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03 Aug, 2019 by Jake
Bo helped me with a criminal defense case this year and did an excellent job defending me. I could tell he genuinely cared and always kept me in the loop when new information was presented. He is most definitely on top of his game 100% of the time!!
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28 Apr, 2019 by Jordan
When I was served papers for joint legal custody of my son, I panicked. Bo was recommended to me by a family friend and I couldn't have been happier with my decision. Bo is very kind and upfront with people and very knowledgeable. He assisted me in not only getting a fair deal, but he fought alongside me to ensure that wasn't getting a raw deal. Thanks again Bo!
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02 Jan, 2019 by Leah
Bo actually listens to you, and does the job you need him to do. He is extremely prompt at replying to questions, and he explains everything to you. You always know where you/your case stand - you’re not left in the dark. I finally found a competent attorney that I completely trust!
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01 Feb, 2022 by Allison
She is amazing! she is a cutthroat for her clients and doesn't back down. she was my voice during a difficult time and helped me every step of the way!
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01 Nov, 2017 by Michelle leonard
Tricia has always responded quickly to emails or messages. She was able to explain situations that I was unsure of. She gives great advise and is awesome at what she does! Highly recommend! Thanks
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02 May, 2017 by Anthony t
Excellent results!!! Couldn't be happier with her work. She went up and beyond what was ask of her. Super Happy and would hire again!
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06 Jul, 2023 by Aaron c.
I’ve used the David Franks team for all my personal and business needs for over 5 years. They are very responsive and provide a great service for a reasonable fee. I recommend them often.
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27 Jul, 2019 by K. and j.
Mr. Franks is a pleasure to work with! He was able to make us feel comfortable from the very first meeting. His explanations of "legal terms"are easy to follow along with, and actually made the whole process totally enjoyable! We highly recommend David J. Franks, and his team!
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10 Jul, 2019 by Tom
This lawyer, Mr. David Franks is a no nonsense, straight forward honest man to work with. Glad I took my estate planning to him.
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02 Nov, 2023 by Dan goldman
Joe Gamble was very excellent at consulting for my needs highly recommend!
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03 Sep, 2022 by Jacklyn fox
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02 Sep, 2018 by Rod rosburg
Knowledgeable staff.
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22 Jul, 2016 by Larry
Ryan represented our business in a case where we were named as Third Party Defendants. He was successful in proving we had done nothing wrong and all claims against our business were released. Ryan also went on to file a counter suit in which our business was able to recover our legal fees regarding the lawsuit. All maters were handled in a professional manner and in a timely manner.
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20 May, 2016 by Kathy
I was the victim of a garnishment that was not released properly. Ryan met with me the day I found out about the problem Ryan worked with the law firm that procured the garnishment and also helped resolve my financial expenses as part of the settlement. This was completed in a timely and professional manner,
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31 Mar, 2016 by William
Ryan j. Muldoon Attorney who didn't give in and who didn't give up he kept me informed on the statues and laws he would contact me when he heard from the individual we were suing not only would he ask me what I felt about the case but he was interested in my health how I was feeling and asked me about my job my issues that were going on such as if I had a problem at work or if I was having something going on at home asked me how the day was such as weather asked me how my family was doing when he had found out about my father he was concerned when I lost my job from papa johns. If I called he returned my calls with in that day kept me informed on what the lawsuit was doing on a weekly basis I am very satisfied the outcome of my lawsuit and he has been a confidant on many things that will remain between us I truly think he even learned a lil southern words lol
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31 Jan, 2018 by Julie
I was given Debra Hockett Clark's name as their top recommendation from a local Des Moines attorney of a different discipline. Debra and I worked together through my very lengthy and ugly divorce that ultimately went to court. To do over again, I would not change a thing and am incredible thankful I had Debra by my side every step of the way. Debra has very high ethics, is extremely organized and always on top of every last detail that both she and I needed to be doing. She is extremely professional and is highly respected by her competition, the court system and their staff. This was very evident to me as we went through the trial process and the interaction others had with her. Unlike many divorce attorneys, Debra does exactly what is needed and the very best for the client, as not to incur extra charges or expenses. She is extremely knowledgeable and always educated me/gave insight on her recommendations of approach and strategy with what we were doing. She is always very well prepared and was a relentless advocate for me and my situation. I have since recommended her to every friend, acquaintance and client who is in need of someone who is very aggressive, yet professional and does the right thing all of the time. I highly recommend Debra and would use her without a doubt, should I have that need in the future.
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11 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Debra is a very knowledgeable divorce and child custody lawyer. One of the main reasons I think she is a great lawyer is because she tells it like it is. I didn’t always like what she told me to do but I did it. My situation might be different from most. I was a father of 4 and had primary custody of my children. My ex-wife, after I had remarried and moved on, started calling DHS routinely on us. Debra always handled all of these complaints directly. My ex-wife would take us back to court yearly for unfounded complaints. After the 3rd time Debra had added to my decree if petitioner files and looses the case they will be responsible for all court and lawyer fees. This helped keep me out because The court had always ruled against her. The last instance the court awarded me all of my legal fees because none of my ex-wife’s allegations were proven. this stopped all further court cases. If I was doing something Debra though would negatively effect me she told me to stop. She is an upfront and honest lawyer. She tells you how it is whether you like it or not.
