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14 Mar, 2019 by Joseph
I found Leslie to be above and beyond my expectations. She was there for me during the most difficult time of my life. Her dedication, knowledge, and confidence really elevated my self esteem, and righted the wrongs associated with my case. I highly recommend her as I wouldn't choose anyone else to represent me in a courtroom!
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09 Jul, 2017 by Megan kelly
Leslie Brady-Alten is so amazing. She will help you through life's most challenging paths. Leslie has helped Three generations in my faimily with legal issues. I recently went through a family law issue and without a second thought I called Leslie. We came out on top of the world with my case. If you are looking for a truly caring Attorney someone to help you make the right decisions call her. She is the the best of the best.
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17 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Leslie not only provided me with all the information I needed to make an informed decision, she was warm, kind, and caring. She's extremely knowledgeable and attentive. It was such a positive experience, I cannot stress enough how great she is.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Dana mcgillicuddy
Had a great experience with Nico Apfelbaum in a simple real estate transaction involving a quit claim deed. From the initial consultation and throughout the process Nico always took the time to explain my options and answer all of my questions. He even surprised me by responding to some of my email inquiries after hours. The transaction went seamlessly and I was happy with the outcome. Nico also followed up with me several weeks afterwards to ask if I needed any further assistance. Would highly recommend Nico Apfelbaum and his firm.
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09 Jul, 2024 by Chris carver
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08 Jul, 2024 by Brian u
i'm not even sure what to rate this as. i gave this firms phone number to my father as he was looking for an immigration lawyer or a firm that handles immigration law. google lists this firm with a checkmark stating that they handle immigration. but when my father called, they said that they do not handle immigration and gave him a phone number to a completely different law firm. im just confused. Edit: checking their website does indeed not list any information or services involving immigration. so it appears to be an error on google
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26 Aug, 2024 by Dana mcgillicuddy
Had a great experience with Nico Apfelbaum in a simple real estate transaction involving a quit claim deed. From the initial consultation and throughout the process Nico always took the time to explain my options and answer all of my questions. He even surprised me by responding to some of my email inquiries after hours. The transaction went seamlessly and I was happy with the outcome. Nico also followed up with me several weeks afterwards to ask if I needed any further assistance. Would highly recommend Nico Apfelbaum and his firm.
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09 Jul, 2024 by Chris carver
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08 Jul, 2024 by Brian u
i'm not even sure what to rate this as. i gave this firms phone number to my father as he was looking for an immigration lawyer or a firm that handles immigration law. google lists this firm with a checkmark stating that they handle immigration. but when my father called, they said that they do not handle immigration and gave him a phone number to a completely different law firm. im just confused. Edit: checking their website does indeed not list any information or services involving immigration. so it appears to be an error on google
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26 Apr, 2020 by Nyssa
What I appreciated most about Attorney O'Connor-Hall was that she remained honest and realistic throughout the entire process. She allowed me to voice my concerns and guided me through weighing and making difficult decisions. No false promises.
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07 Mar, 2020 by Albert
Mrs Oconnor Hall processed my divorce, she was professional and ensure that my interest was upheld in my case. She was reliable and made sure that I was treated fairly in all aspect. Thanks Andrea !
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02 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
I was going through a divorce and it was the most challenging time of my life. A friend of mind referred attorney Andrea to me. The moment I met her I was happy and relieved. She was understanding, caring, compassionate and honest. She walked me through the process so there were no surprises. I like that! Working in the government industry, I knew from the onset that attorney Andrea, knew what she was doing. She did her job well and with integrity. I would definitely recommend her for all your family issues. Thank you again for your hard work. Satisfied customer!
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22 Jan, 2021 by Tyler
My wife called to speak with an Attorney here to get some information and they were nothing but rude. I would not recommend this company to represent you.
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15 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
If your looking to get something done quickly.. Find another lawyer. He is not aggressive and waits to react to the opposing attorney rather than fight for you... Run away!!!
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28 Mar, 2019 by David
Efrain looks out for your best interest. He's very knowledgeable in family law as well as other areas of law such as bankruptcy. He also knows many skilled attorneys for areas that are outside of his specialty. Efrain won't milk you the way most unethical attorneys do. He'll get the job done with no nonsense and he's pleasant to work with. He has a lot of experience in the legal profession. My only regret is not hiring Efrain from the beginning of my case, but I only learned of him later on in my case.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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