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23 Oct, 2014 by Kenneth
I met with Mr. Cohen after being involved in a car crash that was not my fault. I was badly injured and had never been in an accident before. From the moment I first met Mr. Cohen, I was impressed. He took his time to meet with me and answer all of my questions. He made me feel very calm and secure about the process. He was open and honest about my case every step of the way. I am very satisfied with his representation and highly recommend him.
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05 Aug, 2017 by Ron
Talked to Marc about a custody issue and he was very helpful. Answered all my questions thoroughly and wasn't in a rush, even though I interrupted his lunch. He even asked me questions that I hadn't thought of pertaining my case. I would recommend him and will very likely be working with him when the time comes.
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25 Aug, 2022 by Jaylin
Mr. Palmer is very professional and polite. He was my father's attorney in 1999 for custody of me. I saw he was still in practice and consulted with him about representing my fiance for her upcoming custody case, which lead us to decide to hire him. He's very dedicated and honest, he won't waste your time or money if he doesn't think he can win. He's been around for so long he's built different relationships with different courts and has a fantastic reputation. He's got a heart of gold and truly cares about his clients as if they were family. He will work with you regarding payments regardless, especially in extreme circumstances. His tactics are unique, he tears down opposing parties with their own information and inconsistencies all in his own way. He's not arrogant nor ignorant about it, subtle yet blunt. He's someone who doesn't advertise any other way than word of mouth. I found him here and can't believe there's no posts so I had to let people know about this hidden hometown gem. If I could rate 20 stars I would. If you're in need of a civil or criminal attorney in Caroline County, Maryland, call Mr. Walt Palmer.
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15 Oct, 2021 by Stanley
When I reached out to Scott & Scott to help with a Family Law case, I found them to upfront with me and that they explained what the process was, and what my options where. Jennifer was my attorney, and she did an outstanding job taking care of the case start to finish. Hiring Scott & Scott allowed me to focus on my work, while they handled my case.
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18 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Ray Vanzego is a lawyer who is well informed and very skilled at his craft. His main goal is to win for his clients. He is a planner and strategic in his approach. Ray has an uncanny ability to read the courtroom and the bench. In Upper Marlboro, it is clear that he is highly respected. He increases your odds of winning.
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28 Feb, 2011 by Tif-
Jane is very knowledgeable, ethical, empathetic, and very sharp! She would definitely stand up for what is "right" and works very hard for her money! If you are looking for a wonderful attorney that will work hard for you Jane is the one! She has always kept me well informed, I have never had a problem getting a timely response, and never had to tell her anything twice! She is on top of the information and all over the case! She helped me with Family Law, custody/child support case and I highly recommend Jane.
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18 Aug, 2022 by Becca
We've unfortunately been involved in 3 different lawsuits and had 3 different lawyers. Chris is BY FAR our favorite. Lawsuits inherently suck your money dry and it's hard to feel good about a lawsuit or your lawyer given whatever situation you are dealing with. Chris is incredibly hardworking and thorough. When we first contacted him, we needed a lawsuit filed very quickly as we were approaching an important date that would change the facts on the ground. Chris worked tirelessly to pull together our initial filing to protect our rights and reached out to relevant stakeholders for affidavits, making himself available for several last minute signatures. He also specifically took action to file the case or respond in certain ways given how Covid has changed the way that the courts are functioning in DC (e.g., e-filing vs. going to the court, etc.). Our case was factually and legally complex and he worked for several months to negotiate with the opposing counsel and was extremely communicative with us throughout the process. Going to trial would have been costly and his ability to work with opposing counsel to come to an agreed upon resolution saved us a lot of money, and he was even able to negotiate some of the resolution costs be placed upon the defense, which saved us even more money (and energy!). Lastly, his approach and his demeanor towards us was respectful and thoughtful and made us feel like we were in good hands through the whole process. We would enthusiastically recommend him to others.
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24 Mar, 2010 by Alan
Wendy worked with me to get my divorce completed. It was an uncontested divorce, but she worked with me to insure that I understood what exactly was happening or would happen at each step of the way. Efficient, yet also caring. You will never feel like you are just another client being lawyered by some large firm. She definitely made what could have been a difficult process as painless as possible. I highly recommend her.
