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01 Feb, 2016 by Paula saulnier
With Gail, I truly feel like for the first time, in a long time, someone had my back, and wasn't going to let any legal matters slip. She was not only easy to talk to, but made time for me outside of my work hours, and I felt like she truly understood my situation.
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30 Jan, 2016 by Chavon
Are you looking for a lawyer with experience and great dedication? Well you have come to the right place because Mrs. Holstrom is by far the number one lawyer in the area. Not only is she professional but very prompt with any questions you may have. I have been working with Mrs. Holstrom for almost two years now and I would recommend her to anyone in need of assistance. She is very understanding of all situations and will give you the best advice and will assist you through any problems you may have. Dont sit around and get a lawyer that just wants your money. Mrs. Holstrom cares about all her clients and will make sure she gets the results you are looking for.
Thanks!
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13 May, 2016 by Catharina
Mr. Davidson was recommend to me by a friend when I started looking for a divorce lawyer. When I met Mr. Davidson I felt safe and understood, for the first time in years. There was never any question that I asked that was not answered clearly to the point that I could understand, especially when explaining the legal system. Any time I had a problem come up I could call and he would call me back personally and help me through it, and help calm me down. He really dose care about his clients and tries to make the whole process as smooth as possible.
Thank you so much Mr Davidson.
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20 Feb, 2013 by Sharon
Susan Call did an excellent job on my no contest divorce. She accepted a reasonable flat fee arrangement. She was very responsive and prepared the paperwork immediately. She had the whole divorce complete in about 2 weeks. She had evening and weekend hours.
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02 Nov, 2015 by J
I hired Mrs. Hart to represent me for a custody case, and she went above and beyond with the court process. She has been my lawyer for the last 2 years for various custody issues, and always advises me in the right direction. She is smart, trust worthy and knows Family law very well. I have recommended her to other family members who have been beyond happy with her services. I trust her completely with my past cases and my upcoming cases, I highly recommend Mrs. Hart for anything having to do with family law.
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16 Oct, 2015 by Kriss
I hired Mr. Catlett last year to represent my friend who had several serious charges, with significant amount of jail time over her head, and thanks to Larry Catlett she served 3 weekends instead if several years behind bars. I will always recommend him, and I'm highly appreciative of his services.
K. Williams
North Chesterfield
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22 Feb, 2017 by Michele
He went over all the paperwork I provided and is making sure that I'm taking care of in my divorce
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27 Mar, 2015 by Marc
John Moore was great from begging till end and was there when ever I had questions. It was a stressful time but he tried to reduse the stress as much as possible.
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12 Dec, 2018 by Larry
Over the past 20 years, Fred has represented me several times. Not in just one Court setting, but in criminal and juvenile domestic cases. In, or out of the courtroom he gives 100%! There isn't another attorney at law I would call other than Fred. in fact, I think he needs to come up with a jingle... Like... Maybe... "Call Fred, instead!" : )
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21 Aug, 2015 by Robin
Chuck is most thorough and dedicated attorney ever. Chuck went above and beyond and left no detail to chance. He never over promised, was always level headed and thoughtful. I don't think that there are enough words to describe how happy I have been with him through the two trials in which he represented me.
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13 Aug, 2021 by Kelli
Emily was one of my attorneys while she was at a law firm in Northern, VA. Emily represented and assisted me in a very complex custody/visitation case and also a child support case. She was in the process of assisting and representing me in the defense of another related case prior to her departure of the firm and Northern, VA area. Emily is sharp, personable, detail oriented and remembers the little things which I found extremely helpful and impressive. I truly felt that the best interest of myself and my child were her priority. I would and will always recommend her to anyone in need of an attorney for custody/visitation/support, etc.
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28 Apr, 2024 by Lynn shipp
15 Feb, 2024 by Jasmine landaverde
15 Feb, 2024 by Meagan nagy
I met with Mr. Murdoch-Kitt to discuss my child custody case and he was beyond helpful. He listened to me and asked me questions that helped me really understand what was needed of me. He treated me like I was more than just a potential client. After our session, I immediately called my husband and we decided that he was going to be the right attorney for us.
