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03 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Marian is very knowledgeable and helped me keep the frustration and worry of the situation at bay. Just knowing she was In our corner and had all our best interests in mind made a difficult situation more tolerable. She is cognizant of all issues, including our financial wellbeing and does a great job explaining all the options for better or worse.
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05 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
I used Marian several years ago when going through my divorce. She was very knowledgeable and knew how to approach dealing with a narcissist which was a huge comfort for me while going through this difficult situation. Now that I have to go back and deal with issues again, I searched her out in her new firm and it settled my nerves immediately. I have recommended her to friends as well.
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31 May, 2015 by Mirbod
I was very pleased with the advice, responsiveness and support during a really difficult times. Mr. Day expertise and work ethic exceeded my expectations. I never had any difficulty contacting them, and they always kept me informed...
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31 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
Eric Day is a professional, compassionate lawyer..... and affordable. He handle my divorce quickly and smoothing...... I highly recommended Eric's services!
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17 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Goldstein was the most caring and responsive attorney I have ever worked with. He put my children's care needs first and helped me get to a safer place in my life.
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29 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
Charles made sure that my divorce went smoothly for my children and always had my best interests at heart. I would highly recommend Charles for all of your family law needs- he is truly a wonderful man!
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02 Jan, 2020 by Nancy thayer
Ryan was spectacular. He got the job done quickly and in the end, , saved us a lot of money. We had previously used another atty who was totally ineffective. Then we were referred to Ryan....a good guy and great , "get it done" atty.
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07 Jun, 2017 by Joy
We had to find a new attorney for the end of our case. We were referred to Ryan. He had a large quantity of work to do in a very short time. But from the first call to this day Ryan and his WHOLE team did and do everything they can to get it right. We left him in a hard spot because our previous attorney basically was unresponsive to calls and totally misrepresented and mislead us at trial. Ryan did 100 times more work in 2 weeks then our other attorney did in 1 1/2 years. Always responds to calls and messages. Has awesome support staff and team members that make you feel that you matter. Ryan and his firm are professional, yet very caring and get the work done! We really wish that we would have known of this firm to start. They are real law firm that go to all lengths to get it right. To this day if we have questions or concerns, we can contact the firm and get information. I can not say enough about Ryan and his Firm. They care and do the work. If you need a attorney to get you through a difficult situation they will do their best to get you a fair conclusion.
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14 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Every client wants to feel confident in who they are being represented by. Ms. Knutson was everything that I wanted in my lawyer. Her style in the court room was not uncomfortably pushy, but stern and precise. Highly recommendable.
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26 Jan, 2013 by Arthur r. martinez attorney at law
I have worked with Attorney Holly Frame in cases in State and Federal Court. She is brilliant. Whoever she represents will be in the most excellent hands
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17 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Joe helped us navigate several hurdles and challenges in regards to child support, post decree issues and navigating the family law system. He also helped us with a conciliation court case. He was a bright spot in our dark experience in the family law world. He is down to earth, genuine, and calming in the midst of the chaos of legal drama. Even when busy, he always responded to us via email or phone right away to talk through the latest challenge we were up against and create a strategy/plan. Before we met Joe, we were working with another attorney and ultimately had to walk away from her because she was making matters worse by stirring things up so that I would need her services forever--and she'd be paid forever! Working with Joe was the opposite experience. Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable, professional and efficient, but he also truly listened and understood the nuances and complexities of the issues. He could follow us throwing out all kinds of information at once and he would synthesize it beautifully and truly “get it”. He then provided a pathway for an outcome that was best for our child and our family in a straightforward and realistic way. His communication and listening skills are impossible to beat as well as his genuine personality. He genuinely wanted to see things work out for our child and our family so we didn’t need to be caught up in the family law system. I have yet to meet another lawyer that genuinely wants to see that for his clients. All of his efforts ended up helping us ultimately do a stepparent adoption! He is the BEST OF THE BEST and we are forever grateful to him.
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23 Jun, 2016 by Jake
Becky is an awesome lawyer, she doesn't take any garbage, will stand behind you and take no crap. She really helped my case as my future was put into her hands. Would highly suggest her.
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03 Nov, 2020 by Megan
I was referred to Ms. Susan Daudelin when faced with an Appeal in February 2020. I had spoken with a few other Appeals Attorneys but none were as versed and educated as Ms. Daudelin. What compelled me most, was she asked to see my previous court orders and had a genuine interest in my case, before speaking with me. Ms. Daudelin wanted to know what lead to the Appeal and showed genuine interest for my families wellbeing. Ms. Daudelin was upfront and gave me best case scenarios and worst case scenarios. Ms. Daudelin was able to navigate the appeals process and eloquently put our case together which lead to a solid prevail. Ms. Daudelins extensive time within the courts shows and reflects within her detailed work. Ms. Daudelin was able to navigate the hearing with professionalism, ease and was prepared for the Judges inquires and concerns. I highly and eagerly recommend anyone faced with an Appeal to contact Ms. Susan Daudelin.
