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21 Nov, 2013 by Lorie
I was the trustee working through my father's tangled estate and Mr. Romley was terrific at helping me negotiate with the creditors and other issues. He kept me informed when there was information to know and things to do. He was attentive and resolved the estate promptly once we had waited the entire time period. I could not be more relieved. In response to the previous review, sometimes he didn't call me back because frankly there was nothing he could say or do, somethings take time. When you are wading through a tough situation, waiting for phone calls can seem like forever. However, his calling me back immediately when he had no information to provide would have only served to rack up my bills. I highly recommend Mr. Romley.
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11 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Romley a year and a half ago. I had a very tough time getting him to even call me back. He is completely computer illiterate, so won't email. He never returned my unused retainer. One of the worst experiences I ever had with an attorney.
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14 Mar, 2023 by Arianna delarosa
Communication is horrible. Nobody ever answers the phone or returns emails. Almost 2 years later, my bankruptcy is still not closed as it should be and no funds have ever been sent to me from the tax return that this office intercepted from the IRS. Absolutely ridiculous and frustrating!
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11 Jul, 2021 by Jimmy culbertson
09 Mar, 2020 by Sam tinkle
In my opinion, attorney Witthoft is not someone I could recommend to anyone; she's the type of attorney who serves her own interests and motives, while disregarding the law. very disappointing.
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17 Nov, 2018 by Michelle timpson
Nice place
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09 Apr, 2024 by Douglas
I highly recommend Elliot as an employment lawyer. He provided me with exceptional service, never charging for consultations and always being readily available to address any inquiries I had regarding my case. His professionalism and expertise were evident throughout our interactions, and I have full confidence in his abilities to assist others in need of legal representation in employment matters. I wholeheartedly endorse Elliot and encourage anyone seeking legal assistance in this area to consider his services.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Plain and simple, this man can't be trusted. He's a charlatan. A phony. He will use your case to make a quick buck for himself. He doesn't care about civil rights or people at all.
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06 Mar, 2024 by Leslie
Hiring this attorney was a mistake. Nice and seemingly caring until they get your money. Had to keep contacting them to ask for updates. Kristi, in his office, was rude and hung up on me after I questioned her about something Mr Isaacs said he was going to do, that she was now claiming he wasn't going to do. Mr Isaacs claimed he'd do one thing, weeks after starting, Kristi then told me he wasn't going to do that. I asked him to clarify which one of them was telling the truth, he has yet to answer me. Bad enough getting messed over by a company, but then to be messed over by your attorney & his staff, that's worse! What a waste of time.
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29 May, 2023 by Rashel
I happened to like her. Clear and concise. No need for small talk. Just needed numbers and filing. Appreciated her professional assistance!
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27 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
I had a similar experience as Bridgette where I stupidly agreed to use Georgia Wilder for my QDRO. My only saving grace was that I didn't pre-pay for the QDRO split but hourly--which was very costly. I was the only one paying while my ex-husband was suppose to pay his half. I received nasty emails for me to pay because she wrongfully accused me of not paying when it was him. I had to rehire my attorney and he had to rehire his attorney. However, when Georgia was having meetings with my ex-husband which me or my attorney weren't notified or given the contents of these meetings his attorney did the right thing and fired him (his attorney wasn't invited either). I found out about these meetings when I had to pay half the meetings which there were a lot of them!
Like Bridgette, Georgia refused to give me or my attorney the formula of how she came up with his portion of the QRDO split. The formula she came up with mine made no sense and it was clear George is bad at math. When I confronted Georgia she gave me Rule 72, Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure which states she has immunity and can do what ever she wants.
The level of incompetence this woman has and how she treats people who are paying her is so sicking. She kept delaying where she was milking me for money where I was almost going bankrupt since I was the only one making regular payments. So I stopped paying and sent an email stating that I couldn't continue to pay her but would have to use my settlement money to pay or declared bankruptcy. Georgia advised me to set up payments with the girls who worked in the office. After I told the girls working in the office that I couldn't set up payment arrangements or pay I would have to declare bankruptcy instead unless I could use the settlement money to pay Georgia I received the QDRO the next day.
Upon review of the QDRO, my attorney couldn't figure out how she even came up with settlement form my ex-husbands retirement. My attorney stated she didn't use any known method for splitting retirement accounts. When he did the split he received a higher number for myself and gave his math. Georgia responded with a case number (which had nothing to do with mine) and math that made no since on how she split part of my ex-husband retirement. My attorney had a talk and stated Georgia's ethics could be reported and we could appeal but it would cause more money and headaches than it was worth in his opinion. The great thing was that my law firm refused to agree to use Georgia for future QRDROs after their experience with her.
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29 Mar, 2022 by Joel
Ms. Wilder was engaged on my behalf by my Divorce Attorneys, a large Phx Firm, the beginning of April, 2021. Mine is a relatively small Pension Plan and we agreed to split it 50:50. Neither my Attorneys or I could seem to make "contact" with Ms. Wilder, but all the Documents were sent to her office. Finally in November, apparently one of my attorneys did make contact, telling Ms. Wilder we would likely reach a settlement in December, 2021. I finally spoke with Ms. Wilder on December 2, 2021. I offered to answer any questions she might have, and told her I would gladly participate in this resolution of a 50:50 "SPLIT."
I impressed on Ms. Wilder I needed the "split" amount for the Pension Administrator before December, 30, 2019 or, "I was obligated to take a Required Minimum Distribution ("RMD") on the entire amount and PAY TAXES ON THAT AMOUNT." Ms. Wilder stated, "that is between you and your Plan Administrator", but I'll get to work on this. I spoke again with Ms. Wilder on December 6, 2019 expressing my concerns and my willingness to assist her with any questions or concerns she might have.
I tried to contact her throughout the remainder of December, but she did not respond. She also did not respond to my Attorney's queries. December 30 passed with no communication from Ms. Wilder, and, yes, I was forced to take the full RMD and I am responsible for considerable tax obligations that should have been avoided.
The Divorce Agreement was signed by the Judge in mid-December, 2021. As of mid-February we had no definite communications from Ms. Wilder. When I complained of this to my Attorneys, I was told "perhaps you should handle this yourself" (Strange, but true).
Then "suddenly", Ms. Wilder requested all the documentations we had already supplied. We supplied them again. We were rewarded with no additional communications from Ms. Wilder.
In mid-March we learned Ms. Wilder had consulted the opposition's Forensic Accountant for reasons unknown. This accountant had been excluded from the Court Proceedings by the Trial Judge. Ms. Wilder did NOT inform my attorneys of these inquiries as is customary in these issues...everything is suppose to be done OPENLY. This smacked of obvious apparent partisan actions on Ms. Wilder's part
I then wrote an Email to Ms. Wilder detailing her seemingly non-standard behavior and asking her to complete the task for which she had been contracted and PAID IN ADVANCE. Ms. Wilder attacked me claiming my "tone was condescending, and she did not wish to defend herself". She could not, however, refute anything I said concerning her behavior. She unilateral "withdrew".
We must now incur more expense re-educating a new QDRO person. We have "lost" months in this process. Forewarned is Forearmed!
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04 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
Failed to update me on the progress of the case and he and paralegal to do not answer emails in a timely manner
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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.
