Lawyers map
>138
experienced lawyers
Filter by
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
27 Mar, 2024 by Tori atkins
Honest, fast, and gives you all of your options. I was referred to Melissa and refer her to everyone I know going through a tough divorce. She is amazing!
Read more
22 Sep, 2024 by Kelly
Omg… saw some reviews AND just had to write. She and Edward Barnes represented me over 14 years ago!!! I was in a custody battled with my ex-girlfriend. Absolutely NO legal, or biological, or relative connection. This person had NO legal ability to try and gain access to my child .. however the courts allowed this case to have “life”. But it was ALL about $$$. Jennifer Crossland and Ed Barnes just went for $$. I was paying over $15,000 a month (it was 2009) to protect me and my biological 4 year old child. It was ILLEGAL what the courts and THIS legal team did to me and my family. They should be disbarred from practice!
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
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
27 Mar, 2024 by Tori atkins
Honest, fast, and gives you all of your options. I was referred to Melissa and refer her to everyone I know going through a tough divorce. She is amazing!
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
27 Mar, 2024 by Tori atkins
Honest, fast, and gives you all of your options. I was referred to Melissa and refer her to everyone I know going through a tough divorce. She is amazing!
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
27 Mar, 2024 by Tori atkins
Honest, fast, and gives you all of your options. I was referred to Melissa and refer her to everyone I know going through a tough divorce. She is amazing!
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
27 Mar, 2024 by Tori atkins
Honest, fast, and gives you all of your options. I was referred to Melissa and refer her to everyone I know going through a tough divorce. She is amazing!
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
27 Mar, 2024 by Tori atkins
Honest, fast, and gives you all of your options. I was referred to Melissa and refer her to everyone I know going through a tough divorce. She is amazing!
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
27 Mar, 2024 by Tori atkins
Honest, fast, and gives you all of your options. I was referred to Melissa and refer her to everyone I know going through a tough divorce. She is amazing!
Read more
07 Jan, 2024 by Nathan philype
10 Oct, 2023 by Summer layton
This firm is filled with knowledgeable and attentive attorneys. I highly recommend.
Read more
12 Jun, 2022 by Marvin greene
Highly unprofessional in all seriousness…
Read more
21 Jan, 2022 by Elizabeth
Ms. Sossei is a badass attorney and I would highly recommend her! Very detail oriented and hard working! She will fight hard for you and never settles for less than. She never sugar coats anything and is always 100% honest when it comes to your case. She does not treat you like just another client or a file on her desk, she treats you like family!
Read more
17 Jan, 2022 by Jasmine
We had an absolutely horrendous experience with Tammy Sossei. Do not waste a second of your time or money with her as your attorney! She failed to provide any basic guidance, strategy, or to adequately prepare us for what to expect come court day. She was some combination of disorganized, tardy, disheveled, and unprepared for every interaction. It was clear that the judges do not respect or think highly of her. Her assistant, Katie, is basically incompetent. For example, she sent the wrong settlement offer to the other sides attorney, her scanned legal docs were missing random pages, and she doesn’t understand how to transfer files between google docs and word. I regret ever allowing Ms. Sossei to represent us for such an important life matter. Do not trust her with your legal affairs. She (and in turn, you) will lose.
Read more
02 Feb, 2021 by Beatrice
Nice, friendly, sweet until it was time to work. She dropped the ball. Big time. I should have googled and been better prepared for myself. What’s the point of a hired attorney right. Find someone better. Or worry you may miss something because your on your own. But if you want a great friendly personality. She’s it.
Read more
04 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
I would not recommend her to anyone. She was not very interested in telling us what she could do with our case but was clear on telling us her hourly and retainer fee and had the nerve to add we could pay her more money to file a simple change order. Why would I hire you if I have to do all the work myself?!
Read more
19 Sep, 2017 by Tom mckeen
Alison is an amazing attorney. She was prompt to respond to emails. She really cared about the case and most importantly her skills won my case. I would highly recommended her.
Read more
16 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Allison is the best! Dealing with custody matters can be nerve-racking. When you are coping with a high conflict custody dispute on top of all it can become overwhelming. Allison took care of everything. We would not have kept our sanity without her. Allison kept us up to date and eased our anxiety. We hope we are never in this situation again but if we are, we know Allison is just a phone call away. It has been a positive experience working with Allison. She makes it easy for us to understand all the procedures that are involved, we appreciate all the work and effort she put in on working on our case. Weal enjoyed working with her. Thank you again for everything you are truly a part of our family!
