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13 Sep, 2024 by Chip prescott
Listens to concerns and easy to work with. Would recommend to friends or family
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17 Aug, 2024 by Helen bloemen
I found Wendell Belknap Knowledgeable, easy to talk to and completely comfortable. His work is extraordinary good in my opinion, and he is an honest man. Thank you Wendell.
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28 Jul, 2024 by Georgia bartel
Wendell was very professional, and helped us understand the whole process of wills, probate, etc. His sense of humor is great. We highly recommend him and his firm.
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22 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
Alec has been nothing but a Godsend from the very beginning of this whole ordeal. He is very detailed on passing information onto me, I feel very involved in the situation even though it’s mainly hands off for me since that’s a lawyers job! I would recommend Alec and his entire firm to anyone!
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31 Mar, 2017 by James m
Alec Laidlaw was the second attorney I contacted. I was in a divorced, wanted split custody and was facing one of he more expensive and reputable law firms in the NW. Alec and his absolutely wonderful staff helped me understand all of my options and choose the best arrangement possible. Can't say enough about the staff and Alec. Wouldn't wish divorce on my worst enemy, but would recommend Laidlaw and Laidlaw in a heartbeat.
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22 Jun, 2016 by Michael
I hired Alec to represent me after my ex-wife reopened our divorce case years later alleging that I had hidden a large amount of money during our divorce which were not accounted for in the division of assets. Not only did Alec work diligently to prove these to be false allegations, he performed relentless discovery, played hard ball, and eventually was able to have my case dismissed with prejudice. I would recommend Alec to anyone who needs a good, thorough attorney in their corner to represent them in their family law case.
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25 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Divorce, The one word I never thought I would ever hear........again, but it happened. After weeks of researching attorney's to guide me through this difficult chapter, I went with Laidlaw & Laidlaw and got connected to Casey Ward. What a blessing! After my first consultation with Casey on Oregon Divorce law, I felt defeated, But as we progressed, with his fantastic guidance and communication, I will not have to be an 80 year old Walmart greeter(not that it's a bad thing). My now X who was totally unhappy with her representation was completely impressed with Casey's communication/execution on my behalf.
Great Team!
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21 Apr, 2021 by Erik
Casey is knowledgeable, ethical, and on top of everything. A truly good and kind person. He is very intelligent and knows the law. He explained everything to me and everything he said came to be.
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24 Nov, 2017 by Robyn camp
Mr. Barnes was easy to talk to, very helpful and checked the facts. I would recommend him.
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07 Apr, 2024 by Medina
Hank made something as sensitive and difficult as a divorce an easy and straight forward process. He listened to me, gave me honest and fair advice, and advocated for me throughout the whole process. Hank had my best interest at heart and this was evident from the beginning. I wholeheartedly trust Hank, and would recommend him to anyone in need of a lawyer. Hank constantly provided updates, and answered any questions I had happily. He was very easy to contact and hear back from promptly. Hank fights for his clients and handles your case efficiently. If I had to do my divorce process over again; the only thing I would change is reaching out to Hank sooner.
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30 Nov, 2023 by Taylor
I would suggest looking elsewhere! There are plenty of other GOOD attorneys out there. This is not one of them. Hired his services, and did nothing but put me in a hole of 5 mo. Couldn't remember my file, then charges you to re-review and consult. Never requested the Discovery from opposing counsel in 5mo time. Never special set our hearing, since most if not all divorces take 5hrs to litigate. So left this as an assigned trial which could and would be a continued roller-coaster of delays even getting a judge scheduled for 5 hrs in Multnomah County. Never relayed any information that should have been given to opposing counsel, asked if I was seeking retribution for being upset based on the opposing counsel parenting plan (very limited access to kids for no reason) which any judge would deny (verified this with another attorney) and then up and quit the firm at Goldberg Jones. Asking if I want to retain and asked for an addition $10K retainer. Ha! If you want to be dug into a hole than what is already a bad situation, then Hank is for you.
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19 Mar, 2022 by Chris
Hank without a doubt search the bar when it comes to being an advocate for fathers and men. My custody battle took two years due to the courts jerking us around. Hank never quit and fought tirelessly to and sure I got what I wanted. After a year and a half my ex finally signed over what I wanted, butwhen the courts decided to sit on the paperwork for almost a year they came back saying signatures were too old and we had to go to court. Then my ex refused to sign the papers. He never stopped fighting and standing up for me with the courts along with my ex. Every step of the way he had open communication with me, kept me in the loop every second, and when my head was spinning and stressing me out he always calmed me down and made sure I was thinking straight.
Hank doesn’t treat you like a client, you’re not just a number to him, he treats you like a friend. He looks out for you to make sure you are protected and make sure you are doing good. If you’re looking for an attorney who is a bulldog, someone that will be extremely aggressive and get what you want, Hank is by far the one you want.
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19 Jan, 2018 by ~g
I had no idea what to expect but the worst when I called Angela's office. Her staff was so real and made me feel so comfortable, and explained what my options were to get a divorce. Who knew you had options let alone three. I wanted things to be as easy as possible and did not want to spend a lot of money.
I chose to do mediation. I was told how to initiate the conversation with my spouse and everything was laid out step by step. I had anxiety going into that first meeting with Angela, and once we started the process, I felt comfortable, and knew I made the right choice. We had one session with Angela and everything else was done through email, and it was over.
Angela and her staff are smart and so wonderful. I would recommend any one to call her first before you do anything.
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07 Apr, 2014 by Jennifer
I hired Angela Laidlaw to work with me on a guardianship/custody case involving my child. It was a very sensitive case and I feel that I was well informed of not only what to expect, but what was happening at every step. The price proposed is just about exactly what it came to in the end, and they worked with me on making payments each month that suited my budget. I feel like they were very knowledgable on the subject matter and kept me informed of my rights and best approaches. I would recommend Angela Laidlaw.
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04 Apr, 2014 by Amy
I am so grateful that I found Angela Laidlaw. She helped me manage the horribly sad process of ending my 25-year marriage with her calm demeanor, infinite wisdom, and great sense of humor. She was truly my advocate, not just my lawyer, and every step of the way she mapped out best- and worst-case scenarios and possible outcomes and helped me make the toughest decisions I've ever faced. She is collaborative by nature, but when my ex started playing hardball she went toe-to-toe with his attorney and didn't back down. I honestly can't imagine having to go through that whole ordeal without Angela on my side.
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02 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
This attorney claims to be an expert in child custody matters, and states on his website that mediation with the other parent is important to the child's welfare (my paraphrasing). In fact, Mr. Cross encourages contention and strife between the opposing parties, uses the children as pawns in the divorce, refers to custody issues as the "custody battle"and even suggested that the "goal"of any custody fight is to "win, thus ensuring the custodial parent will get child support".
While my now ex-spouse and I are no longer friends, we are, thankfully,a united front regarding our children, and we have agreed to never disparage each other to the children, to respect each other in our individual lives, and to reassure them through our behavior that their Mother and Father are no longer married to each other through NO fault of their own, I absolutely WOULD NOT recommend Mark Cross as a family law lawyer.
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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.
