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19 Mar, 2015 by Marshall
Danny has been our business attorney since we began our small business. He was instrumental in educating us on the proper way to structure our LLC when we began operations, taking the time to educate us on the pros and cons and the right way to set up. He is conscientious in his billings, striving to bill reasonable amounts of time for small jobs. Because of his conservative billing practices, we reach out to him anytime that we need help without reservation, knowing that we will be billed fairly. However, by far, the most valuable aspect of dealing with Danny has been his responsiveness. We have several times found ourselves in a position where we needed a quick review on a contract. Danny has never failed to turn the review within 48 hours. This kind of responsiveness is immensely helpful. It allows us to remain agile and leverage the ability to get quick legal reviews.
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05 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Look you can find anyone to represent you but Danny is someone I felt sincerely cared and wanted to help me through the entire process. His office was extremely helpful and always ready to assist me. I only wish I would have learned of the Alvarez Law Group sooner.
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05 Mar, 2015 by Maritza
In the last 4 years I've used Danny for 2 Auto Accidents, a motorcycle accident and for a business contract. In all cases I was extremely pleased with his professionalism, advice, and his down to earth personality. Once you meet Danny you feel like you have a new friend. He takes great care of his clients and it doesn't take DAYs to receive a return call or email from your attorney. Plus when you want to talk to him you get him not his paralegal! I would highly recommend Danny as a great attorney!!
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20 Jun, 2017 by Albert
Mr Butash has been fighting my case for over a year and although it's not the outcome I desired, he gets the 5 stars because he bailed me out of jail when I was arrested after my sentencing... The fact that he's empathetic to my situation speaks volumes about his character. He's the exact opposite of one of those greedy "dine and dash" lawyers that becomes less responsive once they get paid. He should get 6 stars for communication. Mike calls me back after hours or on the weekends, but I've found the best method of communication is text- which is what I prefer so it works out perfect. If you want someone to fight for you, Butash is your man.
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14 Jan, 2017 by Frederick
Mike is a straight shooter. He's intimidating but honest and real. I used him for a case that the state expunged in the end. I would hope to never have to use him again but it is good to know that I have someone I know can fight for my freedom and rights.i Highly recommend him and his team of experts . Fred B.
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28 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Laurel let me submit a financial affidavit that was wrong. She did no fact finding or review before submitting. Glad I only hired her for part of it so changing lawyers was easily accomplished. One star because I couldn't do no stars.
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10 May, 2023 by Anonymous
This lawyer was quick to take money but made zero progress with my family’s case for months. We decided to drop her when she gave us advice that was incorrect! She doesn’t know the law or care about her clients.
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27 Feb, 2022 by Dawn leo
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19 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
Aweful experience aweful lawyer!!!! His favorite phrase was "let's wait and see what happens" so we fought back and asked him to do his job and his response was to dismissed himself from our case. He was NEVER avaliable or in the office. He mever returned phone calls or emails and in face missed several phone appointments with no explanation or apology. When we went to court after 3 years of no results he didn't even have an opening statement and we got screwed. He has done the absolute bare minimum for our case and because of that we still have yet to be able to have any significant relationship with my husband's daughter.
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30 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
I lost a case I could have easily won because of Sean Donovan and his lack of care or interest in my case. He is only full of empty words and empty promises. He didn’t try to explain all my options to me and was always in a hurry and I could never get him on the phone whenever I needed him. Big mistake.
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02 Jun, 2016 by Lauren
After contacting several law offices the morning of my boyfriend's arraignment I was told there's nothing we can do with such short notice. Sean Donovan was my last hope and I couldn't be happier with the results. He was able to meet with me that morning, get the lowest bond possible, and in the end had all charges dropped. Mr. Donovan is very reliable, knowledgeable and a great person to work with and I would recommend him to anyone.
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09 Oct, 2023 by Shelly
I believe Ed and his staff cost me about 10 extra months on my divorce case, took heavy fees, barely returned my calls and provided very poor service throughout. The paralegal support was practically non-existent and I found out later (after having to hire another firm to finish the case for me in an expert manner), that they were deficient on the numerous discovery & mandatory documents, despite me providing so much more than sufficient for them to select from. It became obvious that their vacation days were far more important to them than my case. I would not recommend this firm to anyone.
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15 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Ed was hired for divorce proceedings and after a year, there were many unanswered questions and broken promises. I did not have confidence that he would do what was best for me.
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17 Apr, 2019 by Gina
During our first meeting, Mr. Brennan (Ed) was very clear when explaining what goes into a divorce. I was very comfortable with his knowledge and his manner. His knowledge of the law and his experience with divorce cases, allowed him to give me more information to make decisions with. I will be forever grateful to Mr. Brennan (Ed) and Tammy for their hard work and dedication, as it protected my children's future as well as mine. Ed and Tammy always returned my calls and emails promptly and kept me up to speed on what was happening with various matters. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for helping me get through one of the most difficult times in my life. I highly recommend this firm as they have taken a proactive and caring approach to my case while aggressively pursuing justice for me and my kids. Thank you for your continued hard work and efforts throughout my case. Most of all, thank you for bringing peace of my mind to my life once again. I am very grateful.
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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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