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19 Aug, 2017 by Sewa aifw
Sewa-Aifw is a social services agency serving underserved vulnerable population in Minnesota. Finding a lawyer to serve these communities is like finding needle in a haystack. Bill came forward and am thankful to him for taking a very complicated client that has language barriers. Thank you for taking this case that has custody battles.
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23 May, 2012 by Mk
Liz was fantastic to work with. I live out of state but Dakota County still had jurisdiction and it was very easy to work with her via phone and email. She worked quickly but effectively especially on what was a difficult case.
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17 Dec, 2015 by Margaret
Laurie Savran has my great respect as a lawyer and a human being. I had excellent experiences with her as my family law attorney and later to assist me with a boundary dispute. Both issues were resolved very successfully with her help. A friend of mine also worked with her as a family law attorney and she, too, had only accolades for Laurie. Please give her a chance to explain what she can do for you if you are looking for someone who skillfully applies legal solutions from a human, client-centered approach.
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22 Aug, 2010 by Chris
Laura could not have done her job any better. I'm so happy with the outcome of my case. She EXCEEDED expectations by a long shot. In the court room she was very supportive and helpful. She is very smart and came up with a creative solution to my problem. I would HIGHLY recommend her for any type of case.
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27 Sep, 2013 by Scot
Zach was my divorce attorney. Listened to what I wanted and pursued that outcome. Set realistic expectations. Brave enough to tell me things I needed to know but might not want to hear. Very responsive.
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23 Feb, 2011 by Anonymous
I hired Lymari Santana to get me through a less then amicable divorce with young children. She's helped me see the matter-of-fact in my situation which helps ground me in my process. Divorce with young kids is not easy for anyone involved especially my children. She looks out for their best interests no matter what the emotion might be at the moment. She has had the backbone when I don't/ didn't and she's one of the most professional lawyers I have had the pleasure to meet. Lymari is confident, focused and well organized. Her focus is doing the right thing and it shows through her hard work and when you're dealing with a lawyer it is not always so common. I would highly recommend her to anyone going through divorce with child custody issues. Through her experience in family law Lymari has the tools needed to be your voice of reason, support and sanity in a very chaotic time.
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19 May, 2015 by Pamela
Karen was an excellent divorce attorney, and provided great guidance and support throughout the process. This divorce case was extremely long and drawn out, and required a lot of patience on her part as far as dealing with the opposition. My case required an abundance of paperwork, numerous orders and I continued to require her services for several years, dealing with contempt orders, child and medical support obligations, affidavits, and required court appearances. She was very thorough with my case, and always went through every possible scenario with me so that I understood exactly what was happening. I would very strongly recommend Karen Ives; I had a very positive experiece and valued her organization, diligence and attention to detail. I also appreciated her thoughtfulness, kind words and understanding nature. She was very helpful and I continue to use her services to this day.
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15 Feb, 2013 by James
Your services were very helpful in the success of my case, I would highly recommend you to anyone looking for an immigration attorney.
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13 Jun, 2015 by Dr. andy
I hired Mr. Boulette back in August 2012 to defend from the "blood sucking" ex, the mother of my two estranged children on my child support obligations. This woman had the audacity to certify mailed me a packet with a stack of children's medical bills asked for a total over $13,000 middle of no where while I paid her $4000/month (on time) in child support. Mr. Boulette was professional, prompt on emails and phone calls, and thorough on my case after an initial complimentary phone consultation. After Mr. Boulette's assessment of all the medical bills, he found ONLY $900 out of those $13K medical bills were legal under the law and judge's orders. A HUGE WIN for me, Mr. Boulette's knowledge, and a BIG F to the mother of my estranged children! Thank you Mike for all your help and attention to my case. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
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07 May, 2013 by Laura
Mr. Zewiske is an amazing attorney and he has always gone above and beyond for me and does truly care about me and my children. He was always very honest with me about pricing and what work he suggested having done but then let me decide on what should be done with the case. He is very easy to understand and well respected in the family courtrooms. I would recommend Mr Zewiske to anyone as he is the BEST attorney I have ever worked with.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Chris weilage
Everyone at LifeBack was very helpful, knowledgable, and understanding and really made me feel at ease and worry free.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Sarah vagle
Jesse, Genevieve and Arianna in the Maple Grove office are all amazing! They were professional, efficient and personable and I was very impressed with the ease and speed in which everything was completed. I would highly recommend them.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Scott zelinske
Jesse was the most helpful in many ways! 100 percent recommend him to anyone needing to get back on track!
