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05 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
I was recommend to Ms. Judith, BIG mistake to go with her after 6 months of handling my case she had terrible communication, she would only talk to me by text which is very unprofessional if you ask me. I would text her and she would not reply back to me. Sadly till the person recommended me had to text her then she would reply back to me. She would set appts with me then came up with a personal problem to cancel. She would only contact me when it was regarding money. Sadly I had to waste my time and money on her with no refund because she claims she worked those hours with me when she really didn't do anything. I found out at the end that she took the LONG way with my case, and did it all wrong. I released her as my lawyer, best decision I made saved me more money and caused me less stress. I would NOT recommend her to anyone. I do hope she learns how to be a better lawyer and have better communication with her clients, because she is really unprofessional in my opinion.
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12 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Don't waste your money with Judith , she don't care about your situation , the only thing she wants is your money, if you have a case with Judith good luck but I would recommend to look for another attorney , she never answers the phone not even e-mails or messages unless you are going to pay, she is arrogant and she was never up to date for the latest information on my case, she lied about paperwork and documents she claimed that were sent time ago using excuses and more excuses. Lies and more lies that was one of the reasons I fired her she made me waste more than 4,000.00 dollars in a period of three years with not a significant progress in my case that's why I got rid of"Judith flores/ Saldivar attorney of law"and I feel very happy with my new lawyer.
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09 Apr, 2013 by Jonathan
Never answers the phone ,she took my money and never solve my problem, she don't take the job seriously, I would not recommend this person to anybody.
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19 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
We had the misfortune of spending $30,000 on Mario & got nothing in return. He never explains things, gets upset & walks away but when you ask a question his response was always "You have to have faith that God knows what he is doing". He can not form sentences when questioning witnesses on the stand, thinks you are too ignorant to understand & is on heavy medication throughout his trials. His license should be pulled and not given back. Worst decision of my family's lives to hire him.
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12 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
This guy is an opportunist, he will say fancy words during the consultation to come across as if he is an aggressive attorney but as time passes, you realize he doesn't work on the cases. He doesn't remember facts, even though I provided them to him in a silver platter time and time again. In the court room, he didn't know my name and came off as unorganized, unfocused, sloppy, irresponsible. The JUDGE disliked his lazyness!!!!! He gets angry mood swings, demands money and provides no contract or statements. WORST OF ALL, he pushes his religion on you and prays for you even though you want to keep it STRICTLY BUISNESS with him!! He does this so that you can blindly trust him. If u decline prayer, he prays anyway, but yet he is quick to INSULT and PATRONIZE his clients as he pleases. He dropped the ball, gave me the run around, ignored my questions and said I don't like to just "TALK" I like actions but yet he falls short of them.
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31 Aug, 2021 by Ruth
So he was recommended by a coworker. I needed a lawyer to speed up some paperwork snd do a petition to the court to have my husbands death certificate issued (since he has been missing for 4.5 years) all he said was yes I can do it charged me 600 and never heard of him. His assistant Jessica is so incompetent i had a different issue and needed a letter she said he could jot do it if I didn’t pay the 80 bucks so I send them she gets back to me and tells me he can’t do that type of letter. Then sends me back like 70 bc of the fees they charged them to process those 80. STAY AWAY
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04 Oct, 2019 by Sanjuanita
I hired this attorney but he never answered calls not recommended at all, unprofessional my case is still on hold since March 2019 try to reach him but he always busy with other cases and never returns calls
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17 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Not an attorney I would recomend. We terminated reprentation based on his lack of commitment to our case, lack of caring, does not return calls, nor will he be available. I deeply regret wasting my time and hard earned money with his firm. He promised a lot and dilivered nothing at all. Hope no one else goes through this situation
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22 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
we have had a family case dragging with this attorney for over 4 years and there is always money that they want more retainer and more retainer if you want to waste your time with court hearings and not being heard or treated right go to this firm. i consulted with someone else and was amazed of the things done behind my back in the case and has a lot of things going against me instead of being on my side i felt like they were against me go look else where
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10 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
This is no my first rodeo, I had priors before. I used another lawyer who's office wasn't as fancy but he kept in contact with me and kept me in the loop every step of the way overtime I went to go pay him (he does payment plans) he would have me explain to me what happen. We even drove to the seen of the incident, I was arrested on a private field which was one route he was going to take. He also asked me where the officer was parked and were I was parked so on the day they questioned the officer there was no way he could have seen my car. He made out a power point with miles of how close he would have to me, the landlord of the lot I was on said he had no problem with me driving on his empty lot. Point is he got my case dismissed as he said he would. Fast forward 10 years I was pulled over for drinking they kept changing my name, never called me to explain what pleas they were going to offer, oh yeah and the first time I ever saw Armando was the day of my court day, he took the overly harsh plea and said he said he see at the next hearing and left. His assistant then asked when we could have the rest of the money, we said can keep paying the 500 dollars and he said if you have if by friday i'll know off 500 and we were umm what? then he said ok $700. I felt like I was in the movie Casino, Ugh dealing with Brenda which I'm guessing is the jack of all trades. She doesn't tell you whats going on. Nobody really does, if you want a lawyer who puts you at ease and is in contact and with you 100% of the way. This team is not them. I have one more case and looking for another lawyer to get rid of this one and just have a better try and fix my last misdemenor. The worst do not give this lawyer you business or trust. I should have done my research hope this helps
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14 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired this attorney to represent me and soon I found out I should not have trusted him. He took my money and found out he was leaking information about me and our case) to one of my family members , whom he knew would later on sue me. That family later on then sued me and used the information attorney Flores gave to her against me. Attorney Flores later on was helping out that family member who sued me and her attorney and used the information against me. I had to hire another attorney .
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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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