Best Family Law lawyers in New York, NY

1,598 Family Law Lawyers in New York, NY

>1.6k

experienced lawyers

Stephanie Lanette Nelson

845 3rd Avenue, New York, NY

Business Criminal Defense Family Law +1 +3

5.0/5

5.0

5 Reviews

20 Aug, 2024 by Saba

Stephanie is the type of lawyer you would want on your side whenever you are facing an unfair justice, She took me under her wings during a time of need and cared enough to further research better terms for my stipulation agreement working strategically with the the opposing attorney to finish the matter outside of court, saving me time, money and unnecessary energy. You won't find a lawyer who is human and cares the way this firm does, I highly recommend it.

23 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous

I hired the SL Nelson firm to represent me in a wrongful termination case, and I was beyond pleased with my outcome. They listened, and they acted promptly to all of my inquiries and advised and assured me every step of the way, from initial intake to final outcome. Highly recommend!

23 Jul, 2024 by Candy

4 minutes agoNEW-Edit Delete I had a criminal law matter and needed some assistance as I've never dealt with a situation like this before. I reached out to SL Nelson Law Firm to assist me with the matter. Stephanie didn't hesitate to assist. She is extremely patient, knowledgeable and compassionate. She assured me that everything would work out. She kept in touch with me every step of the way. I never felt like I was in the dark, she answered all of my calls and responded to all emails in a timely fashion. She was sure to always answer any and all questions I had. The outcome worked in my favor and I'm extremely pleased with the service provided. 10/10. I would highly recommend Stephanie to advocate for you! I truly value her services! Forever grateful ! Thank you Stephanie !!

Joseph Martin Carasso

270 Madison Avenue, Suite 1500, New York, NY

Business Estate Planning Family Law +1 +3

5.0/5

5.0

5 Reviews

05 Jun, 2019 by Linda a.

Joseph Martin Carasso was a steady and knowledgeable guide through the complicated probate process during a difficult and emotional time for me. I felt completely comfortable, and in good, caring hands. Everything was accomplished expeditiously and to exact requirements. Highly recommended.

13 Nov, 2014 by Linda

I consulted with Joe Carasso regarding a severance agreement from a former employer. Joe was gracious, thorough and practical. Based on his advice I was able to negotiate better terms in the agreement. His fee was competitive but affordable.

18 Nov, 2013 by Susan

Joseph Martin Carasso has been our lawyer for the past ten years. During that time he has performed numerous duties such as negotiating television production contracts, addressing right of publicity claims and assisting in our acquiring Errors and Omissions insurance policies. Most importantly, Joe listens patiently and gives thoughtful legal advice to help us avoid problems. He is a trusted friend and ally who has provided the needed support during those tough times when you need a lawyer.

Saleem S. Rizvi

111 Broadway Rm 1805, New York, NY

Family Law Immigration Litigation +1 +3

5.0/5

5.0

5 Reviews

01 Nov, 2023 by Javed

My father and I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Rizvi throughout the past few years, on the sponsoring process. Mr. Rizvi is extremely knowledgeable and approachable. He took time to meet with us several times, to review all of our information and put in place a course of action. Mr. Rizvi made himself available for any meetings/interviews that were required and explained the process seamlessly. We couldn't be happier with Mr. Rizvi's exceptional service and the outcome of our case; we will continue to refer family/friends to Mr. Rizvi.

16 Feb, 2017 by Muhammad

Mr. Saleem Rizvi and his team is really professional and very friendly he treat you very politely friendly so you feel comfortable He is a very smart and compassionate family attorney. He was always available on the phone/email and respond to my queries promptly. Above all he is a great human being who genuinely cares for his clients. I not only found an excellent attorney but a great friend as well I strongly recommend him to every body.

