Lawyers map
>288
experienced lawyers
Filter by
5.0
22 Reviews
4.0
4 Reviews
19 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Answered all my questions. Great communication. Very honest. Would definitely recommend.
Read more
29 Apr, 2024 by Jennifer
Mr. Denison is very professional and knowledgeable. Very happy with his services. Highly recommend!
Read more
24 Oct, 2023 by Travis
I could not be happier with my decision to have Mr. Denison represent me! Everything was handled professionally and without flaw
Read more
25 Sep, 2019 by Amanda castro
Amazing, passionate
Read more
07 Feb, 2018 by Vicki forrest
30 Nov, 2014 by Desmond
Always on time, knew his stuff, and answered my questions without complaint or charge (I was a high maintenance client). Couldn't be happier with service.
Read more
20 Nov, 2024 by Jared pappas
My sincere thanks and gratitude to Julie and Ethan. Julie as GAL to my daughters helped us all immeasurably through many years of litigation and trauma. Julie stood by our side throughout despite the difficulty of the situation. Thank you for being there for us all.
Read more
14 Oct, 2024 by Kristin baisch
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional service I received from Ethan. He was not only kind and approachable, but he also demonstrated remarkable organization and attention to detail throughout my case. His proactive approach and willingness to help made a significant difference during a challenging time. I truly appreciate all of his efforts and highly recommend him to anyone in need of a divorce attorney.
Read more
23 Sep, 2024 by Amy schulwolf
Julie is kind, compassionate and excellent!
Read more
27 Oct, 2021 by Glenda davis
She knows her field
Read more
31 May, 2020 by David anderson
26 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
Amy did everything to grant our family everything we were seeking. She has been representing me for more than a year with great success. I cannot express how grateful I am for having her on our side. Her hard work and expertise show great results. Amy truly is a great professional to hire!
Read more
20 Nov, 2024 by Jared pappas
My sincere thanks and gratitude to Julie and Ethan. Julie as GAL to my daughters helped us all immeasurably through many years of litigation and trauma. Julie stood by our side throughout despite the difficulty of the situation. Thank you for being there for us all.
Read more
14 Oct, 2024 by Kristin baisch
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional service I received from Ethan. He was not only kind and approachable, but he also demonstrated remarkable organization and attention to detail throughout my case. His proactive approach and willingness to help made a significant difference during a challenging time. I truly appreciate all of his efforts and highly recommend him to anyone in need of a divorce attorney.
Read more
23 Sep, 2024 by Amy schulwolf
Julie is kind, compassionate and excellent!
Read more
25 Sep, 2019 by Amanda castro
Amazing, passionate
Read more
07 Feb, 2018 by Vicki forrest
11 Dec, 2017 by Jayne
Micah was an outstanding attorney. I can’t say enough good about her. She is very honest and straight forward from day one. You will never be in question as to what is going on with your case and what the next step will be. The communication with Micah was super. I never had problems getting in touch with Micah and she was always very prompt in returning my calls. From day one, Micah told me she was for “The Family” and believed strongly in marriage vows. We had a long road together with my case and she was by my side every step of the process. Micah always reassured me with any doubts I may have had or as to which path we needed to take. Micah also had expectations for me and my situation. I knew I/we were going to have to work hard to get to where we wanted to be and she didn’t hesitate to have those honest conversations with me. I am so thankful I was able to have Micah as my attorney and I know she’s a big part of the positive outcome we ended with.
Read more
10 Sep, 2023 by Brumfield catering
Melinda has always been an amazing attorney! I highly recommend her. You won't regret having her representation.
Read more
15 Mar, 2022 by Dan jackman
30 Jun, 2020 by Larry lewis
Great Experience with Melinda.
Very Reasonable Pricing.
Read more
23 Dec, 2024 by Tim doherty
From the start Suhre and Associates, specifically Mr. McGee made the process extremely simple and easy to understand while reducing stress. I am very happy with the whole process including the final outcome, which turned out way better than I imagined it could have! Thank you!!
Read more
16 Dec, 2024 by Ebony bridgewater
From day one of my issues, the Justice Law team took on my case with such poise and professionalism. I'm so glad I called them. They where always just a call away no matter what I needed, they helped. I really appreciate the services they provided in getting my settlement. They made it easy and less stressful. I'm so thankful for this team of attorneys.
Read more
13 Dec, 2024 by Jessica coleman
Mr. Brent McGee and his team did an amazing job working with my son. He was always available to address questions or concerns and guide us through the legal process. If someone needs a lawyer who will advocate for their child in the court system I would highly recommend this firm.
