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06 Sep, 2024 by Connie r
We’re about 6mths into settling an estate from out of town, and I can’t sing the praises of Mark Vaughn, Spenser Combs and Crystal loud enough. I’m serving as the Executor, and they have been truly fantastic to work with. Most importantly they have helped me avoid mistakes BEFORE making them! I hate redoing work that should have been done right and would require extra explanation to the probate court to correct, so I GREATLY appreciate that when they say, just call/email and ask us first, they MEAN it :) Also, on several occasions that I’ve come to town to clear out the house, they have bent over backward to assist me on minor and major tasks I saw as unsolvable *problems* but to them, it was Par for the course and easily addressed.
After being in this now for several months, a couple notes of advice to offer, for those looking for estate planning & administration: 1) Request for them to do an “Heirs meeting” so they can interpret the Will/trust/whatever documents FOR you. Don’t even try to explain what you don’t know will occur on your own. Let the heirs ask the *attorneys* answer any questions they’re allowed to and describe who works for whom, and why. They essential represent the person who died so they’re basically not allowed to disclose or advise almost anything to the heirs; only the PR is under obligation/allowed to update them (and should do so regularly as the heirs sole their touch point). Having the meeting will keep costs down in the end, since they’ll not need to field all those calls/email from heirs, and not have to reexplain the correct wording, when you explain something wrong or *incompletely* accidentally LOL. When you’re deep in fresh grief after the loss of your loved one, do NOT even try to answer everyone’s questions on your own right off the bat. I’ve learned that even what I read online is grossly inaccurate for how it *actually* works so just ask them every question you have. 2) Take their advice. They really do know their stuff — backwards and forwards. Rely heavily on them b/c mistakes will cost time or money, or both. Better to get it right the 1st time.
Pro Tip: Set up your financial accounts for the estate with Susan/Martha/Dana over at FirstBank in the *Pinterest Plaza* location. Together, with this firm, they have been an efficient dream team, after a very rough start at another local bank. You won’t regret using either.
Lastly, we had to sell property and used Craig Phifer to review the listing agreement and close our side, and had a great experience. Very knowledgeable, very detail-oriented, fairly-priced, and clear instructions. (Not a lot of “hand-holding” since they’re probably used to dealing with higher-end clientele who know what they’re doing already LOL) But, that said, every single question I had if Melissa (his paralegal/assistant), she was happy to answer clearly and in as much detail as I needed :) This office is everything a team of attorneys SHOULD be.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Taylor renee
I have done 2 transactions with this firm. Tabitha being the main point of contact for each. I am only giving two starts because the transactions closed and there were not any huge issues that held up closing. Tabitha is not someone that I would ever work with again. She is rude, and has no communication skills whatsoever as well as no customer service skills. It felt like I was inconveniencing her when I would call to ask questions. I get several emails with documents attached to them with absolutely no explication on what they were. If I didn’t have experience in the real estate industry I wouldn’t have had a clue what they were. I will be taking my business elsewhere in the future.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Dennis lefond
Timely service
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02 Jun, 2023 by Lisa
I hired Foushee to help with my high conflict divorce. She charged me 5k right from the start and never bothered to meet me in person. Lacked empathy towards my situation. Withdrew from my case because I did what the police told me to do and filed a 50 B. She disagreed with it. I was never refunded the any money and she basically didn’t do anything but refer me to the worst attorney in the world. An attorney that is well known for doing a terrible job. I’ve met other women in divorce care who felt like Foushee treated them poorly and disrespectfully. In my opinion she turns her nose up at stay at home moms. Terrible. Wouldn’t recommend her to anyone.
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19 May, 2022 by Anonymous
Ms. Foushee did an outstanding job in my case. Not only was she professional, but she showed care when she was always willing to listen to my concerns. I also felt that she truly cared about my daughter's well being. In what I believe is a broken legal system when it comes to the child's mental health and case processing times, Ms. Foushee work was exceptional with all matters under her control. I could not think of a better attorney and highly recommend her for family matters.
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08 Apr, 2022 by Nicholas bland
My trial has been ongoing since 2018. Ms. Foushee has been representing my ex-wife since 2018. I have no problem with this. I do however have an extreme problem with how she has represented my children, which is why this firm deserves negative stars.
My children have been represented by Ms. Whitney Foushee since 2018. To my knowledge, Ms. Foushee has no children, has no idea what it is like to be a parent, and she should not be representing children in court in my humble opinion. In 2018, I signed a document, without proper legal counsel, after constant pressure and manipulation by my ex-wife. This document, which Ms. Foushee created, directly contributed to the disintegration of the relationship with my children. Since signing that document, my children have never stepped foot in my home, and have only spent one night with me in the past 3+ years. I was not even allowed to visit them at their school before they moved to Florida.
Please put yourself in this situation and try to understand the emotional and psychological damage this can do to a person. This firm does not care about your children. The only thing this firm cares about is your money. I have taken responsibility for the action of signing that document. I demand the same responsibility/accountability for the attorney who would draft such a document.
Please google search and read through the following articles that discuss parental alienation as a form of child abuse, and reference how attorneys like Whitney Foushee should be held responsible for this child abuse as well.
Parental Alienation (Syndrome)-A serious form of psychological child abuse" Ment Health Fam Med (2018) 14: 725-739. This was published by Dr. Boch in the Journal of Mental Health and Family Medicine in 2018.
Parental Alienation as a Form of Emotional Child Abuse: Current State of Knowledge and Future Directions for Research (Family Science Review, Volume 22, Issue 4, 2018). This document was published by Dr. Kruk in the journal of Family Science Review in 2018.
Parental Alienating Behaviors: An Unacknowledged Form of Family Violence. (2018, Vol. 144, No. 12, 1275–12990033-2909/18/$12.00 http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/bul0000175). This article was published in the journal of the American Psychological Association in 2018.
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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.
