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10 Oct, 2018 by Jt
I have been using The Nice Law Firm, LLC for over 4 years. I have had a positive experience and highly recommend Bob Nice and TNLF, LLC.
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12 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
The firm lives up to it's name. They are nice, professional and affordable. They managed to wrap up a long battle in "nice" and neat manner. I would definitely hire them again and hightly recommend their services.
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27 Nov, 2018 by Randi
I am currrently dealing with my very first CHINS case through DCS and ms Pamela was appointed to me by the grace of God. She held my hand and guided me to treatment and now she’s fighting for DCS to pay for all of my medicine that my own Medicaid won’t cover. I just know in my heart that with her help I’m going to have my baby home by our next court date!!! ;) I would most defiantly recommend her to any addict that wants to take the right steps to have their babies back at home.
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09 Dec, 2016 by Orlando valadez salas
I highly recommend Pamela, After going through a tough divorce pamela has taken my case to a different level ,and took it to a personal level (good way) Pam will sit down with you and explain everything step by step, and if you have any questions she will efficiently respond accordingly , very professional, the payments were affordable and reasonable. very important for most people going through divorce. affordable and efficient.
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23 Dec, 2012 by Lisa
I was a client of Amber ying she was my divorce attorney and she was great she was there when i needed her and she kept me informed about everything i really like her and would recomend her to anyone i know that needs a attorney
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17 Sep, 2012 by Nicolaus
I would like to thank and recommend Amber Ying for the excellent service she provided while she help me sort through my legal difficulties. Ms. Ying assisted with the conclusion of a longstanding issue I thought I had little to no recourse. I was especially impressed with Ms. Ying’s professionalism and ability to get to the bottom of the situation quickly. In addition my expectations were exceeded with the great customer service, timing of information and results, and explanation convenient for a layman to understand. Without question, I am highly pleased with Ms. Ying’s service; I recommend her to all who desire legal service (in any capacity); and my family and I will continue to work with her in the future. Sincerely, Nicolaus I. McDonald Principal, MAAT, LLC
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16 Aug, 2023 by Kate flood
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05 Oct, 2021 by Dakota smith
Great experience, his knowledge and level head easily resolved my issue.
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21 Feb, 2017 by Michael
I am aware that Mr. Minnix had substantial experience in civil litigation. I spoke with him on a number of occasions regarding my matter and was extremely impressed with his knowledge as well as his personal courtesy. I would recommend him highly for any legal matter.
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13 Nov, 2015 by Kyle
Drew was great, he meet with us at a time that was convenient for us. He came to the conversation prepared with research and understanding of our situation. We will continue to utilize his knowledge and skills in the future.
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30 Jun, 2021 by Adam
I was referred to Megan from another colleague because I was representing myself. Megan jumped in on my case, got familiar with the details and what my objectives were. Megan worked very hard to to help me get the custody that I wanted. She was honest with me when I was being unreasonable and I trusted her advice. That trust was not unrewarded. It was a process that I probably screwed up by not getting counsel earlier, but she sorted my mess and fixed it all. Men if you want an awesome attorney that will fight for your rights as a father, Megan is not only up for the task, but she has the experience and the respect of her peers to do it. She is the family attorney you want.
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18 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I was recently faced with a situation in which I needed to reduce my child support payments to my ex-wife because my boys were living with me. I was really struggling financially because this had been going on for several weeks without resolution. Gary was very straightforward with me and worked very fast to resolve my problem. He got the job done and I will definately use this guy again if I need to.
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28 Feb, 2018 by Shawanda tyson
He is a great lawyer and took the weight off my shoulders during my bankruptcy. He has a great sense of humor and is very knowledgeable about the law. His staff is helpful and always willing to answer any questions relating to your case.
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09 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Adam did great helping me beat a bogus drug charge. The charges were stacked and adam like a boss got them dismissed
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08 Feb, 2021 by Rukayat
I feel blessed choosing Attorney Laura as she is client-focused. She picks my calls and listens to me with rapt attention. Her professionalism, hard work, and support are commendable. I applaud her passion and dedication. I joyfully recommend her to everyone.
