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06 Nov, 2024 by James baeyens
Lance was professional and also very accommodating. I felt like he met me where I was and patiently walked me through a very hard time in my life. There were certain principles I wanted to abide by, and even if he wisely advised otherwise the communication was always respectful. He was fair with me and overall I was satisfied having him represent me. Ive since looked for his council again and would in the future if needed.
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05 Nov, 2024 by James
Lance always expressed care and concern patiently and with great understanding. He was reliable, responsive, and effective. He was honest with me all along through a painful divorce and I always felt he genuninly had my best intrests at heart, even if I was resistant to his wise council. For that Iwould always seek his council in the future and recommend.
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29 Oct, 2024 by Erika evans
Jason, Deb, and Jewel have helped me through my divorce process. The staff at this firm genuinely understood my situation and helped me through it. There was always open lines of communication which definitely made me feel heard. It was a very lengthy process but at the end my wants and needs were met. I would definitely recommend this firm to make this hard part of your life easier.
Read more
06 Nov, 2024 by James baeyens
Lance was professional and also very accommodating. I felt like he met me where I was and patiently walked me through a very hard time in my life. There were certain principles I wanted to abide by, and even if he wisely advised otherwise the communication was always respectful. He was fair with me and overall I was satisfied having him represent me. Ive since looked for his council again and would in the future if needed.
Read more
29 Oct, 2024 by Erika evans
Jason, Deb, and Jewel have helped me through my divorce process. The staff at this firm genuinely understood my situation and helped me through it. There was always open lines of communication which definitely made me feel heard. It was a very lengthy process but at the end my wants and needs were met. I would definitely recommend this firm to make this hard part of your life easier.
Read more
14 Sep, 2024 by Elena arenella
Hope this Review will help you make a decision if you are looking to Hire a lawyer for your divorce . Going through divorce is by far one of the most difficult times for anyone. And the most important thing is finding the right lawyer. As I was going through my process looking for an attorney I came across Jason Barbara. I read all his reviews and called him immediately! I was very stressed and nervous but when I met Jason and his team I knew everything was going to be OK!!There were times during my divorce that things got stressful, but there was never a moment that Jason was not there to walk me through each and every step. He always responded to my emails even if it was on a late Friday night. I couldn't be more happy with the outcome of my divorce . He is extremely knowledgeable at what he does and gave me excellent advice and guidance. I trusted him throughout my divorce journey and he 100% made sure my divorce was finalized to my liking. Jason finalized my divorce without having to go to court which saved me a lot of money as well . He has an amazing staff that has always been there especially Jewel. I have called the office so many times and even if Jason was not in the office Jewel always was available to keep me calm and answer any questions I had . So if you need an attorney who is going to have your back 100% make sure you hire Jason Barbara !! He is the absolute best ! And worth every penny!! Truly from My heart thank you Jason , Jewel , and your entire staff for helping me get through one of the toughest times of my life. If I can give you 10 stars I would!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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17 Jan, 2025 by Lorraine backmann
I have know Mr. Bernard McGovern for many years! He has been another family members attorney also! He is very nice and takes care of our needs regarding all legal issues . Highly recommend this law firm.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Brooke busi
Richard Apat and his team were extremely responsive and supportive. They showed care and concern for my well being and helped me navigate the aftermath of my injury. I would absolutely work with this team again.
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06 Nov, 2024 by Theodore papageorgiou
As a CPA I have been working with law firms for decades.
Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP is one of the best and most professional law firms that I worked with.
I have no hesitation to engage them for my personal representation or to refer clients to them.
I give them five stars!
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06 Nov, 2024 by James baeyens
Lance was professional and also very accommodating. I felt like he met me where I was and patiently walked me through a very hard time in my life. There were certain principles I wanted to abide by, and even if he wisely advised otherwise the communication was always respectful. He was fair with me and overall I was satisfied having him represent me. Ive since looked for his council again and would in the future if needed.
Read more
29 Oct, 2024 by Erika evans
Jason, Deb, and Jewel have helped me through my divorce process. The staff at this firm genuinely understood my situation and helped me through it. There was always open lines of communication which definitely made me feel heard. It was a very lengthy process but at the end my wants and needs were met. I would definitely recommend this firm to make this hard part of your life easier.
