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18 Jan, 2022 by Archie
Thank you so much Mr Onyia for getting me through another crisis and making it look so easy. Your logical and calm demeanor had kept me at ease during this anxious time concerning the custody of my son. Your a heaven sent, like having Einstein, Mohammed Ali and Mike Tyson in my corner at the same time. If your looking for representation in family courts, this is your man. He knows his way around the courtroom. Mr Onyias experience shined throughout my case that went to trial. Mr Onyia was in control the whole time. He knows the law and how to navigate through difficult opposition and circumstances. I've shopped around for family court attorneys in 2019, they all seemed unreasonable and extravagant with their court fee estimates. Mr Onyia was the only one who seemed honest, fair and reasonable. He was worth every penny and more in 2019. He never inflated extra costs or expenses like most lawyers. Now I've just finished up with my uphill custody modification battle in 2022. We won.
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27 Jan, 2018 by Ryan
Cosmas Onyia recently represented us in a custody matter. Throughout the process, Cosmas was detailed in his explanation of what to expect. He guided us thru the process and was very timely with responses to any questions we had. He would either answer immediately or within 24 hours. Given that he was brought into the case late after poor representation by another council, Cosmas picked up the pieces in short notice and put forth a vigorous case on our behalf. As one might imagine, these type of cases are often quite emotional at times. Ours was no different. When things got upsetting, Cosmas helped to keep us focused and see the bigger picture. Cosmas was very aggressive on our behalf and set forth a determined argument that was presented in an organized expert manner. The opposing council was so out matched by Cosmas that at times we almost felt sorry for the other side. If you have any need for a family lawyer, you would be foolish not to entrust Cosmas to be your council.
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29 May, 2015 by Leticia
He was excellent with my case, I cant be more thankful for his excellent service.
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05 Aug, 2015 by Francine
Joshua Hatch was hands down the best divorce attorney ever. He took care of all of my needs. He was simply amazing. He made a nightmare divorce seem easy. I recommend him to everyone that asks. Your in good hands if you hire Mr. Hatch.
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02 Jun, 2015 by Michele
Josh is first off very personable and professional. He listens to his clients and is terrific in court. He protected me with what I was owed as well as having the other party put in jail on several occasions due to non support.
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26 Jul, 2017 by Sheree
Mr. Walker gave excellent advice and representation without financial hardship. He is well versed in Family Law and provides sound advice.
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14 Apr, 2016 by Rudy
i would recommend Mr walker best lawyer i have used . he represented me in my divorce and kept my son here and made sure i was not taken. very good at what he does !!! i will definitely use him again if needed thank you Mr walker for a great job well done !
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16 Mar, 2015 by Aaron
I was extremely impressed with how Mr. Weiner presented my case in a recent arbitration hearing. He was able to quickly gain a clear understanding of a complicated matter and present it in a way that resulted in a full award. Mr. Weiner's experience was apparent in his preparation and in the hearing. He has also helped me resolve another conflict before I had to litigate and he has been very helpful in drafting and reviewing contracts for my business.
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21 Jun, 2014 by Clay
I don't have enough good things to say about Mr. Weiner. Thanks to him, I (single Dad) somehow won a nasty custody battle. He was great at keeping in touch and let me know cost-wise what was going on.
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21 Nov, 2011 by Kris
Found Mr Harvey through services at Mar.Cty Courts, several years ago.
Retained Mr Harvey for my Divorce and Custody battle. He pulled out all the stops, worked with me and guided me step by step.
He let me know I wasn't alone in this.
I was awarded Custody of my daughter (rare for a Father, at the time) and ensured everything was split fairly.
Though we haven't spoken since, I consider Mr Harvey a friend, and if ever needed, he would be the ONLY person I would call for Legal Matters.
PS: If you ever read this Paul, I still owe you that Dinner and Drink!
