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18 Feb, 2024 by Paul
Maxine is a great lawyer. My ex and I went through a contentious divorce (a divorce I didn't want) throughout 2022. Maxine was my protector, my confidant, my therapist and my attorney. It was the most difficult year of my life and she was there for me at every turn, providing expert legal advice. I recommend her without hesitation.
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28 Jul, 2021 by Veronica macwan
Great attorney. I could have never done my divorce with so ease without Maxine and team. They were always there to listen and support me. Helped me lot through the process. Thank you so much for all the help.
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24 May, 2021 by Zihan
I would be given Maxine 10 stars if I could. She took care of my divorce case in a timely and effective manner that eases my stress. Got my divorce decree within 3 months and no alimony fee paid to my unemployed ex. Maxine and her team is the best divorce lawyer in Chicago! A
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13 Nov, 2022 by F ha
He's the best and his assistant Sonia is outstanding
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20 May, 2021 by Kristine
Jennifer really is the best in the Family Law business. She came highly recommended and did not disappoint! Jennifer was a calm, thoughtful, helpful advocate, guiding me through the process of my very high conflict divorce. Skilled in collaborative divorce practice, she works so well with opposing attorneys. Data driven and detail oriented, she is always sure to safeguard her clients. Her integrity is unmatched. She is calm, focused and extremely professional. She always responded immediately to my needs and addressed all my concerns. I trusted her and she delivered for both my children and for me! I would recommend her to anyone needing an empathetic, client-centered, advocate and expert negotiator.
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04 Jan, 2021 by Jan
Jennifer was a very effective legal coach to get through two years of ridiculous accusations from my ex-husband. She came up with a creative way to deal with his one of his demands that could have proved VERY costly and developed a productive relationship with opposing counsel that helped us finally reach a satisfactory settlement.
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27 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
What I can say !! We hired Sofia for my father’s case, which was very very complicated , Since 2015 until now Sofia never gave up on us.. She took all the possible steps and ways to make sure my father will united with us again. Sofia doesn’t give up on cases such as my father’s case , she will take it to high level. We can’t stop thanking her for all she did for us .. we can’t wait to celebrate. Christmas with Dad again. All love and respect for this wonderful woman.
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03 Feb, 2024 by Tetiana
Sofia is very professional, informative and kept me up to date on the process. I had a great experience with her firm and highly recommend them!
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09 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
I really recommend Sofia Avilova, she helped me so much with my case and kept me updated throughout the process until everything was taken care of. Since 3 years ago I have need her services and she always available to help me quickly and high level of professionalism and she is super reasonable with her prices. I definitely recommend her!!!
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05 Oct, 2021 by Michael spencer
In a day where everything is done electronically or through rotary, Marta engages in an old school manner. She is responsive by always returning calls and/or emails, professional, and provides rock solid legal advice. We will reach out to her again.
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20 Jul, 2021 by Macwro
We had an excellent experience with Truskolaska Law. We used them for both: buying and selling our houses. All the work was completed very professionally. Marta was very responsive and supportive during the whole process. She always answered our calls, or replied to them timely. If you want to work with the attorney, not their assistant, this is the person you are looking for. I would highly recommend Truskolaska Law!
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20 Oct, 2020 by Roxy brokerage
Marta Truskolaska provided excellent service and showed her excellent knowledge of the real estate.
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17 Mar, 2021 by Steve
I have been a client of Mr. Scott Berndtson for nearly six years. Recently I hired Scott, under my power of attorney, to represent my learning-disabled son in a situation that required Scott's professional guidance in very specific areas of law. For example, setting up a Special Needs Trust for my son, securing life insurance proceeds for him from my ex-wife's policy of insurance, and the acquisition from my ex-wife's pension of outstanding retirement death benefits. Because of Scott's skill, topic knowledge, and compassion, those objectives were achieved without compromise. Overall, the outcomes of this case exceeded my expectations in securing a stable financial future for my disabled son. I applaud Scott for his persistence and successfully rising to those challenges presented in this case. He is a true professional where his sensitivity and understanding is to be appreciated, especially in a system where, at times, the client may not be able to adequately express their true concerns. Mr. Berndtson's philosophy of practice represents what all clients seek in an attorney - honesty, integrity, understanding, and results. Without hesitation I would highly recommend his legal services to anyone seeking future counsel. - Thank you, Scott
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20 Sep, 2017 by Sarah
I hired Scott to represent me in my divorce. He was patient with me, competent, and I felt that he always had my back.
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22 Feb, 2017 by Oni
Scott is an outstanding and exceptional attorney who gets things done! I hired him truly thinking that my case was lost because of the way my case was handled by another attorney whom I had to replace. Scott went above and beyond the call of duty to prove that not all was lost! He is fierce and a true advocate and I highly encourage his legal services to anyone in need
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20 Aug, 2024 by Heather
Kat was so easy to work with, she took the time to listen to my needs and facilitated a stress-free divorce settlement. I would recommend her services for those that are truly looking for a lawyer that will provide multiple avenues for your divorce.
