Best Family Law lawyers in Maryland

2,842 Family Law Lawyers in Maryland

>2.8k

experienced lawyers

Cestaine Francis Glover

1010 Park Ave Ste 300, Baltimore, MD

Family Law +1

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

03 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous

I used Miss Glover for my divorce. She not only gave me very bad advice concerning my case (which cost me thousands of dollars). She did not make sure that timelines discussed in court where added to the divorce decree. This tied my hands in many ways in my case. She was very slow at sending documents to me (i.e. court papers, information from my ex about my case, and invoices). She was completely unresponsive for a month during my case. Her legal assistant stating that she was out of town. I sent her several e-mails and placed multiple calls to her. She returned very few, and billed me for the time. I would not recommend this woman to anyone as a lawyer. She was not only unhelpful in my case. She was detrimental. I eventually got another lawyer. I am still trying to fix the issues Miss Glovers incompetence caused.

Thomas G Bodie

21 W. Susquehanna Avenue, Towson, MD

Business Family Law Government +3

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

27 Jan, 2010 by Anonymous

Mr. Bodie, is very passive as for a family law lawyer. To be honest, he was a fill-in for my lawyer that was on leave. Family law may not be his field, but I was very disappointed with his performance, for being the main Partner of his firm. He was not prepared to defend me. Therefore, I had to settle for less.

Jeffrey Stuart Weintraub

618 Center Point Way # 84086, Gaithersburg, MD

Family Law +1

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

09 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous

This case was extremely long and uneccesarily drawn out to the point it was emotionally draining and much more stressful than it would have been, if properly handled. Despite the statement on his website claiming, "We ensure you are fully informed of the law as it relates to your case," I found myself educating him about my employee rights including the Ledbetter law and Family Medical Leave, which anyone in this field should know. His negotiating skills are extremely lacking and I found it embarrassing when sitting in mediation with him as my representative due his demeanor, lack of knowledge, and disorganization. The session proved to be unproductive. Additionally, he showed up late to represent me in an unemployment claim appeal, which aggravated the judge from the start. His "contributions" were more of a disservice than anything else. I feel strongly that I would have had a better chance of having my appeal granted if he hadn't showed up at all and I had simply represented myself. I definitely would not recommend him and wish I had done more research to find an attorney with a proven record and positive client feedback.

Tae H Kim

9520 Berger Rd Ste 212, Columbia, MD

Appeals Criminal Defense Family Law +1 +4

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

15 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous

It says he is a trial lawyer. That’s a joke. I know the evidence in my case and he rather me sit in jail for 9 months then try to make the state prove that I did what they said. He could not even explain how they can prove it. They still gave me the maximum time and the stress of having all that time for a misdemeanor and non violent at that. It’s because I had the wrong lawyer. Stay far away. He just wants the money and the easy plea deal. While you sit in jail

John M Seeberger

7100 German Hill Rd, Baltimore, MD

Family Law +1

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

06 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous

John was recommended by a family friend of my mother. He never provided an itemized receipt of the service that he provided my mother. That is required by law. When I was granted power of attorney for financial I called him and asked him for a receipt. He was perplexed as to why we wanted a receipt. Reason being my mother was quite able to make it to his law office at the time he gouged her on house calls. In addition John claimed that my mother paid up front and insisted on that. If that were the case he would have never known what the fee was. He never told my mother he was charging her exorbitant house call fees. Will lawyers r a dime a dozen and he took advantage of her. Still waiting for itemized receipt. I would not recommend him as an attorney he should tell his fees up front and not get so defensive when asked why and what they were. He obviously knew he took advantage of her situation.

Jessica Markham

7960 Old Georgetown Road #3b, Bethesda, MD

Child Custody Child Support Estate Planning +2 +5

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

20 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous

Hides court orders and files case indicating non-receipt of court orders, lies to judge about making filings and says oops later. Gets away with weak opposing parties. She was represented by opposing party.

