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11 Nov, 2024 by Vanessa hernandez
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05 Sep, 2024 by Arya abedi
I had an excellent experience working with Mark Branca. He was a strong advocate for my case, providing thorough, professional, and compassionate representation throughout the process. His knowledge, attention to detail, and dedication made a significant difference, and I am grateful for his hard work. I highly recommend Mark Branca to anyone in need of a skilled and trustworthy attorney.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Yancarlos torres
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17 Aug, 2024 by Young
Attorney Tiffany was able to resolve my reckless driving case to a general traffic violation. appreciative and i just highly recommend this law firm.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Dave rogers
Exceptionally pleased with the service and care provide by the team at The Manassas Law Group. Very patient and calming. Could not be happier.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Theofannie gavrilis
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08 Jul, 2024 by Teresa fernandez
Fantastic group. Kristen was amazing.
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26 Jun, 2024 by Joshua quartana
I would like to thank Kristen Yurkowski-Wight and the entire team at Tobias Iszard for all the work they put in the past year. It was a struggle at times, but with their insight and knowledge I was able to get to a settlement that I am more than happy with. Thank you so much Kristen and all of you at Tobias Iszard.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Joel rivera
Ms. Kristen Yurkowski Wight represented a custody case for us. We are so thankful for deciding to follow her as she transitioned from a previous practice over to Tobias Iszard. The staff at Tobias Iszard are much more responsive. This young lady is the total package. She has the looks and brains to make things happen for you. She is very meticulous and direct, but honestly her most intriguing attribute as a lawyer is her sense of care. We've been through 3-4 lawyers in the matter of custody and a lot of times it's just a job for them. They speak the good game when trying to reel in your business, but as soon as you sign, you become another case number in their books. Different practices will toss you and your case to their assistants and paralegals. Often times, depending on your case, you may even get an alternate lawyer within the practice when it comes court time. Ms. Yurkowski handled our case with the utmost care. She keeps in constant contact, and months after the case has ended, she continues to check in. Thank you Kristen for being our shining light and successfully getting us through our case. She is our go-to lawyer and go-to practice moving forward. We only wish we had found Kristen earlier in the legal process.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Teresa fernandez
Fantastic group. Kristen was amazing.
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26 Jun, 2024 by Joshua quartana
I would like to thank Kristen Yurkowski-Wight and the entire team at Tobias Iszard for all the work they put in the past year. It was a struggle at times, but with their insight and knowledge I was able to get to a settlement that I am more than happy with. Thank you so much Kristen and all of you at Tobias Iszard.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Joel rivera
Ms. Kristen Yurkowski Wight represented a custody case for us. We are so thankful for deciding to follow her as she transitioned from a previous practice over to Tobias Iszard. The staff at Tobias Iszard are much more responsive. This young lady is the total package. She has the looks and brains to make things happen for you. She is very meticulous and direct, but honestly her most intriguing attribute as a lawyer is her sense of care. We've been through 3-4 lawyers in the matter of custody and a lot of times it's just a job for them. They speak the good game when trying to reel in your business, but as soon as you sign, you become another case number in their books. Different practices will toss you and your case to their assistants and paralegals. Often times, depending on your case, you may even get an alternate lawyer within the practice when it comes court time. Ms. Yurkowski handled our case with the utmost care. She keeps in constant contact, and months after the case has ended, she continues to check in. Thank you Kristen for being our shining light and successfully getting us through our case. She is our go-to lawyer and go-to practice moving forward. We only wish we had found Kristen earlier in the legal process.
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24 Mar, 2019 by Timothy
Dan is a lawyer my family enlisted for guidance and problem solving for several issues. From the moment Dan met with me to discuss options and strategies, I knew we had struck gold. Dan Harvill has a legal voice we had to listen to, especially during a chaotic family time which included a loss of life, financial turmoil, and threats to personal safety. We turned to Dan Harvill for his stewardship during the most difficult times our family faced. Dan is considered a friend now for fighting so diligently on our behalf. As if he was defending his own family, Dan made our interests his priority and we trust him implicitly. If you have any legal entanglements or are being exploited, or need a lawyer for any reason, Engaging Daniel Harvill as your attorney will be the best decision you ever made.
