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14 Dec, 2020 by Richard
I wanted to thank Andrew Mckewon at Harris Family Law for the incredible work. I was referred to Andrew by a close friend. As many in similar situations can attest to, having to go through any family law situation can be harrowing and stressful. I had spoken to several attorneys who were all competent, but Andrew was the only one to take the time to listen, understand and reassure me that this matter would be taken care of.
Andrew's communication and transparency are excellent. He is pragmatic, setting expectations that always made me feel optimistic about my matter; as well as taken care of. He will always go to bat for you and he's an attorney you can rely on to get it done.
Thank you!!
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21 Nov, 2018 by Jamal
Andy and I have known each other since the first year of law school. He has always been extremely professional and thoughtful in his approach. What makes him an amazing family law attorney is his ability to place himself in his clients position and effectively communicate to their needs. I recommend Andy to the highest degree.
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13 Mar, 2018 by Tyler
Andrew is not only a great communicator, he's an excellent listener. He's always kind, compassionate, and sympathetic to his client's needs. He's very knowledgeable in all areas of his field and I have complete confidence in him to handle any of my future legal needs, as well as refer him to anyone in need of a skilled and talented family law attorney.
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08 Jun, 2023 by Armando ramirez
Completely lost without them. They basically did everything and all I had to do was sign and show up. Definitely recommend them to anyone looking for legal advice.
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15 Jun, 2022 by Jessic rios
I don’t have enough good things to say about Denise Trevino. My divorce and child custody case was an extremely complicated case. She represented me in California while I live in a different state. The care that she showed me and my children was more than I could have hoped for. She truly looked at us as more than just a case. Dealing with the court system and lawyers is a scary and stressful thing, but she made the whole process a lot less horrible, as well as getting me the best possible outcome for me and my children. I will always be grateful for what she helped me accomplish.
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23 Feb, 2022 by Tony camaj
Trevino was very professional, knowledgeable and willing to listen to every aspect of my situation. I would not hesitate to bring her on board as my attorney.
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20 May, 2024 by Maria garcia
Amazing law office. I love love love Terry!
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28 Nov, 2022 by Garry seaber
I own a small business with approx. 10 employees. I have had employment law issues which could have been very costly. I consulted with Kristine Karila about the issues my business was facing and she provided excellent advice and had a strategy for me to avoid any lawsuits. I have since consulted with Kristine on numerous occasions regarding my business’ employment law matters since California laws are very strict and constantly changing as well as difficult to know and understand. I highly recommend the Law Office of Kristine Karila. She is efficient, answers calls right away and knows California Employment law extremely well.
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23 Aug, 2018 by Bill acromite
I am a 30-year business attorney in southern California. I have known Steve Zwick for 17 years. When I was injured in a car accident, I went to Steve for help. He and his team handled the procedural aspects of my case exceptionally well and he listened carefully to me about the pain I was suffering and the circumstances it caused in my life. He coordinated and directed me to the appropriate medical specialists to not only evaluate my condition, but to identify the specific source of my pain for purposes of long term resolution of it. He quite successfully advocated my right to compensation from all available angles. Steve is a caring person and a tenacious advocate. I trust his integrity, knowledge and experience to the point where I refer my clients who suffer personal injury to Steve for claim evaluation and prosecution.
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12 Jul, 2022 by Laura
Thank you, Kristen Przeklasa for helping me obtain legal clearance on my IVF journey! I am thrilled to have found OC Child & Family Law... referred by another trusted attorney friend of mine. Kristen was kind, compassionate, and extremely knowledgable about the complexities regarding my situation to become a SMBC, with the help of my sister as an egg donor. Kristen drafted our agreement within 48 hours, helped me find another attorney for my donor who also offered a fast turnaround... and in just a few days, I was able to get the legal clearance required for my fertility clinic. All for a very reasonable price... I am so grateful. Other law firms quoted me higher rates, and a 2-3 week turnaround!
Kristen treated me like a friend, was easy to reach by phone for any questions, and provided exceptional service for a fair rate. I would highly recommend Kristen and her partner Sahar to anyone in need of family law legal services... it's so refreshing to meet lawyers who genuinely care about their clients. Hoping I get pregnant soon, I will be happily working with Kristen for all of my family planning needs in the future.
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04 Apr, 2018 by Mike
Kristen was detailed, present, and engaged through the entire ordeal of my child custody battle. She answered emails and calls at all hours, damped my fears and kept me moving forward throughout. I am very pleased to recommend her to others.
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08 Feb, 2018 by Mk
It's never easy getting a divorce. I can say it was the most stressful event I have gone through. However, having Kristen in my corner helped to minimize my stress level. I knew she was looking out for my best interest. She was very knowledgeable about the law. When my Ex's attorney tried to pull some funny business, she nixed it immediately.
Kristen was always available. She was able to see me when I needed to consult with her in person. Emails and phone calls were returned promptly. Nothing worst than a non responsive attorney. The entire office staff was very courteous and professional.
It was a good feeling knowing that I had good representation. Someone who was fighting for me. I really am glad Kristen was there for me.
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3.6
5 Reviews
5.0
13 Reviews
20 May, 2024 by Maria garcia
Amazing law office. I love love love Terry!
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28 Nov, 2022 by Garry seaber
I own a small business with approx. 10 employees. I have had employment law issues which could have been very costly. I consulted with Kristine Karila about the issues my business was facing and she provided excellent advice and had a strategy for me to avoid any lawsuits. I have since consulted with Kristine on numerous occasions regarding my business’ employment law matters since California laws are very strict and constantly changing as well as difficult to know and understand. I highly recommend the Law Office of Kristine Karila. She is efficient, answers calls right away and knows California Employment law extremely well.