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01 Jul, 2024 by Gordon
Good afternoon First and foremost, from the first day Ms. Duerr and I meet, she carried herself as a professional and our relationship carried on throughout this process in my divorce. She was always respectful and responded to emails in a timely manner. At first (not necessarily by Ms. Duerr) felt I wasn't totally informed regarding the payment process and felt the way the process was communicated to me was somewhat confusing. However, as mentioned Ms. Duerr was a professional and explained things as we moved forward. Once we began working together I truly appreciated her work and timely deliverables. This said, I am totally satisfied with Ms. Duerr's work with my case.
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10 Nov, 2015 by Danny
I am a male who has fought hard for custody of my young son. Mrs. Schwartzman has been my attorney for almost a year and a half. During this time, Mrs. Schwartzman has remained by my side and fought hard, day and night, to make sure that I had every opportunity possible to spend time with my son. She has fought tirelessly throughout the entire legal proceedings. She always explained (in great detail) exactly what the next step would be and exactly what to expect throughout each and every step. Many times I felt defeated and I felt like being granted custody of my son was only a dream and it would never become a reality. Mrs. Schwartzman never gave up on me or my son. She fought tooth and nail and in the end I was granted FULL custody of my son!!! Thanks to Mrs. Schwartzman I am now living the ultimate dream! I could have never won custody of my son without her. Mrs. Schwartzman is a Godsend! She gave me back my son and she also gave me back a lifetime full of joy and happiness. I trust her with my life! Mrs. Schwartzman is the greatest attorney this planet has ever seen!
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15 Nov, 2019 by Wendi reyes
He is very professional, has help me through all that's being going on. He gets the job done very well, and also he has never let me down.
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26 Jan, 2023 by Claudia
I consulted with a number of top divorce attorneys in MD (six, to be exact) since I was very aware that my divorce would not only be highly contentious but would also involve a number of subpoenas. My consultation with Heather felt far different than the others. I clearly remember walking away from our meeting feeling hopeful, but, more importantly, feeling like I was heard. Giving earnest thanks is daunting. One hopes to choose words that convey the amount of gratitude they feel. My divorce turned out to be far more challenging than I expected and lasted nearly 18 months. Heather kept in constant communication with me, and she was beyond outstanding in not only explaining the steps of the divorce process clearly to me but also embracing my many emotional meltdowns, anxiety, and frustration with this grueling process. Heather’s genuine devotion and compassion for her clients, besides her outstanding knowledge of the law, is innate of the kind of person she is. Her work ethic and remarkable professional representation on my behalf resulted in a settlement far more beneficial and rewarding for me than I could have possibly hoped. Heather was relentless and fought tirelessly for me. I never write reviews but wanted to share with others the recommendation in which I was blessed to receive from a close friend, whom Heather also represented. I couldn’t possibly recommend Heather more highly. I’m forever indebted to her.
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08 Mar, 2019 by Rose
Gregory Stephenson worked tirelessly on my case with satisfactory results. He is a respected hardworking, compassionate, and ethical attorney who listens to his clients. His superior representation, honesty and directness in court was exemplary.
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21 Nov, 2016 by Laura
Penny Dart gave me legal help and support as I went through a very emotional domestic abuse case against my husband. She guided me through the trying process with her vast legal experience and knowledge, but never without compassion. Knowing that Mrs. Dart was representing me, gave me great comfort, since without her, I would have been blindly going through the uncharted judicial process alone.
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04 Apr, 2014 by Martin
Mr. Boozer has represented me on two different instances,divorce and drug charge,I feel he achieved the best results that I wanted. He appeared at court and settled the one case there,the other case of divorce also ended with the results that I wanted, he kept me informed of the ligitation going on any was thoughtful of my financial status as well. Mr. Boozer is somebody that I felt very comfortable with and always spoke to me and explained things so I would understand both in lawyer terms and in my terms as well. Mr. Boozer is very knowledgeable and informed of the laws and represented me with the utmost professional work and was also very caring about my issues. If I had any issue where I would need a lawyer I would not think twice about contacting him for his thoughts and if he would handle it himself or would refer me to someone else.He is a credit to his profession.
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15 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
Dana has been in the business a long time and that is one of the reasons I hired her. She lives up to her Avvo description and is effective, caring, and diligent on getting everything in order for you.
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23 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
I was faced with an extremely difficult family law matter involving custody, alimony and property division. Ms. Board kept me informed at every stage of the process and was well prepared to represent my interests ont he day of trial. I would recommend her to anyone who needs experience, knowledge and understanding.
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14 Jul, 2015 by Kathleen mclaughlin
I have known Barry Dalnekoff for over 20 years while practicing family law. He is extremely well-informed and highly competent in the field of family law as well as a strong opponent with whom I have enjoyed working with in the past.