16 Feb, 2017 by Muhammad

After a lot of bad experiences I've came across Saleem Rizvi through a friend, great service, gives you 100% of attention you need and go extra mile for you. Highly recommend

Lauren J. Bokor

570 Lexington Ave Ste 1600, New York, NY

Child Custody Child Support Family Law +1 +3

5.0/5

5.0

5 Reviews

20 Jan, 2019 by Laurel

Lauren has been such a god-send for me. She helped me to mitigate a messy mediation situation where I was poised to give everything away by the time she came to my aide. She was very patient with me on hard decisions and helped me to gain back shared custody of my children without going through the process of litigation. If litigation were to have been necessary, she had me prepared to go with another lawyer so I wouldn't lose any time. She didn't miss a beat and my life after divorce is much better now if she had not come in to help me with my case. I would recommend Lauren Bokor!!

18 Oct, 2018 by Lauren

I hired Lauren as a collaborative attorney in an effort to settle my divorce without proceeding to litigation. I knew very little about the different processes (e.g., mediation, collaborative, litigation) used to settle divorces and Lauren was extremely helpful in educating me on these topics and teaching me the pros and cons of each approach. This helped me to make educated decisions that I was comfortable with based on our discussions. She also made it clear that she had a genuine interest in the well being of my family and always minimized the business aspect of the relationship. She is an excellent lawyer in this space and I highly recommend her to others that are considering legal representation in divorce proceedings. Very happy with her work on my case!

02 Sep, 2018 by Osvaldo

I first met Lauren about nine years ago when looking for a mediation lawyer to facilitate my divorce process. From the many lawyers I talked to, she was the one that inspired the most trust and confidence, and to this I do not regret the decision of working with her. Those who have been through a divorce know that a divorce is always a messy emotional and financial process. This gets magnified if people do it the "traditional" way with separate lawyers alienating the couple even more, expensive litigation, arguing back-and-forward endlessly, etc. At times this process can take years. But with mediation divorce does not become an adversarial process. It is a process in which both parties communicate in ways that are healthy. Lauren is excellent and very skillful at facilitating this type of communication. What I appreciated the most about working with Lauren was her kind spirit and empathetic presence. While working with her it felt like she must have received training as a counselor at some point in her career due to her excellent listening skills. It made the divorce process go smoothly, and it was significantly cheaper than a traditional divorce. I am grateful for the support Lauren provided during a rather difficult time in my life. I highly recommend her professional services.

Kari H. Lichtenstein

135 West 50th Street, New York, NY

Family Law

5.0/5

5.0

5 Reviews

20 Aug, 2022 by Jacqui

I did not want to have to go through this awful divorce, bit Kari makes it bearable and explains both sides. I am grateful I found her.

24 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous

I initially met Ms. Lichtenstein through a business colleague, who highly recommended her. I was faced with a complicated divorce and interviewed close to a dozen attorneys. Ms. Lichtenstein was not only strategic in terms of her planning, but she was a forceful advocate in my matter. I think what sets Ms. Lichtenstein apart from other divorce attorneys is her ability to listen and really provide a scientific breakdown and solution to your problem.

12 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous

I feel very fortunate to have been referred to Kari. During perhaps the most stressful period of my life, Kari skillfully guided me through a very complicated and emotional divorce. She was focused, responsive and very persuasive. She was always professional, her advice was sound and we achieved our goals. Thank you again Kari!

Sandra Spennato

111 Broadway, Suite 707, New York, NY

Child Custody Child Support Domestic Violence +1 +3

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

08 Mar, 2021 by Jeff

My first attorney represented me in family court. I paid over $7,000 and got nowhere! My brother recommended Sandra Spennato so I cut ties with the 1st attorney, collected my files and started again from scratch with Sandra. Immediately, she listened to my current situation, listened to my goals, and put together a custom plan while also managing my expectations on what is realistic in the eyes of NY law. 1st thing she did was a discovery phase (which my former attorney NEVER did) looking at my ex's bank records which put us in a favorable position. She fought hard and in much less than a year (**during COVID**) we had the terms agreed to involving my daughter and my finances. If only I had been introduced to her in the first place, would have been A LOT less stress, a lot less time, and a lot less money wasted. I truly understand the importance of having a smart savvy deal maker that knows the laws inside and out in my corner. Without hesitance, I wholeheartedly recommend Sandra.

