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23 Sep, 2024 by Brian l
I have experience a few attorneys in my life, Madeline was kind and very professional. She explained everything to me in detail and gave me good legal advice about my case. I would highly recommend Madeline.
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28 Jul, 2024 by Shan
Arpita Legha, my attorney, provided exceptional service from start to finish. She consistently kept me informed about potential outcomes and charges. I am very satisfied with her work as my family attorney. I also appreciate her follow-up call even after the case was concluded to check on how things were going. Thank you, Arpita, for your timely responses to my questions and for your unwavering support throughout the process.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Anu malya
For me, I think critically evaluating Google reviews of any business, service, etc — myself & my own business included — a lifeskill.
I am a big fan of basic respect, clear communication, & thorough professionalism. I myself make mistakes; I own them, 200%, made knowingly or unknowingly.
Some of Arpita Legha’s practices on the “uncontested legal separation” I initiated did not sit well at all with me OR with my former legal spouse either.
I tried to see all angles of Arpita’s actions & manners — very often extending benefit of doubt for her choices. I reasonably participated in how Arpita went about things. Then, I chose to take pauses as I needed from her obvious unprofessional (sometimes inhumane) behaviors.
My feedback for Arpita & the Oxner Legha Law Firm:
• I found Arpita’s conduct unprofessional on several occasions & accounts.
• Arpita laughingly mentioned a client’s identifiable name & case info — in front of them — with me present — on my 1st call with her & Madeline. I did not find it funny at all. Neither did the other client.
• I felt pressured by Arpita for my time, responses, & outcomes way too many times to count while conducting my paid services.
I liken her toxic behaviors to that of an alligator.
If I initiate a process — as humanly & professionally possible, shouldn’t I reasonably decide the pace of my OWN case — under the guidance of the “professional” I hired???
• I communicated in writing about my life-threatening documented illness & how I needed time (which was provided to me first), then it went back to the same pushiness for possibly meeting the firm’s targets, Arpita’s schedule, the court’s schedule, whatever else, etc.
It was literally sickening for me, at times, to deal with Arpita’s behaviors — despite making my voice heard in writing & by my actions.
• Once, over phone, after listening to how the situation was evolving, Arpita mentioned an additional service I needed — communicating very clearly to me over phone that she’d include that service under my retainer.
When I put that service in writing over email, it appeared Arpita’s language changed. Arpita went back on her word.
I found myself with an additional bill, albeit some deducted off at the conclusion of my services. A sales & an I’m-sorry tactic, if I may?
• At the end of my services, I still did not get a breather. I noticed Arpita’s calls & emails, pushing for rapid responses within 24-48 hours each time.
I think I am a pretty responsible grown up who paid upfront for (un)professional services.
I believe I am aware of exactly how things work & when, for whom. Especially through my experience with Arpita & her firm.
I kindly asked questions & kindly responded to those asked of me. I believe my former legal spouse chose to behave the same as well. How would I know? It was in writing.
I am not sure what Arpita’s main issue was — maybe my former legal spouse & I never reached the “contested” stage?
I believe in decent trust between client & service provider.
At the end, I relied on email alone with Arpita because I was tired of keeping up with her calls. Why? I found it hard to trust her word.
• In the end, after I completed my items — rather than own up to her chosen behaviors & style, I found Arpita did not close my case hospitably at all. It appears I was literally dismissed with an attitude.
• I am unaware of what Arpita’s deeper personal or professional issues may or may not be. I do not desire to know.
I wish I could speak about the positives. I wish I could share those things that stood out to me.
Unfortunately, the areas for improvement weigh heavily on my experience with Arpita & her firm. I neither recommend Arpita Legha’s services nor the Oxner Legha Law Firm.
I find basic professionalism & hospitality priceless. I believe no matter how much I pay, the 2 may or may not be guaranteed anywhere.
My experiences with Arpita Legha & through her, the Oxner Legha Law Firm, was one such stark example of that. For both my former legal spouse & I.
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25 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
How the bar hasn’t pulled his license is beyond me. He is a snake in the grass.
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15 Aug, 2019 by Jennie
I had a legal issue regarding an accident with a scam artist looking for money, and Tom was right there. He let me know what to expect and what we were going to do in court. He showed up and waited with me throughout the whole process. He had everything prepared and his plan worked. Everything was dismissed and I was able to move on.
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17 Mar, 2017 by Cheryl
Tom helped me seal my record of a misdemeanor theft case from 2 years ago! He was very easy to work with, easy to contact and kept up with me the whole time. All of this awesome work was done within 3 weeks! Very pleased! Thank you Tom, for everything!
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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:
-
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.
