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09 Mar, 2017 by Rich
Dan handled my Dad's estate. Everything went smoothly. He did a great job and his fee was very reasonable.
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08 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous
wasnt impressed at all, guy doesnt say or do much. just kept talking about money. never comunicated, got better legal advice from his secretay cindy then him becasue he would never get on the phone, but was very sure to bill you 100. when he sent you a letter in regard to your phone call. cant say he did much, even at the custody confrence he was screaming deal and telling me i coulnd afford to go further. i take that as a sign you dont care or want involved. bill me dude. at the custody confrence, what he wanted to settle on wasnt enough for me and said i wouldnt get more, i dint wana make a deal and spoke up on my own behalf asking for another day, while he yelled at me to keep quiet, and guess what, the moderated agreed and said that was typical and i got it! still to this day i have that extra week day more then just weekends, and is very pivitol in my relationship with my child and school starting and it contues to piss the other party off. i could have got every other weekend on my own with out dan taylor, and i did and more, this is why i never hired him ever again, but he sure does like to continue to send bills and im still not sure what exactly he did or thinks he did. i had one sit down with him to discuss things where he took my money, dint see the petition till court. and i know that dont cost 5k + and we all know that lawyers got these outlines and petition saved on there computer and just change names and facts and prints or even have a legal aid do it. and as i said his secretary cindy communicated and gave me legal advice more then him and strongly belive is greatly probable that she did all the work. save your money. he was my first ever lawyer, and made a bad impression. ive been lucky to move on and find a coplete oppisiate of him and gives great efforts and avdise and communication who help clean up his mess.
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17 Jan, 2024 by Fronina
He's a fat POS, no comment , very professional,cselfish and no respect for professional women
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02 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
It appears this lawyer will say anything or deny just for a win. Don't seem very truthful, and when gets called out on his untruths, doesn't want it to come out in court or makes up some excuse he didn't review the case before hand because it was last minute and he stands up in court says so he can't be blamed because of his clients actions.
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23 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
I have worked for attorneys in the past and knew the process. When I hired Mr. Babic to represent me, I knew I was in good hands. He never let my ex-spouse or his attorneys bully him. He protected my interests to the bitter end. I never second guessed any decisions made and was very pleased with the end result.
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11 Jun, 2013 by Steven s
I am a former client of Woolford Law and I am not happy with the owner Tim Woolford or his firm. I retained Mr. Woolford's firm for an issue my company was having with a general contractor not paying his bills. The case was in limbo for a period of time and then I ended up settling. The issue I have with Mr. Woolford is that he and I had a 30 minute conversation where I agreed to settle the case and Mr. Woolford agreed that his fee to settle the case would be a flat fee of $5000. The case was settled and the money went into escrow at Woolford Law. I get an email with the bill of $6200 with a $500 reduction to $5700. This was a surprise to me and I had an email conversation with Mr. Woolford where he "claims" that our agreement never existed and he is taking his fee from the escrow monies and I will get the remainder and that is that. The conversation did happen, the agreement did exist and Mr. Woolford is very well of the conversation whether he "recollects" it or not. He is a master of spin when he needs to be and that is what makes him a an excellent attorney. The problem is he used his masterful spin tactics on his own client to gain $700. I am sure he will write a "spin filled" rebuttal to this post but that will not change the facts regardless of his words.
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23 Oct, 2023 by Cez c
16 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Incompetent! This person has no business making legal decisions. She is unable to tell the difference between an abuser and a victim and she should know better given her background that she boasts on this site. She cant recognize a Narcissist when one is put in front of her face. For these reasons, she is incompetent. She lacks sound judgment and she abuses her discretion. I highly suggest that multiple Judicial agencies, colleagues, and individuals investigate her competency.
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03 Jan, 2023 by Taylor ecenrode
Stephanie E. DiVittore is incompetent. Retain her if you'd like to lose. She will charge you 3 times what other attorneys cost and lose the case for you. Before she loses though, she will offer to represent you for free when the inevitable loss occurs. I can only recommend you work with these guys if you're interested in losing. Have a great day folks.
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29 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
This lawyer did not fight for me. She even stated,"you have nothing." I was trying to keep my house in a divorce. She did not hold the other party accountable for his false statements without any evidence. After 3 years of fighting with this lawyer and almost loosing my case. I changed lawyers. In 9 months I was divorced and kept my home.
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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.
