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08 Jul, 2024 by Diane bourque
I worked with Andrea recently as the Executrix of an estate plan that she had prepared. She walked me through my responsibilities and the requirements of the probate process clearly and professionally. She was always immediately responsive to any of my questions and issues. Thank you Andrea for all your help.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jd solilo
We found them professional, and well valued. Their communication was excellent and were always easy to contact through out the entire process.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Monica verville
Kent Barker handled a personal injury case for my partner involving a dog bite that tore my partner’s rotator cuff and resulted in needed surgery which caused lost time at work, and many medical bills from hospital and physical therapy.
Kent was able to negotiate a settlement on our behalf that not only paid the Medicare expenses but also our bills and covered lost wages
We would not have been so lucky or successful in this pursuit without Kent’s assistance.
Furthermore, both Kent and his assistant Taylor were extremely transparent and communicative during the entire process. They are a great team with wonderful professionalism and attentiveness.
We thank them for helping us close the chapter of an unfortunate incident in a positive way.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Darren rice
Spent 1- week going through a process of conflict checking. Once determined there was no conflict, they spent 2 hours of time with me asking me for information and e-mail to present to their high end lawyers. Another 1-1/2 weeks goes by and I'm finally told to busy with other cases to help. While Michelle was nice, I feel they just waste your time to see if you got a easy case they can win. Go to others who have more care for a clients interest. They just string you along. Should have looked at the 3.8 starts before talking with them. Not a good rating to start.
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13 May, 2024 by Matt blair
Big thanks to Heather and Brooke and Mickey for all their hard work. Truly appreciate it. I can now get on with my life. Thank you.
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03 Apr, 2024 by Hal fletcher
Laura is awesome!!! She has been so helpful in my situation. Very caring and understanding.
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02 Jun, 2024 by Katy marcotte
Great law firm. Helped me get custody of my 14 step children. Amy is so cool I love her
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02 Jun, 2024 by Charles driscoll
John eats a lot of beans and hotdogs during his zoom meetings. I heard he only wears suits on the top half of his body and has underwear on the bottom half during zoom calls. However, he won a case for me when I robbed the local bank of my town. He’s a good man, the Amy is cool she doesn’t eat as many hotdogs as John, she is healthier and smarter. She helped my 3rd wife get custody of her step children. It was a bit expensive though.
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10 Nov, 2023 by Dan gaynor
I would highly recommend Ian Reardon to assist with any legal matters. Ian is super personable and easy to work with and is a very genuine trustworthy person! He does a great job explaining the legal process and helping you through situations that are unfamiliar and Daunting. I wouldn't trust anyone else to represent me. Thanks again Ian.
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02 Jun, 2024 by Katy marcotte
Great law firm. Helped me get custody of my 14 step children. Amy is so cool I love her
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02 Jun, 2024 by Charles driscoll
John eats a lot of beans and hotdogs during his zoom meetings. I heard he only wears suits on the top half of his body and has underwear on the bottom half during zoom calls. However, he won a case for me when I robbed the local bank of my town. He’s a good man, the Amy is cool she doesn’t eat as many hotdogs as John, she is healthier and smarter. She helped my 3rd wife get custody of her step children. It was a bit expensive though.
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10 Nov, 2023 by Dan gaynor
I would highly recommend Ian Reardon to assist with any legal matters. Ian is super personable and easy to work with and is a very genuine trustworthy person! He does a great job explaining the legal process and helping you through situations that are unfamiliar and Daunting. I wouldn't trust anyone else to represent me. Thanks again Ian.
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18 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired and worked with Kathy Landry Lynch on my divorce case. I am very disappointed with her representation of me. In the beginning of my case with her, when I asked to meet or speak over the phone about my questions she would give me a date two weeks away and then would rush the conversation. She oftentimes did not respond at all to emails from me. She did not remember information I would tell her in regards to my case and sent the wrong versions of parenting plans to my now ex husband’s lawyer. I had to ask if I should find another lawyer to work on my case because every time I asked to get paperwork completed for my case she would give excuses of how busy she was on other cases. Not until I asked her if I should find another lawyer did she finally work to complete the paperwork with me. She made the already difficult process of going through a divorce so much harder and more painful. I advise to find another lawyer for your divorce and not use Kathy Landry Lynch.
