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24 Oct, 2020 by Ann kerrey
24 Oct, 2020 by Ann kerrey
24 Oct, 2020 by Ann kerrey
05 Dec, 2024 by Chris brungardt
I used Glasz Law and was extremely satisfied! They followed through with exactly what they said they would do! 10/10 recommend using this law firm!
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22 Nov, 2024 by Official pluto
Tarin is a GREAT attorney and fought for me every step of the way! She explained everything to me in detail to where I could understand. She got my charges dropped and I am so grateful for her and Nick. GLAZ LAW is simply the best! - Deshaun
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15 Nov, 2024 by Linda sampy
This is the second situation where Attorney Glasz has represented our family. The first was a personal matter and Attorney Glasz did a super job and got probably the best outcome we could have hoped for under the circumstances.
This time Attorney Glasz represented us in a family matter and given the conditions, again, things probably could not have gone much better.
He's been nothing but professional and forthcoming with his guidance to get us to the best outcomes. We give him 5 stars and will use his services again when needed in the future.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Titus deboer
John Braaten was professional and handled my case well. The outcome of my case was satisfactory. His services were priced accordingly, and fair. I would recommend him to anyone for legal representation.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Tim james
I cannot speak highly enough of Jon Braaten. I contacted Jon needing representation from out-of-state. I do not live in Nebraska. Jon was extremely easy to get hold of and prompt. He heard me out and then clearly told me what his plan of action would be and what his anticipated outcome would be as well. Not only did Jon get me the outcome that I was looking for, to my surprise, he did all of this pro bono!
I had searched online for an attorney and called several before discovering Jon. Jon came highly recommended online as well as by his peers! Jon is quick to action, highly organized, very knowledgeable, and has an amazing presence in the courtroom. I would highly recommend Jon for any legal needs you may have.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Angie etzelmiller
I would recommend this law firm to anyone, and have., specifically Hal Anderson. Hal has helped me several times over the last 26 years. I don’t ever want him retiring. He gets straight to the point, tells you what he thinks you can expect, and does it in a timely manner. You want this man on your side.
Many, many thanks Hal. You know I appreciate you!
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07 Jan, 2025 by Cali petersen
12 Nov, 2024 by Nick blakesley
John and his team are very knowledgeable and professional i highly recommend him
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29 Oct, 2024 by John fisher
The process was easy. They walked me through each step and were very responsive! Never had another lawyer that replied to emails on the weekend when I had concerns. Highly recommend John Lentz!
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07 Jan, 2025 by Cali petersen
12 Nov, 2024 by Nick blakesley
John and his team are very knowledgeable and professional i highly recommend him
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29 Oct, 2024 by John fisher
The process was easy. They walked me through each step and were very responsive! Never had another lawyer that replied to emails on the weekend when I had concerns. Highly recommend John Lentz!
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07 Jan, 2025 by Cali petersen
12 Nov, 2024 by Nick blakesley
John and his team are very knowledgeable and professional i highly recommend him
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29 Oct, 2024 by John fisher
The process was easy. They walked me through each step and were very responsive! Never had another lawyer that replied to emails on the weekend when I had concerns. Highly recommend John Lentz!
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18 Oct, 2022 by Michael fergus
Worried or scared about an uncertain future with pending legal drama? Sean and Candice are here to help..
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21 Apr, 2021 by Krysta clausen
03 Feb, 2021 by Harold sullivan
All Lawers should care like this office.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Lana garcia
24 Sep, 2024 by Blessing herman
***************** Buyer BEWARE!!***********
1. This firm is a FATHER'S RIGHTS Firm ( I would have never gone there as a Mom had I known this -- nor is it disclosed anywhere. It became obvious over time, in her multiple failures to protect me)
2. Please notice that there are **very few positive** reviews for Steffanie Kotick on this page; this clearly conveys a message to the client.
