Filter by

star star star star star
17 May, 2024 by Neeraj sharma
I have the best experience working with Bay Legal. I was running into a real estate issue and wanted to get my deposit back. Bay Legal sent a very well written notice to the other party, and the other party promptly compiled and returned deposit within few hours. Bay Legal understood very all the documents I sent them, and quickly started working on my case. Thanks.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
01 Apr, 2024 by Birender singh
Jayson Elliott provided outstanding representation in my case, demonstrating great attention to detail and being exceptionally responsive. I highly recommend him and his team for their excellent service.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
16 May, 2022 by Linda p. harkins
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
13 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I initially hired George to help review my MSA, but then, due to circumstances beyond our control, the mediation process went pear shaped, and I had to retain George to renegotiate a deal. We succeeded in negotiating a satisfactory compromise, and for that I am very very grateful.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
31 May, 2015 by Susan
Don't usually post reviews, but George is an exception. I had a mostly amicable divorce situation, and wanted to keep legal costs down by filing my own paperwork. I had an initial consultation with George where he listened to my story and headed me in the right legal/paperwork direction. I did most of my own filings, but the final paperwork is quite mysterious and tricky. Not wanting to drag things out by filing something incorrectly, I again scheduled time with George to help make sure I had the correct forms and had them filled out correctly.....I did not. With about 35 minutes of his time - and he only charged me for this amount of time, not an entire hour as some lawyers do - I had everything ready for final filing. I definitely recommend George to help you handle your divorce - no matter how you end up dealing with things. He is very calming, understanding, honest, and extremely helpful.....and a very nice man!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
06 Aug, 2015 by Sabrina
The divorce process is nasty, gross, and beyond emotional. Lydia's hard work, persistence, expertise, understanding, and kindness got me through. She's is extremely detail oriented and will not miss a beat. My ex put me thru the ringer and would have gotten away w unscrupulous things if it weren't for Lydia. She worked closely w my divorce financial consultant (Jason Crowley of DCP....also a must have) and came up w the best possible outcomes. I feel like I 'won' my divorce (if there is such a thing). Thank god I had her!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
06 Aug, 2015 by Sabrina
The divorce process is nasty, gross, and beyond emotional. Lydia's hard work, persistence, expertise, understanding, and kindness got me through. She's is extremely detail oriented and will not miss a beat. My ex put me thru the ringer and would have gotten away w unscrupulous things if it weren't for Lydia. Thank god I had her!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
13 Jan, 2021 by Alex
Nanette was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable and I couldn't have done better hiring her- highly recommended, she is a subject matter expert, compassionate and kind. She did an absolutely fantastic job and I felt like I not only had a pitbull in my corner, but an whipsmart, caring and tough pitbull all at once! Thank you Nanette, you are a superstar!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
25 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
Ms.Demers is a lawyer with heart. She is very compassionate and empathetic. She is also ethical, loyal, honest, and above all, genuine. She is not at all pretentious nor arrogant. She treats you with respect even if you are young, or have very limited financial means. She doesn't talk down to you because you don't know the law. Rather, she gives full consideration to your concerns and needs. At the same time, she utilizes sound judgment in precluding unncesssary items in her pleadings. She doesn't give you fancy "sales talk," but speaks the truth. I believe that the judges see her as a trustworthy advocate in court. She is a rare treasure in a legal community who is not corrupted by greed. I appreciate the fact that she is true to herself and chooses to be selective with her cases. She is also very diligent in her study of law, and in some areas, she happened to know more than lawyers with many years of experience!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
12 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Perry is a really good attorney for litigation and potential litigation issues. I've worked with him twice in the past 6 years and have been very satisfied. He's reviewed real estate contracts and other potential legal disputes. He's not part of a huge industrial law firm but that's the part about him I like the best.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
20 May, 2022 by Jalena bingham
From one attorney to another, John Parsons is my go-to real estate guy. Practical, smart, a great strategic thinker and a more than fair biller. Highly recommend!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
05 Apr, 2020 by Dean birinyi
Jon has helped me quickly, and easily resolve two challenges in the past twelve months. He’s great.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
16 Jul, 2019 by Tina maskan
I was recommended to Jon by a friend in seek of a lawyer who could help me establish my business partnership. It was very important for me to be represented by someone who understood the tone of terms I was looking to create in the contract. I wanted to be represented well and also keep a peaceful negotiation between my future business partner and I. Jon was amazing in hearing my concerns and providing the right steps, guidance and legal stance for me to move forward confidently and propose my terms for the business partnership. He found a lot of loop holes in our partnership agreement that would have greatly worked against me and was able to provide the solution. He explained to me how everything works so that I could understand for myself and was empowered in my position. I am very grateful for Jon because without him, I would have been committing to an unfavorable situation. With him, I gained confidence and security as a business woman. I will continue to use him in my future endeavors and have been recommending him to friends and family!
