Lawyers map
>833
experienced lawyers
Filter by
17 Jun, 2024 by Dora graves
Great people.
Read more
26 Jan, 2024 by Graham
While I adore several of these attorneys as friends and people I admire, it does not make up for the worst experience I've ever had with a law office. The first time I called, I was constantly cut off and could not finish a sentence. I was spoken to as if I were a toddler. I still ended up booking a consultation, as I'm bleeding thousands due to fraud that I need legal counsel to fix. I requested it to be conference call due to inclement weather - but they just flat out didn't call me. They did a consultation and declined my case without asking me a question or even showing me the respect of calling me as I requested. I felt completely dismissed and unimportant. When I asked about not receiving a call, despite requesting it a few hours earlier, their staff responded with an attitude, spoke down to me, and hung up on me! I waited 5 days for an appointment, which didn't happen. I've since requested additional callback through their website, as their phone staffer will hang up on you, and have heard nothing back. If you want to deal with a gatekeeping headache, this is the law office for you.
Read more
27 Feb, 2023 by Soribel hernandez
22 Aug, 2023 by Aaron grabert
Horrible lawyer fights only for women was trying to make me loose my kids I changed lawyers and got custody everyone is happy the mother even wanted the same thing I wanted so it should’ve been an easy case he wanted me to pay child support so he can earn a percentage he’s a real pos
Read more
04 Aug, 2023 by Diamonisha brown
This man is the GOAT!!! When I say he helped me LISTEN …. HE HELPED ME. And i am forever grateful for him. He is so professional but extremely down to earth and honest.
Read more
24 Apr, 2023 by Abigail holmes
Jason and his paralegal, Donna, were always on top of my case. Everything was done in a timely manner, and he is very down to earth. He isn't arrogant like most local attorneys. He genuinely cares and listens to all concerns no matter how big or small. He is caring and considerate with his clients, and he can also confidently and firmly move a case forward in the courtroom to render favorable results.
Read more
15 Oct, 2024 by Ron38654
Rick has helped us a couple times and I’m thankful I found him. Very helpful and knowledgeable man.
Read more
26 Aug, 2024 by Melissa lee
Rick Sparkman has helped our family (and several others I personally know) for many years. His staff is amazing and we are so thankful for his professionalism and concern in matters that we trust him with. Highly recommend!
Read more
14 Jun, 2023 by Lucinda wilson
Excellent staff,concerned, helpful and concise in action. Very nice and considerate. Work in a timely manner. Success.
Read more
15 Oct, 2024 by Ron38654
Rick has helped us a couple times and I’m thankful I found him. Very helpful and knowledgeable man.
Read more
26 Aug, 2024 by Melissa lee
Rick Sparkman has helped our family (and several others I personally know) for many years. His staff is amazing and we are so thankful for his professionalism and concern in matters that we trust him with. Highly recommend!
Read more
14 Jun, 2023 by Lucinda wilson
Excellent staff,concerned, helpful and concise in action. Very nice and considerate. Work in a timely manner. Success.
Read more
22 Oct, 2024 by Jimmy jackson
Mr. Madison was recommended to me by one of my colleagues and he didn't disappoint. Very thorough in explaining the situation at hand and showed the upmost in professionalism. I would highly recommend his services.
Read more
03 Sep, 2024 by Alexa hutchens
Attorney Zachary Madison has been our attorney for many years and has handled a variety of legal issues for us. I recommend him highly. I have not found a more knowledgeable, upstanding, effective lawyer in my many years of doing business. He is responsive and always ready to help; he inspires confidence and trust in the legal profession, something we need more of.
Read more
16 Apr, 2024 by Eric smith
Zachary A. Madison is a very unprofessional attorney. I wouldn't recommend this firm to anyone! Zachary showed me that he doesn't care to provide his services to people of African descent.