Read more
13 May, 2024 by Bee
If you get this lawyer I feel sorry for you . Idk if it’s because we got him court appointed and he just thinks low of us but from the lady that answered the phone to anything about him they are very rude and care NOTHING ABOUT YOU ! Maybe if you pay him outta pocket things may be different but I’d definitely ask for another lawyer. Unless you enjoy extra charges , more time and being put places away from your family .
Read more
05 Jun, 2023 by Karen cunningham
Theresa Rhinehart took my hard earned money and my Mother's, for TWO YEARS,during my awful divorce, she THEN, QUIT, in the courtroom the DAY I FINALLY WENT TO COURT!!!!! BECAUSE she was "intimidated" by my ex-husbands attorney!!!!! The judge went along with this Ludacris action by my attorney!!! Something needs to be done!!! So, I would give this "person" NEGATIVE 5000 on her reviews!!!! But then there is, KARMA....
Read more
27 May, 2023 by Virginia pitts
18 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Could have done better in my custody case. She does not come prepared for meetings or court. Do not return client calls and will charge you for things and then not follow through with them. If she know the other side attorney she will switch sides on you and not very effective in communicating, and make promises that she will get you what you want but in the middle of going to trial she will switch up. Never used any evidence to win the case , she do what is the easiest and best for her and not her client.
Read more
18 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired Mrs. Delcamp to handle my separation. She made the process smooth and easy, which was important to me during this difficult time. She was very professional, matter of fact, yet sensitive to my feelings. Not only did I have a great experience with her, but also her firm and her secretary. Everyone had my best interest in mind, and I was allowed to make my own decisions. We are still in touch today in regards to how I am doing. I would highly recommend Mrs. Delcamp for any family situation.
Read more
16 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
I’ve engaged Ms. Delcamp’s services several times over the past years and found her to be a straight shooter, who knew how to get the job done. The first time I retained her legal services was for my daughter, who was filing for a divorce. After our first consultation I felt confident that she would look after my daughter's interest, while representing her through this extremely difficult divorce. Well Ms. Delcamp did not let us down. It was so nice to have such a caring attorney. Years later, my dear Mother passed away, so I contacted her again, for estate matters that I needed guidance on. She remembered me and she was happy to consult with me on handling my dear Mother’s estate. Hopefully, I won’t have need to obtain her services in the future, but if I do I will not hesitate to call her.
Read more
20 Feb, 2024 by Terry hollingshed
Woods and Woods,They know what they are doing. Just have patience and let them work their magic. THANK YOU WOODS AND WOODS!!
Read more
19 Dec, 2023 by Maddy boling
Andy Wood Jr made my case easy and stress free. He made me feel comfortable and kept me in the loop about everything and we came out successful. 10/10 will recommend him to everyone!
Read more
25 Jul, 2023 by Alex demoss
20 Feb, 2024 by Terry hollingshed
Woods and Woods,They know what they are doing. Just have patience and let them work their magic. THANK YOU WOODS AND WOODS!!
Read more
19 Dec, 2023 by Maddy boling
Andy Wood Jr made my case easy and stress free. He made me feel comfortable and kept me in the loop about everything and we came out successful. 10/10 will recommend him to everyone!
Read more
25 Jul, 2023 by Alex demoss
21 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
I was a father who had originally agreed to share custody with my ex. The arrangement was in place, but I had not signed. My ex had moved, had the kids in new schools, but was making decisions that I believed were not in the kids' best interests. I had retained one attorney at the cost of several thousand dollars but was dissatisfied with the progress. I met with Mrs. VanZile, and within minutes she had an understanding of my situation and the type of person (my ex) I was dealing with. I always felt like I had someone fighting in my corner. At trial, she was able to expose my ex's motives and ultimately I was awarded a change of custody. My coworkers, who came to the hearing for support, witnessed Mrs. VanZile's performance and a couple have reached out to me in the years that followed for her name and contact info. I gladly share. My kids are young adults now, and the conflicts have long since settled. Your experience may vary, but as for me, I am grateful for the help I received.
Read more
05 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Melissa did a great job representing me during my difficult divorce and took the steps necessary to avoid having to go to court. She was always very prompt in responding to me and laid out various options in a way I could understand so I could make an informed decision.
Read more
26 May, 2017 by Patti
Melissa was very professional, courteous and helped me through the process. She was there every step of the way, answered every question I had, and supported me. I would gladly recommend her.