Read more
14 Sep, 2024 by Elena arenella
Hope this Review will help you make a decision if you are looking to Hire a lawyer for your divorce . Going through divorce is by far one of the most difficult times for anyone. And the most important thing is finding the right lawyer. As I was going through my process looking for an attorney I came across Jason Barbara. I read all his reviews and called him immediately! I was very stressed and nervous but when I met Jason and his team I knew everything was going to be OK!!There were times during my divorce that things got stressful, but there was never a moment that Jason was not there to walk me through each and every step. He always responded to my emails even if it was on a late Friday night. I couldn't be more happy with the outcome of my divorce . He is extremely knowledgeable at what he does and gave me excellent advice and guidance. I trusted him throughout my divorce journey and he 100% made sure my divorce was finalized to my liking. Jason finalized my divorce without having to go to court which saved me a lot of money as well . He has an amazing staff that has always been there especially Jewel. I have called the office so many times and even if Jason was not in the office Jewel always was available to keep me calm and answer any questions I had . So if you need an attorney who is going to have your back 100% make sure you hire Jason Barbara !! He is the absolute best ! And worth every penny!! Truly from My heart thank you Jason , Jewel , and your entire staff for helping me get through one of the toughest times of my life. If I can give you 10 stars I would!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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28 Jan, 2025 by Amy difar
Jonathan Roman is the absolute best real estate attorney to work with. I have sold properties with him twice and found him to be the most responsive lawyer I have ever worked with. Never once in our dealings did we doubt that he had our best interests in mind. Even with a very tight and extremely stressful deadline to deal with, he came through. Add to that how personable and friendly he is, and you have the makings of a low stress experience, and an attorney you can absolutely count on. Without hesitation, I would recommend Jonathan to anybody on Long Island looking to buy or sell a home.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Deborah horton
John Jlehr did a great job on my bankruptcy case.He was very helpful, he explained everything and how it would go. I have to say I was very nervous, he assured me everything would be ok. Thanks to him I have been cleared and on my way to rebuilding my credit.THANK YOU JOHN YOU ROCK!
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19 Dec, 2024 by Arianna yioras
Detail oriented and well experienced. 10/10 service.
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06 Nov, 2024 by James baeyens
Lance was professional and also very accommodating. I felt like he met me where I was and patiently walked me through a very hard time in my life. There were certain principles I wanted to abide by, and even if he wisely advised otherwise the communication was always respectful. He was fair with me and overall I was satisfied having him represent me. Ive since looked for his council again and would in the future if needed.
Read more
29 Oct, 2024 by Erika evans
Jason, Deb, and Jewel have helped me through my divorce process. The staff at this firm genuinely understood my situation and helped me through it. There was always open lines of communication which definitely made me feel heard. It was a very lengthy process but at the end my wants and needs were met. I would definitely recommend this firm to make this hard part of your life easier.
Read more
14 Sep, 2024 by Elena arenella
Hope this Review will help you make a decision if you are looking to Hire a lawyer for your divorce . Going through divorce is by far one of the most difficult times for anyone. And the most important thing is finding the right lawyer. As I was going through my process looking for an attorney I came across Jason Barbara. I read all his reviews and called him immediately! I was very stressed and nervous but when I met Jason and his team I knew everything was going to be OK!!There were times during my divorce that things got stressful, but there was never a moment that Jason was not there to walk me through each and every step. He always responded to my emails even if it was on a late Friday night. I couldn't be more happy with the outcome of my divorce . He is extremely knowledgeable at what he does and gave me excellent advice and guidance. I trusted him throughout my divorce journey and he 100% made sure my divorce was finalized to my liking. Jason finalized my divorce without having to go to court which saved me a lot of money as well . He has an amazing staff that has always been there especially Jewel. I have called the office so many times and even if Jason was not in the office Jewel always was available to keep me calm and answer any questions I had . So if you need an attorney who is going to have your back 100% make sure you hire Jason Barbara !! He is the absolute best ! And worth every penny!! Truly from My heart thank you Jason , Jewel , and your entire staff for helping me get through one of the toughest times of my life. If I can give you 10 stars I would!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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06 Nov, 2024 by James baeyens
Lance was professional and also very accommodating. I felt like he met me where I was and patiently walked me through a very hard time in my life. There were certain principles I wanted to abide by, and even if he wisely advised otherwise the communication was always respectful. He was fair with me and overall I was satisfied having him represent me. Ive since looked for his council again and would in the future if needed.
Read more
29 Oct, 2024 by Erika evans
Jason, Deb, and Jewel have helped me through my divorce process. The staff at this firm genuinely understood my situation and helped me through it. There was always open lines of communication which definitely made me feel heard. It was a very lengthy process but at the end my wants and needs were met. I would definitely recommend this firm to make this hard part of your life easier.
