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28 Jan, 2019 by Kristen l. gorenberg
I've known Paul for many years and chose to have him personally represent me in my post-petition divorce matters. I know many divorce attorneys and did not choose to go back to my initial attorney, so this should resonate. Paul is extremely intelligent and is able to handle complex financial situations. He is very knowledgeable on all pertinent case law involved with divorce matters and the local civil procedure and other filing rules. He reminds me of a tax accountant who can rattle off random IRS code sections. His rates are also competitive and he can go up against any large downtown law firm and obtain great results. This I know from personal experience, as my ex-husband was represented by one of the most well-respected and often nasty law firms in downtown Chicago. He is also very sensitive to an individual's personal situation and a compassionate advocate. And most of all, he's a Mensch! I love Paul, he's the best divorce lawyer and a great friend!
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19 Aug, 2018 by Matthew
I hired Paul two years ago having used him for multiple petitions since there and have only had very positive experiences. When looking for a family law lawyer he contacted me within a day from when I sent in a request. He called me right away even though it was a Sunday to discuss the situation and gave me advice even prior to our initial consultation.
Paul is incredibly skilled and versed in Illinois family law with a very strong background and experience in practicing in Lake county and Cook county. Due to this Paul is able to give very strategic advice and was able to best possible outcome from my legal situation.
While he can be aggressive he is not a "bulldog" lawyer as he understands that law is an art and especially family law it is not always black and white so he does his best to lay out the situation, the options and the potential outcomes. He leaves it up to you to decide the best option to take but makes sure you are making an informed decision. Once you have decided how to best handle the situation he will aggressively execute on that decision but will also constantly reassess to make sure you will get the best outcome.
Paul is an amazing legal resource and adviser but he will expect you to stay in the driver seat for any legal situation. You will need to do the leg work to provide Paul all the evidence and information but he will then break the information down and advise on the best course of action.
As most legal situations are high stress Paul keeps himself incredibly open to communication and has responded to any urgent situations incredibly fast. When you hire him you have his attention and I've felt him truly care about my case and situation. I can not recall a item that it's taken more than 24 hours to get a response of call from him even on weekends and holidays.
I would highly recommend Paul and I have personally given his card to several people when they need help in family law.
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01 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Beyond brilliant! Exceptional professionalism & knowledge of the law. This is an attorney that looks out for the well being of his clients to the fullest extent & I believe, treats each & every client with the upmost respect & dedicates himself to each & every case. I would recommend this attorney over & over.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Nick is a fantastic attorney and ally. He was there for me during the most stressful time of my life. He was knowledgeable and thorough throughout each step of the process. Nick and the rest of the firm know exactly what they are doing at each and every point. Should you find yourself in need of his services, I guarantee you will be in good hands. Thanks again, Nick!
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04 Jun, 2024 by Jennifer
I just wrapped up what could have been a very difficult divorce. With the help of Attorney, Nick Pugesek of Ventrelli and Simon, I was able to dissolve my marriage with zero hiccups and was able to retain all non-marital assets.
What I appreciated most was the sensitivity given to my case and to me. This was a very difficult decision and I was treated with the utmost professionalism and compassion throughout the entire process.
Lastly, communication was spot on. I was informed throughout each phase of the process on what to expect. I am very grateful to have hired Nick. I highly recommend him.
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08 Apr, 2024 by Rose
Nick was amazing with my divorce case. He made sure to answer all my questions throughout the whole process. We hit a few bumps on the road (not to his fault) and he made sure I was aware of all my options with everything. I truly felt that he was my advocate through it all.
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24 Aug, 2017 by Lisette
One of the best attorneys in the north shore, and northwest suburbs. Knowledgeable about the law, and the judges, and always gets the results that you want as a client.
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15 Aug, 2017 by Jennifer
Mr Byer was dedicated to helping me throughout my divorce and had genuine concern and compassion for my situation. He was very honest, straightforward and went the extra mile. I highly recommend him for family law. He is very knowledgeable and cares about you and your family.
