Lawyers map
>86
experienced lawyers
Filter by
31 Jul, 2024 by Regis rutay
I had the privilege of working with Courtney for my divorce, and her guidance was truly invaluable. Courtney's expertise, dedication, and tireless efforts on my behalf resulted in an outcome that exceeded my expectations. Her professionalism was evident throughout the process, and I am profoundly grateful for her help.
Wendy, Megan, and everyone at the firm, thank you for your outstanding work.
If you're navigating a divorce and unfamiliar with family court or law, I highly recommend reaching out to Courtney and her exceptional team. Their knowledge and dedication can make a significant difference in your case.
Read more
29 Jul, 2024 by Cheryl sanchez
I would recommend Henderson and Mehta Law. Attorney’s are knowledgeable, give great advice/recommendations. Lead you in the right direction and are upfront and honest about how court proceedings will move.
Read more
26 Jun, 2024 by Rachel guzior
Whitney Cameron and her staff went to battle to protect my son. It was a very complex case that spanned many years and involved multiple States. Whitney handled the most complicated and difficult situations professionally, confidently and with ease. She never ceased to fight for the safety of my child and ultimately helped secure his permanent safety. I will be recommending her for years to come to anyone in need of an advocate for themselves and/or their child.
Read more
21 Jul, 2024 by John dickson
Chuck Bretz will just string you along for your money. It's kinda strange how he can beat his own DUI case but can't do it for any of his clients. Cozmo Tedone for the Will county area is a much better lawyer.
Read more
07 May, 2024 by Zachery prysny
One of the best attorneys in the area , if you are in a pinch this is the person you should choose to represent you , they dedicate their time to get you the best outcome possible, I can’t thank them enough for helping me
Read more
27 Apr, 2024 by Eric botica
17 Sep, 2024 by Abigail capetillo
I am a very satisfied client definitely recommend. won my case when nobody wanted to pick it up, very professional && staff are very friendly.
Read more
06 Sep, 2024 by Nicholas voelker
Very helpful and always responds quickly
Read more
19 Aug, 2024 by Dennis streeb
Marc Shuman and Kevin Halverson of Shuman legal handled my case with a firm confident hand and in a timely manner which gave me the confidence that I was in good hands and they were always on my side. Couldn't have asked for better counsel or a better law office to handle my case. Thank you for the service you provided for me sincerely Dennis Streeb I always knew you were on my side.
Read more
19 Sep, 2024 by Astasia
Phil is amazing! I didn’t know what to do or where to go and Phil made sure I was okay always made sure I understood what was going on and stayed in contact. Thank you so much
Read more
19 Aug, 2024 by Leroy williams jr
The office of Leiter law are absolutely the bomb I'm so grateful because he did everything he said will be sending everybody I know your way thanks again Leroy Williams Jr.
Read more
31 Jul, 2024 by Arii wrikton
I had an excellent experience with this firm.They did a fantastic job handling my case and were incredibly communicative throughout the entire process. I always felt informed and confident in their abilities.
Read more
29 Apr, 2024 by Dan kearney
Tom, Dee, Brennan and team were great to work with. They definitely made our real estate transaction run smoothly and communication was great. Would happily use for future transactions.
Read more
30 Jun, 2023 by Paul kelly
Mr. Steven Haney is the best lawyer , in my case I couldn’t of asked for a better outcome . Mr. Steven Haney gave me hope when I thought there was none. He was straight forward and honest about my case always very professional.I will forever be grateful to him for what he has done for me
Read more
22 Jun, 2023 by S b
If you are looking for a skilled and dedicated criminal defense lawyer, I highly recommend Steven Haney with the Law Offices of Steven Haney. Steven's expertise and commitment to his clients are truly exceptional, and he is sure to provide you with the best possible legal representation
What stands out about Steven is his professionalism, expertise, and attention to detail. Steven took time to listen to my needs and concerns and provided personalized legal advice tailored to my unique situation. He also has an aggressive approach to defending his clients’ rights which made me feel reassured that I was in good hands and he had my best interest.
There was never a call he wouldn’t answer or an email he wouldn't respond to.He was always available to answer any questions or concerns and was very honest and precise with his responses. God forbid, ( knock on wood ) I ever have another situation where I needed representation, Steven would be my go to hands down.