Read more
08 Jun, 2012 by Michelle
About two years ago, Susan was referred to me by a co-worker. I instantly hired her after our initial meeting. She is very direct, honest and a straight shooter. She is still my lawyer due to the continuous back and forth with my soon to be ex and his lawyer. She consistently keeps me in the loop of what is going on with my case. She fights for what I want and need 100% and she is always prepared when we go to court. I believe she is here to help anyone that needs it.
Read more
05 Jun, 2012 by Anonymous
Susan was referred to me for my custody/support/visitation and divorce proceedings. After sitting down with her I hired her immediately. I found her honestly and straight forward attitude refreshing. She helped guide me through this difficult and stressful process with a positive attitude. Never once did she fill me with false expectations or did she suggest unrealistic goals, instead she stayed honest and down to earth. Phone calls and emails are returned quickly and without attitude. Susan's positive attitude, knowlege and immediate attention to my needs gave me great comfort during this time in my life when I am feeling the most vulnerable.
Read more
01 Jun, 2012 by Anonymous
Has the gift of gab,no action in the court room. She hype the case to be cut and dry case, an easy case, then one week before the hearing she started to sing a different tune. I arrive one hour ahead of time to go over somethings, she did not appear until 20 minutss before hearing time, when I was talking to the Division of Child Support Enforcement she left me with them alone so she could go the bathroom and fix her clothes and snap her shoes. Her representation was useless,unprofessional and resulted in my child support being reduce by $552. She showed no remorse or empathy, and talked to one of the attorney's that was helping with the father of my children case, and after the case she tried to tell me she ran across him somewhere else, and he happened to had been in the court room during the hearing. She expected me to believe that, tried to persuade me not to appeal the ruling per the converstation with him, and indicated the both of them did not feel I had a case. I shocked her when I told her who he was and that he did not just happened to be there, and how I saw him converstating with the father of my kids & his wife. She was still in the court room when I saw that, and she didn't even have a clue of my knowledge of that. I asked her then who side was she on. She will play you for stupid if you let her. Watch her, she will sell you out with out a thought.
Read more
03 Nov, 2016 by Casey
Russell was appointed by the courts and did an excellent job. I was given a suspended sentence on 2 grand larcenys.
Read more
14 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
I met with Mr. Watson and ended up not hiring him. He spoke down to me, asked me questions but then interrupted me as soon as I started answering (he never got any answers by doing this) and told me I would lose my case. His whole attitude was very condescending. I walked out and hired another lawyer. Not only did my lawyer feel confident that I would win, but she won my case with very little effort!
Read more
16 Nov, 2012 by Amanda
He represented me as a young adult when I had some legal issues. Since then I have recommended him to 4 friends and coworkers that hired him for their divorce. 15 years later, I still trust his judgement, hard work, and council for any legal issues I may have, including a current speeding traffic ticket.
Read more
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.
Read more
02 Mar, 2024 by Classylady5165
Chris handled my divorce case. The case turned into a debacle with my husband getting everything. The only thing I got was an enormous bill from Mr. Macturk. I cannot express, in words, my great disappointment with the services Chris provided. Please do you due diligence before you hire this attorney. I do not recommend that you hire this attorney.
Read more
06 Feb, 2023 by Steven
I was worried my divorce would be a difficult process. My ex had access to all our legal documents, and I didn’t. Evolution took care of all the details, went to the courthouse, and got the paperwork I needed. They were thorough and advised me on the right path to navigating a sometimes frustrating court system. On top of that, Evolution Divorce’s fixed pricing model gave me peace of mind that costs would not go uncontrolled. Chris and his team gave me confidence from our first meeting and helped me get the results I wanted.
Read more
02 Feb, 2017 by Caroline
I made the horrific mistake of hiring Chris as my lawyer in 2008. Chris appeared to be on my side and made me think that I had nothing to worry about when going to court versus my now x husband over custody of my then 2 1/2 year old. He wound up costing me close to $7k and the result of the preliminary hearing broke my heart by the judge awarding joint custody to my x. Chris acted like it didn't matter to him one way or the other if I lost or won when it came to the hearing. He allowed my x's attorney to walk all over him and eventually beat him in a case that was pretty cut and dry considering I had plenty of evidence against my x to prove that I was the primary parent even through our marriage. I would not recommend him to my worst enemy. I had to hire another attorney to get me divorced because after thousands of dollars and not getting the results I wanted or hoped for, I was not about to waste anymore money or time on someone I did not trust. 9 years later, I am still fighting with my x and about to go back to court over custody again. Thanks for putting me into debt and ruing mine and my son's lives.
