Filter by

star star star star star
28 Jun, 2017 by Chad
Eric represented me in my divorce, and after my divorce in assisting me in my small business matters. He is knowledgeable, available, and hard working. I would recommend him to anyone.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
22 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr Rosenthal is a really good attorney he will tell you how it will go and don't beat around the bush and he will fight for you he's a good guy and I would hire him again most definitely
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
08 May, 2012 by Elizabeth
I ask Mr.Fleming to help me,I loaned a friend money she made a payment to me then filed bankrupsty and the courts wanted the money back. This would not have been a big deal if it were twenty dolars,but it was $7000 and she still owed me $3400. The courts explained to me I was an insider and she showed favor to me for paying me. Mr Fleming became involved and I didnt return one penny. I was truely impressed with his empathy for me and he understood. If I ever encounter legal trouble again he will be the first person I call.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
11 Nov, 2021 by Kimberly
The first thing that comes to my mind is, what would we have done if we didn’t have William to represent us. William stood up for us against a huge corporation, that had many attorneys, but that didn’t even matter to him, he took our case, did amazing research, was articulate, knowledgeable, and effective, and won our case, and in a timely manner! And I would also like to say that he showed such compassion, for we just felt so defeated before we had met him, we really had lost all hope on our lawsuit, we just didn’t think there was anyone that could help us, but William sure came through! I will be forever grateful, and I cannot thank him enough for what he did for us!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
03 Nov, 2022 by Stuart gethner
Even though he's retired and his advice is FREE Remember, free advice may not be worth the price you pay!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
02 Dec, 2018 by Craine walters
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
12 Jul, 2024 by Tiffany gelia
Al Brandt is awesome has the heart!! Best around!!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
24 Jun, 2024 by Mark m
Google Maps
star star star star star
06 May, 2024 by Cheryl wells
Susan D. was a really good lawyer for me and did well with my divorce. I would recommend her services for sure!
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
01 Aug, 2024 by James reeder
Janet is amazing! From my first meeting with Janet I felt welcomed and encouraged to reach my goals throughout the court process. She's always went above and beyond my expectations.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
01 Aug, 2024 by Marie reeder
Janet is the sharpest, most compassionate attorney. She is someone you want on your side. Janet puts her all into her cases, she truly cares, and gets great results. I fully trust Janet and highly recommend her.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
27 Jul, 2024 by Matt “loco” smith
Lawyers can u trust em? Nope!!!!
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
05 Aug, 2024 by Edward pokryfky
Jared was great and patient help answer all my questions and was diligent and helping with my case.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
27 Aug, 2023 by Mark smoes
Excellent Attorney!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
14 Jul, 2023 by Betsy sue
Jared Hopkins is experienced, professional and personable. He did amazing work for my case and I highly recommend him. He is responsive and very knowledgeable.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
04 Sep, 2024 by Pol sosa
Fue un placer trabajar con el bogado Felipe muy atento a mi caso me ayudó en todo lo que pudo y me explicó las cosas claramente y tuve bueno resultados con el juez. agradecido con él por todo. y trabajaría con el nuevamente Felipe abogado bilingüe.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
15 Aug, 2024 by Amber troyer
Very respectful and direct!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
18 Jun, 2024 by Nathan
Mr Curtis was my public defender in a felony case. He was able to minimalize the charge down to next to nothing. It ended up being a disorderly conduct with no time served and next to no fines at all only the bare minimal. I've never seen a public defender do a better job and be more on top of every aspect of the case. He was open and accurate about what the circumstances were and what my options were. In my opinion if I needed a defense lawyer I would go to this gentleman every single time he's amazing. he's polite, punctual and definitely works hard to make sure you get a fair shot with the courts. If you have legal defense needs and you don't know where to go Philip Curtis is definitely the guy to go see. Thanks again for everything Mr Curtis.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
01 Nov, 2023 by Darlene brooker
Thoughtful, understanding and knows his job!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
01 May, 2023 by Bxby bxby
Google Maps
star star star star star
18 Jan, 2023 by Brandon butler
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
20 Jun, 2024 by Brandon smith
Horrible office lady. Refused to listen to my case. I told her I had a lawyer before but not now. After that she refused to listen at all.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
03 May, 2024 by Stephen parkinson
The Legal Assistant *KELLIE* Was Extremely Helpful & Very Knowledgeable About Legal Matters.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
16 Mar, 2024 by Linda clark
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
20 Jun, 2024 by Brandon smith
Horrible office lady. Refused to listen to my case. I told her I had a lawyer before but not now. After that she refused to listen at all.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
03 May, 2024 by Stephen parkinson
The Legal Assistant *KELLIE* Was Extremely Helpful & Very Knowledgeable About Legal Matters.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
16 Mar, 2024 by Linda clark
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
17 May, 2024 by Jennifer koffeman
Google Maps
star star star star star
02 Nov, 2023 by Megen gedman
Google Maps
star star star star star
29 Sep, 2023 by Jeremy underhile
Ronald is a great lawyer if you enjoy someone taking every penny you have and still not doing his job correctly.. I wish I could give no stars horrible lawyer and even worse mediator..
