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30 Sep, 2021 by Sarah
CPS had a huge vandetta against me and my family. I called them out for neglecting my children and placing them in harm's way. I ended up relocating temporarily in Livingston County in which I hired Mr. Trabilsy for his legal services. I'm not gonna lie I was a very enraged mother at the system whom claims to help families but I learned was farthest from the truth. I cannot tell you enough that I have the upmost respect for Mr. Trabilsy and very much appreciated every step forward he took in my case. More than a few times I was infuriated with the laws that protect this fake agency and Congress won't even step in. Mr. Trabilsy let me know every step we were taking in my case and explained why it had to be handled in the ways that came about. He was more than understanding through the whole process and could sympathize with my frustrations while keeping a high sense of respect for his client along with Empathy. Very professional at all times and very reassuring through it all. I couldn't reccomend any other attorney that I respect more than Mr. Trabilsy and good luck if your trying. He truly is a blessing in a suit that strongly and highly intellectually represents his Clients not only through to the end but goes above and beyond his duties making sure his client is good and well on their feet before closing your case. I was very broken and protective when I hired Mr. Trabilsy and I am so Thankful he represented me against the true evil corrupting of a Agency whom ALLEGEDLY keeps our children with us and is here to help but in truth they are hurting and tearing apart our vulnerable and innocent families. So keep this in mind, if you find yourself where I was when looking to hire an amazing Attorney. Tell yourself "Don't give up 5 minutes before the Miracle Happens. For the Lord answers us all in his time. Not in the time we expect the answer and the way we want it to be. Be Patient and never give up. Bc The Lord never gives up on you. And neither does the Guardian Angel Mr. Trabilsy whom was sent to me when I wanted to give up". Thank you again Mr. Trabilsy and bless the broken road you take head on everyday to those who just need someone to believe them and changed their lives for the greater good. Hope others will follow in your path of righteousness n God Bless All.
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22 Jan, 2018 by Nick
Dealing with a divorce I didn’t want was hard, typically attorneys can be difficult and uncomfortable to deal with in general, But I am beyond happy how I was treated by Ameel!! Very easy to talk to, and very professional and understanding while handling my divorce negotiations.
Kept me up-to-date on everything that was occurring and returned emails and phone calls promptly. I would highly recommend Ameel to anyone I know with great coffindece! Over the top attention and understanding in a difficult time!
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22 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
Ameel successfully attained a mediated consent judgement far above what the mediator said the valuation would be in my civil lawsuit which centered around a verbal contract I had made. He was able to do this by having built a very solid case based on the mountain of details I provided him. Throughout the time period of my case, Ameel often discussed matters with the other attorneys in his office, which is something you wouldn't get with an attorney working all by themselves. The opposing attorney attempted many devious tricks and scare tactics. Ameel easily recognized all of this and kept me and the case on track. From a financial standpoint, Ameel was very gracious in giving me time to pay and helping me to handle certain aspects myself to reduce cost. Last and most important, he simply was on top of everything, he is extremely organized and it is obvious he truly enjoys the challenge of winning for his clients. This case was the biggest legal battle of my life. I would feel extremely comfortable having Ameel represent me in any future situations, no matter how large or small.
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28 May, 2020 by Jessica
Mr. Hougaboom is my court appointed attorney. I am beyond grateful to report he has taken much time to consult with me (even prior to pretrial, the day he was appointed!) He gas been patient in explaining the process to me every step of the way. He has been realistic, open and honest. He has made himself available, promptly answering and/or returning my many calls.
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29 Sep, 2015 by Frank
Mr. Hougaboom handled a non-payment case for us. He was thorough, knowledgeable, tenacious and kept us informed of our case at every step. Unfortunately, the company was taken over by their bank and our case was thrown out because we were not a secured debtor......but he did an excellent job representing us and I would not hesitate to use his advice or hire him for any other legal issues we may need resolved in the future.
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16 Sep, 2015 by Thomas
Every thing that William has done for me in my divorce from my wife Li Meizhen has been slow but not from my Lawyer but by the courts. my lawyer is doing every thing he can do at this time. and every thing is moving right a long as it should be. he is a very good Lawyer and knows what he is doing.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Bbrno2002
I wish I could hire diane for my case,but I am on dissabiliy so it looks like the propert owner will get away with his abuse. I have since moved from property and its been flagged as unliveable. Due to my income I can't afford to hire an attorney and looks like the landlord of premises will get away with harming a disabled person. It isn't fair due to I got evidence and witnesses.
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03 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
Ms. Kay was very helpful and informative in regards to my case. She was also flexible with my busy schedule.
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24 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
Ms. Kay was always on top of the most current law, and how it affected my outcome. She was always available, or she would get back to me as quickly as possible. Her office is exactly how I would picture a small town office to be; warm, inviting, and comforting.
I recommend her to all of my friends and associates who need legal representation.
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FAQs
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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.
