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28 Nov, 2023 by George bowers
14 Jan, 2018 by Larry lebenson
31 Oct, 2017 by Blanche breisch
My Attorneys!!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Kim
Attorney Howe is a thorough attorney; asking relevant questions and ensuring that I understood the legal process. He advised me into taking best course of action, the potential outcomes, and prepared me for each outcome. He helped through each phase of the divorce process. Any legal questions I had, he was able to answer in a way I could understand. He kept me informed of any changes. He also walked me through what could and did happen at the hearing. He was professional and patient as well as compassionate and kind.
He was well prepared and ready to help me put this behind me. His knowledge of the law and the court proceedings eased the process, as there were no surprises he was unprepared.
I highly recommend attorney Howe should you require legal representation.
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18 Aug, 2024 by Dave
Attorney Howe handled my divorce with great expertise and is extremely knowledgeable in divorce and family law. He definitely is a no-nonsense attorney. I would highly recommend Attorney Howe to anyone. You're the best Fred! Thank You!!
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01 Jul, 2024 by Samuel
Fred helped me obtain my divorce. He was professional and no-nonsense. He was very knowledgeable and explained everything. Thanks Fred!
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22 Mar, 2024 by Tracy
Lori handled my divorce and I am blessed to have had such a caring and competent attorney. During my difficult time when I couldn't think clearly the one thing I was sure of was that she was going to fight for me and I would be ok. Her knowledge of the law never ceased to amaze me. She is incredible and will fight for you. Her confidence and professionalism is top notch. Lori answered all of my calls and emails quickly. Lori acted quickly in every aspect of my divorce. Moving forward I will consider her a friend. She treated me with respect and made me feel so relaxed during a terrible time in my life. I would recommend Lori Bowen to my family and friends every day! I can say without a doubt you will not regret giving her a call!
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28 Mar, 2023 by Robert
I had Lori Bowen prepare a prenup for me. She was very thorough and discussed items with me I did not even think about. She was always available when I called and when I met with her I did not feel rushed. Great Job!
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19 Mar, 2023 by Kathy
I hired Lori to handle my divorce. She gave me more information during my free consultation than any other attorney (of several I contacted.) Lori is very knowledgeable and has alot of experience; she knows the court system and has worked with many of the other attorneys. She is very professional and takes charge of the process especially when the other party is dragging their feet. She is focused at meetings and is very good at keeping all on task and getting things done. She provides information and her professional opinion , but always asked me what I wanted to do. She is very responsive to emails and phone calls and immediately shared communication from the other party with me so I always knew what was going on. She handles everything and guides you through the whole process and helps you achieve your
the best outcome. I highly recommend this attorney as she is proactive and keeps the process moving.
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05 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Matt Loftus is one of the most honest and trustworthy attorneys I have done business with. He is highly knowledgable in several areas and if he doesn't know the answer to one of my questions he finds one thru a colleague or by other means of measure. He always returns my calls or e-mails in a timely fashion(usually less than 24 hours) and is reasonable with his rates. He is one of the few attorneys in this area that actually cares about the results he brings to each case rather than how much money he can collect from you. -- Annie
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29 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
I can’t say enough about Atty. Loftus. I’m a retired paralegal who has dealt with many lawyers, and can honestly say that a majority of them have issues with returning calls, overbilling, and being lax in handing cases. Expecting that I would have to deal with this when the need arose to hire an attorney for a personal legal matter that I couldn’t handle on my own, I was truly surprised to find that Atty. Loftus strived to be the exact opposite. He returned my calls in a timely manner, was straight up with me on how he intended to work on my case, and completed it with a favorable outcome. I received timely updates throughout my case, and he was also very reasonable with his attorney’s fees. I highly recommend him.
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03 Jul, 2011 by Sue
Attorney Matthew Loftus handled all my child custody case's and support case's.He put's you first not him self.If you need a good attorney Matthew Loftus is whom I recommend.
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09 Jul, 2022 by Colleen
Great social security disability lawyer. I've hired her several times and she came through for me on all instances.
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28 Aug, 2017 by Katrina shadi
I was referred to junker and Shotto by a existing law firm that I was using in Scranton at the time Mike Shotto was asked to help on my case in an attempt to straighten out the legal mess that I had gotten into with moving from the area. Before the custody hearing was heard when I relocated back to Oklahoma my ex has been on very amicable terms and was Allowing me to leave the state with the children he later objected. The petitions were not file correctly from another law firm. Mike jumped in and busted his butt to fix all the mistakes. I was granted custody of my children in the petition to relocate was granted as well. Mike was awesome he shook my hand and promised to help me and that's excactly what he did.
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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.
