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26 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Ms. Zimmerman was recommended to me by a friend, with good reason. She was knowledgeable, helpful, and supportive of me through this process. She gave me options at every step, kept me informed of deadlines, updates and timelines, and never made me feel like my case wasn't important to her.
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02 Nov, 2023 by Laura
I was getting a divorce, scared and didn't know what I was doing. Rebecca did an amazing job of guiding me, fighting for me and helping me get the best outcome for my situation. I highly recommend her.
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08 Feb, 2023 by Lori
Rebecca was amazing. We had a complicated situation with my father and she was professional, compassionate, responsive and helpful. I highly recommend her and her services.
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25 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Mary was referred to me by a family attorney in Northern VA and was highly recommended. I had no idea where to start with filing for a divorce and she helped me through the entire process with patience and professionalism. She answered all my questions, was prompt with her email responses, and always had my best interest at heart. She was exactly what I was looking for. She even offered to call and explain the divorce agreement to my ex-husband since he did not have his own representation. My ex-husband never acquired representation since the solution that Mary presented was satisfactory to both of us. Should I ever need representation again I will 100% use Mary and the Defazio Bal firm and would recommend her to anyone.
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12 Nov, 2018 by Jess
Mary was the 3rd attorney to take on our case in family court, and we were very lucky to have her in the home stretch. Her key attention to details in reviewing documents was part of major successes throughout litigation. Her professionalism and extensive knowledge of the law was impressive. She took the time to go through every outcome and scenario possible in our case explaining all of the pros/cons along the way. Most importantly, as her clients, we felt heard and understood about our endgame throughout settlement negotiations. She fought for us every step of the way and in the end we couldn't be more satisfied with the result. Highly recommend Mary and the Defazio Bal Firm.
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29 Jul, 2018 by Michael
I was married for over 30 years so this divorce was not easy. I didn't know what to do, I didn't know where to turn. I looked up attorneys on the internet and found Mary's firm. I selected this firm because it was on my way home from work. Little did I know how lucky I was. I called them one afternoon after work and Mary was the lawyer who took my case. My case had a few twists and turns, and Mary guided me through the process from start to finish. I always knew that she was looking out for my best interests. She always kept me informed of new developments and always explained to me my options. Once the divorce was finalized and the dust had settled, I had a question about something with my retirement money and what my ex-wife would get. She found an answer for me, and I wasn't charged. I feel very fortunate that Mary was my lawyer during this stressful time in my life.
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30 May, 2022 by Kimerly
She is knowledgeable, professional, personable, witty and thinks on her feet. She has been my family lawyer since my daughter was 1 yrs old, I think. My daughter just turned 18yrs. old. Could not ask for anyone better. Hire her you won’t be disappointed.
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01 Aug, 2024 by David briones
Steve did a great job representing me in my custody case. Even when the GAL was against us, he found a way for us t9 come out with the win.
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02 Apr, 2024 by Patrick stockton
08 Mar, 2022 by William baker
Talked with Paralegal but never Mr. Sommer, someone says he's bad with returning calls
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22 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
Mr. Brown is horrible lawyer. She is all about money and not listening to her clients. Every other month they’re a new person working on my case. She does not work well with her clients. Three years of shelling out money every month with not one things accomplished on my case. I’m in the same situation as when I started. Still not divorced. Still have unresolved issues and she doesn’t care. She is not willing to work with you at all. Her office staff is horrible to deal with nothing gets done in a timely fashion. It’s all on their schedule. It totally ridiculous that the law office can take advantage of pin their lowest moments.
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04 Jan, 2018 by Destinee
Mrs. Brown help me so much with my child custody and visitation case, also child support. Even after it's is over and done with she continues to help me with PPO help as well. She is understanding and very helpful so glad she help me with my case.
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07 May, 2017 by Brenda
I Was So Happy Too Come In Acquaintance With Mrs Brown She Helped Me Out Of A Jam That I Was In. Her Professional Skills Where Above And Beyond. Her Expertise And Legal Advice Was Greatly Appreciated
PS Thank You Tara Brown Happy Mother's Day Too You
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19 Jan, 2023 by Melissa
I was hopeful when I hired Wyatt Taylor to be my lawyer for my divorce. He represented himself as a lawyer that fights for women after he saw the treatment his mom received while going through her own divorce. Based on that story, I felt that he would be the best lawyer for me.
Wyatt Taylor did not end up being the lawyer that he presented himself as.