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14 Jun, 2024 by Michael
Kat was helpful, quick, and friendly, with a good eye for detail and explaining complexity!
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08 May, 2024 by Saul
From the day I contacted her and explained my situation, she was very receptive of my information and was very helpful on approaching the case. I highly recommend her to take any case, be clear and concise on explaining your case and concerns, she will find the best way of approaching the resolution. SA
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30 Apr, 2016 by Justine
My husband and I have hired Larry several times over the years for our real estate sales and purchases. The most recent transaction was the purchase of our home which was new construction. New construction can be complex and requires a lot of details. Larry was wonderful and put a lot of time and effort into making sure we had what we needed to feel safe and confident with our new home! Larry has been a real estate attorney for many years and his expertise has always been greatly appreciated. We have recommended him to many of our friends and family members and they too have always been more than satisfied with his level of legal care and service. Thank you Larry!
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26 Apr, 2016 by Donna
I've been using Larry Whitney as my real estate lawyer for property closings for 20+ years, both for my personal and investment properties . I have also referred him to many others and all have had a similar experience as mine. His attention to detail and knowledge of the closing process is impressive. He frequently finds mistakes that the other lawyer makes and points them out - which ultimately saves me money every time! He is very accessible at all times of day and he is always happy to answer questions and explain things that I don't understand. I highly recommend Larry for anyone who needs an attorney (not just for real estate) because he is extremely thorough, honest, reliable and pleasant to work with.
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24 Aug, 2024 by Nick quebbeman
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30 Jul, 2024 by Steven kessel
Really great all round and throughout the process. First time buyer so really needed detailed explanation at multiple stages and I always got what I needed and was . Very thorough during the closing process in helping me to understand everything. Highly recommend.
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07 May, 2024 by Victor morano
Fantastic professional service. Would recommend you to anyone
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19 Jan, 2024 by Dawn stancil
Caroleann and her team were awesome, she treated my mom with kindness and respect.
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19 Jan, 2024 by Jessica lupercio
I had a work injury a while ago and every attorney would tell me that my case was difficult or that I had no case. Caroleann G listened to what happened and gave me hope. It wasn't easy and it took longer than we expected because of covid but Caroleann won my case and I will forever be grateful, she didn't give up and fought a lot. She has a good heart and great determination.
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15 Jan, 2024 by Paula corrigan
I knew next to nothing about Workmen’s Comp. Jim Coogan took the time to explain how it works, what to expect.and answered all my questions. I couldn’t be more pleased.
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31 Aug, 2024 by Melissa walters
We are so grateful that Steve represented us during the sale of our home. He was prepared, thoughtful, diligent, and kind, especially during some last-minute complications. We would not hesitate to work with him again!
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21 Aug, 2024 by Rae gray
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23 Jul, 2024 by Carla mckeand
I used Griffin to assist in the buying and selling of 2 properties. He was completely professional, proactive, and responsive to any and all questions I had during the process. I highly recommend him. He made the home buying and selling process easy.
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18 Oct, 2024 by Marek gryko
Bardzo dziekuje Panu za wszelka pomoc .
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06 Sep, 2024 by Patrycja dybas
I am very grateful for your cooperation. A very professional law firm. Everyone very helpful and great communication. Attorney Peter Wachowski put his whole heart into helping me in my case, he was very experienced and fought to the end to ensure that the case was successfully concluded. I highly recommend it.Thank you for everything
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28 Aug, 2024 by Jun lim
Very efficient and great communication. We had all the forms and info before our appointment. This allowed us to conclude our business in one appointment. A big convenience since all 3 us had to attend in person.
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19 Apr, 2024 by Mariana bojilova
I would like to say thank you to Mr. Jeffrey Fagan for representing my daughter in court . As a teenager , it was her first accident and she was so nervous and scared . Mr. Fagan was so nice , knowledgeable, patient , honest and caring . He made her feel safe and protected . Her case/trail was successful and she was so happy with the outcome . I have to mentioned that the whole process was so easy , just because he was very detailed with his explanations to us . He understood us as clients and his prices were so fair and affordable . Thank you again Mr. Fagan , we appreciate everything what you did for our daughter . We truly appreciate it !
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31 Jan, 2024 by Robin wilcox
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29 Sep, 2023 by E cohen
Excellent in every aspect. Highly recommended!
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18 Oct, 2024 by Marek gryko
Bardzo dziekuje Panu za wszelka pomoc .
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06 Sep, 2024 by Patrycja dybas
I am very grateful for your cooperation. A very professional law firm. Everyone very helpful and great communication. Attorney Peter Wachowski put his whole heart into helping me in my case, he was very experienced and fought to the end to ensure that the case was successfully concluded. I highly recommend it.Thank you for everything
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28 Aug, 2024 by Jun lim
Very efficient and great communication. We had all the forms and info before our appointment. This allowed us to conclude our business in one appointment. A big convenience since all 3 us had to attend in person.