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10 Nov, 2018 by M shah
I am very much impressed by his work ethic and his approach toward difficult situations that came across in my case. The best thing about him was that whenever a crisis came about, he would present the situation to me in a very calm manner and at the same time give me a set of possible solutions to the problem.. He would then let me choose the approach that I felt most comfortable with. This made me feel that I am in very good hands. He was very nice to spend time making me understand legal language in layman terms. Since the beginning he has been very supportive of my financial situation and I am very grateful to him for that. He is a very strong and effective lawyer and more so he is a gem of a person by heart. His advice has always been very valueable to me. With Mr. Harvill I know I have a trustworthy relationship and know that he has my best interest in mind. I would not hesitate for a second to recommend Mr. Daniel Harvill for any legal needs, he is the best!!
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02 Feb, 2017 by Gerald
Mr. Harvill represented me in both an extremely complicated divorce and real estate matter. At all times he was well prepared and researched every complicated issue thoroughly. At no time was he unavailable. In court he was thoroughly prepared with complex matters. His interaction with opposing counsel and the Judge was highly professional and courteous. What turned out to be an extremely complicated matter, with Mr. Harvill's acumen and ability, the matter turned out favorably for myself. I would highly recommend him for both domestic law and real estate matters.
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29 Apr, 2024 by Daniel dutcher
Kate Beurman O'neill did a fantastic job representing me in what proved to be a messy, trying, and complicated divorce. The thing I appreciated most, aside from her sound counsel and legal expertise, was her genuine concern for my children and her commitment to doing what was right instead of what was convenient or expedient - a quality which truly makes her stand out against her peers. Thanks for everything Kate! And a big shout out to her Paralegal, Tina, for all her behind the scenes work! Thanks for getting me through this, Ladies.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Tom s
The team at Livesay & Myers was absolutely top notch. My attorney Jon and his paralegal were all over the case. They were incredibly prompt in responding both to me, and getting filings out to move the case along. The team at Livesay & Myers has my highest recommendations.
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22 Sep, 2023 by Krista brocker
Livesay and Myers, P.C. is a great company to work with. I would definitely give it a five-star rating. The staff, especially Cara Wallace and Taryn Arp were fantastic. They knew what they were doing, responded to questions or phone calls in a timely manner and they were truly honest and kept me updated most every day on what they have done to get my case solved in a timely manner. I have used Livesay and Myers, P.C. for my divorce and to amend my divorce when needed. They were fair in their pricing, and I was satisfied with what they quoted me. The best part was when I got my legal papers back (a couple of years ago) for my divorce which they did, I got a CD with everything from the first conversation, payment copies, to the final result. I was blown away that I have a copy of everything on a CD now if I ever needed just a particular document, all I have to do is find it and print it. Again, I was very, very pleased on what the offered and did and I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who is looking for an attorney. I can't thank them enough for all their support and help.
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29 Apr, 2024 by Daniel dutcher
Kate Beurman O'neill did a fantastic job representing me in what proved to be a messy, trying, and complicated divorce. The thing I appreciated most, aside from her sound counsel and legal expertise, was her genuine concern for my children and her commitment to doing what was right instead of what was convenient or expedient - a quality which truly makes her stand out against her peers. Thanks for everything Kate! And a big shout out to her Paralegal, Tina, for all her behind the scenes work! Thanks for getting me through this, Ladies.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Tom s
The team at Livesay & Myers was absolutely top notch. My attorney Jon and his paralegal were all over the case. They were incredibly prompt in responding both to me, and getting filings out to move the case along. The team at Livesay & Myers has my highest recommendations.
