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16 Feb, 2024 by Suzanne
Mark Mansfield helped me out so much and I can’t thank him enough. I was at one of the lowest points of my life. I had to leave my husband of 16 years. He was drinking so much, he had drank for a long time but by that time he was up to two of those huge bottles of whiskey a day, the economy size. I kept having to call the ambulance on him, when he would fall and not be able to get up. Then he started taking so many ambien with his drinking, when I left and took our 6 year old daughter, I never went back. I had had enough. I took my minivan, the cat, our clothes and went to my best friends, she took us in. My husband would no longer work or hold a job, he was having his liquor delivered into the house, and he was living off his mom’s social security and retirement fund. I got a bonus at work and went to his office and he helped me file for divorce. He was so kind in helping me, like he really understood what I was going through. There were a lot of different things to file for my daughter, he totally helped me to file the proper paperwork. He helped me learn how to use Dropbox, I had so much video proof of his drinking. It was hard to have to share custody of my daughter with him but the courts said that since he lived with his mother she could be the guardian, I hated it. In the middle of everything Covid struck and all the courts closed. So when court finally happened we had to do it in his conference room over zoom. He made it in my custody papers that we had to meet at a police station to exchange our daughter, guess what? My husband never showed one time to pick her up. When I found out my husband was on drugs I told him and he knew exactly what to do, he made me call CPS and tell them. So they had to do an investigation and it really helped my case. My whole goal was to keep my daughter safe. Mark did so much to help me. It takes time but in the long run it’s better, you think this divorce is never going to happen. Mine never did happen, my husband died exactly one year from when I left him, he drank so much he got pancreintitis and he died. There were a lot of other things I could go on and on about that he did for me and my little girl. But basically he had my back and did everything to keep her safe. He was always kind, informative, very understanding…but most importantly, he knew the law and how to help me. I’m thankful now that the divorce never happened, if I ever get into a jam and lose my job I am able to collect spousal benefits from social security, that sure comes in handy when your a single mom trying to raise a daughter. I couldn’t say more about him, just know he’s on your side and will get the job done, He always has your best interest at heart. ❤️
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14 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
This law office was referred to me by a friend. Mark & his staff helped me thru a tough litigation, making the process easier to walk through. I highly recommend this firm.
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11 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
I needed someone to look over some legal documents I needed for an interview. Mark took great effort to make sure I understood what the papers meant and how to better negotiate the terms. Then followed up with me days later to make sure everything turned out fine, then helped me re-work the approved documents. Thank you.
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06 Aug, 2016 by L. guyette
Mr. Foust was willing, able and ready to fight with me and for the mods of my case. Together we got our custody agreement overturned from my ex husband to me. He was there every step of the way and never left me to defend myself. He's very law savvy and knows all the loop holes not to fall into. Jeffry is very professional and always works in a timely manner. He will "throw down" in the courts which he does so well. I highly recommend him for your unfortunate family law needs. He plays hard with great results!
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16 May, 2016 by Ella
Mr. Foust has been advising me during 3 meetings and additional email communication over the past month, regarding a County Court real-estate case in which I am the plaintiff. I feel confident after the information I have received from him and the pre-hearing preparation that he has offered. As compared to other firms, I've found the service of this firm to be remarkably prompt, effective, in-depth, very professional, and at fees that, I think, have been more affordable.
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11 Apr, 2016 by Paul
When I hired Jeff Foust I was at the end of my rope with constantly fighting my ex-wife over everything. Barely over a year after we had finalized our divorce she filed for child support modification. Mr. Foust was there to help me through the process and seemed not only to be a lawyer working for me he was a friend that wanted the best outcome for me. I would highly recommend him!
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19 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Angela delivered for me in a way other attorney's could not. We had a game plan going in and Angela stuck with the plan despite some adversity and executed to my satisfaction. My agenda was her agenda! Many other attorney's have their own agendas that don't always serve the client best. She is a great listener and is realistic and practical in her approach to business and the legal world. Her prices are reasonable and she is not afraid to ask for assistance.
