Lawyers map
>42
experienced lawyers
Filter by
16 Oct, 2017 by Amy ankerson
An upstanding lawyer, highly recommend!
Read more
09 Oct, 2017 by M p
She's just a great lawyer
Read more
26 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Russ is an amazing attorney. He stood by my every step of the way even when I had a mental break down after i had been convicted. ( Russ didn't go down without a fight though, easily the best criminal defense I had ever had) he helped me through everything and even though I ot convicted instead of going to prison like the DA asked for i got three years probation with no jail time thanks to Russ' arguments. Thank you Russ, for everything.
Read more
12 Sep, 2024 by Emily
I can’t say enough good things about Sean and his staff. I had a very messy divorce. I worked with another lawyer for seven months and he did very little for me except continually remind me that Wisconsin was a 50/50 state and that even though I brought significant assets into the marriage while my ex had, none, I earned about three times more during the marriage, and we were only married for a short time, I was going to have split everything 50/50 with him. He pressured me to agree to a very bad mediation deal.
Luckily, before having the judge finalize the mediation agreement, I came across Sean‘s reviews on Google. I wasn’t just looking at how many stars he was given but I read what people wrote about him. People repeatedly commented on his commitment, his dedication, and going the extra mile. I made an appointment for a consultation with Sean. Within the first five minutes of our meeting, he said, “Let me show you what the law actually says, I have had to educate other counsel and judges about this.” He printed off the actual law where it states that Wisconsin is a 50/50 state after consideration is made for the following items, which included length of marriage, what each brought into the marriage, and the length of the marriage.
After talking a little more, he asked why I didn’t have a restraining order and I told him that my previous lawyer told me it was 50/50 whether I would get it and that it would be inflammatory and work against me even though I felt very unsafe and threatened. Sean appeared very upset after hearing this, and disagreed, but continued to be professional and not bad mouth the other lawyer.
Sean was very brave about taking on my case this late in the game with a fast approaching court date and so much information to take in. Also, my ex hired a lawyer who I had heard said is the best divorce lawyer in La Crosse. I wholeheartedly disagree, because Sean definitely is the best.
I am still in awe of the commitment Sean made to helping me get a fair trial and a great outcome. I would see emails from him sent on weekends and in the middle of the nightat times. It was so reassuring to know he was on my side and so determined. He blocked out several days of his calendar so that he could familiarize himself with my huge stack of documents. As soon as I retained Sean as my attorney, I finally felt like I could relax and let him take care of it. I knew that no matter what happened with the results of the trial, I would be satisfied, because I had the best representation I could possibly have.
My hearing went on for two days. Sean was relentless in his effort to get me a fair trial and justice. In the end, the judge decided to divide the assets 80/20 in my favor. I did not get everything I wanted, but that never happens in court. It was about $70,000 that Sean saved me based on what my previous attorney was forecasting with a trial outcome.
In some ways, more importantly, Sean gave me the opportunity to tell my story and have it validated by the judge. He was so committed to making it clear that I tried so hard during the marriage and that my ex was dishonest and completely took advantage of me. It seemed that Sean felt a moral obligation to not let my ex take more from me and to have his greediness and dishonesty exposed.
I will also say that his staff was very friendly and hard-working. Sean went out of his way to try to save me money when he could by having me do some of the legwork if I wanted. He kept me consistently updated on status and promptly responded to all of my messages. Hopefully I will never need counsel again, but if I did, I would definitely retain Sean again. If it were possible to give him 10 stars, I would.
Read more
28 Mar, 2024 by Justin
Sean took great care of everything from the jump. He worked with me on payment, as well as gave me practical and reasonable legal advice. He didn’t over promise but certainly delivered. I hope to not have to use his services again but he would be the first I turn to if I ever do.
Read more
20 Oct, 2023 by Nancy jo
I highly recommend Attorney O’Neill. His professionalism made my messy divorce tolerable. He is fair, honest, and his fees are reasonable. He also offered me a free consultation.
Read more
02 May, 2021 by Cheryl
Margaret gave me great advice. I would not hesitate to contact her again in the future.
