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21 Nov, 2023 by Jenny
I had never been involved in any sort of legal matter before so I had no idea where to begin or what to expect but Michelle assisted and guided me through the whole case which led to a win. I highly recommend Michelle!
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10 Oct, 2023 by Yara
Michelle was very personable and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend and have already!
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09 Oct, 2023 by Blanca
Haslam & Thorne, APC were amazing to work with from the beginning. With their specialty dealing in law enforcement divorces, I felt very taken care of. Michelle walked me through the process and kept me informed every step of the way. In instances where I needed further clarification, Michelle was patient and made sure I had clear information. If she happened to be out of town, she made sure to communicate that so I had a secondary point of contact. I feel that if I did not have the representation from Haslam & Thorne I would have not had as successful an outcome as expected. I have referred many people to their services and could not speak highly enough! Divorce is never an easy process, but Haslam & Thorne helps make it easier. Thank you Michelle for everything you’ve done!
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10 May, 2021 by Jvest
I had an excellent experience with ms Solario. My uncle’s situation over the years was a bit complicated and emotional for me. I knew I could call her whenever I had a question or needed further explanation and she’d get back to me right away. Ms. Solario and her assistsant Christina are wonderful to work with and are very amiable and caring. Ms Solario was the godsend I needed! Thank you Ms. Solario
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01 May, 2016 by Debbie
We hired Ms. Solario to support execution of our trust and to deal with disgruntled beneficiaries. Initially she suggested that we might not need an attorney. However, once we realized that some of the beneficiaries might challenge our execution of the trust, we felt it appropriate to hire an attorney. The trustees were in different states. But this was not an issue as she was more than willing to work via conferences calls, E-mail, and snail mail. She provided expert advice during initial establishment of the trust, providing guidance and interpretations of the trust document, helping us establish trust accounts, and ensuring that we complied with legal requirements. She provided sage advice during a real estate sale. Once we realized that the beneficiaries were going to contest provisions of the trust, she acted as the single point of contact so we didn’t have to field calls from them. When beneficiaries retained their own attorney, she didn’t back down at all. She convinced their attorney that he had no case and the beneficiaries and their attorney ultimately opted to not pursue the challenge further. We are very pleased with Ms. Solario’s legal support—we don’t know what we would have done without her.
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27 Apr, 2016 by Renata
Mrs. Priscilla Solario is a highly professional attorney who handled my case with great success. Even thought the circumstances were difficult and the fact that I live in Europe made the process sometimes even more complicated, Mrs. Priscilla proved her highest degree of professionality. Apart from being an exceptional lawyer - always available when you need her, ready to help and come up with solutions, smart and quick, Mrs. Priscilla has a wonderful personality (pleasant, polite, with a true desire to help and always positive). I am highly recommending Mrs. Priscilla to anyone! It was a real pleasure to have her as my attorney!
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02 Jan, 2019 by Toni
Aletha Smith is conscientious, patient and thorough attorney. She was too good to be true. She did what she said, and exceeded my expectations. Going through divorce, she made me feel confident and at ease.
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07 Dec, 2023 by Jackie
Mr. Chan is a professional, kind, and a zealous attorney. He advocates for his clients and is an excellent trial attorney.
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28 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Hired to help with my nasty divorce. I’m a professional business woman and my ex was attempting to steal our assets and my income by making false claims of abuse to simply increase his chances of getting large support orders. Mr. Rinaldelli and his office staff were very helpful in guiding me through the frustrations of the whole divorce process. He really made me feel like her cared about me and my situation and helping get me to a better new life beyond my failed marriage. Was very aggressive in court and very sharp and saw all the angles my ex and his lawyer were trying to employ. After a tough battle he was able to convince the court of my ex’s lies and I didn’t have to pay any support whatsoever. And he accomplished all of this in less than six months even though my ex was trying to drag the case on to force me to pay his lawyers fees and pressure me to settle. In the end I had to pay no support, no attorney fees, and was granted a restraining order against my ex. Mr. Rinaldelli and his office really helped me to move past my divorce and I’m very thankful. He was also very reasonable in his payment arrangements, discounts, and overall fees. I believe my ex paid his lawyer almost twice what I paid Mr. Rinaldelli and he lost almost everything he wanted. Thank you Daniel.
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09 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Hire Mr. Rinaldelli for a child custody modification. All paperwork was given to him within 2 days of retaining him, it took him over 7 months to file my paperwork. I had called, emailed, left message after message only to be ignored for months. Once I finally did speak to him he just gave excuse after excuse. He was highly recommended by a past client that is why I didn't just fire him. He agreed to two continuous' without even consulting me. Once we finally did go to court SIX months after the filing date due to continuous after continuous he was great. Very professional and does know the law very well. But it should not take over a year for a simple modification. An order after hearing was never filed by him although I did request one several times. If he only would be respectful of his clients time and money outside of the court room he would be great.
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31 Jan, 2022 by Fred walker
She doesn't let you know anything that's going on with your case she is loosening it she should RETIRED my case been hanging for 3 or more years
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08 Oct, 2021 by Cobry daundivier
Great fun
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12 Jun, 2020 by Madalyn
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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:

  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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