Lawyers map
>372
experienced lawyers
Filter by
10 Jun, 2024 by Clearbluwater
11 Apr, 2024 by S log
25 Mar, 2023 by Kayla
27 Mar, 2022 by Brad
This guy could of had my case thrown out early because the police would only showed up 1 on the first hearing and again on the 2nd only 1 cop showed up and on the 3rd one the blood work wasn't ready so it should have been thrown out. He had no clue what xanax was and the difference between that and a Klonopin. I gave him 4 grand and I said I'm not asking for all of it back I'm asking for 1,000 his response was you only gave me a couple hundred until he looked back and he said I got 100 "which I gave that as a retainer. Then his like there's 1500 and then he mumbled what sounded like 4 thousand and then he's like no I'm not giving you any money back I work hard on that case. It was during covid it kept getting postponed. Please do yourself a favor and get someone different or a public defender. They work way better and the law is fresh in their mine. DONT USE THIS GUY AND JOEL STOP DELETING ALL YOU BAD REVIEWS
Read more
26 Dec, 2017 by Rjb
Mr. Dresbold is a very thoughtful and intelligent attorney. He's friendly and concerned with you as a person, not just a client. Highly recommended for any type of legal concern.
Read more
29 Oct, 2014 by Tc
Joel represented me in a defiant tresspass, disorderly conduct and public drunkeness case. He was able to get my charges reduced in which i walked away without the stigma of a misdemeanor on my record and I only had a 100 dollar fine. He made a very embarrassing situation less stressful and very professional. I would recommend him to any one. He even waited in line with me. He even changed his schedule for me to show up to court! Thanks Joel you're the best!
TC
Read more
22 Jan, 2019 by Alexis
I contacted Halstead the day that I was being threatened to be arrested for something that wasn’t a arrestable offense. She contacted the detective and then let me know that I wouldn’t be arrested and that I could go back home. Halstead kept in touch with me in the weeks following before the court hearing. She came to the hearing and was very supportive, and listened to everything I had to say. She gave great advise and when everything was said and done, I ended up with a small fine instead of 2 misdemeanors. She did a great job for me and I would recommend her to anyone that needs her services.
Read more
08 Aug, 2018 by Patrick elliott
20 Nov, 2017 by Drew wirkowski
26 Nov, 2023 by Rafi bienenstock
I've had the experience of using multiple immigration lawyers in the last few months. Joel was BY FAR the most efficient, honest, and effective I've encountered. I recommend him to anyone looking to be properly taken care of in the quickest and most cost efficient manner. I'd give 10 stars but Joel will have to settle for 5 😁
Read more
19 Jun, 2023 by Gabriel cimarolli
Update Review #2
Absolute disregard for clients time and money, 4 years and Nothing done for divorce. The only thing I’ve found this firm responsible for is making sure their “Bill gets delivered on time to our home in a timely fashion”
I would give it less than one star, but I have to choose something.
Read more
31 May, 2023 by Jake rickard
26 Nov, 2023 by Rafi bienenstock
I've had the experience of using multiple immigration lawyers in the last few months. Joel was BY FAR the most efficient, honest, and effective I've encountered. I recommend him to anyone looking to be properly taken care of in the quickest and most cost efficient manner. I'd give 10 stars but Joel will have to settle for 5 😁
Read more
19 Jun, 2023 by Gabriel cimarolli
Update Review #2
Absolute disregard for clients time and money, 4 years and Nothing done for divorce. The only thing I’ve found this firm responsible for is making sure their “Bill gets delivered on time to our home in a timely fashion”
I would give it less than one star, but I have to choose something.
Read more
31 May, 2023 by Jake rickard
26 Nov, 2023 by Rafi bienenstock
I've had the experience of using multiple immigration lawyers in the last few months. Joel was BY FAR the most efficient, honest, and effective I've encountered. I recommend him to anyone looking to be properly taken care of in the quickest and most cost efficient manner. I'd give 10 stars but Joel will have to settle for 5 😁
Read more
19 Jun, 2023 by Gabriel cimarolli
Update Review #2
Absolute disregard for clients time and money, 4 years and Nothing done for divorce. The only thing I’ve found this firm responsible for is making sure their “Bill gets delivered on time to our home in a timely fashion”
I would give it less than one star, but I have to choose something.
