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07 Oct, 2024 by Tracey dean
Widerman Malek has a wide array of options when it comes to lawyers. I recommend them for all types of legal services. They are the best!
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27 Sep, 2024 by Julio interiano
I had the pleasure of working with Nathan and Ariana and they took the time to listen to all the pieces of my issues and fought to get the appropriate solution. I appreciated their proffesionalism throughout our engagement but more importantly, I respected their commitment to ethics. They have a keen understanding of the law and always guided me to making sure we carried ourselves in the most ethical way possible.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Neil fesette
Nathan Meloon did an excellent job handling a recent dispute we had with a contractor. He was knowledgeable, prompt to respond and got us our desired outcome. We highly recommend Nathan!
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31 May, 2024 by Anonymous
I would NEVER recommend Erica as an attorney to anyone if you want things done right and fair. Honestly, one of the worst decisions I have ever made obtaining her. At first, she comes off very nice and states she is not out for money, but that is completely false. She dragged things out in my situation and billed me for any money she could get without helping me whatsoever. She would never respond to my emails and I had to explain to her staff that I already sent very pertinent information that she asked from me several times. I obtained this attorney for help and she was no help at all. Cost me $10k for absolutely NOTHING done to help me as her client. Trust me, go elsewhere if you need someone on your side. Not Erica Feinswog!
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02 May, 2024 by Robert wolverton
If you are reading this, your attorney search is done. Let me explain. Erica agreed to represent me for an extremely important hearing regarding custody of my son. In a very short period of time, she was able to come up to speed on my case. Her preparation and attention to detail was obvious as she worked through witness testimony and her ability to respond to objections by opposing counsel was impressive (if I could have filmed her courtroom performance, I would upload here). Erica is an amazing attorney - I wholeheartedly recommend you call her office.
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25 Apr, 2024 by Zach johnson
Erica is amazing at what she does. I have dealt with her off and on for about 10 years. She very professional and I would recommend her to anyone I know.
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07 Sep, 2023 by David
Shawn is an exceptional lawyer who embodies fairness and ethics in his practice. Unlike many others in the legal field, he doesn't nickel and dime his clients, which is truly refreshing. What sets him apart is his commitment to communication; he consistently returns emails and calls promptly. Moreover, Shawn goes above and beyond by working closely with his clients, striving for a fair resolution that meets their needs.
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01 May, 2022 by Aaron
I hired Mr. Reid agreed to take my case and I could not have been more satisfied with his services! Straight forward honest and highly knowledgeable, he keeps the clients best interest first! The thing I liked most about him is that he never left a call or email unanswered. He even would call me to keep me informed! I highly recommend and will be using his services again! Thanks Shawn!
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26 Apr, 2021 by Alexandra
Professional and courteous, won everything I asked for and more. Shawn got things done efficiently and effectively. Highly recommend and would not hesitate to hire again should the need arise. Could not be more pleased with the process and outcome.
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29 May, 2024 by Gigi dee
Please choose another attorney in the area who is ethical and refunds unused retainer fees. Coastal Legal was not motivated and I actually had to do a lot of the work myself. The attorney never spoke with us outside the consultation, the paralegal did everything and would scold us for calling and emailing for updates. They took our 6k retainer and ran essentially. They didn’t even go to trial and billed less than half of our retainer but didn’t refund any of the unearned retainer we gave them, over 3k, after not telling us it was non refundable (we signed off on it with only the paralegal present and should’ve read the fine print but they should have still made it very clear, yet never once mentioned it). When we told them this was unethical and we are a hardworking blue collar family, the paralegal said she would bring it up to the attorney and get back to us. She never did. My husband emailed her again and she has ignored us. Please consider other options.
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16 Mar, 2022 by Melissa johnson
Good Morning To All !!!! Just want anyone to know who reads this review That Coastal legal team is the way to go !!!! Melissa Peat is an amazing attorney she fights for our rights.. I recommend her to anyone .She has been my attorney for years .She is the Best at family law ,Criminal ...She will fight for you !!!! Excellent staff and law firm .Thankyou
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09 Mar, 2020 by Deneida malave
i have placed my sons case in the hands of Ms.Morgan...trust her expertise ...for a favorable outcone D.malave
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06 Aug, 2024 by Jennifer lovett
Beware this man is a crook. Paid this man 2000 dollars for foreclosure help. Not really sure what he did. Does not return email or phone messages. Now I have to go through the process of finding someone else. Very unprofessional not to return any of my messages. I was not going to do this. I gave him every opportunity to respond.