Read more
14 Apr, 2023 by Audrey
Attorney Rob Partin first agreed to represent me in a divorce 13 ½ years ago. He made me feel like he was as much my kids' attorney as he was mine. During that course of difficulties with my now ex, Atty Partin's level of compassion stayed at 100%. And, I very quickly came to see that he really listens well, even to things I said that I thought he may not bother to remember, but did.
Also, this is a smart man; he really knows his business, and he prepares you well for court by telling you everything you need to know and then some.
Atty Partin has a genuine kind demeanor, not just the nice demeanor that some professionals put on just to win your trust. He exudes kindness, friendliness, and patience. He follows through quickly on whatever matter needs following through on, and he never once misled me. He is a great communicator.
About 10½ ago, when I again called on atty Partin because I needed to become a legal guardian, he explained that he didn't do guardianships and said that he would call me back after calling an attorney who he would recommend. Shortly, atty Partin called me back with the name and phone number of an attorney who worked out well for me. Atty Partin, like family, even showed up for moral support on the court date of the guardianship hearing; he didn't have to do that. But, he did.
Four years ago, atty Partin was again representing me in court against my ex, who had become problematic. My son was with me and, at some point, excused himself from the courtroom. The judge asked me if my son was okay, and I think I simply said that he would be fine waiting outside of the courtroom. Then, atty Partin explained to the judge the kind of atmosphere that makes my son uncomfortable, the kind that was being created in court by my ex; I was impressed that atty Partin remembered that about my son for all of those years, from the first time he represented us.
I very highly recommend Attorney Robert Partin!
Read more
08 Apr, 2023 by Rick
I have known Rob for about 20 years. I too am a family law attorney.
When he was on the other side of a case, he always fought hard for his client yet kept the door open for settlement. A+ person and lawyer.
Read more
11 Sep, 2019 by Frances
We hired Rob Partin for a custody case. In the beginning, he appeared to be great and acted like he was going to fight for our case. That wasn’t the case when court came. Although we hired him months before court, just days before the actual trial date, he changed his stance on everything and advised against us trying to fight for custody. He wanted us to agree to the other party’s terms no matter what. We went from having our daughter (95%) of the time to now only having her 40% of the time which we worked out the 40% after court, on our own!!! In court, we lost as Rob wouldn’t fight for us and we had no other choice and were only going to have our daughter 4 days a month!! He had NO reason to not fight for us. He also quoted us $1,500. Our final bill is almost $4,000!!! He now says he never said $1,500 which is a lie!! I do not recommend him at all for anything!!!
Read more
01 Apr, 2024 by Ashwini kulkarni
I recently worked with Helen's team for my H1B application and it was a smooth process. I was kept well informed on each step which in my opinion is extremely helpful given the process. Look forward to working with Helen's team for further steps.
Read more
17 Jan, 2024 by Armin ahmadi
I had a fantastic experience with Crystal Malik. Despite not being under contract with us, she was incredibly helpful. Crystal responded to every email and query with patience, providing detailed and informative answers. Her assistance was greatly appreciated!
Read more
30 Jun, 2023 by Travis medley
Excellent experience with Helen. I found her to be professional, efficient and responsive. She helped resolved our issue and provided guidance. Highly recommend!
Read more
25 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I had Suzi Hutchens to do a will for me. I met with her the first time and felt completely confident in her abilities. She had also been referred by a very good friend of mine who is a lawyer but does not handle anything but corporate law. We did an overview of what I needed and she told me what I would need to get together and information that could be emailed or called into her to get it going. Two days after we met, I had some additional questions and called the office, leaving 4 messages from Tuesday to Friday with the Asssistant/Receptionist and never received a return phone call. By Wednesday, I asked if she was out of town just so I could get an idea of when she may return the call and was told that she was not and was in the office. On the last call, the Receptionist hung up on me. Since I am a busy medical professional, I did not have time for these games. On the following Thursday, I dropped by the office to see if I could catch her in and was told she was out of the country and rudely assured she had received my messages. The female voice was recognized as the one who had accepted my calls. If she worked in my office, and I hire many, many people, she would have been fired immediately. She is the rudest, most arrogant, confrontational individual that I have come across and should never be working with the public. Three days later, I spoke with a very nice gentlemen by the name of John, who promised to relay the message to her. I finally reached Suzette after she returned and she stated she had never received any of my messages. I know it is very difficult to obtain good, competent staff these days but this was ridiculous. Mrs. Hutchens came highly recommended but sometimes an employee can make you or break you. The front desk person is the first point of contact in any business and should be someone that will make Clients feel welcome. This woman does not belong there. She is a menace to an otherwise good law firm and can ruin a reputation quickly.