3. Positive reviews are over 5 years old. It has been a long time since this attorney performed well for her clients.
3. These failures were: failed to show up at mutliple hearings gravely harming my case, NO showed at a Protection order hearing, blew off off an Intervenor hearing leaving me completely exposed! It wasn't calendared, her receptionist couldn't even find her. While we waited for her to show up, opposing counsel said he had reached out to her and NEVER heard from her. This cost me $12K!!!, plus my legal fees, lost income, an entire business, almost all its assets!!! She blew off at least three (3) hearing dates!, Made commitments for various actions that she failed to follow through on, failed to file a balance sheet and parenting plan for trial, at a contempt hearing: literally failed to present any of my evidence or ask me any questions from the narrative/affidavit provided and I was found guilty on counts where I was largely innocent and had multiple defense. I was lilterally thrown under the bus. I recall when the hearing ended, that sick in the pit of my stomach feeling. This was extremly negligent on her part she left me totally exposed, vulnerable and UNDEFENDED.
4. She reassured me she'd complete trial, then WITHDREW on the LAST DAY OF TRIAL, after a private conversation with Matt Catlett and Judge Post leaving me without a DEFENSE and scrambling to put together a 2.8 year old case in 8 weeks Pro Se. I lost everything as a result of it. The grave material harms are so severe as to be utterly debilitating and castastrophic .
5. "NE SHARED PARENTING FOUNDATION" recommended her -- as they supposedly help with hardship cases. No.
BUYER BEWARE for NE SHARED PARENTING FOUNDATION. It appears that this entity works as a Father's Rights program as well.
6. Extremely poor communicator -- I had a crisis with assets and an email and call trail of a few months and she REFUSED and FAILED to address the issue before it came to a head -- then thousands of dollars of assets were lost. She RARELY communicated, unless I scheduled a sit down meeting where she'd make all sorts of promises to be more assertive and never did: she was given entire packets of affidavit/documents for opposing party's failure to pay medical bills, failure to fulfill complete and throuough discoveries, failure to complete a 2nd level parenting course, extreme amounts of failures to exercise parenting time...and she did NOTHING about any of it!
7. She left me defenseless, unprotected..and absolutely, unjustly destroyed my credibilty with the Judge.
8. She failed to coordinate, keep apprised and communicate with an expert witness.
9.She did nothing when the Judge failed to follow Statutes requring an ex parte PO or a hearing, I was denied both, and it was immediately dismissed - after there was a history of one being Ordered.
10. I produced all of my updated discoveries to her and she failed to produce them to the opposing counsel! This recklessly exposed me to the risk for contempt.
Read more
13 Aug, 2024 by Hawraa brown
I had the privilege of working with Steffanie Kotik on a complex family law case, and I can’t recommend her enough. From the very start, she demonstrated a deep understanding of family law and offered strategic yet compassionate guidance that made a huge difference throughout the process. Steffanie wasn’t just thorough and diligent—she truly cared about my well-being and that of my family.
What really stood out was her clear and consistent communication. She kept me updated regularly and was always available to answer any questions, no matter how small. This made a challenging time feel much more manageable. Steffanie’s ability to handle the complexities of my case with both professionalism and empathy played a big part in my case progression.
Steffanie’s thoughtful and straightforward approach made sure I felt informed and prepared every step of the way. Her combination of empathy, directness, and tactical expertise is rare, and I’m incredibly grateful for her support.
If you're looking for a lawyer who is not only highly competent but also genuinely cares about her clients, Steffanie Kotik is the one to call. I'm deeply grateful for her help and highly recommend her services.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Attempt 47 o
If I could give 0 stars, I would. I hired them for legal services related to immigration, and they initially seemed optimistic, saying it would be easy to fix. However, after paying over $2000, I didn't hear back for over two months. When I called every 1-2 weeks, they seemed annoyed. Eventually, they told me it couldn't be fixed due to reasons they knew from the start. This place is a SCAM, and the lawyer who helped was certified in Colorado. I found another lawyer who was much easier to work with and transparent. THIS PLACE IS SCAMMY. I wish I had read other reviews beforehand. I DO NOT recommend.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Alejandra alvarez
Excelente atendieron todas mis dudas todos son muy generosos y amables
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17 Jul, 2024 by Bryce robinson
Very professional and outstanding quality of service.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Titus deboer
John Braaten was professional and handled my case well. The outcome of my case was satisfactory. His services were priced accordingly, and fair. I would recommend him to anyone for legal representation.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Tim james
I cannot speak highly enough of Jon Braaten. I contacted Jon needing representation from out-of-state. I do not live in Nebraska. Jon was extremely easy to get hold of and prompt. He heard me out and then clearly told me what his plan of action would be and what his anticipated outcome would be as well. Not only did Jon get me the outcome that I was looking for, to my surprise, he did all of this pro bono!