Read more
01 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Peggy is a great attorney. She is very detailed and explains everything throughout the process. She always answers questions and emails in a timely fashion.
Read more
19 Dec, 2017 by Marlis
Margaret (Peggy) represented me during my divorce. My ex-husband and I were going to try to do a pro-se divorce on our own. The paperwork was very difficult to navigate. There are huge tax implications of done incorrectly. We had met Peggy prior to our divorce and we both know she is a wonderful person. She was kind, listened, and very talented. She is extremely knowledgeable and does not waste any time. She made a very extremely difficult stressful time for us easier to manage. She is genuinely honest and trustworthy person that cares deeply for her clients and will ensure that you are taken care of.
Read more
17 Mar, 2010 by Anonymous
Contacted Mr. Doerfler to simply ask a question. He is the first of several attorneys I have contacted in the past to EVER return contact without the promise of the almighty dollar. Researched my question, promptly returned contact with sound advice.
Read more
05 Oct, 2009 by Travis
I started out with several false allegations including two felonies and several other misdemeanors. I had a very kind lawyer starting but soon realized that being kind was not going to cut it. Not only that but I could never reach her and felt as though my case was being left on the desk.
Chris was recommended to me by the WI State Bar. I first contacted him when seeking representation for a civil suit resulting from false allegations that I was currently fighting. I soon learned that Chris was not just another "money hungry" big city lawyer..I began hours of research before calling him and soon decided to give him a call. He sat down with me at no cost and was straight forward with the seriousness of the alleged charges. What started out to be just a consultation about a possible civil suit turned into a substitute of counsel of Chris for my previous lawyer in my criminal case as well.
I am a VERY demanding client, especially in the situation I was in and Chris kept me 100% informed and took every last one of my concerns into careful consideration. I went from having a lawyer whom I could not contact for the life of me, to having a wonderful lawyer who would respond to my e-mails within minutes every-time!
I myself had lost hope of my dream to become a lawyer due to my false allegations and Chris turned that around for me. Not only did he use his aggressive and highly intellectual style to get my false allegations dismissed, but also has taught me a lot about my future career path. I feel as though I not only have began to get my life back but have also made a friend and mentor as well. We have a long path ahead with my civil suit an, but I have deep faith in Chris helping me to achieve the best possible result for my future.
Before you lose hope....call Chris!
Read more
25 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
We met Chris and had the opportunity to benefit from from his services several years ago, and he has remained both a friend and our attorney ever since. Chris is a caring person and took control of our case with not only excellent knowledge and professionalism, but with honest care and concern for us personally as well as our situation. When we first met Chris, my husband had a serious problem that could have had a horrible outcome. Chris kept my husband's spirits up and kept me, the wife, totally informed of every step of the way. No matter how serious the situation seemed, Chris met each challenge with confidence and the knowledge to bring our case to a perfect outcome. We highly recommend Chris. We don't know how to sing his praises high enough! We hope that we never have to go through the situation we did, but should something similar ever arise again, or we need an attorney for any reason again, Chris will be the first person we call on. Sometimes trying to find an attorney can be difficult as they all say the same things on initial meetings because they want your business. When you meet Chris for the first time, you will immediately see the difference between Chris and all of the others and you will know you don't need to look any further, Chris is the attorney you need to get the job done.
Read more
21 Jun, 2016 by Yongmi
Kara represented my wife and I in the argues appeal phase of our guardianship request for our then 22 year old mentally disabled daughter. She fought social services, the corporation council of Monroe county, and system. Kara performed as if her daughter was the daughter being taken away; a rock star performer------- in a word.
Read more
26 Aug, 2014 by Meghan
I cannot praise Kara enough. Not only is she extremely intelligent and kind, but is compassionate to the situation! She is with you, helping you every step of the way.
Read more
25 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Kara explained every step of the process very clearly. She was very responsive to all of my inquiries. I like that she was very responsive via email since that is my preferred method of communication. She always made sure i was ready for the next step and communicated everything to me immediately. I would definitely recommend Kara.
Read more
30 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Candice is an excellent attorney who recently helped me with a difficult situation and has been quick and swift and fair, pricing wise.
