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05 Aug, 2024 by Steve
I did an initial consultation with Jeff to be my divorce lawyer after reading these reviews. I’m glad I did. Some of the lawyers I consulted were all about how they could fight in court. Jeff’s focus was on what I wanted, what was best for my three kids, and what was the best strategy. He is experienced and shrewd. He keeps calm, looks for leverage, helps you see what’s worth fighting about and what’s not, and navigates toward settlement when that’s in your best interest while also being tough and good in a fight when that’s what you need. With kids involved, Jeff consistently and genuinely helped me focus on what was best for them—how to protect them from parental conflict, how to emerge from divorce with a healthy coparenting relationship for the long run.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
This was my first legal experience and Jeffrey was wonderful. He was extremely candid and realistic with me about everything related to the case, the good and the bad. He told me things as they were, not what I wanted to hear, but had my best interest at heart the entire time. He made sure he had a complete understanding of all the facts and left no stone unturned. Due to his good instincts and diligence, my case got dropped very quickly with prejudice. I will not hesitate to use Jeffrey again for any legal needs in the future.
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28 Sep, 2023 by Bob
A few weeks ago during my travels, I encountered a a fellow service member who was in quite a bit of turmoil. He stated he needed a lawyer but didn't know how to hire one as his medical situation rendered him unable to process matters satisfactorily. His needs involved a court system on the other side of the country with an immediate need to resolve a looming deadline. I contacted the practice which Mr. Melick is a partner. After a brief explanation to his office, my call was transferred to Mr. Melick. I was relieved to talk to Mr. Melick as his Google reviews were very encouraging! Mr. Melick initially agreed to see my friend the following Tuesday and wanted me to accompany him if possible. Due to my travel itinerary, I was unable to meet that Tuesday. Mr. Melick cleared his calendar that evening and had us come in to start an evaluation of my friend's needs. I watched a senior partner with over 40 year's experience conduct a humbling compassionate dialogue with my friend. He listened, was forthright, realistic, and patient. Throughout the conversation, my friend was asked what he wanted to accomplish. He patiently explained how some issues were beyond his ability with great respect. He provided insight into the legal world with practical applications. Mr. Melick was able to provide compassion, patience, and sage advice to my friend saving him further frustration with his legal issue. Mr. Melick stayed late with one of his Junior Lawyers and wrote an amazing response to the Courts of another State after a three plus hour meeting with total strangers. Words cannot convey my gratitude for Mr. Melick lending a helping hand to reduce the burden my friend had been carrying. His help enhanced everyone's life that day. He is a selfless, caring, compassionate, realistic lawyer who listens thoroughly to the client.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Molly
Jacqui did an amazing job preparing me for my (plaintiff) 209A hearing and thankfully the judge granted an extension. There were some atypical aspects of this particular situation but she handled everything knowledgeably and professionally!
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29 May, 2024 by Emily
I had such a great experience working with Jacqui! I hired her for my prenuptial agreement; she is very well-spoken, communicative, smart, and professional. She was also incredibly diligent in following up with my fiancé's lawyer to keep things moving along in a timely fashion. She provided thoughtful guidance for my specific case and ensured I was well-informed of all my options. So glad I had the opportunity to work with Jacqui!
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07 Dec, 2023 by Jaclyn
Jacqui is wonderful to work with. She is very knowledgeable and was a huge help in securing a post nup that was fair and protected my assets. She is great to work with and I would recommend choosing her as your lawyer.
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03 Aug, 2021 by G l
Working with Marian’s office was a pleasant experience. Her services are exceptional. Our client was very happy with the outcome! Thank you
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14 Dec, 2020 by Meghan
Eliza has helped my husband and me navigate real estate and estate planning questions to ensure we knew about our options and risks, so that we are able to make sound decisions. She also provided excellent guidance for an employment contract question, which enabled me to navigate a potentially thorny issue with confidence. I highly recommend Eliza for her knowledge, wisdom, candor, and fairness in all areas, from giving legal advice to billing accurately and transparently for her work.
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10 Dec, 2020 by Celia
I've had a superb experience with Eliza as my divorce attorney. She enabled us to go through the process very smoothly, in spite of some unexpected difficulties derived from lockdown. Eliza worked hard to ensure my deadlines were met, as I was dealing with sensitive immigration timelines, and I am most thankful for it, especially in such a difficult life period. Her dedication was superlative. 5 stars.
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28 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
I first consulted with Jennifer for a better understanding of divorce from a legal perspective. She met with me in person and walked me through the steps of the process, assisted and reviewed my initial filings, and provided general guidance on how to navigate the system, the paperwork, and my upcoming negotiations. I found Jennifer to be knowledgeable, grounded, and clear in her ability to understand the situation and outline the path forward to someone without legal experience. I later retained Jennifer to assist with finalizing my divorce agreement--one that involved children and nuances. She assisted me in drafting and editing language, in negotiations with other parties, and in reviewing all documents before submitting them to court. Our hearing went smoothly with very few, small technical questions from the judge, which were addressed and resolved on the spot. I attribute this to Jennifer's support, accessibility and responsiveness. I found her to be smart, sensitive, and a clear communicator working on my behalf and on behalf of the interests of my family.
