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06 Oct, 2023 by Lenny betker
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12 Sep, 2015 by Thomas
Going through a divorce is probably one of the most painful things that a person can experience. With Corinne, you are in very capable hands. She is an astounding attorney, but - just as important - she is a compassionate human being. The combination of her legal skill and her humanity make here a rare find indeed. Who could be better to guide you through the painful divorce process? It is not an overstatement to say that she changed the course of my life at a time that I was down and broken. I don't know whether the Universe put her in my life, or if I was just plain lucky. You just can't do any better than to have her on your team.
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31 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Cori not only was a great lawyer for my divorce, but also a great friend who helped me get through the process, suggested additional resources for me to check out. Explained things clearly and kept me to the facts and potential outcomes.
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07 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Therese was very helpful during the process. She wanted to make sure that I had a voice. She would give me options and then I made the decision of what path I would like to take in the process.
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01 Jul, 2016 by Melody
Attorney Henke is an excellent choice if you are looking for a lawyer. Therese recently represented me in my divorce. I found her to not only be a phenomenal legal resource, but kind, personable, and tough when she needed to be with opposing counsel. Therese kept me informed throughout every step of the process and was always timely in her communication. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking an attorney!
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19 May, 2015 by Chris
Therese is a highly competent and experienced attorney. Atty. Henke's experience and detailed knowledge of the process helped me immensely through my divorce. As a father, she was instrumental in securing 50/50 placement with my minor children when the other party was seeking to award me zero placement. Atty. Henke also successfully protected as much of my assets as was allowable in my situation. My divorce could have been so much more stressful but for the thorough preparation, high level of experience, integrity and professionalism of Atty. Henke.
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21 Feb, 2017 by Heath n. wasserman
Absolutely great Attorney. Attorney Tishberg won both a civil and criminal trial for me in consecutive months. I must say Attorney Tishberg is one of the nicest people I have ever met. Thank you, Attorney Tishberg.
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23 Jul, 2024 by Richard neudorff
I have never left a review before, so that should be the first indicator of how thrilled I am with Jason, not just as an attorney, but as a person as well. Jason the person helped me through a very difficult period in my life. Jason the attorney resolved my case way beyond my best expectations! Could not be more pleased. Would give 10 stars if I could.
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02 Apr, 2024 by Lisa's luthi
I would say that Jason is a miracle worker! Not only did he help me get the least amount of time he did it with honor and integrity. He’s respectful and so personable. I rode my bike to a coffee shop, and he met me there I mean how many lawyers do that? it was a godsend that I just happened to pick his name out of the book or I mean on Google you know. Anyway, I have nothing but absolute admiration for this man.
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30 Mar, 2024 by Shyler nikole
He was hired to fight a custody case and did not talk to his clients much and left them in the dark. 10k down the drain for lack of communication and not taking the suggestions into consideration that would of helped the case. Go somewhere else.
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06 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Attorney Napierala stood by my side and won me a 10 year restraining order against my ex-boyfriend. I was completely terrified but he walked me through the whole entire process and kept me calm through it all. He's so intelligent, kind and big hearted. He's also never lost a restraining order case in 30 years! I would recommend him to anyone.
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23 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
The attorney was always very professional, prepared, answered all my questions and was always available when needed. He was extremely effective and genuinely cared about my case.
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21 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Napierala had me sign a contract stating that I had to pay him in $2,000 in advance when each $2,000 was exhausted. He inflated his time on the bill and claimed I owed him money even though the contract I signed said I had to pay in advance of services. He canceled mediation the day before because I had not paid him another $2,000 in advance and he refused to discuss his inflated bill. Even though he told me his paralegal was billed at $135 hr, he charged me at his rate when I dealt with her. Most of the time I spent with his paralegal. She had errors on documents so I had to come back four times. IMO that was a ploy to increase his bill. A motion that I had signed took three weeks for this law firm to get a date from Washington County Court due to phone tag. Another motion that I had signed did not get sent off to Washington County until four weeks later. Napierala also emailed me another client's personal information even though her email address and correspondence were in the email. I forwarded his response to his other client and she said she was not happy that he passed on her personal information. Napierala let my husband's attorney add things to an agreement close to an hour before we were to go to court. Napierala also sat silent in court while my husband's attorney lied about a phone bill. Napierala also did not speak up for me in court and let my husband's attorney make me have my separate phone account and he did not speak up when my husband's attorney requested I move out in 45 days, receive a small maintenance during that time with it being increased after I got an apartment, which was a nightmare because of the timing of payroll deductions and support payment, so I am currently short maintenance that is due to me. Napierala gave me very little legal advice. He told me to get an apartment with a pool and told me of the time he lived in an apartment. Napierala does not have a fax machine, he told me he removed the number from his site and that the fax machine belongs to an attorney he shares office space with. Napierala's paralegal is part time, with no set amount of days or hours worked each week. Napierala's voice mail system is sensitive, if you call it and don't press the button at the precise moment to leave a message, you will either get transferred to Dan Goldberg's law firm or you will get a message that says, "Thank you for using Audix." There are better divorce attorneys out there and plenty that have full time office staff, who will file motions in a timely manner and represent you properly who have a reliable answering machine and a fax machine.
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25 Jan, 2023 by Naimi
In a very complicated paternal dispute, Nina helped guide me through and at the end my son got his well-deserved access to his parent. Thank you, Nina, for your guidance and assistance - Nina was amazing!!
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11 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I warned Nina that my divorce would get messy and I gathered all the information that she requested and she did nothing with it. She billed for a lot of hours, but I saw no results of that billing time. She only accompanied me to court one time, but went through $7,000. She has a reputation for being aggressive, but she was anything BUT aggressive on my case. When I questioned that, she then suggested that I find another attorney. Leaving me with no attorney and upcoming court dates.
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03 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
She has done pretty much nothing for me other than show up to court and take $4,500 of mine. She is not at all worth her hourly rate. I seriously could have done better representing myself. She constantly couldn't remember anything about my case. Shame on you Mrs Vitek :-(
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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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