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19 Jun, 2024 by William frasch
Dealing with an estate issue that's 2200 miles away is a problem in itself. CMS Law stepped in and made the process seamless and smooth. Wonderful people to work with.
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07 Jun, 2024 by Michael dao
Quick and easy process. The team at CMS provided excellent service and answered all our questions. We can now have a peace of mind now that our estate plan has been finalized.
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07 Jun, 2024 by Glen gragg
Adam was a huge help, very knowledgeable, makes you feel like a person and NOT someone just after your money, don't hesitate
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21 Nov, 2021 by Tim
Thank you. Great response and concise to the point. No fluff. Greatly appreciated
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26 Jul, 2021 by Jeremiah
Great response. Quick and accurate. Gonna let all my co-workers at USPS know this guy knows his stuff..
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06 Mar, 2021 by Charley
Thong answered my question very fast and his advice was very helpful. I actually am trying to do more business with him in the near future. I would totally rcomend him to a friend.
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11 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
La recomiendo al 100 por ciento muy buena persona respetuosa amable y muy profesional ella me ayudó a revivir mi vida u.
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25 May, 2018 by Jose
Kim is an excellent lawyer, she help me to get my permanent residente. I totally recommended.
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30 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
I consulted Ms Kim-Khanh for a car accident insurance claim with and uninsured motorist. She was very knowledgeable and she was able to navigate the complex negotiations successfully. She and her team was very professional.
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03 Dec, 2010 by Kristy
I was the victim of an auto accident a little over a year ago. I chose Paul (Bud) Houser, Jr. to represent me. I got his name from the bar association, checked his website, and did a quick internet search to check out his history. I called Bud and he immediately started documenting facts and even met me at the site of the incident to gather information. Bud not only acted as my lawyer, but after being completely disregarded by insurance companies and the involved parties, Bud was there to comfort me. I was scared and didn’t know what to do. He told me not to worry and just take care of myself. He listened to my concerns and never once made me feel like any of my questions were dumb. He never cut me off and never seemed irritated with my ramblings or opinions. He did not ask for any money up front and they completed all the paperwork at his office. It took a little over a year to settle my case (which I have come to discover is a great timeframe). He was able to convince the other side to settle for a reasonable amount out of court, sparing me further inconvenience and stress. He walked me through the process, helped me obtain medical care that was much needed, completed all the paperwork, made all communications necessary, and the thing I liked the most is he made me feel comfortable. He provided me with a check the same day it cleared at the bank and is taking care of any follow up issues directly with the insurance. Bud Houser is a great attorney. I am very pleased with his services and the amount of support I received. I would definitely recommend that anyone with a legal need seek his advice and/or services.
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11 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
I would highly recommend Lisa Elliot. She helped me through my divorce. She was very knowledgeable through the whole process. What I appreciated most about Lisa was how responsive she was. She answered phone calls and emails in a very timely manner and kept me informed. I had many questions throughout the divorce and she was quick to give me clear answers. This has been a painful personal experience for me, but Lisa put my mind at ease with all of the legal aspects.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Annie chen
Alex was my lawyer who helped me through my divorce. I looked at 20 different lawyers online and chose him based off of the great reviews. Now I’m here writing my own. My experience with Alex was wonderful. He made everything so easy and his communication was great. I am so happy and grateful that I was able to find him. What mattered to me most was you can tell he really cares. I’m extremely thankful for Alex making my divorce a pleasant experience. You’re the best Alex!
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13 Sep, 2024 by Marjorie ocon
The father and son tandem are great and very organized, they helped us all with our immigration paper work processing. My mom’s visa got approved in less than a year too. They also only charge a reasonable price.
