Lawyers map
>278
experienced lawyers
Filter by
04 Dec, 2023 by Desiree
MISLEADING, MISREPRESENTATION, CALL AVOIDANCE
GWC has gotten away with thousands upon thousands of dollars mishandling our cases! Kenny Goza misled and misrepresented us (my husband and I) for two years, and now is avoiding our calls, and emails. What a terrible mistake it was trusting GWC Lawyers with our cases. I regret hiring him so, so much…
At the very start of our cases, he gave us a list of things to be completed and guaranteed that as long as said list was all done neither one of us would see the inside of a jail cell (his words). So, we hired him. We completed every little thing he said was required, and still my husband got put behind bars. They gave my husband, a disabled veteran with spinal injuries who treats his pain with cannabis, 5 years to serve for cultivating cannabis. We had too many plants growing at a time and Kenny didn’t even bring up having the plants for THC. Most of them were only clones and didn’t even produce THC at that stage.
Mr. Goza did not fight for us one bit. He didn’t even attempt to plea down our charges. We did everything he advised us to do that he claimed would help our case (which incurred fees not included in his nearly $20,000 fee). We thought we were in good hands, and boy, were we so wrong.
On several occasions he called us by the wrong names. Two years of going to court with this guy and he never even bothered getting our names right. One time he sent me home from court with someone else's sensitive court documents (which I returned). I didn’t even realize they weren’t mine until I got home. He's disorganized; and you can tell by how he holds himself in court that he's very lazy. He always rushed through our questions before court and showed up with only 5 minutes to spare before court began. He was almost 2 hours late for one of our hearings and had no one contact us to let us know he’d be running late.
We never missed a payment, and our cases were paid in full long before they were finished. He made sure to mention that he needed payment (not exaggerating) before every single court hearing until it was paid off. He asked for half up front and said the other half could be paid in installments. Every one of our court dates he claimed that the minimum payment wouldn’t do and that we’d have to figure out how to get larger payments to him, which we did.
Kenny Goza claimed he wasn’t aware of the evidence that would be presented at my husband’s sentencing hearing. Evidence that swayed the judge’s decision against him in the end. Evidence that we, given an inkling of an opportunity to submit the document, could have proved was from a legitimate source. A simple bank statement showing a one-time deposit of inheritance money my husband’s recently deceased grandmother had left him. The judge said it had to have been drug money.
After the judge had sentenced my husband, I was beside myself in tears. Kenny Goza said to call him if I had any more questions. Kenny wasn’t even able to get his sentencing paperwork either. Well, I had some follow-up questions for Mr. Goza but now he's AVOIDING MY CALLS!! Several times I have called his office and left messages with his secretary. She always takes my name and number, and says he’ll get back to me just as soon as he’s able. I’ve tried to call outside of court hours, and outside of lunch break times. I’ve tried emailing him, but still nothing. I’ve not received a single return communication from him since that day.
Kenny Goza had no problem taking/returning our calls when we were still paying on what we owed for his crappy services!!
What a heartless, slimy dog this guy is! I don't know how he sleeps at night after what he's done to our family! I wish negative stars were a thing. Don’t waste your time or money trusting these scoundrels.
Read more
03 Dec, 2023 by Christina
He signed the unilateral, Unfair agreement decree written by opposite Counsels after I fired him, a Lawyer Outside of legal authority and with the explicit opposition of the client and outside of his client's interests. Also, he hid the fraudulent documents of my ex-husband regards Alimony. As a result, he proved me $800,000,00, after a while convinced me to settle with 300,000,00, and finally signed that agreed decree; I received zero dollars, and my ex picked up my car in front of my door, and he like a spoiled child didn’t answer my contact and now I went to appeal court to follow my case and fix his messy.
Read more
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.