I had searched online for an attorney and called several before discovering Jon. Jon came highly recommended online as well as by his peers! Jon is quick to action, highly organized, very knowledgeable, and has an amazing presence in the courtroom. I would highly recommend Jon for any legal needs you may have.
Read more
26 Sep, 2024 by Angie etzelmiller
I would recommend this law firm to anyone, and have., specifically Hal Anderson. Hal has helped me several times over the last 26 years. I don’t ever want him retiring. He gets straight to the point, tells you what he thinks you can expect, and does it in a timely manner. You want this man on your side.
Many, many thanks Hal. You know I appreciate you!
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01 Mar, 2021 by Curt
Nicholas did a great job helping me with my divorce. He was honest and gave sound legal advice but ultimately let me make the decisions. He kept my kids and myself as the priority, and has a team (Rennie) kept me on track through frequent communications. I would highly recommend Nicholas if you are looking for an honest lawyer who is looking out for your best interest and your kids if it pertains.
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08 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
In my divorce, he was awesome. Got me more than expected and made sure that it was joint physical and legal custody. I have used him in other cases as well and he has been awesome
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05 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Nicholas did a good job on my divorce case. He kept me well informed as we took the case to trail. he fought really hard for me and got me a better outcome with my parenting time then most fathers get.
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19 Nov, 2024 by Edison fortner
In my opinion There are much better options out there. Absolute zero accountability
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12 Aug, 2024 by Ashlie slatt
Small law firm with passionate attorneys who care about your case.
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10 Aug, 2024 by James atmore
All our questions were answered, very nice and polite people. Willing to help and meet our needs. We have been very pleased with the Morrow Poppe Law Firm
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22 May, 2024 by Colby barr
30 Dec, 2023 by Lauren hicks
25 Mar, 2023 by Larry burklund
These people are the best
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20 Dec, 2024 by Attempt 47 o
If I could give 0 stars, I would. I hired them for legal services related to immigration, and they initially seemed optimistic, saying it would be easy to fix. However, after paying over $2000, I didn't hear back for over two months. When I called every 1-2 weeks, they seemed annoyed. Eventually, they told me it couldn't be fixed due to reasons they knew from the start. This place is a SCAM, and the lawyer who helped was certified in Colorado. I found another lawyer who was much easier to work with and transparent. THIS PLACE IS SCAMMY. I wish I had read other reviews beforehand. I DO NOT recommend.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Alejandra alvarez
Excelente atendieron todas mis dudas todos son muy generosos y amables
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17 Jul, 2024 by Bryce robinson
Very professional and outstanding quality of service.
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31 Jan, 2024 by Ethan parham
Stefanie and Mollie are top notch best of the best if you need an attorney for this kind of situation look no further. Thank you both again and you will always have my business
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24 Jan, 2024 by Jen sievers
Great law firm to work with, efficient, friendly, and helpful. They get things done.
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26 Sep, 2023 by Japheth wheeler
Fantastic job!!! I encourage anyone who needs an attorney to come here! Especially in family law! Everyone was friendly and worked hard to answer questions and get results!
Read more
31 Jan, 2024 by Ethan parham
Stefanie and Mollie are top notch best of the best if you need an attorney for this kind of situation look no further. Thank you both again and you will always have my business
Read more
24 Jan, 2024 by Jen sievers
Great law firm to work with, efficient, friendly, and helpful. They get things done.
Read more
26 Sep, 2023 by Japheth wheeler
Fantastic job!!! I encourage anyone who needs an attorney to come here! Especially in family law! Everyone was friendly and worked hard to answer questions and get results!
Read more
31 Jan, 2024 by Ethan parham
Stefanie and Mollie are top notch best of the best if you need an attorney for this kind of situation look no further. Thank you both again and you will always have my business
Read more
24 Jan, 2024 by Jen sievers
Great law firm to work with, efficient, friendly, and helpful. They get things done.