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13 Sep, 2024 by David malcom
I recently had the pleasure of working with Alex during my immigration process, and I must say it was a positive and reassuring experience. From the moment I walked through the door, I explained to Alex that I had procrastinated and had a very short window to resolve my immigration issues. Despite the tight timeline, Alex displayed an exceptional level of dedication and expertise in ensuring that I could meet my travel dates. His confidence and in-depth knowledge of immigration law immediately put my worries to rest. I am truly grateful for his outstanding service and would highly recommend Alex to anyone seeking an immigration attorney.
David M.
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19 Jun, 2024 by William frasch
Dealing with an estate issue that's 2200 miles away is a problem in itself. CMS Law stepped in and made the process seamless and smooth. Wonderful people to work with.
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07 Jun, 2024 by Michael dao
Quick and easy process. The team at CMS provided excellent service and answered all our questions. We can now have a peace of mind now that our estate plan has been finalized.
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07 Jun, 2024 by Glen gragg
Adam was a huge help, very knowledgeable, makes you feel like a person and NOT someone just after your money, don't hesitate
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03 Oct, 2024 by Jason kyllonen
I recently navigated the bankruptcy process with the assistance of Majors Law Group, and I cannot recommend them highly enough.
From the very beginning, Dominic, John, and Heather were prompt, professional, and communicative throughout the entire process. Their attention to detail and responsiveness made a challenging experience much more manageable.
They provided invaluable guidance in every difficult decision I faced, ensuring I felt supported and informed every step of the way. I am truly grateful to have found such a dedicated team.
Thank you to everyone at Majors Law Group for your exceptional service. Your expertise and support made a significant difference during this time.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Stefany mclaughlin
30 Sep, 2024 by Marla dalit
I got hit by a car while I was riding my Ebike going to work. I didn’t know who could have help me with my situation until I contact Washington Auto Law. Marissa who was handling/ helping me with my case was very helpful answering all my questions and updating my case. Reassured me that everything is being taken care off legally and all I have to take care of is my health. Thank you Washington Auto Law for taking care of my case!
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03 Oct, 2024 by Jason kyllonen
I recently navigated the bankruptcy process with the assistance of Majors Law Group, and I cannot recommend them highly enough.
From the very beginning, Dominic, John, and Heather were prompt, professional, and communicative throughout the entire process. Their attention to detail and responsiveness made a challenging experience much more manageable.
They provided invaluable guidance in every difficult decision I faced, ensuring I felt supported and informed every step of the way. I am truly grateful to have found such a dedicated team.
Thank you to everyone at Majors Law Group for your exceptional service. Your expertise and support made a significant difference during this time.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Stefany mclaughlin
30 Sep, 2024 by Marla dalit
I got hit by a car while I was riding my Ebike going to work. I didn’t know who could have help me with my situation until I contact Washington Auto Law. Marissa who was handling/ helping me with my case was very helpful answering all my questions and updating my case. Reassured me that everything is being taken care off legally and all I have to take care of is my health. Thank you Washington Auto Law for taking care of my case!
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03 Oct, 2024 by Jason kyllonen
I recently navigated the bankruptcy process with the assistance of Majors Law Group, and I cannot recommend them highly enough.
From the very beginning, Dominic, John, and Heather were prompt, professional, and communicative throughout the entire process. Their attention to detail and responsiveness made a challenging experience much more manageable.
They provided invaluable guidance in every difficult decision I faced, ensuring I felt supported and informed every step of the way. I am truly grateful to have found such a dedicated team.
Thank you to everyone at Majors Law Group for your exceptional service. Your expertise and support made a significant difference during this time.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Stefany mclaughlin
30 Sep, 2024 by Marla dalit
I got hit by a car while I was riding my Ebike going to work. I didn’t know who could have help me with my situation until I contact Washington Auto Law. Marissa who was handling/ helping me with my case was very helpful answering all my questions and updating my case. Reassured me that everything is being taken care off legally and all I have to take care of is my health. Thank you Washington Auto Law for taking care of my case!