Read more
26 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Everyone was so nice & helpful! Walked me thru the process and was readily available with any questions or concerns i had! Great team!! Very happy with all of them & highly recommend their firm!
Read more
17 Dec, 2018 by Vonna
I am grateful for all the help I received. I felt comfortable from the get go. I was kept updated on all the steps I needed to take. They made it convenient to go to the office closes to me. Very friendly and relaxing to talk to. My experience was great.
Read more
09 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
I searched for a law firm to help me determine whether or not a chapter 7 was right for my situation. O' Bryan law office staff helped me make the right decision. Their compassionate handling of my case made this tough decision manageable. I would recommend them to people in need of such services.
Read more
30 Jan, 2023 by Phyllis
She represented me in a contempt of court case involving my ex-spouse against non payment of maintenance. She is very good at what she does and we came out with a big WIN.
Read more
20 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
She has been fighting for me and my kids over the past year, she will understand all details and will own your case, she will be always available for you, she is professional and honest, she helped me win two cases! She is just Awesome!
Read more
26 Oct, 2017 by Tony
I hired Emily as my lawyer. My son's mother and I seperated and she was trying to move out of state with my son. I felt that Emily took personal interest in my case. She always had great ideas, and was always at least one step ahead of opposing council. My case continued for almost two years, and Emily was there to fight for me and my son every step of the way. I would refer others to Emily, and she will remain my lawyer for as long as she stays in this proffession.
Read more
21 Aug, 2024 by Kurron carmichael
Very honest and helpful law firm! I’d recommend them 10 times out of 10.
Read more
01 Aug, 2024 by Jim zoeller
Very knowledgeable, through and helpful. Would whole heartedly recommend his services.
Read more
14 Jul, 2023 by Robert arnold
5.0
9 Reviews
01 May, 2022 by Dean clark
Marcia is simply awesome! Her knowledge and experience comes through as she negotiates for her clients.
Read more
01 Feb, 2021 by E smith
I worked with Courtney primarily, and she along with the rest of the team handled my case quickly, efficiently and with careful consideration of my objectives. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of family law/legal services.
Read more
21 Oct, 2019 by Leah halfacre
Emily is professional, compassionate and fair. She facilitates a peaceful resolution for all involved and earned my trust and respect. I'd highly recommend her services.
Read more
5.0
22 Reviews
4.4
58 Reviews
15 Nov, 2024 by G
04 Aug, 2024 by Jonathan
Wendi came through when all other attorneys have faild. My ex was neglecting to care for my daughter and for 10 years I had other attorneys charge me an excessive ammount of money with no results. Wendi was able to help me get custody of my child and help get her out of a bad situation. She is passionate caring understanding and treats you as a person and not just another case. Wendi was able to take the stress and anxiety away and help me stay positive during the bad times. This is the attorney you want to have on your side and I will definitely be reaching back out to her if I ever have family legal matters again. With my experience with attorneys over the years, Wendi is truly the best and i highly recommended her.
Read more
31 Jul, 2024 by Steve
This is one I’ve the best lawyers I have worked with. She was very professional and always kept me up to date on everything. If you are looking for one of the best lawyers I’ve worked with do not hesitate to give her a call you will not be sorry!!!!!
Read more
13 Oct, 2024 by Shatha sh
I highly recommend Howell & Kidd they are truly the best you can work with. Everyone here is so kind,friendly and professional. Courtney is an exceptional person who takes the time to understand your situation without taking advantage of your needs. I was truly pleased to work with her because she treats you as a person, not as source of income. I would like to thank them and wish to them continued success.Thanks a lot "You are the BEST".
Read more
08 Oct, 2024 by Stephanie cochran
We used Courtney Howell for our adoption attorney and we couldn’t have been more happy to work with her. From our very first phone call, she was just as excited for our sweet boy as we were. Every step of the way, she was accessible to answer all questions and concerns. She was informative about the whole process and made sure everything was 100% taken care of! We would recommend her to anyone!
Read more
14 May, 2024 by Katherine eschels
Courtney was helpful and responsive throughout the whole adoption process! We had a difficult journey, but Courtney made everything easier and was very compassionate and caring every step of the way. Very grateful that we found her!
Read more
03 Dec, 2024 by Teresa jamison
I just wanted to give a huge thanks to Nick Thompson ‘s law office. Working with Nick and Toni has been absolutely amazing. Toni Has really put my mind at ease and made it a seamless arrangement. Thanks again for all your help!
