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16 Sep, 2024 by A l
I had the pleasure of working with Callan Olsen earlier this year. I reached out to a few attorneys in the area, and ultimately decided to go with her. She was prompt in her response to my request, and we set up the the initial phone call where she advised me of a few different strategies she recommended. She made sure our approach was cost-effective, and at the same time could guarantee the best outcome. I appreciate the upfront approach as other attorneys either wanted to charge me for the initial consultation, or just did not get back to me promptly. I signed the retainer with her right away and forego meeting with anyone else :) We communicated mainly through email during the process, but Callan had always been prompt in her response. We were able to wrap up the case pretty quickly and seamlessly. Thank you again, Callan!
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10 Aug, 2024 by Dan romo
Judy Douglass was great to work with. She helped me navigate the ins and outs of probate and she made a difficult time a bit easier. Judy was informative, helpful and compassionate. I highly recommend Judy Douglass to establish a trust, health directives and probate needs.
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10 Aug, 2024 by E o
Judy recently provided legal services to my family and we are extremely satisfied with the entire experience. Her work product is of the highest quality. When selecting an estate planning attorney, experience was a top priority for us, and Judy has been in practice for decades. We value and trust Judy's expert legal guidance -- and her kind, friendly personality is a bonus. It was a joy to work with Judy.
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31 Mar, 2022 by Paige
I contacted Wade Law Group for assistance with a small claims suit. I have worked with Brett and Dave McGraw, both have been dedicated, helpful, and have gone above and beyond to meet my expectations. Dave has provided effective legal advice and detailed explanations about the process as well as developed a plan for my hearing. Dave has gave me confidence in my abilities and quelled my anxiety. If I ever need representation or consultations again in the future, Wade Law Group will always be my first and only choice.
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10 Jan, 2022 by Dave
A leader, innovator and most importantly, a terrific lawyer. No one wants to need an attorney, but when you do need one, Amiel Wade is the one to call.
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27 Jun, 2021 by Patricia cent
I hired Mr. Wade to expedite my divorce after being with an ill-prepared attorney for 1 1/2 years in which I didn't get past the discovery stage. I got quick results with Mr. Wade and my divorce was finalized after 4 months. His support staff quickly responded to all my emails and returned my calls. Mr. Wade is very experienced and knowledgeable and found an error in a filing by my ex-spouse's attorney and took immediate action on her behalf which saved me money and didn't prolong the divorce proceedings. He is involved in all the cases in his firm. Every Wednesday he conducts a meeting with his associate attorneys to consult and monitor their progress and provides them with his expert advice when necessary. Hopefully, I won't need Mr. Wade in the future but if I do, I would retain his services again because I was very pleased with his work and professionalism. Patricia Cent
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30 Dec, 2017 by Debbie
My case had multiple facets to it, but I was most interested in getting the finance aspects of my divorce taken care of by dividing the finances appropriately, rather than fighting and the courts getting all the money. Nicole took my case and was able to professionally and promptly execute each action item while clearly explaining it to me throughout the entire process. Nicole was able to keep several issues out of court thus keeping the cost down and the time of being in court was reduced as well. Nicole was confident and realistic when it came to dividing assets and support figures, and she wasn’t bullied by opposing counsel’s ridiculous attempts of working through it.
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04 May, 2017 by Angela
Nicole brought a peaceful ending to my case, got me a great result and I am grateful I hired her. My ex was very angry and unrealistic and she was able to resolve my case even when my ex filed ridiculous declarations that were untrue. She was knowledgeable about the law and came up with a smart strategy for me. Divorce is pretty difficult and you want someone on your side that understands the law and listens to you. I would recommend her to my friends and family and that's the highest compliment I can give Nicole.
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13 Apr, 2016 by Raymond s.
Nicole represented me in a child custody case and I can attest that she is a passionate advocate, who is creative and aggressively pursues the best interests of her client. She clearly explains the laws and processes such that non-lawyers can easily understand. She is not shy and if you are in need of someone to fight for you, I highly recommend Nicole Fraser!
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08 Sep, 2021 by Peggie
I came to Ms. Burgess with a difficult family law/custody situation. She took the time to listen and understand the complexity of the issues and we worked collaboratively to resolve the problem. Her knowledge and insight into the family law court system were invaluable. Her focus is the best interest of the child. I could not have achieved such a successful outcome without her!
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12 Mar, 2017 by Joey