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07 Dec, 2024 by Craig davis
The Flores law firm provided excellent service. Professional and very efficient with handling everything. The process was easy and I am pleased. I would highly recommend this firm!!!
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02 Dec, 2024 by Timothy jenkins
August 2024, I contacted Flores Law Firm because I was in a desperate need of financial assistance. Stephen Flores, an extraordinary attorney with the unique availability to perform great services. His representation and professional knowledge of bankruptcy proceedings. While under bankruptcy protection I was able to manage my financial obligations. After my discharge, I was to purchase a 2024 Camry Toyota
Thank you Stephen
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13 Nov, 2024 by Eric hall
Very professional & well respectful & truly took my case and got everything done for me I really appreciate the Flores law firm.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Claire bradley
Brianna offered up a ton of kindness, patience, and support while she helped me through the interview process and subsequent negotiations.
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02 Jun, 2024 by Amy clark
I truly enjoyed working with Brianna from Prime Legal, she helped me put my nerves at ease. She helped me to know what to except during my interview. She was always just a text or call away if I needed anything or had any questions. With her help I was offered a position and so excited for the next chapter.
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26 Jan, 2024 by Jennifer newcome
Brianna B is the best recruiter ever. She took all the time I needed with me, explained everything thoroughly, helped me update my resume to look more efficient, shared tips with me the day before my interview and checked on me afterwards. Words can’t describe how thankful I am.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Sue c
Very nice the investigator Tim was very attentive to my needs
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21 Jan, 2025 by D s
Friendly prompt service
Thank you Joel
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21 Jan, 2025 by Mohamed galal
Bruce our investigator came to our house to evaluate the situation, he was full transparency and honest with us up front. Thank you for all your help
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22 Aug, 2024 by Hubba zaid
Adam Young has always taken extremely great care for all of our needs. From setting up well protected entities, facilitating closings for real estate, and business legal advice; Adam has always gone above and beyond to ensure we don’t have to stress. I highly recommend this firm, we have been very happy for years
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26 Jul, 2024 by Elaina c (blynd4u2c)
This review is especially for the disabled community. Adam, Tiffany and Erica did an AMAZING job of making selling my home and purchasing a new one accommodating to my blindness. They enabled electronic contracts, signatures and a remote notary! They were relentless in representing me fairly! I 1000% recommend them to anyone!
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02 Jul, 2024 by Sheldon seltzer
Lane Pearson and Pat Bowen provided my wife, Carmen and me flawless service in the sale of our condo in Richmond. No questions were left unanswered and in a very timely manner. Without question, this Fleckenstein team made our lives so much easier during the transition. Our heartfelt thanks for all your good work.
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09 Nov, 2020 by Sarah cooke
20 Jun, 2017 by Frederic patrick
17 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Current client. Barbara was available on short notice. She listened patiently to my complex tale. She charged me only the initial consultation fee. Gave me good advice
Subsequently however every question is $45-50. I know this is how lawyers make their living but if you me ads client maybe I get two freebies following a paid consultation. Am I suppose to know every question following the consult?
Still I intend to remain her client. I trust her.
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15 Feb, 2016 by Terry masini
Richard Locke and his staff worked in a very professional manner, keeping me informed, and his professionalism helped me win my case. I would highly recommend him if you are looking for a lawyer.
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02 Jun, 2015 by Todd
Richard and his team provided me with excellent legal counsel during my divorce proceedings. His intimate knowledge of the courts and judges provided me a clear understanding of what I could expect. He was easily reachable, responsive and advocated for me without being antagonistic toward my ex husband. I strongly recommend Locke & Quinn for any LGBT-related family law issue. They were exceptional in this area of service.