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09 Jul, 2024 by Tonya benton
Retired in 2023
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14 Jun, 2024 by Joel denny
I have been working with Michelle Ahrens for many years creating and updating our family estate docs. She has always been informed and helpful throughout this process. I greatly appreciate her services.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Rishi sharma
09 Jul, 2024 by Tonya benton
Retired in 2023
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14 Jun, 2024 by Joel denny
I have been working with Michelle Ahrens for many years creating and updating our family estate docs. She has always been informed and helpful throughout this process. I greatly appreciate her services.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Rishi sharma
31 Oct, 2022 by Elle ghias
Very satisfied with your services. Even though its a very unpleasant matter, your office made it very easy and you guys were very helpful! Highly recommended!
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07 Oct, 2019 by David
Easy and Painless process here! Chi was great through the whole process! Answered any and all questions! Provided her with all my paperwork quickly and I was discharged within a few months of starting! Will recommend to any one.
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06 Sep, 2018 by Karl
I believe there were 5 showings in court and she was late to 3 of them. Showed up twice unprepared, and tried to lie to me about it. I am not a rich man so I hired her to protect me against ridiculous terms in a parenting plan. The final straw was all paperwork was signed and she was supposed to bring it to the judge. She TEXT me to give me horrible news that it wasn't signed. When I called to discuss, her response was I'm with a client. I responded in all regular case letters and no explanation points that the next time she had a bomb to drop, make sure that she's available to discuss it with me. She used that opportunity to say that I was using a harsh tone with her and that she would talk to me when I learned how to talk to her properly. Again, this is a text message with no additions other than regular type. I still have the message saved. I firmly believe that she knew the money was running out. And instead of continuing to provide the service that was paid for, she decided this was a way to escape. I sent her an email asking her to stop all activity until we could sit down and discuss what is taking place. I also asked that all of the financials be available so that we can review. I received an email back saying that she was releasing herself from my case and I had a refund of $65. I will be talking to anyone and everyone that will listen about what a horrible experience I had with her. All around horrible experience. You get what you pay for.
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11 Jan, 2023 by Stephen
We just revised our wills, designated durable powers of attorney to manage our estate, and serve as a safety net, should we become unable to manage. Michelle Ahrens provided excellent advice and combined professionalism with personability - the kind of experience you so often hope for but seldom encounter. Her paralegal, Diane Moore was extremely helpful with our questions and document needs. We recommend this team highly.
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24 Jul, 2021 by Jan
Michele Ahrens is an extremely knowledgable attorney who made the legal world easier for me to understand, always listened intently to my questions, offered her expert advice and kept me up to date on what was happening with my case. She was always easy to reach and was prompt in getting back to me and communicating with me.
Michele helped me through my divorce and when a mistake was made, due to no fault of Michele's, after my divorce was final, Michele was able to make the correction to everyone's satisfaction.
I also feel Michele was a very caring and dedicated person to me and I would not hesitate hiring her for any future legal issues I may have.