It's very difficult to trump the first two reviews - they pretty much said it all about Caitlin. But here goes... First of all, if you have never been through a divorce before, I pray that if you have to, your soon to be ex will not put you through a contentious battle, most especially if there are children involved. Because believe you me, if you think you have any idea of what lies ahead for you, think again. There is no amount of hyperbole that can describe how insane the family law court system is. The bottom line, it's all about making money off of vulnerable, despondent, and already stressed out people. These lawyers DO NOT care about you, or your children. They only care about running up their bill and making money. They will do whatever they can (often times in collusion with the opposing counsel) to add and/or create even more conflict in your divorce because more conflict means more money for them and their firms. Again, if you think I'm just bitter and exaggerating, go online (Google, YouTube, etc...) and do the research for yourself. An ugly divorce/custody battle often leads to suicide, bankruptcy, loss of job, depression, illness, etc... So please people - don't do this to yourself and most especially please don't do this to your kids! Part ways peacefully, because if you don't, you will regret it for the rest of your life. This is why I am glad I used this angel of an attorney throughout the majority of my long divorce/custody battle. She cares about her clients and most especially their children (she's a LMFT to boot!). She is not in it for the money and will do everything she can to save you from a long, drawn out battle. She is honest, empathetic, compassionate and is a person with the utmost integrity. Caitlin will not allow her clients to debase themselves and play dirty no matter how vicious and perjurious the opposition gets. I'm so happy at day's end that I used her for the majority of my long, drawn out battle. For she helped me keep my soul and my own integrity and at day's end, I can look back and be proud someday that I never debased myself (most importantly for my child as well). If you want a mean, nasty bulldog of an attorney (btw, they are really really really expensive!!!) than by all means do NOT hire Caitlin. However, if you are looking for a honest, compassionate HUMAN BEING to help you, then please give her a call. She will always do what's best for you her client. She will never gouge you with fees, and will fight opposing counsel with compassionate logic that sooner or later will break them down. I call her the Mahatma Gandhi of divorce attorneys!
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02 Feb, 2017 by Bridget k.
Caitlin Burgess represented me at a settlement conference and did a stellar job detailing the facts to a seasoned judge. Her mannerisms are of the utmost in professionalism and her knowledge of the family law system is vast. Her background in psychology as a licensed marriage and family therapist is an added bonus for there are many aggressive litigants who unfortunately have a pathology which the opposing side must deal with, sometimes in ongoing litigation which lasts for years. Ms. Burgess was able to formulate a tactical plan of approach to settlement, utilizing her expertise in several areas to bring the litigation to a close without causing me to have to shoulder the expensive and time consuming burden of a trial. There is something to be said for representation that is so client-centered. If I could give someone new to divorce proceedings advice, I would caution them to stay away from the big firms and call Caitlin first. I was originally represented by one of the firms in San Jose. They felt a bit like a Mafia; only I, as their client, was the target! I spent a large amount of money with very little result. I found I could do better with an attorney like Caitlin in my corner. The big firms are clearly after people's money in a very high-conflict time between former partners. They actually encourage the aggressive litigant and do as much as they can to pad up their bills. Ms. Burgess is completely against this behavior and practices with honesty, integrity, and professionalism. Over the course of her representation, she fought hard and succeeded in winning me the best possible outcome. I highly recommend Ms. Burgess for your legal needs. Call her and schedule a consultation. You will not be disappointed.
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25 Jun, 2024 by Cameron
Ryan Romero is a knowledgable, ethical, and most importantly, a genuinely caring attorney. Ryan has been instrumental in securing my parental rights as a father by advocating for the relationship between my daughter and I. His ability to navigate family court and work effectively with the Judge, put my worries at ease. I extend my highest accommodation for Ryan’s work and believe him to be a real asset to the Wade Law Group.
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18 Jan, 2014 by Ahp
This woman is the best. She is efficient, has great follow through and tenaciously goes after any mishandling of family Trust money. She has been a blessing. We put 100% of our faith in her and have never looked back. She is strong and communicative and --though she is cautious and never guarantees a 'win'-- she emits confidence and forges ahead with the word 'success' as her goal.
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25 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
We were referred to William by a coworker who was dealing with an extremely messy, nasty divorce because her soon-to-be ex-husband ran off to a foreign country and took all of her money in the process. This divorce was much simpler, and we figured that anyone would be better than the attorney we were currently using. After our initial consultation, William assured us that the official divorce would take no longer than a month, and we could deal with the separation of assets, etc. after the divorce was completed. He was true to his word. We explained our concern about delays in filing, court documents getting lost, etc., so William personally delivered and filed our work with the court. He continually gave us updates along the way, and within a month, the divorce was complete. A truly caring, sincere person as well as a wonderful attorney.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Levi davis
Wade Law Group’s handling of my business partnership dispute was a disaster from start to finish. I sought their help when I was being pushed out and needed to recover my equity. Despite providing all the necessary documentation upfront, including the operating agreement and financial statements, their incompetence quickly became apparent. For seven weeks, my attorney at Wade Law Group engaged in fruitless exchanges, sending threatening letters based on California law and drafting a lawsuit complaint. Only after all this time did I discover that my attorney hadn’t even read the operating agreement—a crucial document in any partnership dispute. This neglect led us to almost violate the agreement by bypassing mandatory mediation and filing the lawsuit in the wrong state. Predictably, my former business partner exploited these errors, leaving me with a much weakened case and a significant financial loss. After incurring over five figures in legal fees, I made the decision to terminate our relationship. I requested a meeting to discuss the situation, but my attorney not only ignored my request but also responded rudely when I followed up. Eventually, the firm’s owner reached out and offered a partial refund for drafting the complaint in the wrong state. However, the amount he offered was far less than what I had actually been billed, forcing me to go line by line through the invoices and finding the correct amount was five times higher than what he claimed. I then posted a review of my experience on Yelp, and the owner reached out and offered me a full refund of over $8K in exchange for removing the review and signing a contract agreeing not to post additional reviews about my experience with the firm. When I pointed out that this felt unethical and possibly illegal and proposed that I edit the review to give credit for the refund, he withdrew the offer, falsely claiming that I had rejected it.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Daniel feldman (daniel j feldman, phd)