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22 Sep, 2023 by Krista brocker
Livesay and Myers, P.C. is a great company to work with. I would definitely give it a five-star rating. The staff, especially Cara Wallace and Taryn Arp were fantastic. They knew what they were doing, responded to questions or phone calls in a timely manner and they were truly honest and kept me updated most every day on what they have done to get my case solved in a timely manner. I have used Livesay and Myers, P.C. for my divorce and to amend my divorce when needed. They were fair in their pricing, and I was satisfied with what they quoted me. The best part was when I got my legal papers back (a couple of years ago) for my divorce which they did, I got a CD with everything from the first conversation, payment copies, to the final result. I was blown away that I have a copy of everything on a CD now if I ever needed just a particular document, all I have to do is find it and print it. Again, I was very, very pleased on what the offered and did and I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who is looking for an attorney. I can't thank them enough for all their support and help.
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30 Nov, 2022 by Cecilia
I hired Johnathan for a semi complicated custody case. After being hired I found out that my ex had already filed and we had a court date already set. I sent this information to Johnathan he informed me that he had prior arrangements and couldn’t make it but would have someone step in on his place. Emily was wonderful and professional and also knowledgeable. My issue is more with billing and communication on what I would be billed. I turned out that due to Johnathans personal conflict with my initial court date I would not be paying 350 for any communication with Johnathan and an additional 250 for Emily. Had I known this would be the car I would had asked to be transferred over to Emily only as she was able to show up for my case and while my case was semi complicated it an experienced lawyer should’ve been wholly able to navigate it better than myself. Additionally, dusting a family emergency I called his office on a Thursday at 2:40 and was informed that he was not at his desk but would call me back. Due to urgency I then sent an email of which did not get responded to until Monday. He then informed me that his lack of response was because I did not include his assistant or the other attorney that I didn’t even know had been added to my case. Having never hired an attorney before better communication was expected in terms of who I would get billed for. The handout while full of information on how much certain tiers of employees would cost is helpful but really of no use when no one communicates and says this attorney will also be added to your case at your expense because on personal conflicts. I discontinued his services after he could not be reached and I informed him of my issues, feelings, and how I felt about his services and he responded with he “respectfully disagreed” I would recommend Emily as I actually did get to met with her in person and speak with her. I know billing and lack of communication was not her fault.
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27 Sep, 2020 by Lisa
I knew I had selected the right attorney by the end of our initial consultation. I hired him to represent me as I navigated a divorce after a 38-year marriage. Although we used mediation & did not have to go to court, Jonathan was there every step of the way to be sure I was treated fairly. His response time in every situation, whether I called or emailed, was immediate. I highly recommend him for anyone looking for a good attorney. The staff is amazing as well. I actually felt cared about. Superior!! Lisa
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02 Sep, 2020 by Ron
I selected Jon McHugh of the Livesay & Myers Leesburg office to help me through a recent divorce. I unfortunately have experience with other divorce attorneys and because of previous issues, I interviewed a few others before I finally picked Jon. I was immediately impressed with his candor and demeanor. He didn't tell me what I wanted to hear, like many have. He also didn't look at his watch before he said hello or goodbye like I've experienced in the past. He listened to my story and gave me his thoughts about a path forward. I was sold on him after the first five minutes. Working with Jon and his support staff was my favorite of all time attorney interactions. Jon and Margaret Stanley were extremely responsive to any of my questions or requests and I never got the feeling that they were looking for things to charge me for like I've experienced in the past. The bottom line is that the final settlement came out much better than we discussed in the beginning. I chalk that up to Jon knowing what he is doing and the strategy he laid out working better than expected. Exceeding expectations is how you get satisfied customers and I certainly am one. As a side note, this cost me less in legal fees than I expected and much less than I've previously experienced. I would highly recommend the Livesay & Myers law firm and Jonathan McHugh in specific.
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08 May, 2024 by Lizbethmarie
Ana Bristle is an outstanding lawyer, very kind and professional. We are grateful for the advice and how she managed our situation, definitely recommend she’s the people’s lawyer! Very attentive, compassionate. She did not worry about the language barrier and helped my mom as much as she could, provided counseling, support, resources and advice she needed.
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02 May, 2024 by W reid
Theseus was great! Helped me out with a situation without him, I would have been much worse off. Thank you, Theseus.
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11 Mar, 2024 by Nima m
I felt that Anna was unprepared for court. I wouldn’t hire her again.
