Lawyers map
>352
experienced lawyers
Filter by
08 Oct, 2024 by Alexander taylor
02 Oct, 2024 by Cherena wilding
100% worth every penny! Rich has wonderful communication, he made our complicated divorce a complete walk in the park! He was very clear as to what needed to be done on our part, and what he would be submitting to the courts and every step he needed to take next, I absolutely loved the service here and again 100% recommend Rich!
Read more
20 Sep, 2024 by Bryan nichols
Richard Hathaway was extremely helpful, honest, and very professional with my case. He provided the quality that I expected and even more. I highly recommend him and Hathaway Law. 🤝
Read more
08 Oct, 2024 by Alexander taylor
02 Oct, 2024 by Cherena wilding
100% worth every penny! Rich has wonderful communication, he made our complicated divorce a complete walk in the park! He was very clear as to what needed to be done on our part, and what he would be submitting to the courts and every step he needed to take next, I absolutely loved the service here and again 100% recommend Rich!
Read more
20 Sep, 2024 by Bryan nichols
Richard Hathaway was extremely helpful, honest, and very professional with my case. He provided the quality that I expected and even more. I highly recommend him and Hathaway Law. 🤝
Read more
08 Oct, 2024 by Alexander taylor
02 Oct, 2024 by Cherena wilding
100% worth every penny! Rich has wonderful communication, he made our complicated divorce a complete walk in the park! He was very clear as to what needed to be done on our part, and what he would be submitting to the courts and every step he needed to take next, I absolutely loved the service here and again 100% recommend Rich!
Read more
20 Sep, 2024 by Bryan nichols
Richard Hathaway was extremely helpful, honest, and very professional with my case. He provided the quality that I expected and even more. I highly recommend him and Hathaway Law. 🤝
Read more
17 Aug, 2024 by V c
Out of everyone I contacted Alton was the most helpful. He was patient, resourceful, and communicative. I was able to put things into his hands and he definitely came through for me. I feel very fortunate to have come across his profile. Very glad I reached out. I highly recommend his services. Thanks Alton.
Read more
08 Dec, 2022 by Josh jolton
I had a small legal matter that I needed a "general practice" attorney for. Mr. Mitchell clearly demonstrates the attributes you want in an attorney. He was very open, honest, and candid with me— the very definition of a "straight shooter". Navigating the legal process for the issue I brought to him was practically effortless. I will definitely return to Mr. Mitchell in the future should I have any legal needs going forward.
Read more
27 Jun, 2022 by R. b.
Alton did a wonderful job and was extremely knowledgeable on the process. I highly recommend his services!
Read more
03 Jun, 2024 by Shaun vetick
Brad Marsicek did an excellent job for me with my custody case. He provided excellent advice and represented me very well.
I highly recommend him.
Read more
19 Mar, 2024 by Erik myers
Brad Marsicek is as solid as they come. If you’re looking for a straight up and honest, hardworking, thorough and professional Family/Divorce/Custody attorney, then look no farther. Brad at Goosman Law is your guy!
Read more
08 Feb, 2024 by Jessica moses
I've worked with several custody attorneys over the years and have never found one who was on top of things and responsive like Brad is! He will be honest with you and negotiates fiercely on your behalf. I absolutely recommend him for custody issues!
Read more
01 Sep, 2022 by Nasim hussein
I’ve hired Mr.Hall for my case with the company I was working with, and Mr. Hall helped me a lot, and explained me everything about whole process, he started working with the insurance company until we got the deal we’re looking for . It was very quick case.
I do appreciate what he did for me.
For sure highly recommended.
I would give him 10 ⭐️ but the scale is not only 5.
Thanks Mr.Hall.
Read more
05 Aug, 2022 by Michael
Good guy called and reminded me on his time. Appreciate his cander.
,
Michael Ryan Burris
Read more
04 Aug, 2022 by Susie
Mr. Hall took our case after my husband and I had been shut down by several other attorneys, it was deemed a no win case right away. He listened to us, where no other legal office would even talk to us. He took our case and he Won! This is all we wanted, to be proven that we were wronged by the group were we suing. That meant more to us than any amount of money, we were wronged, Mr Hall agreed with us and against all odds, he Won, we Won. We are grateful we found him.
