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07 Mar, 2019 by John
She charged me $325 for a one hour consultation. She did not listen to my concerns, she was rude, she didn't thank me and she never followed up with me. Strange and extremely unprofessional.
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15 Oct, 2015 by Dee
Sarah handled my divorce in a very professional manner. She was sensitive to my needs and respected my desire to handle the divorce in a positive way. Sarah was at all times kind, thoughtful and responsive to my questions and concerns. I am very pleased, as well, with the treatment I received from everyone in the office.
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04 Aug, 2024 by Maria de leon
Ruth is an amazing lawyer who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and goes above and beyond for her clients. She worked long after hours to ensure she settled my case. I am truly grateful for her!
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03 Aug, 2024 by Peguy
I hired her to handle my car accident case in 2019. In January 2021 due to the Covid situation I had to move from Florida to another state. I called and told her about the moving, the new address but same phone number. Guess what. she never called me , never responded my calls and texts no communications at all. Each time I called her office I left her messages said I wanted to know about my case. She never got back to me. In July Last year I went to Florida to talk her about the office closed always. Finally, I used another phone number and called her she answered because she didn’t know if it was me.
She told me the insurance made her an Ofer if she could accept it or fight for more. I told to her just take it . because I don’t want to deal with her she not professional ,tired of her that’s why . She said ok she will take it ! Since that day she never answered my calls and texts. We are going to make a complaint against her next week. I will give you an update guys.
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27 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
I strongly advise against hiring Ruth D Orange as your lawyer.
I engaged her services for my divorce and auto accident, both occurring within a month of each other in the summer of 2021. Regrettably, her performance was severely lacking. Despite initial impressions, she failed to fulfill her duties, resulting in significant financial losses on my part.
Communication was a major issue; she frequently ignored my attempts to contact her, and I even came close to missing court dates because of her lack of responsiveness. In the case of my auto accident, she strung me along for three years, falsely claiming that my case was pending while never actually filing a lawsuit despite my injuries.
Despite lodging complaints with the Florida Bar, no meaningful action has been taken. It's concerning to see someone like her continue to practice law without accountability.
I've spoken with other individuals who have had similar experiences with her, further confirming my concerns. Despite my efforts to seek redress, I've been unable to find resolution due to the perceived lack of seriousness by the Florida Bar.
Please, for your own sake, seek legal representation elsewhere. Ruth D Orange's behavior, including making false statements and neglecting her duties, is unacceptable.
Exercise caution and explore other options for legal assistance.
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21 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
As another review has pointed out, Mrs. Hall is not the most reliable and professional attorney I have ever worked with. Key deadlines are missed. Her work is sloppy as evidenced by typo-ridden drafts. Sometimes weeks pass before she responds to a message. She might be good if you're an important enough client, but I experienced the worst of her qualities.
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20 Sep, 2013 by Ann
Met with Ms. Hall and paid a hefty retainer, from there her unprofessional, disorganized and irresponsive conduct took center stage. She failed to return calls, overcharged, didn't file documents on time and didn't communicate with her Client in a timely manner. There are not only better attorneys in Naples, she doesn't even live in Naples, let alone Collier County.
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15 Dec, 2014 by Andrea
I hired Misbah Farid for my divorce. In 3 months, all she did was file the divorce papers. I had a major issue and called her 16 times to which I got NO return phone call, just a bill for all my calls. I told her I could only afford a certain $$ amount monthly to then which went 6 times the amount I could pay. This attorney cannot be trusted to do what she says she will do. I put my life in her hands and she did absolutely NOTHING!!!!!
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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.
