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14 Sep, 2023 by Tina
I was at ease having Chris on my side. Anyone who asks about finding a tough but fair attorney, he’s the one I recommend for top notch representation. The result was beyond my expectation.
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21 Sep, 2020 by Kaitlynn
I hired Mr. Pollino because I needed a divorce attorney. I can 100% say that he is the exact attorney I needed and I would recommend him to anyone. He made sure I was in the know about everything and took the time to answer my (many) questions. He worked hard and had my best interest in mind. In a difficult situation like I was in, I couldn't have asked for more.
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31 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
I had been contemplating divorce for years but was scared, because it was a dangerous situation. I met with several attorneys and finally felt confident that Chris could handle what I facing in trying to leave a very complicated and messy domestic violence situation. The man I was trying to divorce was facing many criminal charges, fighting for our house, full custody and more.. Chris kept my children and me safe and in our family home with money coming in. The divorce was complicated and took a long time but Chris did not let my ex-husband bully or abuse us anymore. Chris pushed back and let the truth of what was happening show for the first time in years. It was such a relief to have Chris and Sandee take over and handle everything. I had been so worn down and exhausted from years of trying to make everything "ok" but to turn this over and put the stress into their hands saved our lives. I would highly recommend Chris for any family law issue. Chris won every small and large dispute we had to settle in court over the course of 14 months. I feel like he fought to give us our life back.
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12 May, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Kamb has been very responsive and helpful in my consultations with him, and very honest about his ability to help me. He saw me with no notice when I was in a jamb, and took a sincere interest in helping me. I very much appreciate his support and honesty.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Sandra ohelo
Iam very satisfied with results Tarraf law was very professional and friendly from start to the end. Thank you.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Norma guitron
Going through my divorce has been the hardest thing I have had to do in my life and finding the right attorney to get it done was the last thing I wanted to do. I am so glad I met Katherine, she took her time and listened to me and then she gave me all the options available. Having her by my side really made a difference. Thank you Katherine.
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16 Mar, 2023 by Maria carroll
Kathrine was wonderful to work with! She was caring and genuine. Very helpful and explained things clearly and thoroughly! Highly recommend!
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23 Sep, 2024 by Joseph farren
Tracy and her team were extremely knowledgeable and supportive throughout my case. She held the opposing attorney responsible and worked tirelessly to ensure that I got what I wanted: more time with my son and a legally accountable ex. I highly recommend her services to anyone dealing with family law issues.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Sassy
EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION, answered ALL questions, fast response from entire team! Tracy and her team responded to my emails quickly, professionally, and completely. This was VERY important as I was working on this legal issue remotely from another state. Tracy and her team set me up to complete my legal endeavor with guidance along the way - asking questions and making suggestions. It involved real properties in more than one state as well as pensions. I HIGHLY recommend Tracy and her team and wouldn't hesitate to use them again!!
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04 Sep, 2024 by Sassy
EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION, answered ALL questions, fast response from entire team! Tracy and her team responded to my emails quickly, professionally, and completely. This was VERY important as I was working on this legal issue remotely from another state. Tracy and her team set me up to complete my legal endeavor with guidance along the way - asking questions and making suggestions. It involved real properties in more than one state as well as pensions. Thanks to Tracy and her team I was able to complete a Legal Separation and retain the property and pensions I'd worked so hard for. I HIGHLY recommend Tracy and her team and wouldn't hesitate to use them again!!
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3.4
12 Reviews
4.6
10 Reviews
30 Nov, 2023 by Linda dixon
03 Feb, 2023 by Theresa
Mr. Witt is a dedicated, honest & very knowledgeable attorney. He is truly high-quality individual. Great staff too! I would recommend hiring Witt Law Firm, in a heartbeat.
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28 Jul, 2022 by Gina beaudette
Jim is knowledgeable, kind, and has great insight. I greatly respect his advice. Highly recommend him for estate planning.
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24 Feb, 2023 by Nancye d'arienzo
Initially I thought he was on the same page advocating for my kids wishes and keeping their lifestyle the same as it had been prior to separation. I quickly realized how far his priorities were from mine. In trying to convince me to sign the collaborative agreement, which in our first meeting I did not have the buy in as it seemed I was getting bulldozed, he called to say a few things that were shocking. That on paper I wasn’t marketable so I needed to start thinking about how I was going to start supporting myself(stay at home mom for 12 years w/o a degree in my 40’s). He said the visitation schedule I was fighting for (every weekend w dad, all other time w me as I homeschool, while dad was fighting for 50/50)was “small peas” compared to the “big picture” and that without the collaborative process I’d likely be homeless and in poverty in a year. Whoa. It was like he was trying to get me to release him from retainer so my spouse could then be released as the 2 lawyers were friends. Or did he actually think he was helping me by saying those things? In my option he was unprofessional, demeaning and completely displayed no advocacy for the children.
