Lawyers map
>6.6k
experienced lawyers
Filter by
08 Jul, 2024 by Robert madlinger
Excellent!
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Sean t
Very helpful attorneys!
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Brian kostelnik
08 Jul, 2024 by Robert madlinger
Excellent!
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Sean t
Very helpful attorneys!
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Brian kostelnik
03 Nov, 2024 by Alicia manzanedo
03 Nov, 2024 by Lauber
03 Nov, 2024 by Bárbara clemente
03 Nov, 2024 by Alicia manzanedo
03 Nov, 2024 by Lauber
03 Nov, 2024 by Bárbara clemente
17 Oct, 2024 by Otismadeit
17 Oct, 2024 by Diego martinez
27 Aug, 2024 by Eli teller
I was recommended Rosenblum Law by a friend and worked out great, all the people I dealt with were professional, knowledgeable and very helpful.
Read more
17 Oct, 2024 by Otismadeit
17 Oct, 2024 by Diego martinez
27 Aug, 2024 by Eli teller
I was recommended Rosenblum Law by a friend and worked out great, all the people I dealt with were professional, knowledgeable and very helpful.
Read more
03 Nov, 2024 by Alicia manzanedo
03 Nov, 2024 by Lauber
03 Nov, 2024 by Bárbara clemente
12 Sep, 2024 by John georgiades
Perfect and very quick response, with an excellent result
Read more
11 Sep, 2024 by Frank clientele
Was extremely helpful with our case. Was prompt with all communication and made the process seamless. Would recommend to anyone looking for services!
Read more
10 Sep, 2024 by N n
09 Oct, 2024 by Jesus flores
02 Sep, 2024 by Christian perez
El mejor abogado de NY 100% RECOMENDADO
Read more
27 Aug, 2024 by Bozena skuriat
Samantha Sbrocchi did a great job on my inheritance case.Thank you very much for the legal assistance.Bozena
Read more
23 Oct, 2024 by Drew v
This guy is awesome! He's professional and kind. I was not the most responsive client and he did an amazing job helping me out with my speeding ticket, which I had neglected due to being an irresponsible slob. I will definitely call Scott Russell again in the future if I need legal help!
Read more
18 Oct, 2024 by Derrick oh
He is the best lawyer for speeding ticket defensive. I saw some negative review saying he is not helping well those not able to afford the attorney's fee. Come on, you need a quality service, you pay for the service is fair. Trust me, no one better than him in the area for the speeding ticket. He is responding all the time promptly.
Read more
16 Oct, 2024 by Ricardo rosso
Great Attorney. Prompt. Professional. Will not be disappointed. Recommend. A+
Read more
26 Sep, 2024 by Jay hernandez
This process was very long and tiring my attorney walk me thru the whole process. Trust me im not so easy to work with, lol she was very patience with me. She was in contact me with me every step of the way. Thank you Jenna consumer attorney. I would recommend them 💯
Read more
26 Sep, 2024 by Jose garcia
Consumer Attorneys provided exceptional service throughout my entire case. Their team was professional, attentive, and always available to answer my questions. They explained every step clearly, ensuring I felt confident and informed. Their expertise and dedication truly made a difference, and I’m grateful for their hard work. Highly recommend!
Read more
20 Sep, 2024 by Lenae brainard
Many thanks to Dawn and her team for working diligently and quickly to assist me with correcting a background check error! If you are hesitant, don't be. Reach out to them and see if they can help you! They helped me tremendously - I cannot thank them enough.
Read more
26 Sep, 2024 by Jay hernandez
This process was very long and tiring my attorney walk me thru the whole process. Trust me im not so easy to work with, lol she was very patience with me. She was in contact me with me every step of the way. Thank you Jenna consumer attorney. I would recommend them 💯
Read more
26 Sep, 2024 by Jose garcia
Consumer Attorneys provided exceptional service throughout my entire case. Their team was professional, attentive, and always available to answer my questions. They explained every step clearly, ensuring I felt confident and informed. Their expertise and dedication truly made a difference, and I’m grateful for their hard work. Highly recommend!
