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21 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Mr. Eidson, is referred by my attorney’s office; whom had recently passed away during an active civil case/s. Our meeting was welcomed and most hospitable. Mr. Eidson, is exceptionally polite and patiently explains in great details, answers to my grievous concerns relating to the case/s. What takes place during an initial consultation is paramount to knowing you have found ‘the best’ when hiring an attorney to represent you. I had a very good sense this is a powerful attorney, after speaking with Alicia, on the phone. She adds to his power force, understanding law. Very talented, Mr. Edison, uses his expertise in representing all forms of personal civil cases and remarkable criminal cases. Feeling very venerable there were questioned I desperately needed answers to prior to hiring, for assurance, he expertly satisfied the questions. No doubts, about him, he has extensive knowledge of handling your case, putting you at ease. I eagerly look forward to his expertise used in representation of the facts in court. After the initial consultation appointment, there is no doubt whatsoever, I was referred to the best legal representation.
I will update this review after the closing of the case/s. With sincerity’s of trust, he is your best representation of law. Remember, you need power when it comes to law issues, This Attorney actively rides a Harley Davidson cycle, that speaks volumes about his confidence in character, have you ever tried to ride one? This is your Attorney, be at peace, he will not let you down. I highly recommend him personally, a powerful firm and miraculously who has not raised his fee ever!
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05 Dec, 2018 by Caitlin
I would never recommend him! If you’re looking for a honest, dependable, and understanding lawyer, then do yourself a favor and look elsewhere! I hired Eidson for my divorce because I had to act quickly and I was misguided from the very start. His legal secretary named Alicia gave me legal advice, which she is not supposed to do, because he is never in the office.
Long story short- I hired him for my divorce back in May because my ex chose to abandon the marriage. In the process, my ex had begun taking belongings (which were mine and purchased prior to the marriage) from our residence and pawning it to supply his alcohol addiction. I was basically told by the police on two occasions that until I filed for the divorce, he could continue taking items from the residence. So, under Alicia's advice, we filed an ex parte order so my ex would be ordered to return items he had taken. After I received my belongings back, a court date was set in June and in the meantime I was getting proof, receipts, etc. Not even two weeks later, I received a text from Alicia asking where I was? My ex had gotten a lawyer and they had moved the court date up, but did not inform me. I had not even had the chance to meet with Eidson to prepare before court or provide proof of anything. And really all I wanted was my dog.
The day of court (which was the day I received the text), I rushed in, in a panic because I was not prepared at all. Eidson had already met with my ex, his attorney, and the judge before I even got there, so I never even had a chance to tell my side. And then I felt pressured into accepting what was offered which was visitation to our dog. Eidson acted as if it were absurd for me to want my dog and stated that it was silly for him to ask a judge for visitation rights to a dog.
In that moment, it was clear to me that he did not care about my feelings or my requests at all. To make matters worse, Alicia was rude on so many different occasions when I would call to simply ask a question about my case. It was like once they were paid, they didn't care what happened. It’s been several months now and they still haven’t provided me with my official documents even after several requests.
I was granted visitation rights to my dog; but none of that matters now because my ex took off with him to NH and even though he is in contempt on several things (because he didn't return all items), that would of course be more lawyer fees.
To conclude- All they want and care about at the end of the day is your money! They could care less about your situation and helping find the best solutions for your individual case. I hope they reap what they sow one day!!!
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08 Apr, 2016 by Eddie
Patrick handled a case for me about 7 years ago so it was a no-brainer. The kids love his office by the way. They asked me to stop by just to see if he has anything new on display. But the point is that its comfortable. Patrick creates an environment that puts you at ease in a difficult situation.
I was surprised that he remembered details about the old case and we spoke about it some.
Thanks Patrick, I hope I won't need you again but I know you are there when and if that happens.
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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.