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
18 Nov, 2022 by Esmeralda maldonado
Google Maps
star star star star star
31 Jul, 2022 by Richard jones
A top notch law firm offering superior levels of insight, acumen, and service. The lawyers are excellent and the resources available to them equally so. Their connection to government regulatory bodies is top notch, and the litigation department is what you would want for a “bet the company” litigation. A wise pick for start ups and more substantial companies.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
09 Mar, 2021 by Neel iyer
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
18 Nov, 2022 by Esmeralda maldonado
Google Maps
star star star star star
31 Jul, 2022 by Richard jones
A top notch law firm offering superior levels of insight, acumen, and service. The lawyers are excellent and the resources available to them equally so. Their connection to government regulatory bodies is top notch, and the litigation department is what you would want for a “bet the company” litigation. A wise pick for start ups and more substantial companies.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
09 Mar, 2021 by Neel iyer
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
26 Aug, 2024 by J c
I had a very good experience with the law group. The attorney helped guide me through setting up my LLC, which will be a MSO as well. He answered my questions and was very patient with me, I had many questions regarding setting up my IV hydration business and how to get documents related to the business.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
26 Aug, 2024 by Gary tran
They were more responsive and more attentive than other Healthcare law groups I reached out to. Alex was very happy to assist me after she listened to what my needs were and Albert was very good at providing me with the help that I needed. They even referred me to other people to assist me with other things that I needed in order to start my practice.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
26 Aug, 2024 by Cindy talley
Cohen Law Group was great team to work with to develop my MSO/MSA for my business. Christian was very helpful to answer all my questions and concerns and so patient with me and my schedule. The Lawyer was helpful and efficient. Thank you.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
18 Nov, 2022 by Esmeralda maldonado
Google Maps
star star star star star
31 Jul, 2022 by Richard jones
A top notch law firm offering superior levels of insight, acumen, and service. The lawyers are excellent and the resources available to them equally so. Their connection to government regulatory bodies is top notch, and the litigation department is what you would want for a “bet the company” litigation. A wise pick for start ups and more substantial companies.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
09 Mar, 2021 by Neel iyer
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
10 Feb, 2021 by Coco ayala
Highly recommend. Nancy and her team handled my case professionally, kindly and effectively. Grateful for a straightforward process handled by this firm.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
10 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Nancy is an exceptional attorney who is strategic, diligent, thoughtful and caring. She is easy and pleasant to communicate with and she's always efficient with time. Nancy has always set clear expectations and meticulously guided me through every nuance. Dealing with domestic violence and custody issues can be stressful. Nancy's ability to stay calm and focused and her superb understanding of the law helped achieve great results and also gave me confidence and strength during the uncertain times.  I appreciate the work that she has done for me, and I highly recommend her. Nancy really cares about her clients and she goes above and beyond to achieve the best results! Nancy's team are incredibly nice people who are very good at what they do. Aaron has continually kept me updated on everything that was going on legally. He has been very responsive, kind, supportive and resourceful every time I reached out. 