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28 Jun, 2024 by R m
Mr. Bowin is the best. He is very kind, approachable, and responsive. It's been a great experience having him represent me.
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31 Jan, 2024 by Brian ledford
No one ever wants to get up to their eyeballs in so much debt that Bankruptcy is the only/best option available. However, Bowin Law Group was awesome in helping resolve this crisis for a Loved One in my family!!!! Thanks Beau!!!!!
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10 Sep, 2024 by Jonathan hedrick
I cannot put into words how grateful I am for Tom's service. He worked diligently on my case which I know was more difficult than most. He showed compassion throughout the process and I would not hesitate to recommend him to take your case.
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30 May, 2024 by D d
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04 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Took my money and failed to call or respond to emails. Predator during a horrible time. Do not recommend.
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09 Nov, 2017 by Melissa
Attorney Donnelly is amazing! Works to get the job done and you never feel rushed! Answers all questions so that you can understand it in civilian terms and not law terms! Always returns your calls and emails quickly! Would recommend him to anyone!
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09 Nov, 2017 by Scott steiman
Great service and outstanding customer service skills demonstrated by the lawyer and his staff. I am a 21 year+ US Army Veteran and I would strongly recommended Mr. Donnelly to anyone. Great experience, great service.
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13 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I have no worries while going through my divorce process with Mr. Donnelly representing me. His Paralegal (Diana) and himself has been nothing but professional and caring for my well being.
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20 Jun, 2024 by Richard jantz
Mr Woodward was very efficient and fast. We had all our paper and results in a matter of days. He always answered questions in a timely fashion. I would not hesitate to ask recommend him to friends and family.
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06 May, 2024 by Jessica manuel
Ric Woodward is a great divorce attorney. He stood by my decisions and worked hard to get what I wanted. He replied very fast throughout the 2.5 year process. I consider my case a total win as I got pretty much exactly what I had offered my ex husband in the beginning. When others were not prepared during this process, my attorney always was. He was never late, didn’t try to milk money out of me, easily reachable, and prepared (important). In addition, he seems to know a lot of people in the court system and speaks well of others that he does know. It’s just comforting to know you are in respectful and caring hands when going through such a miserable process. Thank you, Ric!
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27 Mar, 2024 by Norm bauden
I would highly recommend Ric to anyone that needs legal help. Very Knowledgeable, understanding, up front and honest.
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10 Jul, 2024 by Mtb sales corp. llc
I just wanted to say thank you to Michelle, Diana, Mindy and even Tiffany (the bill collector) for the work you have done for me thus far in my case. I am a father fighting to regain custody and jurisdiction of my childeren after their mother left the state without consent and has been doing anything and everything to prevent me from being in their lives. Although this process has taken far longer than I would have ever expected, you guys have done a stand up Job for me even during my darkest days. Thank you for standing by me and my childeren and helping me to navigate this unknown world of family court. After my last court date with Michelle for jurisdiction and seeing how well prepared she was I have full confidence my childeren and I are being represented by the best. Mindy and Michelle thank you for helping me get through this last court date and always shooting me straight even when I feel uneasy. To anyone looking to hire real professionals in family law I highly recommend these ladies...you're going to have to dig deep in your pockets but they are worth it. I have confidence you will bring my babies home where they belong in Florida. Thank you ladies!
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24 Jun, 2024 by Tom kenny
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22 Jan, 2024 by Sherri melendez
Best service. Always there to answer questions. This law group has a very dedicated team. They go above and beyond to help you get your legal issue completed.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Beata janowicz
Joan was the only attorney who agreed to help me sort out several things related to my divorce that had taken place 15 years ago. She did it in a very professional manner by setting clear expectations, talking with me through every step, as well as being transparent on the pricing which was super reasonable. In addition, she was always very supportive and understanding of my situation. She is a true expert in her field. Thank you, Joan!