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13 Nov, 2022 by F ha
He's the best and his assistant Sonia is outstanding
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26 Jul, 2022 by Mary
I had a psychopath neighbor who told various lies in court when he tried to sue me. August was well-prepared and made sure that my neighbor couldn't use his usual tricks. He kept the costs reasonable and the psycho was forced to quit his lawsuit.
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19 Mar, 2022 by Wendy
I hired Mr Staas to handle my divorce and he did an excellent job navigating through the pandemic and a very uncooperative spouse. No details but by advising me to be patient I got everything I asked for, and the judge commended him at the end for his work on a difficult, sad situation.
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08 Jun, 2014 by Jack
John has been my lawyer for 8 years and he has always gone above and beyond in all my legal matters. I have highly recommended John's services to all my family and friend's and they have been very satisfied.
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07 Jun, 2014 by Sarah
I've used him for several matters over the past few years. He handled a real estate closing for me and everything went well. He also represented me against a mentally ill woman whose dog attacked me. He is able to handle a variety of issues, and it's nice to know that if something comes up again, I have someone to call. I would hire him again.
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06 Jun, 2014 by Justin
Mr. Lewert handled several real-estate closing a for me. I found him to be extremely professional as well very knowledgeable about the entire process. I have referred him to several friends and family members all who have had similar experiences. I strongly recommend Mr. Lewert for any legal matter.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Paul csabai
Very professional service as well as always answered phone calls on the first call. Extremely reliable firm and will recommend them to others.
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16 Jun, 2024 by Jill addis
Frank is an incredible and knowledgeable attorney! He’s responsive, talented, and highly respected in the legal community. He goes above and beyond for his clients.
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13 Jun, 2024 by Lincoln skalla
The most professional and helpful lawyer I've ever worked with. Could not recommend Frank more, thank you for all of the help!!
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26 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Steve started strong with many promises, visited the children, and promised to help. Not only was he a poor communicator, but he made the divorce case even worse. He did not have the best interests of the children in mind, and legal teams on both sides of my case were extremely frustrated with him. If you're looking for good representation with an attorney who can communicate and advocate on your behalf or the kids, look elsewhere! Worst experience ever.
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20 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
After representing my case for several years, Steve Wasko's appearance at trial was marked by serious misrepresentations and factual errors. When these were pointed out to the judge, she ignored his arguments. Mr. Wasko's irregular billing practices were also a source of confusion. For months on end, his office sent two separate and contradictory billing statements each pay cycle, a problem they were for some reason unable to resolve. After the trial, it took several months and frequent outreach before his office finally returned the retainer balance.
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18 Sep, 2023 by Bei
Steve representing my case for three years, he is knowledgeable, kind, super smart, full of justice. I am grateful forever of all his work done for me. He is such a great and kind man. No words to describe how grateful I am for everything he did for me and my children. I highly recommend Steve.
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03 Mar, 2017 by Kim
John was my attorney for a divorce 5 years ago. I had never worked with an attorney and didn't know what to expect. My fairly simple divorce still ended up taking a full year. In part, due to stall tactics on the other end but partly because John was very slow about responding to even simple easy requests or revisions of the MSA or Parenting agreement. After I was already divorced, he continued to represent me (if you can call it that) in dealing with some child support issues. I would often have to correct his work as he was not careful about listening to my issues or the matters we were trying to fix. I would have to spend a lot of time going over facts we had already discussed again and again and I would always have to doublecheck his work as he rarely got the information correct the first time. This caused me to pay excess fees for his time back and forth with the other attorney even when he was at fault. Emails and calls went unreturned constantly. I foolishly stayed with him over the years because I thought there was some advantage in his knowing my history but I wish I would have searched for another attorney much sooner. I didn't feel that he cared about me or my situation and the lack of professionalism just got to be too much.
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13 Jan, 2015 by Patrick
Divorces are obviously really stressful. John and his team always told me when I could expect to hear from them. He knew my budget was limited because I was going through some financial hardships at the time, as a result of the divorce. My bill was very low because John valued my time an my money. I pretty much got everything I wanted out of the divorce including my children. My recommendation when working with John or any lawyer would be agree to set clear expectations of communication. Court systems move slow. He'll send you news as he gets it and calling the guy 1000 times in between is not going to get you the information any faster, but it will drive up the bill. Know that the court systems move slow, but they do move. John is a solid attorney in comparison to the horror stories I've heard about other attorneys. I have recommended him to several people who also were very happy with him.
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10 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Never returns phone calls. Always late to Court appearances. Unorganized, sloppy, incompetent and completely got schooled by opposing counsel. Only cares about keeping his billing current. He has no business practicing law. Save your money & your sanity, hire one of the dozens of other lawyers in Chicago.
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05 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
Matteo is only concerned with himself his clients are of no concern. Matteo will go on and on about himself and all the experience that he has but when the time comes for him to be the pit-bull that he claims to be he drops the ball. He represented me in a matter that I was confident that I would win but his lack of preparation for trial caused an unfavorable outcome. Read the other reviews posted on line before you hire him. In a nutshell they all say the same things... clients complain that he is narcissistic and not worth anywhere the amount that he feels he is worth.
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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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