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25 Feb, 2025 by Rebecca grupe
If I could give Angela 10 stars, I would. She is absolutely amazing! If you are looking for a lawyer in the Lake County or Sonoma area, I highly, highly recommend her. Not only is she extremely knowledgeable about the ins and outs of the law, but she is also incredibly kind! We all have dealt with lawyers that are, for lack of a better word, jerks, and kind of look their nose down at you. This is 100% not Angela. She is kind, down to earth, and very intelligent. But don’t let her kindness fool you, she is a bulldog in every sense of the word. She will fight for you, like you were her own flesh and blood.
One of the worst things that could happen to you, is being accused of a crime. I myself faced a bogus charge from a jilted ex lovers new fiancé. This charge had the ability to take my career for me, and Angela made sure that did not happen. Court dates and court matters bring a huge amount of stress, but with Angela handling my case, I was able to take a breath and focus on work and my home life, and still know that my case was in the most capable of hands.
Lake county is a small place, but we are genuinely lucky to have such a big-time lawyer call this place home! If you’ve made it this far into this review, what are you waiting for, call her today! You are going to want somebody behind you that genuinely cares, who doesn’t see you as another number. Angela is the real deal; intelligent, kind, and a genuine bada** when it comes to fighting for your rights!!!
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11 Feb, 2025 by Erinn whitmer
Angela Carter is an incredibly compassionate and empathetic person. She is also an excellent attorney. She expressed deep concern for what I had been through and turned an embarrassing and upsetting situation into something I could use to learn and grow. For years unfortunate circumstances and stressful life events pushed me in and out of a dark place with addiction. Getting out of that harmful cycle was like a puzzle. I was horrified when my inability to cope in a healthy way put me on the wrong side of the law, on more than one occasion. I came to her office feeling defeated and Angela was with me every step of the way. Today I’m on a path of healing and Angela was instrumental in helping me get there.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Mark johnson
Angela absolutely encompassed all that anyone would hope for in an attorney. She managed to calm my nerves, explain how she felt things might go, and everything thing happened as she said…. and more so. She’s absolutely brilliant and a bright star for the Lake County community. She just makes it a better place. She not only did what she said she was going to do… but far beyond and I am so very grateful. 🙏
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13 May, 2018 by Kirsten
I hired Thomas Quinn in Aug 2016 to defend me in a civil case brought by the prior owner of my house that claimed I didn't pay for it. Tom was proficient at both filing and gathering relevant documents for the court. He came to my house a few times to interview and prepare my witnesses. The trial went for 3 days before a jury of 8 people in May 2017. Tom has experience selecting juries and is familiar with the people and proceedings of the court. He speaks and dresses well, is very organized, and was well prepared for my trial. The trial ended with all the jury voting in my favor!
Then the case went to the Appeals Court in San Francisco in April 2018. We were not required to attend but we went because Tom is extra cautious. The case was recently dismissed from there.
Tom tells me there's still more to come. I believe that with his continued help the eventual conclusion will be positive.
I highly recommend Mr. Thomas Quinn's legal services!!!
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07 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
Chelsea is very experienced in all aspects of family law and was able to anticipate my questions in advance of hearings. I am grateful for her wisdom.
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21 Sep, 2024 by Joseph
Ana was all over the place mentally. Lost paperwork and evidence I handed over to her. Delayed having our case closed to add more time to the bill. We both agreed on an amount and when I payed her she wanted more money. I told her she didn't have mine or my children's best interests in mind and had to terminate her from representing myself and my next appearance without her I closed my case and got everything that I was fighting for. Would not recommend her services to anyone
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06 May, 2024 by My business
Awful!!!
This lady is very nice person. I would NOT recommend her as a lawyer at all. I hired her, she dug up what she called a "companion" case and that case became her focus, me and mine becoming collateral damage. She had me do some of her work, she is very defensive, she runs around like a chicken with her head cut off talking about she has ADD, she gave me no guidance at all. None. I expected her to sit me down and let me know what to expect that's why I hired her. I could have lost all by myself. After she lost my case, in her pursuit of the "companion" case, rendering me unable to ever see my granddaughter. She asked me if I wanted her to continue on the "companion" case. I told her I had no more money. She said 'you do, actually, said she still had the two last checks for MY case. One was a $2750 check and the other was at $275 check. After she lost my case I expected her to return those checks. She did not. She cashed them. She lost my case with devastating consequences and then had the audacity to cash the two last checks totaling $3,025. Money grubber. Not on her game. I do not recommend.
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24 Feb, 2024 by Sarah steele
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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.
