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30 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
Used Mr. Levy to file Chapter 13. He was very unorganized but we used him since he was referred to us and we had paid the fees. Later, when a creditor violated the stay order and continued to pursue the debt he did very little to help and when trying to pursue lawsuit against the company he did not want to do the work he simply wanted to take the company's lowest settlement offer in which I refused and he told me if I didn't he would not pursue things. Luckily I have some legal experience and was able to get an okay settlement but still ended up allowing the company to violate FDCPA and Fair Credit Reporting act, and once I had to sign the 1009 at the end of the year the company got off scotch free and I had to count the settlement as income for the year. Long story short...I would not recommend using this attorney.
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25 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired attorney Levy in 2013 to file for bankruptcy . To make a long story short, my case ended up getting dismissed by the court because I could not afford to keep up with my Chaptee 13 payments . I was terribly overcharged. Mr Levy did not look after my best interest . I hired another attorney a little over a year later who found errors in my first bankruptcy case that Mr. Levy filed. I got my case reviled by an attorney who took his time on my case, reviewed the facts carefully and now I have reasonable chapter 13 payments and I was charged much less than what I paid Mr. Levy,.
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04 Oct, 2023 by Simanta
I strongly advise against engaging with this particular law firm. I encountered several significant issues during my interaction with them, including:
1) Lack of Personal Attention: Regrettably, Mr. John McNeil demonstrated a concerning lack of attentiveness to my case. It became apparent that my emails went largely unread and unanswered. Furthermore, the conduct of his staff left much to be desired, marked by rudeness and a notable lack of responsibility.
2) Exorbitant Billing: Another disconcerting aspect of my experience was the firm's tendency to overcharge for their legal services. This left me feeling unfairly burdened financially.
3) Questionable Professionalism and Ethics: I found the overall professionalism and ethical standards of this law firm to be sorely lacking. It is my belief that they prioritize their own financial interests over the well-being of their clients.
In light of these issues, I cannot, in good conscience, recommend this firm to anyone. It appears that their primary focus is on monetary gain rather than advocating for their clients' best interests. I strongly encourage individuals seeking legal assistance to explore other options and avoid this particular firm at all costs.
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21 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
I would definitely not recommend using John McNeil as your attorney. My overall experience was not pleasing. There was a lack of communication and on many occasions he did not return phone calls and emails in a timely manner. He showed little concern, no aggression and not much sympathy for my situation. Mr. McNeil gave me the impression - if your case is not worth the money he will not dedicate the time.
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27 Aug, 2012 by Honest review
I do not recommend Aida Doss-Havel as an attorney. Please do not waste your time and money. We had a 1 hour consultation with Ms. Havel hoping to become more educated on the matter, but instead we left with the exact information that we already knew, except we were our $200. She spent half the asking questions about our situations (which makes sense), then she made a phone call during the consultation which infact resulted in her being on hold for about 10 min. She repeatedly kept saying how our case was such a mess, wasting a lot of time during the consultation, and never actually giving us any advice or directions. When discussed the fact that she hadn't given us any advice or consultation AT ALL, and asking for at least half the consultation fee back, she declined and said "she felt that we both did what we contracted to do." DO NOT waste your time or money speaking with this "so called" attorney.
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01 May, 2012 by Ruth
After 10 YEARS of BEGGING her to finish my QDRO, I finally contacted her previous law firm and the company holding the 401K, and completed it through those channels. Ms. Ladd is so far off the scale of professional that the use of the term is an insult to next worst lawyer out there. She is MIA 98% of the time, literally. Hundreds of emails go unreturned (and according to read receipts, not even read). Any attempt to contact her by telephone (cell or office) will only inform you that all voicemail boxes are full and unable to accept any messages, and then hang up on you. I tried paging hundreds of times, and still got ignored. I flew back to Raleigh (from Tennessee) and finally succeeded in a face-to-face meeting. She was full of excuses and apologies, and assured me we would have this completed in 2 months. 10 months later, I finally handled it myself! Save yourself the anger, time, energy, money and frustration - having NO attorney is better than retaining Suzanne Ladd!
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25 Apr, 2023 by Wayne davis
You will fair better to throw yourself on the mercy of the court than to be represented by this law firm
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17 Oct, 2020 by Kris
I hired him for custody and divorce, he had the cheapest retaining fee. After I paid him he didn’t get anything done for me on either case. On my divorce case he made it worse when I didn’t want to pay him more for a contested divorce, so I signed the paperwork to get him off of the case and he never filed it so when I went to get to divorced the judge wouldn’t allow it because it was still in his name. He represented me in my custody hearing and charged me for it but the other party was never served to be in court. I spent almost $1800 for both cases and he did nothing. Spend the extra money and get an attorney that knows what they are doing. It took me 2 years to finalize my divorce and I am still going to court for my custody and I had to pay another attorney to represent me.
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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.