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11 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Attorney Byer's brilliance is accompanied with strong ethics and empathy for his clients. As a former client, I not only had nearly all of my expectations met after my divorce was finalized, but also at peace in knowing my attorney did his best. I am confident to say that I would recommend him to anyone.
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30 Oct, 2017 by Janice
Excellent negotiator! Always had my best interest on top. Would highly recommend!
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25 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Susan handled my property closing perfectly! I was out of town, and she made it easy for me to sell this property without even being in the state. She was great.
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02 Sep, 2015 by Marc
Susan represented my wife and I in our first home purchase. Susan was terrific! I am a lawyer myself and had a critical eye and a lot of questions. Susan is extremely knowledgeable, responsive, efficient and friendly. Our deal closed smoothly thanks to Susan's expertise. Highly recommended.
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.9
388 Reviews
13 Sep, 2024 by Ann kryshtal
I recently had the pleasure of working with Brandon Davis from The Davis Law Group, P.C., and I couldn't be happier with the outcome of my case. Brandon was able to secure a dismissal of my case, all without requiring my appearance in court. He handled everything efficiently and professionally, making the entire process stress-free for me.
Brandon's clear, timely, and informative communication gave me confidence throughout the legal proceedings. I truly appreciate the dedication and expertise he brought to my case.
I highly recommend The Davis Law Group, P.C., to anyone needing legal assistance. Brandon's commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for his clients is evident, and I'm grateful for his help.
Thank you again, Brandon, for your outstanding service!
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13 Sep, 2024 by Bill dubinski
Hiring Davis Law Group was a good sound decision to battle the Illinois Secretary of State for reinstating my driver license.
Brandon and his firm made the reinstatement process smooth as silk. Everything went perfecto mundo and not a single hitch in the gittyup.
Mr. Davis and staff was highly professional and did what it took for reinstatement in a super timely fashion.
Especially with my application being submitted while I now reside outside of Illinois.
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13 Sep, 2024 by D s
Brandon was outstanding. Excellent at communicating with us, he is very knowledgeable and professional.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Ann kryshtal
I recently had the pleasure of working with Brandon Davis from The Davis Law Group, P.C., and I couldn't be happier with the outcome of my case. Brandon was able to secure a dismissal of my case, all without requiring my appearance in court. He handled everything efficiently and professionally, making the entire process stress-free for me.
Brandon's clear, timely, and informative communication gave me confidence throughout the legal proceedings. I truly appreciate the dedication and expertise he brought to my case.
I highly recommend The Davis Law Group, P.C., to anyone needing legal assistance. Brandon's commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for his clients is evident, and I'm grateful for his help.
Thank you again, Brandon, for your outstanding service!
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13 Sep, 2024 by Bill dubinski
Hiring Davis Law Group was a good sound decision to battle the Illinois Secretary of State for reinstating my driver license.
Brandon and his firm made the reinstatement process smooth as silk. Everything went perfecto mundo and not a single hitch in the gittyup.
Mr. Davis and staff was highly professional and did what it took for reinstatement in a super timely fashion.
Especially with my application being submitted while I now reside outside of Illinois.
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13 Sep, 2024 by D s
Brandon was outstanding. Excellent at communicating with us, he is very knowledgeable and professional.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Ann kryshtal
I recently had the pleasure of working with Brandon Davis from The Davis Law Group, P.C., and I couldn't be happier with the outcome of my case. Brandon was able to secure a dismissal of my case, all without requiring my appearance in court. He handled everything efficiently and professionally, making the entire process stress-free for me.
Brandon's clear, timely, and informative communication gave me confidence throughout the legal proceedings. I truly appreciate the dedication and expertise he brought to my case.
I highly recommend The Davis Law Group, P.C., to anyone needing legal assistance. Brandon's commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for his clients is evident, and I'm grateful for his help.
Thank you again, Brandon, for your outstanding service!
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13 Sep, 2024 by Bill dubinski
Hiring Davis Law Group was a good sound decision to battle the Illinois Secretary of State for reinstating my driver license.