I have used AVVO for years in my business whenever I sought an excellent lawyer. This time it was personal and as always AVVO provided me a top professional. They are the best and so is Candice. She knows the laws well and took great care of me.
Read more
11 Mar, 2010 by Steven
I was falsely accused of harassment by an ex and was served with a restraining order. I contacted Attorney Tlustosch and she quickly got back to me. I hired her and she got the case dismissed. I found her to be knowledgeable, competent and passionate about her work. I would recommend her to anyone reading this profile.
Read more
10 Nov, 2015 by Cj
I hired Tom to represent me in a Workers Comp case...mostly because he was the first (and only) person to call me back quickly and have me come in for consultation. He was very knowledgeable in representing me.....this wasn't his first rodeo. He advised me along the way, and although the case took over a year, I was very happy with the settlement amount, and the amount paid to Tom. He made sure all loose ends were tied up before reaching an agreement with the opposition.
Read more
11 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
Howard is beyond the most confident, intelligent and successful lawyer. I knew my divorce was going to be brutal due to my ex but Howard made the process better than I could have hoped for. I am finally free from my nightmare of a marriage and I am forever thankful for his expertise.
Read more
14 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Mary Anne assisted me with my divorce. She made me feel comfortable through a difficult process, kept me informed, was attentive to me as an individual, and was extremely kind. She took the time to know me as a person, understood me as an individual, was thorough, knowledgable, and always on top of things. The opposing attorney frequently took personal "shots" at me in her correspondence. Mary Anne helped me stay calm, and encouraged me to take the "high road", stating that she takes the "family" in family law seriously, trying to help keep families working together as much as possible, instead of tearing family members down, She is honest and caring. She works hard to help her clients understand the process. She firmly negotiated with strength, and she did it with class and efficiency. Mary Anne helped me understand the reasons for her approaches in negotiating, which was very helpful. She was conscientious of my pocketbook, which was most appreciated. She gave me tasks to aid in my "case" which was helpful in empowering me. She has a wealth of resources available to help her clients, and an excellent staff with whom she works. Mary Anne Kircher is the best!
Read more
18 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
I was given Attorney Murphy's name by my divorce Attorney. I contacted him and worked closely with his assistant Andrew Manson. Both of these gentleman were very professional and extremely quick to respond to questions either by email or phone. I would definately recommend Attorney Murphy.
Read more
11 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
So far we have been very impressed with how Mr. Ryan has taken care of our case. The consultation and explaination of his credentials and how our case is going. Our initial appearances within the legal system with Attorney Ryan have been very impressive and professional. We look forward to working with Mr. Ryan as our case proceeds.
Read more
11 Oct, 2024 by Miracle pierre
My experience with Pittman & Pittman law offices was amazing. I've been living in Wisconsin for 8 years. Before I moved to the US I graduated as a human right lawyer in Haiti. And a good quality of a lawyer is to explain the process and I don't think anyone could've done a better job than what Mr. BERENDES has done. I was really impressed with the professionalism he treated everything. And he's always responds to your message on time. Best law office in La Crosse.
Read more
07 Oct, 2024 by Bailey h
This review's specifically for Chuck Berendes. Anyone in the La Crosse area dealing with immigration, I would recommend him! His fees were reasonable and he made the long, difficult K1 visa and AOS process much easier than DIYing it would have been.
Read more
07 Oct, 2024 by Jiwan toor
Best law team in La Crosse! Routinely went above and beyond for our immigration needs!
Read more
20 Aug, 2024 by Lisa malecki
I spoke with a very kind rep who was incredibly helpful. I’m glad I called.
Read more
03 Jun, 2024 by Michael jeffries
They are thoughtful And very easy to work with. I would definitely recommend them.
Read more
19 May, 2024 by Maggie jean
20 Aug, 2024 by Lisa malecki
I spoke with a very kind rep who was incredibly helpful. I’m glad I called.
Read more
03 Jun, 2024 by Michael jeffries
They are thoughtful And very easy to work with. I would definitely recommend them.
Read more
19 May, 2024 by Maggie jean
20 Aug, 2024 by Lisa malecki
I spoke with a very kind rep who was incredibly helpful. I’m glad I called.
