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14 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
She was amazing. Understood my case, had a wealth of knowledge surrounding it. Had great empathy for the nightmare situation I was in. I would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone need help!!!!
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06 Jan, 2016 by Rose
I would absolutely 100% recommend Erin Farley to a friend, and have already done so twice! LOL!
I can't understand why anyone would give a subpar review for Erin here on Avvo, and have instead found her to be an incredibly kind, intelligent and competent attorney.
I was first referred to Erin by a friend in 2013 when my ex and I decided to separate. I was obviously anxious and upset at the time (not to mention a little untrustworthy of anyone in the legal profession...), but I knew I needed to speak to someone about what a divorce would actually mean for me and my family.
Erin really helped me understand and come to terms with my divorce, and helped prepare me for everything that would follow (divvying up assets, custody battle, etc.)
I eventually hired Erin to represent me during divorce proceedings in 2014, and could not be more happy with that decision. I was really angry at my ex at the time and at first thought of hiring a 'shark' lawyer to get what was mine, but through mediation with Erin I was actually able to come to an agreement with my ex and settle our divorce out of the court room.
Not only did the settlement swing in my favor, but I do believe that attempting to avoid conflict during the divorce was what was best for my children. I also thing that our divorce mediations helped my ex and I become better co-parents today because it helped us put our family first instead of ourselves. We will, after all, be in each other's lives forever through our children, and I want to thank the Law Office of Erin Farley for understanding that and respecting it.
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29 Oct, 2014 by Chelsea
Erin Farley helped me four years ago with a dicey landlord/tenant issue. Long story short: my roommates and I signed a contract and agreed to live in an apartment without being aware that our unit would be under construction while we lived there. After living amidst sawdust and construction workers who walked in and out without knocking, I asked a friend for the name of the lawyer who had recently helped her out. She recommended Erin, and I am so grateful she did!
Erin was gracious, intelligent, determined, and even more importantly - personable! It was so lovely to work with an attorney who actually genuinely seemed to care about me and my situation. I've experienced other attorneys before who were 'wooden' and anti-social. Erin was the exact opposite and was truly compassionate.
Not only was she helpful, she got the job done! My roommates and I soon got a drastic cut off our rent, got money back, and even got to stay in a different unit while they finished construction.
THANK YOU ERIN!
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03 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
Mr. Moore handled my divorce. I was in a bad relationship with a young son. Mr. Moore took the time to listen to me and help me understand the laws. He helped me and my ex-husband sell our house, deal with custody of my son and everything else in-between. I highly recommend his services if you are looking for an attorney who is dedicated to you and your issues.
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15 Jun, 2016 by Susan black
An attorney who truly cares about his clients? It is so rare, in my opinion, it almost sounds like an oxymoron. Well I almost never write reviews and I'm so positively impressed with George, I had to write this and attest that he is a rare, amazing, caring, compassionate human being as well as an extremely skilled and competent attorney.
I speak from experience as I worked for 12 years as a contract employee for Family Court Services, so observed many attorneys, judges and mediators. I also am a peaceful person, as you may be, having ended a prior 23 year with a respectful mediated settlement never having to appear in court. Currently, I'm a survivor of 38 month, extremely high conflict, unnecessarily vicious divorce battle that cost $90K prior to George.
George was my fourth attorney and George went way above and beyond for a very reasonable pre-set flat fee. Words cannot express how happy and relieved I am that I found George who was able to resolve the case quickly by mediation a long overdue agreement and thereby avoiding a scheduled two day trial that I was dreading.
In summary, my only regret that I didn't find George Castagnola three years sooner so that he could have been my first and only attorney.
If I were a teacher, I would rate him A++. There is no higher rating.
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07 Sep, 2023 by Sam simmons
WSHB offers the best litigation money can buy. But more importantly, Sarah at the front desk is awesome.
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10 Jun, 2024 by Cana jenkins
I recently had the pleasure of having Robyn Coppedge from Affordable Wills and Trusts prepare a will and trust for my family, and I cannot recommend her services highly enough. From start to finish, Robyn demonstrated exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to ensuring our needs were met.
The entire process was seamless and stress-free, thanks to Robyn's thorough understanding of estate planning and her ability to explain complex legal concepts in a way that was easy to understand. She took the time to listen to our concerns, answer all our questions, and provide insightful advice tailored to our family.
One of the standout qualities of Robyn is her meticulous attention to detail. Every aspect of the will and trust was handled with the utmost care, ensuring that our family's future is secure and our wishes are clearly outlined. Additionally, Robyn was incredibly responsive, promptly returning calls and emails, and always making herself available to address any issues that arose.
What truly sets Robyn apart is her empathy and genuine concern for her clients. She made us feel comfortable and confident throughout the process, turning what could have been a daunting task into a positive experience. It's clear that she is passionate about helping families protect their assets and plan for the future.
I am extremely grateful to Affordable Wills and Trusts for their exceptional service and would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone in need of estate planning assistance. Their expertise, dedication, and personal touch make them an invaluable asset to any family looking to secure their future.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Cathy ramirez
Decent lawyers are hard to find, just listening makes a difference. Thank you for the support even if you could not take my case, appreciate your time & referral.
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20 Apr, 2024 by Siri h
Michael made the mediation process clear and straightforward without all the drama and alienation that can wreck a familly. He's calm, honest, friendly, thorough, responsive. He gets straight to the point, doesn't milk you for money. I would highly recommend him if you are going through divorce and looking for a trustworthy family law professional.
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28 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Jeff stopped communicating with me about my divorce in August 2023. He just disappeared. His phone number is disconnected. His website is "under maintenance", he has ignored emails. He is a crook. I reported him to the Bar, and am looking at further steps to take to make him accountable for the harm he is causing.
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27 Feb, 2024 by Mililani gouveia
TOTALLY ABANDONED MY DIVORCE CASE
CHANGED HIS PHONE NUMBER
WEBSITE IS DOWN
ZERO RESPONSE IN 5 MONTHS
WORST ATTORNEY EVER
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13 Jan, 2024 by Ocie taylor
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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:
-
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.
