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27 Sep, 2023 by Shannon
Maura was my attorney for my divorce, and she did everything that she said she could do for me. She is honest, hardworking and very reliable. She will go the extra mile to make sure her clients are satisfied. I wanted spousal support, and she got it plus more. She never leaves you in the blind about what's going on with your case. I will use her again as my attorney for any case that will call for an attorney.
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19 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
She was my ex wife’s attorney and she ended up helping me more than her. She is not good at following up and filing important things with the judge. Her incompetency lead to my getting everything I asked for.
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14 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
She was very sympathetic to my situation.
I was very satisfied with the out come of my case.
I will definitely use her again if I need an attorney in the future.
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21 Jan, 2022 by Aaron
Mr Fitzpatrick was my attorney for many cases. Two divorces, a 4 year long very difficult custody case and even one criminal felony case. All of these cases Mr Richard won for me. He is very knowledgeable and reliable. I have seen and heard horror stories from people that say their lawyers take money then nothing ever happens. This is not that type of firm. His assistant Lisa will always have the next court date for you even if the other side is ignoring. My ex's lawyer would never answer about the next court date so Lisa would put it for a day that she is already at the court house. They are a great team and he is very well priced for the hard work that he does. 16 years ago my mother hired to start a divorce while I was serving my country in Iraq and still I recommend him to everyone I see.
And also there is a review stating that he never spoke FOR her in court. 4 years for just one case because the other side was dragging it out and I assure you that he speaks just fine for your rights. If the Judge asked me a question directly then I had to answer it. This isn't TV. I am so grateful for him and Lisa for everything they have done for my children/family.
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14 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
Richard was by far the worst experience of an attorney I have ever encountered. He did absolutely nothing. Didn't speak for me when he needed to, didn't bring up any issues in court. He stood back the whole time and never said a word. He didn't represent nor defend me. He charged me thousands and thousands of Dollars for no work. At one point the case was going in our favor and he chose to post pone it and wanted me to spend hundreds of dollars on guardian ad litems and counselors for no reason. Total waste of time and money. I would NEVER recommend him to anyone. I spoke for myself throughout several trials. So disgusted!
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13 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Went to two other lawyers who recommended him because it was too far from them to drive. He does have a higher retainer fee, but is well worth it. Everybody said that I didnt have a case but infact I did and Mr. Fitzpatrick was very confident I had very solid grounds to stand on. Always called me back when I had a question.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Tykarious jones
Rude and told me she couldn’t represent me a week before trial.
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07 Jul, 2024 by Mintci lowe
Cecelia Arnold was an answer to my prayers. She was very efficient. Pricing was good. I knew I was in the right place when she reached out her hands and prayed with me. A true blessing💗
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14 Mar, 2024 by Nicole journagan
She was very rude when I tried to call and ask for help she was snappy when I was giving her my information was was horrible I DO NOT RECOMMEND
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12 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
"Amber" (?) his assistant had the nerve to tell me their phones were "struck by lightning" and that's why Bill never called me back before an upcoming hearing. Oh, and their "computers were down too, I think, hahaha, but yeah, he knows you want to talk."
How exactly does this work?
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05 Aug, 2013 by Brian
Mr. Kulick did an exceptional job, achieving better than expected results in my case in Moss Point. I would recommend him highly in this area.
Althought communication was not the greatest I do live in FL and was dealing with a case in MS so it was all telephone and email. In the end he got me totally dismissed, no fines, no marks on my licence, nothing. I'm exceptionally happy with the results and both he and his assistant Amber are very nice to deal with.
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24 Mar, 2024 by Marlin roberts
A well versed in law lawyer, returned my call promptly and advised as to the direction I needed to take.
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02 Jun, 2023 by Travis ward
Not knowledge
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14 Oct, 2022 by Nefarious sleuth
Mr. Weeden is a top-notch criminal defense attorney and one of the few attorneys that cares about his clients and their constitutional rights above everything else. He did a wonderful job on a for my son which turned out being much better then anyone could have expected, and left all of us with a great sense of gratitude. Your lucky to have him represent you.