14 Feb, 2018 by Michael

I hired Sandra Spennato to help me obtain custody of my son. She is very knowledgeable and also quite the tactician. Sandra did not sell me a dream and false hope. She told me the cold hard truth every time we met and that is what I need. I have experienced lawyers that have sold me false truths and have only been interested in draining my wallet dry. She is nothing like that. I have never met a more understanding and passionate attorney. She understood the circumstances I was faced with in my case and she helped keep my emotions in check. I had to swallow a few hard pills but Sandra always made it tolerable after explaining why swallowing those pills could work in our favor. She has been right so far and I will continue to trust her advise and her knowledge of the law. We’re still working on my case but I trust in Sandra to help me keep fighting for what I hold most dear. MY SON! I’m thankful to have her on my side.

12 Nov, 2017 by Kandice

I was very fortunate to have Sandra on my case. I had a custody case with my son’s father. In the beginning of this case i had no education about the legalities when it comes to custody but Sandra helped me through it all, explained every single detail to me until I was able to understand it and to make a wise decision. She was very helpful, caring and informative. Sandra made it her business to fight for me and made sure I was happy and comfortable with the outcome. With Sandra we prevailed and came to an agreement with my case.

Raul P. Meruelo

42 Broadway, New York, NY

Business Criminal Defense Estate Planning +2 +4

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

14 Jun, 2011 by Jorge o.

He is just the best of the best. I consulted with Dr. Meruelo regading a dispute that I had my my landlord and he explainted to me exacltly how to solve the case by myself. He is a straight shooter, he will tell you exaclty like it is. very well spoken in English and Also in Spanish. I listed his radio for many years and I was always amazed the way he explained to the radio listeners what he called " El Tema del dia". Best of luck to him. Keep up the good work!

03 Dec, 2009 by Oscar calvo

I just finished a very long and complicated divorce. I had to lawyers before Mr. Meruelo handle my case and they could not resolve it in a satisfactory manner. However Mr. Meruelo worked tirelesly to finalize my case, and to do so in a manner that was acceptable to my. I would recomend this lawyer without hesitation. I wish many more attorneys were like Mr. Meruelo

29 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous

I recently consulted with Mr. Meruelo regarding a civil matter. He gave me straight forward answers and told me how to resolve my problem without having to incurr needless legal fees. Something that was very impressive since another attorney wanted to charge me an excessive amount of money for a task that i was able to do myself. Best consultation fee that I have ever spent

Tamara Kenworthey

137 Fifth Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, NY

Business Estate Planning Family Law +2 +4

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

26 Jul, 2017 by Cynthia

"Tamara represented me in the sale of the property, and in an inheritance matter, where both matters were emotionally charged. Tamara always kept me informed and answered all my questions timely. She is not an ordinary attorney, she is an innovative legal strategist, professionally diverse and painstakingly tenacious, which I appreciated very much. Tamara is the kind of an attorney that will educate you, lower your anxiety and accomplish what you need to get done. Plus she works with a level of grace that makes life seem better. I was very satisfied with her legal representation and have already recommended her to friends who have legal needs." Cynthia July 2017 Executive Producer/Creative Consultant Multiple Emmy Award Winner Former Commissioner, NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment

18 Nov, 2016 by Antony

" I would like to take this opportunity to share our experience of Retaining the services of Lawyer Tamara Kenworthey. As my wife and I got ready to purchase a new home we started looking for an experienced, reliable, trustworthy and efficient lawyer. Ms. Kenworthey was not only that but more. Always available. Always responsive and ready to give sound legal Advise. As we encounter the many hurdles that come with the process of buying a new home and dealing with all Parties involved, all doubts, questions and concerns were referred back to Ms. Kenworthey who took the time to one by one and in layman's terms explained to us each and every step. Needless to say we were very pleased with the outcome. I would very highly recommend Retaining the services of Tamara Kenworthey if you are in need of legal services. Should you have any questions, I will be happy to elaborate. Sincerely."

09 Oct, 2016 by Sarah

"I received Tamara's name through a friend who sold her apartment in my co-op. Tamara provided terrific legal representation to help me close on my co-op apartment smoothly and efficiently. She clearly outlined the steps involved and stayed in close touch throughout the contract period. She was even flexible enough to provide representation when I had to move my closing date multiple times. Tamara was particularly helpful since I did not use a broker to sell my apartment. I would highly recommend her!" - Sarah L.