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08 Jan, 2015 by Bill
Sandy Bowen handled my separation and divorce with the utmost professionalism and was able to take me through a very difficult process with positive results. Sandy took the time to fully understand the dynamics of my case, determined what I wanted to achieve and gave me realistic advice on what to expect and not expect at trial. Sandy Bowen was very organized and fully prepared during the several times we were in court. I was impressed with how she presented the facts of my case and her abilty to cross examine and interact with the judge and citing other cases for precident. Most impressive was how she explored the law and suggested the use of a vocational expert to represent earnings potential of my spouse. I found Sandy to be very down to earth and easy to relate to and a true collaborator. While no one is comfortable in this kind of situation where results in court can be unpredictable, I had a feeling with Sandy Bowen that she was working in my best interest.
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24 May, 2011 by Anonymous
Nicole Rossi's response are very comprehensive and helpful. She is also very quick in answering questions. Thank you, Nicole.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Danielle newman
I called this law office seeking counsel. Cathy spent time with me on the phone when she didn’t have to and really helped me with a ton of questions I had and it wasn’t even a consultation. Thank you so much! I can see why your ratings are so high! Very caring and helpful!
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11 Sep, 2024 by Brian joseph
You truly get what you pay for, especially in legal representation. And if your kids mean enough to you you won't think twice about retaining Craig Sampson. A father in a custody battle in VA can be a bad position to be in and bring low expectations regarding the outcome. Craig is the best in the business hands down. Extremely well prepared and has a court presence second to none. He will shine for you if given the opportunity. His pre-trial performance stopped the opposition in their tracks so overwhelmingly, they withdrew the case prior to the actual trial. Where they were not prepared, he was and made that day the trial. The judge acknowledged every point and legal precedent he presented. I can't say enough to truly explain his skill sets and professionalism, but you can witness it yourself. Although this is business, I will be eternally grateful for what he did for me and my daughters ensuring we stayed as one, family.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Alan weinstein
I'm recently divorced, it was stressful time, my attorney
Mellissa Vanzile was so professional and always to the point.
She was always compassionate with me, knowing I was stressed out.
When we went to the pretrial hearing, Melissa argued professionally to the Judge, and we were able to get him to side
with Mrs. Vanzile and myself.
Through this process, my ex-wife and I are still friendly and are able to talk freely with each other, I Owe a lot of that to Melissa, because of the way she handled our situation. Also, we have
a daughter, son in law and a very special Grandson. My ex and I agree they are three people that are very important. During Holiday, birthdays and special events we will be able to stand in
the same room together and especially school events with our
Grandson. Agin this would not be possible without Melissia's help.
Sincerely
Alan W.
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08 Feb, 2018 by Taylor
Marc handled a revision of a decade old agreement with my ex wife. He was knowledgeable and professional. Most important to me, he was understanding, friendly and kept me sane through the process. I would highly recommend him to anyone asking for recommendations.
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07 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Sooo Mr. Boyko was my court appointed attorney. I called his office 4 separate occasions. No call back. I still had to show up in court, and surprise, surprise he did not show up.... So as you can imagine I let the judge know, and it was continued and I decided to hire my own... it's all about the money, if you are willing to spend I'm quite sure he will represent you well, however if you have other financial circumstances.... go a different route.
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11 Jul, 2017 by Daniel
This was the first, and hopefully last time that I'll need a lawyer, and I'm glad I found Marc. From day one he was able to put my mind at ease. Professional and personal, he worked with me and let me know what options I had and could use, and explained it in a way I could understand. He kept me up to date with things that he found to work for me in my case, even up to the last minute. You don't find a work ethic like that any more these days. Great attitude, great character, great guy.
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13 Nov, 2024 by Vox populi
I received an unsolicited phone call from this agency. The caller identified themselves as simply "Holly."
I asked Holly a question and she told me to hold for a moment as she was driving.
I asked her to call me back when she wasn't driving as she was clearly distracted. And who wouldn't be - she is driving a car and attempting to take care of some business matter, presumably.
Holly then gets upset because I won't speak with her while she is driving a vehicle.
I then just hang up because of how angry she was getting. She acted as if I was being rude to her by asking her to call me when she wasn't driving a vehicle.