Elise Davis

Po Box 237, Tilghman, MD

Family Law +1

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

29 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous

Did not look after best interest of her client, but instead looked after the best interest of Elise Davis. Constantly had to resend her very important emails, does not listen whatsoever to client. We would receive an invoice AFTER the fact. She would say "Don't worry about it right now" and then we would receive an invoice out of blue for $1000 and make us feel how lucky we were that she was only charging us 1K. Never received an explanation of costs involving case. Not once. She portrayed herself as a champion of the underdog, then fought hard to settle for fraction rather to go to trial.....and guess who benefited the most? Not her client. It was Elise who benefited the most. Only communicated through US Postal service! And charged us! Would not reply to email!

William Ryan Levasseur Jr.

22 West Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 202, Towson, MD

Family Law +1

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

03 May, 2022 by Anonymous

I'm sure there are worse attorneys but I haven't met one. Bill was insensitive. He dragged his feet in preparing important documents. His math was wrong. He did not answer my questions. He talked way too much without actually saying anything.

E David Silverberg

Ste 236 E 1777 Reisterstown Rd, Pikesville, MD

Family Law +1

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

24 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous

E David was always personable and friendly, which I definitely appreciated. But in court, he was forgetful and completely steamrolled by the other party’s attorney. He gave me conflicting advice throughout the time I retained him, and a lot of it hurt me at trial. He floundered if he could not follow his prewritten script. I would not recommend him at all.

Gina Elizabeth Polley

500 E Lexington St, Baltimore, MD

Family Law +1

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

20 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous

Specifically - REPEATEDLY ASSURED me, I could leave the state with my son without fear of being arrested. ASSURED me custody modification was possible and pressured me to sign an agreement waiving custody. When I WAS brought to trial for emergency custody hearing she said I was LUCKY to not be held in contempt of court. When I returned to Maryland and asked her to start modification she strongly said there is no grounds. I left THE RIGHTS to my CHILD and my HOME of 20 years, quit my job and spent thousands to relocate all based on her assurances. Based on advice from a divorced friend I repeatedly asked for the QDRO to be done and GINA told me not until the divorce is final...but I researched and found it is better to have it hammered out before finalizing a divorce. When I asked LEGAL aid to NOT ABANDON me, but reassign me, I was told they were not inclined at this time. She then FIRED me as a client when I insisted she make this right. More than 2 attorneys suggested malpractice after seeing my emails and court documents. We depend on others as experts. I am not a doctor or mechanic or airline pilot or attorney so I depend on those professionals to fix things or fly the plane. I trusted her advice even though it seemed counter intuitive. But trust the expert I did. She was MORE than lazy, I began to feel she was actually NOT on my team. Her fellow Legal Aid observers came up with great suggestions to protect me, she nodded and agreed and then did not implement any of those protections. I heard more than once her impatient tone "he's not going to agree to that!" at my suggestions to implement those protections that other LEGAL AID attorneys brought to her attention. If Gina Polley doesn't like you, watch out!

Irwin A Goldberg

14454 Old Mill Rd Ste 301, Upper Marlboro, MD

Family Law Litigation +2

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

11 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous

I hire attorney Mr. Irwin Goldberg because I had a court order that was granted to me for my ex husband retirement plan I paid Mr. Goldberg in cash for his help in my 2 court order over 2 years ago every time I called his office I left several voicemail messages for him to give me and updates on my case he never return any of my phone calls and I had already paid him for his services. Please if you hire a attorney please do not let it be Mr. Irwin Goldberg to do a service for you, you would be wasting your money and your time. I was heart broken over the way he treated me after I already paid him for my services and he did not help me.

Sondra M Douglas

1101 Wootton Pkwy Ste 700, Rockville, MD

Family Law Litigation +2

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

09 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous

I hired this attorney regarding a family matter issue. She produced a document that literally had me listed throughout as the defendant when in fact I was the plaintiff. I could go on and on but suffice to say when paying $300/hr, you expect your lawyer to know who you are and to proofread their documents before sending.

