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07 Oct, 2021 by David
My attorney brought Vincent DeLuca in for an economic mediation. He was very professional, engaged and effective. I appreciated his humanity and how he handled a difficult situation between two parties who could not come to a reasonable agreement. He got the heart of things in fairly short order and was patient with the bump and grind of the process.
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27 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Vincent DeLuca as a collaborative divorce attorney. I hired him back in 2010 for a collaborative divorce, and his involvement helped to make it a success. He was already skilled in that area of law, at that time, despite it being new to many people in NJ.
In a collaborative divorce both lawyers become part of the “team”, yet in private they still offer guidance to their clients (that is my take on the process). So I wanted a lawyer who was both a team player and a straight shooter. If I was asking for too much I wanted him to tell me, and if I was not holding a fair line I also wanted to know. Throughout the process he offered that kind of honest guidance to me, and he helped to keep our son’s needs front and center. He also has skills as a mediator, and it was apparent to me that he truly wanted what was best for our son.
Vince is also capable of being assertive and seeing through tactics and posturing. I certainly did not want a typical divorce battle, but I want to be clear that if I had one I also would trust that Vince could help to protect me from those pitfalls. In many ways I feel he offers a great blend of all of those skills and needs. He is caring, experienced, creative and tactful. And above all he earned my trust at a high level. I ended up contacting him three other times, and referring a handful of friends to him. I wish you luck on your current challenges and recommend that you consider a consultation with Vince to see if he is a good fit for your needs.
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25 Jan, 2021 by D.s.
You never expect that when you are married and have children that you will be getting a divorce. I was incredibly fortunate to have Vince as my divorce lawyer. He explained everything to ahead of time and he guided me through the entire process in a manner that always made me feel comfortable and prepared. Everything went the way he told me it would, there were no surprises. Vince is very personable and very knowledgeable. I developed great rapport with him very quickly and felt as though he was always looking out for my best interest. Vince was very instrumental in helping me obtain a settlement that allowed me and my children to retain the marital home thereby minimizing the impact of the divorce on my children. I highly recommend Vince and his team.
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26 Jul, 2016 by Ilia
Michael is a prompt, accessible, and highly professional lawyer. From the first meeting I was gladly surprised that unlike other lawyers who like to dictate what to do and how the thing should be done, Michael took into consideration all my thoughts and needs developing the plan how best to resolve the issue. He was excellent in oral and written arguments. With Michael’s help I achieved most of my goals in an extremely complicated divorce matter and I thank G-d that He brought me to him.
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19 Mar, 2014 by Wfc
Michael was referred to me from my previous attorney who was retiring. At first I was a little bit skeptical about the transfer because I was litigating a very high conflict divorce. At the present time I am still getting to know Michael a little bit better but however during the last two court appearances he has demonstrated that he has the skills and knowledge to be an excellent divorce attorney. I used to stay up for many nights and weekends trying to prepare my motions as best I can to assist my attorney but now I no longer worry too much because I know I am in good hands with Michael. He is excellent when it comes to litigations and oral arguments. I would highly recommend to all friends and family who is going through a divorce to give him a chance to demonstrate his skills.
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14 Jul, 2022 by Dave
As a repeat client from six years ago, Gina provided me exemplary guidance once again. Her knowledge of the law, and extensive experience resulted in the resolution of a rather emergent matter in record time. Her no nonsense approach cut to the chase; without any unnecessary fanfare. I was consistently kept apprised at all junctures, and never lacked confidence throughout. Her services were unparalleled.
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14 Jan, 2022 by Ray
My attorney, Gina Ravaschiere, was incredibly helpful in my divorce. She helped me resolve my divorce with a much fairer settlement than I ever imagined. There's no doubt I had the better attorney in my divorce, and that made all the difference.
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10 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
I recently used Gina as my divorce attorney and am so thankful I did! Starting with her reception staff, who always was available and ready to help me when I needed a question to be answered or documents to be sent. Gina was always available to me, day or night via email or phone call. She provided me with great insight on this process as it was extremely new and somewhat unfair waters for me. They made the process seamless for me to go through and I truly felt that she had my best interest in the for front of her work. I would recommend Gina to anyone going through this life changing event.
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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.
