their insight.
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10 Jul, 2023 by Neal dams
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07 May, 2018 by Christa d
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20 Mar, 2017 by Ian
Jennifer was recommended to me by a previous client of hers, at a point where I was scrambling for a divorce lawyer. I couldn't have asked for a more competent, personable attorney. She walked me through every step of the divorce process, including budgeting, child support and visitation, and dividing property. She was very professional during negotiations and her office was very flexible with payments. I would recommend Jennifer to every person who needs Family legal assistance.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Bonnie cavin
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08 Jul, 2024 by Higher level house washing
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08 Jul, 2024 by J s
Unprofessional, unprepared, unable to correctly interpret case law, repeated failure to file documents properly or at all, missed every deadline, fined, and closed with theatrical representation while unable to even remember his client's name during cross-examination. Unfortunate.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Randall timmer
Hanes, was very professional! The Staff, was very friendly! We had 3 of our family members, go through Hanes. And we were overwhelmed, by the service provided! Thanks
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08 Jul, 2024 by Ron johnston
Very professional and caring. Jessica explained all our options to us, but didn't push us to a specific option. Everything went very smoothly through the process. Jessica is very knowledge in her field and passes her knowledge on to her clients. There were no surprises at any time - all things were done as they said they would be. We would highly recommend this firm and Jessica to friends and family.
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08 Jul, 2024 by John printz
Derek led me through the process of having my license reinstated with professionalism and kindness. He contacted me often and I was always informed and made aware of what I needed to meet the courts requirements. I would definitely recommend Derek. He is part of my “Redemption Story.”
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15 Jan, 2024 by Levii vanorman
Don’t waste your time with Holly.
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01 Jan, 2024 by David elkins
I retained Holly this past May when I discovered that my now ex-wife was filing for divorce. The one stars on this page must not have an understanding of how divorce works. There are no winners or losers in a divorce. You reach settlement. No more than that should be read into it. Expect the cost. No one works for free. For myself, the whole process was more stress free and thorough than I could have imagined. We were able to work together to reach an equitable settlement through arbitration avoiding the cost of a trial. Because our children are adults, there were no messy custody issues so the process was started and completed within five months. I won't say that I won or lost. There is no such outcome in divorce. I achieved what I had hoped to, and I choose to be happy with that. I will recommend Holly and her team to anyone. Choose to be happy.
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13 Sep, 2023 by Torie g
Our experience talking with Holly was very pleasant. We unfortunately are on a short time frame and we were led to believe that she’d be willing to take the case as long as we paid the very expensive retainer by Friday. She did provide other legal recommendations that may be a cheaper option. They were not able to accommodate the short time frame. So we decided to go with Holly. We proceeded with obtaining the funds so we could pay by the deadline. Just to be called by her receptionist 2 days later & informed that she was at her capacity and wouldn’t be taking our case after all. A day and a half was wasted. We could have been looking for another legal opinion. Very disappointed she didn’t tell us this herself, and wasn’t upfront with us. Instead all of our time was wasted. This left us with even less time to find representation.
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28 Nov, 2023 by Paul lantow
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29 Sep, 2023 by Kkr
Attorney Tom Kates assisted me with initiating a divorce filing recently and I so appreciated his calming presence, ability to extract the important details from my chaos and provide clear, concise advice. Tom was very responsive in follow-up communications as well. I would definitely call on him again and recommend him to others!
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28 Sep, 2023 by Alaina parker
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06 Jun, 2023 by Brent essink
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02 Nov, 2021 by Aleen
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29 Sep, 2021 by Melissa
Highly recommend
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05 Mar, 2024 by Breck wyngarden
Did my 1st ok.2 case its pivate
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24 Jan, 2024 by Morgan k
Went in for a consultation and received fantastic service. They treated me with kindness and professionalism. They answered all of my questions and beyond. Greatly appreciate their insight.
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10 Jul, 2023 by Neal dams
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25 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
He did not help much in getting anything charges dropped, seems just in it to work out a plea deal for you.
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01 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
After working with 4 other lawyers, Mr. Duckworth was by far the BEST lawyer.
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26 May, 2023 by Tony leal
Kim is amazing at what she does. I couldn’t be more happy with her work ethic, detail to a case and strategies. She is very professional in the court room. I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney. I highly recommend her!
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25 Apr, 2023 by Roberto
Kim was referred by a family member for my custody case, she never stops working and communicates the process throughout so you’re never feeling unaware or unsure. She made me feel like she was part of the family and ready to go. Anyone looking for an Attorney that has your back call Kim.
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21 Feb, 2023 by Dominique vargas
I would highly recommend Kim to anyone that needs a honest, working serious, attorney, someone professional, and that gets the job done! She helped me out tremendously, she wants the best for her client and she will tell you what to expect so I really admire her for her hard work and in the future plan on rehiring her if I need anything else
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15 Jan, 2024 by Levii vanorman
Don’t waste your time with Holly.
