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02 Aug, 2024 by Robert hodges
It was a travesty between 2004 to 2007 when I got injured at work and released from duties and the wife cheated and ask for divorce. Her married lover moved in and our special needs son put in a foster workers home in Emporia. HE was beaten he says now by the foster dad. They tried to adopt him and have us jailed while my then wife and her married lover stood thier and announced thier engagement. I got custody after divorce was finalized.
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21 Aug, 2018 by Aaron cosby
12 Nov, 2014 by Kevin meyers
04 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Retained Pat after he assured me he could protect me as a defendant in a civil suit on false accusations. Instead of doing that, he pushed me to settle and told me I should give the petitioner everything they asked for because I was in the wrong. He continued to bill me after I fired him, far beyond the retainer I paid. I’m happy to share I went on to win the case with a better attorney and counter sue for damages- and to think Pat wanted me to settle....
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15 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
had pat Blanchard as my divorce lawyer , i filed first against my wife and two weeks later i got kicked out of the house i owned before i was married , my wife was arrested multiple times ( to my surprise) the week before i filed papers, for drug charges , my boys wanted to get away from her mom , and Blanchard told me this is an easy case and promised to have my boys with me full time, but Pat Blanchard just kept racking up the fees , thinking i was winning but final day in court , guess what !! she won, with drug charges and all .... on top of all this i owe him 8 grand , after losing ,,, don't use him
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25 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
I had a child custody case that he should have stood up for. Instead Pat was doing his best to prevent me from gaining custody. My ex is a alcoholic, when drinking she pulled my son out of my arms, then rolled her ankle on a sloped curb. Thus sending the child to the ground at the age of 3. She had been picking my son up from the sitter while intoxicated. My son is shuffled off to all kinds of people, and still I am denied visitation. I have had no contact with my son for over two months. And still Pat sides with the mother. Pat Blanchard is by far the worst attorney ever. My ex is a dancer. I think his opinion is swayed by her looks. My son has been hit in his leg by her boyfriend leaving a bruise on his leg. I am the one they are accusing of making false reports. This is the most painful experience I have ever felt in my life. My son has been on stage in a local strip club touching the pole n everything else in there at the age of 5. While I was at work. N still Pat will not stand up for what is right. I am looking at granting full custody to my ex because I can't deal with the emotions nor be incriminated for telling the truth. This situation is twisted. Pat if you read this you should be ashamed of who you are.
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08 Aug, 2019 by Joann wyrick
We had a private party on Tuesday evening in party room and had a buffet style dinner and I didn't care for it at ALL the COLD snd service wasn't to bad!!!
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02 Nov, 2024 by Visar milushi
05 Dec, 2023 by Lucky splinters
Worthless reprobates!
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31 Aug, 2023 by T money
KS Consumer Protection allows Eddy's to break FTC laws by not providing buyer's guides. KS consumer protection is protecting businesses and saying o well to consumers of color because they feel only white people matter.
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02 Nov, 2024 by Visar milushi
05 Dec, 2023 by Lucky splinters
Worthless reprobates!
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31 Aug, 2023 by T money
KS Consumer Protection allows Eddy's to break FTC laws by not providing buyer's guides. KS consumer protection is protecting businesses and saying o well to consumers of color because they feel only white people matter.
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02 Nov, 2024 by Visar milushi
05 Dec, 2023 by Lucky splinters
Worthless reprobates!
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31 Aug, 2023 by T money
KS Consumer Protection allows Eddy's to break FTC laws by not providing buyer's guides. KS consumer protection is protecting businesses and saying o well to consumers of color because they feel only white people matter.
