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03 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Karen last year desperate to find help to file for custody and to divorce, I paid her upfront and she showed up once to court once, then called me she had personal issues with her husband so she stopped working on the case but that she would presume, its almost been a year and I have not heard from her, I got a letter in the mail that I have to appear in court because my case is not moving forward, I would of appreciated if she could of at least notified me that she wasn't going to work on my case so I could of initially hired another attorney. damage is done and she was paid in full, and yet i'm left with no divorce, and a hole in my wallet, very disappointing when you need the help and they fail to do their jobs.
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10 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
I paid her up front for the majority of the fees. In November for a very simple name change. As of today nothing has been done at all and to spite numerous weekly phone calls for the last six weeks there has been no response or communication of any kind. I cannot tell you how frustrating this experience has been. I am looking into another attorney.
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04 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
For starters, she was always weeks late with drafts of our divorce settlement agreement. One of her drafts included the names of someone else’s children! My now ex-husband should have been paid because he did the research and corrections to her extremely shoddy work. I found our later that she did not represent my interests and I lost thousands and thousands of dollars due to her inability to realize that one of my two lucrative jobs has varying levels of income. Do not hire her!
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25 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Would I recommend this lawyer?? Never. I would never recommend this lawyer, ever. Unless you are a masochist prepared to lose your case while expending ridiculous amounts of money in padded fees, to an over rated attorney. I spent THOUSANDS of dollars to have this attorney turn my case upside down. Literally. Unless you work well with attorney' who are cold as ice & appear to have no compassion for her clients. Nothing like the Carolyn, attorney I interviewed. It was evident she operated from the school of; Clients will pay what you project your image & worth to be. Even false image & worth. I've read former client' reviews not only on this attorney , but Jarvis Krieger & Sullivan on other social media sites, (Yelp, Superpages.com/lbp, AVVO & various legal forums). It's important for potential clients to have this open forum to review when researching as they have the right to know. I felt validated after reading this attorney's & firms' negative reviews especially my exact suspicions and issues. I recall questioning this firm's negative reviews during my consultation meeting only to receive a well prepared and thought out response blaming the client who posted their review and not to pay much attention.
Throughout retaining this attorney, there were EXCESSIVE fees billing even billing fees that were questioned if work had even been performed. This attorney's demeanor & perception was that of someone who is burned out longing to retire soon. This attorney was shockingly unprofessional in how she conducted business and treated me, forgetting I was the client even AFTER signing her retainer & forking out way, way too much money. This attorney used the same consistent tactic the firm she works for; Jarvis Krieger & Sullivan's; asking you for double digit thousands dollars to pay "in addition" to the thousands already paid, towards your retainer fees, otherwise, they will threaten and often follow through on withdrawing from your case, leaving you abandoned without any remorse. There are other client written negative reviews on Jarvis Krieger & Sullivan for this same complaint along with the same threats they all received. One of Ms. Martin's clients negative reviews wrote; "Carolyn' peers had warned her Carolyn was steering her on a suicide mission. " This is the exact experience I encountered with this attorney. Majority of my calls as sporadic as they were completely ignored. I was kept in suspense on case matters especially conversations she billed me for with opposing counsel', to the point I was never briefed. On smaller matters, she would debrief you at the very last moment. This attorney's feedback, responses & advice was vague to say the least. I was never updated at ALL activities and matters & shamed me for asking. I often wondered; which side of my case is this women on?! Mine or opposing?! Why am I paying this women thousands of dollars within a brief period of time, when neglect, & irreversible damages are being made to my case by my own attorney?! The partners of Jarvis, Krieger & Sullivan seem unconnected & could care less what the client' satisfaction level was towards their attorneys or staff members. If disputes are brought up, you were mocked against by internal staff members & other attorneys. For me, the wool was pulled over my eyes once they figured out how green I was to the whole legal process. I was billed excessively for lack of actions, work and results, which have major impacted my future and they honestly will defend themselves and try to make you feel like you're the problem. We pay too much money and trust these attorneys to represent and fight for our best interests and what is right. This attorney's only concerns appeared to be that of obtaining money and aligning herself politically with peers. Buyer beware.
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03 Dec, 2016 by Andrea
Gary Beeks did not complete the title transfer for the property that was to be included in my grandmothers trust. This only came up after her passing and when I attempted to contact him, no response. It cost me in the area of $3,000 for a Heggstad petition after the fact in order to have the property added the trust.
Do those who will be managing your estate a favor - avoid this guy and get a good lawyer. It's worth it to ensure that your family doesn't have to face the same frustrating, expensive and time consuming headaches that mine has.
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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.