Read more
21 Oct, 2024 by Andrea thompson
Nick and his Assistant Toni were amazing! They eased my mind through the whole process! I just got my discharge and the process was painless with nick being my attorney! He is a kind soul and truly cares about his clients! I would give him 100 stars if I could because he is truly remarkable! Thank you all so much for everything you’ve done for me! I truly appreciate it ❤️
Read more
23 May, 2024 by Chris harris
Best lawyer in town wouldn’t recommend anyone else but these guys professional quick easy 10/10 !
Read more
28 Feb, 2025 by Danitza hristov
Although I didn’t choose Leland, he still took the time to talk to me on the phone. His prices are high but it would make sense you’re paying for his experience.
Read more
25 Feb, 2025 by Yungkjmadeit beatz
Top lawyer in Kentucky. Great, prompt, and professional.
Read more
24 Feb, 2025 by Beast mega
Extremely dissatisfied with the professionalism of Mr. Hulbert. I seriously believe an overwhelming majority of these reviews he’s come on here and wrote himself. He enjoys putting zero effort towards your case and taking your money with a smile. Don’t use this guy. If you’ve ever gone to jail before you’ve been publicly exposed by his facebook account “louisville mugshots” before as well. Horrible service.
Read more
28 Feb, 2025 by Danitza hristov
Although I didn’t choose Leland, he still took the time to talk to me on the phone. His prices are high but it would make sense you’re paying for his experience.
Read more
25 Feb, 2025 by Yungkjmadeit beatz
Top lawyer in Kentucky. Great, prompt, and professional.
Read more
24 Feb, 2025 by Beast mega
Extremely dissatisfied with the professionalism of Mr. Hulbert. I seriously believe an overwhelming majority of these reviews he’s come on here and wrote himself. He enjoys putting zero effort towards your case and taking your money with a smile. Don’t use this guy. If you’ve ever gone to jail before you’ve been publicly exposed by his facebook account “louisville mugshots” before as well. Horrible service.
Read more
27 Nov, 2024 by Nikki butkus
Joel is absolutely amazing. I got rear ended last year, and it wasn’t until after I was hurt and realized that it wasn’t going away that I decided to take action. I had called Issac’s and Issac’s first and hated the way that I was treated like I was just a number instead of a human being. Joel immediately made me feel welcome, and relaxed. He definitely took the stress and pressure off that arises out of these situations. I had never experienced anything like this kind of accident, being hurt from an accident, or any of other stuff that comes with it (ie: chiropractors, specialists, physical therapy, etc.) from the beginning me made sure I had complete understanding and support from medical to legal. His main focus was ensuring I got better, instead of just focusing on money. That was not the experience I had with any other lawyer or firm at the beginning of this whole experience. Joel was easy to maintain open communication with, and took the time to make me feel seen, heard, and understood from day one straight through to case closed. I highly recommend Joel Franklin to be your representing attorney should you be the unfortunate victim to an auto accident. Joel is beyond fair, and genuinely cares about every client he takes on. Should I ever have to go through anything like this again, Joel Franklin will be the first and only man I will call; no second thoughts about it.
Read more
27 Nov, 2024 by Mswhitney86 greene
Joel Franklin, was an Amazing Attorney, made My first time dealing with all this a complete breeze, always Responsive, Easy to talk too, answered all my questions and concerns ,He took great care of Us, and didn’t give up on Us
Read more
19 Sep, 2024 by Alliesmutthut petgrooming
I was first referred to Joel by my sister who had gotten in a bad accident a year before mine. I called him, set a meeting, and met at his old louisville office. (Its a stunning building.) He's a laid back guy, has a good sense of humor, and is very professional. He's not a slip-and-fall-my-neck-suddently-hurts lawyer. He's legitimate, not a lazy or self serving lawyer. He works to get you healed first, and paid second. If another car ever wipes me off the road again, I'll be calling Joel.
Read more
17 Dec, 2021 by J david borders
04 Feb, 2020 by Ben kunkler
09 Jan, 2017 by John olash
Dan did a great job handling my mother's estate. He always returned my calls and followed through with what needed to be done.He made it easy for my family in a difficult time . I recommend Dan for any estate, wills and trust legal work.
Read more
03 Mar, 2025 by Jimmy figueroa
Great experience, they were very helpful and on top of every little detail. Getting a divorce wasn’t a easy thing to do even though my divorce was unconsented I thought it was going to be a nasty /tedious process but they helped me back and forth with all documents both parties needed to get, they promptly emailed me right away if I missed anything on my documents to correct it so the process was easy and fast . I will totally recommend them , very professional and detailed oriented.