Read more
20 Sep, 2024 by Lenae brainard
Many thanks to Dawn and her team for working diligently and quickly to assist me with correcting a background check error! If you are hesitant, don't be. Reach out to them and see if they can help you! They helped me tremendously - I cannot thank them enough.
Read more
09 Oct, 2024 by Jesus flores
02 Sep, 2024 by Christian perez
El mejor abogado de NY 100% RECOMENDADO
Read more
27 Aug, 2024 by Bozena skuriat
Samantha Sbrocchi did a great job on my inheritance case.Thank you very much for the legal assistance.Bozena
Read more
18 Sep, 2024 by Ruslan kovtanyuk
Dmitriy was a beacon of hope to me at a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed nigh on impossible. Not only was he able to defend me in court, his calm, professionalism and empathetic demeanor offered emotional succor to myself. From our first meeting, he explained everything to me in terms I could easily understand and was always very responsive when I had questions outside of our meetings.
If anyone is looking for a knowledgeable attorney at a great price, then go to Dmitriy. I’m eternally grateful for his service and I hereby recommend Mr. Shakhnevich without reservation.
Read more
17 Sep, 2024 by Gabrielle khavin
Mr. Shakhnevich represented me in family court this past year and I cannot recommend him enough. His knowledge and professionalism was evident throughout my entire time working with him. He is very easy to communicate with, whether it’s holidays or weekends he always responds in a timely manner. He is very polite, personable and well spoken. If needed again I would definitely use his as my lawyer in the future.
Read more
13 Sep, 2024 by Alina darevskaya
Dmitriy was an absolute pleasure to work with in my never ending divorce case. He was extremely professional, very knowledgeable, always available and gave his unwavering support throughout my entire case. I am extremely grateful for all of his help and for bearing with me through it all. I hope I don’t need to hire a lawyer ever again, but if I do, I know exactly who to go to.
Read more
4.8
19 Reviews
4.9
323 Reviews
04 Oct, 2024 by Gaetano citera
I recently received a rather bad speeding ticket that would have resulted in 6+ points on my license. I reached out to John Ventosa for assistance on how to proceed with the court and process. John was extremely communicative, professional, and thorough. He negotiated my speeding ticket down to an outcome which was much better than what I had anticipated (and undoubtedly better than what I would have received had I tried to go through the process on my own).
I would highly recommend John Ventosa!
Read more
24 Aug, 2024 by Christine haley
Tom is a fantastic lawyer. We had a difficult real estate transaction and he went above and beyond to get the deal completed. He explains everything and was so pleasant to work with. When you call he answers the phone.. Tom is thorough and efficient. We highly recommend him.
Read more
18 Aug, 2024 by Jose-ann mclennon (josie)
We closed on our house a few weeks ago and Tom was the main catalyst that brought us to the finish line. Tom is very professional and have excellent communication. He was on top of everything and very fast. Tom did a great job and not only do I highly recommend him, I will also be using his services again in the future.
Read more
04 Oct, 2024 by Gaetano citera
I recently received a rather bad speeding ticket that would have resulted in 6+ points on my license. I reached out to John Ventosa for assistance on how to proceed with the court and process. John was extremely communicative, professional, and thorough. He negotiated my speeding ticket down to an outcome which was much better than what I had anticipated (and undoubtedly better than what I would have received had I tried to go through the process on my own).
I would highly recommend John Ventosa!
Read more
24 Aug, 2024 by Christine haley
Tom is a fantastic lawyer. We had a difficult real estate transaction and he went above and beyond to get the deal completed. He explains everything and was so pleasant to work with. When you call he answers the phone.. Tom is thorough and efficient. We highly recommend him.
Read more
18 Aug, 2024 by Jose-ann mclennon (josie)
We closed on our house a few weeks ago and Tom was the main catalyst that brought us to the finish line. Tom is very professional and have excellent communication. He was on top of everything and very fast. Tom did a great job and not only do I highly recommend him, I will also be using his services again in the future.