Brandon and his firm made the reinstatement process smooth as silk. Everything went perfecto mundo and not a single hitch in the gittyup.
Mr. Davis and staff was highly professional and did what it took for reinstatement in a super timely fashion.
Especially with my application being submitted while I now reside outside of Illinois.
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13 Sep, 2024 by D s
Brandon was outstanding. Excellent at communicating with us, he is very knowledgeable and professional.
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4.4
11 Reviews
4.9
91 Reviews
23 Aug, 2024 by Jessica payne
Wonderful class , great instructor
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18 Aug, 2024 by Kristine rumpel
Allan is a very knowledgeable attorney. Very confident in his skill, highly recommend!
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09 Jul, 2024 by Monika monika
Highly recommend Allan for your upcoming transactions . We have been very pleased with this attorney.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Jessica payne
Wonderful class , great instructor
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18 Aug, 2024 by Kristine rumpel
Allan is a very knowledgeable attorney. Very confident in his skill, highly recommend!
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09 Jul, 2024 by Monika monika
Highly recommend Allan for your upcoming transactions . We have been very pleased with this attorney.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Alison
I had the pleasure of working with Neal Simon during a very challenging time in my life. From the start, he was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and supportive. Neal took the time to understand my situation, listened carefully to my concerns, and provided clear and honest guidance throughout the entire process. Thanks to Neal's hard work, my divorce was finalized smoothly-
Alison
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17 Jun, 2024 by Jessica steele
I interviewed 13 lawyers before choosing Neal Simon to handle my divorce, and I'm very glad I did. He is very experienced, knowledgeable, respectful, and honest. He knows how to effectively de-escalate a situation, or bring down the hammer if needed. He would answer my questions thoroughly, and made sure I understood his recommendations at every step. I felt confident he was always looking out for my best interests, and would quickly take care of difficult issues as they arose. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
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04 Jun, 2024 by Kyle caulfield
Neal was my second lawyer in my divorce. The different between Neal and my first lawyer was night and day. Instantly my case got back on track, negotiations with my ex happened and were agreed to. On top of this, Neal was there for me personally as I asked many, many questions. I felt secure in a time of my life where I was at my lowest. He is a very honest lawyer and will tell you what you need to hear; no over promises, no grand statements. In fact, he has told me a few times that something wasn't worth going after.
Later in life I was remarried and Neal helped me with those nuptial agreements. He handled them professionally and with haste.
I am thankful and lucky to find Neal. If you need help navigating the tricky divorce path Neal will be there for you.
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17 Jun, 2024 by Jessica steele
I interviewed 13 lawyers before choosing Neal Simon to handle my divorce, and I'm very glad I did. He is very experienced, knowledgeable, respectful, and honest. He knows how to effectively de-escalate a situation, or bring down the hammer if needed. He would answer my questions thoroughly, and made sure I understood his recommendations at every step. I felt confident he was always looking out for my best interests, and would quickly take care of difficult issues as they arose. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
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04 Jun, 2024 by Kyle caulfield
Neal was my second lawyer in my divorce. The different between Neal and my first lawyer was night and day. Instantly my case got back on track, negotiations with my ex happened and were agreed to. On top of this, Neal was there for me personally as I asked many, many questions. I felt secure in a time of my life where I was at my lowest. He is a very honest lawyer and will tell you what you need to hear; no over promises, no grand statements. In fact, he has told me a few times that something wasn't worth going after.
Later in life I was remarried and Neal helped me with those nuptial agreements. He handled them professionally and with haste.
I am thankful and lucky to find Neal. If you need help navigating the tricky divorce path Neal will be there for you.
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19 May, 2024 by Daphne quigley
Brilliant guy and Lawyer. Very honest and works hard for his clients.
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06 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
Stay away from this lawyer! He colluded with my ex to write the final divorce decree and never explained what exactly is in the document. He does not care about his clients, just wants to make money. Puts on a good front to act as if he cares. Please note that all the good reviews were mostly from years ago.