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26 Feb, 2016 by Daniel
Finding a good lawyer is a hard thing to do. I am so blessed to finally find an attorney who actually truly cares about her clients. She has always treated me with the utmost respect, is caring, rational, intelligent, reasonably priced and most importantly I can call her whenever and she always either answers my phone calls or calls me right away. She has held my hand through my horrible divorce and has fought for me like a tiger. I highly recommend her.
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17 Sep, 2015 by Carlos
Angela was great and helped me take care of traffic tickets I had from my past. Very friendly and quick to reply to text, calls and email. Pleasure doing business and highly recommend her.
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27 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired jenny to handle a civil matter I was not interested in participating in. She was very patient knowledgable and kind. She has gotten excellent results and is incredibly quick. I highly recommend her.
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16 Sep, 2022 by Stephanie jerez
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06 Jun, 2022 by Heather johnson
I was married 22 years. I had always worked and taken care of my kids. My husband who had not lived with us for 12 years was now setting a poor example for my daughters. Lisa was on EPA as good lawyer offered discount. I met her told her 10,000.00 was my limit I did not want to fight, or service him paper, just wanted out safety with kids. Now we go to a lawyer because we don’t know the law. Lisa ok, shouldn’t be a problem, he was military… Its ok we can cover it. All Lisa did was stress me out and take more and more money, cancel court then quit. Because of all the stress, she could have stopped our family, was completely broken apart. I am a Mother not a lawyer. Nothing explained, well this could happen so this is a must. I was never married before paid for his first 2 children. Now my twins are separated. A way for Dad to keep partying and not pay support. I couldn’t and wouldn’t in good Conscience recommend this lawyer to my worst enemy. After getting things finished I will report to the bar 20,000. Nothing then quit now trying to get more money. Shouldn’t be practicing. Watch your bill!
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27 Sep, 2020 by Terra fuller
Professional and caring
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25 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
I sought out Carole’s representation after several frustrating attempts to pursue a no-contest divorce over the span of two states and two years. Carole provided rock solid representation that I grew to appreciate from the moment I scheduled the initial intake to the day I received the decree of divorce in the mail. She and her staff made every effort to communicate clearly and effectively despite the time difference between us. In fact, 100% of our correspondence was done same-day with the majority of that often occurring within the same hour. Those small details of effort don’t seem like a big deal until your assets and livelihood are at risk. Retaining an attorney was never something I looked forward to but Carole Cross is worth the investment, especially when her firm makes it easy to connect every dime to every action.
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20 Apr, 2020 by David
When I first started this process in Japan. Carole was a straight shooter from the get-go. She did not hold anything back and told it like it is. She let me know what I was entitled to and what my spouse was entitled to. Though at times I was wishy-washy, Carole showed compassion and empathy during my case. Carole KNOWS military rights! If I had to do it all over again she would most definetly be my #1 choice!
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10 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
I'm divorced but entitled to a portion of my former spouse's military retirement. I applied with DFAS and was denied. I spoke with Carole and sent her a retainer. The case was complex because the wording in the 20 year old original divorce decree was not correct. Carole got everything straightened out and then when my ex-spouse wanted changes before he would sign the final paperwork, she went above and beyond to reword certain phrases to please him...although the meaning did not change and I still got exactly what I was entitled to. DFAS has now accepted the request for my spousal military retirement. I had told Carole that money was a real issue, and she said she would take measures to keep the price down where she could. It meant there was a little more work for me, but I was happy to do it so it wouldn't cost so much. I just received a refund of a large portion of the original retainer fee I had to pay. Carole accomplished exactly what I wanted her to. She kept me informed every step of the way, and explained everything so I could understand. She was also thrifty with my money! Carole knows military law and how it relates to families inside and out. She knew every single detail of what DFAS wanted and how to get the info. My former spouse told me numerous times that certain information was not available to him. Carole knew EXACTLY how to get the information. I would highly recommend Carole Cross. She's extremely knowledgable in her area of law practice, she's straightforward, and she knows all of the ins and outs of dealing with the DFAS and uncooperative former spouses. I'm very happy with the service Carole provided. Former Military Spouse
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02 Oct, 2024 by Burke c. marold
A caring/knowledgeable attorney. I recommend.