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03 Dec, 2021 by Caitlin
Kathy and Olivia were both very pleasant to work with. Whenever reaching out via email or phone they took the time to ensure my questions were answered. Would recommend them to anyone who needs great legal counsel.
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05 Nov, 2021 by Lou & mary
My wife and I worked with Kathy and her staff to create our personal simple wills and durable power of attorney documents. My employer offered a benefit for employees to get "legal services" for personal wills and estate planing through a national company that provided these legal services. I was given a list of lawyers in the Manchester, NH area and called 5 different law firms in the area to attempt to get legal services. Kathy was the only lawyer that responded to me. Never heard from any of the others.
During our initial conversation, Kathy reviewed and explained clearly with me what she could provide us in preparing these wills and what we would have to provide her in order to help us. She (or a member of her staff) sent us blank template Word documents that we could complete with our specific information and simple instructions/explanations of what was needed. I completed these documents and sent them back to the office. However, there were a couple documents that I was not able to complete since they were not blank and contained the names of some other clients. This is why I wrote this review as "Good" instead of "Excellent". The office quickly corrected this issue and I was able to make the changes that I needed to the original documents.
When we were ready to meet and sign the "official documents", I really appreciated that Kathy provided me with some flexible dates/times options in setting this appointment.
When we met with Kathy for the "signing" of these documents, Both I and my wife appreciated her clear information when we had questions during this process and her professionalism in our conversation. Her staff, who acted as "witnesses" to the signatures were very pleasant.
Out thanks to Kathy and her staff.
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25 Aug, 2024 by Constance slosek
Nicole was wonderful and an ultimate professional. We had about a one month turn around from start to finish. Worth everything I went through.
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03 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
If there was less than one star that is what I would give attorney Bakis. She will do everything in her power to run your bill up with zero resulsts in the end. We used Gail and after several losses decided we need a new attorney. She was incompetent.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Sylvia bibeau
During one of the most challenging times of my life, I needed a law firm to help me with my disability case & after doing some research we decided to go with the Law Offices of Russell J. Goldsmith. Since we have never had to do anything like this before, we needed a law firm that was knowledgeable & understanding. The Law Offices of Russell J. Goldsmith handled our case with the utmost professionalism & care, they helped us through every part of our case. They answered any questions we had, & we had a lot of them. They were straightforward about the possible outcomes at each phase & fought tirelessly for my case. The process can be overwhelming, emotionally exhausting/ draining with many complexities, we were very lucky to work with Russell J. Goldsmith & his staff, & with their help we were able to get a favorable outcome. It was a long journey, one that sometimes felt it would never end, but they stuck through all of it with us & we could not have done it without them. We highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for a compassionate, professional, dedicated and thorough law firm with an amazing staff.
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26 Aug, 2022 by Evan turner
26 Aug, 2022 by Frank brennan
26 Aug, 2022 by Sweet blue eyed keko
I called and asked if He was accepting new clients. He asked me if I was a Spam caller, because they all start their convo that way. I was like whoa whoa whoa, not at all! I have been calling lawyers for 48 hours, that I genuinely need help. He was very rude and when I Started to cry saying I needed help getting my daughter back, he hung up on me!! I couldn't belive it. I called back asking why he hung up on me, that I need help, he simply hung up on me again. Would not recommend AT ALL.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Pam
This guy is a scam artist! Be aware, Keith Mathews deletes negative comments off of Google. Keith charged me 3k to sabotage my case. Keith lied numerous times by stating that he wasn't speaking with my former attorney. Not only was he speaking with my former attorney, but also the Defendant attorney, I have emails from Keith's office where the 3 of these attorneys are conspiring against me and withholding my periodic payment. Then Keith lied several times by saying he wasn't receiving documents from the court. Keith refused to give me documents to my case! Keith submitted filings without my knowledge. On more than one occasion, Keith didn't keep me informed of hearings, nor rescheduled hearings. Of course Keith blamed his Paralegal! Keith also told me that the Defendant contacted him, I'm sure Keith cut some deal with the dirtbag! These attorneys are sleaze bags!