Read more
12 Apr, 2018 by Deborah
Jill was referred to us by a professional colleague. We hired Jill to handle a very complicated estate after the passing of our Mother. She has been our saving grace throughout this difficult and long process. I truly do not know what our family would have done without Jill's expertise, patience, responsiveness, and results oriented approach. She has been there every step of the way to answer our many questions, and provide us with the much needed counsel and guidance. Jill has also been our advocate in helping us deal with complex tax issues and a family farm business. I cannot say enough good things about Jill. She is professional, articulate, extremely skilled and knowledgeable, and an excellent communicator. There are no words to express our gratitude for everything Jill has done for our family.
Read more
08 Apr, 2018 by Mike
Jill was recommended to me from a friend of our family thru my son Michael who past away unexpectedly in July 2016. Jill remained open to supporting me thru-out this difficult time of losing my son. She was very supportive with all the legal requirements that I had to complete, from helping me be named executor, removing his mother from the probate, liquidating his assets, managing the assets & debts, to finalizing the required documents, presenting to the court both prior and at my actual court hearing/closing on 3/27/18. Jill always was very professional in working all the issues with me. I would highly recommend to anyone needing this kind of legal process.
Thank You again Jill M.
Read more
20 Mar, 2018 by Frances
I have worked with Jill twice now. She helped to modify an existing parenting plan and child support order and when the need arose to enforce the support order I hired her again. She's been fantastic throughout the process, twice! She is very knowledgeable, walks you through the process so that you feel comfortable, and is very prompt to respond to questions. She is always well prepared and professional with all parties involved. Would definitely recommend her services to anyone in need of representation.
Read more
21 Aug, 2024 by Jazmin curiel
Best attorney I’ve ever worked with. Hands down.
Read more
06 Aug, 2024 by Cordarro watkins
This is a good attorney I like his personality I like his work he do everything to fight for your case and to prove your innocent and I will always hire him again. I want to thank you for everything Mr Benjamin Lee bramblett for being there for my friend and being his lawyer keep up the good work and I will hire you again thank you!!!!!!!!🤙🤙
Read more
02 Jun, 2024 by Serenity stennis
BB was appointed to work on my wife case. He listened to our story and did everything he could to help us and did very well doing it. I recommend.
Read more
02 Apr, 2020 by Kristy
I hired Mike as my attorney for my divorce. I couldn't of asked for a better attorney. My divorce was done in less than a year considering how time consuming it was and having a very petty and greedy ex. The outcome was exactly what I had hoped for.
Mike and his staff are excellent, informative, knowledgeable, straight to the point and most of all compassionate. Mike wants what is best for his clients and goes above and beyond the call of duty to make that happen. He also gets back to you in a very timely manner.
He helped me greatly through my divorce and was there every step of the way. I highly recommend Michael Pistillo be the attorney that people go to. He is exactly what one needs in an attorney.
Read more
19 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
Michael is honest, straightforward, and gets is great at explaining how he sees things. Every piece of evidence that I gave to Michael was reviewed and he gave me honest feedback, even if it wasn't what I wanted to hear. I never felt that Michael wasn't looking out for my best interest of that of my case. His tenacity in the courtroom is inspiring and gives you a level of comfort that he can help. When I hired Michael to help me with a custody case of my daughter, I never thought half of the things he was able to accomplish would be possible.
Read more
19 Mar, 2020 by Virginia
Michael has represented me in several matters. He was very thorough with information gathering to reach pleasing outcome.
Read more
12 Jun, 2024 by Brian baker
12 Jun, 2024 by Megan goldston
05 Oct, 2023 by Marci b
We are very grateful for the assistance that Jim and Lynette provided our family. My father was injured in a work-related accident over nine years ago, which Harris & Associates helped settle at that time. Recently we contacted their firm for assistance responding to a recovery letter from Medicare. Jim and Lynette reviewed the case and provided the necessary documentation to Medicare within a short timeframe, resolving the issue.
Read more
09 May, 2023 by Mina
He helped with a name change. He was quick to respond, super helpful and made it easy as pie. I highly recommend him for anything. Hes very smart and charming as well.