Marilyn Francine Ushan

299 Broadway Ste 1501, New York, NY

Family Law Immigration +1

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

12 Oct, 2018 by Thomas

First time I met Marilyn , I felt the connection, comfortable and amazed, I knew she was the one to solve my immigration issues .. thank God for paving the way to know her , to know an agelic like her

13 Jun, 2018 by Jon & anderson

We were overwhelmed by our complicated situation. Marilyn quickly understood our case and by the end of the first consultation mapped out a course to attain citizenship. This past April, Anderson received permanent green card and plans to became a citizen by years end. This would not be possible without the experience, professionalism and legal advise of Marilyn. We highly recommend her services. Thanks Marilyn.

01 Feb, 2016 by Elizabeth

I came to the office of Schonfeld and Ushan after my adjustment of status case was denied in Maryland and i was place in deportation proceedings,Marylyn assured me we could do a change do a change of venue to New York. i was quite anxious but she always made me feel comfortable and assured. When we went to court Marilyn always at ease with the judge which made me feel relaxed knowing that i had already won the case.After what felt like a difficult and long process i received my green card. Since then the office has successfully filed for my two boys whom i hadn't seen for 8years.She is my friend for life.

Justine Isolde Borer

47 East 88th Street, New York, NY

Family Law Mediation Real Estate +2

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

03 Feb, 2015 by Lauren loschiavo

Ms. Borer is a very knowledgable and compassionate attorney who helped me to resolve a difficult matter. I highly recommend her services.

22 Oct, 2014 by Kate

Ms. Borer is extremely knowledgeable in navigating the muddled waters of marital and family law. She is a great attorney to have in your corner when it comes to matters of pre-nuptial agreements especially. Based on working with Counselor Borer, I would highly recommend her to all my friends and family as a valuable asset to steer your marital and familial law matters. Thank you counselor for a superior job!

15 Oct, 2014 by Rebecca

Ms. Borer was extremely diligent and conscientiousness in her handling of the case. A very smart and capable woman, I was happy with her work and the outcome. I wholeheartedly recommend Ms.Borer.

Kyle Anthony Schiedo

475 5th Avenue, New York, NY

Family Law

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

12 Mar, 2020 by Peter

Kyle is easy to work with ...communicated very clearly the options available to me in my situation at every step of the way and handled my case effectively

24 Jan, 2020 by Jordan

Kyle has a very approachable personality and that’s probably why I initially hired him. I had most of the paperwork and document ready to clear my case for driving without insurance but there was a TON of stuff I had no idea about and I would have been in some solid trouble even though I had everything in order! Kyle was able to get everything cleared with NO points and exceeded my expectations with the outcome.

09 Dec, 2019 by Phil

We hired Kyle to represent my wife for a moving violation. Kyle set clear expectations, achieved the results by settling with a significant reduction, and in the process even handled some unexpected ghosts from the past. He is a professional that I would highly recommend!

Mariana Olenko

137 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY

Child Custody Child Support Family Law +2

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

23 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous

I had the honor of working with Ms. Olenko on my divorce. I felt very safe with her and was very pleased with her level of dedication. She is extremely hardworking and patient and I highly recommend hiring her if you’re also going through a difficult time.

03 Apr, 2018 by James g.

Mariana recently helped me with my father’s estate. She was extremely thorough, always answered my calls/emails and took the time to properly explain each legal item in a way that I could understand. If you need Will, Estate, or Surrogate Court legal help, then you should absolutely contact Mariana.

22 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous

Professional and knowledgeable

Leon Mindin Esq.

65 Broadway, New York, NY

Child Custody Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

23 Oct, 2019 by Gary k

Leon is a true professional. I've been very pleased with the service he provided on a family matter. Although lawyers are a dime a dozen in New York City, It's hard to find one you can truly trust with your personal business. The staff were also a pleasure to work with and communication was great.