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12 Oct, 2016 by Lorie
I had previously reviewed Michelle last year after my divorce was finalized. I should have waited to review considering 1. The restraining order against my ex in my divorce decree was not filled out correctly, so technically it wouldn't hold up in court. When my ex did violate the restraining order it was the police who told me the restraining order was basically not enforceable because it was not filled out correctly. (I should have recognized the red flag as during the divorce I was consistently editing her paperwork, but hindsight is 20/20). When I brought this to her attention, she told me she would have to re-file and it would cost me more money. So money, I would have to pay because her office lacks attention to detail. 2. After the divorce she had told me I had a case to change the parenting plan. So we filed a motion. When my ex put up a stink, she actually said to me, ' this is why I didn't think you should do this'. Not ONCE did she ever say that to me. I had to bite my tongue as we were already months into it and wouldn't help to argue. So, after months of pursuing changing the plan she had me withdraw. Of course, after withdrawing my ex got himself a lawyer and tried to finally have his supervised visits without following up on the other parenting plan conditions. When I pushed back Michelle basically said I need to let him have supervised visits regardless if he followed through on the other conditions. This surprised me as why were those conditions in the parenting plan in the first place? Finally, afters weeks of going back and forth with his lawyer, she tried to push me into a corner to acquiesce to my ex because she was going on vacation and his lawyer was threatening to file a motion of contempt on me. I still pushed back and told her I need to think about it and she told me she would call me back. However, two days went by and I hadn't heard from her, even after leaving her a voicemail. When I finally talked to the receptionist she told me Michelle went on vacation and NO ONE was covering her cases for her while she was out (even though Michelle assured me someone was covering). With that said, I immediately found another lawyer. While switching, I had to escalate to another lawyer within Michelle's firm to send an email to my ex's lawyer (an email I had to dictate verbatim to a lawyer who sounded irritated that he had to help me) to let my ex's attorney know that I am not trying to restrict my ex from visitation and that I am switching attorneys. With that said, within days of switching my new attorney got my ex's lawyer to start backing off, in fact my ex's lawyer withdrew from his case. The last straw I have with Michelle and this firm is I just called them as my files were never sent to my new lawyer, even though we requested those when I switched firms. They sent the copies today with a bill of $65. A bill, my new lawyer doesn't believe I should have to pay and a bill I wasn't told I was going to get. When I called to ask about it, I was told this is standard. Even if it is, it would have been nice to know I was going to get charged. No apology at all from them. With that said, if I could give 0 stars to this firm and to Michelle, I would. Michelle's legal advice seem to change based on what fit in her schedule. I didn't feel she fought to represent me or my best interests. On top of that, her lack of follow through and attention to detail were mediocre at best.
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23 Mar, 2024 by Angelo falavigna
23 Mar, 2023 by Angelo falavigna
Really good personal injury attorney. They go above and beyond to help. .
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23 Oct, 2022 by Jan jones-hickling
Intuitively knew how to handle a tough situation and make a sad ugly experience bearable
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15 May, 2021 by Anonymous
Would not recommend Mr. Boyd to handle any case. Stay as far away as you can for your own sanity.
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05 Jun, 2014 by Sally
I had been in an auto accident and the insurance company was trying to settle with me for $3,000. I had a friend refer me to Boyd Buckingham and Boyd was a joy and to work with. He listened to my story and reassured me that he would take care of me and help settle my case as quickly as possible. He did just that, the insurance company quit harassing me and only spoke to Boyd. Boyd was able to settle my case and in return was able to get me more money then I could ever have expected. He is a very good lawyer that knows the in's and out's of auto personal injury claims.
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26 Oct, 2011 by Renita
Boyd was direct and concise with me on all facets of my divorce. He kept me informed, supported me through a difficult experience, and helped me to maintain a goal that helped me to keep my children and integrity during a very difficult time.
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25 Oct, 2017 by Hyung
I had a L&I claim for job injury. Paul was my attorney and he handled my claim well. Now I received a life-time pension with his help.
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12 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
I wouldn't write this, but I hope that somehow my review will help others. Williams is not an attorney you want on your case because he simply doesn't care. One thing he’s really great at is billing hours so if you are looking to part ways with your hard earned dollars, he’s your guy...for everyone else an honest word of advice - stay away. Summary: incompetent and will not fight for you.
After almost 2 months on the case unable to comprehend simple facts while still charging huge amounts of money to review documents. He took over the case and lost motion after motion while always having an excuse why things didn’t work out. I've never received advice that I can say was solid and worth anything other than costing me money. He asked for a $5k retainer when we had an initial consultation. One week later he asked for another $20k stating that either I paid him, or he would withdraw from the case knowing very well that a pretty important court hearing was coming up. In our initial chat I stated clearly that the case was filled with drama but to get me in he figured $5k is enough just to then ask for additional $20k knowing very well that I had no time to look for another attorney. He took a case which was in great shape and lost 2 motions in a matter of weeks, destroyed the case while at the same time billing me over $13k. The saddest thing is that he always had an excuse and just did NOT give a thing of what was happening if he could bill the hours. When I say he DIDN'T CARE, I really DO Mean it.
