Filter by

star star star star star
07 Nov, 2022 by Jared
Diane fought hard throughout the entire process. She was empathetic and listened to all my concerns throughout our custody case. She was easy to get ahold of via phone and emailed back promptly. Thank you for all you did for me Diane and Co!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
05 Nov, 2022 by Heather
I met Mrs. Paull in 2006. She is very skilled in areas of family law. She is driven to solving issues along with her team with excellent results. She has strong communication skills with her clients and educates them throughout the process. She has guided me through some tough periods in my life. In addition, she has given me advice and help in other areas too. Having a great lawyer like Diane can make any process you have easier to handle. She is truly an intelligent, caring and remarkable woman. Her dedication and passion is top notch. She has become a true blessing to my family and a good friend.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
31 Oct, 2022 by Nickolas
When I knew my world had just turned upside down and it was time to hire an attorney to help me, I decided to hire Ms. Paull. My decision was based on a few factors, one being the overwhelming amount of positive (and genuine) online reviews. Ms. Paull never lost sight of the goals for my case and most importantly, I could tell that she truly cared about me as her client. She would not let me give up, no matter how bad things seemed. She is compassionate, tough, and her experience is worth every penny paid, and then some. I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney to be on my side.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
18 Jul, 2024 by Becky harrison
Andrea is an excellent attorney! I cannot express how grateful I am for her and her expertise in Family Law. She was always very professional, knowledgeable, confident, strong, and also very caring and understanding. She was very straight-forward and honest. You could tell she was passionate about her job and determined to have a fair and honest outcome.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
19 Dec, 2023 by Trever rosenbush
During a stressful, sad, and chaotic time, I was given guidance, support, and valid information. I was guided in the information they needed, timelines for the process, and supported on the decisions I had to make. I was given respect, empathy, and prompt responses to questions. I trusted the information given to me about the laws and process with high regard. I liked that I had expectations and was given the freedom to make decisions about my case. If you have a case that they can provide the service for, I highly recommend them. It was a relief to have them run the show.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
14 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
My divorce was stressful, sad, and created a period of chaos. I stumbled onto this lawyer through an internet search and read some reviews. To my surprise, the service provided to me was exceptional, more than expected. I was treated fairly in the gathering of information, I had prompt responses, I was asked to speed up my response to meet timelines, and felt reassured by their professionalism. Their knowledge of the law and process was truthful and substantiated. Through it all, I was comforted, I trusted, and their actions took a large piece of worry off my plate. I am thankful for their service.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
04 Oct, 2018 by Chris
If you are looking for an attorney for family law matters Matthew Hunt is the best money can buy. I initially hired Mr. Hunt after I fired another attorney who took my money, did not bother to file divorce paperwork, and would not return my calls or emails. Mr. Hunt did more in the first day of hiring him than the other attorney did in months. It was like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders knowing I now had an attorney I could trust. He was able to reverse the damage that resulted from my previous attorneys’ poor representation. I have been to multiple hearings, mediations, and a deposition with Mr. Hunt. Mr. Hunt’s preparedness was apparent during each of these instances. I’ve had conversations with Mr. Hunt and have been completely surprised when he remembers instances I’ve spoken to him about, emailed him about, and things that happened during prior years. I can truly say that I trust Mr. and his decision-making ability, mainly because he has shown me time and time again the positive results that happen afterwards. Mr. Hunt has been incredible in sorting through all my ex’s lies and making the truth shine especially in the place where it ultimately matters which is the courtroom. My children are now thriving in ways they never have never been able to before because of decisions made during those courtroom appearances and the facts that were able to be made clear by Mr. Hunt. My ex is now writing negative reviews about Mr. Hunt on multiple platforms. Her being so angry and vengeful towards Mr. Hunt is indicative of the excellent work he has done for me and my children. Thank you, Mr. Hunt, having you as my attorney has made my life and the lives of my children much better.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
05 Aug, 2018 by Amy
Mr. Hunt got me thru the most traumatic time of my life. He was accessible to me at all times and went above and beyond to keep me up to date. For part of my divorce I was living in a different state and Mr. Hunt took this in stride and did whatever he had to including getting it approved for me to attend a few of the hearings via phone. He exudes a confidence that really put me at ease. Would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
26 Apr, 2018 by Josh
Matt personally handled my divorce which involved me dealing with custody of my children and paying of alimony, he also helped navigate me as I was a business owner. I was very firm with Mr. Hunt on what I wanted and he over delivered on every aspect. I get my kids more than I thought I would, I pay less than was estimated, and it was all handled on one day. No one else in their industry is as skilled as this man. Do not let these 1 star reviews say you as they are all written by clients of the other side, when you don't hire the best. You shouldn't expect to win. I hired the best so I won.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
04 Dec, 2012 by Cherolyn
If you have a family law issue and you are wondering who you should hire, I would highly recommend Lisa Coplan-Gardner to represent you. Lisa has been representing me in my family law suits for nearly 10 years now. Lisa is very knowledgeable and resourceful when it comes to family law. Lisa really showed me that she cares about me as her client and has gone above and beyond to help me win my cases. Lisa has always answered or returned my telephone calls and emails in a timely manner. She has a great support staff that are always willing to help. I have been very satisfied with the results that Lisa has produced while representing me in my lengthy case history. I have recommended Lisa to my close friends and family because she is such a dynamite attorney and a wonderful caring person.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
26 May, 2011 by Candace
