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02 Dec, 2021 by Nancy
Let me begin by saying that my husband and I didn’t really think we needed a will drawn up, however, the time had come for us to do so. We had avoided this “chore” because quite frankly it meant that we were getting old and who wants to admit that. Who really wants to think about what to do with our property and all that other stuff when we were gone. We didn’t, but we knew it needed to be done so we went to see Bridget Graham at Beau Powell Law Firm to begin the process. As much as I was dreading this process, Bridget made it so easy. She listened to what we wanted to do, answered all our questions and came up with some very good suggestions. While the writing of your will may seem easy, getting it right is difficult and Bridget exceeded our expectations. She made this process so easy that I have no doubt that the Beau Powell Law Firm could handle anything you might need.
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30 Jul, 2021 by Charles
The Powell team is great. I contacted them about my case and during a 2 week time frame they answered all my questions and kept me constantly informed on my case. The case was dropped against me thanks to this team.
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02 Mar, 2019 by Michael
I have used the services of Beau Powell two times. With his help both times the most optimal outcome possible has been achieved. Both cases were dismissed. Beau has proven experience and exceptional professionalism. His staff makes you feel informed and at home, all while zealously pursuing your best interest. I recomend his services highly.
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28 Mar, 2024 by Krystal
I could not be more satisfied with Cheryl! She is def a fighter and gets what she wants.
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26 Sep, 2012 by Anonymous
Mr. Marrow is an excellent attorney and really looks out for your best interest. He is a State Attorney that just doesn't go through a case because that his job, but rather he really does care and does a great job. Sometimes there is some type of miscommunication, be sure to keep constant contact and take responsibility of YOUR Case. May I add as well, his Legal Secretary, Ms. Brenda does a Phenomenal job as well.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Celia mansano
Do not use this lawyer. He insisted I take the first plea, to which you never do. Just to get me off his docket. Waste of money and time. Does not fight for you, just takes your money and plays both sides. Do not use this law firm...
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17 Aug, 2024 by William tice
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23 Jul, 2024 by Jason buchinsky
They handled my custody case very professionally! Always returned calls and emails promptly or answered! Highly recommended!
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16 Dec, 2021 by Chance lloyd
I attempted to call this attorney. To inquire about services and obtain general information. The gentlemen answered with a low tone simply stating "This is Wade". I asked if he had a moment to answer some questions about his services, due to me looking into a divorce. He was silent for about 20 seconds. Then just said "No". I asked if I was speaking with the attorney office for Mr.William. No other responses came through other than some shuffling of his phone, a grunt, and then he hung up on me. I called the number back and got a voicemail stating it was for Wade William. I'm not sure if I woke the attorney from a nap. Or he was having a bad day. But this is extremely unprofessional behavior from someone. I hope you don't treat future possible clients with the same disgruntled negativity I experienced with 1 single phone call.
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09 Dec, 2021 by Christopher mills
If you're going to hire an attorney this is the one you need to represent you
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17 Jul, 2021 by Francesco schill
My name is Frank Schill, I have been with Mr. Wade for almost 11 years now. Mr. Wade has helped me with various legal issues for myself and my son. Throughout the years he has always been a true professional and has given me solid quality, affordable, realistic legal advice and representation. Mr. Wade doesn’t beat around the bush and is 100% straight to the point making sure you always know where you truly stand with whatever problem your having. This quality is what I respect the most. His paralegal Tammy works extremely hard and has always gone the extra mile to get things done.I honestly don’t know how she does it all! Tammy has always been there and took time to really listen to me, and answer my questions or have an answer relayed back to me fast.I highly respect both of them and would recommend whoever needs affordable, top notch legal help to contact them
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24 Sep, 2024 by Elsa s.
