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25 Oct, 2013 by Jenny
I have hired Brian for several civil matters and would not hesistate at all to refer him to my family, friends or business associates. Brian is honest and will set realistic expectations to avoid disapointment. Brian always makes himself available for any questions or concerns and always responded back to me in a timely matter. Brian is a motivated individual that takes a positive approach, and truly offered me the support and knowledge that I was seeking from an attorney. I would recommend Brian's services to anyone!
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27 Jun, 2024 by Fast track auto mall
Ziad is an amazing lawyer , his team so nice and respectful , he saved me and my business , i really appreciate you
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13 Feb, 2024 by Ghaddy alsaty
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18 Jan, 2024 by Afshan mohiuddin
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14 Feb, 2023 by Robert “king robert” daunch
If I could rate her less than 1 star I absolutely would!
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07 Jan, 2021 by Brian keith
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27 Oct, 2020 by Rafid fadul
It's really sad that every time Pam gets an honest/negative review about her lack of professionalism and antiquated views, she gets her own employees to bury the review with positive remarks. Very sad, but not surprising.
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05 Oct, 2022 by Robert
Mr Bartos was/is an excellent resource. Was able to utilize his colleagues to find quick answers to rather complex issues. Understanding and caring and was able to still maintain a pragmatic approach.
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31 Jan, 2021 by Lisa
Dave was quite disappointing......frequently lost my documents that were sent to him....never spent anytime talking to me about my case....called me day before to have a short chat.....called me during a zoom hearing to ask for docs he was sent several times....very impatient with me...i was a woman who was almost beat to death by my exhusband and i was not treated fairly by the court system.....and the one person who i looked to for help i feel just did not have my sons and my best interest.....i feel Dave could have done more to help us!!! Just a real let down!!
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03 Feb, 2014 by Natasha
Legal proceedings are emotional, period. Dave expedited my post divorce proceedings to eliminate the waste of resources with regard to time and money. He advised me in a manner that resulted in ethical, swift and appropriate decision making that resulted in the conclusion of my case to my COMPLETE satisfaction. I, highly and proudly, recommend Dave to act as a representative in the legal arena. His team, his office receive the same accolades in regard to their ability to control a situation with purpose coupled with compassion. Dave and his team were always accessible, always organized, always geared to doing, supporting and fighting for what is right and just. Words can not appropriately convey my appreciation for their combined efforts.
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31 Aug, 2024 by Oren youngstein
Mr. Laubacher has proven himself to me to be a compassionate, knowledgeable, and understanding attorney.
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14 Aug, 2024 by John and darla iannelli
I found Laubacher & Co. easy to work with and insightful.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Sara matthews
Eric, Lauren and their staff are wonderful! They are pleasant, kind and friendly. They are extremely knowledgeable and were very helpful in educating us and guiding us in creating our Trust exactly as we want it to be executed. I would highly recommend Laubacher & Co. to anyone seeking legal guidance.
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31 Aug, 2024 by Oren youngstein
Mr. Laubacher has proven himself to me to be a compassionate, knowledgeable, and understanding attorney.
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14 Aug, 2024 by John and darla iannelli
I found Laubacher & Co. easy to work with and insightful.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Sara matthews
Eric, Lauren and their staff are wonderful! They are pleasant, kind and friendly. They are extremely knowledgeable and were very helpful in educating us and guiding us in creating our Trust exactly as we want it to be executed. I would highly recommend Laubacher & Co. to anyone seeking legal guidance.
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06 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
He does not return calls or texts hardly ever, if ever. He uses distraction instead of talent to try and win. This approach just runs up the bill.
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05 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Lawyer dragged case out to increase billable hours. Created problems with opposing attorney to create even more billable hours. Avoid this guy!!!
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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:

  1. What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
    Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption.
  2. How will you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved.
  3. What are the possible outcomes of my case?
    An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case.
  4. What is your approach to resolving disputes?
    Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals.
  5. How long do you expect my case to take?
    While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases.
  6. Who will be handling my case?
    In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.

How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:

  • Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
  • Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
  • Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
  • Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
  • List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
  • Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
  • Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.

Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.

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