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18 Oct, 2024 by Ron allen
Annie and Bob Beles (the two lead attorneys of the firm) were both very helpful in my case. I faced very serious criminal charges. Annie was my lead attorney. Without her great legal expertise and spunky street smarts, I would have been falsely convicted and sent to prison, after a terribly contentious and emotional trial. Thank you both, for saving my life! I highly recommend this firm!!!
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25 Jul, 2023 by Kefi ho
Rude
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06 May, 2022 by P lo
03 Apr, 2019 by Mario
Very accommodating, sharp and honest.
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11 Oct, 2016 by Vl hudson
Not sure about the secretary; however, Sandra Banks handled my divorce - contentious and with a high-level public official - and prevailed against the good-ole-boys-club mentality of him and his "male" attorney. Not only did I get more than I ever imagined, she was a rock of emotionally support during the most horrendous time of my life (my ex put me in the ER with his violence). Sandra knows her stuff....and is a great lady of class. Would recommend her to anyone.
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13 Dec, 2010 by Anonymous
Poor outcome with my case. Seek a better recommendation from AVVO or state bar website.
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19 May, 2023 by A ibarra
23 Dec, 2022 by Ehsan k
Extremely unethical and unprofessional attorney. She’s a jack of all trades but master of none. She claims to be a family/marriage therapist as well as an attorney, among other professions. She will take your money without earning it! I don’t recommend her at all!!
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07 Nov, 2022 by Eli zaturanski
15 Jun, 2023 by Damián preciado
I've had the opportunity to learn about NYCL programs and the care they take in delivering services. Really impressed by both the professionalism and the attention to detail in helping youth of different backgrounds accross the US.
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25 Aug, 2019 by Holly cooper
They work around the clock fighting for children. I have worked closely with them for years and never seen more dedicated lawyers.
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30 Apr, 2019 by Ellie?
THIS PLACE SUCKS (NO)
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10 Sep, 2018 by Thomas
In family law court I highly recommend Sylvia Woods if you want to hire a lawyer. I am sure her knowledge and reputation there helped to assist in the positive outcome of my divorce and difficult child custody case earlier this year. She cut to the chase and maximized our time strategizing, which was a breath of fresh air for me. She is very caring and responsive so I felt like my case was important to her. Her staff is very nice and efficient which I know cut my costs. They helped me get documents I needed and always answered my questions.The other thing is Sylvia thinks all angles and figures things out. She helped us come up with agreements instead of going to court about everything.
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19 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
The worst money blood sucker Attorney. I would never recommend anyone to this attorney. I hired her to do my divorce and custody. All she did was talk and took all my money, including my retirement money. Then she bailed out and substituted herself out on my court date. I had to resolve my divorce by myself and filed for a bankruptcy. Then she had the nerve to send her assistant to show up at my bankruptcy court date but the judge didn’t listen to what her assistant had to say!! Karma will get her!!
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24 Sep, 2017 by Michael
Yes I was referred by another lawyer to Law Offices of Sylvia Woods she can be intimidating that was my main factor to go with her . She sorted out out my problem . Take my word she is the go to person call her like I did . I am very happy . I owe you at least a review for what you did for my case . Winner . Thanks again !!!
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13 Jun, 2024 by Sai
Fulvio is a top notch Bay Area employment attorney. He is extremely knowledgeable in his areas of practice. He took a lot of time listening to and understanding the intricacies of my case before offering advice. He is very accessible and cares more about the long term goals and well being of his clients.
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20 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
I reached out for a consultation never heard back. I was told the receptionist was going to reached out it’s been a few weeks and I have yet to heard back. I have seen retain a new lawyer.
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22 Apr, 2020 by Paige
Fulvio answered the phone during a time where all of our calls were going to answering machines. He is kind and straight to the point. He is easy to talk to and listened to all of our concerns. Fulvio offered very helpful insight and relieved as much of our stress as possible. In our situation we called with no clue as to how we were going to handle our situation and after the call we had a plan. A huge thank you again, and we would highly recommend reaching out to Fulvio.
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26 Aug, 2014 by Ronald
Howard prepared a Living Trust and Wills for us a few years ago. He was also available to make some adjustments to the documents with the County Recorder when we applied for a home Refi. Howard is very professional and follows up on all details.