I don't know if this type of thing is commonplace at Commonwealth, but this is not acceptable even once.
And if you don't think this is concerning, consider your own potential financial liability- vicarious liability is a thing.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Lisa hines
Dustin Carter (attorney) and Leslie Et Alia (paralegal) have represented me on my workers compensation case since 12/2022. They have worked tirelessly to get final resolution on my case and kept me informed throughout the process. I am thankful for their help and would not have gotten anywhere with my case without them.
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14 May, 2024 by Perry whitaker
I was very please with the service that The Commonwealth Law Group gave me. My lawyer answered all of my questions with great clarity and patience. They kept me informed every step of the way, which gave me a great peace of mind. Their negotiation skills were VERY impressive. I will highly recommend this law firm.
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03 Jan, 2025 by Christopher scott
26 Dec, 2024 by Doug roundy
Horrible experience with this place. They are way overpriced for the quality of service they provide. They give horrible advice and not very good representation from this place. Our attorney, Elizabeth Smyers, and her assistant were horrible at communicating, demanding us to meet their deadlines while completely allowing the other party to not provide court required information that was needed. Then, withdrew from our case to leave us in a bad position for upcoming court. Please do yourselves a favor and stay away from them
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02 Aug, 2024 by Allie walker
Sharon and Sandy have been lifesavers- both were incredibly professional, helpful and efficient. Highly recommended!
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03 Jan, 2025 by Christopher scott
26 Dec, 2024 by Doug roundy
Horrible experience with this place. They are way overpriced for the quality of service they provide. They give horrible advice and not very good representation from this place. Our attorney, Elizabeth Smyers, and her assistant were horrible at communicating, demanding us to meet their deadlines while completely allowing the other party to not provide court required information that was needed. Then, withdrew from our case to leave us in a bad position for upcoming court. Please do yourselves a favor and stay away from them
Read more
02 Aug, 2024 by Allie walker
Sharon and Sandy have been lifesavers- both were incredibly professional, helpful and efficient. Highly recommended!
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03 Jan, 2025 by Christopher scott
26 Dec, 2024 by Doug roundy
Horrible experience with this place. They are way overpriced for the quality of service they provide. They give horrible advice and not very good representation from this place. Our attorney, Elizabeth Smyers, and her assistant were horrible at communicating, demanding us to meet their deadlines while completely allowing the other party to not provide court required information that was needed. Then, withdrew from our case to leave us in a bad position for upcoming court. Please do yourselves a favor and stay away from them
Read more
02 Aug, 2024 by Allie walker
Sharon and Sandy have been lifesavers- both were incredibly professional, helpful and efficient. Highly recommended!
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13 Sep, 2024 by Skylar nicole starkweather
Amazing experience when closing on my first home the realtor made the process horrible but the office at Kane Jeffries was amazing and helped so much every step of the way!
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16 May, 2024 by Travis sydnor
07 May, 2024 by Kim thompson
Had a great experience Patrick was great I would highly recommend this firm
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23 Jan, 2025 by Sue c
Very nice the investigator Tim was very attentive to my needs
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21 Jan, 2025 by D s
Friendly prompt service
Thank you Joel
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21 Jan, 2025 by Mohamed galal
Bruce our investigator came to our house to evaluate the situation, he was full transparency and honest with us up front. Thank you for all your help
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12 Nov, 2024 by Danielle newman
I called this law office seeking counsel. Cathy spent time with me on the phone when she didn’t have to and really helped me with a ton of questions I had and it wasn’t even a consultation. Thank you so much! I can see why your ratings are so high! Very caring and helpful!
