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03 Aug, 2024 by Troy g
06 Nov, 2023 by Charan andreas
I highly recommend Attorney Frank Kim. He represented me on a wage/hour issue and gave me a great result. Mr. Kim is compassionate and easy to work with. He is highly knowledgeable in this field.
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03 Aug, 2024 by Troy g
06 Nov, 2023 by Charan andreas
I highly recommend Attorney Frank Kim. He represented me on a wage/hour issue and gave me a great result. Mr. Kim is compassionate and easy to work with. He is highly knowledgeable in this field.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Kofi
My partner and I were looking for a lawyer to help us create a prenuptial agreement (PMA). As a professional athlete, I’m very particular about who represents me in legal matters. After contacting several lawyers and doing some research, I was eventually recommended to Christine Twining.
When I spoke with her, Christine emphasized her extensive experience, education, and reputation in family law, highlighting her over 20 years of practice, including PMAs and divorces. In hindsight, I should have been cautious when she asked me to write her a review after our very first consultation.
Christine’s retainer fees were pretty high, but she justified them by claiming to be highly detail-oriented and experienced in this field. I made it very clear that my partner and I needed our PMA completed before our wedding court date. Christine assured me that she could meet this deadline given that our PMA was straight forward and my partner and I had agreed on everything beforehand.
After retaining Christine, she provided a timeline for when tasks would be completed to ensure the PMA was done on time. However, she consistently missed these deadlines, which forced my partner and I to reschedule our wedding, causing significant stress and financial losses as family members from around the world had to cancel and rebook their flights.
Throughout the drafting process, my wife’s attorney identified numerous basic mistakes, including mixing up our names with those of other clients, and including other clients' clauses in our PMA, which indicated that she had just copy/pasted from another client's prenup.
The errors and lack of professionalism were unacceptable, especially from a lawyer charging such high fees. I was extremely disappointed with her lack of communication, honesty, and attention to detail. Despite paying a high retainer fee, I ended up being charged even more in an additional invoice, with no refunds for the poor service received or money lost on our end.
While I’m not here to tell others who to choose for their PMA process as everyone's experience is different, I'd personally advise caution if considering Christine Twining. The service provided does not justify the cost, and I believe there are more competent lawyers out there for a better price.
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24 Oct, 2012 by Anna
Christine was the 4th attorney I had talked to about my divorce and I felt the most comfortable with her. She was down-to-earth and very easy to talk to. In my case, I was looking for the quickest, cheapest, easiest divorce possible. She heard my requests and gave me several options. I had not wanted my divorce, but every time I met with her, I felt empowered.
If you need an attorney that you feel you can trust and is really on your side, I highly recommend Christine Twining.
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20 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr. Soleimani destroyed my case. He took an exorbitant retainer from me after making inflated promises he quickly contradicted, sat passively on my case in circumstances that required action/caution/strategy, mis-advised me on important decisions, and left me in a severely compromised position from which I could not recover. He had a conflict of interest and should have never taken my case in the first place, compounding my difficulties and praying on me in a time of great difficulty. On top of it, he breached my confidentiality through the mismanagement/incompetence of his staff. All show/sweet-talk, no substance.
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28 Jul, 2011 by Unhappy client
He does not know how to practice law. He promised me the world but he messed up my case to the point that he did not get a penny for me. Please runaway from his office.
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12 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Gordon paid very little attention to detail related to my case. He missed court deadlines and was admonished by the judge in court for being unprepared. His bills were fraudulent - grossly over-charging and charging for work that he did not perform. He was not interested in listening to my goals or what was best for my children. His only interest was finding ways to prolong an already painful process to incur additional fees.