04 Oct, 2017 by Emma j.

Leon negotiated a custody arrangement for me when my husband I were separating. Leon ressponded to me at all hours and put me at ease. He also thought of a lot of different scenarios where I might have problems and made sure it was covered in the parenting plan we wrote up. A nice person and an even better lawyer.

04 Oct, 2017 by Ashley

I hired Mr. Mindin because my ex refused to return our son after spending 3 weeks of August in a different state with him. Mr. Mindin filed an emergency order and got in front of a judge that same week. He was ordered to return the children back to my custody. I am very happy with the outcome of my case especially on such a serious and nerve wrecking matter.

Donald Roger Wall

10 Park Avenue - Suite 2A, New York, NY

Family Law Mediation +1

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

12 Jun, 2020 by David

I was a former MD in finance, & after 30+ years of marriage, at just under 60 yrs. old, I retained Donald early 2015. My court approved final consensual settlement was processed in December 2019. (Timing was my ex's fault, she explored 3 attorneys in sequence.) I got to know Don fairly well over that time. He prefers a consensual agreement between parties, NOT court battles. - i suspect that his style minimizes the parties' angst, and doesn't maximize his billable hours per case. Speaking of which, he bills in 1/10 hour increments... and I found his bills always accurate and fair. (I've worked with lots of law firms professionally). Donald was always calm and cool even when I found retracing repeat issues with my ex supremely frustrating. He never fanned the flames. Importantly, because of some odd investments I had, Don was quick and effective at reaching tax, finance and accounting specialists whose input we needed to factor into our settlement. Weird bottom line, If I ever had to get divorced again, [which I will never never] I'd retain Donald.

04 May, 2016 by Steven

I highly recommend Don as a divorce attorney. From the beginning he showed himself to be a man of integrity and knowledge. Unlike other attorneys, Don was not out to try to run up a bill that was not necessary. He advised me to try to work out as much as possible with my ex-spouse before getting him involved. He is somebody who I was always able to count on and I always knew that my interests were primary in his negotiations.

04 May, 2016 by Gloria

I did not know of Don at the time of my divorce; however, when my attorney was retiring, he referred me to Don. I had numerous issues with my ex-husband an Don took the control and stress from me. He quickly diffused the situation and was instrumental in ensuring my children's welfare.

David Blasband

260 Madison Ave Fl 18, New York, NY

Family Law Intellectual Property Litigation +2

5.0/5

5.0

155 Reviews

05 Dec, 2024 by Milagros jimenez

Es muy buen abogado tengo experiencia con el y su secretaria

23 Nov, 2024 by Meg williams

Pinkhasov & Associates are professionals who fight hard for what you deserve. They’re patient with their clients and work around their schedule. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a good attorney who provides quality services.

27 Jun, 2024 by Anna tsanto

Daniel and his office did an outstanding job for my case. They went above and beyond to make sure I will be happy with the outcome. Couldn't thank them enough! If you are looking for a real advocate for your case this is your guy!

Business Family Law Real Estate +2

4.8/5

1.0

1 Reviews

4.8

231 Reviews

03 Jan, 2025 by G.a.b. security llc

22 Nov, 2024 by Mercedes linarte

Recently used David Centeno’s services for my uncontested divorce and I must say everything was so easy all of my questions and concerns were met and answered in a timely manner and my divorce was over and done with in less than 5 mnths! Absolutely recommend !

27 Oct, 2024 by Charles blake

David centano and his law firm was absolutely terrific . They kept me informed the whole way and the firm work quickly and efficiently and diligently.. I couldn’t have found a better attorney for my annulment. I was happy with my results

Dana Elizabeth Heitz

43 W 43rd St Ste 214, New York, NY

Appeals Family Law Litigation +2

5.0/5

5.0

80 Reviews

28 Dec, 2024 by Carissa valderrama

Mr. Amsel is the BEST lawyer out there! He represented my partner for almost two years. It eventually went to trial in Queens and he was found not guilty. I cannot be more grateful for Mr. Amsel. He is extremely dedicated to what he does, he knows the law, and was super attentive. Truly the best!