Read more
26 Sep, 2023 by Japheth wheeler
Fantastic job!!! I encourage anyone who needs an attorney to come here! Especially in family law! Everyone was friendly and worked hard to answer questions and get results!
Read more
31 Jan, 2024 by Ethan parham
Stefanie and Mollie are top notch best of the best if you need an attorney for this kind of situation look no further. Thank you both again and you will always have my business
Read more
24 Jan, 2024 by Jen sievers
Great law firm to work with, efficient, friendly, and helpful. They get things done.
Read more
26 Sep, 2023 by Japheth wheeler
Fantastic job!!! I encourage anyone who needs an attorney to come here! Especially in family law! Everyone was friendly and worked hard to answer questions and get results!
Read more
31 Jan, 2024 by Ethan parham
Stefanie and Mollie are top notch best of the best if you need an attorney for this kind of situation look no further. Thank you both again and you will always have my business
Read more
24 Jan, 2024 by Jen sievers
Great law firm to work with, efficient, friendly, and helpful. They get things done.
Read more
26 Sep, 2023 by Japheth wheeler
Fantastic job!!! I encourage anyone who needs an attorney to come here! Especially in family law! Everyone was friendly and worked hard to answer questions and get results!
Read more
05 Jan, 2025 by Debra c
12 Dec, 2024 by Artimus walker
I really appreciate what Morgan & Morgan did for me. They got me my SSD and it only took about 8 months. They handled everything very professionally.
Read more
12 Dec, 2024 by Chris del menico
21 Dec, 2023 by Jeffrey ficken
26 Nov, 2023 by John duggar
Meditation is usually a far better option to ligation and these mediators are professionals in helping people find workable solutions.
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26 Nov, 2023 by Monica hass
The staff is knowledgeable, kind and understanding.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Lana garcia
24 Sep, 2024 by Blessing herman
***************** Buyer BEWARE!!***********
1. This firm is a FATHER'S RIGHTS Firm ( I would have never gone there as a Mom had I known this -- nor is it disclosed anywhere. It became obvious over time, in her multiple failures to protect me)
2. Please notice that there are **very few positive** reviews for Steffanie Kotick on this page; this clearly conveys a message to the client.
3. Positive reviews are over 5 years old. It has been a long time since this attorney performed well for her clients.
3. These failures were: failed to show up at mutliple hearings gravely harming my case, NO showed at a Protection order hearing, blew off off an Intervenor hearing leaving me completely exposed! It wasn't calendared, her receptionist couldn't even find her. While we waited for her to show up, opposing counsel said he had reached out to her and NEVER heard from her. This cost me $12K!!!, plus my legal fees, lost income, an entire business, almost all its assets!!! She blew off at least three (3) hearing dates!, Made commitments for various actions that she failed to follow through on, failed to file a balance sheet and parenting plan for trial, at a contempt hearing: literally failed to present any of my evidence or ask me any questions from the narrative/affidavit provided and I was found guilty on counts where I was largely innocent and had multiple defense. I was lilterally thrown under the bus. I recall when the hearing ended, that sick in the pit of my stomach feeling. This was extremly negligent on her part she left me totally exposed, vulnerable and UNDEFENDED.
4. She reassured me she'd complete trial, then WITHDREW on the LAST DAY OF TRIAL, after a private conversation with Matt Catlett and Judge Post leaving me without a DEFENSE and scrambling to put together a 2.8 year old case in 8 weeks Pro Se. I lost everything as a result of it. The grave material harms are so severe as to be utterly debilitating and castastrophic .
5. "NE SHARED PARENTING FOUNDATION" recommended her -- as they supposedly help with hardship cases. No.
BUYER BEWARE for NE SHARED PARENTING FOUNDATION. It appears that this entity works as a Father's Rights program as well.
6. Extremely poor communicator -- I had a crisis with assets and an email and call trail of a few months and she REFUSED and FAILED to address the issue before it came to a head -- then thousands of dollars of assets were lost. She RARELY communicated, unless I scheduled a sit down meeting where she'd make all sorts of promises to be more assertive and never did: she was given entire packets of affidavit/documents for opposing party's failure to pay medical bills, failure to fulfill complete and throuough discoveries, failure to complete a 2nd level parenting course, extreme amounts of failures to exercise parenting time...and she did NOTHING about any of it!
