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02 Aug, 2018 by Scott
Brian worked with me for several years, and I have known him for three decades. He has a brilliant mind and works as had any attorney I have ever known. I recommend Brian without reservation.
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31 Mar, 2014 by Christina
Brian has represented me not once but twice against my ex husband. He was always professional and knew just what to say to keep me steadfast in each case, even when I felt hopeless at times. I would recommend him to anyone for family court issues or any other legal matter.
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09 Feb, 2014 by David
Brian was amazing in handling my the errors that the OAG: Child Support Division made on my account. Even though it took over a year to resolve the issues, Brian was non-stop in working towards our goal. I appreciate all that he did and I highly recommend him to anyone who needs help. Thank you again, Brian!!
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02 Apr, 2015 by Angela
They say the best defense is a great offense. With Mr. Sokolowski, my husband and our family found just that. Within two, maybe three weeks of telecommunications between me and Mr. Sokolowski, my husband's bail, which was right at $100,000, was reduced 82%. My husband and I are still amazed!
The offense did not just start with negotiations on the bail, rather with his introduction to our family and my husband's cases. My husband is in Centerville, TX (Leon County) and our home is North of Dallas, about 200 miles away. I introduced myself via a voicemail. I was pleasantly surprised he returned my call and didn't flinch at communicating via e-mail and phone.
Mr. Sokolowski listened to my concerns, readily accepted letters my husband and I already submitted to the court, and ran with that groundwork to continue bail reduction negotiations. In fact, he contacted me with an amount and I was sure was it, the DA had already dropped it by 60% or so. The next day and e-mail from Stanley notified me of an even a better offer. I still can't get over his negotiation results!
We have also thrown him some curve balls by asking him to speak with other attorneys from other counties. He has consistently been pleasant, cooperative, very strategic and ultimately fighting for my husband's best interest, even when he's discussing cases elsewhere. He has always focused on the ending outcome in Leon County.
He is very competent, seems to have good relations with the DAs, but most of all he offer(s) my family and I Hope. We need the hope and talking with Stanley is just a blessing which eases my mind. I have been speaking with several lawyers and feel I have received more results and service Pre-indictment with Stanley than with anyone else. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Stanley Sokolowski to my friends and family.
Stanley, thank you from central Texas!
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27 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Was awesome did exactly like he said he would and it turned out exactly what he said it would ! Doesn’t have time to return your call be patient he will answer every question when he is ready to proceed with ur case! He has many cases and will take time with you when it is the right time
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06 Sep, 2024 by Michael
I hired Ms, Collette for a divorce case. She provided a professional and understanding service to me. She listened to me and provided the professional representation that I needed. She was courteous, and her fees were reasonable. I highly recommend her.
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28 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
We tried to use Phil Fletcher for our case and everyone we called or left voicemails we never received a respons. We were notified at the very last minute that our first court hearing was cancelled and still have yet to get a response from either him or his secretary about anything. My husband and I have just recently fired him and will be seeking help elsewhere. I definitely would not recommend services through this firm.
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26 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
If you want to be kept informed of what to do and have your case handled in a professional manner, avoid this lawyer. Good luck getting any return calls or emails from Phil or his secretary. He will inform you later that she is only "part-time" help. As if that justifies the complete lack of response from either of them. I was not informed of even where to go in the courthouse for my 8:30 AM final hearing and had to ask Courthouse employees where to go and who to talk to after I had made repeated phone calls to his office and sent numerous emails requesting information. After taking a day off work and driving to his office at 8:00 AM and waiting for someone to show up, I left at 8:15 and drove to the Courthouse for assistance. At 8:21 his secretary called (from her home) to tell me that he would not be able to be present due to a “family emergency”. A later call from Phil indicated that he was “5-6 hours away and sick”. All of this on the Monday after Easter. My list of documentation from this case shows a complete absence of professionalism and respect from his office. Do yourself a favor and avoid this firm.
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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:
-
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.