Read more
27 Jan, 2023 by Crystal
Taylor helped me with my contracts. He had a challenge because it was an area he never worked in. My contracts are beautifully done and easy to understand!
Read more
27 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
I'm happy for having hired Taylor to represent me. He is respectful, professional, and a human being, which was the very first reason I chose to work with him. I had conversations with some other attorneys, and did feel some of them handle clients more like something rather than someone. I'm extremely grateful that Taylor was highly responsive and responsible when an unpredicted time-sensitive item came up and needed to be tackled. It was resolved greatly thanks to Taylor's help. I'm also glad that all the valuable help came with a reasonable price.
Read more
28 Dec, 2023 by Kayana cokes
03 Nov, 2023 by Deandre freeman sr
Number 1 go too lawyer
Read more
13 May, 2022 by Gary hogan
Works for you
Read more
01 Apr, 2021 by Tammy b
I spoke with Leigha about various child custody questions and concerns that I was having with the other parent. She was honest, polite and up front on all of the possible outcomes. These characteristics are so important in a lawyer when one needs to go to family court. Thank you, Leigha!
Read more
23 Mar, 2021 by Noel
I have nothing but positive things to say about Leigha and everyone else I came in contact with at High&YounesLLC. I honestly don't know what I would have done without Leigha. She did such a great job on my custody case. She is professional, hard working, articulate. I really cannot thank her enough for everything she has done for me I really appreciated what an attentive listener she was and I never felt judged when sensitive material was brought to the table in my long drawn out custody case. Ms Wichelt worked with me every step of the way and I felt as though she respected and took into consideration my feelings, thoughts and opinions. She always gave great legal advice and I commended her for being reasonable and realistic about potential outcomes. As one can imagine in certain cases, such as a custody case or divorce, emotions can become heightened and she was always a sound voice of reason yet remained focused on the goal. She was always a perfect balance of professional and also very approachable. She always got back to me in a timely manner which was important to me. Leigha exceeded my needs as an attorney and I'm very grateful to her for that. I would, and have, highly recomended her and her team for any of your legal needs.
Read more
23 Mar, 2021 by Adam
I have been using Leigha as my legal counsel for almost a year now. She works so tirelessly to ensure her clients are heard, as well as making sure they understand the process. She always responds in a timely manner and is always up front and honest. I will definitely recommend her to anyone seeking legal counsel for their situation and I am certainly grateful to have her on my side of the court.
Read more
21 Oct, 2016 by Gabriel
I went through 6 lawyers who talked a lot but didn't or wouldn't do anything for my situation.
Within two weeks of hiring Mr. Kennedy, he did more for me and my custody case than the last 8 years.
He knows what he is talking about and doing. I would never recommend any other lawyer.
If you need help, I highly recommend Mr Kennedy.
Read more
01 Nov, 2015 by Shane
Mike was an awesome attorney. He made everything very easy to understand and easy. He also took on my case when lots of others would have not or given up. I am lucky to have found him.
Read more
25 Oct, 2015 by Lw
As a father in the middle of a divorce, Mr Kennedy's judicial knowledge and ability to navigate the divorce court system made this very difficult period bearable. His understand of father (and mother) rights is second to none. There isn't an attorney in Omaha that I would trust more with my personal legal matters than Mr Kennnedy. On top of this knowledge and experience, his rates and time are very fair and reasonable. Do yourself a favor and utilize this attorney for your legal needs, you will have peace of mind knowing you've hired the best man for the job.
Read more
22 Aug, 2023 by John
From the beginning, Mr. Hoffman inspired confidence. I know professional pride when I see it. That confidence turned out to be justified. Frankly, I did not expect a good outcome when my case started. In dealing with a contentious divorce that I did not want, and having never been to court in my life, Ryan kept me focused on the things that mattered. He was methodical and persistent, and I ended up with a very satisfactory judgement. Rates were reasonable.
Read more
31 Aug, 2021 by Bryan
Ryan Hoffman has worked on several cases of mine from divorce to a couple of criminal cases he pulled off incredible results. Best attorney in Omaha at a great value.
Bryan Berger
Read more
26 Jan, 2021 by Eric penn
Ryan Hoffman was very professional and committed to resolving my custody matter. He exceeded my expectations about hiring a lawyer, custody and the unknown. Great service and excellent results. Recommended highly for men and women.