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21 Mar, 2018 by Leslie
My lawyer, Ms.matthews always was attentive to me even when we missed each others calls she would always touch basis with me, Ms.matthews was attentive and showed compassion towards my divorce and custody issues she is a very positive force when I definitely needed it, for my emotions were all over the place very thorough when asking me questions and my day in court Ms.matthews showed compassion towards me therefore it made me feel secured. I will always recommend Ms.matthews and The Carter Law Firm as my Go 2 Law Firm. Thank You Shereese Matthews my family and I are so grateful for your efforts and role in helping to relieve me of this burden..
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07 Feb, 2015 by Jason
Michael Sweet is the best general practice lawyer I've been to in Frederick, hands down. Very attentive and professional. I plan to use him for all of my legal matters going forward and I've already recommended him to friends and family.
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26 Jul, 2023 by Diane zink
2nd best damn boss I ever had, after the attorney who shot him self in the head. Recommend as an L/T attorney and of course for representing a very large band for bankruptcy collections.
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30 Apr, 2013 by Mike
Joe got me out of my shattered marriage about 20 years ago. Not only that, but I got custody of the kids and their mother was on the hook for child support. He was recommended to me by a co-worker whose husband got out of a previous marriage thanks to Joe. He was honest, upfront, and tenacious working on my behalf. I was very comfortable working with him. Joe was economical using his time and his bills were reasonable and scrupulously detailed. His work was worth every penny paid him. I thank Joe again and hope things are going well for him. My kids are grown now, but thanks to Joe's work, when they were little I always knew where they would lay their heads of a night.
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07 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Mr. Pearlstein and Ms. Renehan handled my case very professionally, responsively, and with great knowledge. My case was unique as I needed to transfer custody from another state to Maryland, which required a thorough modification. Having both of them made me feel safe and heard. They were always on top of my needs, meeting deadlines, and, best of all, they were there for me. They had the best interests not just for me as their client, but also for my child. They were very passionate about what they do. Lastly, their extensive experience in Family Law is what makes them a powerhouse in helping me achieve the custody agreement that I have wanted.
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23 Sep, 2008 by Anonymous
Separation and divorce is difficult, no matter how amicable. Mr. Glass, who took over my case from his partner to work with me on additional child support and custody-related issues after my divorce had already been finalized, was wonderful to work with. He and his firm value children first, helping parents do what is in the best interest of their kids. He was realistic when communicating with me about my options, his experience in the courts, and possible outcomes--all of which saved me time, money and aggravation. Despite my many and varied emotions throughout the process, Mr. Glass always maintained composure, objectivity, and offered wise counsel. He helped to keep me focused and sane through the entire process. Though I highly praise his reasoned and realistic approach to my case, he was also extremely responsive to my needs and the needs of my children, not at all afraid to be aggressive when appropriate, and truly be my advocate in the face of potential injustice. He also recommended an outstanding mediator to us who, again, helped us do what was best for our children, and save us considerable money on attorney and court fees, actually avoiding court altogether. I cannot recommend Eric Glass enough, or his firm, Clark and Glass.
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04 May, 2017 by Sherria
I hired attorney Huff to handle a custody case for me and she did an excellent job in providing services . She made sure I understood all of the letters that were sent to me and if I had any questions she made sure I understood them . The billing invoices were sent in an accessible format so I could read them due to my disability. Ms. Huff did an outstanding job as she gave the testimony in representing my case and the judge awarded full, sole, legal, and physical custody . I would recommend attorney Huff to any and everyone for her outstanding service
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29 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Beth was instrumental in us getting accommodations in a 504 plan for our child. She is very knowledgeable about how best to work within the school system to get the accommodations that were needed, but was willing to be firm and fight for our child's rights, if needed. We were definitely in good hands with Beth and I would highly recommend her to anyone who needs advice or an advocate for a 504 or IEP plan.
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15 Dec, 2011 by Livio
I couldn't stretch enough my respect and trust toward Mrs Joan Weiss. I went a long way through the legal field, met hundreds of lawyers, dealt with dozens of them... Just to admire even more this professional classy Lady with all the sophisticated senses of fairness, knowledge and dedication. She is a Family Lawyer, Please, do not even think to get divorced or else... without her savvy approach to real life instead of corrupted systems, where will take you most of the lawyers you can contact, just for greediness. Mrs Weiss, once again, immensely grateful I remain.
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20 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
I have and will continue to recommend Jen. She kept me in line during my divorce and kept me from making decisions I would regret.
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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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