Because of his exceptional work and knowledge of the Law I can remain a free woman with my family. I am very grateful for the services I received from Steven Haney.
Read more
3.7
3 Reviews
4.6
62 Reviews
30 Aug, 2024 by Jon greske
My divorce process began in late 2023 in which I was seeking custody of my son. Due to the amazing job of Greg Jumbeck and his team, I only had to appear in court one time and that was to finalize my divorce. Although this process is not easy, his team made this transition for my son and I relatively painless. I would recommend to anyone who has to go through this. Great job!!
Read more
15 Aug, 2024 by Mark trendle
Christina is amazing. She helped me through the entire process of my case and it was as stress free as I could’ve asked. Highly recommend her to anyone in need of an attorney.
Read more
13 Aug, 2024 by Amanda spayer
She was amazing! Answered all questions I had very fast! Had everything filed the day I paid. All was finalized extremely fast! Very pleased with the service received. I wish I would have contacted her when I started trying to clean up my credit over a year ago
Read more
29 Apr, 2024 by Dan kearney
Tom, Dee, Brennan and team were great to work with. They definitely made our real estate transaction run smoothly and communication was great. Would happily use for future transactions.
Read more
30 Jun, 2023 by Paul kelly
Mr. Steven Haney is the best lawyer , in my case I couldn’t of asked for a better outcome . Mr. Steven Haney gave me hope when I thought there was none. He was straight forward and honest about my case always very professional.I will forever be grateful to him for what he has done for me
Read more
22 Jun, 2023 by S b
If you are looking for a skilled and dedicated criminal defense lawyer, I highly recommend Steven Haney with the Law Offices of Steven Haney. Steven's expertise and commitment to his clients are truly exceptional, and he is sure to provide you with the best possible legal representation
What stands out about Steven is his professionalism, expertise, and attention to detail. Steven took time to listen to my needs and concerns and provided personalized legal advice tailored to my unique situation. He also has an aggressive approach to defending his clients’ rights which made me feel reassured that I was in good hands and he had my best interest.
There was never a call he wouldn’t answer or an email he wouldn't respond to.He was always available to answer any questions or concerns and was very honest and precise with his responses. God forbid, ( knock on wood ) I ever have another situation where I needed representation, Steven would be my go to hands down.
Because of his exceptional work and knowledge of the Law I can remain a free woman with my family. I am very grateful for the services I received from Steven Haney.
Read more
21 Aug, 2023 by Sara
Bob was very helpful in getting the best outcome for my case and he made me feel as if I didn't have to worry through the process. I trusted him and would recommend him to anyone needing legal help.
Read more
19 Mar, 2023 by Jeffrey
Mr Tomzcak was very Knowledgeable and Whole Staff wouldn’t hire anyone else Thanks for your great Service Jeff Gallichio
Read more
01 Jun, 2021 by Jason
Robert Bodach has clearly earned the respect of Judges, prosecutors, and clients alike. Mr. Bodach's post-sentence efforts in my defense led to early termination of my conditional discharge.
Read more
30 Aug, 2024 by Jon greske
My divorce process began in late 2023 in which I was seeking custody of my son. Due to the amazing job of Greg Jumbeck and his team, I only had to appear in court one time and that was to finalize my divorce. Although this process is not easy, his team made this transition for my son and I relatively painless. I would recommend to anyone who has to go through this. Great job!!
Read more
15 Aug, 2024 by Mark trendle
Christina is amazing. She helped me through the entire process of my case and it was as stress free as I could’ve asked. Highly recommend her to anyone in need of an attorney.
Read more
13 Aug, 2024 by Amanda spayer
She was amazing! Answered all questions I had very fast! Had everything filed the day I paid. All was finalized extremely fast! Very pleased with the service received. I wish I would have contacted her when I started trying to clean up my credit over a year ago
Read more
29 Apr, 2024 by Dan kearney
Tom, Dee, Brennan and team were great to work with. They definitely made our real estate transaction run smoothly and communication was great. Would happily use for future transactions.
