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06 Sep, 2022 by John j budach jr
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22 Jan, 2020 by Eileen king
Robert Eshbach is a great lawyer, great Mayor and just a great person. He works very hard for his clients and his office manager is the best! Very happy we chose his expertise, finesse, intelligence, professionalism, and great knowledge of the law to represent us. Thank you Eshbach law office we so appreciate your help!
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01 Jul, 2019 by Nikky danai
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04 Oct, 2024 by Kristen roy
So far in my partner’s custody case , Karen has helped him get his equal rights and has guided him in the correct way. She also has been on top of everything with getting the court process to move along. I continue to have faith she will help him achieve his goal and what is the best interest of the child
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02 Oct, 2024 by Troy janes
Karen is very punctual, honest and straight to the point. If you want someone who genuinely cares and will fight tooth and nail for you this is the lawyer you want. I greatly appreciate her services and would hire her again if needed.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Caitlin hale
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19 Aug, 2017 by Carrie
Ryan is an excellent and understanding Attorney. He is patient, honest, knowledgeable and easy to talk to. I highly recommend him .
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22 Sep, 2016 by Kevin
Attorney Hamer did a good job with our minor case. We had no prior experience with needing a defense lawyer, so we were a little nervous about the process. We had never heard of him or met him in the past. We found him through a series of phone calls, made the initial call to him, took a big gulp, and hired him. He turned out to be a good choice! Despite our low-profile case and the modest fee he would earn, he cared about us and he worked to achieve the best result possible. He returned calls and emails in a timely manner--usually the same day or the day after. Being a worrier, I tended to be the one to initiate the majority of the emails, but he always answered promptly. He appeared on our behalf in court, arranging matters so that we never had to appear in court (though this was partially possible due to the minor nature of the offense). He was courteous and professional and honest. He achieved a more favorable outcome than we could've achieved on our own. We highly recommend him for anyone who needs a defense attorney.
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02 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I had hired Ryan for a DUI Case. Anytime I asked what his approach was going to be to the case, he could never give me a straight answer. I paid him $1500 just to have my court case continued multiples times. He was also very poor at getting back to me about anything regarding my case. Instead of reaching out to me to give a status update, I always had to contact him to find out anything at all.
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25 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
He made promise of child support order within 2 months of filing divorce-during consultation. He said” I’ll give you a deal” 13 months later- a young woman and her children have struggled and suffered -financially, physically and mentally at the hands of this completely unprofessional beast. From his lack of professionalism - to his down right dirty demeanor. He promised child support on 4 occasions - trips to court- never produced anything. He did absolutely nothing but double his bill!! He should be disbarred!! He doesn’t show up for court- his client does- he’s embarrassed because he was trying to pull a fast one on the judge and other party- so he calls up this young lady - screams at her for 10 minutes- gets on a zoom call- sets her for trial and then files a motion to withdraw. Who does that? He charged her a ton of money and 13 months later- still at square 1 nothing accomplished- absolutely nothing accomplished- and he jumps ship. Possibly he didn’t like the question “ what have you done for me?” This horrible individual treats some of his clients as if they are insignificant in this world- why does he think he can do that?? Because he’s been doing it for a very long time and getting away with it . No more !
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12 Jul, 2024 by Stephanie wright
RUNNNNN would NEVER recommend him. He took my $2000 which if he did his job my situation would have been resolved in a few weeks. He did NOTHING I did all the research and foot work and he kept prolonging it for months and months with no follow through just excuses. His lack of professionalism was appalling I tried to fire him multiple times. He begged and stated he would do his job just give him another chance. The 3rd time he stated “if I don’t do my job you can come to my office and punch me in the face”. Wowwwww what professional would EVER say something so bizarre. When called him out and asked why things weren’t taken care of like he said he would his anger was ridiculous. He seemed out of it most of the time so this again was concerning.
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18 May, 2024 by Ricki ann topel
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15 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
This attorney will take your money, do nothing for you, and expect to keep the entire retainer. This attorney does not communicate at all with her client, if you want to know what happens in court, you will have to go online/court file to see what transpired. She caves into the opposing counsel and believes everything they tell her regarding their own client. She does what is in the best interest of herself, not her client. She does not opt for hearings, she sits back and lets opposing counsel run the show. She makes promises that she can't keep. A person would do better pro-se then to hire her. There are much better choices out there then this attorney. I only gave this attorney one star because no stars was not option.
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22 Oct, 2018 by Vince
My wife and I recently hired John Vickers(Law Offices of White, Marsh, Anderson, Martin, Vickers, Deobler & Goode) to represent us in a child support dispute. While he is good at research his communication and case handling is severely lacking. Two times we did not have to be present in court, and one other time we had the wrong date scheduled for court(our fault). When we showed up 2 days late for court we realized we had the wrong date written down. He did not call us at any time, even when we missed to let us know. I do feel he is justified in charging us for research done, but his work outside of that was very poor and overpriced. I would look for a different attorney if I were you.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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