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01 Jan, 2019 by Shan
Marie Louse seemed concerned about my children and me and that was important during the divorce. I was scared and intimidated by my ex-husband. ML was happy to take over joint divorce actions when she was paid to do everything by billing me. She negotiate me down to a very poor position even though I told her my job was not a permanent position. She didn't seem to care. It became obvious that we couldn't win any motions in front of some judges in Charleston County. We continued to lose. I never understood why because ML kept telling me our position was strong. My job ended. My kids are now on Medicaid. My ex is a nightmare (as he was before the divorce settlement) and won't pay for anything past the amount required (half of unpaid medical expenses--no child support, no alimony...nothing else...seriously.)
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18 Aug, 2015 by Ray
We worked with ML and her staff for almost a year. We were extremely please on how she handle the case. ML communicated with our daughter and we always felt she gave excellent advise . We watched the progress from another state (VA) but felt ML and her staff did everything in their power to settle this complicated divorce case. We highly recommend M
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05 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
This guy is a joker. I paid him $2500 dollars and never heard anything for three days so I told them I wanted my money back and was firing him. They didn't send me money as I paid online and said they were going to send me a check and I told them I was in Florida. I didn't get home for weeks later and then cashed their check. They stopped payment on the check because of my online dispute. It has been over 60 days I still don't have my money, my bank doesn't respond so I filed a compliant with the bar. If you want to lose your money hire this guy he's a winner!
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23 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Barker is a fantastic attorney! I cannot imagine having a better experience with my unpleasant divorce. He is confident, assertive, and has a strong presence in the courtroom (and it doesn't hurt that he is always in a well-fitting suit and has crazy good posture).
My divorce was final about nine months ago and I still do not understand how I walked away in good shape! I was absolutely terrified of my husband and of the divorce process--I am fairly young, in school full-time, and my ex is not kind to say the least--but Mr. Barker walked me through the entire thing with compassion and wisdom.
I genuinely felt that he listened to everything I said and fought for what I wanted and what was best for me. He was quick to return my calls if I had to leave a voicemail and always answered all of my questions (even those that were probably irrational). Bonus: I never ever felt like he was talking down to me or over my head.
My ex-husband is nasty and spiteful, and Mr. Barker advocated for me in such a way that my ex actually played relatively nice AND he got me a good deal of money when I was expecting absolutely nothing! I know he got me more than what I should have gotten, and I am certain that this only happened because Mr. Barker was dedicated to my case and fought hard for me. His solutions were creative and realistic, and seriously he was so incredibly kind to me throughout the entire process!
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21 Jun, 2017 by Robert
No idea what happened in these negative reviewers' cases, but there's something odd about them because she did an excellent job for me. She was sharp and direct during the negotiating phase, refused to let me get the short end of the deal, and represented my interests well. And even after the divorce, during a few tense disagreements with my ex, she was extremely firm in advocating for me and even gave me some unbilled consultation when I really needed it!
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12 Apr, 2016 by Marty
Sabrina Grogan did a horrible job representing me. I seemed to know more about family law from researching with google! She didn't pursue the best position for me, poorly represented my interest, and definitely was not plugged into the details of my case. Then she over billed me by thousands. After dragging my case on for months to run up my bill.
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04 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
She was happy to charge me approximately $50,000 but did not represent me adequately. She did not follow up on disclosure as well as present the judge with documents that were requested by the judge and in her possession. The list goes on. She gave no insight into child custody rights. Run!
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03 Jan, 2024 by Sharon
Same experience as the below indivilual below. Thirteen (13) months of a horribly bad experience, when a divorce is hard enough. Very unprofessional. When I complained about his non-responseness he would claim he always returned calls. He would blamed me for not getting his messages. That I had him blocked or my mail server was not working properly. I do not have a server. I was asked to fill out my own legal documents. Which he has not served to the court. Zero legal advise. Nothing accomplished. Already paid him over 8K and he is still billing me. My X's lawyer has done the agreement work so far. Haskins has give my X's lawyer permission to work directly with me.
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31 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Papers were not served on time. They were supposed to be served before thanksgiving and now it is after Christmas and still not served.
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1.0
3 Reviews
03 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
She just tol all my money and didn’t help me! I got nothing in my divorce ! She let my husband get every! Do not use her!
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08 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
She gave my child to the opposing party and charged thousands of dollars and did nothing but ruin my life in only one month. Once, she may have been competent but not anymore. Run as fast as you can from this attorney!
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07 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
1) B&D gave the opposing counsel all of my “evidence” (my entire flash drive) without requiring any reciprocation (I never saw it) and without them having filed Admissions/Interrogatories/Discovery
2) B&D withheld the fact that the opposing party then filed the above documents against me after they had MY evidence and then waited till weeks past the 30 day deadline to inform me, AFTER they filed motion to compel, forcing me to spend thousands of dollars last second on defense while also composing my counter filings, and all this a only month before the final divorce decree where the opposing party didn't have to answer before the clock ran out...and it did.. wasting thousands on a closed case. See point “*7B” below
3) B&D failed to “CC” me on emails to the opposing party as I had directly requested and then when I inquired, simply told me miraculously she'd been speaking with the opposing lawyer on the phone and their were NO email to copy me on (for nearly 3 months Feb to May)
4) B&D continually emailed (at my expense) the opposing counsel concerning issues that I had already answered or flatly refused including but not limited to: changing the custody exchange point, signing the quit claim to give my Ex my home, adjusting my Summer visitation times ALL completely my purview via my case's court orders and several other issues. Thousands of dollars in emails over nothing or issues already answered by court order or frivolous all together
5) B&D refused to file an RTSC on my behalf (My wife was openly seeing romantic partners and sleeping with them in the same household as my children for months - April-May 2020) when I repeatedly asked Natalie to do so stalling the case for 4 months in the name of “cooperation” and for the Admissions/Interrogatories/Discovery she never filed either to be returned – see above #2
6) B&D failed to review original and standing court documents concerning details about my custody, control of time with the kids time, and financial matters like whether or not I was paying alimony, in what form or even at all. She continually wasted time, money, and negotiated in favor of the opposing party/counsel constantly because she had not reviewed my cases foundational documents (the Temp support order and/or mediated agreement).
7) B&D refused to pursue and file RTSC against the opposing party for perjury on court documents concerning financial documents clearly fraudulent, including work and income not reported by the opposing party - which I had irrefutable proof, keeping my Child support payments unnecessarily high and increasing my expenses far beyond reasonable during the peak of B&D fees as well. Thousands more in cost due to her negligence
8) AND Finally B&D leveraged and risked my entire case by attempting to strong arm me into giving my home to the opposing party by signing a quit claim or she “would quit working for me” I told her no and walked out of the office. She quit. (June/July 2020)
7B - B&D allowed my case and filings to be closed/dismissed with the final divorce decree (without my permission, knowledge, or understanding) essentially wasting the last 5 months of work and nearly 8000$ paid to their office with another 2000 outstanding (approximately).
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13 Aug, 2013 by Tina
This lawyer has not been respnding to me in my divorce. I have tried to work with her to get as much from my former hisband who i used to get a green card, and she is not working well
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FAQs
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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
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.