Read more
03 Feb, 2023 by Andrew verardo
Greg is a very approachable and friendly person. However, he does not utilize text or email to assist with the process, nor did I feel that he would fight for me with regard to fairness in my divorce. My situation was very difficult, and I was not advised well, or at all in some cases, regarding state divorce statutes and laws before agreeing to an out-of-court temporary order. Consequently, I was put in a difficult financial situation. I would frequently report harassment from my soon-to-be ex, yet he still drug his feet on getting the process to trial, which never occurred until after I sought new counsel. I had to do much of my own research. After 5 months of little to no communication or action and mounting financial stress as a result of poor counsel, I declined his services and sought new counsel.
Read more
14 Sep, 2021 by Jennifer locke
ONE OF The Best Attorney in HATTIESBURG you will not be disappointed. He will fight for you and your family. He definitely does his research.
Read more
03 Mar, 2021 by Lybron craft
Highly recommend to use for a divorce case.
Read more
28 Oct, 2024 by Huggie b ochoa (huggie springher)
23 Jul, 2024 by Jennifer
Mrs. Myra is excellent!! She helped my husband and me more than ever and we couldn’t thank her enough! Wouldn’t use any other law firm for anything else. Thank you!!!!
Read more
09 Jul, 2024 by Michael rozier
I highly recommend Tim Farris Law Firm, PLLC for legal counsel. Tim's deep expertise, meticulous attention to detail, and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes make them an invaluable asset. With Tim Farris representing you, you can rest assured that your legal matters are in capable hands.
Read more
12 Oct, 2024 by Mwrk co
27 Aug, 2024 by Jarron
I repeat please run his name with the BBB and google before you consider using him!!! hes a complete joke and a crook to boot He broke our retainer and had my money for 3 months without answering a phone call then showed up to court 5 minutes till and completely sold me out to my ex wife with our child visitation case. I fired him after court and he waited around and called my ex wife to talk to him after I fired him. He then made a court date with her that’s next year! Just to help her out and he told her I was just as she described me and that I hadn’t changed
Read more
19 Feb, 2024 by Steve thompson
Outstanding hard working knowledgeable, attorneys. I highly recommend them.
Read more
11 Oct, 2024 by Abo ali
The best lawyer in Mississippi
Read more
16 Jul, 2024 by Christopher cox
Awesome
Read more
26 Jun, 2024 by Mister toney
Work miracles truly i blessing .. Have and will continue to recommend Mr.Horan and company .. thanks @Horan&Horan
Read more
02 Feb, 2025 by Autumn rayne
Since we wanna show out on Facebook and not take accountability for how we handle our cases and business, I'll leave a public review for everyone to see before making the decision to hire you.
In October 2018 I hired Margaret Holmes to handle my custody case regarding my son.
If I'm not mistaken, we went to court on Nov. 4th, the day of my birthday.
The way my "representation" walked in LATE, with her hair still wet and in a clip, totally not matching (some weird shirt with the weirdest choice skirt to go with it), and open toed sandals STILL embarrasses me to this day. Typically this would not bother me but the way she was dressed was just absolutely unprofessional that when I got in the car with my best friend I had to ask if I really saw that or was I hallucinating.
When I did my consultation, I remember sitting at one of the desks and directly behind the desk was a glass pane door.
I could see someone walking around IN A TOWEL and when I asked "who is that" Margaret stated "that's my daughter, she lives here". Excuse me?
Your daughter lives here in the presence of people's confidential info? Still at the time I was unable to afford anyone else so I continued on and paid her $1500 to file for emergency custody of my son.
One of the other times I came in, Margaret had a MASSIVE black eye. Of course I was shocked and asked if she was okay to which she replied she had "slipped and fell face first in her garage". 🙄 I feel sorry for whoever she represented during that.
I again had to ask my best friend if I was seeing things, being too harsh? We both agreed there was absolutely no way that happened from a fall, which is sad. But that that is also HIGHLY unprofessional.
Fast forward to my court date, a one week on/off agreement had been met. I had never gone through this, so of course I had questions. Margaret seemed dismissive of my concerns as usual.
I took my son that day, adhered to the custody agreement in the way that I understood it because i had 0 guidance, and waited for my next court date.
I never heard anything back. I had missed my court date.