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
22 Mar, 2024 by Scott vertelle
He is Over rated. Engle is slow and too old. He was very bad at his line of questioning, took a long time to get to point. He didn't get to the point of the questions i laid out for him. Judge had to tell him to move it along. The judge and Prosecutors look like they know that he has trouble getting to the point and show him up and cut him off. He definitelyisnt no trial lawyer. I paid him $2000 up front. Keep me out of Jail and keep my job. He wasn't able to do either one. I was thrown in jail by Grant. Myself amd my witnesses never even got to speak. Even the bailiff told me he didn't know why he was taking me to jail. And his Injunction I paid $1000 for, was useless. I was robbed and cleaned out by Theif legally. It was a set up by a c9n artist and everyone knew it and didnt care. They got their pound of flesh from me. He couldn't even protect my property. Then he sent me a bil for another $2000. I refuse to pay for his incompetence. He needs to retire. He is way past is sell date.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
12 Feb, 2022 by Sherri rose
Very professional
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
09 Nov, 2021 by Pamela curtiss
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
06 Jan, 2024 by Aaron
Retaining Mick for a recent custody battle was the best choice I could’ve made. He’s responsive, knowledgable, agile, and forward thinking. He knows family law forward and backward, and I had complete faith in him and our game plan throughout the whole process. Our results were absolutely incredible, despite what was thrown at us throughout the process from opposition. We got everything we asked for. If you live in Jackson County and need an attorney, Mick Falahee is hands down the best choice you can make. I give he, and the firm, my highest recommendation. Thank you for representing me and my family!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
30 Jun, 2023 by Michael falahee
I always find it interesting when someone writes an "anonymous" review. My assumption is that the writer of the 1-star review from Sept of 2022 was not a client of mine. It was probably a person on the opposite side of a case who suffered an adverse outcome because of my client's preparation and my representation.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
04 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
Attorney Falahee works in the gray area of the law. If you are looking for someone to advise you on how to get away with criminal activity - this is the Attorney to hire. He does not adhere to the ethical guidelines set forth by the state bar of Michigan. He will also provide fictitious information to cover up his own ‘dirty work.’ If you are looking for an Attorney who has integrity do not hire this guy.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
07 Aug, 2024 by Savannah
I hired Benjamin Whiting to represent me for an evidentiary hearing which didn’t ever occur. Benjamin DID NOT do any work on my case whatsoever beyond notifying the court he would be appearing as my attorney for the evidentiary hearing which did not happen. My court dates were switched several times by the court- yet this did not encourage Benjamin to contact me via phone/email in regard to my case. I attempted to discuss a witness list with Benjamin- he refused. I attempted to ask Benjamin when and how we would be subpoenaing said witnesses- I received no response. I gave Benjamin a $3,000 retainer where he did nothing for months, & in June after going almost an entire month while attempting to reach Mr. Whiting I chose to terminate him. Mr. Whiting returned $1600 of my money. Rather than solely charging me for the appearance he’d put into the court, Mr. Whiting made up various jobs surrounding my case which he did not do reflected on the invoice. I asked him to describe those jobs, or provide proof- he has since refused to respond to me. I can promise he didn’t do them because he wouldn’t (and couldn’t) quote the issues within my case (he couldn’t when I chose to terminate him) and this is because in the months while I waited for my new date- Mr. Whiting and I did not communicate about my own case for a total of 6o minutes. TWICE I believed I had court on a following Monday and neither time Mr. Whiting was prepared for the hearing I had paid him for. It was only luck of the draw those dates were re-arranged, but it doesn’t negate this attorneys decision to remain unprepared. We didn’t discuss ANY of the evidence I felt I had compiled for the case- because we didn’t discuss anything beyond the bare bones initially. Mr. Whiting took my retainer with the bare bones info he had, entered himself as my attorney, & charged me more than $1400 of a $3000 retainer which at this point would have seemingly been spent even though we NEVER MADE IT to the hearing. I will be communicating with the Michigan bar for over-billing and what next steps I can take in this process. I wanted to write a review to prevent people from spending their money with this man. Should you choose Mr. Whiting as representation, please consider my review in case you also end up needing to file against Mr. Whiting for over-billing. I only hired this man because I wanted new eyes on my case- I do not want others to make the same mistake if they’re able to prevent it.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
11 Dec, 2023 by William newman
Great guy to work with
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
07 Nov, 2023 by Brent mccormick
I hired Ben and he has been nothing but great to work with over the past year. He is very knowledgeable and has answered all my questions I have ever asked. If your looking for a stand up lawyer that has your back then look no further. I would highly recommend him to anyone so don't wait pick up the phone and give him a call today!!
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
12 Jun, 2018 by Laura
She was very rude and did not care about my divorce case at all. My ex husband’s lawyer would send her emails about the case and she would ignore them for days. I would call and call and never hear back. If you do not have money or a well know last name in the area she doesn’t care. I should have read the reviews before I hired her. Be smart and go else were.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
28 Mar, 2018 by Tammy
I would not recommend this lawyer if you are going through a divorce with young children. I hired her and she did not fight for me rather she gave my ex every materiel item except for a vehicle. My ex destroyed the vehicle I was awarded as he filled it with trach and water along with taking off the tires and items from under the hood and dash. I had to give it away! She did nothing. She also did nothing when he made malicious complaints for 2 years that drained my mother's bank account. His complaints were all dismissed and then he would make more just to complain. She kept taking my mothers money without stopping this individual from all of these unmerited complaints. I had to hire a new lawyer to try to put into place what she should have done from the beginning. She allowed a unstable individual to have excessive parenting time. I have finally gotten it reduced due to his neglect and abuse. I would not hire this lawyer again, if you have young children, keep looking.
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.

Scroll to top