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18 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
All he wants is your money. My family retained him for $1500 and all he did was write up a parenting plan. The day I knew he was a bad lawyer is when he looked me in the eyes and said I will not get custody of my son. Even tho I was by far the better option. I wanted to fire him on the spot but my family insisted I stick with him. He didn't follow through with any evidence I provided... The only thing he followed through with was charging me money. He quickly ran out the retainer fee with emails and court appearances. I got a letter in the mail once stating that there was a court date. So I got dressed up and was 15 minutes early. I pull up and who do I see running across the road 15 minutes before the time court started.. Royce... I flagged him down and he didn't even recognize me. Finally after me telling him who I was we conveniently remembered and invite me into his office, just to charge me $75!! That was haof his hourly rate. Funny thing is that I was only in there for 5 minutes but he went ahead and charged me for 30 minutes.. The only thing he said was that I wasn't required to show up. Gave me a briefing on what he did at this court apperence, which was only to get the judge to sign the papers. The kicker is that he charged me another $1500 after he blew through my retainer fee of $1500. And he didn't do anything but write up a parenting plan. Worst experience ever and I do not recommend Royce to anyone.
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05 Nov, 2012 by Clifford
I retained James Royce for a divorce, sadly I made a very expensive mistake, he is professional at opening letters and charging a high fee to do so, Mr. Royce did very little if anything to protect my property and retirement assets, he surprised me with hidden fees prior to entering the court room to represent in a very lengthy divorce. Mr. Royce left literally every issue I approached him with UNRESOLVED, tax issues, stock fund issues, property being hidden to property issues still unresolved to this date after excessive requests for resolutions in this matter, Mr. Royce did NOTHING to resolve child visitation issues, Mr. Royce DID take very aggressive action when he expected payment for ??? he sued me in the town that I reside in and during his court performance explained many personal issues related to my particular divorce case he also used my daughters disability as a plow to gain attention of the judge making it sound as if he and his staff worked long exhausting hours and days on visitation arrangements which were not logged in time sheets that he had charged me for. James Royce informed me after court that I have 10 years from my divorce date to take my "X" back to court to collect my property, --- Funny I thought I had hired him to do that for me. Mr. Royce has a strong issue with integrity when he was placed on the stand. Attorneys lie through their teeth !!!!!! I am confused about truth, and justice. "Just because you have a college degree hanging on the wall does not make you an honest man" Mr. Royce will speak with compassion and concern but actually doesn't give a damn with the exceptions of you wallet and be very aware of his wonderful friend Mrs. Housholder in Marshfield, MO
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12 Apr, 2024 by Laura
She’s responsible for tearing apart a family. She refused to let us present witnesses that would have proven innocence.
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12 Mar, 2024 by Sonya
I just watched and listened to the Dateline episodes about her as the judge in Russ"s case. She is a bias horrible person and I'm glad she lost her judgeship. No one should have her representing them. Beware of this person.
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08 Jan, 2023 by Justin
I invested several years and many thousands of dollars in Kristin and in Cordell & Cordell. They advertised themselves as lawyers dads can count on. But both behaved unethically and unprofessionally. As my case drew to a close, I raised concerns with Kristin about the quality of legal services I had received. In short, the judge’s position contradicted the vast majority of Kristin’s legal advice. Rather than discuss my concerns, Kristin filed a motion to withdraw, leaving me without representation only days before trial. Because I followed Kristin’s advice, my ex-wife's harmful parenting remains unchecked, and I am in no better position to help my children. Follow-up attempts with the firm’s Client Care division, with management partner Kimberly Gray, and with founding partner Joseph Cordell were unhelpful. I posed questions about quality of legal advice, commitment to clients, major discrepancies between projected and actual costs, truth in advertising, value of services, and the client care process. Across emails and phone calls, my concerns were repeatedly sidestepped, and in every interaction I was treated more like a witness to be cross-examined than a paying client. When the Missouri Bar became involved, both Kristin and Cordell & Cordell refused to cooperate. I cannot recoup my investment, nor can I reverse the negative outcome for my children. But if you’re reading this, you can avoid my missteps. Dads: don’t hire Kristin, nor any Cordell & Cordell attorney. You cannot count on them.