Read more
05 Oct, 2024 by Kurtia gaskin
Alexandria was amazing handling my matter. She made sure things were taken care of swiftly, paid attention to every detail and I was very happy with the outcome. I would 100% recommend her and this firm. Thank you Alexandria for getting me through a rough time. I appreciate you and your efforts.
Read more
30 Aug, 2024 by Juaneita v
I had the pleasure of working with Alex Zugaro during a challenging time, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the service I received. From the start, Alex took the time to explain everything to me in layman’s terms, ensuring I fully understood every aspect of my case. The communication was excellent—Alex kept me updated at every stage, making sure I was never left in the dark.
Throughout the process, Alex maintained the highest level of professionalism while also showing genuine empathy for my situation. It was clear that he and the entire team at Phillips & Associates truly had my best interests at heart. Their dedication and thorough approach gave me confidence and peace of mind during a difficult time.
I highly recommend Alex Zugaro to anyone in need of legal representation. You’ll be in excellent hands.
Read more
14 Aug, 2024 by Lina osorio
Working with Phillips & Associates during a difficult and trying time made a potentially challenging situation much easier to deal with. Melissa Berouty and team were amazing. Their commitment to working with me, managing my own expectations and doing the best in communicating with me every step of the way made this a successful experience. I would highly recommend the firm and Melissa.
Read more
5.0
16 Reviews
4.9
250 Reviews
05 Oct, 2024 by Kurtia gaskin
Alexandria was amazing handling my matter. She made sure things were taken care of swiftly, paid attention to every detail and I was very happy with the outcome. I would 100% recommend her and this firm. Thank you Alexandria for getting me through a rough time. I appreciate you and your efforts.
Read more
30 Aug, 2024 by Juaneita v
I had the pleasure of working with Alex Zugaro during a challenging time, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the service I received. From the start, Alex took the time to explain everything to me in layman’s terms, ensuring I fully understood every aspect of my case. The communication was excellent—Alex kept me updated at every stage, making sure I was never left in the dark.
Throughout the process, Alex maintained the highest level of professionalism while also showing genuine empathy for my situation. It was clear that he and the entire team at Phillips & Associates truly had my best interests at heart. Their dedication and thorough approach gave me confidence and peace of mind during a difficult time.
I highly recommend Alex Zugaro to anyone in need of legal representation. You’ll be in excellent hands.
Read more
14 Aug, 2024 by Lina osorio
Working with Phillips & Associates during a difficult and trying time made a potentially challenging situation much easier to deal with. Melissa Berouty and team were amazing. Their commitment to working with me, managing my own expectations and doing the best in communicating with me every step of the way made this a successful experience. I would highly recommend the firm and Melissa.
Read more
05 Oct, 2024 by Kurtia gaskin
Alexandria was amazing handling my matter. She made sure things were taken care of swiftly, paid attention to every detail and I was very happy with the outcome. I would 100% recommend her and this firm. Thank you Alexandria for getting me through a rough time. I appreciate you and your efforts.
Read more
30 Aug, 2024 by Juaneita v
I had the pleasure of working with Alex Zugaro during a challenging time, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the service I received. From the start, Alex took the time to explain everything to me in layman’s terms, ensuring I fully understood every aspect of my case. The communication was excellent—Alex kept me updated at every stage, making sure I was never left in the dark.
Throughout the process, Alex maintained the highest level of professionalism while also showing genuine empathy for my situation. It was clear that he and the entire team at Phillips & Associates truly had my best interests at heart. Their dedication and thorough approach gave me confidence and peace of mind during a difficult time.
I highly recommend Alex Zugaro to anyone in need of legal representation. You’ll be in excellent hands.
Read more
14 Aug, 2024 by Lina osorio
Working with Phillips & Associates during a difficult and trying time made a potentially challenging situation much easier to deal with. Melissa Berouty and team were amazing. Their commitment to working with me, managing my own expectations and doing the best in communicating with me every step of the way made this a successful experience. I would highly recommend the firm and Melissa.