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10 Jan, 2018 by Kim
Debra was great! She was always quick to get back with me on my questions and concerns. She always explained everything in full detail.
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02 Nov, 2023 by Dan goldman
Joe Gamble was very excellent at consulting for my needs highly recommend!
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03 Sep, 2022 by Jacklyn fox
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02 Sep, 2018 by Rod rosburg
Knowledgeable staff.
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08 Jan, 2020 by Josh
Kate was an absolute pleasure to work with. She handled all of my concerns promptly and always made herself available for conversation when issues came up. I highly recommend her if you are going through a divorce, she worked circles around my spouses so called "experienced" lawyer and she was always two steps ahead of him. At one point my spouse actually wanted to fire her lawyer and just let Kate finish out the paperwork process. She's that amazing folks.
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22 Aug, 2019 by Timothy
Kate was very professional and delivered on everything she intended to. She kept me well informed throughout the process and was able to rush my divorce through in less than one week. Even though my final bill was much higher than what was estimated, I would still recommend Kate to anyone needing her services. Just budget for more than what is estimated.
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05 Jul, 2019 by Valerie
Kate was such a fabulous divorce attorney. She is knowledgeable, patient and supportive. I would highly recommend her.
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02 Nov, 2023 by Dan goldman
Joe Gamble was very excellent at consulting for my needs highly recommend!
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03 Sep, 2022 by Jacklyn fox
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02 Sep, 2018 by Rod rosburg
Knowledgeable staff.
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15 Jul, 2016 by Carly
The desire to protect the best interests of my child drove me to hire Attorney John Tillo. In order to modify my child custody agreement we had to go to trial. John was successful and we won the modification to the custody agreement. I never felt like I was just a client, John was very invested in my case and was dedicated to getting the best result for my daughter. I will be forever grateful to John and words cannot thank him enough for how he has changed the lives of both my daughter and myself.
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23 Dec, 2014 by Steve
John was a great help in my custody battle for my son. He was patient and always level headed and knew the best way to approach things. He helped get exactly what I wanted out of the custody battle. You can tell he cares about his clients and respects the situation. I highly recommend him for family law and is worth contacting for all sorts of law related questions.
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30 May, 2024 by Melissa frey
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17 Jul, 2020 by Tyler moeller
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19 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Jack handled a lawsuit for me. He was extremely professional and thorough. He listened to everything I had to say. I was able to observe his interaction with other attorneys who were involved in the case and was extremely impressed. I would use him again and highly recommend him.
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19 May, 2015 by Jon
Jack was the assisting attorney for my defense of an unwarranted lawsuit on a business transaction from several years earlier. Jack was very helpful as we worked through the deposition preparation and the gathering of information for the trial. Jack was good to simply listen to me as we prepared and certainly helped keep me calm and on focus during this difficult time. Jack is a good attorney I woudl ercommend to anyone
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04 Sep, 2018 by Jc van ginkel
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07 Jun, 2018 by Jassiel ramirez
They get the job done.
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14 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
No one ever wants to be placed into a situation where they need representation for a divorce, which is exactly where I found myself. I reached out to Kolby towards the busy new year weekend, but she still made time for me quickly and explained the process. My situation was further complicated being out of state, however, Kolby was very thorough, making a difficult situation as painless as possible. If you find yourself in need of a divorce attorney, I will always strongly recommend Kolby.
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22 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Kolby is kind, personable, and great to work with. She is responsive and sent updates regularly throughout our case.
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13 Jan, 2020 by Kelsey
Maria was helpful with any questions or concerns that I had. She was always direct in her answers and gave clear recommendations. She was very professional and friendly.
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12 Jan, 2020 by Dan
Maria has handled our taxes, trust, business and will issues for many years. She is outstanding.
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23 Aug, 2022 by Deb
I called many lawyers as I have been in an ugly ten-month claim with the insurance company over a kitchen fire. When I called Joshua Moon he listened to my every emotional retelling of what has seemed like a continual nightmare with gentle compassion. Since he is in Waterloo and I am in West Des Moines, he wasn't able to take the claim, but I was sincerely touched by how he took the time to listen to my long dilemma, offer guidance, and give me the name of a lawyer from my area who could help. Thank you, Attorney Joshua Moon, I would highly recommend you to anyone.
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09 Sep, 2016 by Amanda
After talking with SEVERAL attorneys in the Cedar Valley we felt hopeless with our situation. I emailed DBSH and within two hours Josh called me and immediately was available for us to meet with him. Our situation was somewhat rare. Josh Moon went above and beyond to help remedy our situation with a favorable result. I have never worked with such a motivated lawyer!!!!!!
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23 Oct, 2015 by Rm
Rick recently handled the case for me and we won. Liife is good and I will continue to use Rick to handle my legal issues. He a lawyer who actually gives a sh#t about having a relationship with his clients.
