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18 Aug, 2024 by Ross g
Writing a review of an attorney after the outcome of a case by its nature lends itself to being heavily biased. Adding to it, is the emotional tension of the issues which brings someone to a family law practice in the first place. And while everyone's case is different, I can state unequivocally Mr. Demmel was the exact attorney I needed at the time. Some may criticize him for not being a "shark," but his website makes it very clear about his methods, beliefs, and processes. In short, Jim deals in objective facts, which is what the law does. His process experience, calm demeanor, and willingness to listen were highly valued character traits which helped me through this entire process. I don't wish divorce/custody on anyone having gone through it myself, but if you believe you deserve a fair shake in the eyes of the court, I would recommend Jim Demmel without hesitation.
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26 Jul, 2024 by Mike brown
I engaged Jim to help me navigate a divorce process and subsequent update of my will. He did an excellent job of being an advocate for me while also being fair and ethical, which was of upmost importance to me. He is knowledgeable, responsive, and respectful and would not hesitate to recommend him.
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23 Jul, 2024 by John griner
My wife and I are recently retired and needed to get our legal affairs in order beginning with finding a reputable family attorney. We were fortunate in that our selection for our last will and testament just happened to be our new neighbor, Jim Demmel. It was very easy for us to make an appointment to discuss our legal concerns. The Demmel Law Office staff were very welcoming and made us feel at ease right from the start. Mr Demmel carefully explained the process, answered all of our questions and was very patient when explaining our legal options. The documents we requested were provided in a timely manner and once again, Mr. Demmel carefully explained each document and answered all of our questions. We give Demmel Law Offices five gold stars and recommend, without reservation their services to anyone looking for a fair, honest family attorney. Demmel Law Office and staff have certainly earned our trust and appreciation!
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13 Dec, 2023 by Brett smith
My wife and I rented an apartment above her law office and at first it was ok but we were eventually evicted because she tried to tell us we had to have day jobs and be out of the apartment. She recently filed a judgement and told them we damaged the apartment which we definitely didn't do any damage. She is like all attorneys and lies and cheats to get extra money. She and her husband are both worthless. I would recommend finding another place to live or she will screw you over. I hope she enjoys the money she got because she will never get another cent from us. Also her cronies that work with her are ignorant as hell.
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12 Dec, 2023 by Heidi crawshaw
Without hesitation I give Barbara and her firm my highest recommendation. She recently represented our family in a child custody and adoption matter. Beyond being an extremely knowledgeable attorney, her professionalism and preparedness were impressive. She put our family at ease in a very stressful situation and when it came time for court, she undoubtedly delivered. I highly recommend.
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09 Dec, 2023 by Julie cross
Our family will forever be grateful. Attorney Sullivan has helped us gain full custody and adoption of our granddaughter after the death of her mother. She let's no stone unturned, efficient, and fast to get things finished. She knows the law and treats everyone with compassion. Her Staff is very accommodating as well. A shout out to Emily as well! Highly recommend this law firm.
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09 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
It's unfortunate that I am limited to 4,000 characters because it does not allow me to go into the details of how this attorney took advantage of me and family in our vulnerable state. She did what she needed to do to clock hours and did nothing to prepare for our case. Her conduct in court was a complete embarrassment she asked ALOUD if we were the plaintiff or defendant. The general consensus even from the defendant's side (we were the plaintiff! smh) is I was better off representing myself and I was she was just charging me for it. She'll take your money but she picks and chooses I guess who she TRULY wants to represent. I agreed to her high rates because I believe in getting what you pay for and my family is worth it but in her case...she's just overpriced. The choice is yours though
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.