Read more
31 May, 2023 by Jake rickard
26 Nov, 2023 by Rafi bienenstock
I've had the experience of using multiple immigration lawyers in the last few months. Joel was BY FAR the most efficient, honest, and effective I've encountered. I recommend him to anyone looking to be properly taken care of in the quickest and most cost efficient manner. I'd give 10 stars but Joel will have to settle for 5 😁
Read more
19 Jun, 2023 by Gabriel cimarolli
Update Review #2
Absolute disregard for clients time and money, 4 years and Nothing done for divorce. The only thing I’ve found this firm responsible for is making sure their “Bill gets delivered on time to our home in a timely fashion”
I would give it less than one star, but I have to choose something.
Read more
31 May, 2023 by Jake rickard
24 Mar, 2024 by Theresa michalski
I know this attorney from personal experience/co workers!
She is pure awful! greedy!
And unconditional!
As a family law attorney!
Who pushed so much against the children and the dad involved that the kid was left more then traumatized, and now backwards as an adult!!
It’s not even funny how much she is against all sides when her pockets are involved!
She is not someone I would recommend to babysit my hamsters rights!
This individual is just awful as a human being!!
She doesn’t think of the incident children are either party!!
Read more
05 Jan, 2024 by Ed verrilla
24 Jan, 2023 by Kristin hermann
Warm, inviting And knowledgeable definitely recommend her
Read more
14 Nov, 2024 by Colleen saban
28 Jul, 2024 by Samantha mueller
I wouldn’t go to Attorney Padgett for legal advice. She can’t speak to her staff with respect, it’s doubtful she could speak on behalf of her clients with any.
Read more
18 Oct, 2023 by Amelia arnold
13 Jan, 2024 by Juanita giles
I would not recommend him to anyone, the experience was less than professional with no positive results. My asking questions was insulting to him and our client/attorney arrangment was terminated. A total waste of my money.
Read more
13 Jan, 2024 by Paul asturi
Waste of money. Had absolutely no interest in helping me, especially after I paid him. It’s probably the only reason he showed up at court. But instead of having answers for me, he had compliments for the opposition. Along with his panicking demeanor, which made me too worried to go in front of the judge and defend myself with the truth!
If me giving consent to the PFA based on your advice is considered a successful resolution then that says it all. Not to mention the PFA was then used to obtain the criminal charges liar. Don’t worry, I will be reporting you to the BAR association
Read more
27 Oct, 2023 by Justin ragghianti
09 Jan, 2025 by Jon lewis
I highly recommend working with Dawn if you need a professional and knowledgeable attorney. She cares about her clients and navigates the process quickly.
Read more
19 Nov, 2024 by Laura crowson
McMorrow Law is one of the best firms to work with! This is our second time utilizing their services and we have been beyond impressed. Their entire team is top notch! You won't be disappointed with their service!
Read more
12 Nov, 2024 by Bill hirsch
Amazing attention to detail and clear communication! I was represented by Sadie Marak in the case of my divorce which took over two years to process. Sadie demonstrated a thorough understanding of the law and made the right choices through a lot of twists and turns; knowing when to compromise and when to hold her ground. Sadie never gave me the impression that she had other priorities, although I'm sure she had many clients and cases. Each time I had questions, concerns, or feedback I was able to reach Sadie by phone, email, or text within a matter of days which I really appreciated. In the end, I was very satisfied with how the case resolved and would absolutely recommend her for representation.
Read more
18 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
For someone who is seeking a modest return from your spouse, this is not the attorney for you. The cost of using her was more than the amount of money I ended up with after many support hearings.
Read more
05 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Rebecca is an excellent attorney when addressing custody and family court issues.
Read more
29 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Attorney Puhac listens and cares. She is also tough when she needs to be tough. She helped me in a very difficult custody case and never lost. I would never go to anyone else for any legal needs I have.
Read more
29 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Rebecca Puhac is a very experienced lawyer who can be fierce in the courtroom. If you have a case that will result in a large profit for her, and you're willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars to her fees, then hire her. If your case will result in just few thousand dollars than she is more concerned with being elected for a judge position than looking into your case. At the consultation, she breezed over my case and told me what I could get from my divorce. She never fully looked into my case. I did hire her after the consultation. That resulted in me paying her $4000 in fees (after she said she would not charge me for calls or emails because it was a smaller case), and she drug out the divorce a year longer than needed. Whem she thought it was going to litigation and that would result in more money for her, she looked at my case. Found out her prior assessment was about $40,000 off from being accurate. So I paid her more than I got out of the divorce and had to deal with the stress for a year longer than needed. To preface, I originally wanted to settle but she pushed that I was entitled to so much that I should not settle. Had she actually looked at my case the first time, I would give her good ratings. Instead, I wasn't a big enough money making case to get that courtesy
Read more
29 Jan, 2025 by Naveen koka
I sincerely Thank Valerie May, Kent May, Elizabeth and Amy who worked on my case, provided valuable inputs, helped me to build a strong case for EB1A and EB2 NIW.