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22 May, 2023 by Syed-taha
A good attorney makes all the difference. And Matthew is an excellent attorney. I was charged with 7 felony counts, Mr. Schwatrzstein reviewed the evidence, sought expert opinions and some how convinced the County Attorney to drop the case, which is an impossible task. I had 3 other attorneys on this case prior to Mr. Schwartzstein, State tried to offer me several Plea deals, 3 trial dates, 4 county attorneys. Still Mr. Schwartzstein was able to get my case dismissed. My hat is off to HIM.
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08 Apr, 2013 by Mila
Herman was my Lawyer in my divorce case. And I am happy for that fact. I had no experience with attorneys before and was uncertain what to expect. Herman was very professional and knowledgeable. In my first meeting with Herman he explained the process and possibilities. He never promised an unrealistic result, but I trusted his expertise and that he would work to get me the best ending he could. We settled in mediation before court and my ex even said he wished Herman had been his Lawyer. I will definitely recommend this attorney to anybody who needs help.
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13 Dec, 2019 by Janet
My accountant's office referred me to Liz for help in purchasing a business with my fiancé. I was very impressed with Liz's knowledge and skill in reviewing the contract and making suggestions for improvement so that our rights and interests were protected. She was very prompt in preparing the paperwork and her communication with us was excellent from start to finish. I'm an attorney myself but I don't practice in this area, so I knew how important it was to find an attorney who knew this area and could give us good advice. Liz really "knows her stuff." Her fees were also very reasonable for the services she provided. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for business advice.
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26 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Divorces are unfortunate but I was very fortunate finding Kaci and her team. Kaci Bowman is a very detail-oriented lawyer. She was bright and knew the law.
She is a complete professional, knowledgeable and dedicated.
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23 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
I asked for equal visitation and our home she got it. I asked for numerous court order issues and she got it. I asked her to monitor the court appointed adviser and she did. Finally she got my children to be full time with me, child support from me halted, and was there for me over 12-years off and on as the situation called for, through two divorces.
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13 Jun, 2019 by Lance
I hired Jennika to take care of my sisters divorce. My sister was in a physically abusive situation. There were children involved and the safety of my sister. Jennika helped my sister in so many ways to make sure that she and the kids would be safe and taken care of during this difficult time. Jennika showed professionalism and compassion during the whole process. Jennika was always available when we needed her and she never made us feel as if we were a bother. Even after the divorce Jennika was there to make sure that all was well with my sister . Jennika and her whole team were a blessing to our family that made a very trying time go as well as could be expected. I have recommended Jennika several times since we used her and everyone was extremely happy with her abilities!
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06 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Cooke has represented me in a criminal case and a child custody case. In both cases Mr. Cooke walked in the courtroom and it was clear that the judge and other attorneys truly respected him. In both cases I got what I wanted. In my opinion he is the best lawyer in AZ.
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04 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
Mr Theut was my attorney during a guardianship/conservatorship where now ex-wife wanted have me committed and have me as the ward. Mr. Theut kept me informed and my trial only lasted 6 minutes. Petition from my now ex-wife dismissed, Now he is going after her for his attorney fees.
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24 May, 2011 by Ray
It seems an oxymoron to say an attorney is honest and will tell you what to do to keep you from wasting your money but Mr. Cornelius is one that is honest and will cost you only what's necessary to get as close to what you want as possible. His counsel is excellent and his knowledge superb. I view him as a very knowledgeable friend as well as my attorney.
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02 Jan, 2025 by Jaime sanchez
Saludos al excelente abogado José Rivera desde Zacatecas México...
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05 May, 2023 by Melodie bogart
I contacted this firm to possibly take on a bad faith case. I spoke with Mr. Kottoor a couple times. He was very kind and knew his stuff. We ended up going with a different lawyer we contacted earlier, but based on Zubin's demeanor and knowledge I would absolutely have trusted my case to him and this firm.
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25 Apr, 2023 by Mindy reed
15 Apr, 2023 by Teresa temple
10 Jan, 2023 by Nat murom
3 years of battle and know relief !!! I have changed four lawyers and James was an assets to us !