Read more
03 Jun, 2024 by Michael jeffries
They are thoughtful And very easy to work with. I would definitely recommend them.
Read more
19 May, 2024 by Maggie jean
20 Aug, 2024 by Lisa malecki
I spoke with a very kind rep who was incredibly helpful. I’m glad I called.
Read more
03 Jun, 2024 by Michael jeffries
They are thoughtful And very easy to work with. I would definitely recommend them.
Read more
19 May, 2024 by Maggie jean
20 Aug, 2024 by Lisa malecki
I spoke with a very kind rep who was incredibly helpful. I’m glad I called.
Read more
03 Jun, 2024 by Michael jeffries
They are thoughtful And very easy to work with. I would definitely recommend them.
Read more
19 May, 2024 by Maggie jean
17 Sep, 2024 by Charles weeth
Excellent service and communications. Sean has a thorough understanding of the law and the realities of resolving issues. Highly recommend.
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Eric stugen
Sean is very knowledgeable of the law. He won’t steer you wrong. He’s a straight shooter. He’ll tell you what you need to do and what not to do in your situation. He won’t waste your time and he doesn’t nickel and dime you. I’m glad I found him when I did. I’ve only gotten positive results with his counsel. I would recommend him to anyone.
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Emily howell
I can’t say enough good things about Sean and his staff. I had a very messy divorce. I worked with another lawyer for seven months and he did very little for me except continually remind me that Wisconsin was a 50/50 state and that even though I brought significant assets into the marriage while my ex had, none, I earned about three times more during the marriage, and we were only married for a short time, I was going to have split everything 50/50 with him. He pressured me to agree to a very bad mediation deal.
Luckily, before having the judge finalize the mediation agreement, I came across Sean‘s reviews on Google. I wasn’t just looking at how many stars he was given but I read what people wrote about him. People repeatedly commented on his commitment, his dedication, and going the extra mile. I made an appointment for a consultation with Sean. Within the first five minutes of our meeting, he said, “Let me show you what the law actually says, I have had to educate other counsel and judges about this.” He printed off the actual law where it states that Wisconsin is a 50/50 state after consideration is made for the following items, which included length of marriage, what each brought into the marriage, and the length of the marriage.
After talking a little more, he asked why I didn’t have a restraining order and I told him that my previous lawyer told me it was 50/50 whether I would get it and that it would be inflammatory and work against me even though I felt very unsafe and threatened. Sean appeared very upset after hearing this, and disagreed, but continued to be professional and not bad mouth the other lawyer.
Sean was very brave about taking on my case this late in the game with a fast approaching court date and so much information to take in. Also, my ex hired a lawyer who I had heard said is the best divorce lawyer in La Crosse. I wholeheartedly disagree, because Sean definitely is the best.
I am still in awe of the commitment Sean made to helping me get a fair trial and a great outcome. I would see emails from him sent on weekends and in the middle of the nightat times. It was so reassuring to know he was on my side and so determined. He blocked out several days of his calendar so that he could familiarize himself with my huge stack of documents. As soon as I retained Sean as my attorney, I finally felt like I could relax and let him take care of it. I knew that no matter what happened with the results of the trial, I would be satisfied, because I had the best representation I could possibly have.
My hearing went on for two days. Sean was relentless in his effort to get me a fair trial and justice. In the end, the judge decided to divide the assets 80/20 in my favor. I did not get everything I wanted, but that never happens in court. It was about $70,000 that Sean saved me based on what my previous attorney was forecasting with a trial outcome.
In some ways, more importantly, Sean gave me the opportunity to tell my story and have it validated by the judge. He was so committed to making it clear that I tried so hard during the marriage and that my ex was dishonest and completely took advantage of me. It seemed that Sean felt a moral obligation to not let my ex take more from me and to have his greediness and dishonesty exposed.