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06 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
Hired her but she continued to delay my case...long after the law required. I constantly had to call her...I mean constantly to get an update on my case. I got so fed up, I tried requesting she move my case to another available attorney in her office. However, that was to no avail. Had I known my matter would have been held up so long, I would have not given my business to this attorney. I am sorry, but I initially went with this attorney because I desired to support another African American business. However, I should have chosen my counsel based on competency, efficiency, and timeliness. This experience has been terribly frustrating. Time I gave up that I wish I could get back.
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10 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
Very intelligent individual that displays knowledge about the laws and also the courtroom. Very professional. She presented my case in a fair manner and I was satisfied with the outcome. Will recommend.
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23 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
-appeared to lack knowledge on family court
-more interested in writing names down than actually listening to the situation so I can determine if she is qualified to help.
- The woman called me and I explained I was searching for an attorney with experience in family law for my husband and she was more concerned about why he wasn't calling opposed to listening to the case to determine if I would hire her. I'm the one paying you, you would have talked to him if WE decided to hire you, but why is that the primary focus during my "consultation"?
- attorney made it seem like I had to hire her before she could tell me why I should...
- I'm not banking on anyone, there tons of lawyers I could reach out to, so what about you stands out so much that I should hire you and not lawyers in the office next to you? This is important because we are talking about thousands of dollars that I'm sure you will charge and I refuse to let that go down the drain.
- again our conversation was very brief as she kept cutting me off to ask me why my husband wasn't calling or what are the names of the involved parties.
- it was a very poor consultation and I wish she hasn't called Because she was no help at all.
- this is an honest review , I don't know how she is in the court room but based on that consultation she is not going to bark in court... I need someone who is ready, eager and willing and most of all someone who knows how to listen!
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08 May, 2024 by Wendy jordan
He said he couldn’t help me he was working for my mother who has run off with my grandkids
He could have at least given me another attorney he was so rude we just had court & he’s not my lawyer but he told me I was nothing & none of my business… I am the maternal grandmother & I passed every test they pushed me off the cliff while I am just treading water!
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10 Mar, 2022 by Kesha davis
18 Nov, 2021 by Joey franks
Great guy and an incredibly intelligent attorney.
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13 Oct, 2022 by Casey
He will take your money then lose everything you give him, lie about everything and do absolutely nothing good on your behalf. Then he will file a motion to withdraw as your counsel and blame it all on you. DO NOT HIRE THIS MAN. He should not be allowed to practice. I encourage anyone who has had a bad experience with him to file a bar complaint against him and prevent him from doing this to others.
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15 Oct, 2021 by Maria
Jeff handled a very stressful civil case for me and I could be more pleased of the outcome. He doesn't say anything unless it needs to be said but, he does care about his clients! He took a very stressful and deep rooted case for me and instructed me to stop stressing about it "he said "You hired me to do the worrying and stressing for you" so unless I tell you to worry about it DON'T! What a welcomed relief that was! Also, I recommend Jeff to a friend for Criminal defense they were exhilarated with the outcome!
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16 Mar, 2021 by Samantha
Would highly recommend him! He will do what you hire him to. Very honest and professional!
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06 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
This lady took my money after my husband signed the divorce papers and she did absolutely NOTHING to help me. I’m stuck in a marriage thanks to her and when I fired her she wanted to explain why the judge supposedly wouldn’t sign it all because he hadn’t filled out the child support part such a liar and unprofessional she doesn’t return calls and I have yet to see the paper work releasing me as her client! This bit needs to be disbarred!!! Do not use her she is a complete idiot.