I highly recommend James B Rolle ||| as a family lawyer you can trust. James is very professional and extremely knowledgeable.
He is also very fast to respond.
James is very responsible and dedicated lawyer and he will take a time to learn about your case .
Thank you James .
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16 Jul, 2021 by Chayito hernandez florez
23 Apr, 2022 by Marteal lamb
What an awesome personal injury attorney!
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29 Apr, 2024 by Cori e.
I hired the firm to pursue action with my HOA. They did an excellent job of representing me. Justin Fouts is a great attorney and I recommend him if you need legal counsel.
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23 Apr, 2024 by Tyler chang
Absolutely amazing experience with David on a brief phone consultation. This firm is one of the few, if not the only one that gives free consultations if you just want quick legal advice.
I didn't know how thorough he would be due to the consultation being free, but it was better than any consultation I've used in the past!!
Incredibly friendly guy and easy to talk to. I will definitely use this firm for any future needs.
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05 Feb, 2024 by Eric naddy
23 Aug, 2023 by Leslie
Judy Morse and her team took over my divorce after my first attorney left me high and dry. She was recommended to me by not one but two (!) separate acquaintances. Her firm was highly responsive, answering all my questions and concerns as they came up throughout the process, and Judy and her associate offered suggestions and strategies at every turn. Judy also drove our mediation, and I was very impressed with her on-the-fly thinking that helped us reach alignment. Judy also is great at politely but firmly removing emotion from the process, which (I came to learn) is essential in divorce proceedings. I HIGHLY recommend this team to anyone facing a high-conflict separation.
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11 Jun, 2021 by Michelle
Judith Morse listened to what my needs were instead of trying to run up her fees and helped me reach an agreeable resolution with less costs and efforts. She was very personable and real. She really cared about me !
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31 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Divorce is not easy even when it’s friendly. Judy and her staff helped through mine. They were always available and supportive. I highly recommend.
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16 Apr, 2020 by Terry
New to Phoenix, I found myself needing a lawyer regarding a difficult landlord situation. I did a google search, wrote down a few names and randomly made my first call to Scott McWilliams for a very reasonably priced $50 initial consultation.
   I explained the issue to Mr. McWilliams and he provided me with clear, concise information on AZ law, then gave me the specific statute numbers so I could also easily reference them myself. He advised me on the pros and cons of multiple courses of action, offered excellent solutions I had not considered, and gave me guidance on how to proceed, depending on which course of action I would eventually take.
    The issue is close to being resolved, and I may need Mr. McWilliams' expertise to review the final agreement, but he got me to the goal line with a $50 consultation. It was, without a doubt, the best legal services value I have had in the past 40+ years.
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25 Jun, 2019 by Jules
For $50.00 and I think 30 - 60 min of his time, he reviewed the docs I brought and advised me where to begin with what forms to file. He advised for the amount I was being sued for, it wouldn't be cost-effective for him to take my case, but offered extended consult services at his rate of $325./hr Thank you, attorney McWilliams for taking the time to meet with me.
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23 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Consulted first, hired right away. Very professional. Answered every question into detail and went above and beyond for my situation.
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07 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I used Gregg for my divorce. I knew that he had a wealth of experience with CPS, criminal, and family court matters. He is well respected and quick on his feet. He is passionate and one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. Most attorneys have a bad reputation. Not Gregg! He is a must have on your side.
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24 Mar, 2015 by Vanessa steves
I've been so happy with Mr. Woodnick. I was a nervous wreck -- I couldn't sleep, I was losing weight, and felt honestly like I didn't want to wake up. My poor kids...ugh. But thankfully I was referred to Mr. Woodnick, who has taken the leadership role that I needed. I was worried that I was too out of touch with everything to be able to proceed with any kind of case, but Gregg stepped right in and was like a father to me, guiding me in the right direction and helping me make decisions I could have never made on my own. I trust him just like I would have trusted my father and, like my father, he gave me confidence that we were doing the right thing. Gregg was so strategic! He thought of things I wouldn't have imagined. I honestly don't think there is a better lawyer than Gregg. I recommend him to everybody! Thank you Gregg Woodnick!