After I hired another attorney, he had the audacity to ask me for $700 retained from my original deposit claiming that he'll need to keep this amount in case there will be a need to help transition my case? No other attorney ever does that, and I have talked to at least a few. Transition...? there was the guy who after more than 7 weeks on the case had no clue what was going on. Did not bother to speak with previous counselor I had (who sadly I had to let go because I couldn't afford him).
Only after I pointed out to the engagement agreement that clearly stated that the retainer is fully refundable he agreed to refund whatever was left from the $25k retainer. I would suggest not hiring this attorney.
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12 Sep, 2019 by Katherine
Walt helped me through one of the toughest experiences of my lifetime and I am eternally grateful. It was a very difficult situation for all involved. I was very emotional and he always talked very straight to me and helped me stay focused. It took time and diligence as most of these situations unfortunately do but we prevailed. I get to watch my son grow up in a much healthier environment because of it. I never felt he overcharged me, I felt his pricing was very fair and he tried to keep my costs down. He is a very caring lawyer. I have recommended Walt many times and will continue to.
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06 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
Ill prepared seemed clueless about my case despite it all being given all the paperwork and detail even charged me to obtain copy's of a parenting plan he was given at our first meeting and even went to make copy's of.. So i payed $3000 for him to basically do less then I could have accomplished on my own. I felt I was a low priority and someone he could placate to get easy money.
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17 Jul, 2019 by Laura
Suellen is a woman who fights, but always maintains her integrity. Something,lacking in family law. When my divorce started (going on a year and 8 months) I was broken. I was leaving an abusive relationship, my ex took my children and I had just quit my job. It was extremely complex and messy, but she did exactly what needed to happened including being honest with me about counseling for myself. She fought when I couldn't, but she also puts me in check in when I am being unreasonable. She doesn't play games, especially if it is a divorce with children. Suellen is like a slow drip, she just keeps going to make sure my girls and I have best and most just outcome. Ultimately, the outcome has been better than I could have imagined. She has become a friend and I recommend her whole heartedly! If you have a battle ahead, go with Suellen.
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16 Apr, 2019 by G.r.
If you are reading this review, then it is my hope that you consider it closely for an accurate review of Ms. Howard's legal services. I hired Ms. Howard more than 15 years ago to be my attorney for a divorce case with child support. I did not hire somebody to listen to me whine about my case, but instead one that would handle my case ethically and professionally, and not promise me a thing but rather just do her part so the outcomes could be the best that could be expected. I retained her because she did the job and the other party in the case did not make things easy at all. I read comments in reviews here that she was rude. I believe people are mistaking candid and 'get the job done' approach as being rude, but instead she is saving her client money and time by just getting to business. I learned over the years that her services were as good as the assistance I provided in my attention to detail in the documents and items she needed to do her job. I did my best to give her what she asked and do it as quickly as I was able to provide it. If I was not wearing my "big boy pants" at anytime, she was quick to get me back on task so that I was able to do my part in it all. I was certain that my children would have the best support and payments were emphasized in court as needing to go to the care of the children, period. When the other party was not complying with court orders, Ms. Howard got things back on track for holding the other party accountable. My case went before the court many times for adjustments over the years as the children grew up and out. Ms. Howard was solid each and every time. If you want an attorney that will 'tell you like it is' and not let you 'slip into a poor me pit of misery,' contact Ms. Howard. Then, do your part in getting her what she needs and do it with more attention and speed than you expect from her. She has other clients, you have perhaps only one attorney. Give her a call. Here 15 years later, I am sure glad I did.
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27 Nov, 2018 by E.j.
This attorney treated me with dignity and respect. She stood up for me, encouraged me, and the result was I was able to keep my home.
She's 5 stars.
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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.