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19 May, 2014 by Japelacy
Mr. Apt was the first lawyer that I hired in the case. He is located in Iola Kansas. The same day that I buried my father on December 23, 2005, I paid Mr. Apt several thousand dollars to represent me and file my case. Mr. Apt admitted a few months later that he was ill equipped to help me do anything in my case. I had talked him prior to my father’s death about helping me set aside the “No Contact Order” that my sister had filed against me preventing me from seeing my father and correcting the deed before he died. I had also requested that Mr. Apt file a Motion for an autopsy of my father’s body. I felt then and feel stronger now that the sudden death of my father under very suspicious circumstances had a foul smell of foul play. Mr. Apt was inept and unable to help me see my father, and file a motion for an autopsy. He told me that he had never filed a motion for an autopsy before. He did nothing but talk. He was slow and/or failed to respond to my repeated phone calls, letters and Emails. After an extended period of time with nothing filed in the case, no autopsy, and no answers Mr. Apt told me, “This case is way over my head.” He referred me to lawyer Ted Knopp in Wichita Kansas. He told me that lawyer Knopp was well experienced in this type of case and had written law on my type of case and would do a good job for me. I would rate attorney Chuck Apt as a “D” for dumb.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Nathan veenstra
08 Sep, 2024 by Bo rupert
One of the most dishonest agencies in the nation. Do not trust these people.
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23 May, 2024 by Miqueal pillow
13 Mar, 2024 by Savannah lynn
I’m going to be filing a formal complaint against Kristy Battershell and Melinda Baren, I called to ask a question when it comes to filing some papers, and which papers to file first. Immediately when the phone was answered Melinda had a very rude tone, did not seem eager to help me at all. She proceeded to cut me off multiple times and tell me she couldn’t help me and to just go online. Now I understand everything is online but I tried to file and she would not take it and couldn’t tell me why.
I asked for someone higher up and she forwarded me to Kristy who had the same attitude and laughed at me and said “I was right next to her the whole time and it wasn’t rude”. I don’t believe when filing a complaint I should be laughed at by two lady’s who are clearly good acquaintances and will back eachother up when they are in the wrong.
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18 Jul, 2023 by Rhonda barnhill foskett
23 May, 2023 by Kyle reece
You guys are absolutely horrible to work with and the lady answering your phones is rude and cold. I was simply trying to find out if my ticket for fishing without a license was taken care of. Like it wasn't even that big of a deal and your whole staff has been anything but helpful. I don't agree with a $200+ fine for fishing without a license especially when I didn't have any fish, I mean y'all are crooks but I was trying to pay it and nobody would help.
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18 Nov, 2023 by Antoine mitchell
I recently needed documents because I lost my originals. And they had no problem. Send me an email and making copies for me to pick up. Thank you for the service it was great!
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15 May, 2023 by Jennifer eberhard
We hired them to correct stuff for my sons birth certificate and social due to there being an issue. Michigan made it hard to get anything resolved so it took a little bit but they handled everything splendidly. An she did all this DURING COVID.
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05 May, 2023 by Imola heffley
There is a reason why she is not a real attorney . She is corrupt like the rest of the Leavenworth county juidicial system. Do not use her for any CCI investigations .
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03 Sep, 2024 by Madilyn gordon
This place is such a disgrace to humanity. They are not willing to work with you on anything and are quick to get a court date. I’m a full time student and have 0 time for a job because of the specialty degree I am obtaining. I have lost faith in the good of people because of places like this. Remember, karma is real.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Brandon phillips
The guys you see with other guys. Less endowed, I think this is the place. Not for sure but hey what do I know. I do know a hollins and a another guy that both swing hard on the playground😉
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24 Jun, 2024 by Dev brew
Asked them to hold off on trying to collect on a debt that I owe due to medical issues and also finding out I have stage 3a CKD (Kidney Disease) they said they won’t put it on hold! All they want is $800 well they ain’t getting it because I’m on social security for a reason. Looks like I’ll talk to an attorney to get them off my back because I don’t need the stress right now. If there was a zero star rating they would get it!
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11 Jun, 2019 by Judy
My husband and I hired Ron when we were going through a custody issue with my step son.
As I read the other comment reviews I was so shocked that I experienced the same thing and I am in 100% agreement with them. Ron comes with a great story, however, he is arrogant and prideful which unfortunately shows through his billing. He tried to bill us 10 yrs ago $350 for a 15 minute consultation. Reading his other reviews it looks like that his arrogance and pride has gone up to $500.