Read more
30 Jun, 2023 by Paul kelly
Mr. Steven Haney is the best lawyer , in my case I couldn’t of asked for a better outcome . Mr. Steven Haney gave me hope when I thought there was none. He was straight forward and honest about my case always very professional.I will forever be grateful to him for what he has done for me
Read more
22 Jun, 2023 by S b
If you are looking for a skilled and dedicated criminal defense lawyer, I highly recommend Steven Haney with the Law Offices of Steven Haney. Steven's expertise and commitment to his clients are truly exceptional, and he is sure to provide you with the best possible legal representation
What stands out about Steven is his professionalism, expertise, and attention to detail. Steven took time to listen to my needs and concerns and provided personalized legal advice tailored to my unique situation. He also has an aggressive approach to defending his clients’ rights which made me feel reassured that I was in good hands and he had my best interest.
There was never a call he wouldn’t answer or an email he wouldn't respond to.He was always available to answer any questions or concerns and was very honest and precise with his responses. God forbid, ( knock on wood ) I ever have another situation where I needed representation, Steven would be my go to hands down.
Because of his exceptional work and knowledge of the Law I can remain a free woman with my family. I am very grateful for the services I received from Steven Haney.
Read more
15 Jun, 2016 by Jeffrey bowker
Ignore the negative reviews. Bob has handled my extremely long, difficult custody case very well. His style is NOT for everybody. I needed an attorney to tell me when to shut up and what to be doing (I hired him for his counsel; and that is what I get!).
Yes his paralegal Shannon is rude; but honestly, she gets beat up all day by clients for all the attorneys in the firm, so cut her some slack. She is very nice in person.
Bob is the new Mayor of Joliet, so he only handles a few cases and is busy. However; if you can get him, take him!
Read more
16 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
I had high expectations. Bob was highly recommended by a local judge to manage my case. He was never available. I could only reach him through his paralegal who was anything but professional. Always called (not by Bob), but by his paralegal Shannon who was outright rude! Every single time before a hearing, I was called for info that his office already possessed. After connecting with a new attorney, I realized how much Bob didn't care and was downright incompetent at being a lawyer. I hope he does better as Joliet mayor. Former police officer then lawyer, I expected more. Definitely not the case! Bob...good luck as a politician. You may be better suited for it. DISAPPOINTED!!!
Read more
15 Apr, 2014 by Timothy
I will be honest, I was a bit unsure if Bob at first reading the negative Avvo comments. All I can say is ignore them! They must have been written by some of Bob's bitter victims. The man is dynamite in court and has helped me in a very long, drawn out custody battle against a vindictive ex. I have to say, having Bob on your side gives you peace of mind. Once my ex saw how aggressively Bob would pursue my case, she became much more reasonable.
Read more
25 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Always tries to get out of taking responsibility only one hurting is the kids dishonest person
Read more
09 Feb, 2023 by Steph
Kristi has represented me for the past 4 years and the work this amazing attorney has put into my case is like no other. She got me divorced in 8 months with everything I asked for, so my son and I could move on to a better life. I told her this a million times, but I truly owe my peace and new life to her. My ex decided to take me back to court several months later post divorce and she did not hesitate to pick my case back up. She fought like hell for me. I trust her greatly and we’ve built a wonderful relationship with excellent communication. NOTHING gets past her and every single thing she told me would happen, did in fact happen. She knows the law extremely well, does well explaining it to her clients and takes the children’s best interest very seriously. I then needed her help to help my significant other after a nasty divorce battle he suffered through for years and she closed his case in less than three months of taking it over. She didn’t even practice in his county anymore, but she still jumped in to help us. She reversed everything his previous attorney misguided him through and he came out on top! I imagine it was such a headache for her to battle both of our ex’s at the same time, but she made it look easy. She does not play any games and her goal is to always stand up for the kids and she does not stop until the goal is reached for the children’s sake. Thanks to her, my partner and I have closed both of our cases getting exactly what we wanted and are thrilled to finally move on with our lives. She is the attorney you NEED, never the one you want to go against. If I ever needed her again, I know she would be there. I would never use anyone else. Thank you so much Kristi!!
Read more
06 Feb, 2023 by Brittany
Kristi has been working with me for the past 5 years, my case was during Covid and the court system dragged it out , she stood by my side through the entire thing. She fought hard for me , she knows the law and makes it work for her clients. She always made sure I knew how things would play out in court she always tried to get me the best option for my final judgment. She got me everything I wanted . 5 star lawyer
Read more
03 Oct, 2024 by Sasha tittle
Seems to me I can’t get to anyone tried calling nothing multiple times and I really need an attorney in a low income individual just trying to get my kids back in probate court also and then tried going to the building and they don’t do walk ins. Can someone please help me with what I need i’m so desperately trying to get my kids back!