Luckily my sons bio-dad did too and I didn't hear from him again for YEARS.
I had to hire another lawyer recently actually, who took a gander at my case from 2018 and she said that we're first of all, in contempt. And secondly, when I left court that day it was not as the sole custodial parent.
How the hell do you fumble a case so badly that a single, drug free, independent mother in a womens state leaves her custody hearing with a known drug addict, without sole custody when THEYRE the ones that initiated emergency custody?
So THAT had to be straightened out.
Now that it's been brought up many years later when someone asks for advice on what lawyer to get around the area, Margaret "doesn't remember". You don't remember taking $1500 from me and dropping my case because you can't keep an open line of communication? Fun fact, you didn't remember me or the details of my case when the papers were sitting right in front of you!
Get off the sauce. You have no business handling family cases with how you lack empathy and professionalism.
Every bad review you have, I can attest to the fact that it is all true.
You are so embarrassing and unprofessional, and I can imagine it's showing in your numbers.
And then when I leave my honest to God review under a post asking for guidance, Margaret likes to throw around meaningless phrases like "cease and desist!"
If you don't want bad reviews then don't be a horrible lawyer.
You can tell who she is and how she conducts herself in her responses to negative reviews.
Yall have been warned.
(Actually now that I think about it, it was more to the tune of 2500$ that was taken from me. Whatever her flat rate to initiate court was/is.
What makes me even sadder is coming here after all this time to speak my truth and seeing an eerily similar review of all the things I experienced.
All it takes is one to speak out, and the others will follow.
It's crazy you treated me/my child the way you did and didn't think it'd ever be brought up again.)
Read more
04 Dec, 2024 by Richard fischer
Margaret is everything a great attorney should be! She never gave up from beginning to end. She did an excellent job for me against another very skilled attorney. I highly recommend her for a divorce attorney!
Read more
08 Jun, 2024 by J.
I filed a complaint against her license with the bar it was so bad. She signed a temp order without sending to me or my agreeing, didn’t tell me about an emergency hearing that occurred, didn’t show up for and canceled all of our meetings, submitted discovery on my behalf weeks after I fired her with no evidence or witnesses on my behalf at all, she said she drank “crown for breakfast” to me and her assistant before my pre trial hearing in poplarville (naturally she had no clue what was going on that hearing), the list goes on and on. Truly shocking abandonment of her duties! I asked her for a refund and she lost her mind- sent over 10 threatening emails, threatened to file charges and all. I am an abuse survivor and am begging you to find a different and competent attorney if you’re fighting that fight. It’s hard enough with adequate support in this court system.
Read more
23 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
After great initial consultation I never got timely response to any of my questions. I felt completely in the dark. The cherry on the cake was being stood up.
Read more
17 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Does not respond in a timely manner, refuses to refund unearned portion of retainer, skirts around and does not send documents, belittles and bullies people, threatens with releasing confidential information to public and does. You as a client are not important.
Read more
29 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
I’ve hired several lawyers for various things throughout my life, and Dianne has been the best. She will be honest, upfront, and fight for you like no other lawyer. She’s the best lawyer in the state.
Read more
12 Dec, 2024 by M ali
They helped me with a speeding ticket I got while driving through Mississippi on a cross country trip. Their fee was reasonable, they appeared in court on my behalf and got me the best deal (No adjudication if I pay the fine). Jessica, the person who answers the phone, was professional and courteous.
Read more
02 Jun, 2023 by Ray white
Great attorneys and staff are here. Very much recommend
Read more
23 Apr, 2023 by Samatha moore
06 Jan, 2024 by Susie sullivan
I've called and left messages for him to call me back on three occasions and he is yet to call me back.people tell me he is a good attorney but I don't know that. People also tell me just go to his office and see him....I've been there twice and he's.not there.
Read more
24 Oct, 2023 by Lulu perkins
The receptionist is very kind and, the fact that I know absolutely NOTHING about what I was doing.... Yet she understood what I was trying to say is amazing 😍 Thank you!