Overall, he's not worth the money or the belittlement. Yes, he makes you feel stupid.
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07 Jul, 2018 by John
After paying the consult fee I hired Ron and went forward. After two months he had charged me outrageous fees for simply responding to the minimal emails of my case. I hired him for a focused, specific hearing but yet he charged me fees for being copied on emails relative to their parts of my case that were not relevant. I expressed concern multiple times to no avail, and then when I stood firm that I needed to cut him out of the irrelevant legal emails he told me he was withdrawing for "ethical" grounds. His story is good, but there's no merit or truth to it. Further, he tried to withdraw without a hearing and my approval, basically trying to skate out of appearing before the judge who eventually called him out for it. Lastly, he withdrew shortly before the hearing I hired him for and after I had spent enormous fees for him to prep for the hearing, leaving me without an attorney and starting over. He ran before the hearing because again, Ron sells an impression of knowledge but went yellow and ran before the hearing. He also directed me not to be on a call with the judge when I found out later i should have been, plus his advice was exactly the opposite of the judge's decision when I finally had the custody hearing. However, Ron walks away with $6,000 o fly money, mostly in "logistical fees", and left me with horrendously bad legal advice.
If he responds to this it will simply be more spin. However, I am a very honest and fairly intelligent person that is stating the exact truth. You have been warned.
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29 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Ronald to provide a consultation. $500 for one hour of his time. His paralegal required that I submit extensive background information in advance of our telephone consultation. My family law case involves an ex-spouse who abducted our child. When I asked Ronald about a strategic tact for handling the abduction he said that would be illegal and he said that by the tone of my question that I intended to carry forth the plan. This of course was not true.
When I tried to ask him other questions about the case he was reluctant to answer any of the questions. Essentially, he shut down our consultation interview. I was not prepared to pay $500 for 20 minutes of Ronald's time and receive so little information.
I had additional questions I wanted to ask later based on the information he provided in our brief consultation and I had at least 35 minutes of time left. When I tried to contact Ronald's law firm they ignored my requests but they certainly kept my money which they required to be paid in advance by credit card.
I review Ronald with low marks and I question whether he should have taken $500 for approximately 20 minutes worth of questions. Ronald comes across as a judgemental, elitist, arrogant and unresponsive attorney based on my consultation with him. Ronald may, or may not, be a skilled attorney but by no means is he easy to work with and I found he is indulgent in how he assesses his fees based on my experience with him.
In sum, I would not hire him to work for me.
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23 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
I saw the other review on Shawn and his firm Cordell and Cordell and it is spot on to my terrible experience. I kept hearing the ads on radio and TV about how Cordell and Cordell fought for the rights of the fathers---so thought I was "stepping up" from my previous attorney to hire this "credible" firm and was given Shawn as my attorney. He is NOT a trial lawyer---I needed someone to fight for me---not try to make friends with the court. He was worried about how things would be perceived and to not upset the Judge in my case and didn't advise me properly. He let my ex wife's attorney who was a basic Ambulance Chaser complete make a mockery of me and my situation. For prior attorney had it easy---I gave them all of the ammunition and knew what my ex would want and try to do ahead of time! We were always ready contemplating the next move. We didn't win---nobody wins in a divorce, but at least I came out with a judgment of Joint Physical custody. After hiring Shawn---I slowly lost everything including being able to see my kids based on a phony bunch or circumstances my ex dreamed up. Instead of taking it to them and bringing up some criminal past of the other person---he failed to submit the evidence saying that the judge would dismiss it and then we would be silently punished. I hope he can't sleep at night for what he failed to do. I couldn't stomach knowing that I failed to keep a custody situation with a good father in check with what the courts really want----joint custody. Instead now many years later we still have family issues because of how he didn't handle business. Cordell and Cordell should also be ashamed of themselves for how they milk people for all of their hard earned money and in return reduce what they once had with their family. It makes me sick as I type this out thinking back upon the darkest days of my family life. I plead with anyone reading this to make sure that neither Cordell and Cordell or specifically Shawn Riley are never entrusted with anything important in anyones life to defend ever again!