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05 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
You should know that you are the boss of your case. Do not let any attorney sway you from proceeding how you wish to proceed. If she got a grade it would be a "F". going to court is a very tough decision and make sure that you heed all reviews for any site before giving a attorney money.
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16 Nov, 2014 by Antoinette
I hired him and so did my cousin for the same type of case. Parental Alienation- Custody problems. The same result in both cases. Dennis didnt know what he was doing. Didnt prepare for anything. Couldnt speak in court as a knowledgeable attorney. He left me to represent myself so that he could go defend a Jeffco judge in a divorce case. I fired him and hired an amazing attorney who wrapped up everything in my case beautifully. Then Dennis sued me for 12k when he clearly didnt do the work. When i fired him i owed him 2 maybe 3 grand. Not 12. Well, Dennis just seized and garnished my bank account for 12k, didnt notify me of any hearings. He is COMPLETLY underhanded and should not be practicing law. PERIOD.
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12 Sep, 2013 by Wgl
hired Dennis Bonner' law firm in June 2012 to represent me in a simple child support/visitation case. I deployed to Afghanistan in January 2013 and in March 2013, Dennis Bonner informed me of his motion to withdraw from the case. The motion to withdraw took me by total surprise especially since I had provided Mr. Bonner with all items and documents that he had requested before I deployed. After talking with Dennis Bonner, he decided to continue to represent me in my case while I was deployed to Afghanistan. I put my full trust in Mr. Dennis Bonner; however, in my absence, I found out that Mr. Bonner had missed court appearances. In addition, Mr. Bonner rarely emailed or called me and totally failed to inform me of the status of my case. I was not made aware of any case hearings and I found out about case ruling month's after they had been ruled on and to add insult to injury, I found out case rulings thru the opposing party. Again, I was informed by the opposing party -month's later -of the outcome of my case, not by my hired attorney Mr. Bonner's inadvertence and excusable neglect were clearly recognizable and on display in my case. I put my full and complete trust in Mr. Dennis Bonner and he misrepresented and essentially neglected my case. I would not recommend Mr. Bonner as an attorney to any client.
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02 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Hired MR. Briggs for a criminal case which was a huge mistake since it wasn't his best part. here is how it went. 1- explained the case. 2- Asked for the fees and was hired. 3- he talked highly of how he's going to win the case and what his plan is and I went home with the idea " he's the best in town' 4- got to court case gets pushed and pushed and pushed. 5- gave him every shred of evidence to have the case dismissed and cleared. but no I was wrong. Communications is really bad. you won't hear him him Period. shows up late for court and you have no idea what's been said and done. Now MR. Briggs offers you to go ahead and take a plea and that's how it will go. you ask him what have he done so far guess what ? No Answer what's next Court about ? no information what going to happen ? no response
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20 May, 2016 by Anonymous
In my experience with this attorney and in my opinion, Mr. Briggs's legal advice was horrible for me and I thought his representation in court was even worse. I hired him for a divorce case and he threw me under the bus, I felt, and made a pathetic attempt at negotiating in my best interests. He never fully went over everything with me and he rarely communicated with me. He failed at forwarding documentation to me that was vital for the case. It felt like he was just wanting to get everything over with, regardless of what happened with me, so he could take his money and run. I would not recommend him for anyone.
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29 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Liles accepted my case after our consultation. He was willing to make payment arrangements with me so I was appreciative for that. We agreed $1,500 retainer fee was to be the cost. I made $200 payments bi-weekly until taxes came in. I made 2 payments of $400. Once I got everything paid up Mr. Liles made a order of appearance for me on my case. My case had a year minimum wait before we could go back to change anything. Once time was ready to go back january 2017 I called Me. Liles office every other day. I then started calling weekly up until august. I had multiple left messages, I emailed, I even called his personal phone and did not once get a response from him until august. Just for him to say that he DOESN'T REPRESENT me. He says he didn't have any documentation saying I ever made a payment, or ever starting the payments. He said he would not represent me. That he has other people and other cases to worry about that he didn't have to drop what he was doing just to get back in touch with me. It took me 8 months to get a response. I had receipts but they had gotten stolen when my vehicle did. So Mr. Liles got $1,500 from me for absolutely no work to done in exchange.