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28 Jul, 2016 by John rhodes
She was absolutely fantastic. She helped negotiate a fair child custody settlement. Every time opposing counsel would offer, she would give her honest opinion & our options. She was very knowledgeable in case law. She is not scared to go toe to toe with the big boys. If you need a refreshingly honest opinion at a fair price look no further.
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13 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
This woman handled my divorce and she did an awful job. She did nothing when my spouse was in contempt. She was very unethical with her language. She was snappy the entire time we were meeting. She did not explain any of the paperwork she wanted me to fill out, nor did she explain my divorce papers that I was signing. She played on her phone the entire time I read over my divorce papers. Divorce is hard enough without having a bitchy attorney who just so happened to take up for my soon to be ex. They all seemed like best friends while I was in the dark most of the time. Terrible, terrible experience. She also used terrible language with me. She wanted me to give my ex everything he wanted because she didn't want to work any longer. I put my foot down on some things and she was mad about it. I think she was just being a brat because she was trying to get me to fire her. All she did was made herself look like an overgrown kid throwing a fit. Find a more ethical and experienced lawyer if you want to win.
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10 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Anders Ferrington to handle my divorce. I paid an initial retainer fee. He was extremely slow in responding to calls, text messages and e-mails and eventually stopped responding and I had to hire another attorney to handle my case. When he occasionally did return my calls he was very short with me. What "work" he did for me was extremely sloppy (typos, left out information that should have been included and forgot to remove info that was discussed to remove). I would NOT recommend him to anyone. He is very unprofessional and does not represent his clients well. He also talks about his clients on his Facebook page - I find this offensive and unprofessional. Don't waste your time on Anders Ferrington. Find a professional attorney.
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21 Feb, 2017 by Harold
I hired him for a divorce case. I gave him $1200 for retainer. After filing papers he stop answering emails and then blocked calls. Now I'm having to hire another lawyer to complete what I paid him for. Don't hire him if you need an actual lawyer.
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09 Jan, 2017 by Victoria
We signed a contract with Ferrington for legal services with a retainer of $750, which we paid in advance. The only thing he did was establish that he was our lawyer with the corporation we were required to negotiate a contract with (Entergy easement). He did NOTHING else, for 6 weeks. When I finally contacted him asking for the help we'd paid for, he stated that he'd sent a letter to the corporation but it must have been "lost in the mail." A few more phone calls and he then sent me a hastily prepared letter that was full of typos, grammar problems, and material misrepresentation of the facts, which I rejected. We wound up negotiating with the corporation ourselves, which was a burden and not in our best interest, but we could not afford to pay another lawyer's retainer. Ferrington agreed in emails and in phone calls to refund our money, but never sent a check, at one point claiming he had sent a check but it must have been "lost in the mail". He is an unprofessional lawyer who did not represent our best interests and admits he owes a refund, which he refuses to pay.
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29 Nov, 2024 by Sarah bullen
30 Oct, 2024 by Michelle baker
Wish I would have read the reviews BEFORE I reached out to him. Where do I begin??? I had an initial lengthy conversation with Mr Bullen. Sent him a detailed email along with documentation. I followed up with a phone call and he acted like he has NO CLUE about who I was, my email or our conversation. He's absolutely unprofessional. Keep moving - DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME!
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24 Oct, 2024 by Luke bullen
24 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Tyler charged my son $3500 to represent him in Justice court! TOLD us we are gonna let Justice court judge find him guilty and appeal it to a higher court that new the laws about evidence and what was and wasn’t admissible! ! All EVIDENCE he had I GAVE him! We went to court and he did NOT use the evidence , did not put my son on the stand, let the judge find him guilty and then said he was filing an appeal! Well, NOW I’m told this incompetent dingleberry has failed to file an appeal on time and that’s IT ! Tough!!! Now , I’m hearing of others he’s scammed out of their money and won’t return their calls !!His assistant Lori is just as unprofessional.. she HUNG up on me when I called to discuss the matter!
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12 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
He shot me straight. He was honest. He worked hard. I had my back against the wall, but we still did well.