I will also say that his staff was very friendly and hard-working. Sean went out of his way to try to save me money when he could by having me do some of the legwork if I wanted. He kept me consistently updated on status and promptly responded to all of my messages. Hopefully I will never need counsel again, but if I did, I would definitely retain Sean again. If it were possible to give him 10 stars, I would
Read more
25 Aug, 2022 by Cory
Calls him self a "family lawyer" not once did I get the impression he had my family in mind just how bad he could sock it to me personally curious if he's ever saved a marriage or changed a family for the better but where's the money in that joe was cowardice deceitful and manipulative would not recommend for great life advice and representation
Read more
11 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Big agressive first impression. Its all talk. he doesn't answer email or phone calls, charges ALOT of money and makes excuses like his secretary quit or he was out of town or on vacation....advises you to accept poor deals. NEVER HIRE THIS ATTOURNEY. Divorce should have been done in 7 months.....a year an a half later, doesnt even respond to whats going on?
Read more
05 Apr, 2018 by Eloy
Mr. Joseph J. SKEMP performance was stellar, he consistently kept on top of my case. He did not waver and was very thorough in his investigation of all the facts. I couldn't have ask for a better family lawyer. He is the best of the best.
Read more
08 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Ann worked with me on a complicated divorce matter with my ex-husband's alcoholism that impacted our children's safety. It was very important to me to both help him with sobriety and keep our children safe. Due to the complications of the disease, court matters had to be revisited 3 times in the course of 2 years. At every point she communicated well, listened clearly to what I wanted and gave excellent counsel. I happen to have a bachelor's degree in pre-law/paralegal studies and although that is by no means a law degree, I understand more than most that she is very competent. I highly recommend her. Dealing with any divorce matter is an extremely stressful experience and I found her to be exactly what our family needed to help us get through. Looking back, I honestly think some of her suggestions to add to the stipulations were part of the catalyst for my ex to now have 2 years of sobriety under his belt and a phenomenal AA family. She helped change our little family's life and I will never forget it.
Read more
19 Mar, 2019 by Carolyn
I hired Ann Brandau to help me receive Guardianship of my mother. Ms. Brandau was very knowledgeable and helped me to understand all the legal aspects of the case. She was truly sincere in all areas in regards to my mother’s disease of Dementia and discussion to the court and the importance to obtain Guardianship.
I highly recommend Ms. Brandau to others in need of a family lawyer.
Read more
27 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Not only did she not do what I hired her to do, her response was "sometimes there are just not enough hours in the day!" She was so bad I even ended up having to pay my ex's attorney fees as well. Best advise. Do not hire.
Read more
02 Mar, 2015 by Amy
Judith helped me with my divorce back in 2008, and was extremely professional. She was also caring, sympathetic, and honest. If she thought something was outlandish on mine or my ex-husband's end--she'd tell me. She always responded promptly and efficiently. She helped me through my very difficult time. I'm very glad I came across her, and would recommend her to anyone.
Read more
10 Sep, 2013 by Wendy
I was first referred to Judith by a friend of a friend. My situation was a sticky one including an OFP against my (at the time) husband along with handling our divorce (and custody of our 3 children) concurrently. It was an extremely difficult time in my life and having Judith as my lawyer gave me confidence and a feeling of security throughout the process. She took the time to listen and fully understand the dynamics of the situation throughout the 12 months it took to fully go through the process of handling the OFP, SENE, guardian ad litem, mediation and negotiations of custody and financial arrangements, all divorce proceedings and child support hearing.
During all court dates and negotiations, I always knew that Judith was looking out for my (and my children's) best interests and her approach of handling herself was always in the manner I would hope an attorney would act - in control and honestly, having "no time" for shenanigans coming from opposing counsel.
Judith was always very up front with me with realistic expectations from the courts and legal system, which was invaluable - particularly as I've never been through any of this before (as most haven't). Learning legal terminology, laws and processes is overwhelming, particularly when mixed with a high emotional time. Judith was on top of it all, keeping me informed with full explanations.
Financial-wise, Judith was able to effectively stick to the initial discussed monies needed to cover expenses, I never once felt "nickel and dimed". I will absolutely recommend Judith in the future!
Read more
21 Aug, 2013 by Tara
My husband and I have used Judith for several years in dealing with Family court, she has always been really honest and upfront about our case. Judith has helped us through a lot and we continue to go back to her because of her integrity and knowledge.