This review comes a few years late but it is very true. It makes me want to cry thinking about it. James was the only attorney in Milton that was willing to tackle the mess of a case that I had. He was the ONLY one that said, Yes. He was on my side, and he just knew what a struggle this case was for me, mentally, emotionally, and physically. It was a battle and old wounds reopening. I know James cared about every detail. James became my family, my support system through it. That's not something you find in the legal world. He fought for my kids and I, and he won. We sobbed and hugged because James brought my kids home. All of our trial began in 2021 and ended in 2022. I told James that he was the only attorney I wanted if I ever needed anything in regards to family law, I meant that. This year early in the year my ex husband decided to start problems again, and this makes me super emotional. I reached out to James and sadly he is working another side of law at the moment and could not represent us. Not going to lie but I was distraught. The thought of having to find another attorney, someone else that I have to open to, and unpack all of this painful history was not what I imagined at all. I absolutely love James, I would love to have him again as my representative. I want no one else, but sadly I had to cave in and find someone else, they are ok but James was my family. I wish him nothing but the absolute best. James if you get this, know that I appreciate EVERYTHING you did for my kids, and my family. We would hire you in a heartbeat, because we respect you and your professionalism. We will hold you with high regards always. Thank you.
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05 Feb, 2024 by Ericka buettner
This is the best attorney I could have asked for. He is adamant about the right things occurring in court, especially when you have worked diligently to prove yourself and your position to the court. I would recommend Mr Turner on any day of the week. He's got tremendous potential.
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07 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
He is rude, can't stay on focus, loses sight other prize. Worst decision I have ever made. Hired a different counsel.
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01 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
When talking to her she is very rude and she talks down to you like you are an idiot. She did not impress! She acted like I was a waste of her time.
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07 Sep, 2021 by Bill
Byrom law firm is exceptional ! I can not choose only one word to describe Jennifer Byrom and her staff. Professional, experienced ,aggressive, thorough, attentive, knowledgeable, quality, value, enthusiastic, empathetic, caring, compassionate, personable, kind, and patient are just to name a few off the top of my head. Byrom Law Firm and my experience with Jennifer Byrom was nothing short of phenomenal. Jennifer Byrom did an exemplary job representing me in 2016 with my divorce. In 2020 I attained Mrs. Byrom again when my ex-wife wanted to relocate my special needs daughter from Florida to Montana. My daughter is autistic which makes my case unique just like her in many ways and my ex-wife makes my case difficult! Lets be honest, most states including Florida tend to lean towards the mother or primary parent. I was scared, stressed, and heart broken knowing there was a chance I could lose my precious daughter who has no voice to a relocation many miles away. Mrs. Byrom was straight forward and realistic with me about my case throughout the whole process to the end. She eased my stress and was there for me anytime I needed her. If she was in court or busy at the time, then one of her wonderful paralegals Penny Miller or Denise Lewis were. Both women knew my case thoroughly and could answer any questions I had at any time. At no time did I ever feel as if my case wasn't their most important case. Kimi (the receptionist) was always there to make me smile when I was upset or stressed. She makes the best coffee and always went out of her way to make my wife and I comfortable. The whole staff makes you feel like family. At no time did Mrs. Byrom ever make me feel like it was about money to her. She worked with me always giving me time to pay and was understanding of my financial situation. She worked hard throughout the whole case and is worth every penny spent. You definitely get what you pay for. An honest hard working attorney who cares more about you and your case than money. Jennifer Byrom has knowledge and lots of experience with judges and courts in Santa Rosa County. Her dedication to fighting for my rights as a father and most importantly for my daughters best interest, is what made us win my case. Not just one win but two wins with two different judges. Temporary relocation was denied and permanent relocation was denied. Jennifer Byrom understood from the very beginning that because my daughter doesn't have a voice, she would have to become her voice. I will forever be grateful to her and her staff for this. If my daughter could speak she would definitely tell her " Thank you for keeping me with my daddy and for being my voice." A great lawyer and honesty is all you need. This law firm is just that and more. I think it goes without saying that I HIGHLY recommend Byrom Law Firm. Thanks with all our hearts, Bill, Stacie & Aurora
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24 Feb, 2018 by Katherine and brian
Jennifer has been a part of our case since 2015. She is not only extremely knowledgeable about the laws, she genuinely cares about people. She knows what she is doing and there are reasons for her choices. You have to trust her. If things are slow, be patient. She has a plan. If she tells you to do something, do it! Her staff is absolutely amazing and can explain to you the reasoning for things at any point. Is she "expensive". Sure! But, Jennifer went to school for many years, she has many years of experience, she has a great track record in the court room, she cares about people and works hard for you. She deserves her pay! You like to get paid for your work, correct? She is busy but wouldn't you want an attorney that is busy? This shows others trust her and hires her. She is prepared for your case so understand that just bc she can't pick up the phone daily doesn't mean she isn't working for you. We won the first case and she was found in contempt, we have more time w the kids, miracles happened that is unexplainable during the first mediation. We are back in the courts again due to her false filings but we believe we will win this one also. I tried to speak about what others said negatively about her. I'm picky! I'm hard to please! I'm opinated and expect a lot. If she wasn't wonderful, I assure you I would say so. But, the fact I think she is wonderful says so much more bc of who I am and my expectations. Hire her and tell her Katherine and Brian said we trust her w our children's lives!
