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03 May, 2019 by Anonymous
A close family member was arrested and charged with a serious felony. At the time of their arrest, they were diagnosed with serious mental illness and went to a cell in the forensic section of the state mental hospital. When their case came up they were transferred to a mental health section of the county jail. Although I was the victim and hoped to get treatment for my relative, the state automatically pressed criminal charges under the state's domestic violence laws.
Initially, my relative was defended by a public defender, which was a relief given the cost of hiring a defense attorney. But the public defender was so overworked and overloaded with cases I am surprised he could remember my relative's name. Neither my relative nor anyone else in the family could find out much about how the case was going because the public defender spent so much time in court defending a great pile of case-after-case. Little by little I learned that the prosecution's case was relatively strong. The prosecution piled on every possible charge the prosecutor could imagine, and remained adamant in pressing for maximum, non-concurrent sentences for all charges -- up to 30 years in prison. The public defender conducted negotiations with the prosecutor and was slowly working toward a deal. All my relative had to do was plead-out and they could get off 'light' -- with only eight years in state prison. This seems to be the way law works these days. Forget all about all the lawyer and cop shows you might have seen on tv or in the movies. Very few defendants risk going to trial in our legal system which has become so heavily weighted in favor of the prosecution.
I couldn't fault the efforts of the public defender given his situation but I didn't need to learn any more. I started hunting for a private attorney to defend my relative. Finding a good criminal defense attorney is not as easy as I expected. There are many attorneys who practice criminal defense -- for shoplifting or DUI charges -- but relatively few who will practice and are experienced at defending in serious felony cases. My search was further complicated by my relative's mental illness and the state's insistence on treating their case as a criminal case. I feel very fortunate to have found Ryan Gilbert, LLC. He was both experienced with handling criminal cases like my relative's and knowledgeable in the special case law involved in what is called a Krol case -- named for the defendant whose defense case pioneered this area of criminal law. In addition, Ryan Gilbert knew what expert witness to retain to best forward my relative's defense. I believe the testimony of this expert witness together with Ryan Gilbert's patience and expertise was crucial in determining the outcome of this case.
There were several difficult personalities Ryan Gilbert had to deal with in handling my relative's case. I remain impressed by his ability to understand and skillfully maneuver through the often delicate relations with these difficult people. Unlike the public defender, it was easy to reach Ryan Gilbert and he was forthcoming and plain spoken about how the case was progressing. Ryan met with state prosecutors in court and in side negotiations for over a year. At the end of this ordeal the state finally recognized that my relative suffered from mental illness and the state's interests would be best served if this relative were placed into the state mental health system as a Krol patient.
Mounting a criminal defense requires considerable time and energy in addition to resources like the expert witness Ryan Gilbert obtained to further this case. Hard work, and great skill and expertise deserve adequate compensation. The defense of my relative was neither free nor exorbitant, and worth more than every penny it cost. How much would you value each year in the life of someone you love?
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20 Oct, 2017 by Andrew
Mr. Gilbert gets the job done. Due to medical reasons, my case was handled with me on the other side of the continent! Mr. Gilbert was able to expedite my case and have it settled in what I consider record time. Fees are more than reasonable, especially given the excellence in representation that Mr. Gilbert is able to provide. As long as Mr. Gilbert remains in practice, I will always have a lawyer in NJ.
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19 Jan, 2015 by George
Ive been using Ryan Gilbert since 2009, Ryan is a very good trustworthy lawyer. I currently retained Ryan in the most crucial time of my life a custody case in which im trying to keep my son. I used another firm and it was costing me ridiculous amounts of money with little to no work done on their end. Im not saying custody cases arent expensive nor Ryan is going to work for free but he wont rob you he will be fair and work hard for you and thats all i asked. I highly recommend Ryan for anyone seeking a professional/fair attorney!
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29 Jun, 2021 by Sai tejas
She helped me out with my immigration process. Very grateful to her. Thank You.