Read more
05 Oct, 2024 by Kurtia gaskin
Alexandria was amazing handling my matter. She made sure things were taken care of swiftly, paid attention to every detail and I was very happy with the outcome. I would 100% recommend her and this firm. Thank you Alexandria for getting me through a rough time. I appreciate you and your efforts.
Read more
30 Aug, 2024 by Juaneita v
I had the pleasure of working with Alex Zugaro during a challenging time, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the service I received. From the start, Alex took the time to explain everything to me in layman’s terms, ensuring I fully understood every aspect of my case. The communication was excellent—Alex kept me updated at every stage, making sure I was never left in the dark.
Throughout the process, Alex maintained the highest level of professionalism while also showing genuine empathy for my situation. It was clear that he and the entire team at Phillips & Associates truly had my best interests at heart. Their dedication and thorough approach gave me confidence and peace of mind during a difficult time.
I highly recommend Alex Zugaro to anyone in need of legal representation. You’ll be in excellent hands.
Read more
14 Aug, 2024 by Lina osorio
Working with Phillips & Associates during a difficult and trying time made a potentially challenging situation much easier to deal with. Melissa Berouty and team were amazing. Their commitment to working with me, managing my own expectations and doing the best in communicating with me every step of the way made this a successful experience. I would highly recommend the firm and Melissa.
Read more
05 Oct, 2024 by Kurtia gaskin
Alexandria was amazing handling my matter. She made sure things were taken care of swiftly, paid attention to every detail and I was very happy with the outcome. I would 100% recommend her and this firm. Thank you Alexandria for getting me through a rough time. I appreciate you and your efforts.
Read more
30 Aug, 2024 by Juaneita v
I had the pleasure of working with Alex Zugaro during a challenging time, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the service I received. From the start, Alex took the time to explain everything to me in layman’s terms, ensuring I fully understood every aspect of my case. The communication was excellent—Alex kept me updated at every stage, making sure I was never left in the dark.
Throughout the process, Alex maintained the highest level of professionalism while also showing genuine empathy for my situation. It was clear that he and the entire team at Phillips & Associates truly had my best interests at heart. Their dedication and thorough approach gave me confidence and peace of mind during a difficult time.
I highly recommend Alex Zugaro to anyone in need of legal representation. You’ll be in excellent hands.
Read more
14 Aug, 2024 by Lina osorio
Working with Phillips & Associates during a difficult and trying time made a potentially challenging situation much easier to deal with. Melissa Berouty and team were amazing. Their commitment to working with me, managing my own expectations and doing the best in communicating with me every step of the way made this a successful experience. I would highly recommend the firm and Melissa.
Read more
23 Oct, 2024 by David burke
My lawyer was Mike Barchak from the Barnes firm he was great he explained everything in detail and kept me informed and let me know what was the next step. Mike made me feel at easy and his staff are excellent
Read more
03 Oct, 2024 by David fullman
After over two years of no progress with my initial attorney, Michael DiFalco was referred me by a close friend. His professionalism, advice and finally moving my divorce forward was exceptional. Within a reasonable period of time my divorce was finalized. His office's follow up kept me in the loop every step of the way. Michael's communication with me was beyond my expectations. I cannot thank Michael enough. Highly recommend!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Read more
22 Aug, 2024 by Shari caradonna
Steve, Cathy, and Dave are three of the most professional and kind human beings you could ever want to represent you. They cross their T's and dot their I's to ensure you get the greatest and most efficient outcome within the shortest time frame you can imagine. If you are searching for the BEST, stop looking right here, you have found them! They make you feel like you are their only client.I am forever grateful to Steve Miller, Catherine Montiel, and Dave Strano.
Read more
21 Sep, 2024 by Brian sierra
He did what he said he would do and delivered. Highly recommended for any situation.