Read more
26 Sep, 2023 by James thomas
Great service...secretary da best
Read more
18 May, 2024 by Becky smith
14 Feb, 2024 by Sheri johnson
16 Nov, 2023 by Micheal lee dungan
08 Oct, 2024 by Becca lynn
24 Sep, 2024 by Trey clayton
12 Aug, 2024 by James carll
Great family lawyer and the entire staff excellent communicators.
Read more
01 Nov, 2023 by Gordon moore
26 Jul, 2022 by Joshua mcintosh
Very helpful and will get things done.
Read more
21 Jun, 2022 by Morgan
We closed our loan here, they worked us in early so we could go out of town! Great and easy to work with!
Read more
29 Apr, 2024 by Robin barnes
Scott is your man! Hands down the best lawyer out there!
Read more
23 Apr, 2024 by Debi hambright
Scott is a very competent lawyer. Great friend and well fight for what is right
Read more
05 Apr, 2024 by Rivers edge
Scott has always been great to work with. I highly recommend hiring him for your legal needs. His expertise, professionalism, and dedication to us personally and as business clients is impressive. He is thorough in his work, and always go above and beyond. I am grateful for his help and would not hesitate to seek his services again in the future.
Read more
30 Jul, 2024 by Mike sparks
Kept me hanging till last minute to tell me that they couldn’t represent me a week before my court date and had plenty of time to contact me about the situation but never got any information about my case they suck don’t use them for anything period cause they will leave you hanging till last moment then your on your own
Read more
21 Nov, 2023 by Chris parker
If there were a 6 star rating, then I'd give it. These good people do not play around when you have them on your side. They mean business!
Very nice, showed "genuine" concern for my matter, and they don't waste your time or money. They get to it with comprehensive breakdowns and communication throughout the process.
I feel very confident going forward with my matters having Swayze and his associates representing me.
If you're reading this, I recommend you call/see them and give them a shot. You will not regret it!
Read more
13 Dec, 2022 by Charlie “toolate fisher” fisher
08 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
People kept asking if I had a good lawyer when I retained Mr.Andersen - as I never needed one I didn’t know how to answer it. I now have three new attorneys for a multistate custody and parental kidnapping, and hindsight 20/20 - he was not a good lawyer. He failed to meet me the day before my court date, called at 10 p.m. asking me questions he should have been briefed on by his paralegal. He showed up late the following day, allowing the other attorney to dismiss for jurisdiction. If Mr.Andersen cared at all, he would have been there to argue my stance - but he wasn’t. Complete disgrace.
Read more
30 Jun, 2019 by Matthew
Cassidy represented me in a child custody modification and visitations. I would not recommend Cassidy for any matters regarding child custody or child support. He disregarded over 150 pages of documented events for the past four years, evidence, he ignored our multiple statements of wanting to go to trial, under his advisement convinced us to settle, and left us in an even worst situation now than what is was previously. Afterwards, when contacted again regarding the agreement not working, he told us we need to “figure it out.” Since then, things have only gotten worst.
Read more
11 May, 2018 by Lisa
Cassidy did a very good job. He wa very through, prepared and very professional. He showed alot of care in my situation. I CV was very pleased with him. I would highly recommend his office to anyone
Read more
06 Sep, 2018 by Ann
Would not recommend. In my case he did a poor job. Tried to make both sides happy. If an attorney takes money from you he should represent you 100%. Of course he is New to the field and does not need to piss of anyone. Not happy with is legal representation.
Read more
13 Oct, 2017 by James runnels
He is awesome!! Really great guy and will shoot u the truth about anything you ask him. He jumped right on our case.
Read more
22 Jul, 2015 by Amy
I needed legal assistance from a distance and he jumped right in and took care of it for me - keeping me updated along the way. If you need legal help - Darrell is your guy.
Read more
29 Aug, 2024 by Carolyn collins
Great attorney, real professional.
Read more
24 Jul, 2024 by Samuel livingston
I had the pleasure of connecting with Stephen Ross for a legal matter, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the experience. From the very beginning, Stephen demonstrated exceptional professionalism, knowledge, and dedication to my questions regarding my case. He took the time to thoroughly explain the process, ensuring I was well-informed and comfortable with all decisions I had available.