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23 Jan, 2024 by Jeff hodge
Dealing with the stress of taking care of a wife with Alzheimer’s, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the professionalism and compassion that we have received
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16 May, 2023 by Scott hay
The most deceitful, dishonest, unethical human being I've ever met. Not only will she outright lie, she will go so far as to attack the children involved!! My Bible tells me that there is a special punishment reserved for those who do harm to children. A millstone & being tossed into the sea is mentioned specifically. This type of abusive behavior most certainly qualifies. She has no moral compass & will resort to the sleeziest methods just to win. Lying and manipulation are just part of who she truly is. I am personally filing an ethics complaint with the Florida Bar. If you value honesty & have an honest love of children and doing the right thing, avoid her at all costs.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Nina zah
Thank you Mary Jane Murphy for your assistance . Very professional and helpful.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Kody best
To the guy answering phones, cutting me off mid talking and transferring me when I already let you know I spoke to the person you transferred me to. You can act as nice as you want when called back and confronted. That was petty as hell and you wouldn’t be treating anyone in the office that way and dismiss them the way you did me. Hopefully management can fix this issue.
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09 Apr, 2024 by Cole mount
Bill was extremely knowledgeable and truly a steward of the profession. Everyone I spoke to helped me greatly and they understood the frustration of what I am going through.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Nina zah
Thank you Mary Jane Murphy for your assistance . Very professional and helpful.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Kody best
To the guy answering phones, cutting me off mid talking and transferring me when I already let you know I spoke to the person you transferred me to. You can act as nice as you want when called back and confronted. That was petty as hell and you wouldn’t be treating anyone in the office that way and dismiss them the way you did me. Hopefully management can fix this issue.
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09 Apr, 2024 by Cole mount
Bill was extremely knowledgeable and truly a steward of the profession. Everyone I spoke to helped me greatly and they understood the frustration of what I am going through.
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27 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
Attorney Weiss was our estate planning attorney for many years, but recently he has been completely inattentive to our emails and phone calls. We had a matter that required prompt response and for weeks he ignored our efforts to contact him. His unresponsiveness caused us many problems.
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24 Oct, 2011 by Caroline
I cannot say enough about Kurt. He was a total stranger who became my attorney during a legal matter regarding my sister, who had Alzheimer's. Laura Betten, his (now) associate, was her court appointed guardian who also did an excellent job. Kurt went over and above what the law required in trying to protect my sister's rights. He kept in touch with me, patiently answered my many questions, took a personal interest in our case, and over all was the epitomy of professionalism and trust. I would trust him with my life.....and I DID trust him with my sister's. In plain language, he is a wonderful man, inside and out!
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23 Aug, 2022 by Latardra
He’s very rude & disrespectful to his client, even hung up on me after I tried to call & speak with him. He’s in the wrong field. He’s supposed to be working for his client not against them. He has every right to be concerned about his freedom. This will not be the ending of it
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27 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
I have a "steel trap" *memory! Hired this "poor excuse" of *attorney (??) to represent me in my "first only" traffic accident in 2009, of which I was *genuinely "innocent". I had a face to face consultation in his office explaining my case, driving record, and innocence. He agreed to represent me and I agreed to pay his $500 fee. The day of court, he showed up almost an hour late! He then had the *gall to ask me: " and why are we here"? (!!) He *then asked me of my driving record (??!) which we had already previously discussed in his office at time of consultation! I had the "pleasure"(?) of appearing in front of the now "world renown" (now dis-barred!) "honorable" (???--LOL!) Judge John Murphy. Murphy found me guilty *before even hearing my case! Sedgwick did and said "absolutely nothing" in my defense *whatsoever! After court I asked this "nit-wit" why he didn't even represent me, his response was: "and so it goes". This half-baked, mindless, poor excuse of attorney virtually "ripped me off"! He should have been dis-barred the same day as Murphy! I wouldn't hire this guy again to represent a "toothache"!!! You couldn't make a $ Million on my case, so I wasn't worth your representing me Darrell (?) even though you snatched my $500?! I'm waiting to spot his obituary in the Fl. Today...there's a special "anchor" just for you ...."and so it goes" Darrell *buddy!
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09 Jun, 2016 by Robert a.
After defending my home from burglars , I found myself facing the possibility of losing my freedom and having a criminal record . Based on a referral , I contacted Darrell's office . I was immediately impressed how Darrell took the time to explain all the charges and the defenses available and did so with a genuine concern for all aspects of my well being. I found him to be available to answer any questions that I had during the entire legal process and even after ! In the courtroom is were Darrell really shines , his command of the courtroom is impressive. Darrell delivers the facts of the case to the court in a manner which allows no room for dispute and a positive outcome for the client , it was truly impressive to watch the entire court intently hanging on Darrell's every word . I thank Mr Sedgwick and the firm of Morgan & Barbary for every day of my freedom and lack of a criminal record !
