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13 Jul, 2020 by Dianne smith
02 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Attorney Nagle has been my legal seeing eye dog for the past 3.5 years. Throughout a lengthy and slow moving process it was evident that he possessed a stellar knowledge of Massachusetts legal procedure. He led me through the oft byzantine world of Massachusetts legal proceedings in a calm and confident manner.
He is engaging, subtly strong willed and dedicated to the law. In my case he was exceptionally patient with an impatient client. Attorney Nagle was always professional. He has a good rapport with court house legal practitioners and staff. He is a gentleman who likes people and in an often contentious legal environment that is a valuable trait.
Attorney Nagle's strongest asset? His talent in the trial courtroom and his skill in cross examination.
Yes, we had a favorable outcome.
I believe he cares about doing a good job for his clients and will work diligently on your behalf.
His office staff are friendly and exceptionally hard working. They deserve my thanks and positive review, as well.
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27 May, 2019 by Steve
David was outstanding in the courtroom. I was and still am in total awe of his preparation, organization and presence in the courtroom. It was like watching something out of a TV show. I was on pins and needles but David was calm, collected, and willing to object (when necessary) and fight for his views. He made excellent logical arguments and submitted all the right motions and I am really proud of his work. I hope not to need an attorney anytime soon - who does? - but if I did, I would pick David Nagle without hesitation.
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13 Jul, 2020 by Dianne smith
15 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
He is a very profesional lawyer, he listen and gives the best advice. He responds to his calls promptly. I would recommend him any day.
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31 Oct, 2024 by Tracy
Just finished a personal injury case working with both Barry McIsaac and Barbara Connly. I can’t recommend them highly enough. They were both personable, knowledgeable, and made sure I understood what was happening each step of the way. The whole process was seamless and I was extremely happy with the final result. Would recommend them to anyone!
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15 Dec, 2023 by Debbie m
Rude, arrogant, and really didn't know what he was doing. Took him weeks to do the simplest things and when things got delayed he blamed everyone but himself. I almost didn't close because he crossed out a legal document that he ½ read & decided it wasn't necessary. Thankfully my lawyer had another copy. I can't believe he's still practicing (and in his case that's literal).
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03 Oct, 2023 by Brendon botelho
Incredibly rude, arrogant, and unprofessional. I called to inquire on a home where he represented the homeowner and he hung up on my face.
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04 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
This attorney was was a waste of my money. She never will contact you and let you know how your case is going. I was left in the dark during my case. She charges $6.25 a minute . And barely does anything! She contacts you on a Friday at around 3:00, so you can't contact her until Monday. She didn't do anything to help me win my case, when it should have been an easy win. She didn't explain anything. I had to google things most of the time because she didn't explain things ever. I had to do most of the work myself during discovery and bring things to her attention. She was insensitive during a terrible time. She would make comments that were. in my opinion .unprofessional and hurtful. This case could have been settled in months, but it took over a year! This attorney does not care about her client at all. She only cares about her money. On the day of court, she changed things on the agreement that should have been settled upon months before the trial date. What a sh** show. Do not hire this attorney unless you want to lose your case.
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13 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
I would NEVER recommend Susannah Brown or anyone in her office for legal services. She charges an arm and a leg and does NOTHING. She does not care about her clients and is impossible to reach by phone and email. If you want to speak to her, be prepared to contact her several times in order to get a response. Unless she wants to get paid, you will not get a call from her. She is rude and condescending. She acted as if I was an idiot if I had questions and would give me one word answers. I am not a lawyer and do not understand legal terms- that is why I paid her a fortune, only for her to make me feel stupid anytime I asked a question. She never initiated communication with me to let me know what was going on with my case. Anytime she would reach out or respond, it was on a Friday afternoon so I would have to worry all weekend and not be able to reach her or ask questions. She did not help me with my case at all and instead I spent over $15,000 fighting a case that should have been won and ended within a few weeks. The entire case took almost a year!!! I am highly DISSATISFIED with the services provided by Susannah and her office staff.
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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.