Read more
02 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
Since I seem to be a frequent flyer with frequent custody issues, Dez handled my case with compassion, communication and did a great job
Read more
24 Feb, 2021 by Stephanie
Deziree Medina worked on our case for Guardianship of our son when he turned 19. He is autistic. She was wonderful to work with, always prompt with getting us information and answers to our questions. She was very helpful threw the whole process and always easy to understand what legal work she was doing or what she needed from us.
Read more
19 Jun, 2019 by Danielle
Deziree was a excellent attorney. So thankful I found a good one. Quick to answer emails and get back to me. She was very detailed with my modification of my parenting plan. Made everything clear and cut and fixed all the grey areas that were a problem. She was very honest in what she thought and I all around highly recommend her.
Read more
20 May, 2016 by Alan
Great office with amazing people!!!! Really appreciate all the hard work the WHOLE Office put in on our case. Very dedicated group. Thanks so much!!!
Read more
20 May, 2016 by Austin
In November, 2013, I first met Andrea regarding my unborn son. My ex decided to cut all contact from me and not let me know anything about the pregnancy. Andrea sent my ex a few letters that my ex ignored. Eventually my son was born in January of 2014. I was not notified. I missed the birth of my own child and the first 4 months of his life because as soon as my ex got the 'okay' from her doctor she left the state. As soon as my ex contacted me asking if I wanted to meet our son, Andrea was on the ball making sure we served her while she was in the state of Nebraska. Of course, the first few court dates the judge granted that jurisdiction be in the state my ex said she was living in. The judge didn't look at all the facts either. (Was not really living in said state at all. Just making it seem like it.) Andrea asked for a re-hearing after the first hearing. Same result from the same judge. We then filed an appeal with the State of Nebraska. In the meantime things had changed and my son had been in Nebraska for an extended period of time so Andrea recommended having her served again. We did, got a different judge who saw what was being done and looked at all the facts. I was able to get some parenting time and overnights in November, 2015. (My case was complicated with jurisdiction which is why this all took as long as it did.) We got a new court date for March, 2016. We were scheduled to have trial. Before we made it to trial, we had depositions with my ex and her attorney. During depositions, Andrea was prepared, on the ball, and adamant to get me what I deserved as a father. My ex's true colors showed along with all the facts. Andrea did such an awesome job, we didn't even make it to trial. My ex agreed to me having 50/50 JOINT & PHYSICAL custody within that week.
Andrea is passionate about what she does and showed compassion during the whole process. Andrea never made me feel like I was just another client. She truly cared about the best interests for me & my son.
After our first hearing I remember and will never forget sitting in the courthouse with my family when Andrea came out & told us that the judge denied Nebraska having jurisdiction. I was so confused/mad/sad, I instantly started crying. Andrea cried with me, hugged me, and told me what we were going to do next. That day showed me that Andrea genuinely cared about me and my situation. Her staff is helpful, always on the ball with returning messages, and just as awesome as Andrea.
If anyone ever tells me they need a good attorney, I'm sending them to Andrea. She is truly the best!! I was blessed to meet her and thank God everyday I did.
Read more
08 Apr, 2016 by Valma
Ms. McChesney worked diligently for my divorce case. She showed me compassion through the divorce. Ms. McChesney is an excellent lawyer and she was always prepared for trial. I am grateful for what she has done in my case.
Read more
12 Apr, 2017 by Devin
Mrs Contryman was very professional but also very personable. I would certainly use her and recommend her to friends and family.
Read more
01 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
My wife and I were separated and had discussed divorce. We had both agreed that we did not want our divorce to turn "ugly" and wanted to remain amicable. We sat down with Kristin and discussed our options for moving forward. Kristin did a great job explaining all of our options and answering our questions. We decided to move forward with mediation, and had Kristin mediate our divorce. Although some stuff was still difficult to work through, Kristin was nothing but neutral, fair and professional. She assisted us in generating options when we felt stuck, and my wife and I were able to come to an agreeable settlement. I highly recommend mediation and using Kristin Contryman if you are going through a divorce. We were very satisfied!