With their guidance and help I was able to get much needed approvals to speed up my AOS application. I am very happy with their service and communication.
Read more
27 Nov, 2024 by Paul carter
Highly dissatisfied in dealing with these jokers and would recommend looking elsewhere for sure
Read more
13 Oct, 2024 by Clean perks
Ahit place
Read more
07 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
This lawyer screwed up my divorce and child custody! Making my life and my children’s life, after the fact horrible. I got stuck in a lot of debt which I did not have to and did not find out until it was all over. She did not fight for my kids either, rather followEd courts agenda to do 50/50, when it has and continues to be horrible. She will not stand up for your rights and will continue to charge you to go back and forth as much as possible and convince you to accept things you don’t have to. I trusted her in helping me do what I needed to get the best outcome through the courts. Do not make the same mistake I did in trusting her. I went to other lawyers whom stated everything from start to finish was poorly done and screwed me over in the end because I thought I was doing what I had to do.
Read more
23 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
I work with attorneys on an almost daily basis with my career. I've spoken with several "friend" attorneys regarding my issues but non have expertise in family law. I met with Beth and in a matter of minutes understood that she is compassionate about what she does, very knowledgeable, and very well prepared to represent her clients. I would recommend her without reservation.
Read more
07 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Beth handled my divorce last year. She was very easy to talk to about what issues mattered to me. My previous lawyer dragged it out for over 4 years, so I decided to try a new lawyer and I'm very glad I chose Beth.
Read more
12 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
I am beyond happy that I retained Mrs Bickerton to work my case for me. I interviewed several different lawyers before settling on this firm, and I firmly believe that if I had hired someone else the results wouldn’t have been as favorable. Not only did Mrs Bickerton manage to successfully argue my case, she made me feel like I’m an actual person and not just a number throughout the whole process. My many questions were all answered in a timely manner, her case law knowledge was superb, and on the one occasion she didn’t have an answer immediately available for me she made sure to research and get back to me right away. I found her pricing to be fair with regards to the service that I received. If I ever needed help again I wouldn’t hesitate to contact her, or refer anyone I knew needed assistance to her.
Read more
07 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Once I hired her it took over a year for my case to go to court waiting for a decision that could have been expedited. Only time she would respond if it pertained to money. Didn't use any witnesses that were in place had an affidavit signed by strong witness and didn't use it. All she did was refute and did a case brief not even tried to prove the intent in court. Had solid information on the staff members involved deeming them not credible did not use it. Cross examination skills were very limited. Throughout and before we even went to court kept saying she could win on appeal. Had information and key witnesses to win at that stage. The prosecution had no evidence at all to present just testimony from people that weren't credible and the investigator admitted he didn't do an investigation only testimony. Lost a case to where there was no evidence only testimony. How good are her legal skills? Never could get in contact with her never returned phone calls would go straight to fax. She would answer emails every once in a while. Made herself available a day before court. Didn't have game plan in court all she did was refute and do a case brief. Seems as if she already knew she threw my case once I emailed her letting her know I lost she called me letting me know her prices for the next proceedings. After that pitiful display in the courtroom she should have gave me my money back or offered to do everything else for free. Why take on a case that your not planning on winning. Took my money and gave me very poor representation. Stay away from this attorney she's very ineffective.
Read more
09 Jun, 2010 by Anonymous
I truly can’t recommend Lea Bickerton strongly enough. I worked with Lea in a criminal case that crossed over into the area of corporate law. Her vast knowledge and expertise of the legal system combined with her no nonsense, straight to the facts approach proved to be a major deciding factor that brought this case to justice as quickly as it began.
Read more
30 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Brad for a family matter. He misinformed me of the support guidelines, by informing me the more my ex made the more I had to pay. Which is completely wrong! I have this in writing from him, of that statement. Which costed me more money. He was totally unprofessional In how he talked to me regarding a settlement he wanted me to take, and I did not want to. Also, he was retained for another issue and showed up over 20 minutes late, and I settled the case MYSELF. He still wanted paid! He’s a very cheap attorney, but, remember you get what you pay for. I wouldn’t recommend him for anyone!