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28 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Aleksandra defended me in an immigration case and consulted me on my divorce case, she is very knowledgeable of her specialty subjects, sharp and quick with the right responses in court and outside, polite but cunning in interrogation technique, always returned my calls and texts in a timely manner, always had the right answers and solutions for my case, I was never misled by her during my entire 4 days in court, she came to me as a recommendation and I am glad I chose her to defend me against many false allegations and gave me back my rights, she loves helping people and what she does and I believe that's what drives her to be this good at what she does.
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20 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Ms Alessandra, is one of the best layer that I have ever met. ICE has gave my just two weeks to buy Plan tickets to go home. Mr Alessandra was told about my case. She met with me and my husband on a very shot notice. She filed a stay of removeral for us. Happy to say the stay is approved and we are in the United state and are very happy! I would recommend her to anyone with a hard case. She is one of the best layer you can ever meet. She, will sit and listen to all of your concerns.
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25 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
This law firm is excelent. The attorneys will find a solution here when others don't. I got my green card and my son too. Hortencia
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22 Mar, 2019 by Jim
I was able to resolve my immigration status in this country and now I am a permanent legal resident. Andrew is an honest person and he takes your case very seriously. He and his staff always advise you in the best way and he is very professional. Thank you, Andrew for giving us confidence in our case. Now I can have a peaceful life without any fear of being separated from my family.
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21 Mar, 2019 by Dong
Hiring Andrew and his team must be the smartest move I ever made for acquiring my permanent Green Card. Andrew offered me the professional yet “customized” legal counsel. He always replied to phone calls or emails in a positive manner and answered my questions in a way that I can understand, without complicated legal jargon. He charged reasonable fees and worked directly on my case, ranging from document reviews to time delays. Great appreciation for his proper guidance throughout the whole process.
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19 Sep, 2019 by Sergio
This lawyer exceeded my expectations. I've gone through a long custody battle prior to hiring Raul. We went into court today with little expectation and he hit it out of the park. I couldn't be more grateful or happier with the way the case turned out. I would not hesitate to hire Raul in the future
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11 Dec, 2014 by Carolyn
I have already recommended Raul to my closest friends and family. He handled my needs with care and I could not have been more pleased with his efficiency and attention to every detail! Some of my family have already used him after my recommendation and have been equally pleased.
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21 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Compre un carro junto con mi hermano y el lugar de la venta no quería resivir el carro ni atenderme el carro estaba sobre valorado muy costoso y fui donde ella y me ayudo a solucionar mi problema y ya me recibieron el carro y estoy muy agradecido que me allá ayudado en mi proceso legal
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16 Sep, 2024 by Victor
Ms maribel Allen is very profesional. I hired her and she did the job very very well. Always will call you . Even if she had to meet you on a weekend she did . Excelente work . Well recommended .
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05 Aug, 2024 by Lakiesha
Ms.Allen is a great attorney, I was facing two second degree charges, she got one of my charges dismissed, the only charge was dropped to a DP no jail time, no probation. She has been great at communicating with me through out my case. She is a great criminal defense attorney, I truly appreciate Ms.Allen throughout this entire case. If you’re looking for an attorney I would strongly recommend Ms.Allen.
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20 Apr, 2024 by Morgun watson
Mr. Nazario exemplifies professionalism and knowledge. I would highly recommend him.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Kierra ogletree
17 Apr, 2024 by Alexis beauchamp
Mr.Petty represented my niece for me and he treated us like family. I was at ease knowing that he would do everything he could to make sure she was given fair treatment. He was knowledgeable and explained the process to us both. I was very satisfied with the outcome.
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20 Apr, 2024 by Morgun watson
Mr. Nazario exemplifies professionalism and knowledge. I would highly recommend him.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Kierra ogletree
17 Apr, 2024 by Alexis beauchamp
Mr.Petty represented my niece for me and he treated us like family. I was at ease knowing that he would do everything he could to make sure she was given fair treatment. He was knowledgeable and explained the process to us both. I was very satisfied with the outcome.