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20 Mar, 2015 by Jamie
I contacted Gregg Woodnick at the advice of my business lawyer. Gregg quickly assessed a messy situation, had insight and helped bring the situation to a good resolution. I appreciate my corporate lawyer making the introduction and thank Gregg (and staff) for their hard work.
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04 May, 2023 by Anonymous
I called to set up an appt to create an estate, living will, etc after doing much research on attorneys. I loved every profile I read of her and we had in common teaching in South Korea, so I really wanted to work with her! Each time I called, she was unavailable and would call back at random times, usually 5pm-6pm while driving or outside. In our first call, she said she would email me a link to her client portal so I could upload my documents a week prior to our consult. I never got the link or an email. During our first call, she said "I know it's not lawyerly of me to say this but..." and the advice I got was not related to what I needed. I called her firm the next day asking to speak with her to see if she had the correct email, as I needed the link. She called me back later in the day while driving and I gave her my email again. 6 days passed and no email, so I called to cancel our appt. I was transferred to her cell phone and told her that I wanted to cancel but she made an attempt to continue with the consult. She repeated the email that she had and it was wrong. I spelled out the email to her and I could hear wind noise and a child in the background, so I know she was not taking it down. We agreed that she would call me the next evening at 6:30 and that she would send the link I needed for her to look over my documents prior to our consult. Well, again I never got the email or calendar invite that she said she had. I called the same day to cancel and was again transferred to her but there was no answer and she never called me. Very disappointing.
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15 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Ms. Wilson was an amazing lawyer. I needed to get a living will created for myself and my husband. I dreaded the idea of getting it done. Ms. Wilson made the task painless. She is well educated, professional, articulate, and easy to speak to. I felt I was able to clearly explain my wishes to her. I am so grateful to Ms. Wilson for creating my living will. I am confident that no other lawyer would have been able to provide such great service, value, and quality.
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15 May, 2018 by Mrs. belfon
I had the pleasure to work with Ms. Wilson last summer when she was consulted to handle a situation with a physician that I felt unsafe with his practice. Ms. Wilson took on my case with the quickness and immediately reached out and handled my situation. I never had to go to court, the issue was so thoroughly handled and professionally done. I was so thankful to Attorney Wilson. She helped me and my family so much. I would definately be using her in the future.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Amber wilson
First off I want to say Mr. Saienni and Brook Jolley are very kind people IN GENERAL. Then I would like to add that their professionalism was absolutely top tier. Brook would always make sure to keep me updated on things whether it was a call or email, the communication always stayed on point. They were always easy to connect with and if they missed a call you will most certainly get a call back. More importantly, I discovered that I had 7 counts against me one of them being a class 2. From the moment I contacted and met with Mr. Saienni I was more at ease and hopefully than I had been before. His confidence, his upfront communication, his laid back but yet professional demeanor gave me the confidence and unquestionable trust that everything would be just fine . What that being said he was able to get me down to a misdemeanor for my count 2 and all other charges dropped. I am very grateful to have worked with Mr. Saienni as well as his paralegal Brook Jolley. I highly highly recommend you come to Saienni Law, I have no doubt in my bones that you will be taken care of!
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13 Feb, 2017 by Jay
Did a great job at trial. Used him for post trial work
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02 Jun, 2015 by Theresa
Harvey Brown has been my attorney for over 25 years, his knowledge in family law is valuable, his professiolsm is his top priority, Harvey advocates for those who can't, and Harvey always puts his client's at ease when things are so confusing and overwhelming.Thank you Harvey for you doing what you do best, taking care of us :)
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24 Jul, 2023 by Brian
I hired Laura due to being served by both of my kid's moms after getting married to my wife. It was extremely stressful and overwhelming not knowing the outcome because I have always had a lot of time with my kids prior. Laura and Elizabeth were rockstars in both of my cases leading me to very strong wins! I can't tell her enough how much I appreciate her and her team for leading the way. I highly recommend and will continue to use her services moving forward!