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07 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired brandy for a case involving my children. She is nice at first but before you know it (after she gets paid) she hardly ever responded to any of my texts, e-mails or phone calls! Half the time she wouldn't even show up to a scheduled appointment and when she did she was always always late! She didn't show up for court at least 5 times and it was important hearings that put my kids and I on a very thin line with not saying a word to me or other clients Brandy is untrustworthy and will fail you! A 5 year old could do a better job then her! She is soooo full of excuses and would never just shut up and listen to me! Brandy decided to re locate with no communication to me and along with other clients saying what she was doing! I am far from the only one who feels this way! Brandy is selfish and has no place being a attorney at law or anything important! I'm in the process of having her disbarred (which she has once already been) She acts like she's cares but drops off the face of the earth! She (how I feel) stole my money and never did her job.. Not even a little bit! I will stop at nothing to make sure everyone knows how she is! Brandy also drinks a lot or taking one of her many meds she told me about.. even durning court and while in office! She is a disgrace! I am normally loving and easy going but when my kids are at stake my gloves come off!
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10 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms. Kinds Stewart was hired to file my bankruptcy for me in 2014. It was my intention to reaffirm my home loan. I filled out everything she asked me to and assumed it was settled. A year later I learned that my lender informed her that more information was needed. That was never communicated to me and as a result my bankruptcy was discharged and my home loan was not reaffirmed. This is gross negligence and could have been avoided. I wanted to remain financially accountable to my lender. I wanted to reaffirm. But Ms Kinds Stewart made that an impossible effort with her lack of follow up on my case!!!!
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13 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
Roommate best me up I got MS. pace she got my order of protection dropped, and didn't ask the court for an officer to stand in while roommate moved and so the roommate decided to cause more damage and stolen some of my belongings. So she should have listened to her client because I knew my roommate and what was going to happen.
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02 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
Suggest you find another lawyer. Mr Baylard did file our petition with the court but recused himself and his law firm at 4:58pm the day before the court date. Also, he and his other three associates failed to turn over evidence we provided 5+ months prior even though we paid their law firm to handle it.
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04 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
I was going through a divorce from a lawyer and I'd heard that she was very persistant; which I believed I needed at the time. She wasted no time getting to the heart of my suffering in the marriage, but offered little information for when the divorce would be final or what was to gain by focasing so much on his character flaws. I eventually fired her for lack of communication and had to call dozens of times to find out what I still owed her. Finally I was sent a bill for over $6000, including fees for writing up the bill. My current lawyer advised me to call her bluff and not pay the bill; thinking she would not want a complaint against her. She took me to court and did her best to trash me in the process by discussing private information about our marriage- though that had nothing to do with the bill. The judge ruled that I was still responsible for about half the amount, which I have paid. I am also filing a complaint against her through the bar.
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02 Mar, 2022 by Tracy
I have beef using Mr Fryer for several years now for different cases mostly traffic n such and he has always been amazing! Was a very fair flexible overall good lawyer until closer to 6 months ago when he literally just disappeared! I paid him for him to represent me in a municipal case from 3 years ago! He has been been on the case since day one, he told me the case was dismissed n was waiting for him to inform me of my fine amount so I could pay it and move forward with my life! Didn’t hear from him for a few months so started trying to contact him leaving message after message after message on his office v.m. With no such luck!! Now Patrick has always been a little difficult to get ahold of due to his case load but when I looked up my case on Missouri casenet I see that my case was never dismissed and he has not appeared on my case since last October and I now have an warrant for my arrest due to failing to appear on it!! He is still listed as my attorney on the case there has never been a motion to be removed from the case and still Mr. Fryer is 100% unreachable!! I call his law firm to only get the same recording as I always have with no attempt from him as any response to my numerous messages via vm and text! This is completely a violation of my contract I have with him and tbh absolutely not like him at all! I am worried about him and yet very angry for the unprofessionalism and disrespect I have been shown as of this date!! If anyone else has had this same issue please leave a review as well so we can get some kind of answer to the question if the year “What in the hell has happened to Mr. Patrick Fryer attorney at law!!!??” PS-I have referred many people to this man threw out the years with no issues ever until now!
