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16 Sep, 2016 by Sarah
Attorney Smith has been a breath of fresh air! She is smart, quick witted, Professional, honest, and affordable. I've had several attorneys while fighting an ongoing custody battle with my sons father and she puts all of the others to shame! I would highly recommend her to anyone
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16 Nov, 2020 by Haley
I had received representation from Hartley in 2017/2018 for Endangering the Welfare of a Child- M1. Everyone except the ADA of Venango Co. Brenda Servidio, knew I was innocent and wrongfully charged and imprisoned. Hartley was appointed to me through the Venango Co. Public Defenders Office. He was hands down the absolute best attorney I ever had to represent me! He was very detail oriented, professional, very knowledgeable about criminal law, and he held several consultations with me about my case. He tried pleading down the charge with the ADA to avoid trial and she of course refused all plea negotiations. Claimed she was “going to make an example out of me”. So he took my case clear to a jury trial. Hartley had just become a Public Defender for Venango Co. & I was Hartley’s very first case in venango co. I also was his first case in venango that went clear to trial. He was confident we had a good chance at winning my case at trial. Before trial began, as we sat in the courtroom waiting for the jury to be brought it, the ADA tried offering a plea. We did not accept any plea from her and proceeded with trial. Hartley made the ADA look very unprofessional and really got her flustered during the course of my trial. His cross examinations were flawless and his opening & closing arguments were nothing but extraordinary! After trial was over and the jury was sent out for deliberation, Hartley spoke with me & my family about everything. The jury took roughly 30-45 minutes to deliberate and was back with a final decision. As we all gathered in the courtroom to hear the final verdict, Hartley was confident the jury was going to make the right verdict and serve justice! And the jury did just that with a final verdict of “NOT GUILTY” to 1 count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child- M1. Everyone in the courtroom cheered as justice had been finally served on my behalf! I honestly do not think I would have even went to trial if Hartley was not representing me. His hard work, determination, professionalism, knowledge of the criminal justice system, and his dedication to me as his client (and to prove my innocence) showed the courts, the PD office, the ADA/DA, and everyone else he was the BEST attorney! And I can’t thank Hartley enough for everything he did for me & for not giving up on me even when things got rough!
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29 Jan, 2024 by Karen davis
Thank you Attorney Lucas for all your hard work today. Karen Lippmann
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21 Aug, 2023 by Matina mihalson
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30 Jun, 2023 by Geri perna
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18 Feb, 2022 by Brandy
Ted Isoldi has been my attorney for 15 years, and I would highly recommend him to anyone! He is trustworthy and dedicated. I appreciate having him and his staff who I can go to with any questions or concerns. I really feel confident in his knowledge, and he really listens and cares. I'm very thankful to have an attorney I can count on.
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05 Oct, 2017 by Laura
If you are looking for an experienced attorney who specializes in divorce and custody matters to handle your case, look no more! Attorney Isoldi not only has the knowledge and expertise, but he listened to my concerns and truly advocated on my behalf. He handled everything in a very professional manner. I was able to reach a settlement agreement that reflected my wishes and concerns because of his abilities in these matters. Going through a custody battle is stressful enough. Having an attorney that listens to you and truly cares about what is happening in your case, working toward the best interest of your child, means so much. I can't say enough about how much I appreciate all of his help during a very stressful time. Thank you Attorney Isoldi!
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08 Feb, 2017 by Bill
I used Mr. Isoldi on a property matter. He was very helpful and I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. I wanted to take the time to write this review even though I normally don't. I would recommend Mr. Isoldi to anyone looking for an attorney willing to listen to their concerns, explain the options, and go the extra mile to address a last minute issue that could have easily required us to have to reschedule.
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10 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Stranahan was hired to represent the family in an elder abuse case. Unfortunately, despite his repeated promises otherwise, during the eight months his services were engaged, he failed to perform any discovery: not a single document request, interrogatory or deposition. In the meantime, the primary plaintiff, our mother, passed away, significantly weakening our attempts to secure restitution. He also attempted to bill us for a judicial status conference that had to be cancelled because he had not properly served the defendants. His negligent representation not only forced us to retain other counsel at significant additional expense and delay, but he then saw fit to sue us for time he spent preparing for a deposition that he cancelled and never rescheduled.
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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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