These people are rude. And they can't read. I set up a consultation with them, but they canceled before even talking to me and told me that my trial is in three weeks when it's not. They didn't read anything about it, have the nerve to not even meet with me or have a discussion, followed with "best of luck on everything" which is just more insulting, absolutely insulting. i am sorry I called.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Mark shen
They provided services so poor that they even mixed up my name with the person I’m trying to sue in the demand letter, and their justification for that was “oops, but pay us”
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28 Aug, 2024 by Levi davis
Wade Law Group’s handling of my business partnership dispute was a disaster from start to finish. I sought their help when I was being pushed out and needed to recover my equity. Despite providing all the necessary documentation upfront, including the operating agreement and financial statements, their incompetence quickly became apparent. For seven weeks, my attorney at Wade Law Group engaged in fruitless exchanges, sending threatening letters based on California law and drafting a lawsuit complaint. Only after all this time did I discover that my attorney hadn’t even read the operating agreement—a crucial document in any partnership dispute. This neglect led us to almost violate the agreement by bypassing mandatory mediation and filing the lawsuit in the wrong state. Predictably, my former business partner exploited these errors, leaving me with a much weakened case and a significant financial loss. After incurring over five figures in legal fees, I made the decision to terminate our relationship. I requested a meeting to discuss the situation, but my attorney not only ignored my request but also responded rudely when I followed up. Eventually, the firm’s owner reached out and offered a partial refund for drafting the complaint in the wrong state. However, the amount he offered was far less than what I had actually been billed, forcing me to go line by line through the invoices and finding the correct amount was five times higher than what he claimed. I then posted a review of my experience on Yelp, and the owner reached out and offered me a full refund of over $8K in exchange for removing the review and signing a contract agreeing not to post additional reviews about my experience with the firm. When I pointed out that this felt unethical and possibly illegal and proposed that I edit the review to give credit for the refund, he withdrew the offer, falsely claiming that I had rejected it.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Daniel feldman (daniel j feldman, phd)
These people are rude. And they can't read. I set up a consultation with them, but they canceled before even talking to me and told me that my trial is in three weeks when it's not. They didn't read anything about it, have the nerve to not even meet with me or have a discussion, followed with "best of luck on everything" which is just more insulting, absolutely insulting. i am sorry I called.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Mark shen
They provided services so poor that they even mixed up my name with the person I’m trying to sue in the demand letter, and their justification for that was “oops, but pay us”
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28 Aug, 2024 by Levi davis
Wade Law Group’s handling of my business partnership dispute was a disaster from start to finish. I sought their help when I was being pushed out and needed to recover my equity. Despite providing all the necessary documentation upfront, including the operating agreement and financial statements, their incompetence quickly became apparent. For seven weeks, my attorney at Wade Law Group engaged in fruitless exchanges, sending threatening letters based on California law and drafting a lawsuit complaint. Only after all this time did I discover that my attorney hadn’t even read the operating agreement—a crucial document in any partnership dispute. This neglect led us to almost violate the agreement by bypassing mandatory mediation and filing the lawsuit in the wrong state. Predictably, my former business partner exploited these errors, leaving me with a much weakened case and a significant financial loss. After incurring over five figures in legal fees, I made the decision to terminate our relationship. I requested a meeting to discuss the situation, but my attorney not only ignored my request but also responded rudely when I followed up. Eventually, the firm’s owner reached out and offered a partial refund for drafting the complaint in the wrong state. However, the amount he offered was far less than what I had actually been billed, forcing me to go line by line through the invoices and finding the correct amount was five times higher than what he claimed. I then posted a review of my experience on Yelp, and the owner reached out and offered me a full refund of over $8K in exchange for removing the review and signing a contract agreeing not to post additional reviews about my experience with the firm. When I pointed out that this felt unethical and possibly illegal and proposed that I edit the review to give credit for the refund, he withdrew the offer, falsely claiming that I had rejected it.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Daniel feldman (daniel j feldman, phd)
These people are rude. And they can't read. I set up a consultation with them, but they canceled before even talking to me and told me that my trial is in three weeks when it's not. They didn't read anything about it, have the nerve to not even meet with me or have a discussion, followed with "best of luck on everything" which is just more insulting, absolutely insulting. i am sorry I called.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Mark shen