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21 Sep, 2024 by Alyxis finch
I cannot recommend Tim and Jenny Family Law Attorneys enough. They were honest, compassionate, and deeply committed to representing me during a complex child custody case. Tim’s strategic approach helped turn what could have been a difficult situation into a successful co-parenting arrangement that truly benefited everyone in the long run. His team of paralegals, Darnel and Channing, were incredibly patient and understanding, always guiding me through the paperwork and making the process much easier. This law firm is amazing – they helped me through one of the darkest times in my life, and in the end, we achieved a healthy, positive outcome for all parties involved. I’m grateful beyond words!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Lauren ingles
If I could give 10 starts I would! Brad and Debbie are awesome people! 10/10 recommend calling them if you need help fighting CPS or a criminal conviction! Brad is knowledgeable, kind, and realistic. He will do everything he can to provide the absolute best outcome possible for you and your family. Do exactly what he suggests without question and you will be fine! I am so glad I hired him to help me deal with CPS after they lied and completely took advantage of my cooperation. Thankful to have found him after reading his wonderful reviews and he did not disappoint. Thank you Brad! Forever grateful that my daughter is home after 60+ days of brutal scrutiny. My fight is not over but with Brad by my side I no longer feel powerless and scared. With no doubt I feel strong and prepared thanks to him.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Burke c. marold
A caring/knowledgeable attorney. I recommend.
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21 Sep, 2024 by Alyxis finch
I cannot recommend Tim and Jenny Family Law Attorneys enough. They were honest, compassionate, and deeply committed to representing me during a complex child custody case. Tim’s strategic approach helped turn what could have been a difficult situation into a successful co-parenting arrangement that truly benefited everyone in the long run. His team of paralegals, Darnel and Channing, were incredibly patient and understanding, always guiding me through the paperwork and making the process much easier. This law firm is amazing – they helped me through one of the darkest times in my life, and in the end, we achieved a healthy, positive outcome for all parties involved. I’m grateful beyond words!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Lauren ingles
If I could give 10 starts I would! Brad and Debbie are awesome people! 10/10 recommend calling them if you need help fighting CPS or a criminal conviction! Brad is knowledgeable, kind, and realistic. He will do everything he can to provide the absolute best outcome possible for you and your family. Do exactly what he suggests without question and you will be fine! I am so glad I hired him to help me deal with CPS after they lied and completely took advantage of my cooperation. Thankful to have found him after reading his wonderful reviews and he did not disappoint. Thank you Brad! Forever grateful that my daughter is home after 60+ days of brutal scrutiny. My fight is not over but with Brad by my side I no longer feel powerless and scared. With no doubt I feel strong and prepared thanks to him.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Burke c. marold
A caring/knowledgeable attorney. I recommend.