Read more
14 Sep, 2024 by Elena arenella
Hope this Review will help you make a decision if you are looking to Hire a lawyer for your divorce . Going through divorce is by far one of the most difficult times for anyone. And the most important thing is finding the right lawyer. As I was going through my process looking for an attorney I came across Jason Barbara. I read all his reviews and called him immediately! I was very stressed and nervous but when I met Jason and his team I knew everything was going to be OK!!There were times during my divorce that things got stressful, but there was never a moment that Jason was not there to walk me through each and every step. He always responded to my emails even if it was on a late Friday night. I couldn't be more happy with the outcome of my divorce . He is extremely knowledgeable at what he does and gave me excellent advice and guidance. I trusted him throughout my divorce journey and he 100% made sure my divorce was finalized to my liking. Jason finalized my divorce without having to go to court which saved me a lot of money as well . He has an amazing staff that has always been there especially Jewel. I have called the office so many times and even if Jason was not in the office Jewel always was available to keep me calm and answer any questions I had . So if you need an attorney who is going to have your back 100% make sure you hire Jason Barbara !! He is the absolute best ! And worth every penny!! Truly from My heart thank you Jason , Jewel , and your entire staff for helping me get through one of the toughest times of my life. If I can give you 10 stars I would!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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06 Nov, 2024 by James baeyens
Lance was professional and also very accommodating. I felt like he met me where I was and patiently walked me through a very hard time in my life. There were certain principles I wanted to abide by, and even if he wisely advised otherwise the communication was always respectful. He was fair with me and overall I was satisfied having him represent me. Ive since looked for his council again and would in the future if needed.
Read more
29 Oct, 2024 by Erika evans
Jason, Deb, and Jewel have helped me through my divorce process. The staff at this firm genuinely understood my situation and helped me through it. There was always open lines of communication which definitely made me feel heard. It was a very lengthy process but at the end my wants and needs were met. I would definitely recommend this firm to make this hard part of your life easier.
Read more
14 Sep, 2024 by Elena arenella
Hope this Review will help you make a decision if you are looking to Hire a lawyer for your divorce . Going through divorce is by far one of the most difficult times for anyone. And the most important thing is finding the right lawyer. As I was going through my process looking for an attorney I came across Jason Barbara. I read all his reviews and called him immediately! I was very stressed and nervous but when I met Jason and his team I knew everything was going to be OK!!There were times during my divorce that things got stressful, but there was never a moment that Jason was not there to walk me through each and every step. He always responded to my emails even if it was on a late Friday night. I couldn't be more happy with the outcome of my divorce . He is extremely knowledgeable at what he does and gave me excellent advice and guidance. I trusted him throughout my divorce journey and he 100% made sure my divorce was finalized to my liking. Jason finalized my divorce without having to go to court which saved me a lot of money as well . He has an amazing staff that has always been there especially Jewel. I have called the office so many times and even if Jason was not in the office Jewel always was available to keep me calm and answer any questions I had . So if you need an attorney who is going to have your back 100% make sure you hire Jason Barbara !! He is the absolute best ! And worth every penny!! Truly from My heart thank you Jason , Jewel , and your entire staff for helping me get through one of the toughest times of my life. If I can give you 10 stars I would!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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06 Nov, 2024 by James baeyens
Lance was professional and also very accommodating. I felt like he met me where I was and patiently walked me through a very hard time in my life. There were certain principles I wanted to abide by, and even if he wisely advised otherwise the communication was always respectful. He was fair with me and overall I was satisfied having him represent me. Ive since looked for his council again and would in the future if needed.
Read more
29 Oct, 2024 by Erika evans
Jason, Deb, and Jewel have helped me through my divorce process. The staff at this firm genuinely understood my situation and helped me through it. There was always open lines of communication which definitely made me feel heard. It was a very lengthy process but at the end my wants and needs were met. I would definitely recommend this firm to make this hard part of your life easier.
Read more
14 Sep, 2024 by Elena arenella
Hope this Review will help you make a decision if you are looking to Hire a lawyer for your divorce . Going through divorce is by far one of the most difficult times for anyone. And the most important thing is finding the right lawyer. As I was going through my process looking for an attorney I came across Jason Barbara. I read all his reviews and called him immediately! I was very stressed and nervous but when I met Jason and his team I knew everything was going to be OK!!There were times during my divorce that things got stressful, but there was never a moment that Jason was not there to walk me through each and every step. He always responded to my emails even if it was on a late Friday night. I couldn't be more happy with the outcome of my divorce . He is extremely knowledgeable at what he does and gave me excellent advice and guidance. I trusted him throughout my divorce journey and he 100% made sure my divorce was finalized to my liking. Jason finalized my divorce without having to go to court which saved me a lot of money as well . He has an amazing staff that has always been there especially Jewel. I have called the office so many times and even if Jason was not in the office Jewel always was available to keep me calm and answer any questions I had . So if you need an attorney who is going to have your back 100% make sure you hire Jason Barbara !! He is the absolute best ! And worth every penny!! Truly from My heart thank you Jason , Jewel , and your entire staff for helping me get through one of the toughest times of my life. If I can give you 10 stars I would!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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06 Nov, 2024 by James baeyens
Lance was professional and also very accommodating. I felt like he met me where I was and patiently walked me through a very hard time in my life. There were certain principles I wanted to abide by, and even if he wisely advised otherwise the communication was always respectful. He was fair with me and overall I was satisfied having him represent me. Ive since looked for his council again and would in the future if needed.