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06 Apr, 2022 by Pamela deines
She was the guardian ad litem to my child when she was 4. She never gave my child any of my letters or gifts and worked as my ex husbands second lawyer to destroy my life and the life of my child. We still suffer from her. Hopefully she gets disbarred.
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24 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
Do not recommend this attorney .she never fought for my rights or requested any documenttation needed needed to prove my rights .lost everything.this was a child custody divorce casr
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22 May, 2022 by Anonymous
Ronald Nguyen took advantage of me when I visited his office for only a few hours. He assured me he could handle my case and provide everything needed to complete it. I believed his lie and agreed to let him handle my case and signed a contract to let him handle the case. The next time we met he demanded $2,000 up front and had completely changed personality also completely chainging what he assured me initally basically telling me my case was dead in the water and he could not assure what he initally did. I quickly made it clear I didn't want to pursue this any further and he still demanded thousands of dollars for 0 work done. He did not provide me any helpful documents or consultation that was benefical to my case. After my case is resolved I will be filing the appropiate charges against Ronald Nguyen.
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08 Jan, 2023 by Gene laird
I would like to think it was simple distraction of personal issues at the time.. yet conflict of interest after filing complaint for failure of services and award of costs returned to client. There will never be repair of damage or further harm which occurred and no lawsuit has been filed to recover damages. He does quite well upon his own personal case which shows he can succeed in criminal cases. Our conflict involved a baby mama of mine who personal friends with him and wife.. maybe neither of us was aware, I will leave it at that..
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13 Nov, 2015 by Sarah
I hired Sherri to represent me in a paternity, custody and child support case. She did no work on my case. She went to court unprepared, she agreed to things that she knew I would never agree to, she filed paperwork late. She did not explain what she had or had not done. Not until I hired a new lawyer did I find out that she had agreed to have the garnishment lifted from my son's father, even though he did not pay without being garnished. She was suppossed to rebut the Motion to have the wage assignment lifted, but she agreed to it without asking me or anything, but knowing I would not agree. Then after I fired her and recieved her final bill, she had billed me for all kinds of work she had not done and for meetings we never had, she billed me for going to court on other cases. DO NOT HIRE THIS WOMAN!
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20 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Worst experience in my life. Malaine did not look out for our best interest in a family law case nor the children. I am starting all over after retaining her and now have a new firm to clean up the mess and do all that she refused to. A lot of money went to accomplish nothing as well as continuous threats when I questioned as to why something was done. Good luck if you have retained her. I was told that the first month and regret not listening and cutting my loss early on. I am hoping this will help the next parent do the same.
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29 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Hired this attorney. He took $500.00 upfront to "research" my case. He made a lot of promises. He never followed up., when I contacted him., he sent me a vague email clearly showing he had not done anything in my case! He gave me some generalized info about my case that I had already told him I was aware. He quickly pocketed my money and never did anything about my case!! I called the firm sometime later and found out he had left. He lied and told the firm he had sent me a package of information concerning my case. He never did.
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23 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
My lawyer only extended and made matters worse. She never answered calls and never showed when she should have. She never got back to anyone. She speaks to people very profanely and claims its just being straight forward. She promises things and then turns it around. She is inconsistent and likes to belittle and insult people. Telling people they are worthless and calling profanities is not the job of a respectable lawyer. She caused me to lose my children when she was supposed to be helping due to neglect of my case. Very disrespectful and tactless. Not prompt either and breaks commitments and promises. I would not recommend her.
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03 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Within 15 months Mr Steele returned 2 phone calls, was available to take a 3 phone calls and had 3 meetings with me. Both my wife and I continuously attempted to communicate with him but he was always busy. Our court paperwork was filed incorrectly, our case was a "Total Loss" (that's his words) and the judge ruled that we pay the other parties lawyer fees and increased child support but Mr. Steele NEVER NOTIFIED us of this and now I find out about it because of a garnishment on my paycheck. My wife and I asked many times but the assistant kept saying you have to ask Mr Steele and Mr. Steele never returned phone calls. We found this attorney to be substandard and will never recommend him to anyone.