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13 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Represented me for multiple cases; took my money and dropped the ball in court. Doesn’t return phone calls, even when scheduled a week or two in advance. Was supposed to file an appeal, never bothered to follow up or file. Also worth noting he is rude to clients in consultations and in the process, and cuts you off constantly. Very unprofessional and a con man.
TLDR - Don’t hire this “lawyer”. Spend your money elsewhere on real representation.
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01 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Poor communication, constant contradictions. He will not inform you of updated rulings from the courts. On more than one occasion I would have defaulted if not for me contacting the court and asking for my case summary.
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14 Feb, 2018 by Tracy
John failed miserably in my divorce. I got defaulted because he failed to provide my ex husbands attorney with my paperwork by the deadline he was given by the court. He NEVER returns phone calls or emails. I ended up more in debt than I was before. Do not use him for divorce...and especially if he was recommended by the low cost legal aide. I got buried!! If i could give zero stars...I would!
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15 Dec, 2015 by Ronald
John is a Pro he was on top of my case and always kept me in the loop. The man treated VERY well and no one could fine a better lawyer . THANK YOU John
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23 Oct, 2017 by Edward
Mr Mcgrath HAS BEEN SANCTIONED BY THE NH BAR, IN MY case which he took in a class action suit 31/2 yrs ago. this had to do with the meningitis and tainted medicine. initially Mr Mcgrath told me it may take a year but he said I would get something out of it, I had been hospitalized for three day in Fl.quarantined!! I called every six monthes ad got the same story oh the judge has it everything looks good. after the 3rd year I suddenly am told my case was being handled by a par legal or what ever and she would update me. I call this woman who was out as she was taking the bar exam in the Carolinas, so a couple more run around calls, finally I get Mr Mcgrath who hems and haws the tells me it look like MY PAPERWORK NEVER GOT FILED. HE SAID HE WOULD CALL ME BACK. THE NEXT DAY HE CALLED AND COMFIRMED THAT MY CLAIM WASNEVER FILED WITH THE COURT.OF COARSE I checked with a few NH attorneys about mal practice but that was useless just like Mcgrath.
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06 Sep, 2017 by Justin
I want to thank Peter McGrath and his team for always providing such excellent services. The professionalism and diligence from start to finish on my new business venture was above and beyond my expectations – from legally forming a business to writing up sale contracts, we covered it all! The knowledge, attention to detail and dedication to making sure my business started off on the right foot was excellent. The entire team has also helped me with my family services such as forming trusts and writing up wills. I highly recommend McGrath Law Firm for any and all of your legal needs.
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15 Jun, 2021 by Alexander
I tried to work with attorneys Tacconi several years ago to simply file a will. She took our money but did very little. We left feeling taken advantage of amd our issue wasn't resolved.
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14 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
I represented myself for 5 years and I did well, I decided to hire a lawyer in hopes to stop the harassment I endured. This was my first mistake. I was referred to Attorney Tacconi by a friend who had a great experience working with her while under another firm. This was not my experience. Now attorny Tacconi had her own. Lack of communication and blatent unresponsiveness ultimately cost me my custody case. The very case I maintained alone for 5 years. The secretary was not knowladgable enough to prioritize messages but she was "affordable" so she passed the test I guess. For medical purposes, Tacconi dropped out on my case last minute from mediation and eventually signed off to remove her representation. Unfortunatly the damage had been done. And I still havent gotten my records back.
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21 Oct, 2016 by Corin
I reached out to Heather Tacconi under the impression I was going to get help with 13+ years of cs arrears and some weight lifted off my shoulders. I couldn't of been more wrong. I'm a single mother of two children trying very hard to scrape by working 3 jobs just to be financially stable I didn't have the time to take off work to continue filing more papers regarding cases/terms I'm not familiar with. Unfortunately that's exactly what she requested I do. Never offered to help in fact I reached out to her on September 29 2016 she couldn't get me in until October 19 yet had the audacity to blame me for not coming to her sooner.