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03 Aug, 2021 by G l
Working with Marian’s office was a pleasant experience. Her services are exceptional. Our client was very happy with the outcome! Thank you
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15 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
We had hired Julie for my divorce case and we didn’t win nothing except for more stress, Not worth it to pay for her service
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28 Aug, 2015 by C
I’ve been a client of Julie’s since my divorce in 2011. As I stated before there is no other choice or alternative when I need representation & counsel. Julie recently guided me through a tough custody situation where again she demonstrated her skills as a Class A attorney, may I add “BEST IN CLASS” attorney. As difficult as the case was for me , Julie showed compassion and understanding through the entire process. At times where I was worried, Julie reminded me of the facts and guided me through. Her skills were demonstrated as she worked the case discovering evidence and facts that ultimately brought us to a positive conclusion. Julie is intelligent and is fully versed in family law. Watching Julie in litigation was truly impressive. Because of her skill set and understanding of law, In the end we achieved the exact results we were looking for. Julie and her team are truly amazing for the work they do. Julie and team were always readily available and were there whenever I had questions or concerns. I would definitely recommend Julie to anyone faced with any family law concerns. I can’t thank her enough….she is the BEST!!!
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10 Mar, 2015 by Brian
I just finished working with Julie for almost two years now, through a (to put it mildly), very messy divorce. There are many highs and lows throughout the process, but I can honestly say that Julie and her team are the only reason I made it out intact.
As you can imagine, there are occasions all rationale and logic can leave you. That is when I found the advice and support given by Julie and Matt to be a godsend. I cannot count how my times I would receive a call from one or both of them to check in with me, just to see if I was okay.
Additionally, I found Julie to be quite insightful. Her ability to weed through the nonsense and get to the heart of the matter at hand to be spot on.
Example: On occasion, I could rant and rave for 20-30 minutes while she patently listened. When I was finished, she would say (usually in one sentence or less) "So this is what you mean"... my response would be "Exactly".
I can and will recommend Julie to anyone who needs a incredibly talented and gifted lawyer.
Brian H
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12 Jul, 2024 by James hackett
Hired a Justin banks worse attorney ever took me for a ride then lied about certain things and didn't show up to court date canceled after giving them envelopes full of cash then when I asked him to step down he wanted more cash after just paying him told him that I couldn't afford it then he went into court without notifying me and dismissed my case leaving me high and dry so I can't use any of the evidence that I paid him together now basically all the money that I spent I cant get back
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11 Jun, 2024 by Andrew hewling
AnnMarie Colasanti was a pleasure to work with on the purchase of our mutual clients home! Her communication throughout the process ensured a smooth and early close! I look forward to working with AnnMarie again!
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06 Mar, 2024 by Elden wicks
12 Jul, 2024 by James hackett
Hired a Justin banks worse attorney ever took me for a ride then lied about certain things and didn't show up to court date canceled after giving them envelopes full of cash then when I asked him to step down he wanted more cash after just paying him told him that I couldn't afford it then he went into court without notifying me and dismissed my case leaving me high and dry so I can't use any of the evidence that I paid him together now basically all the money that I spent I cant get back
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11 Jun, 2024 by Andrew hewling
AnnMarie Colasanti was a pleasure to work with on the purchase of our mutual clients home! Her communication throughout the process ensured a smooth and early close! I look forward to working with AnnMarie again!
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06 Mar, 2024 by Elden wicks
12 Jul, 2024 by James hackett
Hired a Justin banks worse attorney ever took me for a ride then lied about certain things and didn't show up to court date canceled after giving them envelopes full of cash then when I asked him to step down he wanted more cash after just paying him told him that I couldn't afford it then he went into court without notifying me and dismissed my case leaving me high and dry so I can't use any of the evidence that I paid him together now basically all the money that I spent I cant get back
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11 Jun, 2024 by Andrew hewling
AnnMarie Colasanti was a pleasure to work with on the purchase of our mutual clients home! Her communication throughout the process ensured a smooth and early close! I look forward to working with AnnMarie again!
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06 Mar, 2024 by Elden wicks
11 Jul, 2023 by Dean
Suzana was inconsistent, unresponsive uninformative and condescending. She said she was going to confuse me and then consistently told me she herself was confused. Suzana was retained by me for divorce she initially refused to accept a retainer for my 209a restraining order indicating the only thing she could do was to contest it until I inquired about a modification to which my wife and I were ignored until I asked to release her then she was as responsive as could be, flexible and willing to handle my 209a modification which was not previously an option as she had advised me. Don’t hire Suzana
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20 Aug, 2010 by Sean
She did a great job. It was a very complicated and long divorce but Suzana's patience and assertiveness ended up being well worth it. I am the father of three children, this was a divorce involving the custody of my three children which after a trial I was awarded full custody of. I will definately be contacting Suzana again in the future if I need her help and will highly recommend her to family and friends.
