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14 Sep, 2017 by Amy
Shelia Duffy did an excellent job handling my divorce. She was extremely patient and professional and answered all of my questions when I needed clarification. She took time out of her day to take my calls and made this unpleasant situation more bearable. Thank you Shelia for doing such a great job!!
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11 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
She walked us through the paperwork. It was prepared in accordance with our agreed upon settlement. Sheila made the process as painless as it could be. Thanks, Sheila.
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28 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Great attorney works hard and gets done what he says he will. I was very happy with his service and he is very nice. Did a wonderful job and would recomend him to anyone.
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15 May, 2023 by Elliut pallens
14 Aug, 2021 by Janet graff
Joan is a compassionate and caring attorney. She fights for her clients and for what is right. We are deeply indebted to her. She is a blessing.
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14 Jun, 2018 by Tiffany bond
Joan was amazing in holding my hand through my divorce. As my legal voice, she had my best interests the entire time. He couldn't take advantage of me. Joan simply wouldn't stand for it. From our first meeting in early July, I was divorced by the end of October. Thank you Joan and team.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Michelle toivonen
I came to Michael for help with my divorce after struggling with another attorney. Michael was clear, compassionate, reasonably priced and helped me to achieve an outcome I was very happy with. I wholeheartedly recommend using Gareau & Associates.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Melissa novak
Errors get made in simple documents such as putting one date or dollar amount on the proposed document but then another on the final judgement entry. However, when the errors are pointed out you get charged for the additional communication and time to correct items that should not have been incorrect in the first place, essentially charging the client for doing their job for them. Try proof reading your documents before sending them to people to review and sign. Michelle is demeaning and acts superior just because she has a law degree. It is unacceptable to treat others like they are incompetent or stupid just because that person is not your signed client. Maybe try a different area of law that does not require you to deal with people directly in an emotional situation. Rather unprofessional to tell a client that you have 15 min to go over documents because you scheduled another appointment so close to theirs and if they have too many questions they will have to reschedule. Well, maybe provide ALL documents to be reviewed, including the exhibits, so they don’t have to ask to see those at the meeting you failed to allow enough time for. Your lack of planning shouldn’t result in a rescheduling for the client currently sitting in front of you. Not to mention the rudeness when asked to see all documents being filed with the court. Be open, honest and forthcoming instead and maybe these things wouldn’t happen. I mean after the clerical errors in the main documents should a person really trust you to have the exhibits correct? Would never recommend this lawyer to even my worst enemy.
Updated post reply: Regardless if I was the signed client or not, the errors were real. Dollar amounts were noted in the documents but not carried correctly to the judgment entry. Not sure if that was just incompetence or a bait and switch factor. Again, she then charged her client for me doing her job for her. Making corrections to things that should not have been wrong in the first place. Maybe if they slowed down and proof read things this would not happen. Also, the incident with the meeting did happen also. So regardless if my being a signed client or not, what I wrote is still accurate. Seems odd that even though I wasn’t paying her bill I still believe the quality of representation lacked. Truth is truth. Nothing I wrote was inaccurate, which is evident by their reply because the only rebuttal the firm had was that I was not their client. Ok, but I did have the misfortune of working with them and it was a less than stellar experience.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Sam aborne
I found Yanok Law through Hyatt Legal Plan through work and used her for estate planning. She was able to provide sound advice and help me secure assets and set up my health care power of attourney. We worked over the phone until signing. She did not charge extra for notary!! I was so happy with the service.
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08 Apr, 2024 by Michael mcgrath
This attorney is very disrespectful.Refuses to move my mother out of nursing home which abuses her He was laughing about it telling me my family.We need to let her pass away I would not recommend using stephen wolf for anything He is disrespectful, he does not belong in this business.He belongs in prison All he talks about is money And the judge allows him to do this.They're working together.She hands selected him which is completely illegal.....
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08 Apr, 2024 by Will
Very disrespectful and ignorant Has absolutely no respect.
And all he talks about is money I do not recommend this attorney for anything. There's many high quality very nice attorneys out here. This is not one of them
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18 Apr, 2023 by Ray delmoko
My unscrupulous brother - let's call him Joe L. - walked into my mother's nursing home room when she was clearly incompetent and had her sign over her Power Of Attorney using a generic P.O.A form "the internet made" for him. Unfortunately, the court system didn't have the grapes to flat out tell him you can't do that, so myself and my 3 siblings had to go to court to get the POA that "the internet made" for him thrown out.
In doing so, the court assigned Mr. Wolf as the guardian for my mother. Mr. Wolf visited my mother for an entire 20 minutes and DID NOT reach out to any of her children to ask what we thought would be in the best interest FOR OUR MOTHER before he made any life altering decisions for her. In the meantime, my sister put a deposit down at Cardinal Court in Strongsville. They offered memory care, rehab for the healing leg my mother had broken and a clean, caring environment - all of which was the complete opposite of O'Neill Healthcare. Through our lawyers, we filed an emergency injunction to have my mother moved to Cardinal Court.
Keep in mind, 4 of her 5 children were PLEADING to have their mother moved from O'Neill Healthcare to Cardinal Court. Mr. Wolf, with his complete lack of understanding and wisdom, decided that it wouldn't be good for my mom to move from O'Neill Healthcare to a facility that would actually care about her because "it would cause confusion" to a woman who was already suffering at the hands of dementia and Alzheimer's.
Before making his egregious decision to let my mother rot at O'Neill Healthcare of Middleburg Hts., Mr. Wolf confessed to our lawyers "I sure wouldn't want to be trapped at O'Neill." Mr. Wolf also conceded that my mother was indeed incompetent and could not make decisions for herself. In the same decision, Mr. Wolf said that he asked my mother where she wanted to go and she said she didn't care - so he took that as O'Neill was ok with her. Read that again - Mr. Wolf AGREED THAT MY MOTHER WAS INCOMPETENT AND THEN ASKED AND TOOK THE WORD OF MY INCOMPETENT MOTHER ON WHERE TO PLACE HER. Makes you wonder who the incompetent one actually was in that situation, huh?
While my mother was held captive by "Joe L." and Mr. Wolf, she "fell out of bed" and broke her other leg; thus ensuring that she would be confined to bed for the rest of her life. She also lost so much blood that she had to be rushed to the E.R. for an emergency transfusion of 4 units of blood.
Hopefully whoever is in charge of Mr. Wolf's final days decide to let him rot at O'Neill of Middleburg Heights. Myself and my family will never forgive him for the misguided and reprehensible decisions he made while being in charge of my mother's care.
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10 Apr, 2019 by Sarah ellen
Mr. Lentz is AMAZING! He helped me with my divorce in 2010 and is currently helping me with something else.
He's a great person, reliable, and brutally honest.
He might not be everyone's cup of tea but give him the opportunity to represent you! :).
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03 Aug, 2018 by Rhonda
Unprofessional, rude, arrogant, sneaky, and a liar. He didn't show up to a court hearing 4/19 that was scheduled two months prior. He was at least 30 min late to the other court hearings. Blatantly LIED in court!!! Horrible, horrible "man"
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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.