I have used Lisa Coplan-Gardner on several occasions for child support issues. Every case has been ruled in my favor due to her hard-work, diligence and compassion. I always felt that my case was a priority for her and her entire staff. I have a special needs child and a complex case. At our initial consultation, before I even hired her, she began looking up information for me and guiding me. At no time did I ever feel that it was about money for her. I was surprised at her eagerness to help me, educate me and fight for me and my children. Her kindness, understanding and patience was a breath of fresh air after having spoken to 3 other attorneys who made me feel as if I were a number. They were cold and unconcerned. Lisa treated me like a friend. When it was obvious that my complex case was going to cost more than I could afford at the time, she was sympathetic. She allowed me to make payments to her and often discounted some of her rates. She also suggested ways that I could reduce the costs by handling some things myself instead of just sucking every penny out of me that she could get. By me being proactive in helping with my case, it helped me be more prepared and educated in the courtroom in front of the judge. It also helped me to prepare for what is proving to be a long-term battle against the father of my children. The advice and education that she gave me through the entire process is proving to be invaluable. She never kept me in the dark, she was always available to talk to me, and her staff was AMAZING AND HELPFUL!!!! The thing that most impressed me about Lisa was that she was always honest with me - a trait that is not commonly associated with her profession - even when it was something that I didn't want to hear. She seems to be well liked and respected by other attorneys and the judges seem to respond well to her. She is a sweet, tiny, little thing, but she might as well be 10 feet tall in the courtroom. I have the utmost confidence in her abilities and have referred her to others. They have had equally satisfying experiences with her firm. There is no question that I will utilize her services again in the future. Overall, I don't think that you could hire a better Family Law Attorney.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
27 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
Absolutely the best! When you walk into this office you walk into a caring and friendly atmosphere. The entire legal team honestly cares about you and works their best for the best outcome of your situation. EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT!!!!!!!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
02 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Steve was very professional and very knowledgeable on the law and helped me through my divorce. He has a very good plan of attack and helps in any way he can.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
06 Sep, 2017 by Brenda isaac
Google Maps
star star star star star
01 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Working with Steve Leitman was such a positive experience. His professionalism and kind but deliberate approach helped make my divorce a bit less painful. He was an excellent choice for my highly toxic divorce case. He managed to keep our case out of court and help direct things in the direction and with the general outcome we were hoping for. He no longer works in litigation cases or I would continue to hire him for my future family law legal needs. Thank you Steve!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
20 Jan, 2024 by Danielle pond
Banda helped us through a modification and social investigation. She is very honest and really thinks strategically. She won’t waste your time or money. Thanks for everything Banda!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
16 Mar, 2023 by Nick fendig
Absolutely outstanding attorney. A true pleasure working with her and seeing firsthand the care, dedication to her clients.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
18 Jun, 2021 by Sarah coe
Banda steered me through a very confusing and deceptive divorce. She was there for me 100%. I will always be thankful life led us to each otger.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
10 Feb, 2015 by Donna mccarty
Rebekah, with her specialized and unique background in education and law, was able to help me successfully strengthen my child's Individualized Educational Plan. This change to his plan, which was a battle to get accomplished, has greatly helped my child feel more successful in school. Before Rebekah, my son's IEP was not adequately addressing his unique learning style and various educational challenges. My son was overwhelmed with the intense curriculum of school even though he had an IEP. Upon reviewing my son's plan, Rebekah immediately understood what accommodations were missing and why. She was able to work through the red tape of my son's school district to get my son's needs adequately identified and addressed therefore he was finally provided with the accommodations he needed. Throughout this whole process, I found Rebekah easy to work with, very knowledge, always accessible and very persistent and dedicated to my child's cause. I highly recommend Rebekah Hope! She is a very good lawyer and great child advocate.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
10 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
Helped me tremendously through my divorce and custody- honest, dependable and has an excellent reputation and integrity
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
20 Mar, 2022 by David
Any chance I get to endorse Darin Gardner, I will. As I said, in my case, I dealt with 4 separate attorneys before getting any real results. He set my case on the most direct path to the courtroom, where the others just seemed to want to run up bills. His level of preparation is second to none, and we got the outcome he wanted. I have a friend/former coworker in a somewhat similar situation that I was in, and personally recommended he hire Darin. If you are looking to light money on fire, hire someone else. If you want results, hire Darin.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
17 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Darin C. Gardner was level headed and direct with his questioning and his proactive approach. His dynamic team was above and beyond what I could have ever asked. His experience proved who he was in character and he fought for my children & I. His detailed efforts even proved effective 5 years later in reviewing my divorce and custody! I appreciated Darin's individual dedication to my case and I never once felt like I was just another client. He and his staff do everything in their ability to assure you of their capabilities. I highly recommend Darin and his competent staff. I was referred by my friend Tracey and I am eternally grateful and blessed for his efforts. Thank you Darin!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
16 Mar, 2016 by Jon
Darin was very available and handled my child custody nicely. He was able to present the facts timely and competently in front of the Judge. He made suggestions that were beneficial during the case preparation and hearing.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
09 Dec, 2023 by Cristina calderon
Google Maps
star star star star star
06 Dec, 2022 by Allen mclean
I've known Larry for years and when I needed legal services again, I got a hold of him. Got things done easily and quickly.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
11 Nov, 2022 by Harriet sasser
Great Lawyer at the Beaches. Clise to home.
Read more Google Maps
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