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27 Jan, 2018 by Thomas
Over 2 years to get a loan modification and I am now in foreclosure , I would never recommend . The bank is now trying to take my home and I'm fighting Cancer for the second time . In cahoots with Nationstar Mortgage . He allowed their attorneys to charge me over $15,000 in fees and said he would be able to reverse them . They kicked the can down the road and I even paid for a "mediation" in which Mr. Houck brought ZERO paperwork to defend me and the payments that I made to Nationstar.
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18 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
We hired Mr Houck back in 2010 to handle a time-sharing modification, our case ended in mid-2013 (the length of the case was not due to him). In this time, we have paid him a total of eight thousand dollars - well above the agree amount. There is no communication from Mr Houck even if you send a million emails, and leave numerous voice mails. When requesting phone conferences, he forgets and only gives you 5 minutes of him time and in the end says "email me the details", and then never responds to the emails until you physically sit down with him and he then reads and goes over the emails. The first time we went to court, he never showed up and had to phone in - which the judge thankfully allowed. His excuse was that his PA didn't put it on his calendar - which tells me he was not preparing for the hearing in the first place. He does not return phone calls or emails, and he is not informed about our personal case until we give him a brief review. I give him a 2-star because he did find a loop hole in the opposite Attorney's paperwork and he did win our case, but we did a lot of the paper work and research ourselves, he just had to file it and review so he knew what to argue. I called him after 11 months of not hearing any update on our case because I saw online there was a hearing on the judges calendar. 4 weeks later I finally got a hold of his PA and she informed me that they would have let us know the week prior - not considering that I have to arrange to take off work to attend the hearing. At the end of last year we advised him we will need to set up a payment plan to prepare for trial - a year later and trial now over with we were sent a bill payment due in full immediately. When we reminded him that we agreed to a payment plan his response was "payment plans are usually paid prior to trial, and since the trial is now over, payment is due immediately". If we thought we could pay a few thousands dollars at the drop of a hat I wouldn't have asked for a payment plan! I do not recommend him for any matter. He is not considerate of anyone's schedule, anyone's personal finances, and he does not stick to his promises or prior commitments.
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30 Jan, 2013 by Jonathan
I hired Mr. Houck to modify my divorce settlement (to amend vague language for time sharing). I paid him up front the amount which he assured me would cover through the trial. In over a year he called me twice and this was after I called and left multiple messages and emailed repeatedly asking for a phone call. As we approached the trial date he was less responsive. One week before the trial was to begin I emailed that I needed to speak with him. That was on a Monday with trial to begin the following Monday. His PA emailed that he would call me on Thursday. I responded that this was not acceptable and she said that he was busy. The next day I emailed again that I must speak with him. I was told he would call me that evening. He never called. On Tuesday the PA informed me that I owed $1500 in order to go to trial as they had used up my original payment. My ex-wife began saying she would settle so I emailed Mr. Houck that I would wait to see if she would sign the settlement before paying the trial amount, which was above my original agreement with Mr. Houck. His PA then emailed me that the amount was past due and needed to be paid before further work was done. This was communicated to me FIVE days before the trial was to begin. That hour I hired a new attorney who is excellent! Upon hiring the new attorney I discovered that Mr. Houck had done nothing except file for my court date. No documents were filed with the court, no witnesses, no depositions. Prior to hiring a new attorney I received the settlement documents and there were seven typos in the document. I informed them that there were typos and his PA emailed me back to please identify the typos. Quite frankly the worst lawyer experience I could imagine. He was non responsive, never called me unless I sent harsh emails, he was completely unprepared and he misrepresented his fees. Under no circumstances would I recommend Mr. Houck for any reason.
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08 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
This attorney is not good, I agree with the other reviewer, he's never prepared and doesn't fight for youaccording to the bar rules, he's done very suspicious activity that can at the very least cause disciplinary action by the bar, but we ALL know it's quite impossible to make a complaint to the bar. It's like you need a lawyer to complain and fill out a complaint form to the Florida bar.
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24 May, 2022 by Anonymous
Charged for excessive hours of conversations with another lawyer that never took place. Over billed by hundreds. Did not respond to emails then charged for reading them. Charged 1k for 9 bullet points Was blatantly unprepared for hearing and did not defend me I felt completely preyed upon
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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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