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03 Jun, 2021 by Mara
Alisa Rude was appointed my public defender over a month ago. While incarcerated I attempted 2 times to reach out to her, my mother attempted as well amd left messages. Once I was bonded, I called and left her messages 2 times from my number and my.mothers. I have court tomorrow and haven't even been in contact with my lawyer.
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16 Aug, 2020 by Sarah
Hire Dorothy Ferguson for a modification hearing. I saw her once to discuss my case paid retainer in full. My hearing came and she never showed up the Judge had to go find her. After hearing was continued I was penalize and it cost alot of financial burden. She never informed me of any activity on my case after several emails and phone calls she ignored me. I was never informed of and decision on my hearing which caused me over $6000 in fees due to not responding with in a 30 day time period. Would not recommended her for anyone to hire her for their case. She will take you money and make it a point to ignore you.
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22 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
Thad was very difficult to deal with. First of all, he was rude and stand off-ish. Second, we had to have paper work redone due to fault of his own, which he ended up charging me for. Third, he never mentioned his fees up front. Fourth, I had to follow up multiple times to get him to respond, which he will also charge you for. Not helpful and definitely not nice during a very difficult time. Do not recommend.
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10 Nov, 2021 by Saulty-ハイパー
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31 Aug, 2021 by Harold
I had hired him for a ticket from April 4th (Hired date was April 27). Now it is August 31st and I am presented a paper that says in short I have to pay over 250 in a fine and then no other convictions, and a few other orders ALL for running a simply stop sign. I called the clerk of the court and paid a simply $167.60 fine. Now I realize their will prob be points on my license however this has gone on for to long with zero attention and the lady who called me from his office was Less than cordial. She was down right rude. I will not use this attorney for anything period. I have never had such BAD resupination.
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24 Jan, 2017 by Natalya
I had Mr. Baugh represent me in several cases. I discontinued representation after he appeared in court completely unprepared for one case, and his preparation for a more important matter was insignificant. He did not make a credible attempt to present my children's interests. At the time, he was more absorbed in his personal affairs and just cared about his fees which he billed regardless of his efforts and effectiveness.
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07 Jul, 2021 by Joe gordier
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29 Jan, 2021 by Brittany dailey
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30 Sep, 2019 by Raleigh hebert
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13 Sep, 2022 by Debra carver
It was such a let down today. The Judge, Carrie Stiller, allowed her motherly emotions to control her judgement. She just decided/ordered a father to pay for college to a daughter that will have nothing to do with him. We had evidence of reputation that had a time span of over 10 years to current The judge said if anything that happened when she was younger than 18 couldn't be heard.... that she would only accept evidence from the age of 18 on....but then turned around and used an old text from the same time frame of 16 as the bases for her decision. Then had the audacity to scold him as a father over the 1 text. Not even acknowledging all the mounds of evidence. It makes me feel she didn't even research the previous hearings. I'm not speaking on her overall performance throughout being in her position. I'm solely speaking on her judgement with this case. Very disappointed. Justice was not served.
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03 Nov, 2021 by Lani h
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01 Oct, 2024 by Michael roberts
I’m surprised to see so many positive reviews to be honest. I felt over charged and had a more similar experience to Kay’s. I didn’t feel like things happened in a timely manner due to no fault of my own and how she dealt with those delays was not to my liking. She was definitely not proactive when it came to that. I was expecting a decent refund because what started out as a potential difficult divorce turned into an uncontested one with no issues whatsoever. So to be charged the majority of my retainer was very much surprising. In fact, had I not complained about the last in office visit, where I originally would have been charged additional time of her apologizing for how things went and discussing cases not related to mine, I would have owed additional money. My attempt to get resolution and a larger refund was met with what appears to be a scare tactic that I would hear from her own attorney. I never once heard anything more from anyone and that was almost a year ago. I was very disappointed to say the least and still upset after all this time. So wanted to share my disastrous experience so others would be aware. I for one wish I would have paid more attention to the one negative review at the time.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Used her in a child support case, was most times unprepared, never brought the things she said she would in court. Basically either called me or texted me constantly to use up my retainer. Ended up with a 3500 bill for things I could have done on my own. Very ill informed! Don’t waste your money! You’ve been warned.
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18 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Was very arrogant and demeaning towards me as a woman. He didn't take the abuse I suffered seriously and kept calling me "girl / girly." Do not recommend.
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21 Aug, 2024 by William
Allison has not fulfilled her obligation as my attorney. I hired her in March 2022 and it is now August 2024 and she completely ignored my case, will not return my calls to get my case closed. Now I am struggling to get this done or dismissed to start over again. She accepted my money and did not complete her obligation. She did not give me proper advice and is not responding. I am not the only one she has done this to. Just check google. I can’t even find her to sue her!
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20 Oct, 2023 by Andy chandler
Buser would have made given a slave trader in the 1850's a run for his money. RINO... but clearly a sign of the perversion of the party. prosecutor's goals are to stack up charges and force people to run out of money defending themselves from charges they can file for free. That's not democracy, that's despotism. This coming from a guy who's the great nephew of one of the party's founders.
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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:

  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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