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24 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired Mr Miller based off of other reviews. I should have did more research on Mr Miller. Everyone who gave positive reviews about Mr Miller was successful people like business owners and other types. If your not successful your not going to get Mr Miller full attention on your case. When I talk to him on the phone about my case he made it seem like it was easy and it will be no problem to get my case done so I hired him. After I hired Mr Miller he gave my case to his associate lawyer. Mr Miller didn't try to contact me any more about my case. Everything was about his associate lawyer contracting me. I asked the associate questions about my case she didn't answer them and Mr Miller was tracking this and did nothing to stop it from keep happening. Now a year later Mr Miller and his associate have had my case and him and his associate haven't made any progress on my case. My case is still in the same place it was before I hired Mr Miller a year ago. The only thing that has happen with my case with Mr Miller is a big bill from Mr Miller and that's it. Yes, Mr Miller is on SUPER LAWYERS based off of the service I received he shouldn't be.
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25 Sep, 2011 by Martin
This came before the Court as a simple modification of original dissolution judgment. The company of Cordell and Cordell was not instrumental in a possible modification but followed the recommendations of opposing counsel and at no time represented my best interest in any discussions with the Court while overcharging fees for services not rendered. She prolonged all hearings to increase huge fee charges for the benefit of herself and the law firm only. No results were obtained at any point from Cordell and Cordell. She showed up in Court, said nothing except in agreement with opposing counsel, billed me further monies with absolutely NO benefit to my case. She billed me for the receptionist who answered the phone, the bookkeeper who couldn't explain the charges, and to my belief, bogus time spent on my case by the attorneys of Cordell and Cordell. It was a "cut and dry" factual only modification. I HIGHLY recommend NO ONE ever obtain the services of Cordell and Cordell unless you have so much money you just want to watch it disappear!!!! Heed this warning ... nothing good will come from your association with Cordell and Cordell. I finally fired Cordell and Cordell as I realized nothing was to be accomplished by them and my money was quickly disappearing and hired a very competent attorney (yes, they are out there) who brought a respectable, fair, and expedient conclusion to this modification for all parties within a few short months. I hope this review will save someone similar to my situation a whole lot of aggravation, time, and money. This is my personal experience and belief. Find a company that is not money driven only.
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14 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
This person represented me on an ex parte matter. Normally a very easy case to win but this guy blew it.
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19 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
Hired him on a case in September, 2018. Claimed he had good relations with the Judge and Jail personnel in the county I needed him for. However, over the past month, 2 hearings later, nothing has been accomplished on the case. He lacked even going to the jail to consult with the defendant, only spent 5 minutes going over court pleas and has not produced what was expected or that he "assured" us he could accomplish right away.
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19 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
This attorney absolutely refuses to take a call or to return a message. My family engaged her services and when one family member was diagnosed with cancer, she STILL refused to return our calls to inquire about the status of the case. Absolutely shameful, the way she has treated us. Almost no communication whatsoever and it's been four years. If she did not want to handle the case, I can't imagine why she agreed to take it. We are going to file an ethics complaint with the state attorney general's office.
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07 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
They took my case. Never called me back when I called them. Never help me get my rotator cuff fixed in my shoulder. Dropped me just because I said I was calling the bar association on them. People stay far away from this firm. They are a nightmare and a living hell. They are full of mess. If you know what I mean.
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04 May, 2023 by Sarah
Would NOT recommend hiring Natalie Pigg for an attorney. Natalie previously "represented" me (she was attorney with Lowry Law Firm) & did absolutely nothing to my file. I recently requested a copy of my file from the law firm & there is no documentation that she did any work on my file. There are no emails, notes, her name is not in 1 single document that shows she did any work. I provided Natalie with documentation & had witnesses willing to speak on my behalf & she did not use or present any to the hearing on which she ", represented" me on. This review is not a opinion of Natalie, but are facts & I would rather represented myself then spent time or money with Natalie.
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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:

  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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