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22 Jun, 2010 by Suzan
I would highly recommend this wonderful attorney for her immediate assistance with a pressing legal issue!
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12 Jul, 2024 by James hackett
Hired a Justin banks worse attorney ever took me for a ride then lied about certain things and didn't show up to court date canceled after giving them envelopes full of cash then when I asked him to step down he wanted more cash after just paying him told him that I couldn't afford it then he went into court without notifying me and dismissed my case leaving me high and dry so I can't use any of the evidence that I paid him together now basically all the money that I spent I cant get back
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11 Jun, 2024 by Andrew hewling
AnnMarie Colasanti was a pleasure to work with on the purchase of our mutual clients home! Her communication throughout the process ensured a smooth and early close! I look forward to working with AnnMarie again!
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06 Mar, 2024 by Elden wicks
12 Jul, 2024 by James hackett
Hired a Justin banks worse attorney ever took me for a ride then lied about certain things and didn't show up to court date canceled after giving them envelopes full of cash then when I asked him to step down he wanted more cash after just paying him told him that I couldn't afford it then he went into court without notifying me and dismissed my case leaving me high and dry so I can't use any of the evidence that I paid him together now basically all the money that I spent I cant get back
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11 Jun, 2024 by Andrew hewling
AnnMarie Colasanti was a pleasure to work with on the purchase of our mutual clients home! Her communication throughout the process ensured a smooth and early close! I look forward to working with AnnMarie again!
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06 Mar, 2024 by Elden wicks
12 Jul, 2024 by James hackett
Hired a Justin banks worse attorney ever took me for a ride then lied about certain things and didn't show up to court date canceled after giving them envelopes full of cash then when I asked him to step down he wanted more cash after just paying him told him that I couldn't afford it then he went into court without notifying me and dismissed my case leaving me high and dry so I can't use any of the evidence that I paid him together now basically all the money that I spent I cant get back
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11 Jun, 2024 by Andrew hewling
AnnMarie Colasanti was a pleasure to work with on the purchase of our mutual clients home! Her communication throughout the process ensured a smooth and early close! I look forward to working with AnnMarie again!
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06 Mar, 2024 by Elden wicks
12 Jul, 2024 by James hackett
Hired a Justin banks worse attorney ever took me for a ride then lied about certain things and didn't show up to court date canceled after giving them envelopes full of cash then when I asked him to step down he wanted more cash after just paying him told him that I couldn't afford it then he went into court without notifying me and dismissed my case leaving me high and dry so I can't use any of the evidence that I paid him together now basically all the money that I spent I cant get back
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11 Jun, 2024 by Andrew hewling
AnnMarie Colasanti was a pleasure to work with on the purchase of our mutual clients home! Her communication throughout the process ensured a smooth and early close! I look forward to working with AnnMarie again!
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06 Mar, 2024 by Elden wicks
07 Nov, 2019 by Meriem
If I could give a 100 stars I would, a friend recommended Peter to me and couldn’t be happier. Such a real person ,genuine, caring lawyer which is very hard to find nowadays!
if you are looking for a person that will fight for your cause with all their heart, look no further Peter is not only the right choose for you he will stand for you like no one else would! Thank you Peter for saying the truth even when it hurts!
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06 Jan, 2019 by Anonymouse
He is big on promise but short on delivery. He rarely attend my case, but use his associate to bill me excessively. After more than a year, my case hardly made any progress. He made all kind of excuses to stretch my case. Please do not hire him to save money and disappointment.
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12 Oct, 2018 by Jennifer
Mr. Kajko was an excellent advocate for me and my children. He listened, planned and executed our strategy.
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08 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
She has been in so many firms in the last 2 years she stopped listing them on her LinkedIn profile. Cervizzi, Kajko, Callahan Barraco, Halks Firm, Blue Fort, Melcher (no longer on website). Probably more. She will burn through your hard-earned money and waste your time and everyone else's including the judge.
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03 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Please do your due diligence before referring this attorney. She ghost calls and is not responsive.
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05 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
This Aggressive lawyer Took 500.
00 from me and when I met her she refused my case. I asked for refund and she gave me her personal check that bounced for last year and half to this day. This Aggressive attorney stunk of booze at 10am in morning and slurred through whole "meeting " Sent to Bar Association via Rep. Mark Montignys office
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05 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Rebecca is a horrible attorney she made many errors on my legal papers, was unresponsive, unreliable and deceptive. She's also unprofessional talking about her personal life in detail to clients. Her rate is exorbitant and doesn't even come close to her value if she has any
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
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.
