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19 Nov, 2019 by Tanya
Courtney did an amazing job helping me through my divorce. It can be absolutely terrifying to go through but she truly walked me right through it and everything went smooth!
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10 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
I had the pleasure of retaining Ms. Radick as a comp lawyer. She gave me i nice tour of my rights and what was expected of me. She also briefed me as to what to expect from the workman's comp insurance company. Everything happened as she said it would. Good news was there were no surprises. My experience was great.
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15 Mar, 2019 by Jon
Throughout a long, drawn out case, Courtney has been great. She dealt with the insurance carrier and one of the largest international corporations ably and deftly including last minute demands from the company for which she extracted additional compensation. Excellent advice at every turn. When we finally settled, she obtained for me a larger settlement than I had expected. Easy to work with and talk to, but a real pit bull for you when needed. She will not gouge on the fees either. I would recommend her to anyone and will be hiring her again soon for another matter I am dealing with.
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29 Aug, 2023 by Jesse
I have been using Tim for the better part of almost 20 yrs. He’s always given me the best legal advice to whatever issues that I had brought to his attention. Whether it was a divorce I was going through or child custody, he stood by me and made everything legally clear and concise. I recent used him on my house closing and he was on top of all the aspects of the closing and made me feel comfortable and explained everything. I will keep using Tim for all my legal needs. Thank you Tim.
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31 May, 2017 by Jeffrey
Tim is a skilled, smart,and caring attorney. From the moment he took our case we knew we were in good hands. He was always very attentive to our case and concerns. He kept us up to date and explained every step of the process. Tim always answered our calls, or returned them promptly! With his legal knowledge and trial expertise he was able to win a difficult case, resulting in a large award of over $1,000,000, exactly the amount we were asking for!
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25 Nov, 2015 by Gregg
I met Mr. Fennell when I was searching for an attorney for a bailment case that exceeded $250,000. I had just fired my attorney for not understanding the case. I interviewed 3 other attorneys and was impressed immensely by Mr. Fennell's intelligence and directness when discussing the case. Most importantly he included me in the case strategy and management and not once did he talk down to me or not include me in important decisions and factors about costs. After a 7-day jury trial, Mr. Fennell landed a jury verdict awarding in excess of $300,000. Defendant appealed and Mr. Fennell won again at appeal. I am happy to report that not only did his firm secure the victory in court, they also collected every dollar with interest for me.
I have used Mr. Fennell's firm for Matrimony, Family Court, Estate Planning, and Commerical Litigation.
I have been extremely happy with every matter I have handed him and have always found his billings to be reasonable and fair.
The highest praise I can give Mr. Fennell is that he has complete integrity. He has it in his billings and in his approach with his clients. He has talked me out of more litigation then he has taken for me.
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28 Jan, 2015 by Steve
Conners is very smart, ethical and compassionate. Rates are fair. I used Mr. Conners for buying a home in Scriba, a business solution, and he will be helping me with my will.
I had an unusual question about real estate taxes and he was upfront that he did not know the answer. He directed me elsewhere to get the answer I needed.
He has an excellent assistant who has been working with him a long time. She is very professional. An added plus is that his office is in back of the courthouse.
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29 Mar, 2021 by Melissa french
07 Feb, 2020 by Carmen ortiz
13 May, 2019 by Ronald mcknight
20 May, 2021 by Anonymous
DON'T USE THIS LAWYER!!! This attorney has misrepresented,lied to my face,destroyed my family,took our money..
He helped "TheDon" when the case some years ago but he got paid because that's #1 right Joe? It's totally in the open now,of course that doesn't matter to you anymore,anyway no one can change your incompetency back then anyway! How do you sleep @night with all the lives you've ruined? Huh? We will NEVER,EVER,forget...
Just know tho,"God" knows!
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20 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Rodak to represent me in my divorce. He wasn't prepared at all the day of trial,told me I was bitter and made deals with other attorneys without consulting me. During the trial there were times my children's law guardian would object on behalf of her clients mother, while Rodick said nothing! Because of him and his incompetence I received nothing I should had. I was violently ill after this trial and how badly he handled it. Years later my kids and I are still dealing with the reprocussions of his incompetence. Spend your money elsewhere
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04 Mar, 2016 by Mike
I retained Joe for some trouble I had gotten into. A few bad decisions and 3 Felony Indictments later, I found myself in a world of trouble. Beginning at the arraignment Joe was was cool, calm and collective. He was aggressive enough to make his point, but not cocky where he screwed my chances. Joe was nothing short of a pit-bull fighting for me, and he certainly didn't let the DA back us into a corner.
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06 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
If there was a spot for 0 stars that would be most appropriate. I believe this attorney to be the absolute worst ever. He did not return phone calls or emails. He did not show up for court twice, without notifying us. We had to reschedule and drive to Oswego from out of town. We paid him a substantial amount of money. He is despicable and his conduct is exactly what gives attorneys a poor reputation. Don't hire him ever. Get a reputable attorney from the Syracuse area.
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02 Sep, 2015 by Linda
Mr Kirwan was the court appointed law guardian of my granddaughter ... he did a good job ... neither of the parties involved had an attorney as we were in agreement of the custody so the judge asked Mr Kirwan to draw up the custody order ... now, 30 days later, I still don't have the custody order even though I have called requesting it ... I understand he is busy but this is silly :(
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27 Apr, 2015 by Frank
Six months ago I hired Tim to handle a real estate transaction, simple I thought, I have sold a few properties before so I thought it would go like all the others. There were some factors out of his control, because the purchaser was a corporation, but once the ball was put into his court, he seemed to ignore it. He was given 45 days according to the terms of our sale contract agreement to do a title search, land survey, and whatever else is done with these transactions. 15 days in we receive a letter from him asking us to locate the abstracts, deed, and original land survey, which we did promptly. The sale contract agreement expires in three days, and he's not sure if the sale will close in time. Tim never once returned a phone call to us, and would only communicate through emails, which he rarely responded to mine unless i expressed I was getting angry. If this deal falls through because of his neglect, I will be screwed.
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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.