Read more
05 Oct, 2016 by Oscar
I have been a client of hutchens and hutchens for over 20 years. I have worked directly with Mrs. Hutchens on legal matters divorce and accidents. I have the utmost respect of her legal knowledge. I have referred numerous family and friends to her and they too were well pleased with her.
Read more
21 Sep, 2016 by Vic
I unfortunately have to agree with the Yelp review that someone wrote in 2012. Oh my, his daughter was right, there was no problem with Ms. Hutchens but that older woman that answers the phone freaked me out as well. SHE IS NUTS! She is still the front desk and will talk about putting a spell on you and black magic potions. What he said was right on. What happened to professional staff in a law office and why would this beautiful office hire someone like this. Yes, I agree, don't accept her offer for a beverage.
Read more
14 Jun, 2018 by Michelle
After having a difficult time (and that’s being nice) being able to see his kids, my boyfriend and I decided to seek legal help. He was told about Mary Napier, and we decided to go for a consultation because it couldn’t hurt to see if she could help. After having a horrible experience with another law firm he was not expecting much. From day 1, Mary has been able to answer any and all questions we’ve had (and I have a lot as I’ve never gone through anything like this before). My boyfriends ex was something else at the beginning of all this, and all he wanted to do was be a father. Mary actually spoke up for him in court, which he didn’t have before with his former lawyer. She listened to what we had to say and didn’t sugar coat things..which I appreciate! I’ve been extremely happy with Mary’s willingness to explain things to me. Let’s be honest, child support and custody is a difficult process. She made it as painless and easy as possible. The only issue I had was sometimes my emails would go unanswered, and I completely understand she is a very busy person! Maybe having an assistant help out with emails could help her out some. We are very, very thankful and happy with our outcome. He gets to be the best father to his 2 girls..co-parenting is actually happening with his ex (hallelujah!) and I get to be a “step” mom to the most precious and sweetest girls. Our little family thanks Mary Napier for everything she’s done for us!
Read more
31 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Just typing her name gives me awful anxiety. Mary Napier doesn't understand the impact her poor decisions have on her clients. After working with her for nearly an entire year, she went to our first court date completely unprepared, not even understanding the basic facts of our case. She consistently ignores her emails, and when asked about the lack of communication she told me I have to schedule a phone conference if I want speedy communication. That isn't much to ask, so i started setting up phone appointments. We live out of state so we couldn't meet in person. She missed 4 appointments in a row on the phone after telling us that it was the best way to contact her. Additionally, any time we asked a question she would snicker or chuckle like we were asking a silly question. She never reassured us of anything when we had concerns. The answers all sounded the same. "Well I can't say either way," "well it COULD work for you, but I can't say for certain," "I mean I honestly can't really say." These are just a few examples of her terrible responses to our questions. After our first hearing, she sent us an email saying it went great. As we read the email, it turns out every single thing our "opponent" asked for was granted. How exactly did you come to the conclusion that court went well, when you failed to explain to the judge even the most basic and essential points of our side? It's like we spent $1500 on a lawyer for the other party. Mary is condescending and useless in the courtroom. In fact, I'm confident that I could have represented myself with better results than we had with this lawyer.
Mary doesn't keep track of important points, she doesn't take the time to understand the full story, she is terrible at communicating, and she lacks the passion necessary to defend people in cases that change their entire lives. She doesn't understand that as a lawyer, it is her duty to zealously represent her clients. She also doesn't understand that if she isn't performing her job well, she is impacting the client for the rest of their life. To her, it's like the paycheck is all that matters.
We decided we were fed up when Mary thought it would be appropriate to HANG UP on us after we told her we feel she lacks empathy and compassion for our case.
The saddest part of this for Mary Napier is that our son is only 3 years old now, and we will likely be needing a lawyer until he is 18 due to the difficult relationship with his birth mother. We were looking for a lawyer we could maintain a working relationship with and return to for cases in the future. Unfortunately, Mary wasted almost a year of our lives that we will never get back, and at a critical time in the development of our son.