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
17 Nov, 2020 by Mou montes
Never call me back i leave my name and my number and im still waiting 🙄
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
20 May, 2022 by Jalena bingham
From one attorney to another, John Parsons is my go-to real estate guy. Practical, smart, a great strategic thinker and a more than fair biller. Highly recommend!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
14 May, 2022 by John
I engaged Steve for a financially complicated divorce from start to finish over a period of years. With Steve's guidance, I assembled an international team of forensic and tax accountants. I emerged with an astonishing settlement. This was one of the best collaborations in my career, legal and business experience. The experts who worked with us seem to have a similarly positive impression of Steve. Some reviewers say that Steve is interested only in fees. Well, I have quite a lot of experience paying Steve and I was not overcharged. He always guided me toward the least inflammatory, most economical approach; I did a lot of the work myself. I got good value for my money. In the interest of full disclosure, I want you to know that in my case only finances were contested. There were no children and no trial. My ex-wife, her attorney and I were all businesslike. Still, from what I have seen Steve has the experience and personality to guide you through a more emotional divorce. Get a consultation and judge for yourself.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
02 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired this lawyer because I saw his answers on many questions posted here. I was very apprehensive about hiring him as there were no reviews but thought may be he is old school so that's why. It was indeed foolish of me. He charged me a big retainer which he agreed could be paid in installments and if I didn't like his work he would return the money. Mr. Cone only indulges in emails, will charge $450/- an hour, has no team and is all about being vague with no plan for your case as a client. He has no assistants aides to help him, so even for minor stuff you will get charged $450-an hour flat. He charged me $300/- just for serving papers to my husband. His emails are vague to the extend that you will be left puzzled and more confused than ever. He had no clear idea about my case. Please be careful with this lawyer. There is a reason there are only 2 reviews for him, even on Yelp. I trusted him with my money and with my case but i was very disappointed. Ive had to hire another lawyer and this time i was careful about it. Mr. Cone didn't have a plan for me, I had to keep asking him for stuff and he just made a big bill for me for the vague emails he sent me. And later says that's how he makes money. In the end, when I switched lawyers, I've had to pay a bigger retainer to the new lawyer, but at least I have hired a lawyer with good reviews. Reviews mean a lot - there is a reason they are written. Written with intention about the character of the lawyer, his style of working and about the work ofcourse. Please don't hire reading his answers. In a career spanning over 45 yrs, he has only 2 ratings here, which mean something. I started feeling I will have to change soon after I filed and realized how much he had charged. I finally took him off my case when he emailed me, after reading a random post on AVVO which was written by someone else and not me. This showed me he didn't know my case at all. And to email me asking about some random case is absolutely absurd and ludicrous. Who has time for this ? He does, because he books clients by taking the retainer and then enjoys posting on avvo here to questions as his hobby. He refuses to pay me the amount he owes me. Upon calling him, he tell me do what you have to but this is it. I am shocked at the way this lawyer has behaved! Pl save yourself money, time and disappointment and hire someone who may be ready to take your case, puts in some effort and really has integrity and the intention to help you.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
27 Aug, 2024 by Oksana ivanova
Grazie mille, Lei è molto umile. Mi ha dato un consiglio, anche se non potevo essere la sua cliente. VERAMENTE GRAZIE !
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
27 Aug, 2024 by D j
Diane Morin is a brilliant attorney but she is also an incredibly decent and kind human being. Divorce is painful and having Diane on my side made a huge difference. She knows the system and has extensive experience; she will handle your case with intelligence and grace. I would give her ten stars if I could.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
21 Jun, 2024 by Biter b
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
10 Feb, 2021 by Coco ayala
Highly recommend. Nancy and her team handled my case professionally, kindly and effectively. Grateful for a straightforward process handled by this firm.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
17 Nov, 2020 by Mou montes
Never call me back i leave my name and my number and im still waiting 🙄
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
07 Oct, 2019 by Amy mears
Very trustworthy, easy to communicate with. Professional, well-organized, very responsive to questions and thorough with guidance. Nancy and her staff took an immense load of worry off my shoulders, when I needed my case to be done right. Thank you so much!
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
10 Feb, 2021 by Coco ayala
Highly recommend. Nancy and her team handled my case professionally, kindly and effectively. Grateful for a straightforward process handled by this firm.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
17 Nov, 2020 by Mou montes
Never call me back i leave my name and my number and im still waiting 🙄
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
07 Oct, 2019 by Amy mears
Very trustworthy, easy to communicate with. Professional, well-organized, very responsive to questions and thorough with guidance. Nancy and her staff took an immense load of worry off my shoulders, when I needed my case to be done right. Thank you so much!
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
14 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
At a scheduled review conference a week prior to my hearing, she blindsided me by shoving a substitute of counsel form in front of me to sign. There was no warning and she had listed me as pro pers, which at time did not understand. I was slightly behind on payment and had always paid in good faith. I didn’t sign it and found someone else on my own to get up to speed in less than a week. She then tried to bill me for that meeting. This wasted more resources and time. During an already stressful time in divorce process, I was shocked a junior divorce attorney would do this without any acrimony between us. It was clear she didn’t want to take on my contentious divorce case.
Read more Avvo
See 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:

  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.

Scroll to top