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29 Sep, 2024 by Christina mcdonough
Eric is absolutely fantastic! He is smart, very knowledgeable, and very responsive. He is always available when you need him and I am beyond impressed by his ability to move quickly and efficiently. His advice is excellent and practical. I feel very fortunate to be his client.
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21 Apr, 2022 by Timothy ladd
21 Apr, 2022 by Matthew bresette
23 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Rachel Hodgman is a dedicated, intelligent, and professional attorney who guided me through the divorce process. I would recommend her services to anyone going through the difficult and emotional experience of divorce and in my case, shared child custody. Rachel was personally invested into mine and my children’s well being. She was always available when and if I needed to talk. She looked out for me, but not in an overbearing way, when I became disillusioned with anything to do with the divorce. She represented my interests perfectly when it came down to negotiating an agreement with my ex wife and her attorney. I have a good outlook on life post divorce and Rachel greatly assisted me in achieving this.
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20 Nov, 2018 by Nolan
Rachel has represented both my wife and I (in different cases.). She is truly amazing. She is very understanding and will put in the work to represent her client to the best of her ability! Hopefully neither one of us need to go back to court, however if we do we would not hesitate to call Rachel!!
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24 Nov, 2017 by Gretchen
I highly recommend Rachael’s legal services. She offered knowledgeable and compassionate guidance throughout what was a personally difficult time.I found her to be kind, professional,readily accessible and especially considerate of my financial situation. In addition to the fact that she is an extremely competent attorney, she is a lovely person.
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01 Apr, 2024 by Jen
Nicole was recommended to me for my divorce. She was my savior and literally at beckoning call all day everyday for a solid year. I went through a horrible divorce that included a business, which she was very knowledgeable about. She fought hard for me and knew what the judge would or wouldn't agree with. I honestly couldn't have gone through what I went through without her.
She also knew the opposing Attorney and how he operated which was a huge benefit. I plan to use her for all future legal matters. She is ethical smart and caring and helped me tremendously during the most difficult time in my life.
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31 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
I hired this attorney to assist with my modification and she stated she was able to help and I had grounds for modifying my parenting schedule with the other parent. When the other party hired an attorney, her demeanor began to change and so did her confidence in winning. To make matters worse only weeks before trial, she withdrew herself indicating she felt I no longer had grounds. The other attorney intimidated her and I was forced to fight for my child on my own.. I should have read the previous review! Get an attorney who is not afraid to take on the big dogs and invests in you.. After all, isn’t that what you’re paying thousands for?
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11 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Please stay away from this attorney by all means! When we first met, she said I should be applying for guardianship for my adult disabled son and would help me with this but subsequently never did anything and later reversed her position saying the court would most likely not agree with my being my son's legal guardian. She also told me that my ex would not be allowed to move my son out of state without a good plan for my son to include workshop/day program. Again she changed her position on this, later stating a court would agree with my ex moving my son out of state even if there was no reason to believe it would be in his best interest to move. She is very poorly versed in legal matters regarding special needs adults. She rarely answered my calls and became very disengaged from my case. Frankly what originally appeared to be good representation was the exact opposite and a total waste of time and money.
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14 May, 2018 by Ron
Susan Sard White was appointed as a child advocate for my children as I was going through a divorce. Took very little time and showed 0 interest. Made no bones about the fact that she was paid very little by the courts to do this type of work and was not sure how much time she could actually devote to it. Time went by and as her report was coming due, it was like a house was on fire! Went months without a word and then she was calling constantly asking questions and looking for info. If she gets assigned as your child’s advocate go back to court and ask for someone else. She was extremely unorganized and extremely unprofessional. You and your children deserve better!
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30 Aug, 2009 by Michael
Susan represented my interests in a mediated divorce settlement. She was a fine advocate, extremely efficient and well-organized, and a pleasure to work with. She would make a fine mediator herself.
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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:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