Read more
30 Jul, 2013 by Timothy
Kristin helped us during a very stressful time. We felt understood and she listened to everything we told her taking all of our concerns into consideration. We left every meeting with Kristin feeling knowledgeable about our case. I would recommend Kristin to anyone with a family law issue!
Read more
14 Mar, 2016 by Lori
I consulted Jerry Sena regarding a problem with a will and an estate. Mr. Sena responded in a quick manner and consulted other attorneys in his firm in giving advice on how to proceed with my problem. His consultation was free. I would recommend him and would use him again in the future if needed.
Read more
16 Feb, 2016 by Tammy
Jerry handled a case for me with me excellent results. He was very professional & knowledgeable, easy to reach by phone and returned calls & e-mails promptly. He kept me well advised during the process and made sure I received the best deal possible. He is very proficient in his work and dedicates himself 100%. I have referred many people to him, who were very happy with their results as well. I would highly recommend him for any legal matter.
Read more
15 Feb, 2016 by Kris
I hired Jerry Sena to handle my divorce. He is extremely helpful, and answered my many questions about the process. He is affordable, and promptly returns phone calls and emails.
I highly recommend Jerry Sena!
Read more
06 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
A wonderful and supportive advocate! Sarah was very kind, patient and informative when explaining all of the options for my modification matter - from mediation to litigation - to ultimately and optimally what happened, an out of court settlement. I got everything I was hoping to be awarded. Despite difficult communication from the opposing counsel, Sarah remained professional and composed and encouraged me to do the same. Sarah provided excellent and efficient communication throughout the case and has an amazing support staff that was always helpful.
It was a highly emotional time for myself and children, but we came out stronger and closer and I'm forever grateful. I would highly recommend Sarah and McGill Law to anyone needing a compassionate family law attorney and firm.
Read more
16 May, 2022 by Jessica
I hired to Sarah Barnhill to represent me in a hearing to return to my maiden name (years after divorce),
She was incredibly knowledgeable, supportive and kind. I knew what to expect at the hearing and how to address the judge. She also told me what the next steps were to change my name with Social Security and the DMV etc.
I appreciated her work and would happily refer her to any of my friends that might need a family attorney in the future.
Read more
09 Mar, 2015 by Jennifer
Carrie is not only an amazingly smart and talented lawyer, she is also someone who is very invested in and cares about the community. The idea of "giving back" and/or "paying it forward" is something that she lives every day. We were extremely pleased with the work she did for us. She was timely, efficient and knowledgeable. She was also very good at explaining things in a clear manner and she cares about her clients overall well being. I highly recommend her.
Read more
24 Jul, 2014 by Wenonah
Carrie was the most prompt, helpful, and all around amazing attorney I have ever had! She filed our Chapter 13 for us when I thought we had exhausted all time and hope of saving my home from sheriff sale. I cannot say enough good about her! I had consulted with a very reputable firm in another town and was not at all impressed or confident that my case was being handled correctly And to be honest, it was evident they were not at all concerned about anything other than making money from our case. Upon meeting with Carrie I knew from the moment I met her she was the one I would hire because there were no doubt she truly was concerned for her clients. Her fees are not at all inflated like the rest and she certainly is deserving of every penny she is paid! She made everything as effortless as possible for us and with a Chapter 13 that is a feat in itself. In all of the attorneys I have ever hired, Carrie K. Gaines has the best work ethics I have ever encountered. She is an all around phenomenal attorney and I am so blessed to have gotten that second opinion from her!
Read more
09 Nov, 2017 by Jill
I hired Mike in 2013 to handle my divorce case. The case went as well as possible for me. Mike never promised me rainbows and unicorns. He made me well aware of best case/worst case scenarios. He was very knowledgeable with pensions, child support, and other issues. His timeliness in responding to any question that I had for him was awesome. I never felt like o was in the dark or just waiting for him to return an email or phone call.
I rehired Mike in 2016 to have child support modified. He fought hard for me in uncovering lies my ex was hiding. He knew exactly how to expose them. We definitely did well. What made the whole situation better, was that Mike went way above and beyond for me to be happy with the outcome. I have a whole new respect for him as an attorney, but also as a person.
I highly reccomend Mike. He is not cheap, but I have learned you get what you pay for!