Read more
11 Sep, 2024 by Jana stewart
Mr. Franzese is kind, professional and efficient . You won’t regret having him on your side ! I appreciate all that he’s done for me.
Read more
27 Aug, 2024 by Brandon powers
Michael Franzese is the best attorney! Extremely professional, pleasant to work with, and would recommend to anyone!
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Sterling jones
I would like to thank Kiara and her team for working diligently on my trademark application and process. She was very communicative of all the changes while making it easy to understand. Kiara made herself available for any questions that I had. It made me happy to trust her expertise to take things off my plate and focus on what she does best. If you have any doubts, I recommend Santos Legal Group!
Read more
22 Aug, 2024 by Eliezer perez
amazing !!!
Read more
22 Aug, 2024 by Paz hanam
21 Sep, 2024 by Brian sierra
He did what he said he would do and delivered. Highly recommended for any situation.
Read more
11 Sep, 2024 by Jana stewart
Mr. Franzese is kind, professional and efficient . You won’t regret having him on your side ! I appreciate all that he’s done for me.
Read more
27 Aug, 2024 by Brandon powers
Michael Franzese is the best attorney! Extremely professional, pleasant to work with, and would recommend to anyone!
Read more
01 Oct, 2024 by Toyota of queens
If i could give 10 star I would !
I spoke with maybe 2 different law firm before the lawyer Alexander Zugaro I was victim of abuse in my workplace in different ways
Alex immediately did an interview with me and his team, Mr. Humberto Alvarez who spoke to me in Spanish.Humberto made me feel very comfortable. He is very professional. He is the kind of person who wants to help.
If you are victim of sexual harassment discrimination at your work place please call and ask for Humberto or Alex
They got me the best result which for privacy reasons I can't talk about.It
I hope my employer , managers etc ... has learned the lesson.
Read more
25 Sep, 2024 by Ali daraghmeh
25 Sep, 2024 by David taylor
From first contact to resolution, Blake Ferris and his team treated me with the upmost professionalism and respect during the most difficult time in my life. More importantly, they didn't treat me just as a client, taking the time to keep me updated and helping ease my fears and concerns throughout the entire process. Blake went above and beyond any expectations I had from an attorney. I am forever grateful for the compassion and dedication from everyone at Phillips & Associates.
Read more
21 Sep, 2024 by Brian sierra
He did what he said he would do and delivered. Highly recommended for any situation.
Read more
11 Sep, 2024 by Jana stewart
Mr. Franzese is kind, professional and efficient . You won’t regret having him on your side ! I appreciate all that he’s done for me.
Read more
27 Aug, 2024 by Brandon powers
Michael Franzese is the best attorney! Extremely professional, pleasant to work with, and would recommend to anyone!
Read more
14 Aug, 2024 by Kerel lankford
Great Bankruptcy Attorney in town!!! Mr. Sliver might come off a little relaxed but that's his confidence level of experience that he will deliver positive results. So please don't be alarmed, he definitely has his clients best interest and he does deliver with positive results.
Read more
08 Aug, 2024 by Tatiana v
Jacob Silver is an outstanding attorney! My partner was dealing with bad debt and went through a hard time with not being able to make ends meet. I found Mr. Silver on google and saw the amazing reviews and had my partner make an appointment ASAP. Within 2 months Mr. Silver did everything with paperwork, meetings, etc. for the bankruptcy as he felt necessary and let me add that he is always responsive and available for questions when his clients need him because my partner would email at some random times and always received a response! My partner is now debt free. This was such a big weight lifted off of both of our shoulders, and I am happy I found Jacob Silver. Thank you for giving my partner a new start in life. I would recommend this attorney in a less than heartbeat, 10 stars! :)
Read more
07 Aug, 2024 by Karim reid
Excellent attorney! Was more than helpful and got the job done. I would highly recommend!
Read more
08 Oct, 2024 by Vinnie
Spoke with Michael Schwartz today about an issue i have he was very helpful with his advice . I would highly recommended him . very kind and friendly
Read more
03 Oct, 2024 by Abdullah alebdy
Michael H. Schwartz was very helpful, knowledgeable, and courteous. His staff were very respectful and helpful.
