Lawyers map
>7
experienced lawyers
Filter by
12 Feb, 2023 by Mary e white
17 Aug, 2021 by Laurence kenny
18 May, 2021 by Helen karounis
22 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Everyone please find someone else for your divorce!!! He has no backbone and I totally got screwed!!! He’s awful!!!! I regret using him!!!! Totally a disappointment!!!! Please find someone that’s willing to fight for you not lay down!!! Worst decision of my life
Read more
24 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
doesnt returns calls staff always tell you he will call you back.his staff is limted no real staff .doesn't follow up on cases . screws up on paper work.
Read more
25 Jan, 2019 by Abraham
Mitchell represented me in a very adversarial and complicated divorce case in the Rockland county Supreme Court
Mitchell fought against the so called “number one attorney “ in Rockland county.
Mitchell was knowledgeable and experienced and stood his ground without intimidation and with much respect from the judge.
If you are looking for an attorney that’s
Honest, experienced,knowledgeable,fair and most importantly responds to your concerns quickly.
Mitchell is your answer
Good luck to all
Read more
04 Apr, 2021 by Mrc
Ellen is knowledgeable and compassionate when dealing with difficult legal matters. Her results oriented goals make her clients comfortable during the difficulties of litigation. She is highly recommended.
Read more
21 Feb, 2021 by Amy
When you are contemplating or facing a divorce, the myriad of emotions and the depth of those feelings can overwhelm you and hijack your normally logical thought process. It can really challenge the foundation of who you are. This is what I found when I was facing my own divorce. Even though I am a well educated PhD with a successful career, this process reduced me to feeling helpless and weak.
This is why it was so meaningful that I found Ellen Holtzman and Christina Campolo on their website. As strong and well respected women leaders in their field and community, they understood how destabilizing divorce is and how even the most successful woman can find herself lost in the system. Both attorneys took their time to listen carefully to my fears and needs. Their expertise and knowledge of family law is impressive, but their ability to connect with clients is their strength. Ms. Holtzman is especially adept at constructing child parenting plans and negotiating child support even in a contentious divorce, and I was thoroughly awed by Ms. Campolo. She is smart and strategic and often thought of details and suggestions that would move us toward the outcome I desired.
I am proud to call Ellen Holtzman, Christina Campolo, and her office friends of mine. They are so much more than just lawyers. They become part of your life and fight for you.
Read more
21 Feb, 2021 by Steven
Just after college I met and married Rose. I hoped we would have a happily ever after and I truly tried my best to make that happen. I worked hard and made good money. We had four children, but my wife made me do everything. She never worked during the marriage, and that was fine with me because we didn’t need the money. However, I always hoped she would take more interest in the kids and our home, but it never happened. Year after year, I was the one who got up to make breakfast and the school lunches for the kids before I went to work. Over time, Rose and I grew apart and I realized that I was carrying everything on my back. I never felt like I had a partner. We tried counselling but nothing changed. Finally, after nearly 20 years, I decided to get a divorce. I asked friends about divorce lawyers and the Law Office of Ellen Holtzman came highly recommended. After the initial consult I asked Ellen to send the divorce papers to Rose.
I was always generous to Rose and the kids, but she was never satisfied. It was never enough, even when I willingly gave her above and beyond what the court ordered. Since the divorce became final seven years ago, she has taken me to court for extra support more than 20 times over issues that lack any validity. She seems to do it just to waste everybody’s time because the judges never find in her favor. I used to wonder why Ellen kept such a detailed paper trail about everything, all the correspondence back and forth. Honestly, I didn’t think a lot of it was necessary. But later, dragged into court year after year by my ex, I saw the point. When the judge had a question, Ellen always had the answer, and she always had the documents to prove everything. Proof that all the checks and the letters had been received, proof that the checks were deposited, and receipts showing that the money being sought for needed items had already been paid.
Now happily remarried to a woman who is a true partner, I want to say that you can rely on Ellen and her team. They have been there for me every time I needed them. With Ellen, I had the best and she changed my life. Also want to say, Meryl was very kind and helpful to me. The office functioned as a really good team and I feel so lucky to have had them all on my side.
Read more
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.