Read more
11 Oct, 2023 by Flor guzman (fleur)
In a time when I needed help and couldn’t afford a lawyer Prairie State was referred to my by the court to go through my custody case. Ryan helped me the best he could and I’m grateful for their services.
Read more
04 Nov, 2022 by Cynthia escamilla
03 Oct, 2024 by Sasha tittle
Seems to me I can’t get to anyone tried calling nothing multiple times and I really need an attorney in a low income individual just trying to get my kids back in probate court also and then tried going to the building and they don’t do walk ins. Can someone please help me with what I need i’m so desperately trying to get my kids back!
Read more
11 Oct, 2023 by Flor guzman (fleur)
In a time when I needed help and couldn’t afford a lawyer Prairie State was referred to my by the court to go through my custody case. Ryan helped me the best he could and I’m grateful for their services.
Read more
04 Nov, 2022 by Cynthia escamilla
29 Aug, 2024 by Julie arinaga
17 Jul, 2024 by Mary mary
Chantal is the absolute BEST!!!! Highly recommend her if you want results.
Read more
20 Oct, 2023 by Andrea jenkins
Not only incorrectly typed up our agreed upon divorce terms, but then also ignored my phone message and email asking about the mistake. Called them again about a week later and left another message. When she called me back, I was told they weren't going to change it, despite their mistake, and that I had to file documents with the court. At least she explained the process during this call, which wasn't initially explained to me, but, during the entire call, I felt she was annoyed and not wanting to deal with the issue they created. Also was told during the call that she apologized for the mistake last week, which wasn't the case at all. Do not recommend this business.
Read more
22 Sep, 2023 by Amie m.e.
Dana is absolutely amazing! She is compassionate, empathetic, caring, and a fierce advocate that truly will have your best interests at heart. She won't pump you for cash and will be totally honest with you about your case and possible projected outcomes. I highly recommend her!
Read more
19 Jul, 2023 by Zak s
09 Mar, 2022 by Alex a'hearn
15 Jun, 2022 by Alexandra
Lisa and her paralegal were amazing in representing me(and my children)in my divorce. Everything was done in a timely matter and with respect to me. From the very beginning she was very up front and honest with me about what i was facing and she did an amazing job through the entire process. Im very grateful and will be referring friends and family should they ever need assistance.
Read more
09 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Lisa as my attorney in my custody case. She prolonged the case to over a year with little getting done but did not fail to bill thousands in fees. When I disagreed with her approach she replied condescendingly that she knew better than I. Ultimately, I found her difficult to work with and often rude in demeanor. She has denied that I hired her due to the negative review.
Read more
02 May, 2014 by Patti
If you are looking for an attorney you can trust to get the job done, you needn't look any further. This highly experienced family law attorney can be both diplomatic and aggressive when the need arises. She is familiar with all local courts and attorneys and uses that knowledge wisely.
Read more
23 Aug, 2019 by Carrie
I came to him in 2016 during a divorce with a GAL already assigned to my case. The other side refused to meet with the GAL and he refused to push the issues...just a total lack of effort from him. I changed attorneys and was finally able to get divorced in 2018. I do have well over $15000 in status reports from my time with Jake. Now here I am in 2019, post divorce, in family court with the same issues and another GAL assigned to the case. Don’t trust him with custody issues. It all adds up to more money and suffering for your kids.
Read more
10 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
If you want top results...this attorney does better than that! Give him your "bottom line" and you will get it and more!
Highly recommended!
Read more
01 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Jake has done my divorce and post decree work. I highly recommend him. Jake and his staff are very friendly and knowledgable.
Read more
03 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Greg has represented me for over six years. I find comfort in knowing he will proactively advocate on behalf of me and my children. Hands down, best attorney!
Read more
24 Mar, 2011 by Anonymous
Did not listen to anything that I had to say. Felt that he knew best. He never returned my calls. He did not keep my informed of issues regarding my case. He entered orders spending money in the escrow account that was held at his office without my authorization.
