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18 Sep, 2024 by Tiffanie williams
Sheena has a thorough knowledge of the law and defended my divorce case with determination back in 2022. She went above and beyond for me while i still served in the military and made everything hassle free. I highly recommend Rickerson Legal for your Family/Criminal Law attorney needs.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Carolee tucker
I Highly recommend Mrs. Sheena! Shes very diligent, professional, and most passionate!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Kimberly joseph
To add. Your response is filled with inaccuracies and appears to be an attempt to cover your trail. The only real proof of behavior is in your responses, which reflect what I’ve experienced in our only two phone conversations. The first, which lasted less than 20 mins, and the second, well under an hour I can provide the exact time if needed. During that second conversation, you rudely expressed frustration because I had reached out to you on Facebook after months of unsuccessful attempts to reach you through your office. I had scheduled appointments but was never able to get in contact with you. My communication was respectful throughout, but because I expressed concerns about your lack of availability and the fact that you didn’t show for our scheduled appointment—while you were actively campaigning on Facebook with a book bag giveaway you felt compelled to finally call me.
You didn’t just call, you did so in an aggressive manner, hours before our scheduled appointment, to vent. Nothing was accomplished in that call, and you acted as if I hadn’t been communicating with you because I wasn’t listed as a contact. However, prior conversations between us had occurred, and documents with my name were submitted, which further shows that you weren’t up to date on the case.
In our second conversation, we discussed the case, and you mentioned that the plea was a result of your communication with the prosecutor. What you didn’t know is that the plea was the result of a conversation between my son and I, which was then mentioned to the attorney you had us working with, and he made it happen. We were both thankful for his efforts. You also provided incorrect information about the terms of the plea, which is something you can verify by checking the records.
The issue with reinstatement arose because, prior to hiring you, you led us to believe that it could happen. However, after retaining you, the conversation shifted. When the situation was further explained by your associate attorney, I understood, and I thanked him for the clarity.
I have never been rude to your staff. In fact, one of your staff members sent me a friend request on social media. There were never any issues with your team, and even the new attorney was extremely kind and available, though he admitted that he was new to the case and didn’t know many details at the time. I commend your staff for exhausting all updates and including you in emails after they ran out of answers. The real issue was your lack of availability, possibly due to your campaign—though I can’t say for certain. The reason for this second review is to further respond, as this has been my only means of reaching you and receiving even semi-respectful communication. Also, I ran out of characters in my previous review.
As I stated before, I wasn’t aware of anything before court because you canceled on Tuesday, and your office never followed up as promised. It wasn’t until after court on Monday, September 16th, that I received a message from your office after 9:30 AM, stating that they had tried to call me (the person you claim is not the point of contact), but my phone was going to voicemail. I immediately responded, indicating that court had started at 9:00 AM, which is why my phone was off. Please check your records and recorded conversations there’s a clear pattern of the ball being dropped on your end.
Furthermore, my son and I have an excellent relationship, which anyone who knows us can attest to. While I wanted him to keep you on the case to ensure you did your job, I realized from the way you rolled your eyes and neck at him that it was best to part ways and find another attorney. To be clear, we didn’t even know who you were until this past Monday, as you never made an effort to meet my son in person.
My first encounter with you was on Monday in court, when you approached me aggressively, asking if I planned to satisfy the balance. My exact words were, "I never received a follow-up call, but absolutely, yes." You responded with, "Nope, never mind," and walked off. SEE MORE:
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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:
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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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