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22 Apr, 2024 by Monica rivas
I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR CASE IS BUT YOU NEED THIS OFFICE WORKING WITH YOU.
I worked with Steven C and I can tell you that he is an excellent lawyer; He made us feel important and that our case was important to him.
He will help you with your case, explore multiple options, he will be super sincere and professional, and above all he will give you the time you need to prepare; The trust and security that He offers helped me develop my case in the best way on the day of the hearing.
Do not hesitate to contact this office and I cannot leave out the secretary Sam is someone who undoubtedly offers the same professionalism as Steve C
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18 Apr, 2024 by Purnima singh
07 Apr, 2024 by Gaelle martell
Steven is the best lawyer I could have asked for!
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30 Jul, 2024 by Richard baez
We used their services but it was really bad services. The workers were very kind but their work is very unorganized. An application that was supposed to last a few months with them took almost 2 years. Due to them, we missed our opportunity to visit our sick family member. Despite our repeated efforts to reach out and get the process finished their negligence and procrastination caused us to miss our window. Do not use this law firm. Do not recommend and that is rare for me to say.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Eduardo melgar
Totalmente desacuerdo con los servicios de alongo firm, hice el pago completo de $8,000 para que tomarán enserio mi caso, dejaron mi caso criminal tirado y tuve que pagar otro abogado, por favor no tratar con esta gente si no quieres perder tu dinero
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08 Jun, 2024 by Fanny fuentes
strongly recommend it
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12 Aug, 2024 by Greg yucht
The Team at Brach Eichler did an excellent job overall.
My attorney Corey Dietz worked tirelessly throughout the process to make sure I received fair compensation.
Corey and his team answered all of my questions and explained the process effectively. They were always responsive to my questions/concerns, and explained what the timeline of the settlement and trial may be. They will also work with you to make sure you are happy with where things stand. Great job!
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23 Jul, 2024 by Hugh skelly
I’ve dealt with terrible attorneys in the past. However, this firm truly cares about their clients problems. During the consultation we went over everything and they answered all questions regarding my case making me feel even more comfortable!
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23 Jul, 2024 by Jay fray
So I was supposed to be represented by Taylor Dibenedetto for a careless driving ticket. The day of court my attorney turned out to be someone else (female) not who I thought I was being represented by and settled the matter from a careless to an unsafe with a $500 fine. These people are a scam. Very incompetent and it’s like they didn’t even try. I could’ve gotten the unsafe driving on my own and saved the $300 I paid for this terrible attorney👎👎👎
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03 Jul, 2018 by Jayanthi
Brian has been very helpful and understanding through out my divorce. Even though my divorce took a long time but Brian had been supportive till the end. The most impressive quality of Brian is his quality or capability of talking in the court trials. He is confident and thorough with the case. I don't think I could have found anyone better than him.
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21 Aug, 2017 by Reeja
Brian is an extremely courteous, professional ,knowledgeable, experienced and ethical attorney . He has been very realistic in his approach and ensures that the legal aspects pertaining to the case is well explained. I would like to call him my Miracle attorney and 'am completely justified in hiring him as my attorney.My divorce case was not at all an easy one since it needed global resolution but Brian's diligent effort and guidance rendered during the entire case was commendable. He has been a blessing to me and God bless him with all his future endeavors.
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05 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I am going through divorce consultation phase, and have consulted many lawyers, i had a consultation round with beian yesterday and i have to say the honest thorough and very detailed advice i got from brian stood him out from all the others who basically wanted to scare me into hirring them. He went through my entire case one poibt after another discussing each in depth. I really appreciate that brian.
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31 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired her to handle my divorce. She declined my ask for further discovery stating it would drag things out. She didn't suggest a Trust for our son whom is autistic and has special needs. She CLEARLY did not look out for my best interest or my son's best interest. I do not recommend her.