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01 Nov, 2013 by Sandra
Errol Gordon came into my life at a time when I was at a low point. He was caring and patient and when i met him i instantly knew he was extremely competent.. He stuck with me throughout the entire divorce and custody nightmares and never wavered.He is powerful in court and a pleasure to know as a real person and caring human being. His staff is excellent and they work 24
/7 to get the work filed timely in court and to obtain the BEST results for their clients .His Son Attorney Christiaan Gordon is younger, smart and very impressive. The judges also know him to be honest and reliable, and very articulate.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
the worst, unprofessional and lacks basic legal procedures. he' s cheap for a reason and works from a wework desk
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16 Jan, 2024 by Ari
This man is awful and his practice is unethical. He got a free 1000 from scamming my family. Didn’t even bother to look up my father’s case we literally paid him 1000 for him to see my father in person and demand more money. He did not look up his case or offer any type of consultation on how we can help my father. BEWARE of this awful unethical attorney that’s ok with scamming families out of their hard earned money.
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06 May, 2023 by Robert hill
27 Jul, 2024 by Profiles and reviews
28 May, 2018 by Mark greydanus
08 Feb, 2023 by Nac pat
The positive reviews on this site or any site for that matter are 100% bogus!! When you look up lawyer jokes in the dictionary his picture is under the definition. He is a narcissist and If you don't believe me all you have to do is check out what property he owns. Nuff said.....
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17 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
If you encounter problems contact California Bar Association.
You have to report bad behavior or problems with ethics or dishonest behavior.
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12 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
I was overly pleased with this lawyers performance both in court and via court documents. So much so that once the job was completed I felt as though I was somewhat at a loss for words. It seemed like a mere “Thank you” would have been too generic and insufficient.
My husband and I were both very pleased with the results from the bifurcation process that we had undergone with the lawyer and we were pleased with the support and guidance that we’ve received from him and his staff throughout the process. It took a lot of frustration and stress off of our plates, enabling us to focus our energies elsewhere and we are utterly grateful to him for that.
I will more than likely be in touch with him in the very near future regarding upcoming proceedings with this and other related legal matters.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
If you are looking for an attorney that lies to the client, yell at you whenever you ask a question, doesn't know how to operate his own computer in court, double bill you, refuse to submit your evidence to court hire this scam bag.
This attorney should be in jail!!!
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22 Jun, 2023 by Shawn
I had an absolutely terrible experience with Attorney Robert Schibel. I strongly advise anyone seeking legal assistance to steer clear of this individual. This attorney consistently displayed a lack of professionalism, organization, and dedication to my case. It was an utter disappointment from start to finish.
First and foremost, Robert Schibel had a habit of forgetting crucial details related to my case. This negligence resulted in multiple errors and required constant follow-up from my end to rectify the situation. Not only was it frustrating, but it also wasted a significant amount of my time and energy.
Furthermore, I was shocked to discover that Robert Schibel charged exorbitant fees for their services. To add insult to injury, despite their careless mistakes and constant need for correction, they showed no willingness to take responsibility or rectify their errors. It became abundantly clear that their primary concern was extracting as much money as possible from their clients, without providing the level of service one would expect.
To make matters worse, Robert Schibel abandoned my case merely three weeks before the final hearing. This act of betrayal left me scrambling to find a replacement attorney and caused unnecessary stress and anxiety during a critical phase of my legal proceedings. It was a blatant display of unprofessionalism and a complete disregard for their clients' well-being.
In summary, Attorney Robert Schibel is an attorney I strongly advise against working with. His lack of loyalty, remorse, and attention to detail is concerning and indicative of his unsuitability for handling legal matters. Save yourself the trouble, frustration, and financial loss by seeking legal representation elsewhere. There are plenty of competent and trustworthy attorneys out there who will genuinely advocate for your best interests—unfortunately, Robert Schibel is not one of them.
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24 Aug, 2019 by Arthur
It has been many years since I turned, in desperation, to Mr. Schibel. I had an attorney who was not a family law specialist and I have a less than livable result. From my first meeting with Mr. Schibel he was open, fair, mindful of time and costs and guided me. Our outcomes together were completely fair and reasonable. Who likes paying an attorney''s bill? Every penny was accounted for and within the specific parameters he outlined. I cannot speak more highly about him.