I have had to spend over $5,000 in attorney fees with a new Family Law Attorney to fix the mess that he created.
Did not care about the safety of my children. I explained the situation to him about an alcohol issue and was told that I was not to bring any of this up or I could loose my Sons due to Parent Alienation Syndrome.
Read more
31 Jan, 2011 by Dale
Greg is very smart with great ideas. He helped me through a long divorce that took 3 years and worked hard for me through to the end and beyond. I would definitely use him again and recommend him to others.
Read more
27 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
All they do is continue cases to charge you for court appearances. They don't fight for you and instead make you give up everything. Then request full balance immediately and if you don't have the 20k for them saying continue you are back in court in under 30 days. I signed the agreement and for the next 8 months she went to court and said continued. When agreement was finalized nothing had changed in 8 months other than be charged.
Read more
24 Jun, 2019 by Cindy
I hired Chantel Host to handle my complicated divorce, Chantel handed it down to Jamie, without my permission and I ended up having to get a more competent attorney that understood small family business and divorce. I was not properly informed and certainly did NOT get what I paid for. Chantel or Jamie are not worth the money. After we got my file, my new attorneys were baffled about how much work had NOT been done.
Read more
15 Oct, 2018 by Justin
I recently hired Chantal Host and Jamie to work on some post divorce custody issues. They have been nothing short of fantastic, Jamie is extremely smart and has always set realistic expectations. She should definitely be recognized for her professionalism and knowledge of the law.
Read more
02 Dec, 2021 by Kathleen
I hired John for a partition suit, which I was under the impression he had done these before but based on what I experienced I would say he hasn't done very many of them. It was agreed that I would pay my ex X amount of dollars to buy him out, a price that btw, I never agreed to prior to him offering it to my ex but agreed to it after he had already put it in writing. I also expected to get a clean quit claim deed which I did NOT. He never ran a title search to make sure there were no liens against my home which I later found out due to refinancing to get my ex's name off the house. It created so much stress, financial burden and time for me. He made sure to go to court for what my ex owed him but left me to fend for myself and did not deliver on the promises he made me for a clean title. This is still not over and I have tried to call to other attorney's there including June, and Jennifer Lynch with many email attempts as well and not once did anyone have to common courtesy to hear me out and try and learn what I am upset about. This has been an extremely stressful ordeal and they lack professionalism and John is never clear with what he is saying. I would never use them again or recommend them. I would actually tell you to run! So disappointed!
Read more
18 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
I was in world of hurt. I and the wife make good money, but there is never enough to go around. My debts were getting out of control and I was afraid I might lose my house. So I did some research and made the appointment with attorney Renzi. He looked over my finances and explained everything - including that because of the wages we made, we may not be able to file a chapter 7.
He did a test on the computer, worked those numbers, and we were just able to avoid the mandatory chapter 13 repayment. It was close (as we were given a copy to review). As soon as we modify our mortgage, we will return to him for a chapter 7 bankruptcy.
He even helped with the desired modification. He was so helpful! Even if the modification is denied, i am going back to hire him.
Read more
12 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
He personally reviewed matters and met with me. Renzi explained everything and made sure that I fully disclosed matters (he either exempted or disclosed/explained away). The BK 7 proceeded to discharge without a hitch.
He and staff were first rate. I was never worried or clueless and would not hesitate to recommend him
Read more
14 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Mrs. Jakusz puts on her own Jerry Springer show in the court room. She has zero class &
is very rough around the edges.
Read more
11 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Dana has been a beacon of hope to my children and me when hope seemed lost. Not only will she fight for you she is an extremely competent attorney. Dana, you have restored my faith in the justice system. I highly recommend Ms. Jakusz. If you need a bulldog attorney she is the one.
Read more
20 Mar, 2023 by Rosalba
My daughter was referred to Ms. Jakusz. She was charged 150.00 for the consultation. My daughter tried to explain her situation, and was not able to explain herself, to Ms. Jakusz when she was immediately cut off. So basically this lawyer was not able to help her with situation.