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04 May, 2021 by Cetta
I knew Faye Goldberg was the right attorney for me the moment I met her. I was a stay at home mom for 18 years and at the time had no source of income to pay for an attorney. I went from law firm to law firm to ask someone to take my case on pro bono. Faye accepted instantly. She is the most compassionate, professional person I have ever met. Her legal skill is impeccable, but just as important she’s a supportive attorney who truly cares. She was extremely easy to talk to and made a point of making sure that I understood what was going on and what my options were. I will always be most grateful for Faye helping me get what I needed at a very hard time in my life. I highly recommend her!
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07 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
I went in for a consultation and I was taken aback with how unfriendly and not personable she was. I totally appreciate professionalism but she was so rude that I felt rushed and felt as though I was wasting her time. She even had the nerve to ask me "Can you even afford a lawyer?" To answer your question, Faye, I surely can and it will NOT be you.
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21 Mar, 2018 by Kathryn
I would NEVER recommend Faye Goldberg!!!!!! The only thing she excelled at was billing. If I could give her a NO star rating I would. She charged over $9,000 and accomplished ABSOLUTELY NOTHING for it. She never resolved my child custody issue, child support issue or permanent visitation issue which is what she was hired to do. I continually had to repeat myself with the facts of my case over and over and over again to her. She seemed consumed with other cases or other things instead of my case that she was being well paid to do. She strung me along charging big bucks for basically nothing but correspondence to me and the other party, and the minute the money ran out she immediately withdrew herself as my counsel.
She dumped me like a ton of bricks LEAVING NOT ONE ISSUE RESOLVED after spending over $9,000. In the end she did nothing that I couldn't have done myself for free. She was no better than a court appointed attorney from my experience. In fact I once had a court appointed attorney that was far better than Faye Goldberg.
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16 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Unprofessional, disorganized, horrible temper, arrogant, not worth the money at all. Go elsewhere.
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15 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Awful experience. Attorney Nossiff has a terrible temper, yelled at us (his clients) on numerous occasions. He was unprepared. For example after months of "bankruptcy preparation" he didn't know how long we had lived in the state which caused further delays -- despite the fact that it was the first question I asked about when I called the office. Had I known we would have made much different financial decisions prior to filing. In the end, he didn't even represent us at the trustee's meeting -- a colleague from a different firm sat in for him. He hadn't even chosen what exemptions would be best for our situation prior to the trustee meeting and a week or so after the meeting the trustee herself made the decision. I would never use this attorney again.
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17 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Attorney Nossiff needs to work on his temper. He yelled at me on several occasions throughout our case and in general made a terrible time in my life much, much worse.
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06 Nov, 2017 by Wendy
Rebecca wasted my time and money. Her performance in court showed her inability to question and cross examine a witness. She did not challenge any testimony and was unable to ask questions in a timely manner. She often seemed confused as to how to proceed. On one occasion she failed to bring paperwork to a mediation meeting explaining she had forgotten them in her office. I was not sent copies of any discovery information. Overall poor performance.
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11 Oct, 2017 by Derik
I spoke with Ms, Sapienza on October 10, 2017 regarding obtaining support documents for claims she/client has made in a land ownership dispute. When I asked her only for data/facts concerning the case and not letter and emails which were hearsay she hung the phone on me,
I would think a good lawyer would want to settle this out of court or be willing to support her outrages claims. But thats me. Buy Beware.
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14 Dec, 2020 by Irene
Very disappointed in the consultation and the price was more than double of what I was told and received no help
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28 Jul, 2024 by Laura
Did not give my family attorney the discovery we asked for previously, prior to trial. Then told just when asked that my family attorney did not ask for it although we had emails to prove otherwise. A grievance report was filed. So fairness was not easily granted from him to my family attorney but it will be handled by authorities of such grievances
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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.