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06 Jun, 2016 by Nicholas
Brooke was contacted to assist me with the expungement of a misdemeanor. She was very professional and respectful, and had a very good price for me. She seems to care about helping me, and is sympathetic to my situation. Recommend for anyone seeking legal aid in Indiana.
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27 Jan, 2018 by Charles
Patty was my attorney in (2-year) anchor leg of a 6-year custody battle. As a single father with an ex determined to cut me out of my sons life., Patty took me from supervised visitation to full custody. Our fight crossed 4 states, escalated into interstate parental kidnapping case, involved the FBI and was upheld in the Indiana Appellate and Supreme Courts. Patty is THE BEST. Can't recommend her highly enough especially if you are a father committed to remain in your child(rens) lives.
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06 May, 2015 by Crystal
Going through any type of life changing experience can be difficult. I am a former client of Ms. Vandivier who represented me and my children during my divorce. There is always a stereotype of what lawyers are and are not and this was my first time needing one so I was a little nervous to be honest. From the start of my case and initial meeting, Ms. Vandivier welcomed me with a warm smile and explained the process in terms i understood. Her goal was to make sure my concerns were heard and that my children and I got through the process of the divorce without worrying... She would handle everything. Not only did she keep me in the loop but she responded to any emails or calls from me within a day or let me know she would get me the answer when she had it. I trusted Ms. Vandivier with some of the most private information and she still has my trust. Ms. Vandivier is professional at all times and extremely knowledgeable. There were times that I may have wanted something or expressed a desire to want something that in reality was not reasonable but she was professional in explaining why legally it was not something we should go for but never said she would not ask for it... Just brought me back to reality really. During a divorce, feelings were all over the place for me. Ms. Vandivier was sympathetic and would give me resources to find the help i may need on the emotional level. One thing I learned is there are feelings and there are legalities... Just because I was spiteful towards my ex, it did not warrant certain legal actions. Ms. Vandivier was amazing in explaining the difference and keeping it professional. During my divorce case, I ended up having a civil case as well. Ms. Vandivier fought hard to do what was needed in that case as well. I admire her desire to do the right thing legally and her ability to show empathy yet be firm in making sure the client understands some things we ask for may not be reasonable because they are emotion based. It was important that I felt like I could trust my lawyer and that she would always keep me informed. Ms. Vandivier is a genuine person but mostly she is a lawyer that will fight for you and continue to fight for your legal rights. My children and I are extremely grateful for the time she took to work on the case and although it is her job, she never made it seem like my petty requests annoyed her. I would refer anyone I know to Ms. Vandivier if they are seeking a trustworthy, knowledgeable and good communicating lawyer. Thank you for all your hard work!
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08 May, 2014 by Samantha faulkner
I have used Mr. Hankins for several estate planning issues. He provided great ideas to minimize present and future tax liabilities and maximize my assets. He completed the work efficiently and stayed in constant communication with me throughout the process. He is also very personable and a pleasure to work with. I would not hesitate to hire him again.
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29 Nov, 2017 by Tammy
Drew has been our attorney for over 6 years. We use him and call him whenever the need arises big or small. We have become friends he is an extremely wonderful and insightful attorney. He is extremely knowledgable the legal field. Highly recommend him.
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26 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Deanna is a seasoned attorney who has a ton of experience in family law. She provides excellent guidance and sets reasonable expectations for the potential outcomes. For my case, she was always on point with the facts and I never felt I didn't know what was going on or what the next steps were and when. Would hire again.
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22 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
Ms Kaufman recently represented me in my divorce proceedings. I found her to be professional, extremely knowledgeable, and strategic in her approach. She has a high level of understanding as it relates to best practices within the court system and makes recommendations that are in the client’s best interests. I found Ms Kaufman compassionate to my situation and ready to fight for me. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a divorce attorney.
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30 Apr, 2015 by Jeffrey
Matthew Dinn is very professional and knowledgeable. He worked diligently for what was in the best interests for my child as well as me. I was always kept informed of the status of my custody case, and all emails or phone calls were returned promptly. He has excellent courtroom etiquette, is well organized and his trial preparation was outstanding. This led to a superior outcome for my child and me. He is an outstanding attorney and I highly recommend Matthew Dinn.