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27 Jun, 2024 by Adam christoffersen
Brian saved me from false accusations that could have been incredibly damaging to my reputation and career. I cannot recommend Brian enough. He pays close attention to detail so he can defend you to the best of his ability. He truly cares about his clients, and fights for you with intense passion. He is patient with his clients, incredibly knowledgeable and informative, and always responds as soon as he can, and is available any time of the day. If I could give 10 stars for his review I would. This guy knows his stuff. Trust this man, hire him if you need someone to defend you, you will not regret it. Thank you for everything Brian!
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23 Feb, 2024 by Rob reidy
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23 Aug, 2023 by Jeffrey clemons
I was charged for 48 Felonies and have attorney bills that exceed it over $30,000 with attorneys that did nothing for my case and they spent over a year and a half. Brian spent about a month of time and he annihilated them in trial. If you were charged falsely with a crime, I strongly suggest that you would hire Brian my case was in Wisconsin. Brianna’s worth his weight in gold saved my life now I am looking for an attorney to sue. But I wanna assure you that Brian brings such energy and physical expression to your case along with his knowledge and perception of what’s going on they cannot get over on you don’t waste your time looking for other attorneys, Brian as well worth the money and the weight I know he is very busy because he is very good
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23 May, 2019 by Kylee oatmeal time!
ICONIC
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08 Sep, 2018 by Sue kaiser
Over the 13 years I’ve known and worked with Elliot, I have come to understand his passion for the practice of law and unique/difficult personal injury cases. He is energized to learn new things in order to fully understand the intricacies of a case. He is intelligent, organized, down to earth, compassionate and extremely kind. Because I have the utmost trust in him, I have referred several people to Elliot over the years and if the day comes that I need him, he’ll be my only call.
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06 Sep, 2018 by Scott harford
It has been nothing short of a privilege to work as co-counsel with Elliot on a number cases regarding foodborne illness, Legionnaires' disease, and motor vehicle accidents. Elliot is deeply committed to his clients and determined to obtain them the best possible result. I endorse him on nothing but the highest level.
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12 Jan, 2024 by Michael s stewart sr
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15 Mar, 2023 by Flyppc
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25 Jun, 2022 by David holt
Great resource for free legal advice in MN for those that qualify.
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18 Jul, 2018 by Jeff hames
Experienced and professional!
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08 Jan, 2014 by Ryan s
Recently had a custody and child support battle with the mother of my nine year old daughter. As biased as Minnesota Courts are against fathers, I went into this battle very discouraged already. Derk Schweiger was amazing in court, and I felt that because of his professional demeanor, articulateness, and sheer brilliance in court, the judge was able to see where I was coming from, and my life situation, my desire to better myself as a man, and my desire to be a father. The judgment was more than fair, and I was very happy that I chose Derk to be my lawyer. I have referred him to several people, and if need be, I will definitely call upon him again. He was professional, organized, clever, and not as expensive as other lawyers in the metro area. Thanks again! -Ryan Wagner
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18 Jan, 2019 by Natesaid what?
Rob Shane is an AMAZING attorney. Very good at what he does and he is very patient and kind. He will help you every step of the way and is very knowledgeable in his field of law
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03 Jan, 2019 by Cedric mcnamee
With over 3 decades of experience Rob is a wealth of knowledge!
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18 Jan, 2019 by Natesaid what?
Rob Shane is an AMAZING attorney. Very good at what he does and he is very patient and kind. He will help you every step of the way and is very knowledgeable in his field of law
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03 Jan, 2019 by Cedric mcnamee
With over 3 decades of experience Rob is a wealth of knowledge!
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07 Aug, 2024 by Joe copas
Jake did an amazing job. He was always prepared and professional. Jake did a tremendous job explaining everything going on step by step. Highly recommend him for his services.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Jro flo
Kyle and his team are absolutely amazing! Any needs you may be having, reach out. They will not disappoint. Trust the ratings!
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11 Jun, 2024 by Tim stocker
Brodie Hacken did a great job for me. Gave me all the scenario's to be able to make a very informed decision as to which way to proceed.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Christopher yurkow
Mike was a pleasure to work with. We needed a fast turn-around and he was helpful, thorough, and courteous. Great advice all around. We will definitely work with him again in the future.
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05 Aug, 2024 by Tannor house
Made things a lot easier for me to understand what my options were Easy to talk to and over all very helpful
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22 Jul, 2024 by Kasondra powell
It was a pleasure working with Full Circle Law. I am thankful for all the help with my bankruptcy! No matter how many times I asked the same questions they were always answered! And everything was explained in great detail. Will definitely use them again if needed.
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FAQs
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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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