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04 Apr, 2024 by Susan ventura
Old Town Advocates, has helped me and my family with a few cases. I'm so grateful for the assistance that Old Town Advocates provided to us during the difficult times we were going through. Ms. Stephanie Stinson represented me in a child custody, divorce, and property settlement agreement cases. I can't imagine of the outcome of my situation if Ms. Stinson, would not have been there to guide me and defend my rights along the way. She was not only a great support to us, but also the best representation we could have. I truly appreciate the high level of empathy, compassion, care, and communication I have received from her throughout this complicated process. She is very knowledgeable; she is great at what she does and knows what's best for her clients. She goes above and beyond for the well-being of her clients. My case was a success on every aspect, and I am blessed and thankful to God; without him and Ms. Stinson this victory would have not been possible. I also want to mention Ms. Lindsay Keeler, even thought she's no longer with the Firm she helped us with a protective order case for my son. She was there for us throughout the whole process. Very knowledgeable and compassionate. My son knew Ms. Keeler was going to fight for him and she did. It was another successful case as well, and we were satisfied with all the assistance and solutions he received from her and the Firm. Overall, I am 100 percent satisfied with the Firm and the service we have received. The Firm is conveniently located in front of the Prince William County Courthouse. On my Court days we walked together to the Courthouse. I highly recommend Old Town Advocates and Ms. Stephanie Stinson. They are very compassionate and professional. I hope I don't need an attorney again but if I do, I will hire Ms. Stephanie Stinson again with my eyes closed without a doubt. She is the best! Old Town Advocates and Ms. Stephanie Stinson, I want to express my gratitude, thank you so much for everything you have done for my family and for me. God Blessed you always!
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24 Mar, 2024 by Jean carminati
Lindsay Keeler is an amazing attorney, she took care of me through my divorce and several custody hearings. She made sure that the court saw my side of the situation as the father at all times. I will use her as my attorney in the future for all family law issues.
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24 Mar, 2024 by Christopher s (chris)
Mike took care of my tenants uncorroborated claim in 2005 successfully securing a dismissal in quick fashion. As a bonus this Firm is located directly in front of the the Prince William County Courthouse so we could proceed to the courthouse together.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Lawrence nasca
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02 Feb, 2024 by Duy pham
I am beyond grateful to have had attorney Andrea Morisi by my side throughout the guardianship petition process. From the initial consultation to the final court hearing, she demonstrated exceptional expertise, understanding, and professionalism. Her legal fees were affordable, and guidance was clear and addressing all my concerns and questions throughout the process. Thanks to her meticulous preparation the outcome was successful. I highly recommend Attorney Morisi for anyone seeking legal guidance in guardianship matters.
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08 Dec, 2023 by Laura dorsey
Kind, efficient, and professional. I had a great experience working with Catherine and her team. Her paralegal, Wendy, was a dream to work with, and the front desk staff are top notch. I highly recommend their services!
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26 Feb, 2015 by Diana
Both Mr. Reed and his wife have worked on my personal injury case. They have kept me informed and are very knowledgeable in the process. They are professional and always on point with responses to the insurance company's attorney. The insurance company of the individual who rear-ended me at a traffic stop has refused to pay my medical bills. The Reed Law Firm, has been firm and professional in their request that the case be settled. I am confident that we will end up with a favorable outcome. I was previously represented my Ms. Reed in my divorce; I was very please with the representation I received during the divorce. Ms. Reed worked relentlessly, I felt very well represented, Ms. Reed took over my divorce case after a unpleasant experience with another female attorney who lacked in professionalism, ethics and compassion. I can't say enough about both Mr. and Mrs. Reed in the manner in which they have represented me. I was new to this area and did not where to turn when by chance I ran into an individual who highly recommended Ms. Reed to me.
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30 Jan, 2015 by Victoria
I hired Mr. Reed to represent me in a contested divorce. He kept me constantly informed and up-to date throughout the entire case. He was knowledgeable and a great advocate for me. He was great in the courtroom, and we got a complete victory in my opinion. I highly recommend Mr. Reed.
