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28 Sep, 2024 by Anntasia
I highly recommend Mr Mike Filia as a great attorney. He stands on business and came through on his end. Thank you! very much again for helping people with life changing experiences.
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21 Sep, 2024 by Joseph mazzei
He did a lot of research on my case. was very knowledgable, and got me out of my situation. Thanks for everything
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11 Sep, 2024 by Tori reynolds
Very knowledgeable and helpful with complicated custody cases. I felt helpless in my past experiences with other custody attorneys. Michael Fila is genuine and seems to actually care and be proactive in helping with your case. Reasonable rates and does not feel like you are being nickel and dimed for everything.
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13 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
I had a case that will bring me 1K each month, and she could not wait for a payment to come from my case, so greedy, and so heartless, as I am disabled and my current income did not allow to just shell 350 for one hour consultation.
HA HA, guess what -
i did my case all by myself. From state to state, from county top county and now I am receiving all that money that she refused to help me with.
Cold nonconsiderant "moneyfirst" person, wonder how the Lawyer's Oath sounds like.
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22 Jun, 2018 by Shennoah
I cannot say enough great things about Attorney Silverman. She was so helpful throughout the entire process. She responded to my emails and phone calls very promptly. She was kind, patient, and most importantly gave great advice. My custody case was emotionally and mentally draining for me. I was very worried that there would be an undesirable outcome. Attorney Silverman did a fantastic job of getting the best outcome for me and my son. She is the best. I would recommend her to anyone dealing with a custody issue.
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07 Apr, 2017 by Jean
Attorney Randi Silverman is an outstanding, professional lawyer. She went above and beyond to be an advocate for my daughters and I for all our needs. Randi was available to me whenever I needed and she was able to honestly advise me and answer my questions. She always had my best interest in mind. I appreciate Randi and her staff and all they have done for me! I would highly recommend her to anyone, and I already have!!!
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05 Mar, 2024 by Tricia
Michelle was my attorney she was recommended by a friend and unbenounced to me she is known as the “ $20,000 attorney)” well this is true, she cost me well over $25,000!! After being with her for 2.5 years she quit before my divorce was finalized bc she wouldn’t take my case to court because it was a “frivolous act” and didn’t want to ruin her reputation. She did not do her job representing me b/c she was supposed to get answers as to y my x husband took $30,000 out of his 401k after the divorce had begun and he wasn’t supposed to touch, but no one stopped him including his attorney. He spent $10,000 and the other $20,000 he couldn’t prove over a long period of time and Michelle did nothing about and left it go. So I was out that xtra money from his 401k. Then the sale of our house I was owed $24,000 and she and his attorney left my x husband hold that money from me for 9 months. After I thought representing me she really was not only because (this was during COVID) had to have virtual meetings with Domestic Relations which I couldn’t hear everything being said bc she had ear buds in and agreed to declining spousal support after the divorce. I at this point had just been diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica and bc of that needed his medical insurance, so she declined Spousal Support bc of this and I had no idea she never asked me if I agreed!!! So then after 2.5 of her which I thought she was representing me she QUIT ON ME bc she wouldn’t take my case to court it was “frivolous and wouldn’t take the chance of ruing her reputation “ One of the reasons is bc she never filed my paperwork!!! So, if your looking for a divorce attorney DON’’T call Michelle. She takes your money and charges a fortune!!!
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30 Jan, 2024 by Tim george
Randi Silverman is undoubtedly the best. She is extremely knowledgeable. She fought for me and was able to defend me from various unjust accusations. She is honest. She will always tell you reality and the truth, even if it is not what you want to hear. Her legal representation gave me faith throughout. I am grateful for her service (and her staff is equally amazing). I highly recommend Randi Silverman without reservation. She is worth it.
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05 Oct, 2023 by Jessica keith (jess)
15 Mar, 2019 by Kim
Terry represented me in my divorce.
He was professional, straightforward and did not sugarcoat anything.
The divorce process took longer than I would have liked but that was due to an ex-husband who didn’t want to cooperate and the legal system in general.
In the end I received a nice settlement and my divorce.
I highly recommend Terry and will continue to seek legal advice from him as needed.
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19 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
In hindsight, I would have saved myself time, money, and the stress if I had NOT hired Graffius. Errors were made on documents that I MYSELF pointed out but were not corrected. As a result, my case and grief drug on even longer due to resubmitting the corrected documents.
Apparently, Mr. Graffius needs to recognize and remember that the average person is not familiar with the details of legal proceedings and that IS THE VERY REASON that people hire lawyers!! I do not think it is expecting too much for a lawyer to be organized, clear and concise about what is needed from his/her clients, rather than condescending and seemingly annoyed when a client simply doesn't know. I would have saved myself at least 5 months of waiting and the money I paid for his " absentee service" had I just gone online and done most of the work myself.
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19 Apr, 2023 by Susan mankamyer
22 Sep, 2020 by Kaitlin hillegass
Absolutely unresponsive and unprepared
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18 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Hired for a divorce and completely adstounded at the level of the unprofessionalism and unreliablilty. Nearly all calls go unanswered and returned followed by excuse after excuse. Nothing has moved forward in nearly a years time.
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05 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Attorney Vitko's practice for a family issue. He was very knowledgeable of the law and helped me stand firm for my children in every step of the process. He doesn't sugar coat anything. I would recommend him to everyone.
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13 Feb, 2013 by James
Afetr he was paid I never heard from him again. I called him every day sometime twice a day and nothing. He took the money and disappear.
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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:
-
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.
