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09 Aug, 2024 by Bill
My introduction to Frank was through someone else, however they couldn't have been more correct that he was the person to help me with my situation. When it comes to firearms in NJ, things can be quite complicated and quite tricky. When it comes down to really dissecting the law and really determining the right course of action, Frank helped me do that. He was very responsive and timely in all communications and you can tell what is important to him is the people that reach out and hire him. If he is your attorney, you will know that he cares to do what is right to help you. He will tell you what he thinks and how the laws are written, so be ready for that, but I could not have asked for a better experience in the 2A arena.
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27 Oct, 2023 by Marc g
I spoke with Frank Pisano to make sure I was in compliance with some laws. He was extremely knowledgeable, priced very fair compared to others I called. I compared prices due to being disabled and paying a large fee was not feasible for me. His specialties are Firearms, which is very important with the constant changing gun laws in NJ and staying in compliance, and personal injury attorney. He personally called me right back on his personal phone on his day off while out to lunch, and said he’ll call me when he was done and he did just that. He further explained what I needed to do and we set up a meeting at his office. Everything was resolved quickly and far exceeded my expectations of what the outcome would be. I highly recommend Frank for any firearm issues or legal problems due to the constant changing laws and also for personal injury. He talks to you like family while gathering all the important facts. You won’t be disappointed in the representation or legal help Frank Pisano provides.
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29 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
I consulted Mr. Pisano on a matter, where my firearms were seized pursuant to frivolous temporary restraining order that my ex filed against me. His thoughtful explanations of the processes involved, from both the legal and practical perspectives, were illuminating. Frank greatly helped in clearing my name and having my firearms returned. Unfortunately, it seems rare in the legal field to find an attorney that's aggressive when need be but also human in understanding the client's situation.
Highly recommended.
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17 Sep, 2019 by Walter
I HIRED MS. VANLEUVEN TO TERMINATE PERMANENT ALIMONY. SHE TOOK MY RETAINER AND AFTER ONE YEAR HAD NOT SUBMITTED THE CASE. SHE WOULD NOT RETURN MY CALLS, VOICE MAILS, OR TEXTS. I FINALLY GOT TO TALK TO HER AFTER I FILED A ETHICS CHARGE AGAINST HER. IN ALL MY DEALINGS WITH MS. VANLEUVEN I HAVE FOUND HER TO BE VERY UNPROFESSIONAL AND UNETHICAL
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24 Sep, 2015 by Kj
After a lot of soul searching and lawyer searching - I found Dana Van Leuven. She was very forthcoming with initial information on my search. I had questions that she answered without hesitation (other attorneys I probed didn't do that) - she seemed honest and easy to talk to and I appreciate that. One never knows if it's the right time or the right thing to do, when making life changes. I hired her and am hoping to have an "easy go" with my case. - I trust she will have my best interest in mind while guiding me through my legal journey.
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25 Jun, 2015 by John
Dana is an exceptional lawyer. In my case not only do I need advice, I need support. She has provided that to me. She is understanding of those times when I want to lash out at the system for lack of progress in my case. She explains why and shows me paths I can take to allow me to move on to the next steps. For me the fact that she cares about me is a very big positive.
On the lawyer side she is fantastic. I love that she can put in a couple of sentences what another lawyer needs to use paragraphs to explain. She does not waste time on frivolous issues even when as a disgruntled person at times I might ask for it. She shows me the best path(s) to take.
She works at her craft. She works for her clients. I usually find that she has already thought of the things I might ask her to do and has a ready plan.
In the process I am in she is not the first lawyer I used, but she will be the last and the one that I remember for the quality of service I received.
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06 May, 2019 by Anonymous
I called him for a real estate issue asking for his advice and risks. From the get-go, he was very hasty and gave me the attitude that he didn't want to take the case under the corporate legal plan. He didn't even bother to give me the option of paying out of pocket for further actions or whatsoever. His responses were unprofessional and gave me the impression that he was just hiding his ignorance of the subject matter behind dismissiveness.
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28 Oct, 2010 by Anonymous
I used Larry Raiken in a Divorce case. He did a pretty good job, but he seemed a lot more interested in doing things his way and getting paid then in helping me. He got the job done - he's a great negotiator and knows a lot of people in the court system - but it cost me a lot of money, and I can't really say things went the way I wanted.
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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.