Read more
29 Oct, 2024 by Erika evans
Jason, Deb, and Jewel have helped me through my divorce process. The staff at this firm genuinely understood my situation and helped me through it. There was always open lines of communication which definitely made me feel heard. It was a very lengthy process but at the end my wants and needs were met. I would definitely recommend this firm to make this hard part of your life easier.
Read more
14 Sep, 2024 by Elena arenella
Hope this Review will help you make a decision if you are looking to Hire a lawyer for your divorce . Going through divorce is by far one of the most difficult times for anyone. And the most important thing is finding the right lawyer. As I was going through my process looking for an attorney I came across Jason Barbara. I read all his reviews and called him immediately! I was very stressed and nervous but when I met Jason and his team I knew everything was going to be OK!!There were times during my divorce that things got stressful, but there was never a moment that Jason was not there to walk me through each and every step. He always responded to my emails even if it was on a late Friday night. I couldn't be more happy with the outcome of my divorce . He is extremely knowledgeable at what he does and gave me excellent advice and guidance. I trusted him throughout my divorce journey and he 100% made sure my divorce was finalized to my liking. Jason finalized my divorce without having to go to court which saved me a lot of money as well . He has an amazing staff that has always been there especially Jewel. I have called the office so many times and even if Jason was not in the office Jewel always was available to keep me calm and answer any questions I had . So if you need an attorney who is going to have your back 100% make sure you hire Jason Barbara !! He is the absolute best ! And worth every penny!! Truly from My heart thank you Jason , Jewel , and your entire staff for helping me get through one of the toughest times of my life. If I can give you 10 stars I would!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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06 Nov, 2024 by James baeyens
Lance was professional and also very accommodating. I felt like he met me where I was and patiently walked me through a very hard time in my life. There were certain principles I wanted to abide by, and even if he wisely advised otherwise the communication was always respectful. He was fair with me and overall I was satisfied having him represent me. Ive since looked for his council again and would in the future if needed.
Read more
29 Oct, 2024 by Erika evans
Jason, Deb, and Jewel have helped me through my divorce process. The staff at this firm genuinely understood my situation and helped me through it. There was always open lines of communication which definitely made me feel heard. It was a very lengthy process but at the end my wants and needs were met. I would definitely recommend this firm to make this hard part of your life easier.
Read more
14 Sep, 2024 by Elena arenella
Hope this Review will help you make a decision if you are looking to Hire a lawyer for your divorce . Going through divorce is by far one of the most difficult times for anyone. And the most important thing is finding the right lawyer. As I was going through my process looking for an attorney I came across Jason Barbara. I read all his reviews and called him immediately! I was very stressed and nervous but when I met Jason and his team I knew everything was going to be OK!!There were times during my divorce that things got stressful, but there was never a moment that Jason was not there to walk me through each and every step. He always responded to my emails even if it was on a late Friday night. I couldn't be more happy with the outcome of my divorce . He is extremely knowledgeable at what he does and gave me excellent advice and guidance. I trusted him throughout my divorce journey and he 100% made sure my divorce was finalized to my liking. Jason finalized my divorce without having to go to court which saved me a lot of money as well . He has an amazing staff that has always been there especially Jewel. I have called the office so many times and even if Jason was not in the office Jewel always was available to keep me calm and answer any questions I had . So if you need an attorney who is going to have your back 100% make sure you hire Jason Barbara !! He is the absolute best ! And worth every penny!! Truly from My heart thank you Jason , Jewel , and your entire staff for helping me get through one of the toughest times of my life. If I can give you 10 stars I would!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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06 Nov, 2024 by James baeyens
Lance was professional and also very accommodating. I felt like he met me where I was and patiently walked me through a very hard time in my life. There were certain principles I wanted to abide by, and even if he wisely advised otherwise the communication was always respectful. He was fair with me and overall I was satisfied having him represent me. Ive since looked for his council again and would in the future if needed.