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19 Jun, 2017 by Anthony
I hired Tyler in a civil/child custody matter and was deeply disappointed by his complete lack of professionalism and lack of honesty. Tyler conducted a video deposition and failed to record it properly, lying to me every time I requested a copy. He never took any initiative to actually prepare for our case and when we were in front of the judge, he came to the court empty-handed, forcing us to request a continuation. He finally wanted to file discovery only after the fact that we all looked like complete idiots inside the courtroom. When I called him to advise him that he would no longer be needed and to cease any work on my case, he tried to tell me that I owed him more money; however, after officially firing him and requesting a fee schedule from him, he failed to provide one. Attorneys like Tyler Shandy give all attorneys a bad reputation.
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04 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Brandon is not currently licensed to practice law. He had at least 12 bar complaints filed against him and surrendered his license. He is facing criminal charges. Google his name and learn more.
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05 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
https://www.leader-call.com/news/free_news/embattled-attorney-charged-with-sexual-battery-of-child/article_9c591636-62f2-11ee-98c4-2bcd738af6bc.html
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07 Apr, 2022 by Malarie
My custody case took over a year to complete. It was very complicated, but I’m happy to say Brandon stuck it out the whole time, communicated, didn’t charge an arm and a leg and finally wrapped up my case.
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31 Jan, 2022 by Corban smith (sexymamma)
09 Jun, 2021 by Miranda shell
30 Sep, 2020 by William tucker
Closed to covid
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31 Jan, 2022 by Corban smith (sexymamma)
09 Jun, 2021 by Miranda shell
30 Sep, 2020 by William tucker
Closed to covid
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27 Jan, 2025 by Emily nichole
Never once spoke to this office about a debt. Never received a call, letter, nothing. Out of the blue I got a letter about a debt being rude as hell. Couldn’t believe it.
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20 Jan, 2025 by Maegan depriest
Awesome lawyers and great friendly staff!
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12 Jan, 2025 by Zachary munn
Sent me a debt collection that I was unaware about and flat out did not answer the phone. All I wanted to do was ask some questions and I couldn't even get somebody on the line on a Monday morning. I do not understand the debt and I'm not going to pay a bill that I do not understand.
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01 May, 2024 by Anonymous
ALL THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS ARE 100% CORRECT. TALKS REAL BIG AT FIRST THEN WHEN IT COMES TIME TO TAKE ACTION COMPLETELY CHANGES HER STORY AND THEN TELLS YOU OTHER THINGS. LIES ABOUT NOT BEING ABLE TO GET A HOLD OF THE OTHER ATTORNEY AND JUST WANTS TO RUN UP YOUR BILL. FIRED HER AFTER 1 MONTH .
DONT KNOW HOW SHE IS STILL IN BUSINESS
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09 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Specifically for me, hiring this attorney was my worst night mare! She told me what she could do for me, but it was the exact opposite of what she said. After court, she told me to sign a form that I did not complete. I never got a chance to see what was on the form. She said that she would complete it and turn it in. When she was asked for my court transcript, she stated that it was misplaced during her office move. She is deceitful. She did not give me all the receipts for monies paid for her service, claimed she did not know where her receipt book was. Her practice is moral turpitude.
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22 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
PLEASE do not hire this attorney. She acts like a teenager as far as sitting in the court room and giggling and gossipping. She told my opponents lawyer out ENTIRE CASE which allowed them to plow over us. Please, hire anyone else. You can tell by taking to her how inexperienced, inarticulate and just bad she is. I'm sorry but please save your money.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Halo
Got the job done but took too long and he would never return phone calls or emails. Would not hire again.
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26 Dec, 2023 by Summer alrawahneh
Very bad experience
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07 Jun, 2023 by Vic wa
Please be careful selecting this firm. May not be of your interest if the people you select do not do right right by you. I highly encourage going somewhere else.
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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.