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01 Feb, 2012 by Anonymous
Only use this man and Cordell and Cordell if you want to lose your money . I lost $70,000 to them and they told me I won because I did not lose the right to see my child. Simple fact I had 50/50 before and still had it when they where done. I am not a grug addict or abusive, they love to drag it out and get nothing decided . They did not defend me but told me we can not make the mother look bad all the while the ex's lawyers drug me through the mud and made me look like a monster and Mr Riley just kept it from looking like I was a murderer
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25 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
Hired to work through my divorce , was recommended by my counselor. Awful experience with him. When meeting with him he was rude and talked over me. My concerns and issues that I had were not considered. I saw a large number of cases on his desk and he looked overworked. When working through my divorce he openly bashed me to my ex's attorney which my kids heard. He refused to defend me and discriminated against me until I could not take it any longer and left him. In desperation, I asked him to stop my ex from moving my kids to another county. He did absolutely nothing to stop her from moving my children from their residence. She continued to let her walk all over me and would not defend me, but he was very quick to charge additional fees and time against me. I got hammered on my maintenance agreement because I used him. I finally ended up getting another attorney elsewhere to defend me and left him. If you learn anything, DO NOT HIRE HIM. You are asking for trouble.
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04 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
This guy is horrible! He doesn’t remember anything that he and I have discussed. He is very hard to get hold of. He I ignores emails. All around a horrible attorney
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27 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
I really wish I were posting differently, because my initial visits with this attorney and her partner instilled within me a hope I hadn't had in this very long legal journey (almost 10 years). This firm seemed very confident they could help us, and I believed in them. They were patient, knowledgeable and kind.
My spouse and I consulted with Ms. Williams and Mr. Hazlett in July 2021 with regard to a stepparent adoption. We had been in a relationship for 7 years or so, and had recently married and wished to file for adoption of our child as soon as the required one year passed - July 2022. We were assured that they were familiar with the complications of a case like ours, and that we could expect the process to take six months after the initial filing. To note - we were very specific about being expedient as possible. We paid the retainer fee of $4500, submitted the paperwork needed and kept this firm apprised of the domestic violence situation as it evolved (the reason this post is made anonymously).
I made contact with Ms. Williams in January 2022 in preparation for some groundwork issues and I was assured that she and her partner had just been talking about our case and that things were going to be moving forward quickly.
That was the last that I heard from this office until a year later, January 2023, six months after our case was supposed to have been filed and about the time we should have been expecting to wrap up the case. I contacted Ms. Williams twice, only getting a response after a month and a second email that opened an old thread. I was essentially told that my case fell off the radar - nothing was done. This was while we were patiently waiting for news we were going to court. Both partners apologized.
Obviously, we were crushed and astounded and apologies don't fix that. I asked for a refund over a month ago, which was promised to me, and I have yet to receive it.
I am posting this so that someone won't go through what we went through. If I had gone with a different attorney, our situation would very likely be different by now and I wouldn't be out the retainer that I need for another attorney. We - including our child - are heartbroken.
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21 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
If you want to lose a case then hire her . You gives about 10 percent to case. Don’t waste your money
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09 Jun, 2024 by Charles
Worst lawyer I have had very had to deal with. Should have walked away when during the meeting to discuss what we want in our trust he was more intent in writing the trust he wanted not the trust we want.
Mr. Lillich charges for everything which I understand but there are several things not right with this system. After receiving First drafts I emailed saying we received the drafts and were reviewing them charged .1 (6 minutes) hour to read a 2 line email, charged .1 hour (6 minutes) for his response total charge $60.00 ( my opinion should not be charged just part of doing business 3 minutes max not 12 minutes). Sent an email asking what the bill was to date. They sent an invoice. They next invoice I got from him showed .1 hour to read my request for a bill to date and .1 hour to reply total cost $60.00 (my opinion should be no charge send a email we invoice on the XX on the month).