26 Dec, 2024 by Elvin vargas

25 Dec, 2024 by Eli dollers

The greatest and most patient person to deal with me in the worst time of my life and get great immaculate results love him for saving my life

Katsiaryna Stsepaniuk

Virtual Law Office: 43 West 43rd Street, New York, NY

Business Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

80 Reviews

28 Dec, 2024 by Carissa valderrama

26 Dec, 2024 by Elvin vargas

25 Dec, 2024 by Eli dollers

The greatest and most patient person to deal with me in the worst time of my life and get great immaculate results love him for saving my life

Salvatore Scibetta

451 Park Avenue South 8th Floor, New York, NY

Family Law Real Estate +1

5.0/5

5.0

2 Reviews

30 Jul, 2013 by Rovjen john

Sal represented me in my Divorce. he answered all my questions promptly. I felt he had my best interest at heart. Sal was aggressive when the situation called for it as well as fast on his feet, but always directed the process toward reaching a resolution. I would definitely recommend Salvatore..

26 Jul, 2013 by Michael

Hiring Salvatore Scibetta was an incredibly wise choice. He is a very sophisticated, charasmatic, personable and thorough attorney; as well as being understanding and compromising to the financial needs of his clients. He allowed me to be at my utmost comfortability while handling my proceedings by keeping me well informed and realistic during the process. He is caring and considerate of the family and friends as well, while remaining completely professional. Above all his courtroom manner and confidence seem to transcend into his client(s). His handling of all the above has alotted me a second chance if you will, at restoring my future and reputation and for that I am eternaly grateful to Mr. Scibetta and would strongly recommend him to any person seeking assistance in the future.

Shivani Shreedhar Grillo

387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY

Child Custody Child Support Domestic Violence +1 +3

5.0/5

5.0

2 Reviews

03 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous

I was very fortunate to have Shivani represent me in connection with a prenuptial agreement, and I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of representation in a matrimonial/family law matter. Shivani made what could have been an awkward and uncomfortable process into a completely manageable, expeditious, and helpful experience. She displayed a comprehensive knowledge of the law at all times, and she was an exceptional listener throughout. This made her particularly effective because it meant that, at the outset, she was able to offer meaningful help to me as I defined my concerns and priorities, and then in drafting the substance of the agreement, she was able to be immediately responsive to the concerns and priorities I had identified, which made the process significantly less stressful and much more efficient overall. Shivani also did a wonderful job of addressing all of my questions in a clear, informed, and thorough manner, and I came away with a solid understanding of all of the nuances of the agreement and the applicable law as a result. In addition, Shivani always made sure to relay anything that I might need to refer back to in writing, and I was consequently left at the end of the process with a very clear record of everything that had transpired and all of the relevant background information, and this will certainly be very helpful in the future if any questions about the agreement arise. In sum, Shivani is a truly conscientious and skilled attorney, and it was an absolute pleasure to work with her.

02 Mar, 2019 by Mandi

I am really glad to have worked with Shivani on my divorce because everything was made very easy for me. Shivani was available, clear, organised, communicative, warm and determined. Very professional and worked with ease during the complexity of this legal process which is admirable and intelligent. All of these things I needed at the time. Shivani took very good care of me. For example, personally attending an inspection for my protection. Shivani explained all of the information regarding my divorce concisely, comprehensibly and patiently and so the divorce jargon proved to not be complicated for me. The combination of expertise and confidence in Shivani was clear. I never felt any discomfort during this process. Although the opposing counsel were not as timely, Shivani was persistent and it felt so rewarding during a potentially stressful and overwhelming divorce. Shivani and the staff at Rower LLC were impeccable. I spoke to several lawyers prior to Rower LLC and I highly recommend Shivani and Rower LLC.

Richard Campisi

11 Park Pl Ste 600, New York, NY

Criminal Defense Family Law Immigration +2

5.0/5

5.0

2 Reviews

16 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous

Great lawyer who really knows his stuff. I was very happy with how he did in court. Highly recommend.

01 Sep, 2017 by John

He respected and understood the complexity of my case. Made me feel like family and gave me a very satisfactory outcome.

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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.

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.

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