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08 May, 2014 by Samantha faulkner
I have used Mr. Hankins for several estate planning issues. He provided great ideas to minimize present and future tax liabilities and maximize my assets. He completed the work efficiently and stayed in constant communication with me throughout the process. He is also very personable and a pleasure to work with. I would not hesitate to hire him again.
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22 Oct, 2019 by Erlan
I had 2 misdemeanor charges with possession of marijuana. Mr. Timothy W. Kappes did a good job like nothing was ever happened! The best in Boone County !!!
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20 Mar, 2023 by Lynn
Michael is hands-down one of the most brilliant and effective lawyers practicing in Indiana today, especially when you want an empathetic and lasting approach that's best for your children. He knows the law and always presents the options honestly. I won full custody of my kiddos after 10+ years of on and of litigation, and I recommend him highly.
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09 May, 2015 by Cheri
I highly recommend Adam (BlackClay). He and Matt are honest, dependable, knowledgable, responsible, and have great integrity. They took my issues seriously and were quick to respond to phone calls and emails, usually within 2 hours. I am very thankful I hired them to represent me. They helped make a very difficult situation as easy for me as they possibly could. Do not hesitate to hire Adam!
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13 Feb, 2024 by Roxie starr
Matheis is willing to work with you and provides you with the best services. Go there if you're looking for a reasonable place to file bankruptcy.
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20 Jun, 2023 by Shavetta hopson
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12 Mar, 2023 by Sylvia bates
Mr. Mathies is so understanding and really looks out for your best interest. He's so down to earth and made me extremely comfortable with the business I was handling. I just felt that I was in good hands.
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13 Feb, 2024 by Roxie starr
Matheis is willing to work with you and provides you with the best services. Go there if you're looking for a reasonable place to file bankruptcy.
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20 Jun, 2023 by Shavetta hopson
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12 Mar, 2023 by Sylvia bates
Mr. Mathies is so understanding and really looks out for your best interest. He's so down to earth and made me extremely comfortable with the business I was handling. I just felt that I was in good hands.
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10 May, 2023 by April fletcher
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08 Jan, 2023 by Chris bowen
Ms McKinnon helped give me my family back. In court I saw that she was worth every expense because I won my cases and had all my concerns and opinions in the matter heard by the court through a very professional demeanor. She is absolutely an advocate for families and the Attorney who you want representing you.
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27 Jan, 2018 by Charles stigger
In 1999 Patricia McKinnon was my attorney. During the (2-year) anchor leg of a 6-year custody battle, Patty became one of my best friends. At the time I was a Lilly engineer and single father. My ex was a very spiteful and vindictive woman... determined to extricate my son from the lives of me and my entire family. In 1998 the courts were far less than favorable for a man who wanted to assume full custody of his son from a woman and mother. Making matters worse, when Patty took over all i had was very limited supervised visitation based on horrible counsel received in my divorce. Nevertheless, under Patti's aggressive and passionate guidance, we WON Custody!!! Patty began by restoring my full unsupervised parental rights. Ultimately our fight crossed 4 states, escalated into interstate parental kidnapping case, involved the FBI and was upheld in the Indiana Appellate and Supreme Courts. Patty's fees are WELL WORTH the countless hours she puts into your case. As a single father, I was overwhelmed by the complexity of the entire legal process. It is such an enormous burden to overcome the homefield advantage every mother has by DEFAULT. I invested all of my energy into my case. Yes I made my contributions and suggestions but Patty clearly was my Admiral. There is NO WAY I could have won this interstate war under any other attorney. I continue to be thankful for her work.
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12 May, 2024 by Ksu 007
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09 Jan, 2024 by Joan leslie
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20 Jul, 2019 by Rhiannon hair-how to's newman
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12 May, 2024 by Ksu 007
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09 Jan, 2024 by Joan leslie
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20 Jul, 2019 by Rhiannon hair-how to's newman
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08 Oct, 2024 by Cesar leiva
El abogado benitez es un muy buen abago me ayudo a salir de mis casos se los rrecomiendo
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07 Oct, 2024 by Hermano hjlcgk
Es un muy buen abagado lo rrecomiendo me ayuda a salir de mis casos de una manera limpia y efectiva gracias.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Leo
Bentize beat my case and excellent service from Him and his team
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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:

  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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