After we received first draft and reviewed it finding gross and minor mistakes along with miss use of words and spelling mistakes along with formatting mistakes sent email requesting an appointment. Took 5 emails to set appointment he charge $30 per email total $150 two of the emails were because of his sloppiness he said he was available Wednesday morning I requested 10 am he reply busy at 10 only have 7:30 to 10:00. If I had called him and waited for him to call me back appointment could have been set in less than 5 minutes. = $30 not $150
Learned DO NOT SEND EMAILS TO HIM. That is a $60 charge every time.
Mr. Lillich bill style went like this.
We paid to meet with him and discuss the trust and documents we wanted.
We paid to have him write a draft of the trust and other documents. These charges I agree with.
I do not agree with what I found his billing style to be.
Charged us for a meeting to tell him all the mistakes in the trust and other documents he wrote for us.
Charged us to correct his mistakes in the documents.
Charged us to tell us he corrected his mistakes.
He did not correct all the mistakes and in correcting some of his mistakes, he made new mistakes in the documents.
Charged us to tell him of old mistakes and new mistakes.
Charged to correct old and new mistakes.
Charged to tell us he corrected his old and new mistakes.
We decided we had been charged way too much and that he probably would not produce the trust and documents we wanted so we terminated Mr. Lillich services.
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08 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
He started off pretty good with my divorce, but things went down quickly. He was very unprofessional, did not do his job, and took it upon himself to belittle me on the stand. He didn’t fight for me or finish paperwork for divorce, he was very lazy. He dropped me as a client without any notice and immediately sued me. He was not willing to work with a payment plan. I had to hire a new attorney to finish the job. Would not recommend him at all.
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23 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I would not recommend Ross. He was never in the office when I called multiple times throughout the day. His secretary knows nothing about what's going on: like your phone number, what your bill is, and she doesn't make appointments. He seemed to want to do what he wanted and did not listen to me as a client. I had to fire him but still got stuck with a bill for which if it isn't paid in a timely manner a letter is sent to you that they will sue you if you don't pay. Better off retired.
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13 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
He allowed me to believe that I shouldn't even try for primary custody. He had absolutely no concern for my rights, and gave me ZERO idea of what to expect. He told me to make a list of potential witnesses for court. He failed to mention that I was supposed to tell all those people to show up; I figured he'd tell me if I was. After all, I was paying him an obscene amount of money to work for ME. I found out the day before the hearing. I could only get one witness. My ex's attorney *insinuated* that my witness and I were in a romantic relationship (untrue!), and the judge threw out my witness's testimony. Ross did NOTHING. After I lost residential custody, he looked at me and said, "Well, that's how it goes." before walking away from me. That was it!!
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21 Nov, 2018 by Maggie
Absolutely horrible. She handled my divorce and NEVER returned phone calls. Because of her, I missed a court date because she didn't tell me about it. What does she do all day? I literally left dozens upon dozens of unreturned messages. Once she was paid, she was done.
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07 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Does not answer phone calls, or even return them. Poor communication, does not pursue anything you ask. Never once showed and itemized statement of where my money went. Still my current attorney who hasn’t returned my email in months. Child custody cases are very important, and life changing to some and she truly does not care or try. Once she’s paid it’s hard to get a response from her.
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07 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Horrible lawyer!! He fails to return calls, emails, etc. When he finally does email you back he alwYs has excuses as to why he didn't get back with you. The only way I can get an email back from him is if I threaten to fire him. He has been "working" on my case for 2 years now when it should have only taken apx 6 months to get it settled. I do not recommend going to him for anything.
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14 Nov, 2014 by Keith
I used him for a child custody case this guy failed to return my phone calls and the other lawyer in the case was not able to speak with him. He missed court dates and gave bs excuses as to why he was not able to resolve issues
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21 Sep, 2020 by Virginia
If youre a nasty sex offender looking to abuse your kids you dont have custody of then this is the judge for u!!! She just loves to give rights to rapists. She needs to be fired!!!!!!!!! She is trash!!
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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:
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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.