Stephen’s expertise and attention to detail were evident, and his compassionate approach made a challenging situation much more manageable. He was always available to answer my questions.
I highly recommend Stephen Ross to anyone in need of legal assistance in Mississippi. His commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for his clients is truly commendable. Thank you, Stephen, for your outstanding service!
Read more
15 Jul, 2023 by Michelle g
I live in Indiana and our family base is in Columbus Mississippi, we are going through somethings and are looking for the best results for a positive outcome, it's just hard when our phone calls aren't being returned.
Read more
3.4
7 Reviews
3.5
20 Reviews
19 Nov, 2024 by Carlos phillips
28 Oct, 2024 by Michael shaw
Do not use this attorney. I hired her because she specializes in family law. Did not advocate for me at all. Horrible outcome with my divorce as a result of her representation (or lack thereof). She cannot be trusted that she will look out for your best interests as your attorney
Read more
17 Aug, 2024 by Queneka butler
She's a great woman and a darn good lawyer.
Read more
01 Dec, 2024 by Chris crandall
21 May, 2024 by Gigi
Jack Jones is a stellar criminal attorney. He gets the job done. Enough said.
Read more
28 Mar, 2024 by George macgregor
Very knowledgeable good lawyer
Read more
13 Sep, 2024 by Karma night
Pragmatic communication was lacking.
Read more
28 Dec, 2023 by Natasha spidle
Haven't received a call back since I reached out three weeks ago
Read more
27 Mar, 2023 by Chanel cannon
Terrible attitude. Wasn't helpful at all Very bad attitude.
Read more
13 Sep, 2024 by Karma night
Pragmatic communication was lacking.
Read more
28 Dec, 2023 by Natasha spidle
Haven't received a call back since I reached out three weeks ago
Read more
27 Mar, 2023 by Chanel cannon
Terrible attitude. Wasn't helpful at all Very bad attitude.
Read more
09 Oct, 2024 by Hidden fence systems, inc
Marc Brand has the magic touch to get the results you need. Great company to work with!
Read more
18 Jan, 2024 by Joseph jenkins
14 Aug, 2023 by Reptar rawrz
27 Feb, 2021 by John sherman
Best lawyer around
Read more
22 Jan, 2020 by Eileen wickham
Very knowledgeable with legal issues. I highly recommend Mr Callaway
Read more
15 Sep, 2019 by Don bates
29 Nov, 2021 by Victor mincy
14 Apr, 2021 by Jimmy langston
25 May, 2020 by Bj blackwell
29 Apr, 2024 by Juwana rhine
Awesome divorce lawyer. She was very knowledgeable of everything that came up in my case.
Read more
19 Feb, 2023 by Donnell albert
25 May, 2022 by Jonna presley-clark
She is not just an all out terrible person, I really don't believe. I actually had a friend, Lori Sparks, recommend me to her bc she helped her. But...she was/is the guardian ad lidem over our case by the time I called her so she said anyways. and its because of the crooked and corrupt system that she works in here in the south especially, she has made me look bad for every single thing I even Say to my children. Smh. sad when you lose your kids bc you can NOT punish them anymore....ohh and she has BEGGED my 13 year old daughter to go and live with her donor's mom because my child is half black so I guess she feels that she doesn't belong with me. What a Shame and disgrace this place has come to. It saddens me deeply to see such a corrupt system and people whom I believe are good at heart be involved due to money and hurting children most of all because they want nothing more than to be with their mother and father and they know this but choose to make them stay elsewhere 💔 I would not use her because of the racial thing she's had going on with my daughter. 0 stars 🌟 for that
Read more
20 Sep, 2024 by C m
Megan R. Stuard/Stuard & Associates
Worst attorney ever! Does not call back for days. Took over 2 weeks to file my paperwork after judge signed them. Would only answer by email most of the time even when asked to call me. Missed a couple of our meetings even when they were confirmed by phone and email. The process should have been over 2 - 3 months prior to when it actually got done. If I had not stayed on top of everything and basically annoyed her, my divorce would STILL NOT be over with!! Your best decision would be to use another lawyer; one who actually takes pride in their work as well as their name.