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26 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Referred to him by BAR low income 'modest means' program ($35 paid for initial consult that is free from many other attnys). He ended up giving me a lot of lame reasons why he didn't want to help ("You probably wouldn't pay; Many low income clients don't pay their bills")... Unless I paid full regular price, with a full retainer; which, by the way, increased from his prior quote. Not a feel-good encounter, to put it mildly. I felt upset, insulted, and like I needed another shower after our mtg.
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07 Mar, 2022 by Jose
I was referred to this lawyer by my insurance company. I had a simple task at hand for him to complete but he had to overcomplicate things. He was slow from the beginning. When he finally got around to business, he drafted a contract and then asked me to review it. When I had a basic question about the contract, he advised:
"If you don't want me to be your lawyer. That's fine.
Good Luck with your future endeavors."
I never said that I didn't want him to be my lawyer but with that comment I took him up on his offer without hesitation.
This lawyer came across as childish, overly emotional and unprofessional to me.
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22 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
Hien is a very kind lawyer, and there is not too many out there! I hired a cunning lawyer at San Mateo for over thousands of dollars, who messed up my case and he never showed up at court for over 5 times, he only had his assistant to show-up and kept postponing my case. I could not stand taking days off from work for nothing, so i hired Hien. He was great, efficient, and help me settle my case quickly. Not to mention, he got my money back from the cunning attorney!!!!! Hien is the best!!!!
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13 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
I am a woman and she does not have concern for another woman (me).
1. She is always on vacations.
2. It is so hard to get a reply from her.
3. Even after emailing 6 times (for three months), she did not send the judgment papers. I was thinking the judgment did not arrive yet. After 3 months she just emailed that "She thought she sent the email"
5. Irresponsible lawyer ever.
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19 Jan, 2021 by Bari
The worst lawyer you could hire for your divorce. She is a lifestyle lawyer - constantly on vacation and does not care. She is incompetent - and easily intimidated by her opposing counsel. After I fired her - the next time in court the opposing attorney said, "He fired her because she used to agree with everything I said." This lawyer cost me loads of money as she made all the wrong decisions and hurt my kids as even when they gave their testimonies - she could not take action as she "was listening to the opposing attorney who was like her friend."
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16 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I agree completely with the review commenting on unresponsiveness of the lawyer. She stated she was reviewing documents, filing paperwork on certain dates and I would find out later when I would reach out to communicate with her that she has not completed anything. She lacked communication and did not follow through on her word. Divorce is already a stressful process and she has made it more stressful. She is unreliable and does not prioritize your case until you are on her case about it. She continued to charge me on a monthly basis for nothing. I would not recommend her to anyone. Compared to other cases, my case was pretty straightforward and yet she is not getting the job done. I am not happy at all with the services. Very poor customer service.
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13 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
I will be suing this lawyer. She is money hungry, she did NOTHING for my case. Asked the judge for an extension of my case (therefore forcing us to go to court twice), then never talked to me until the day BEFORE we were due in court. Her documents had my name misspelled, my daughter's name misspelled, my profession wrong. She showed up to court unprepared. And at the end, after doing absolutely NOTHING charged me 14K. She is unprofessional, unreliable, and just made my life even harder. Do not hire her.
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11 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Is only concerned about getting paid. Lies about fees and makes promises that she does not fulfill. Once she's paid she does little to get a proper settlement. I ended up paying her a huge sum of money and barely broke even. I would have done better without her, since I did all the negotions, and convinced my X to settle. This attorney is known for gouging her clients and giving little or nothing in return. I would never recommend her to any one. At the final settlment conference she lied to me and told me that I was done with all my payments, then called me the next day stating that I owed more money.
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19 May, 2022 by Rose
Working with this lawyer was a very heartbreaking experience. This person was completely unprofessional with clients as well as biased. This attorney represented my children whom were and are being neglected and in the process focused on my livelihood instead of the well-being and best interest of my children. My daughter now has a permanent disability and my son suffers from psychological issues due to this attorneys lack of concern in addressing my concerns to the court. Since our court proceeding this attorney has not followed up to see if my children are being nurtured nor has she done the do diligence to inform the courts of the current neglect and abuse. Also, their has not been a follow up with education or health care professionals. This persons attitude and demeanor does not constitute what people require in an attorney! Upon our initial interview I noticed how the attorneys focus was more concerning the other parent involved which had no bearing on my children's success.
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08 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Ms. Goldman wasted 7 months of my time and money. She did little to advance my case, failing to solicit the Court's assistance in setting deadlines. The last straw was when she agreed with the other party's lawyer to change course without consulting me first! I am very disappointed by her lack of representation and found her incapable of defending my interests.
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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.