Read more
05 Jul, 2011 by Dan miller
This lawyer was quick and on stuff. Had our charge gone in one court hearing after months of having other ones keep it going. Brad is the best!!!!!
Read more
14 Nov, 2010 by Anonymous
Brad handled both a divorce and bankruptcy for me. It was a very difficult situation, but he handled my case promptly and efficiently. His prices for these services were excellent, and the level of professionalism was commendable. I was very pleased with the results of both the divorce settlement and bankruptcy. I would highly recommend this attorney to anyone seeking a prompt and fair divorce settlement and to file bankruptcy.
Read more
21 Jul, 2023 by Eliza wick
Keep it up Mark
Read more
16 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
Was not responsive. Had trouble remembering details in my case. Seemed overwhelmed and was uninterested in explaining the details in my case.
Read more
28 Oct, 2024 by Nestor perez
I recently found myself in a tough spot, facing an eminent domain situation with the Turnpike planning to relocate a main road through my property. Feeling like I had no options, I reached out to Meyer Unkovic and Scott for legal advice. Frank called me back promptly, offering not only expert advice but also a sense of reassurance. When I first received the news early in the morning, I was anxious and hadn’t yet told my wife. Frank’s guidance helped me understand my situation better and prepare for that conversation with my wife.
He advised me to explore all my options first, including assessing whether the Turnpike’s offer is fair and getting my property appraised to gain a better understanding of its value. I appreciated this approach because he didn’t push to sign me up right away or pushing for payment for the advice. He acknowledged that at this stage, he might not be able to assist fully and recommended I first determine if their offer is reasonable. He genuinely hoped I wouldn’t need to contact him again (in a good way) as it would mean the issue was resolved. However, he reassured me that if things didn’t work out, I could always reach out for his help.
Read more
17 Jun, 2024 by G b
Excellent firm. Guided us for years, and we cannot be happier!
Read more
18 Sep, 2023 by Sam mccrossin
I hired Frank Kosir.jr unfortunately for a dispute with CSX railroad unfortunately. All this man did is take my money with no action. I paid for a complete deed search and after he completed it, I was told I have no rights to cross the railroad tracks. I took maters into my own hands and did a deed search on my own and found all my rights that he said I did not have. I do not understand how I was able to find all my rights with no experience in this field after paying this firm. He wasted over 7 months of my time with no action. I was charged thousands of dollars with no action. I feel this man is corrupt, be careful
Read more
08 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
Be warned she and her team use every dirty trick and usually bury opposing counsel in paperwork, drag the case as long as possible and LIE to win then get the judge (her friends) to award her fees as well. She actually ends up having the judge use her final statement and demand as the final ruling. Look it up and see how many times that has happened. Stay away!!!
Read more
22 Aug, 2015 by Anne
Lisa was always available to me. She routinely gave me discounts on my bill and her team was great. She cared and helped me get through a very hard divorce and abusive marriage. My kids are now safe thanks to her.
Read more
09 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
After an extensive divorce/custody with this attorney & trying to recommend her to friends, I realized that she has no compassion and is strictly about billable hours. I got bent over a barrel and lost everything. Find a lawyer that has some kind of compassion so they will take your case on like your partners not a paycheck. I wish I could have done it all over again and saved myself tens of thousands of wasted money.
Read more
28 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
Dan Glasser isn't a good lawyer. I do NOT recommend him. He wasn't prepared for the trial. He yells at his own clients during the trial in front of everyone. He is very arrogant and thus isn't very effective lawyer. When you first talk to him, he presents himself as a very good lawyer but very soon you'll realize that it's just a show and in reality he isn't good.
Read more
05 Oct, 2020 by Rick
My wife went through a very trying divorce from a divorce attorney. Her ex used the legal system to make her life miserable for years in child custody matters as she went through one ineffectual lawyer after another. After we got married, her ex went after her again. This time, I told her that I wanted the best attorney we could get regardless of the cost. I found Mr. Glasser on the 'Super-Lawyers' website. You get what you pay for relative to cost, but Mr. Glasser ended up being a great value as one encounter with him ended the legal harassment from her ex until the point where all the kids turned 18 and her ex could no longer bother her. Mr. Glasser was attentive, detailed and knew family law as well as anyone in the state of Pennsylvania. We wanted someone tough who would be my wife's advocate against a bully, which is exactly what we got in Mr. Glasser. We both recommend him highly.