Read more
13 Oct, 2020 by Jessica
I loved Mark Ellis. My ex husband used Mark Ellis, and I was able to get everything I was asking for, plus 75% of my ex's annuity. If you are going through a divorce, I highly recommend that your ex use Mark
Read more
02 Mar, 2016 by Jennifer
I do not recommend Mark Ellis. He worked harder to put a lein on my house than he did to get child support for my son. He is charging 9% interest on my balance which makes the payment more than my mortgage making it impossible to pay. He did the absolute minimum. I would have been better off representing myself. I received nothing for all the bills my ex stuck me with, he did nothing when I told him my ex was selling my personal property and he did nothing when I told him my ex took all the money from our joint account. Bottom line....he did nothing. Find another attorney and save yourself from a nightmare.
Read more
31 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Very poor representation throughout. Michelle did the bare minimum. Would definitely not recommend.
Read more
12 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Came highly recommended (from a friend whose ex had actually used her services in their divorce). Very thorough and straight forward. Quick response time. Available to answer questions. Very happy with her services. I even referred a friend.
Read more
18 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Hired this attorney for a child support/alimony case. Took a $2000 retainer telling me that should cover things. Later received a bill for an additional $1300. When I asked what the additional bill was for he quickly sent me a court document threatening a judgment if I didn’t pay. I’m still waiting on clarification from him regarding items that were poorly handled on his end during the case no return call in the last several months guess it’s time to get a new lawyer.
Read more
12 Sep, 2017 by Kathy
Andy is very pleasant to speak and work with. I currently have an issue with a disclosure issue on a real estate transaction that he handled for me and he drafted the initial letter at no cost to me. Can't beat that!
Read more
24 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
We have used Andy services for several different Marrero from family law to real estate transactions. Andy is a very friendly gentleman that will do right by his clients. He has handled every matter we have presented him with in a Professional manner. We have been clients for 7 years now, and feel we have made the right choice in an attorney to handle our sometimes complicated issues.
Read more
16 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Superficial, fake, into herself, only cares about herself, always late, thinks she’s Gods gift to all. I wouldn’t go hire her again. She’s a horrible person.
Read more
24 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
As my hired attorney a few of the bad experiences I had with her was that she was always late, by hours too not just minutes. Once she even disappeared completely at the courthouse! Failed to follow through on some matters. Very disappointed.
Read more
27 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
I was introduced to Ragan through mutual acquaintances. Before my consultation, I did a bit of research and discovered that Ragan is not only an attorney by trade. The immediate impression I took away from her skill set is that Ragan also has a strong belief in bettering her community being an elected official of the Will County Board.
Regarding my case:
Ragan is extremely professional, punctual and empathizes with her clients' needs. Though my particular case may not have been ruled in my favor, at no point did Ragan offer any false hope or presumptions based on past experiences. She tells it like it is, and is willing to serve (and fight for) her client's best interests.
Ragan is heavily involved in her occupation and the community in which she serves--a real Class Act!! Though we met on such strange circumstances, it did not change the fact that Ragan is one of the most down-to-earth individuals with which I have had the pleasure of knowing.
Thank you for representing me.
Read more
11 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Have used Ray two different times. I swore after the first time that I would never use again, but after several years...I guess I thought possibly he had gotten better. He never follows up, responds, or thinks pro-actively for your case. I also was told the same excuse as previous reviewer, that somebody in his family had “an emergency” which is why he couldn’t respond for over a week. You will manage your own case. He is poor to fair at best.
Read more
09 Feb, 2018 by Todd
My wife crashed my car on purpose after lying about a pregnancy and he suggested we buy her a new car. I almost had a heart attack thinking my attorney would say this to me. No advocacy. Circumstances of the case also consisted of her obtaining fraudulent credit in my name to gain credit and rack up credit card bills in my name. He also manipulated me in court to give her maintenance payments that were supposedly voluntary to me. I dropped him and hired a different attorney. He owed me a bunch of money from retainer and he consistently blew me off after 25 calls and emails I disputed his charge to my credit card. Within a week he called and offered apology and cited problems with losing a family member. His secretary who took my repeated calls never said he had a family issue, just kept saying he was given the message. He blew me off repeatedly, doesn't care, no compassion, typical.
Read more
06 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
This woman is so cold, don't expect any kindness, empathy, or understanding from her. Even if you're asking easy and benign questions, expect an attitude. The woman literally hung up on me when I started to cry on the phone today. Save yourself the mental damage and find someone with a bigger heart for humans.
Read 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:
-
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.