Keith Barry Krissoff

137 Mitchells Chance Rd Ste 300, Edgewater, MD

Criminal Defense Family Law Personal Injury +3

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

08 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous

He did a jury trial for me and told me that the judge you get does not matter. This judge stopped Krissoff in his tracks and threatened him if he continued his line of questioning. No doubt this judge was the worst you could have in Rockville but Krissoff did not normally practice there, so he did not know this judge. Prior to trial the judge asked the prosecutor and Krissoff into chambers to try and broker a plea of 2 to 3 years. He also told Krissoff if I do not accept his plea offer and go to trial and lose, he would hammer me at sentencing and he did. Gave me 30 years for 2 counts of theft over 300.00 Krissoff never told me about the threat and said it never happened, but in a round about way, the prosecutor told another attorney and that got back to me. I filed for a post conviction and the judge did not deny saying it, but Krissoff never admitted it was ever said. Is he brain dead?

Richard Irving Martel Jr.

235 Medwick Garth E, Catonsville, MD

Criminal Defense Family Law Litigation +2 +5

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

22 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous

Very unprofessional yells and over talks you does not listen before responding.

James Wylie Almand

6200 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD

Business Family Law Litigation +3

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

04 Sep, 2009 by Timothy m. uebelt

James Almand was not help at all in helping me, a husband and father, obtain any of my divorce settlement terms. He will inflate his billable hours with no positive outcome for the fathers. He is a very non aggressive lawyer. Fathers watch out and do not hire this lawyer for domestic matters. James Almand does not know how to aggressively negociate with the woman's lawyers. Fathers, if you hire this lawyer you will loose custody of your children.

Layne Roosevelt Pierre

200 Washington Ave, Towson, MD

Criminal Defense Family Law +2

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

10 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous

WARNING!! Use Layne Pierre as your attorney and you’ll probably go to jail. Having not been able to cut it in private practice, Mr. Pierre currently works for the Maryland Public Defender’s Office in Baltimore County. Unfortunately, due to my financial situation at the time of my legal troubles I found myself needing a Public Defender. Enter Layne Pierre. Not only was Mr. Pierre unprepared for every hearing we had with the Court, he routinely showed up late, looking disheveled and smelling like marijuana. Yes, you read that right. I think he was high. It appeared that he had just rolled out of bed 10 minutes prior. His knowledge of the Criminal Procedure was minimal at best and his mannerisms regularly drew the ire of the Judge. How he passed the BAR remains a mystery. Fortunately, my case was postponed enough times that I was able to eventually hire private counsel and quickly had Mr. Pierre removed from my case. Sadly, I understand that he is now a Supervisor that handles felony cases for the Public Defenders Office. What a disgrace. I shudder to think about all the innocent people who will be sent to prison because of his incompetence. Do yourselves a favor and steer clear. If you happen to be assigned Mr. Pierre, do everything in your power to get someone else or you’ll definitely go to jail. You’ll thank me for this advice.

Ena Juvardo Richter

Brown Gaines, LLC., White Plains, MD, MD

Business Criminal Defense Estate Planning +1 +4

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

04 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous

She has no knowledge about family law. Looks like she left Maryland because she could not practice there anymore due to her unprofessional work ethics. She will go to the court without any supporting documents from the client and hope that the judge will be in her favor. She has no concern about legal ethics rule. She is only concern about building hours. She will never keep her clients informed and she literally refuses to communicate with the opposing counsel. She is the type of attorney who does NOT believe in mediation and she will do her best to make her client go to the court so that she can build her hours. She is not interested in helping the client to resolve the matter amicably with mediation and without wasting her client's time.

Angus William Derbyshire

500 E Lexington St, Baltimore, MD

Consumer Protection Family Law Government +1 +4

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

08 Jul, 2024 by Tyler

This man works with the pro bono center now for Maryland Legal Aid. He flat out failed me, and failed to call me back. I have attempted to call him 7 times over 45 days and nothing. I wouldn’t hire him if my life depended upon it.