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01 Jan, 2024 by David elkins
I retained Holly this past May when I discovered that my now ex-wife was filing for divorce. The one stars on this page must not have an understanding of how divorce works. There are no winners or losers in a divorce. You reach settlement. No more than that should be read into it. Expect the cost. No one works for free. For myself, the whole process was more stress free and thorough than I could have imagined. We were able to work together to reach an equitable settlement through arbitration avoiding the cost of a trial. Because our children are adults, there were no messy custody issues so the process was started and completed within five months. I won't say that I won or lost. There is no such outcome in divorce. I achieved what I had hoped to, and I choose to be happy with that. I will recommend Holly and her team to anyone. Choose to be happy.
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13 Sep, 2023 by Torie g
Our experience talking with Holly was very pleasant. We unfortunately are on a short time frame and we were led to believe that she’d be willing to take the case as long as we paid the very expensive retainer by Friday. She did provide other legal recommendations that may be a cheaper option. They were not able to accommodate the short time frame. So we decided to go with Holly. We proceeded with obtaining the funds so we could pay by the deadline. Just to be called by her receptionist 2 days later & informed that she was at her capacity and wouldn’t be taking our case after all. A day and a half was wasted. We could have been looking for another legal opinion. Very disappointed she didn’t tell us this herself, and wasn’t upfront with us. Instead all of our time was wasted. This left us with even less time to find representation.
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19 Apr, 2022 by Shirley
My husband hired Judith Hearn in our divorce. It has been a fiasco from the start. Missing or last minute documents, documents scanned illegible, doesn't know the law, rude, does not make time or return calls once she has your $. We have had 3 mediations and now a waiting for 3rd court date for what should have been a very simple divorce, no kids...no big $. Just does everything she can to drive up her fee. Btw...my attorney said she had a stroke a few years ago. She's never been right since. Just stocking up funds for retirement. Stay away...I am out 10 grand and she's my opposing council. She's horrible.
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16 Jul, 2021 by Kimberly
Do not recommend this attorney. Hired her for a divorce with child. She told me steps to take, then turned around and acted like I was doing all the wrong things. Was rude over the phone and through email, and fine in person. Told her exactly what I wanted and she seemed to do her own thing regarding the custody and parenting of my child. Couldn't seem to keep facts straight. Not dependable in my opinion. Makes you feel like you are in it alone..
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06 Mar, 2018 by Missy
She made promises that she did not follow through with. She told me her retainer was 1500 and charged 2500 on my cc then said she couldn't remember quoting me 1500. Took her 6 weeks to serve divorce papers on my x. She had no time for me and did absolutely nothing when my x lied in court. She completely ruined my life.
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17 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Was more interested in money than in helping me. Has a big ego and not much else. Dropped the ball on several things and after about 10,000 I have nothing to show for it. Really wouldn't waste my money.
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23 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
He calls me at 7:30 am on a Friday morning agreeing to meet on Saturday morning. Therefore, I figured he would be diligent on my case. I had limited time to find a lawyer and I heard he cut a few good deals in court. From the start, there’s been hardly any communication, or even follow up. I think it took him a week to return a text. At that point i was already locked in with a retainer. I explained the situation, wrote down notes, gave lots of information, never got many questions, which I thought he may have some. I had to ask many times for him to get ahold of dash cam footage, and any good traffic attorney gets ahold of that right away. Based on that video, he states he could do a motion to suppress; although, states it may not be successful. No guarantee at that point that it won’t be successful. I decide to take a chance and go that direction, giving him notice before our next court date to file that motion. Cop lied on video, suppress that evidence, he SAYS the right and logical things. Yet it’s what he actually DOES that makes him not so great. Right before court he states my best bet is to plead guilty and get into a treatment program and that the motion wouldn’t be successful. Translation…I didn’t feel like writing out a motion and I just pushed your case through the system not really caring about your outcome.
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10 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Absolutely amazing experience from start to end. He was extremely thorough in every way with every detail pertaining to my case. He made things extremely easy for me to understand and kept me updated every step of the way. Communication is definitely his strong suit!
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09 Dec, 2014 by Joyanne
In 2013 I ws his client in a family matter case, When I met with him he listened only after I put up $2,000 first. He patiently listened and said, I can help you, I had evetrything written down, and when it came to trial he didn't even read it, just proceeded on what he wanted to do. I lost the case big time, he never once tried to defend me, just questioned me and the opposing party. Break you heart and become sick after that performance, He said well thats too bad. This is my warning to others, don;t walk, run away. e
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18 Nov, 2015 by Jaime
She was only my attorney because she was court appointed. She didn't listen to my concerns regarding my case, she wouldn't address them, was very cold hearted and wasn't concerned about my reading disability which made it difficult for me to understand formal papers or hearings
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30 Jul, 2024 by Lisa
I lost everything I deserved going thru a divorce b/c she did not help at all. She does NOTHING. She didn't fight for me, I lost more custody of my kids b/c of her, and she is my biggest regrets today.
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FAQs
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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.