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14 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
Represented me for a PPO action and was successful in getting it dismissed. She is knowledgeable about the law, and what the Judge's are looking for. I would recommend her.
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28 Nov, 2017 by Brian
I hired Ms. Hyatt to help me respond to a temporary no contact order. Ms. Hyatt was remarkably calm and perceptive. In our initial meeting, I explained the charges against me and my account of relevant events. She listened carefully and gave me a realistic appraisal of the likelihood that the order would be dismissed. Ms. Hyatt has a calm demeanor that immediately put me at ease. Because she felt that we had a good case, she suggested that she contact the petitioner to offer the possibility of a contract in lieu of the no contact order, which would allow us to avoid the hearing. Ms. Hyatt contacted the petitioner worked quickly to negotiate the contract and ensure that the petitioner dismissed the order. Ms. Hyatt is very sharp, very skilled, and cost-effective. It was a delight to work with her.
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13 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Miss Hyatt began representing me in the middle of a messy case. One of which I had been falsely accused and the family court judge had already ruled against me. There was an existing sexual assault protection order between me and a juvenile. Miss Hyatt listened to the situation. She asked questions. She listened to my suggestions about how to reveal the true colors of my accuser and kept me focused. She explained why certain techniques would be seen as harassment by the judge or non-pertinent and the judge may not allow the question at all. Miss Hyatt was excellent in keeping in contact with me, following up, and making me feel that my case was important and not just one of the many in a pile. In the end she presented the DNA evidence to the judge appropriately and that was all that was needed to terminate the order. I didn't have to say a word nor did anything my accusers had to say mattered. It is very difficult to have an order changed once the judge has ruled, so this says a lot about Miss Hyatt's capabilities.
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29 Oct, 2016 by Josh turner
Carol was my lawyer a long time ago and she did an excellent job I was very satisfied with her services
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17 Feb, 2014 by Paula w
Ms Mortensen can be relied upon to fully engage in your case. In the particular case I was involve in she read hundreds of pages of documents to come up to speed on all the issues over a single weekend. There were safety issues in the case that were clearly her priority at all times. Unfortunately, things did not work out the way I had hoped but the child's welfare was never anything but number one for this respected family attorney. You can depend on Carol Mortensen to use her extensive family law experience to do the right thing.
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14 Oct, 2020 by Sari
I am astounded by how thorough she was with my case, I feel complete confidence in this woman. For what it is worth, she is someone to watch as the future unfolds to she what she will become.
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06 Jan, 2015 by Pat
When i met Ms. Speser, she was a Vista Fellow working for the Northwest Justice Project’s Foreclosure Prevention Unit. She changed my mind about lawyers as she tracked Ocwen's every twist and turn. In the final meeting with Ocwen, she cued me to let her and the other legal person she'd brought with her speak. She'd already learned how i can shoot off my mouth and she kept the meeting on target. When we left Ocwen's offices, i had a new, far more affordable and reasonable mortgage. I've tracked Ocwen's subsequent legal problems, so i know that Ms. Speser's work was much better than yeomanlike; it was simply superb. With many thanks to Ms. Speser, i continue to enjoy my home and my affordable mortgage.
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19 Nov, 2023 by Jennie roberts
Mark is so much more than just an attorney. I learned so much from him through my divorce process. If you are needing a high conflict divorce attorney, Mark is definitely who you should use. If there are children involved, Mark will offer you resources to help your children through the process also. Navigating the legal system is daunting and divorcing a narcissist is scary too, I trusted Mark to help me get through it and he did not disappoint!
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06 Feb, 2023 by Carl bernsten
This attorney is terrible. He's only after your retainer and will not talk to you for 10 seconds without billing you. I understand you have to bill to make money but at the rate he charges, he is terrible. Can't control a courtroom and the opposing judge or opposing lawyer eat him up.
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29 Apr, 2021 by Hagen barney
He was very ignorant when I had questions and I was just asking questions and he was being very rude about everything he was responding about
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07 Oct, 2021 by Sean
I made the mistake of hiring Derek Medena. He was terrible, my 1st hearing, nothing got accomplished. I should have cut my losses right there when all he did was stutter away, and literally helped the other party. (He did apologize for that) During the second hearing he told me to show up at the courthouse and after waiting there for over 45 minutes for him he wasn't there. When I called he stated to come to his office, where he did not defend me whatsoever. When the ruling came the feed on his phone cut out and could not understand the ruling. He stated that he will finalize it within 2 weeks. When the two weeks was approaching I called his office to find out the final ruling, and where I sit, and ask why didn't he defend me or bring up any of the issues when the other party just had to lie there way thru the hearing. I was told by his staff that they were out of town and that he has other more important clients. When I stated that had I known that his staff would not be in town and that my case wouldn't be taken seriously, I would have went to another lawyer that had staff and cared about my case. I got hung up on and told not not to contact his office again.
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02 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired him on short notice, had first consultation got a very bad vibe but tried him out on a divorce case. He did not communicate or explain things, he did do what I asked him today. He gave bad advice, and bad service. i could never reach him for response ( even though I had his iPhone cell so I now he got it and read it). In court he seamed I’ll prepared and manic in speaking, he rambled and got nothing accomplished. Very displeased and fired him, a waist of time, and $5k. GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!!!
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26 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
After trying multiple times to schedule a consultation and repeatedly leaving messages one of Mr. Medina’s secretaries FINALLY called back and scheduled a consultation. Mr. Medina had to reschedule once and we had to reschedule once. By the time we had found a time that worked we showed up to his office and waited. We waited over 40 minutes after confirming that he should be there and he still never showed up. On our third call we finally spoke with Mr. Medina and he cancelled. After my husband took a half a day off or work and waited 40+ minutes without so much as a sorry.
If you have a serious case don’t waste your money on a no show lawyer.
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17 Dec, 2011 by Laura venegas
Mr. Stump routinely comes to Washington State from Alaska to take depositions. I would caution all court reporters who he hires to only accept COD from this attorney. He refuses to pay his bills, refuses to acknowledge correspondence, and allows his telephone messages to go to voicemail and doesn't return them.
He and his colleague in the same case, an attorney from Tacoma, Washington, by the name of Michael Davis, handles a case, White vs. Harris, and litigated this case without paying any of their court reporting fees. Mr. Stump is in arrears to my court reporting firm $1,000. I'm sure his clients would be interested to know that he keeps his retainers and orders services for which he doesn't pay.
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09 Dec, 2010 by Anonymous
Keith represented me when a previous landlord tried to take my entire deposit (and then some). Keith was professional, wrote excellent letters (to the landlord), and was very easy to work with. He is also very knowledgeable in a variety of law topics and has successfully represented me in other unrelated instances. I would definitely recommend him to anyone.
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30 Jul, 2021 by Tyler tenneson
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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.