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24 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Bradley has the demeanor of a teenage boy. All thrust, no vector. He for some reason has a hatred for the military and its veterans. Please do your research beforehand…maybe he’s the right guy for you. He is recently divorced, which is ironic for a family law/divorce lawyer. His wife worked for him at the firm, but left that too. I wish him the best going forward, but I’m moving on.
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21 Aug, 2023 by Johnny
Mr. Johnson represented me in a very difficult divorce. Being a male, I was very apprehensive, but Mr. Johnson was very patient with me and ultimately got me custody of my children and possession of the marital home. I'm very grateful to him.
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24 Apr, 2023 by Elizabeth
Nepotism is never good for business. His wife/secratary/receptionist gets way too emotional and defensive when she is presented with her husband's bad business skills. He will get up in the middle of your meeting to show you the door and doesn't return phone calls as promised. I would guess I'm not the first client he has lost money on because of their lack of tact and professionalism. I gave them a 2 because I got my full refund, otherwise it would be a 1 (0 if it was available). UPDATE: had no expectations other than what was said would be done, be done. If your wife/secratary says you will call me back by the end of the day, I think anyone would expect that would be the case or that at least be given a good estimated time frame of which I was rudely denied. Pretty fundamental business concept. And a client calling the next day after not recieving a phone call as expected, should be extremely understandable and acceptable, but I was met with irritation, defensiveness and snide behavior from your staff/wife. I do find it interesting that you find it important enough to argue about this on a public forum and make false and inaccurate comments but returning clients calls seems to be at the bottom of your list. Priority is everything and yours is a puzzlement. Being direct is not rude. Just honest. Wish you luck.
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08 Nov, 2022 by Leighann
I hired Mrs. Coleman for a divorce case, and she was fantastic. I often communicated with her and her staff through email and had all of my questions answered quickly, ( and I had alot of questions). We met to prepare for my mediation and got the best outcome. She put my mind at ease and made this difficult situation much easier. So thankful for her.
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08 Mar, 2022 by Steven
I hired Laura for a contested divorce proceeding. I paid her over 10k to represent minterests. My questions to her were routinely ignored, my financial affidavit was not correctly updated resulting in an award of temporary alimony that I could not afford causing a hardship on my dependent son and father. She claimed to be well versed in military pensions and disability matters as they pertain to divorce this is not true, she nor her staff had any idea of these matters. She took advantage of me and then quit my case without returning any portion of my whopping retainer. She is not trustworthy and should absolutely be avoided.
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18 Nov, 2020 by Chris
Laura took my divorce case after another lawyer bungled it. Thank God I found Laura and her team! They were not only able to correct some of the missteps committed by my former attorney but actually got me out of a marriage far beyond my expectations! So very happy with the job that Laura, Kelly and Stephanie did for me! I would recommend this Law firm to anyone and EVERYONE! They are the best!
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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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