Read more
01 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
This "attorney" threw a fit in the courtroom. He also badgered witnesses and tried to black male a female into walking away with nothing. Don't waste your time. Find someone that knows what theyŕe doing. Oh! and he lost my case.
Read more
15 Aug, 2012 by Karen
Attorney Yandrich is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet! He is very professional and extremely knowledgable in his field! He explains everything in great detail and in terms a regular person can understand! His fee is quoted to you after the initial meeting and thats what it is! No hidden cost! He won my case for me when other attorneys told me it couldn't be done! I certainly don't miss going to hearings at family court, but I do miss seeing and talking with Attorney Eric Yandrich! He's actually the type of person I would like to have as a friend! I highly recommend him if you are looking for a great attorney you can trust and an overall nice guy!
Read more
22 Oct, 2024 by Dunkel esclave
Too much sass from a senior woman I spoke to. Not helpful at all. Just told me to do what I was already doing and refused to accept the fact I was already doing it.
Read more
23 Sep, 2024 by Lauren smith
One time my landlord retaliated against me for calling the health department and the attorney representing me contact my landlord and he faxed her photos communicating with each other and she said that she could not make it to the arbitraration . This othere one named Barbara was so rude and nasty saying that a pregnant woman and child can get evicted without a notice on the spot. I said you should know better then that and she walked away from me.
Read more
12 Sep, 2024 by Aujhanay spencer
17 May, 2021 by Jane doe
Hired Rob for Custody case. Poor work ethic, not reliable, did not follow through, unprofessional. Did not answer required pre trial statements therefore, was unable to present evidence at custody trial. He contacted me personally by phone to tell me to take my review down. Well, now I’m leaving another one. I do not recommend this attorney.
Read more
01 Dec, 2017 by Jim
I hired Robert in October to file a simple motion to switch child support over from Ohio to Pennsylvania. I paid him upfront and afterwards I received nothing but the run-around. I text and called to no avail. Do not waste your money on the so called lawyer.
Read more
07 May, 2013 by Eddie
These folks were honest and worked hard to get my grandchildren back with their mom where they belong.He and his staff worked hard for nearly a year on my daughters case and were always there when we had questions.They really did care both Robert and his wonderful wife Andrea were always there with support for us all and understood that we were a family fighting for the children's best interest.I would tell anyone if you want a truly hard working lawyer Robert Colaizzi is definitely worth a call . Thanks for our boys back Robert.
Read more
10 Jul, 2022 by Lance
Melanie Rothey served as a master on my divorce case. I don’t know where to begin, I don’t know if she’s stupid or lazy. She’s certainly incompetent! She most definitely did not follow the Pa state guide lines. My biggest concern was that my assets were taxable, while my wife’s were tax free. The law states that this needs to be considered when dividing assets. Instead of calculating the differences to make things even she just gave the assets to my wife. Was this due to stupidity, being lazy or maybe just arrogance? I don’t know, but she also used wrong figures on several large assets. So I don’t know what her problem is,perhaps an addiction of some kind. But the end result is incompetence , the bottom line is I wouldn’t let her walk my dog. In fact the only thing my wife and I have agreed on in the last four years is Melaine Rotheys incompetence!
Read more
23 Jun, 2017 by Miranda
Melanie was the most unprofessional lawyer that I consulted with. I would never recommend her to anybody
Read more
22 Jan, 2016 by Bob
Melaine handled my divorce and I can't think of anyone that could have done a better job. She is dedicated and honest. There is no waisted time and her knowledge of the law is second to none.
Read more
21 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I felt Gail was more sympathetic to my ex-spouse's situation, and not as much as mine or my child's plight! During our support negotiation, she didn't "fight" for my son, and instead, advised me to settle for a payment BELOW the minimum recommended payment! I went back later on my own (after she charged me for a very expensive fee to let the court know she no longer represented me) and got more money. I did more on my own without paying her very expensive fees!
Read more
10 Mar, 2013 by Jane
Gail was never able to really listen to me, nor did she advocate for me as I thought a true "Super" attorney would. At the end of my two year QDRO case, I wrote Gail, and her two partners, a letter outlining 5 areas in which I was dissatisfied with Gail's work. No one ever answered me. Gail and her firm are very expensive. I would never recommend her. Use someone else who may really listen to you, work for you, and not cost as much.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