Read more
01 Oct, 2024 by J i
If you want a human being and a straight shooter for your lawyer then Michael is for you. He cares and he tells it like it is A+++++++++++++
Read more
08 Oct, 2024 by Vinnie
Spoke with Michael Schwartz today about an issue i have he was very helpful with his advice . I would highly recommended him . very kind and friendly
Read more
03 Oct, 2024 by Abdullah alebdy
Michael H. Schwartz was very helpful, knowledgeable, and courteous. His staff were very respectful and helpful.
Read more
01 Oct, 2024 by J i
If you want a human being and a straight shooter for your lawyer then Michael is for you. He cares and he tells it like it is A+++++++++++++
Read more
Browse lawyers
Cities in New York - Find a Lawyer Near Me
-
New York
-
Brooklyn
-
Buffalo
-
Albany
-
White Plains
-
Rochester
-
Garden City
-
Bronx
-
Syracuse
-
Melville
-
Mineola
-
Staten Island
-
Jamaica
-
Kew Gardens
-
Great Neck
-
Uniondale
-
Flushing
-
Hauppauge
-
Forest Hills
-
Long Island City
-
Scarsdale
-
Poughkeepsie
-
Central Islip
-
Jericho
-
New Hyde Park
-
Williamsville
-
Schenectady
-
Yonkers
-
New City
-
Huntington
-
Westbury
-
Woodbury
-
Syosset
-
Binghamton
-
Hempstead
-
Riverhead
-
Purchase
-
New Rochelle
-
Armonk
-
Tarrytown
-
Rockville Centre
-
Utica
-
Elmsford
-
Saratoga Springs
-
Astoria
-
Smithtown
-
Port Washington
-
Latham
-
Kingston
-
Pittsford
-
Rye
-
East Meadow
-
Larchmont
-
Goshen
-
Manhasset
-
Amherst
-
Ithaca
-
Bayside
-
Mount Kisco
-
Islandia
-
Troy
-
Chappaqua
-
Farmingdale
-
Harrison
-
Newburgh
-
Plainview
-
Commack
-
Rye Brook
-
Valley Stream
-
Hicksville
-
Roslyn
-
Bay Shore
-
Bronxville
-
Merrick
-
Suffern
-
Carle Place
-
Clifton Park
-
Delmar
-
Cedarhurst
-
Jackson Heights
-
Elmira
-
Northport
-
Middletown
-
Southampton
-
Floral Park
-
East Hampton
-
Long Beach
-
Mamaroneck
Browse lawyers
Practice Areas in New York
-
Business
-
Litigation
-
Real Estate
-
Personal Injury
-
Criminal Defense
-
Family Law
-
Estate Planning
-
Intellectual Property
-
Consumer Protection
-
Appeals
-
Insurance
-
Government
-
Tax
-
Medical Malpractice
-
Civil Rights
-
Financial Markets And Services
-
Immigration
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Probate
-
Trusts
-
Elder Law
-
Bankruptcy
-
Car Accident
-
Entertainment
-
Mediation
-
Class Action
-
Debt Collection
-
Child Custody
-
Workers Compensation
-
Child Support
-
Discrimination
-
Wrongful Death
-
Foreclosure
-
Social Security & Disability
-
Copyright Application
-
Domestic Violence
-
Sexual Harassment
-
Adoption
-
Federal Crime
-
Employment / Labor
-
Divorce
-
Wrongful Termination
-
Juvenile Law
-
Debt Settlement
-
DUI / DWI
-
Sex Crime
-
Landlord & Tenant
-
Credit Repair
-
Cannabis Law
-
Construction
-
Environmental Law
-
Drug Crime
-
Life Insurance
-
Education Law
-
Corporate
-
Admiralty / Maritime
-
Constitutional Law
-
Wills
-
Contracts
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