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11 Sep, 2024 by Brian joseph
You truly get what you pay for, especially in legal representation. And if your kids mean enough to you you won't think twice about retaining Craig Sampson. A father in a custody battle in VA can be a bad position to be in and bring low expectations regarding the outcome. Craig is the best in the business hands down. Extremely well prepared and has a court presence second to none. He will shine for you if given the opportunity. His pre-trial performance stopped the opposition in their tracks so overwhelmingly, they withdrew the case prior to the actual trial. Where they were not prepared, he was and made that day the trial. The judge acknowledged every point and legal precedent he presented. I can't say enough to truly explain his skill sets and professionalism, but you can witness it yourself. Although this is business, I will be eternally grateful for what he did for me and my daughters ensuring we stayed as one, family.
Read more
22 Aug, 2024 by Alan weinstein
I'm recently divorced, it was stressful time, my attorney
Mellissa Vanzile was so professional and always to the point.
She was always compassionate with me, knowing I was stressed out.
When we went to the pretrial hearing, Melissa argued professionally to the Judge, and we were able to get him to side
with Mrs. Vanzile and myself.
Through this process, my ex-wife and I are still friendly and are able to talk freely with each other, I Owe a lot of that to Melissa, because of the way she handled our situation. Also, we have
a daughter, son in law and a very special Grandson. My ex and I agree they are three people that are very important. During Holiday, birthdays and special events we will be able to stand in
the same room together and especially school events with our
Grandson. Agin this would not be possible without Melissia's help.
Sincerely
Alan W.
Read more
12 Nov, 2024 by Danielle newman
I called this law office seeking counsel. Cathy spent time with me on the phone when she didn’t have to and really helped me with a ton of questions I had and it wasn’t even a consultation. Thank you so much! I can see why your ratings are so high! Very caring and helpful!
Read more
11 Sep, 2024 by Brian joseph
You truly get what you pay for, especially in legal representation. And if your kids mean enough to you you won't think twice about retaining Craig Sampson. A father in a custody battle in VA can be a bad position to be in and bring low expectations regarding the outcome. Craig is the best in the business hands down. Extremely well prepared and has a court presence second to none. He will shine for you if given the opportunity. His pre-trial performance stopped the opposition in their tracks so overwhelmingly, they withdrew the case prior to the actual trial. Where they were not prepared, he was and made that day the trial. The judge acknowledged every point and legal precedent he presented. I can't say enough to truly explain his skill sets and professionalism, but you can witness it yourself. Although this is business, I will be eternally grateful for what he did for me and my daughters ensuring we stayed as one, family.
Read more
22 Aug, 2024 by Alan weinstein
I'm recently divorced, it was stressful time, my attorney
Mellissa Vanzile was so professional and always to the point.
She was always compassionate with me, knowing I was stressed out.
When we went to the pretrial hearing, Melissa argued professionally to the Judge, and we were able to get him to side
with Mrs. Vanzile and myself.
Through this process, my ex-wife and I are still friendly and are able to talk freely with each other, I Owe a lot of that to Melissa, because of the way she handled our situation. Also, we have
a daughter, son in law and a very special Grandson. My ex and I agree they are three people that are very important. During Holiday, birthdays and special events we will be able to stand in
the same room together and especially school events with our
Grandson. Agin this would not be possible without Melissia's help.
Sincerely
Alan W.
Read more
03 Jan, 2025 by Christopher scott
26 Dec, 2024 by Doug roundy
Horrible experience with this place. They are way overpriced for the quality of service they provide. They give horrible advice and not very good representation from this place. Our attorney, Elizabeth Smyers, and her assistant were horrible at communicating, demanding us to meet their deadlines while completely allowing the other party to not provide court required information that was needed. Then, withdrew from our case to leave us in a bad position for upcoming court. Please do yourselves a favor and stay away from them
Read more
13 Nov, 2024 by Justin horn
Clayton Worthington and his staff went well beyond what i expected from a family law practice. He was honest with me about expectations. He laid out options and was realistic about expectations for each path. He was respectful of my moral compass while clearly explaining the outcomes I could expect. Most importantly, he genuinely cared about the my mental health and the impact a divorce would have on my children. He made a difficult situation manageable. In the end, I truly feel like I got a fair shake from the legal system.
I can't recommend these guys enough. You need them if you're going through a divorce. It's worth every penney.
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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.