Read more
24 Feb, 2015 by Laurie
When my ex-husband took me back to court for a modification I was terrified. Mike put everything into perspective and fought hard to protect my rights. He is very knowledgeable and diligent. He went above and beyond for me and I will always be grateful!
Read more
06 Feb, 2018 by Kate
Mr. Lake was straight forward about what to expect during the divorce process. He helped me organize my financials so I knew what I would need to request. He made me feel 100% confidence in his skills. I am glad I found Nebraska Legal and William Lake.
Read more
12 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
I've always been very satisfied with the services I've received from him. Very informative, open to listen, and trustworthy to give be honest advice. He's a great lawyer who cares about his clients cases and gets things done in a very time sufficient manner. Overall, great choice!!
Read more
28 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
Kevin was extremely diligent and knowledgeable, and kept me well informed of my options. His advice was with no doubt the most thorough of all my experiences with other attorneys.
Read more
05 May, 2022 by Alex
John Slowiaczek, Tom Horgan and the firm were an absolute pleasure to work with. They were strategic, prompt and insightful every step of the way. Tom and John added incredible value while working through complex issues. I am very grateful I had Tom Horgan and the Slowiaczek Albers team on my side.
Read more
20 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
Katelyn did an amazing job on helping me with my case. She was a wonderful communicator & was really knowledgeable. My case was not one to be taken lightly and she was with me every step of the way. She also never gave me false hope or advice that I felt I would be disappointed in. I would recommend her to anyone. She is a great listener and very personable as well.
Read more
31 Mar, 2021 by Courtney coakley
30 Dec, 2020 by S
28 Nov, 2020 by Sarah kladstrup
05 Apr, 2023 by Giette ratcklift
Mr. Welch is very professional, knowledgeable and intelligent. He has the best interest at heart for his clients’ well-being and works very hard to obtain the best outcome and result. When I asked him for an advise, I received great and helpful tips to obtain a fair outcome. Attorneys with integrity and honesty are hard to find these days and Mr. Welch without a doubt is a treasure who possesses those qualities and has the experience to succeed in any challenging case. Glad to mark Five Stars on this review!
Read more
27 Oct, 2020 by Jodi b
Jeff and his team (Ari and Maren and others) helped us get through the aftermath of a catastrophic car accident. The driver that hit us had nearly no insurance. The accident involved myself and our two young boys. The process took more than a year, and they did their best to help us through every thing we had to navigate (car insurance claim, hospital billing, health insurance back & forth, etc). Jeff made time for us when we wanted to meet, needed to ask questions and anything that came up.
We could also tell Jeff (and team) genuinely cared about our boys, and how they were healing/recovering. We appreciate all the work they put in on our behalf.
Read more
02 Sep, 2020 by Louise nielsen
Jeff worked tirelessly for us and won our case. His hard work got a substantial settlement for us. He treated us like family! He is trustworthy and does not give up! Thank you, Jeff!
Read more
05 Apr, 2023 by Giette ratcklift
Mr. Welch is very professional, knowledgeable and intelligent. He has the best interest at heart for his clients’ well-being and works very hard to obtain the best outcome and result. When I asked him for an advise, I received great and helpful tips to obtain a fair outcome. Attorneys with integrity and honesty are hard to find these days and Mr. Welch without a doubt is a treasure who possesses those qualities and has the experience to succeed in any challenging case. Glad to mark Five Stars on this review!
Read more
27 Oct, 2020 by Jodi b
Jeff and his team (Ari and Maren and others) helped us get through the aftermath of a catastrophic car accident. The driver that hit us had nearly no insurance. The accident involved myself and our two young boys. The process took more than a year, and they did their best to help us through every thing we had to navigate (car insurance claim, hospital billing, health insurance back & forth, etc). Jeff made time for us when we wanted to meet, needed to ask questions and anything that came up.
We could also tell Jeff (and team) genuinely cared about our boys, and how they were healing/recovering. We appreciate all the work they put in on our behalf.
Read more
02 Sep, 2020 by Louise nielsen
Jeff worked tirelessly for us and won our case. His hard work got a substantial settlement for us. He treated us like family! He is trustworthy and does not give up! Thank you, Jeff!
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.