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30 Jan, 2015 by Cole
I worked with Both Richard and his wife/partner, Vanessa on a complicated and important pre-nuptial agreement. I found the entire firm to be absolutely first class. I was originally thinking I would go it alone and write up my own pre-nup using online searches to gather information. THAT would have been a huge mistake, they pointed out many items I would have missed had I done that.
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28 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Armistead is a fantastic attorney. Not only is he experienced, but he is extremely knowledgeable and detail-oriented. Nothing gets past him. He has a commanding presence in the courtroom and knows procedures and evidence like the back of his hand. I would certainly not want to be the attorney against whom he is trying a case. I without hesitation recommend Mr. Armistead for anyone in need of an attorney for a contract dispute or family law issue.
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07 Dec, 2020 by Robert
Despite the complexity of my case. Mr.Armistead stayed true to everything we discussed. He planned accordingly on how to proceed with patience. Overall gaining custody of my children. Thank you
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07 Dec, 2020 by Ashleigh
Mr Armistead stayed in constant contact with me during every step of my case.
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24 Sep, 2019 by Paul
Maureen was the third lawyer with whom I spoke about my need to file for divorce. I chose Maureen to represent me because of her ability to look beyond the conversation toward what it may take to reach the objective. She was always attentive to my concerns and brought me back to focus when it seemed to me that the situation may be going sideways. She has a sense of compassion that managed to bring calm to a very stressful situation. She prepared me for any outcome; good, bad or indifferent. Maureen guided me through each step of the process so that I was included. I knew then as I know now that Maureen is a professional that displays a tremendous level of integrity, compassion, patience and interest in the task at hand.
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02 Mar, 2019 by Anne
From the moment of my first meeting with Maureen she made it clear she was in my corner and ready to go to bat. She was very nurturing and also a very strong, knowledgeable and talented attorney. She got me a very good result and did it in a way to where my ex husband and I are still friendly. She and Teresa have even been very helpful with paperwork and advice after the whole process has been over.
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08 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Maureen is fast, experienced, confident, perceptive, and passionate. She cares about her clients, and she’s responsible with your money. I honestly believe you won’t find anyone more qualified. Thanks again, Maureen!
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31 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
I recently hired Donna based on her website and the testimonials. That was my bad. I now know that Donna has had 5 different lawyer firms in like 5 years so I didn't see all the bad reviews. Donnie is kinda mean and talks down to her clients. She bills alot. Like every possible penny. She lost our case and just giggled and sent more invoices. She humiliated me and made me poorer than i was before my ex. I wish I could go back and hire a good lawyer. There are way better lawyers than her.
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30 Mar, 2023 by Steve
Through an extremely difficult situation Donna and with an ex that is a psychopath, Donna was able to provide help and counsel. She worked hard to provide the best resolution to a seemingly impossible issue. Her fees were reasonable and she used her staff to keep the bills down where appropriate.
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28 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Hired Donna to handle a simple child support. $25k later... Ugh. Do not hire Donna Dougherty to handle your case. When you meet her, you'll find that she is, in my opinion, brash and abrasive and unquestionably condescending. Your first thought is "Perfect, that's how she's going to work tirelessly on my behalf." You'll be wrong. That's how she'll continue to treat you and good luck getting to effectively advocate on your behalf. In my specific experience, she will rather yell at you (as her client) than work with opposing counsel on an amicable resolution (as I've learned since severing ties with this firm).
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22 Dec, 2022 by David
Paid an hourly rate for consultation only to be given a business card and some horrible NON-legal advice. I did not retain him as he seemed more interested in getting my check and offered little legal guidance that I needed at the time. Do not waste your time on this lawyer. There are much better options out there.
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10 Dec, 2022 by Sarkawt shamsulddin
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04 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
If your court appointed with this lawyer he will not consult with you prior to your hearing and he makes it very clear that he doesn’t care about you or your case. When it comes to your freedom , life and your background he doesn’t care.
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12 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Henderson returned my call personally and was quite helpful in answering my questions. I plan to hire him very shortly and believe that others would benefit from his expertise and professionalism.
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04 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
I was his client. He missed a very important filing deadline and then proceeded to bill me extra to try to correct his own mistake, that he ultimately was unable to correct himself. Would not recommend
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FAQs
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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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