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25 Jun, 2024 by Zoraida cordova
If you’re a creative, especially in film in LA, find a law group that knows how to handle a contract and negotiate things in favor of their clients.
I’ve been an author for 12 years, and I would not recommend at all.
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25 Jan, 2024 by Pau wes
They are ambulance chasers. They search court records for new filings and then email you to get your case. Never ever use them
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28 Sep, 2023 by Christian daniels
Stay away. They don't make you feel like a priority and they do very sloppy work. I had to constantly stay on then, almost begging them, for progress on my case. Their good lawyers of the firm left years ago. That tells you something.
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25 Jun, 2024 by Zoraida cordova
If you’re a creative, especially in film in LA, find a law group that knows how to handle a contract and negotiate things in favor of their clients.
I’ve been an author for 12 years, and I would not recommend at all.
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25 Jan, 2024 by Pau wes
They are ambulance chasers. They search court records for new filings and then email you to get your case. Never ever use them
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28 Sep, 2023 by Christian daniels
Stay away. They don't make you feel like a priority and they do very sloppy work. I had to constantly stay on then, almost begging them, for progress on my case. Their good lawyers of the firm left years ago. That tells you something.
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06 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
I had an incident a couple years ago where I need an attorney for a petty crime. Now I know Ivie, McNeill, and Wyatt is a large firm and they deal with a lot of cases, but I thought that my matter would be respected just the same. Long story short, I was about to graduate from college and the situation came back when I was trying to apply for a government job and needed a security clearance. I reached out to Atty. Purcell everyday for a two weeks and there was no response. My mom had to run around the whole city for those two weeks to get the information that he would have access to within an hour. I was supposed to receive my security clearance in April; now it's July and I have the information that I need, but I'm still waiting on my security clearance in order to move forward.
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15 Nov, 2021 by John
After many broken promises, I finally had enough when Thompson 1.) would not produce a contract and 2.) would not provide invoices. Business Profession Code Section 6148 states very clearly that an attorney must 1.) provide a written/signed service agreement if the engagement was to exceed $1,000...and 2.) provide a written/detailed invoice within 10 days of one being requested. Well...it's been over 7 months and he has not provided either despite telling me at least 6 times that he would. it's been over 1 month, and he still has not transferred the case file to my new attorney, who is considering subpoena and sanctions. I have a pending lawsuit in small claims court. DO NOT HIRE THOMPSON.
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16 Feb, 2018 by Jeanette
My husband and I hired James Thompson to help deal with child support and alimony issues in relation to my husbands Ex-wife. Mr. Thompson and was very friendly at first, but after we paid him the requested retainer of $6000 he disappeared on us. Not only were we not able to get him to respond to any emails, but her was never reachable on the phone. Sporadically we got an email back saying he is dealing with "family matters" and would respond "later". "Later" never happened. We lost our money and got nothing in return. So, we reported him to the California State Bar, upon which he finally returned our call. He asked for us to withdraw the complaint upon which he would give us our retainer back. We agreed and everything was done in writing with a Representative of the CA Bar. But, to this day he never paid us a penny back. We informed the Bar representative who said there is nothing further they can do. We were also told we cant file a small claims complaint against a lawyer. We ended up not only losing our money, but we had issues with Child Services based on what Mr Thompson had filed with them ( when he started the process we asked him to handle). We lost thousands in back payment due to the Child Services based on his poor management of this matter. We are astounded that if lawyers make mistakes and take clients monies without any service, they get away with it so easy, because as a client there isn't anything one can do it seems.
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13 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I had a very similar experience as another reviewer. I had paid this guy over $2500 as a retainer to deal with my ex-husband. Months and months would go by and he would tell me "next week, almost done", week after week. He would make promises and would not keep any date.
After an entire year of no progress, I had to cut bait. This guy is a total scam. Worst experience ever.