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01 Dec, 2022 by Amber
I hired Laura for assistance with my Divorce and Custody Case. Laura was highly compassionate, caring thorough and helped me so much! She is extremely knowledgeable, prompt and always does the absolute best for her clients. I cannot thank her enough for her assistance, giving me hope for my child and I have continued to use her for other consulting matters! Hire Laura today!!
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31 Jan, 2022 by Michael fernandez
Thank you Mr Cosmas For All of Your Help for Our Families!
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19 Dec, 2024 by Luis a. mendez
I just to say how grateful to have the opportunity to become a resident thanks to Maria Jones Law Firm. Anything is possible no matter where you come from or who you are, with this opportunity I will be able to continue chasing my dreams and hopefully get to help others like my dad who in dialysis or those who are sick. I wouldn’t be able to do this with the help of Maria Jones Law Firm, so I really really would recommend this Law Firm to anyone who wants to do something good with their future like I am. Si se puede! Gracias a dios
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13 Dec, 2024 by Agustin bahena
Estoy muy contento con esta firma me an ayudado bastante me dieron mi residencia pronta mente el costo por el servicio es muy accesible y especial mente la señorita carla salazae es muy amable y cordial explica las cosas en poco tiempo y muy detallado agradezco la ayuda a la firma maria Jones
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12 Dec, 2024 by Daniel tamayo
I like the fact that maria Jones is strict with employees that are slacking off. Every time I see her in office she is checking cases with detail and making sure employees are doing their part. Sometimes calls don't go through for some reason, but other than that service is great.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Yitzhel rodriguez
Alta Legal represented me in a car accident case, and had a great experience l! They took care of me setting me up with Dr.s, and physical therapy all within 24hrs. I worked with Zaray and she kept very close contact with me through the whole process . I highly recommend Alta Legal!
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30 Sep, 2024 by Samuel barajas
12 Aug, 2024 by Quenton williamson
09 Feb, 2025 by Francis arnold
It was really good and useful conversation. Excellent behavior, very friendly and give best advice for next step.
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05 Feb, 2025 by Areli guzman
Para mi ha sido un placer trabajar en la oficina del abogado Rafael Tirado, es un excelente ser humano y profesional. Me ayudo con mi advance parole. Lo recomiendo mucho😊
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01 Feb, 2025 by Celeste romero
09 Feb, 2025 by Shirley buffington
My trust was updated successfully the end of 2024. Thomas Tuohy was the lawyer who helped me with this—and his associates, of course. Thomas was a pleasure to work with—he was relaxed and didn’t pressure me. He brought up items that I may not have thought of and provided answers to all of my questions. The binder with all of my documents was presented and will be very helpful in the future. I would definitely recommend this firm.
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22 Jan, 2025 by Wajih askar
12 Jan, 2025 by Lori lindseth
Professional and thorough.
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04 Apr, 2024 by The huntress
Had a seizure just reading their front page. Ouch. Try harder with the fonts next time. How can I trust them to patent something if they can’t even get a font on their home page correctly? I’m afraid to click past that.
Maybe Wingdings would work better?
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19 Dec, 2023 by Nicole schmidt
My feeling is that this law firm is a true gem. I love that when I call I get a professional warm secretary to take my call. It was extremely fantastic that I was able to speak to the attorney directly. He took my call as if my case mattered. Attorney Bycer is very knowledgeable and I believe direct and not a time waster. He gets straight to the point to help you make good decisions & resolve issues. This firm will always be my #1 place to do business with.
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19 Dec, 2023 by Antlet 2
Very nice secretary/phone person. Great professionalism & yet still kind. Fantastic phone skills.
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30 Dec, 2024 by D j
21 Dec, 2024 by Craig brown
09 Dec, 2024 by Gilbert primero
Based on information read on business listing I would most definitely inquire further business
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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.