7. She left me defenseless, unprotected..and absolutely, unjustly destroyed my credibilty with the Judge.
8. She failed to coordinate, keep apprised and communicate with an expert witness.
9.She did nothing when the Judge failed to follow Statutes requring an ex parte PO or a hearing, I was denied both, and it was immediately dismissed - after there was a history of one being Ordered.
10. I produced all of my updated discoveries to her and she failed to produce them to the opposing counsel! This recklessly exposed me to the risk for contempt.
Read more
13 Aug, 2024 by Hawraa brown
I had the privilege of working with Steffanie Kotik on a complex family law case, and I can’t recommend her enough. From the very start, she demonstrated a deep understanding of family law and offered strategic yet compassionate guidance that made a huge difference throughout the process. Steffanie wasn’t just thorough and diligent—she truly cared about my well-being and that of my family.
What really stood out was her clear and consistent communication. She kept me updated regularly and was always available to answer any questions, no matter how small. This made a challenging time feel much more manageable. Steffanie’s ability to handle the complexities of my case with both professionalism and empathy played a big part in my case progression.
Steffanie’s thoughtful and straightforward approach made sure I felt informed and prepared every step of the way. Her combination of empathy, directness, and tactical expertise is rare, and I’m incredibly grateful for her support.
If you're looking for a lawyer who is not only highly competent but also genuinely cares about her clients, Steffanie Kotik is the one to call. I'm deeply grateful for her help and highly recommend her services.
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13 Nov, 2024 by Jared waite
Very helpful and friendly
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17 Jun, 2024 by Sid mccartney
Excellent service.
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27 May, 2024 by Derek olson
They stole 17 thousand dollars from me. I'm disabled. Lived thru a two year coma after a 90 mph Porsche wreck neither my seatbelt or airbag worked. They suck. Steer clear from a group of thieves! Linsey camplin stole mine. The entire office assisted her with her THEFT from a DISABLED PERSON. Google "Derek Olson Porsche" I'm first result. F this place. Everyone knows the word I'm abriviating. Best of luck with your own trials! DONT LIE. DONT CHEAT. DONT STEAL. I'm out. BE CAREFUL! DEUCES!
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08 Jan, 2024 by Chuck burner
17 May, 2023 by Debbie nichols
Putting put a word of thanks for your diligent work in representing John Golden with his legal matters. I'm grateful, his Mom
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29 Nov, 2022 by Kevin walker
Actually cared about my case. Took it to trial and we won.
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16 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
she is junior lawyer, still she is eager to learn and deals your case with more caution and care. she does good research and do takes advice from superiors and also listens to the clients very well. my case is still under process, but i still like her way of dealing the case in more professional manner.
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31 Jan, 2024 by Ethan parham
Stefanie and Mollie are top notch best of the best if you need an attorney for this kind of situation look no further. Thank you both again and you will always have my business
Read more
24 Jan, 2024 by Jen sievers
Great law firm to work with, efficient, friendly, and helpful. They get things done.
Read more
26 Sep, 2023 by Japheth wheeler
Fantastic job!!! I encourage anyone who needs an attorney to come here! Especially in family law! Everyone was friendly and worked hard to answer questions and get results!
Read more
05 Jan, 2025 by Debra c
12 Dec, 2024 by Artimus walker
I really appreciate what Morgan & Morgan did for me. They got me my SSD and it only took about 8 months. They handled everything very professionally.
Read more
12 Dec, 2024 by Chris del menico
13 Nov, 2024 by Paul myers
I am more than pleased with the service for everyone in the office. They treated me like I was family and gave everything they had to ensure the outcome was favorable for us.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Robbie brady
I want to thank Dana and Nora, as well as the rest of the office for the work they performed on my case. I hired them last minute, they worked very diligently to get all of the information needed to get the result we wanted it the case. They are very knowledgeable and informative, I would urge anyone in need to give them a call you won’t regret it. Thanks again - Robert
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11 Apr, 2024 by Teja taylor
I absolutely love working at London Law. I’ve been there for years and never want to leave :). Mr and Mrs London work hard for their clients. I have also learned sooo much working for them. I am very grateful to be apart of the London team. I thank God for my job at London Law.
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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.