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23 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
A crook. Has the blood of many many many broken families on his hands. Tears them apart for money and ego. A disgusting human being.
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11 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
Joe never explained any process or strategy when it came to my legal and parental rights. He acted more like a used car/snake oil salesman, telling me that he’s an expert in basically everything. He was also disciplined in 2001. Thank god I did not retain him. Good Luck!
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12 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
No expert knowledge and Rip Client off Illegally
Totally agree with the other reviewer, Leonard Garber has no clue what to do with my case as well. Typically when attorneys try to sell their services, they will propose their approach for the case. Leonard Garber says he has no idea what to do with the case, but would expect to get paid for his time even when he is doing nothing.
He illegally conned the client into retaining him only then to intentionally get on the phone with the client doing nothing other than saying he doesn’t think he can handle the case. Then he charged the client for that time. He is not even supposed to get in retainment when he doesn’t want to take the case. The only way he did so is so as to charge the client illegally.
It is hard to believe an attorney who has practiced for 40 years would have no clues of some basic case scenarios!
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29 Feb, 2020 by Heather
I hired Mr. Garber for my divorce case and I am glad I switched attorneys as soon as I could otherwise, my case would have been a disaster! Mr. Garber is not a family law specialist and besides that, he took days to get back at emails/calls. He didn't have a clue of what to do in my case.
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03 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Diana has to be the worst attorney for men. If you just need motions filed, she is great. But to have her as representation I would RUN, she will misrepresent you, she gives the other side whatever they want. Diana is more combative with her client than she will with the opposing team. You can have all the documents in the world and prove that the other party is in contempt, perjury and showing you do not owe what they say you do she will not go up against it. It was like I was going against the state and her. SHE DOESN'T OR DO NOT WANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT SHE IS HANDLING PEOPLE LIVELY HOOD. But she will take your money like she did all she could do to represent you. Let's not forget she hides information from her own clients. But if you have extra money and would like to throw it away use them. Charles goes along with whatever as long as they are getting paid. PLEASE DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THE RESPONSE THEY MAY POST TO SAY THEY NEVER REPRESENTED ME BECAUSE THEY DID, THEY JUST DONT WANT THE NEGATIVE REVIEW.
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02 Jun, 2014 by Decimated
my case was a fiasco because the other party was vicious and mercenary. this attorney was out of touch and let the opposing party control the tempo of the entire case. it was as if she worked for the opposing party. despite solid evidence against the opposing party my case was lost and with that large sums of money. to date I have not been able to recover from the devastation that ensued.
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14 May, 2024 by Anonymous
He only cares about getting paid and nothing else
matt puts his own needs ahead of anyone else's and just leaves his clients high and dry once his option to get paid is on the table
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04 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
This attorney is the most horrific attorney. I met him at the court house when I was in an ex-parte. He pretended very nice. He wanted me to hire him and promised half price. As soon as I gave him $3500 retaining fee, he started yell at me, "Do not ask me questions!" When I try to ask him something. One time when I ask him what I should do to prepare my case. Again he yelled at me, "I don't know." He even did not want to go the the court for me after he got my money. He told me that he will be out of states on my court day and another attorney in his office will go to the court for me. Then on my court day he sent a young guy who doesn't even know my case at all. In the court this young guy said to the judge, "I don't know much about this case." His paralegals wrote so many wrong things. After I told them to correct everything, they never did. Their terrible writings made the judge mad. He totally messed up my case. The same day I went to his office. He was not out of the state at all. He was in his office and relaxing. So I immediately fired him. Then Arthur Goldberg sent me an itemized bill for over $3800. He totally made up the time and things that never happened. He never went to the court for me, messed up my case, later resulting messed up my children and my life for over eight years. The suffer and loss caused by this attorney is immeasurable and irreparable.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
This lawyer is defending my sister who is trying to adopt my daughter and is representing her false allegations
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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.