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03 Mar, 2022 by Renee
I hired Christopher Taylor as my attorney for my divorce case and he was phenomenal. He listened to my concerns and helped me during the process. He cared about the situation for my safety and my child. He helped me keep a level head in a very stressful time of my life. I could not have done it without their assistance. I strongly recommend.
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27 May, 2021 by Rosenda ventura
I have known Chris for several years he managed multiple cases in my family and has yet to let us down. He worked very hard to fight for me and all his hard work paid off when I was granted full custody with a permanent restraining order (not easy to get yet he made this possible giving us a great relief). If you ever need any legal advice or representation I will always say go to Chris, very dedicated honest, and will fight for you and your family until the end!
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25 Aug, 2021 by Marcie
Richard Sybrandy did not return calls, did not address deadlines in a timely manner and failed to communicate. He was late to a hearing. He overcharged for services and under delivered. I would not engage his services again nor would I recommend him.
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28 Jun, 2019 by Amanda
I hired Richard a year ago at the recommendation of my partner who had previously used him for a family law matter. Throughout the process he has been very open, honest, and his communication has been fast and efficient. I really appreciated his collaborative approach, making sure that his work was continually in line my objectives and advising me of potential costs of taking certain routes over others. A year later and nearing the finish line I just found out that my bill was over 60% lower than my ex's bill with another local attorney. Richard is fair, honest, and hard working and I would hire him again in a heartbeat.
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04 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Friendly, courteous and effective. Richard remained true to the ethics and rule of law, despite having to deal with less intelligent and less ethical opponents. And we succeeded in defending my Child Support Case.
I hope to have his council to again to revise my Parenting Plan, so my children can enjoy their youth as undisrupted as possible by divorce.
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05 Nov, 2023 by Jennifer dobbins
18 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
Would not hire her again.
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31 Aug, 2022 by Haley
I hired Ms. Doerner to explore a custody change despite her mixed reviews, understanding that the family law experience can inspire strong emotions. My experience however, was consistent with the criticisms. Prior to hiring her I was told what I wanted to hear. Afterward, communication was extremely poor. I didn’t need my hand held, but her office was just not responsive. During the rare meeting, I was talked at rather than listened to. Filing took months. The process was disorganized. The strategy was never provided so I racked up extensive charges a) asking for direction, and b) providing useless information. We drafted and filed unnecessary documents. When I asked about inconsistencies, I was told that she hadn’t said what she’d previously told me. The bulk of her effort during the hearing was reiterating what had previously been litigated, then she could not respond to the (clearly irritated) commissioner when he asked specifically for justification for the hearing. Afterward, I received all the months of bills at once. I am left with the impression that Ms. Doerner did not have time or attention for my case. I cannot speak to her legal abilities or advice since those were never really demonstrated to me.
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18 May, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired Joanna to make a correction in my child birth certificate and add her father to it. I paid her 2 weeks and she has yet to call me back. I've sent multiple emails and left her a voice mail and still haven't heard back from her. I requested a refund. I almost feeling she scammed me.
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09 Apr, 2019 by Kara
Mari is a wonderful attorney. She is calm, and collected when it's most important. She doesn't make false promises, and will be real with you on potential outcomes and timelines. She stuck with me even without consistent monthly payments through a long drawn out divorce. Before entering the court room, she told me what to expect, and she never disappointed me.
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22 Dec, 2014 by Michelle
Angelyn was cool; fixed errors, got prosecution to jump. Unfortunately, legal remedy not what was promised/expected. I felt all wanted case over for varrious reasons. Couldn't ask, though, because Angelyn was a no-show at sentencing! Her associate was wholly inadequate. Wouldn't recommend unless you're fifty rich, also a lawyer, and guilty. She should explain ALL ramifications of legal remedies and not expect clients to ask (relevant) questions. Fallout for uninformed is terrible.
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21 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
I would not recomend Ms. Gates at all. She lied to my husband and I about what he would get for time. Everything she said, and promised, the opposit happened.
She did not explain to my husband what an open plea was. She used our children against him to con him into pleading when she knew at the end she intended to sell him out. She is not personable, and she curses while on the telephone. She is very rude. Furthermore, she did not show up to my husbands hearing one time, and she works with a 'team' who takes over a week to return calls. BAD !
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19 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Cheryl lied to the court. Everything she did was horrible and took a long time.
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13 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
one sided. doesnt return calls or emails.refuses to investigate the party she favors. twists peoples statements from positive to neg.I have nothing nice to say about her. DO NOT HIRE!
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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.
