Lawyers map
>11
experienced lawyers
Filter by
01 Jul, 2021 by Matt muller
28 Mar, 2021 by Billy
I would highly recommend Robert Gouldin. I needed a lawyer for a real estate transaction and wasn't living in the area where the transaction was taking place. Robert handled it with ease, explaining issues and keeping me informed along the way. We closed in the timeframe he anticipated -- he got the job done. Robert is reputable, easy to work with and reasonably priced
Read more
07 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
My first offense in my life, 2 misdemeanors, led me to 45 days in jail. He then accused me of trying to break into his home, and warned me of his German Shepard? Every lawyer I repeat the case to laughs at this man. He ruined Oneonta for me, and should be ashamed. How did he pass the bar? If you want to stay out of otsego county jail, DO NOT HIRE THIS MAN.
Read more
02 Aug, 2024 by Patrick rider
Mr. Hegeman, is an outstanding lawyer and a gentleman. I almost never write reviews but I felt compelled to share my opinion about Mr. Hegeman after he represented me in Delaware County in a highly complex and technical case. He worked quickly, precisely, completed thorough and meticulous research and proved to be the legal scholar I had hoped for. Consider yourself blessed to have Mr. Hegeman represent you.
Read more
10 Aug, 2023 by Lana hilton
26 Jan, 2023 by Bonnie meyer
We had won bimonthly visitation to have our granddaughter spend Saturday noon to Sunday noon at our home with our initial visitation hearing with a different lawyer
My husband and I retained Mr. Hegman to represent us in family court to modify our visitation to add extra time with our eldest granddaughter. Our daughter and her now husband violated visitation with our younger granddaughter. Mr. Hegeman led us to believe we had a very good chance of succeeding in family court.
I worked very hard to prepare for our trial by printing out all text messages between myself and the respondents, I prepared several pages of notes for Mr Hegeman with dates, times, and statements from witnesses to prove that the respondents lied on several occasions regarding visitation.He told me that I was one of his most organized clients.
Mr. Hegeman did not spend time with us before the trial started to prepare for the trial to discuss our strategy. Instead he was called to work a pro Bono case which delayed our court appearance.
During the trial Mr Hegeman would not listen to our concerns while the respondents gave their testimony, and didn't acknowledge what we wrote on the pad of paper he provided during the trial.
When the respondents lawyer was trying his best to damage my character, Mr. Hegeman could have referred to my 200 plus pages of text messages that would support my side of the story.
We lost our bimonthly visitation with our granddaughter because Mr. Hegeman didn't do the job we hired him to do
Mr Hegeman didn't even have the decency to contact us with the judges decision but merely sent me an email!!!!
I called him distraught and crying about all we had lost. He had no remorse and told me to have a nice day!!!!!
I'm sure he will probably remove my review!
Mr. Hegeman why don't you try explaining to our granddaughter why she can't visit with Nanna and Pop-Pop anymore, when she's crying on the phone because she misses us!!!!
Read more
16 Dec, 2023 by Corbin c
13 May, 2020 by Christine conkling
04 Mar, 2020 by Marguerite meheganmondore
Knowledgeable
Read more
28 Nov, 2023 by Tiredofliars
Horrible! This guys wears a mask all the time and you can still smell his gum disease. Doesn’t respond to emails until it’s 2 am. Has immature comments to say to the other party and their lawyer without ever addressing your concerns. Family court is not his thing. Might be good at collecting dirt and speaking in renascence lingo but not a family lawyer at all. Had him as a hire and a court appointed I could not get rid of until I hired new. He is always late to court, never does a pre trial discussion. His office looks worse than my first college apartment! RUN from this “man” as fast as you can!
Read more
27 Aug, 2023 by Marshall
I payed Mr Laughlin quite a bit if money for representation!! Said representation was poor and inadequate several motions could face been asked of the court but Mr Laughlin just said no they don’t don that type of thing. The next client represented by different council. Asked and recieved.
I had asked Mr Laughlin about representation in a seoerate matter week 2 to be exact
He split obliged!!! And that’s where it’s ended he completely let me hanging had an excuse for not replying to my emails time after time I called the office they days let’s make an appt to meet. That was a month and a half ago Havent heard from Them Since very unprofessional not very upmto date om movements and procedures ect And he lied Right to Me. I’d not suggest this firm
Read more
02 Feb, 2022 by Larry
Dennis handled a particularly difficult eviction for me that spanned the entire Covid timeline. He stayed abreast of the everchanging rules imposed by Albany and kept me informed regarding the options available at every step of the process. He provided sound, calming council in very tenuous situation.
Read more
09 May, 2022 by Joshua landauer
Would not recommend this practice in a real estate matter after mortgage application fell through with community bank they would not send the sellers original documents to the property the title and deed back to him they claimed they never received it
Read more
07 Feb, 2018 by Adam dirig
Very professional, got the job done.
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.