Read more
28 Feb, 2025 by Stephen vandyke
25 Feb, 2025 by Rebecca clark
Jeremy was great to work with! 5 star service!!!
Read more
21 Dec, 2024 by Kasandra amboree
The best lawyer I ever had, 100% recommend. Bright, smart, and easy to talk to. Thank you again for resolving my issues in a timely manner
Read more
18 Dec, 2024 by Hawa adams
Anna,
Is such a great lawyer to work with, she walked me through every detail and process during my divorce. I highly recommend her.
Read more
17 Nov, 2024 by Sally aldayyeni
very helpful and always available and returned calls, took care of my case without any delayed
Thank you!
Read more
03 Dec, 2024 by Hunain abri
Responsive, Quick, Effective, and super helpful!
Read more
02 Dec, 2024 by Steven wolford
Mr. Stewart was a great attorney to work with. He definitely helped me out of a situation that could have been bad, had I not contacted him. Do yourself a favor and contact him today!
Read more
27 Nov, 2024 by Erika bell
5.0
1 Reviews
4.6
300 Reviews
03 Dec, 2024 by Hunain abri
Responsive, Quick, Effective, and super helpful!
Read more
02 Dec, 2024 by Steven wolford
Mr. Stewart was a great attorney to work with. He definitely helped me out of a situation that could have been bad, had I not contacted him. Do yourself a favor and contact him today!
Read more
27 Nov, 2024 by Erika bell
12 Aug, 2020 by Elizabeth
Anyone navigating the family court system can understand how difficult the process can be on families and children. So many processes in the system don’t feel like best practices for children and coparents; rather, they seem to incite conflict, drain finances, and cause stress in parents and children. Jim is absolutely insightful, responsive, honest, and he understands difficult issues. He clearly is self-aware and open-minded, and he pays attention. His assistant Summer is very helpful and responsive. I’m so appreciative to have crossed paths with Jim and Summer.
Read more
10 Mar, 2020 by Ikram
James represented me in 2018 in a very difficult divorce case. He and his team were simply great. everytime I thought it was the end and we couldn't find a solution, they just thought of something.
James always goes the extra mile for his clients, he dosn't just do the job, he actually does all its needed to win the case.
Read more
25 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
After experiencing a horrible and devastating experience with a family lawyer that I had previously commissioned, Jim helped me overcome all the trials that I was facing as well as the additional stress that was added by my previous, crooked council. Jim's paralegal, Summer, was also very helpful.
Read more
09 Jan, 2025 by Chase icogniti
Robert Yates is a sellout lawyer for black Americans. He could've beat my case in 2004 but instead made me plead guilty when the police broke the law in the 1st place
Read more
14 May, 2024 by Amanda preston
GREAT ATTORNEY! He answered ALL my questions with ease!!!! I’ll recommend him OVER and OVER! Best in the business!!!!
Thank you soooo much!!!!
Read more
14 May, 2024 by Jon smith
10 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
I Amy of Meriwether & Tharpe to represent me for a very difficult divorce. From the beginning, she performed brilliantly to educate me about divorce law and how those laws related to my particular case. Amy and accompanying staff have been doing this so long that they can pretty much tell you what the judge is thinking and how they tend to lean regarding certain decisions. At least, for me, that was the case and they were 100% accurate every time. The knowledge and piece of mind you will gain from just a brief session with Amy is unparalleled.
Another surprising benefit was her expertise in handling the psychological aspects of such a dramatic change in my life.
I can’t say enough positive things about my experience working with Amy. If you are considering divorce, this team is the first call you should make.
Read more
21 Dec, 2017 by Matthew
Latrese (Amy) has been a truly great person to work with. I have been using her firm for a modification to my original divorce decree. My first experience with my original lawyer was a complete joke. Going into this modification I really did not have an overall trust of attorneys so I walked into this process with a fair amount of trepidation. Amy has completely proved my initial feelings wrong. She takes the time to understand my issues and always offers multiple solutions. And when presenting those solutions, she always lets me know what will be best for me and my family. She truly seems to care and it shows in her thoughtful responses and attention to detail. Her response time on all matters could not be beat as well. She responds to my emails quicker than most of my employees do. I cannot say enough about how happy I am with her performance, dedication, and thoughtfulness. I feel that Amy wants what is best for me and works the best she can to try and achieve it. She has completely changed my opinion of attorneys. Is really is a true advocate!!