Jeffrey Michael Sirody

1777 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD

Criminal Defense Family Law Foreclosure +1 +4

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

02 Oct, 2024 by Abu njaay

I paid the full amount, but he has failed to provide any services in return. When I attempt to contact them, my calls are rerouted to third-party representatives who refuse to disclose their identity or provide any assistance. I’ve been trying to reach them for several weeks now, but my calls continue to be ignored.

Sharon Angela Harper May

4000 N Charles St Apt 803, Baltimore, MD

Criminal Defense Family Law +2

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

27 May, 2017 by Anonymous

She did absolutely nothing to help my case. Very poor and disengaged lawyer.

David L Dowell

David L Dowell Esq 2112 Blue Mount Rd, Monkton, MD

Business Family Law Litigation +3

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

30 Sep, 2024 by Heidi

After document signed no charge . Recieved demand for money for services rendered , documentation signed of no charge.

Renee Bronfein Ades

7 Saint Paul Street, Suite 600, Baltimore, MD

Family Law Litigation +2

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

07 Aug, 2024 by Dub

I hired this attorney for my divorce at the recommendation of a friend.. She got me an awful settlement but kept telling me what a good deal I was getting. She told me that my deal was not modifiable, when in essence it was. She literally lied to me. Many years later, I ended up in court because my ex sued me for alimony modification., which Renee told me she couldn't do. My new attorney confirmed what a lousy deal Renee got for me and that the settlement should never have been able to be modified and in the hands of a competent attorney, it wouldn't be. Do not use Renee Ades.

Vicki Viramontes-Lafree

7735 Old Georgetown Road Suite 1100, Bethesda, MD

Family Law +1

0.0/5

Sean A. Baird

1323 Fenwick Ln, Silver Spring, MD

Family Law Litigation Personal Injury +3

0.0/5

Sara Nicole Trower

10 Post Office Road, Silver Spring, MD

Family Law Personal Injury +2

0.0/5

Julianne W Chappell

3433 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Frederick, MD

Estate Planning Family Law Trusts +3

0.0/5

Stephen Louis Hatos

No 209, Silver Spring, MD

Business Family Law Trusts +3

0.0/5

Kathy Rebecca Davis

10770 Columbia Pike Ste 200, Silver Spring, MD

Business Family Law Immigration +2 +5

0.0/5

John P Roth

107 W Jefferson St, Rockville, MD

Family Law Personal Injury +2

0.0/5

Revee Michaela Walters

4800 Montgomery Ln, Bethesda, MD

Business Family Law Litigation +1 +4

0.0/5

Browse lawyers

Cities in Maryland - Find a Lawyer Near Me

Browse lawyers

Practice Areas in Maryland

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.

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.

Best Family Law lawyers in Maryland

Browse lawyers

Cities in Maryland - Find a Lawyer Near Me

Baltimore

Rockville

Bethesda

Towson

Annapolis

Silver Spring

Columbia

Potomac

Frederick

Greenbelt

Gaithersburg

Owings Mills

Upper Marlboro

Ellicott City

Chevy Chase

Bel Air

Bowie

Glen Burnie

Salisbury

Laurel

Hagerstown

Lutherville

Westminster

Hunt Valley

Timonium

Easton

Largo

Prince Frederick

Catonsville

Kensington

Waldorf

Hanover

Cumberland

Elkton

Severna Park

Pikesville

Ocean City

Reisterstown

College Park

Germantown

Hyattsville

Takoma Park

Pasadena

Fulton

Lanham

Crofton

Cockeysville

La Plata

Riverdale

Chestertown

Fort Washington

Beltsville

Odenton

Edgewater

Leonardtown

Olney

North Bethesda

Camp Springs

Landover

Lexington Park

Linthicum

North Potomac

Cambridge

Clarksville

Arnold

Millersville

Mount Airy

Oxon Hill

Elkridge

Wheaton

Centreville

Burtonsville

Lutherville Timonium

Phoenix

Severn

Stevenson

Clinton