It is blatantly obvious that this attorney doesn't know what she's doing. Save yourself the time and money and heartache and find somebody else!!
Read more
01 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Mary Napier went above and beyond for me with my child custody case. I was asking for 50/50 joint custody, however she managing to get me primary physical and legal custody. She was very professional and always knew the answer to any legal questions I asked. I felt like the odds were against me going into court but during court her professionalism and experience made me optimistic before the judge decided. I would recommend her to anyone in a child custody battle especially a father.
Read more
11 Aug, 2021 by C
Wendell Allen took "personal" favors to give custody to a mother that relocated kids to another state without the father consent when he was the Guardian of the kids. He is not to be trusted.
Read more
16 Aug, 2019 by Km wiggins
Attorney Allen was incredibly informative and knowledgeable when it came to our matter. We highly recommended him!
Read more
14 Jun, 2019 by Barry k
15 Aug, 2024 by Mike dee
Got my 60 in a 45 speeding ticket dismissed. Attorneys commonly send letters to people seeing if they need representation. The letter says if there was an error or if a ticket was not received to disregard the letter. Call and speak with the team before you rely on reviews by people that have never used them or even spoken to them. I spoke with them, followed their instructions, and got excellent results. I asked for a "no contest" plea and try to minimize my punishment, but the ticket was dismissed!! Greg and his team delivered everything exactly as they specified.
Read more
03 Jun, 2024 by Gil patrick
I recently received a traffic ticket for speeding in Virginia. Prior to my court date I received a letter from Attorney Gregory Waddell offering the availability of his services if I needed an attorney. His letter contained an offer for a free telephone consultation. I called Mr. Waddell and he was in court. His paralegal said she would have him return my call. Within two hours Mr. Waddell returned my call and asked how he could be of assistance. After reviewing my citation, and it's particular circumstances, he did not feel his services and associated fees were necessary since I planned on personally attending my court date. He went on to give me helpful advice on how to plead my case and suggested I take an online defensive driving course prior to the court date as the judges. have a tendency to look favorably on that type of pro active approach. WOW! What a true professional approach from Mr. Waddell. So many attorneys would have pitched their services to collect a fee. Mr. Waddell was more interested in doing the right thing and not taking advantage of a client. I can assure you that if I ever find myself in real need of an attorney I will be seeking out Mr. Waddell. I suggest you do the same. Gil Patrick
Read more
01 Apr, 2024 by Doug
28 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Her communication was very poor and I had to correct her on several occasions about key details about my case. Very arrogant and demeaning at timesI regret not firing her and getting another attorney. I had a good case with the co-parrenting counselor agreeing to testify about our sessions and the actions by my then wife and Mary said she spoke to the counselor about testifying. Instead I found out after court that, per the counselor, Mary never spoke to the counselor about her testifying. Mary only tried to scare me our of going to court because it would be appealed by my wife if I did indeed win custody. I fell for it only to regret ever having her. I should have reported her behavior to the bar when it happened but was to beat down by everything that had just happened and was worried that she would cause me problems if I was back in court in the future.
Read more
03 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
I had her in a criminal defense case and she was terrible. It started with a lack of communication leading up to the date. Once in court, she did not ask anything or stand up for me in any way. I fired her and sought council elsewhere.
Read more
28 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
This lawyer will eat up your retainer fees
so fast and charge enormous fees,some
you'll question the validity of cost and the
lack of court preparation and neglecting
your case. My advice is to investigate this
attorney further and don't hire her!
Read more
02 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
I Retained Mr Kokerelis For a Contested Divorce and He Failed in all Phases of the Divorce, Including His Poor Prep and Circuit Court Litigation. In the Initial Consultation He Talked a Good Game But Failed To Deliver As An Experienced Attorney. He was more interested in trying to collect Attorney Fees rather than Prepare, Fight, Litigate and Provide a good outcome for me as his Client. He Also wasn't Forthcoming with with Information that he knew and also made Decisions without Consulting me as a Client. Dont Make the Same mistake I did. you will Regret it! He is Old and Not a Competent Attorney. Look Elsewhere 0 Star Attorney!
Read more
27 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
I employed Craig and I felt that he was more concerned about his relationship with the opposing Counsel than representing me as the client. After terminating my retainer and employing a new attorney I learned that he had not processed or handled many of the documents related to the case. I would not recommend retaining Craig as an attorney.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