Wyatt Taylor did not keep me informed of my case. I was constantly calling his office to get updates on my case, and when I would call, I would find out that nothing had been done. He neglected and mishandled my case and drug it out over years, all the while charging me for every delay he caused. I was afraid to call, because every time I did, I was charged for asking what was going on with my situation. He charged me and overcharged me for phone calls, emails, me dropping off papers to his office, and anything else he could find to charge me for. He charged me for talking with him about the work he was going to do. He would charge me for doing the work. He would then charge me again for us to review the work he did, then charge me again to fix the mistakes that he made because he did not listen to me during the initial conversation and do it correctly based on our conversations.
He sent my personal legal papers to a wrong address after he was given a correct change of address. He sent me legal papers with other clients’ names in it.
After a 25-year marriage, I did not think I would ever need a divorce lawyer, and was very naïve in what to look for, and I was not in the best state of mind when trying to go through this process. But, over the last few years, I have found my voice and I am able to see when things are not right and speak up against them. The way that Wyatt Taylor handled my case, was not the way a lawyer should treat his clients. According to the Virginia State Bar and the American Bar Association, a lawyer should not procrastinate and draw out a client’s case. A lawyer should communicate with their client and keep them informed of their case. A lawyer should protect their client’s personal information. And, a lawyer should not collect an unreasonable fee or an unreasonable amount for expenses. Wyatt Taylor acted unethically in all of these statutes.
Going through a divorce is hard enough, but to add the anxiety of a lawyer that you do not have confidence in and feel that they are working for your best interests, takes it to another level.
If you decide to do work with Wyatt Taylor, keep close tabs of your invoices and actual emails, length of phone conversations, and every interaction that you have with him.
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24 Nov, 2022 by Chris croll
Extremely professional, helpful, and informative. Without a doubt, the best attorney I've ever spoken with. He worked hard to give me a complete overview and came in with an incredible amount of knowledge. I felt very well taken care of.
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11 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
To say I was thoroughly disappointed would be an understatement. . Best case scenario, he’s ok but completely checked out. Worst case, he’s bitter and doesn’t like women. It was thoroughly baffling. Didn’t fight for me at all. Told me while I was camping and he knew I was camping that I would have to be in court the evening before and I had to pack up all my things and return from my trip which was 4 hours away. Would not ask for support, didn’t even read through my case. Did not believe me or fight for me.
He first told me I’d need to pay him 7500 then accepted 5600. (Trying to get as much as he could) He showed up at court disheveled and it was pretty clear from the start my husband’s lawyer was far superior. Didn’t return my calls and did far more damage than help. There’s something wrong with him. Avoid like the plague, unless you have something very very straight forward. Even then. Maybe he’s better for men. He just went through a divorce himself apparently.
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10 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
Mrs. Jennings could not have been more helpful. She listened carefully during our first meeting, was caring but frank in explaining possible legal courses, helped me understand everything that was going on and was available when I needed her. I was very satisfied with how the case settled. The charges for services were reasonable and what I was told to expect. Highly recommended.
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18 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
If you have a lot of money to throw away she is your lawyer. If you need someone to fight for you and be above board with you on spending and billing. She is awful . I had to change lawyers because over 8 months the only thing she did to help me was. Spousal support and not much of that.ni would not recommend her to anyone. She has her own agenda and is very disrespectful to her client. Do not make this mistake please
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06 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Julie Cillo didn’t care about me, my case or my children. After a year, 50K in lawyers fees, not even a separation agreement, I was asked to replenish my retainer in the sum of 15K. When I wasn’t able to come up with the money, she dumped me. I had to declare bankruptcy because of her over billing and failure to represent.
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19 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired Ms. Maccormac for a couple of different legal matters involving family law. She did no trial preparation or investigating in order to prepare the case. If you want to lose custody of your children this is the attorney to hire. She doesn't really seem to care about your life or your children, just the bottom line. If you are looking for an attorney to just show up to court without putting in any of the work then this is who you should hire! I know in the legal field there are no guarantees as to the outcome, however in this case there wan no effort put forth to protect myself or my children. And if you do hire her pray that you do not have a trial as in my case she was not prepared or put in any of the work in order to have myself or her prepared to walk into court.
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07 Jul, 2011 by Curt
Did not handle my case very well. When my ex made wild allegation of impropriety with my child, Miss. Owen's folded and took a plea deal. Not much of a fighter. There was ample evidence that it was just an angry ex-wife trying to get custody, but she didn't apparently have the stomach for a fight and encouraged me to take a very bad plea deal.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
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.