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08 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr Lubben has done family planning for me in the past and has been easy to work with, knowledgeable, accessable and his fees were within reason for the services I received. I have worked with several attorneys from other parts of the state and I was not impressed their representation. This has caused me to seek out Mr Lubben so he can once again become my legal counsel.
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26 Aug, 2016 by J
highly recommended. highly professional and clearly respected in the courtroom. it's no big secret that court is a good ol boys club where simply the name of your attorney wins you points. With his name and reputation, Dave is that kind of attorney. Yes, he is not the cheapest atty in the phone book but, as they say, you get what you pay for. Would you rather pay up front and get results or pay less and find that your case is drawn out only to cost you more over the long run. I would hire Dave again without question.
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05 May, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Millage is very knowledgeable and worked with me to get custody of my child. He is expensive, but you are paying for his experience.
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10 Feb, 2024 by Diann johnson
Mr.Steve Hamilton & Staff is amazing
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20 May, 2020 by Debbie hanauer
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09 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Jason helped me with a difficult eviction process . He gave me advice and treated both sides with respect and care . I really appreciated that . He was very helpful and kind .
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08 Feb, 2024 by Thomas
We contacted Jason to help my sister deal with home squatting situation. Although we understand he represents mostly tenants in these type of cases, his deep understanding of the law on both sides of the coin allowed him to pinpoint the best solution and follow it quickly to the end. We were most grateful for Jason's expertise as well as his kindness and professionalism throughout our short interaction in this matter.
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10 Jun, 2021 by Samantha wickersham
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10 Oct, 2015 by Curtis
David handled my case to the best of his abilities. He was very reliable, insightful, and resourceful. He told me exactly what I needed to do to insure the best results. He is accountable, he showed up on time to court, and answered any questions I had thoroughly. He was a strong advocate to take my case to whatever direction I chose, while providing sound legal advice. He also kept good contact throughout the case making sure I was updated and prepared.
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29 Jan, 2012 by Jillianturkal
I have known Paul for almost 2 years. He has been my lawyer for my child custody case. He has always been professional and made me feel like is # 1 client. I have trusted him with the most important thing in the world, the custody of my son. He helped to resolve our case and ended up settling before having to see a judge. Paul always kept me informed and was extremely helpful.
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18 Nov, 2023 by Thomas
I consulted with Mr. Thompson regarding my divorce and custody case. He was honest, thorough, and efficient. I value his professionalism and assistance. Definitely recommend.
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17 Mar, 2016 by Conan's dad
Working to get the custody of my son. I had tried two others attorneys before in family issues, but Mr. Fisher is for sure the best and most ethical one. He explained to me clearly how strong my case really was, with all the pros and cons if we went one way or another. We tried to go to arbitration, as it’s required by law first in Iowa, but we had to change the mediator because it was handpicked by the opposing party. His legal assistant is also very kind, knows her job well, and it’s always kind and courteous in all matters. I don’t know much about the rest of the law firm, I imagine it’s also good and ethical too, but I can say that with attorney Fisher, he knows how to handle legal matters very well and is also very time efficient. He’s not the cheapest attorney in CR, but he’s also very reasonable. At the end, you get what you pay for.
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18 May, 2011 by Anonymous
Carrie, corrected mistakes made on the set up of my corporation. She was extremely informative in explaining how the corporation worked and what I could and could not do.
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13 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Kaitlin was my attorney for my divorce. She was very professional and always made sure I knew what was next or what to expect during each stage of the process. I had a lot of questions and she answered all of them promptly and provided expert consult and advice. Amazing service from a knowledgeable attorney. Divorce is never easy or fun but Kaitlin made the process as seamless as possible and truly cares about her clients wellbeing.
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23 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Gregory Johnson is the man to have on your side in the court room. He believes in his clients and compassionately pursues justice for them. He's one of the best! When it comes to family law involving children, he looks to their best interest and doesn't hesitate to present the facts and hold parents accountable for their actions or in-action.
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13 Oct, 2022 by Ariela
Tara is a good lawyer. She is a no nonsense kind of person and that helps. She never promised anything or gave us false expectations. She was honest and direct. This was one of the most stressful situations we ever had to endure but Tara was always understanding without being overly sentimental. She always answered when we called. She always answered our emails. She helped us reach an agreement that we could live with in a very difficult international custody case. She was the only lawyer we consulted with that immediately requested to see evidence to back up our story and this was before we ever paid the firm any money. That really caused me to feel secure when hiring her. I recommend her. As with any lawyer be clear with her about what you want from the beginning.
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11 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Brian for my Social Security disability case several years ago. Fro. The first consultation onward, Brian was truthful, patient and listened to my concerns and wishes as well as those of my wife. As with all other SS disability cases, it took longer than anyone wanted but Brian always communicated to us regularly which was especially important after we moved. I would certainly recommend Mr. Yung and would go back to him should the need arises.
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26 Jun, 2017 by Dirk
Very nice gentleman who we use for our personal legal advisor. The practice has been in the area for more than 50 years. Good solid law practice.
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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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