**Update** She saw this review and sent me a nasty email telling me that I really shouldn’t be going after another woman, etc. I responded to her and then she sent ANOTHER email. That one, I never even read, I literally just hit delete. She is petty and immature. Save your money and time. Get another lawyer!
Read more
17 Jan, 2024 by Ivis castillo
17 Jan, 2024 by Ivis castillo
Not even 1 -0 to this lawyer Megan first she took my son case I sign a contract she never saw my son case just send me a contract after 2 weeks the contract was sign she finally find it my son court was too soon for the court date very incompetent and very unprofessional us course is not her son and I have to call the office because they never call me waiting 1 week for her and she never did and now 3 days to have my money back also she recommend one lawyer and said he is not going to take really what lawyer do this to the client first in my life.Also if I paid 50 000 she take the case for that Money if not to soon. Don’t help people care about money .
Read more
Browse lawyers
Cities in Mississippi - Find a Lawyer Near Me
-
Jackson
-
Ridgeland
-
Gulfport
-
Oxford
-
Hattiesburg
-
Tupelo
-
Madison
-
Biloxi
-
Pascagoula
-
Flowood
-
Brandon
-
Meridian
-
Ocean Springs
-
Vicksburg
-
Southaven
-
Greenville
-
Columbus
-
Hernando
-
Laurel
-
Natchez
-
Clarksdale
-
Greenwood
-
Starkville
-
Cleveland
-
Clinton
-
Olive Branch
-
Corinth
-
Batesville
-
Mccomb
-
Bay St Louis
-
Canton
-
Brookhaven
-
Grenada
-
Columbia
-
Picayune
-
Hazlehurst
-
New Albany
-
Booneville
-
Long Beach
-
University
-
Philadelphia
-
West Point
-
Mendenhall
-
Yazoo City
-
Kosciusko
-
Petal
-
Holly Springs
-
Pass Christian
-
Pearl
-
Diamondhead
-
Forest
-
Lexington
-
Amory
-
Collins
-
Pontotoc
-
Poplarville
-
Tunica
-
Senatobia
-
Waynesboro
-
Aberdeen
-
Charleston
-
Florence
-
Indianola
-
Iuka
-
Purvis
-
Ripley
-
Water Valley
-
Bay Springs
-
Carthage
-
Diberville
-
Houston
-
Lucedale
-
Magee
-
Ashland
-
Louisville
-
Magnolia
-
Meadville
-
Raleigh
-
Raymond
-
Winona
-
Woodville
-
Moss Point
-
Waveland
-
Ackerman
-
Byram
-
Crystal Springs
-
Fulton
-
Gautier
Browse lawyers
Practice Areas in Mississippi
-
Personal Injury
-
Business
-
Real Estate
-
Litigation
-
Family Law
-
Criminal Defense
-
Insurance
-
Estate Planning
-
Workers Compensation
-
Probate
-
Government
-
Medical Malpractice
-
Appeals
-
Civil Rights
-
Car Accident
-
Tax
-
Wrongful Death
-
Consumer Protection
-
Child Custody
-
Bankruptcy
-
Social Security & Disability
-
Intellectual Property
-
Elder Law
-
Debt Collection
-
Adoption
-
Child Support
-
Mediation
-
Trusts
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Class Action
-
Divorce
-
Immigration
-
Domestic Violence
-
Juvenile Law
-
Employment / Labor
-
Financial Markets And Services
-
DUI / DWI
-
Foreclosure
-
Discrimination
-
Federal Crime
-
Entertainment
-
Sex Crime
-
Sexual Harassment
-
Life Insurance
-
Admiralty / Maritime
-
Cannabis Law
-
Construction
-
Drug Crime
-
Wrongful Termination
-
Debt Settlement
-
Credit Repair
-
Landlord & Tenant
-
Copyright Application
-
Environmental Law
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