Read more
23 May, 2024 by Christina (tina's toy box ebay)
Very knowledgeable and professional group
Read more
16 Feb, 2024 by Casandra stevens
Friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient.
Read more
17 Jan, 2024 by Dan wuchina
Taylar was very helpful and professional explained everything to me.
Read more
26 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
He should go into politics because he loves to write/talk long lengthy communication vs getting the job done. If you hire him be prepared to listen to him more than him listening to you.
Read more
27 Jun, 2017 by Lyle
Jason began handling my case after the termination of my first lawyer. I wish he had been my first, which would have saved me a lot of time and dollars in the long run. I quickly became very confident in Jason's abilities and comfortable discussing everything with him. Five years after the divorce, I immediately contacted Jason on a follow up matter, which was resolved with less than two of his work hours. While l hope, I will never again be stupid enough to require his services but, I would recommend him to an equally stupid friend. Jason is a hard charging individual, cuts through legal challenges and gets the job done, quickly, efficiently, and cost effectively. Time is money and Jason's time is worth the money :)
Read more
25 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Jason is the best divorce/family law attorney. Period. He expertly guided me through the most difficult event in my life. Now that my divorce is complete, I look back in retrospect and can assertively say that my happiness today is directly correlated to Jason having been my attorney during the darkest period of my life. Jason was worth every penny, and then some. I can never repay him for what he has given back to me--my life. I sincerely am forever in his debt.
Read more
21 Oct, 2016 by Greg
Jennifer represented me in the divorce my wife filed against me. She was excellent in her handling of a very aggressive lawyer on my wife's side. She always responded in a timely matter and truly cared for my case. I switched to her early on in my case and was never sorry for the choice. Thank you Jennifer for all your hard work.
Read more
09 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
Would not recommend Jennifer Brown at all. Does not respond in a timely fashion, if you can get her to respond at all. Best case you will get to talk to her paralegel. Is not strategic at all in her planning. Doesnt seem to fight for her clients. Court experience was she was not willing to go that extra mile or have any fight in her.
Read more
06 Sep, 2022 by Elizabeth
This man worked hard to ensure my family was well-represented and our goals were met while working with the court system of La Crosse. Tom Sleik will always hold a place of respect in my and my family's memory. I saw the negative reviews left by "anonymous" and can honestly say that my experience was very positive while being represented by Tom Sleik.
Read more
02 Aug, 2013 by Nate
Tom, to my knowledge, is now retired. However, in researching his replacement I found bad reviews for him on this site. The fact is, he was known as one of the best lawyers in the state! He handled my divorce case very well. I was at risk of paying half of my ex's $80,000 in student debt. Tom's preformance during the divorce trial was the reason I was only ordered to pay a couple thousand of it. He was expensive, but you get what you pay for! That said, he didn't charge me for every phone call and email either. This was in 2008.
He's also a calm guy with a good overall personality. I could understand not liking him if you were up against him in court though.
Read more
20 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
I had the unfortunate experience of using this attorney. Didn't listen to me or my wishes. He advances his ideas with no regard to what you, as a client wants accomplished. Don't waste your money. After using other attorneys I have come to understand the difference between those who care about their clients and those who don't. Me Sleik likes to pad his bank acct and after that's accomplished, he doesn't like to be bothered with actually doing his job. Worst money I've spent I think maybe my entire life.
Read more
07 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
I was very disappointed with her performance. She didn't seem to have even listened to what I had told her before court. She was visibility nervous and her hands were shaking during proceedings, she didn't make sense when she spoke. I actually think she made me look worse and negatively impacted my case more than anything. I don't need to pay someone to act confused, disoriented, and talk in circles; I can do that just fine on my own.
Read more
07 Jun, 2012 by Anonymous
She quit as my lawyer because I stood my ground on principle.
Failed to properly argue on my behalf regarding maintenance payments.
Not aggressive enough.
In my case I'm pursuing primary placement of my kids, she did not seem to like the idea of a father getting the kids.
Read more
26 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
I used Ms. Frantz to handle a divorce. She was nice, but I was disappointed with her creativity, initiative, knowledge and follow through.
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.