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24 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
She contacted me. first of all if someone contacts you after a ticket they are not following correct law practice. In personal injury cases this is called ambulance chasing. Anyways I had a red light ticket and I paid her 150 to go to court and then send me a letter saying I would still have to pay the ticket. This is after she told me it wouldn't be a problem to get me out of the ticket. Now I owe 550 plus her 150. I think this is a scam. Please do not trust her. Pay your ticket fight it yourself or choose an attorney that doesn't expect money upfront.
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17 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Ayers was my attorney for the dissolution of my marriage of almost 20 years in 2010. To say I was one of his more challenging clients is an understatement. During the time he was my council, my now ex-husband was harassing me, stealing my mail, hacking into my email, and utilizing cell phone spyware to gain the upper hand in the out come of the divorce. I was hostile, frustrated, not very savvy with technology, and only heard about 1/3 of the good advice he was giving me. He and his wife exhibited an almost saintly amount of patience with all of my antics. Mr. Ayers did an excellent job on the final dissolution agreement. In fact, my ex-husband was not following through with what he agreed to, I took him to Court, and won. He did a solid job on my divorce and the Judge backed it up! Family Law is the worst of the worst. It takes an experienced, smart attorney to stay the course and do a good job with all the drama flying about. I am now on the other side, have surpassed my kids in the tech department, and am back to the person I should have been. If you are seeking a divorce, it is really important to remember that everyone is at their worst during that time. I am grateful I found Mr. Ayers (although I did not convey this at the time) who was pragmatic, smart, knew the law, and did not partake in all the drama.
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08 Feb, 2012 by Patti
Mr. Ayers helped me with a difficult family law case. His billing was very fair and he was very knowledgeable. I am very grateful for his help.
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15 Nov, 2023 by Marie marcal
She will get you Justice
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02 Nov, 2023 by E g
This is the worst family attorney I’ve had the misfortune of working with. I hired her to do three crucial tasks and she did nothing on my behalf for me or my child! One submit vital medical documents to the judge. Two help me debunk/ defend myself against false allegations. Three help me gain more custody and visitation of my child. Instead she surrendered my legal custody without my knowledge or consent, while I was not present. She set me and my child back years and burned through around 8K giving me the run around and playing both sides. She cannot be trusted and should have her legal license revoked. She’s a liar and by the time I caught wind she was helping the opposing party it was too late; and I lost legal custody. It took years and over 10K to get it back! So she actually wasted ~20 thousand and vital years for us while my child is struggling & suffering. All because she’s a greedy, crooked, con artist only interested in charging top dollar for empty promises to pay for her million dollar mortgage in Laguna.
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09 Nov, 2022 by Vladimir
Underwhelming, understaffed, underachieving and unprepared sums it up. Oh and micro transaction billing. As if your 12 second email reply is worth $87. She will nickel and dime your deposit down to nothing before you even see the judge with erroneous questions via email instead of asking all questions about once, she will happily let you respond to her emails that she will will bill each one individually for. Just wasted efforts, wasted back and forth. $900 for an income and expense declaration... Stay away from the small time lawyer that bills you out the wazoo and then gets upset when you question where $5k went and only produced two forms to the court and hasn't accomplished anything. I went into my last hearing without an attorney and got the same results which in my opinion says quite a bit about any skill you thought you were paying for. Totally unprepared in the child support hearing, distracted even, working from home. Lackluster skill and performance. Do your homework and set expectations.
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22 Dec, 2023 by Sina taneh
Professional lawyers and excellent service!
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21 Aug, 2023 by Younas aihi
No comment
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28 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Hired a forensic accountant but failed to apply the findings to help my case. Lost a Million Dollars. Old case, but one that deserves remembering. He made over $50,000 but was more concerned about his fees than my case. All of my settlement was in retirement annuities when I had children to raise and retirement was over 20 years away.
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23 Mar, 2018 by Linda
Just spoke to the Atty for Child Support services who over saw our case today. She told me it was my Atty John Ireland who made our case take over 2 years because he kept asking for continuances. She said it was because of my atty and my ex’s husbands atty that nothing happened for over 2 years! So much money paid to John for NOTHING. The Child Support Atty told me, “it was your Atty who screwed you”, and I had a feeling. He was so weak in the courtroom I was embarrassed for him. He seems timid, sweet and quiet but he sucks as an Atty. My Father’s Atty recommended Mr. Ireland and after my father told his Atty of the incompetent way Ireland handled my case, his Atty promised he’d never refer John Ireland to anyone else. If you’re looking for a family lawyer, don’t bother, just do it yourself. I prevailed majorly on my own once I dropped the dead weight of an Atty. I found the behind the scenes info from the Child Support services Atty to be very insightful and exactly what I suspected was happening. Crooked Ireland can’t be trusted. This was supposed to be an easy case. He told me he was confident he’d get my Atty fees covered. He didn’t. His argument was weak at best to the judge. The only thing he did is find ways to keep us in the system so he could keep getting paid to do nothing. John would ask me to come into his office before we would go into court so he could, “prepare me“, for trial. Every time I would pay him to go into his office to, “prepare me“, I realized I was actually there to prepare him because he had no idea what was going on with our case. This happened several times and I got to pay for our time together. John also misunderstood orders & told me child-support could be retro dated back to the day that I filed, 2 years ago, he was wrong. John should’ve seen by the way the documents were filed that the court would not be able to go back and retro date. That’s huge he should know that. Horrible experience with this attorney. Having this attorney was very frustrating. Dealing with this attorney and the frustration he caused was the worst part of this whole ordeal that he was supposed to make easy. I will leave a bad review every on every site I can possibly find. If they get deleted, I will simply repost. My goal is to hopefully make him lose enough business to where he’s lost as much money as he’s swindled out of me .
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FAQs
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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.