They provided services so poor that they even mixed up my name with the person I’m trying to sue in the demand letter, and their justification for that was “oops, but pay us”
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15 Sep, 2014 by James
After consulting with several prospective divorce and family law attorneys, I found that Amy Stavis was the best attorney in her field by far. She was so knowledgeable in all areas including child custody and mediation and was also able to salvage an amicable relationship with my ex wife. Our kids have been minimally effected and this is undoubtedly due in large part to Amy Stavis. She's the best family law attorney in Santa Clara county...and believe me, I talked to several of them.
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22 Apr, 2014 by N.
Amy is not a typical attorney. She cares more than most and makes you feel comfortable much more than most. My mediation case was extrmely civil and I think my wife and I owe a lot of that to Amy's professionalism and just staying on top of everything. There were no pitfalls, no surprises. Paperwork isn't fun for any of this but luckily she did most of it and even helped us do our part. The forms get really confusing so it is very nice to have someone be able to explain things in layman's terms.
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10 Feb, 2014 by Diana
Would give more than 5 stars if possible. I really appreciated my attorney being so willing to explain the legal process to me in layman's terms. From the moment I met with Amy Stavis, she was honest with me and helped me to understand how the confusing and overwhelming process of legal separation and divorce worked. With her help, my mind was put at ease and I was able to make thoughtful decisions about where to focus my energies. I had not even been aware of the "no fault" rules and once I understood that, I knew that certain things that I cared so much about and that I thought were so important would not actually have an impact on a settlement. Oddly enough, I had met with 2 other lawyers before ever having met Amy Stavis and this was never somehow explained to me. I felt like the others may just have been interested in a financial gain, thinking I could afford to turn everything into a disputed issue. Finding someone honest and up front is what I needed and I was able to obtain a very fair settlement because of the advice that was given to me by Amy Stavis. To this day, my ex-spouse and I are on amicable terms and I think this is due in part to Amy Stavis's personality and input in our case. My ex didn't have an attorney. She actually liked MY attorney and was made to feel comfortable in working out all of out property and child issues (custody). We now can coparent well. This is the best thing I could have asked for considering that we were ending our marriage. Top notch help equals less headaches and less stress.
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06 Mar, 2024 by Mike mcbull
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21 Apr, 2022 by Shannon guevara
I would highly recommend Stacy Remer for your needs?? She is 100% willing and able to get it done for you? You will not be disappointed guaranteed? Have known her for 40 plus years? So, if you want the Best Lawyer in the Bay Area to get your Divorce taken care of?? Call Stacy Remer!!! 100% Guaranteed Jobs Done!!
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11 Jun, 2021 by Zak reape
She was quick, helpful, and supportive with my case. I could not have asked for a better lawyer. Definitely recommend her!
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24 Apr, 2024 by Bob h
The best law firm in the San Jose Los Gatos area.
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01 Feb, 2024 by K ellner
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04 Sep, 2020 by Tracy duell-cazes
Poor management and lackluster employees make Safeway the worst food store in the bay area. They don't even manage their own stocking anymore
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24 Apr, 2024 by Bob h
The best law firm in the San Jose Los Gatos area.
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01 Feb, 2024 by K ellner
Google Maps
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04 Sep, 2020 by Tracy duell-cazes
Poor management and lackluster employees make Safeway the worst food store in the bay area. They don't even manage their own stocking anymore
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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You

A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.

Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?

Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:

  • Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
  • Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
  • Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
  • Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
  • Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
  • Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
  • Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.

Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.

What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?

A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:

  • Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
  • Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
  • Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
  • Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
  • Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
  • Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
  • Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.

How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?

Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:

  • Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
  • Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
  • Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.

The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.

How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:

  • Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
  • Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
  • Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
  • Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.

Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.

Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer

Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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