Read more
29 Oct, 2024 by Erika evans
Jason, Deb, and Jewel have helped me through my divorce process. The staff at this firm genuinely understood my situation and helped me through it. There was always open lines of communication which definitely made me feel heard. It was a very lengthy process but at the end my wants and needs were met. I would definitely recommend this firm to make this hard part of your life easier.
Read more
14 Sep, 2024 by Elena arenella
Hope this Review will help you make a decision if you are looking to Hire a lawyer for your divorce . Going through divorce is by far one of the most difficult times for anyone. And the most important thing is finding the right lawyer. As I was going through my process looking for an attorney I came across Jason Barbara. I read all his reviews and called him immediately! I was very stressed and nervous but when I met Jason and his team I knew everything was going to be OK!!There were times during my divorce that things got stressful, but there was never a moment that Jason was not there to walk me through each and every step. He always responded to my emails even if it was on a late Friday night. I couldn't be more happy with the outcome of my divorce . He is extremely knowledgeable at what he does and gave me excellent advice and guidance. I trusted him throughout my divorce journey and he 100% made sure my divorce was finalized to my liking. Jason finalized my divorce without having to go to court which saved me a lot of money as well . He has an amazing staff that has always been there especially Jewel. I have called the office so many times and even if Jason was not in the office Jewel always was available to keep me calm and answer any questions I had . So if you need an attorney who is going to have your back 100% make sure you hire Jason Barbara !! He is the absolute best ! And worth every penny!! Truly from My heart thank you Jason , Jewel , and your entire staff for helping me get through one of the toughest times of my life. If I can give you 10 stars I would!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read more
06 Nov, 2024 by James baeyens
Lance was professional and also very accommodating. I felt like he met me where I was and patiently walked me through a very hard time in my life. There were certain principles I wanted to abide by, and even if he wisely advised otherwise the communication was always respectful. He was fair with me and overall I was satisfied having him represent me. Ive since looked for his council again and would in the future if needed.
Read more
29 Oct, 2024 by Erika evans
Jason, Deb, and Jewel have helped me through my divorce process. The staff at this firm genuinely understood my situation and helped me through it. There was always open lines of communication which definitely made me feel heard. It was a very lengthy process but at the end my wants and needs were met. I would definitely recommend this firm to make this hard part of your life easier.
Read more
14 Sep, 2024 by Elena arenella
Hope this Review will help you make a decision if you are looking to Hire a lawyer for your divorce . Going through divorce is by far one of the most difficult times for anyone. And the most important thing is finding the right lawyer. As I was going through my process looking for an attorney I came across Jason Barbara. I read all his reviews and called him immediately! I was very stressed and nervous but when I met Jason and his team I knew everything was going to be OK!!There were times during my divorce that things got stressful, but there was never a moment that Jason was not there to walk me through each and every step. He always responded to my emails even if it was on a late Friday night. I couldn't be more happy with the outcome of my divorce . He is extremely knowledgeable at what he does and gave me excellent advice and guidance. I trusted him throughout my divorce journey and he 100% made sure my divorce was finalized to my liking. Jason finalized my divorce without having to go to court which saved me a lot of money as well . He has an amazing staff that has always been there especially Jewel. I have called the office so many times and even if Jason was not in the office Jewel always was available to keep me calm and answer any questions I had . So if you need an attorney who is going to have your back 100% make sure you hire Jason Barbara !! He is the absolute best ! And worth every penny!! Truly from My heart thank you Jason , Jewel , and your entire staff for helping me get through one of the toughest times of my life. If I can give you 10 stars I would!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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15 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
Not only did I drive a 6 hour round trip, all to have to Withdraw a Petition, to constantly having to correct him on the matter, to STILL having the parties names spelled incorrectly after correcting numerous times. I withdrew my case and got another, then he send incessant letter for the remaining $200 of the already $3,500 given to him for literally not even the ability to simply attain information. He got $3,500 for a month's worth of representation, one 2 second appearance since we had to withdraw and re-file meanwhile I drove for 6 hours to appear for 2 minutes.
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30 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
While highly qualified and knowlegebly, I did not find this lawyer very responsible He was late to court twice by 45 minutes or more. He never appologized for this. His office personel were not in office when I called inquiring on his lateness. He was also 20 minutes late coming back from lunch on one of these days. Because of his lateness We were delayed in seeing judge/referee. He then persisted on a point and ignored judge/referees request on arguing a point. This got us thrown out of court. When we were let back into court I had to bring up points I wanted addressed. To add insult to injury he had the nerve to charge me for whole day in court.
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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:
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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.