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21 Sep, 2024 by Alyxis finch
I cannot recommend Tim and Jenny Family Law Attorneys enough. They were honest, compassionate, and deeply committed to representing me during a complex child custody case. Tim’s strategic approach helped turn what could have been a difficult situation into a successful co-parenting arrangement that truly benefited everyone in the long run. His team of paralegals, Darnel and Channing, were incredibly patient and understanding, always guiding me through the paperwork and making the process much easier. This law firm is amazing – they helped me through one of the darkest times in my life, and in the end, we achieved a healthy, positive outcome for all parties involved. I’m grateful beyond words!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Lauren ingles
If I could give 10 starts I would! Brad and Debbie are awesome people! 10/10 recommend calling them if you need help fighting CPS or a criminal conviction! Brad is knowledgeable, kind, and realistic. He will do everything he can to provide the absolute best outcome possible for you and your family. Do exactly what he suggests without question and you will be fine! I am so glad I hired him to help me deal with CPS after they lied and completely took advantage of my cooperation. Thankful to have found him after reading his wonderful reviews and he did not disappoint. Thank you Brad! Forever grateful that my daughter is home after 60+ days of brutal scrutiny. My fight is not over but with Brad by my side I no longer feel powerless and scared. With no doubt I feel strong and prepared thanks to him.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Carlos villalobos vega
Muy agradecido con mi abogado y su equipo Christopher Sisk les deseo lo mejor y yo los recomiendo en cualquier caso son una excelente gente para tratar con ellos me quedo y estoy muy satisfecho atentamente Macario Carlos Villalobos Vega
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06 Aug, 2024 by Terri stevenson
I worked with the lawyer,Eddie Gayton and his assistant Teri Rash. I need to tell you they are two of the most compassionate caring people I have met in a long time. They did not just care about the case. They cared about me and my well-being.. Mr. Notebloom is also a wonderful man Who really cares about the clients! I honestly could not say enough wonderful things about These people and this law firm. They help me get through one of the most. Trying times of my life I highly recommend them and I will be grateful For everything they did for myself and my case. They stuck it out until they got results. Thank you very much to all of you and God bless you
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28 Jun, 2024 by Megan ongley
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16 Sep, 2022 by Stephanie jerez
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06 Jun, 2022 by Heather johnson
I was married 22 years. I had always worked and taken care of my kids. My husband who had not lived with us for 12 years was now setting a poor example for my daughters. Lisa was on EPA as good lawyer offered discount. I met her told her 10,000.00 was my limit I did not want to fight, or service him paper, just wanted out safety with kids. Now we go to a lawyer because we don’t know the law. Lisa ok, shouldn’t be a problem, he was military… Its ok we can cover it. All Lisa did was stress me out and take more and more money, cancel court then quit. Because of all the stress, she could have stopped our family, was completely broken apart. I am a Mother not a lawyer. Nothing explained, well this could happen so this is a must. I was never married before paid for his first 2 children. Now my twins are separated. A way for Dad to keep partying and not pay support. I couldn’t and wouldn’t in good Conscience recommend this lawyer to my worst enemy. After getting things finished I will report to the bar 20,000. Nothing then quit now trying to get more money. Shouldn’t be practicing. Watch your bill!
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27 Sep, 2020 by Terra fuller
Professional and caring
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20 Oct, 2022 by C dub
Too expensive
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28 Jun, 2022 by Chris paris
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03 Apr, 2022 by Nicole hussain-rogers-van de mark
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04 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired and paid Handy and I never knew when my divorce was final ! I had to call to see when I was suppose to go to court and told it was over !! then I paid him two more times after I paid him for my divorce to have an IRA signed over to me that I got in my divorce but it is 10 years and time is up this Feb 2017 I went to his office and left a message and he refuses to call. RUN from him
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24 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
He was my court appointed Receiver. Designated to protect my house from Foreclosure. So what does he do but SHORT SALE my house for a mere $3000, which is basically the same as foreclose. Does he tell me? No. Did he tell me the house was even sold? No. Did he return my phone calls? No. Did I get a dime out of my house that had over 125,000 in equity? No. He force me to use family member as real estate and title and they all received monies from my HOME. This is all truthful and fact.
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07 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
I am serious! I have had 4 negative or so so lawyers represent me with my BPD blamer spouses. Mr. Handy nipped it in the bud. My ex had a very seedy lawyer, made horrible untrue statements the right out the gate. Mr Handy will fight for you and challenge the opposing counsel/ he is busy, but compared to other busy lawyers, he is very good at getting back with you. His paralegal is just as great. If you want compassion but a pit bull in the court- Mr Handy is for you- would recommend to anyone dealing with high-conflict divorce or custody cases!
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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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