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29 Apr, 2020 by Dave
Stay away from Michael Weiman of Weiman Silberman at all cost. He didn’t even show up for my trial which caused me to lose everything I had. When Judge Rivera asked Michael Weiman’s assistant why Mr. Weiman wasn't at trial, he said, “He's another client.” In my Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage, Judge Rivera wrote, “Moreover, co-counsel informed the court that DAVID’s counsel also had another matter to attend to elsewhere.” The judge so upset with Mr. Weiman that she started the trial without him being present. His unethical behavior cost me everything. Michael Weiman was recommended to me by a family member who was friends with both Michael and his wife. If he’s not going to be professional under those circumstances, he won’t be for you either. This is just the tip of the iceberg regarding Michael Weiman’s unprofessional conduct during my case of which I will share at a later date. For now, I recommend that you avoid Michael Weiman of Weiman Silverman at all costs, you will be so grateful that you did.
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13 Jul, 2019 by John
The best attorney in all of IL and possibly the US. Very level headed and can get things done smoothly and efficiently. Had an attorney prior that took thousands and did not accomplish a single item. Michael accomplished everything and did everything he promised. Protected my father’s rights in the parenting agreement, settled and negotiated a successful divorce settlement. Rest easy when he is at the driver seat, cause you have the best. Quick thinker and always 10 steps ahead of the other attorney. If you hire him, you have the best. If you’re going against him, be very scared. Don’t try and play hardball, you will lose.
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02 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
STAY AWAY FROM THIS LAWYER!!!!
THIS LAWYER HAS BEEN CHARGED FOR TAX FRAUD, FRAUD, LYING AND OTHER CRIMES.
SEE IARDC COMPLAINT FILED AT:
https://www.iardc.org/File/View/1444454?FileName=Complaint%3A%20In%20re%20Steven%20Messner%2C%20Matter%20Number%3A%202021PR00094.pdf
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21 Dec, 2020 by David
Steve was hired for a paternity case with my wife and her son. My wife’s ex husband signed the birth certificate. I also hired him for a bogus order of protection which was placed on my self. After taking my retainer he said we can’t win. So he charges me 1800 dollars for “research” no research was done, he already knew there was nothing he can do. So then he give me a refund and my wife hands it back him for the paternity case. An experienced family attorney should know statue of limitations on birth certificates regarding the mother and father signing. Not only did he not tell us about statue of limitations but he asked for an additional 5,000 dollars, for what? Absolutely nothing. The final outcome was, the birth certificate stands and my wife’s ex husband is the legal father father of her son, even when we had a paternity test proving my wife’s ex husband wasn’t the father, in fact we had two test done. It was all a big run around when he knew the whole time there was nothing he could argue or fight because of the statue of limitations on the the ex husband signing the birth certificate. He conned my wife and I out of 10,000$. Why wasn’t the statue brought up in the consultation, why did he need more money to continue! When he took all that money he asked where certain documents where and they were in the folder we presented to him in the consultation that he never even bothered to look at because he knew the whole time the case was not going anywhere due to statue of limitations. And of course he is unavailable after he gets paid and the case is done. Hopefully next time he can help a family and tell them the truth before he takes there money. We are not rich, i had to pull some strings to get his retainer and it set my wife and me way back. Steve didn’t care, easy money for him. Why tell his potential client the truth when he doesn’t have to do any work and collect a 5 figure check and have his paralegal file all the appearances the same days he is already in court!
The site wouldn’t let me leave no stars. He doesn’t deserve even a half of star!
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22 May, 2019 by Artur tyksinski
Steven has helped me as well as a personal friend of mine. He's been nothing but straight forward and professional and was able to work his magic. I'd recommend Steven to anyone that needs a real attorney, I was able to do everything I needed to ahead of time thanks to his advice.
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09 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
Be careful..Big talker, not much action. I'm not sure he ever read anything I gave him and he sure wasns't in tuine with what I wanted. Spent a lot of time wondering why I wouldn't agree to be railroaded.
Slow returning emails and phone calls. Quick sending bills.
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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.