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09 Oct, 2015 by Kate
I found Jen to be a very caring, calming, thoughtful, and personable lawyer. During my dissolution/divorce, her patience helped me stay grounded. Jen possesses extensive knowledge on NJ family laws. She guided me through the complexities of NJ court system and matrimonial laws. Most importantly to me, her guidance in separating matters of the law versus emotions helped me through the tedious and sad process of legally ending a 7 year civil union. Jen always explained and pros and cons of the decisions I was making, and her legal advice kept me sound and solvent. She was always responsive and communicated with me consistently, even when there was nothing new to report, which helped to keep my mind at ease. She provided an excellent service and I highly recommend her to anyone who either needed a lawyer or who would be considering mediation.
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06 Oct, 2015 by Michele
My experience with Jennifer Burgess was great right from the start. She was so helpful and quick in responding to to any questions that I had. She paid attention to every detail and worked hard getting things done. She was always flexible when setting up appointments. I would highly recommend Jennifer
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26 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired this office for a very simple case regarding visitation and child support. I was told multiple times that the ease of the case would not allot for more money than the amount of my retainer agreement and that I would get a refund. I paid the retainer agreement in full. I supplied the supporting documentation including requesting previous records myself, weeks before the case. Somehow they still only filed my counter application a day before my court date. Court was ok, although I felt it could have been much shorter however the attorney didn’t do anything to stop the other party from rambling on and on. After court I received an email stating I’d hear from the legal assistant regarding my refund. Instead I received a bill for $2,000 extra dollars. I looked through the itemization, shocked but accepting I am no expert. The billed items charged hundreds of dollars for my inquiry with the office (before I even decided about being represented), phone calls that were only few minutes long where I was charged an hour or more (I matched to my phone records), emails that didn’t ever happen, record requests where I had supplied the records myself, and several other items that were entirely made up. I disputed the charges, providing my own records (like my phone bill and email record that in no way could have been fabricated), and was told that I didn’t understand how things worked. I offered to compromise and started doing my own research. It turned out this is a repeat issue with this office and now I have to file a formal dispute that will end up with me in court/mediation again. Be careful- I guarantee you’ll be overcharged if they think you can pay it.
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21 Nov, 2021 by Antonio
Paula Menar is a very caring and very intelligent attorney. My case was very complex and Paula showed great caring and compassion through the process. She is very knowledgable of the law and understanding while guiding me thru my case. She is also very tough and fought hard to get the best result for her my daughter and I. I would definitely recommend Paula Menar. I would use her services again if the need arises. She is the person you want on your side.
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29 Dec, 2020 by A.o.
I hired the Law Firm of Menar & Menar in 2012. I was going through a divorce, and was not only looking for legal advice, but a lawyer who would guide me through this difficult situation. Menar & Menar, Attorneys at Law, were compassionate, understanding, and explained all my choices so that I could make the best decisions for myself and my daughter.
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25 May, 2019 by Anonymous
He is greedy, disrespectful, kept me outside his office for an hour than missed a unique opportunity to get support for my family. He also revealed confidential information about my case to another client. I had to switch to another attorney later.
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14 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
I'm surprised that Robert H. Goodwin has only 2 reviews on Avvo. He offered me excellent representation in a simple divorce case. Because my divorce case was so simple, I struggled to find a non-agressive lawyer: someone who would respect my wishes not to prolong the divorce process by entering into extensive negotiations with my partner and his lawyer. My other concern was to find a lawyer who was reasonably priced; I'm a graduate student on a limited budget. Goodwin offered both. In fact, he reduced my rate to a "student rate" that he offers Rutgers graduate students. He and his small staff are a pleasure to work with. They were personable, empathetic, and reliable. He made a difficult process worry-free. I highly recommend.
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25 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Goodwin is an excellent lawyer. He will assess the situation honestly and put his knowledge and experience to work. He works hard and stands his ground and supports your case with facts. He will not let another lawyer take advantage of you. He is compassionate, responsive and very much fights for you and he keeps up to date with current laws. You feel very supported and assured when he represents you. His office staff is also very courteous and responsive.
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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.