Read more
26 May, 2017 by Melissa
I was represented by Latrese Cooper in my recent divorce and child custody case and was very pleased with her service to my children and me. As many divorces are complicated, mine involved many details such as circumstances of illness and domestic violence, an out-of-state civil protection order, out-of-state residence, and accusations of mental illness and being a unfit parent of my 2 young children. From the very first consultation, Latrese listened for detail. Although not required of legal counsel, she possessed an empathy for me that was evident and I know that when she promised to work hard for me she meant it and always followed through. Latrese took the time to explain the divorce process to me as it was ongoing and also did what she could to expedite things. For the status conferences, Latrese made efforts to ensure that I could appear before the judge via telephone as I was already residing out-of-state and the cost of travel would have been an undo burden on my children and myself. During trial, I felt very confident to have Latrese on my side and trusted that I was being represented very well. Professionalism, internal strength, and confidence exuded her and I believe that the opposing counsel was not nearly as well prepared for the trial and was seemingly intimidated by Latrese's outstanding preparation and skills. I would highly recommend Latrese for any one with a pending divorce, especially those whom may have been victimized throughout a marriage. Her level of performance is above average and I consider the final decisions made in my case to be more than adequate to my expectations.
Read more
07 Jan, 2021 by Paul
Ryan successfully handled a landlord/tenant issue for me in 2017. He is easy to communicate with and he kept me informed every step of the way through the entire process. Plus, he's a sports fan.
Read more
24 Jun, 2018 by Sydel
I needed an attorney when I was struggling with my ex over custody and child support. Mr. Smither helped walk me through the process and was there for every court visit. I was able to reach him quickly on the phone in emergencies and normal texts/emails/etc were returned within a day or two. He worked hard on my case and was very understanding when it took me some time to pay him. I’ve recommended him to multiple people already. He’s a great lawyer.
Read more
21 Feb, 2017 by Mike
Ryan is knowledgeable, professional and always is out for your best interest. I would not hesitate for one second to recommend his services to anyone who was in need .
Read more
03 Dec, 2024 by Hunain abri
Responsive, Quick, Effective, and super helpful!
Read more
02 Dec, 2024 by Steven wolford
Mr. Stewart was a great attorney to work with. He definitely helped me out of a situation that could have been bad, had I not contacted him. Do yourself a favor and contact him today!
Read more
27 Nov, 2024 by Erika bell
27 Jun, 2018 by Adrien
In the end, Donna accomplished exactly what we sought out to do. She was able to guide our family through the (often terrifying) maze of attaining custody and ultimately not only keeping my son safe, but also changing his life forever. My son's entire life has flourished properly, the way it should have from birth but was unable to. Grades are up in school, friendships in a solid, safe neighborhood are popping up more than I count, and most importantly, we can raise my son with the security and love that only Donna could allow us. Even so our final court date was quite a ways back, Donna still keeps in close contact to our family. She's so important to us; she has invested so much of her time in our family all for the good of a young boy who was stuck in a dangerous living situation. Donna never performed any work that was less than 5 star worthy. Her attention to detail and diligence in filing her necessary court documents was certainly noticed by my wife and I. We appreciate everything Donna has done for our family. If you ever have the pleasure of consulting in Donna for your legal questions - do it! Or if you're trying to find an attorney who doesn't just see you as a case number but rather as a human being with feelings and worries of your own, you need to meet with Donna. I've got her on speed dial and should the need arise, I know she'll be at the courthouse waiting for us. Thank you so much for everything, Donna. You saved my son from a disastrous childhood. I can't ever express how much that means to me. You have completely altered my perception of attorneys, it's nice to see some good ones still practice law in this day.
Read more
21 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Accessible. I've only had one other lawyer and my first laywer took days, weeks to get back to me even when something extremely urgent was shaking out. Donna gets right back to you if she doesn't answer. She knows the law and is diligent and thorough on matters that are pending judge's attention. She cares about your situation. She doesn't let the black/white dynamic and sometimes flawed laws get in the way of how important your specific situation is.
Read more
04 Nov, 2016 by Melvin
Roy Denny has been my Attorney since 2014 and he has got the job done. Very professional and heped me through the tough issues that go in to dealing with custody legal matters.
Read more
25 Oct, 2016 by Erin
No matter my needs, I always call Mr. Denny first. He is very responsive & professional, and will handle my issue promptly, and fairly. If I come to him with an issue that's outside his area of expertise, he has always referred me to another attorney that's equally awesome. Roy Denny will always be my trusted attorney.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
