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17 Jan, 2025 by Carlos soares
This place is a joke! I'm currently unemployed and about to ship out with the military. I called looking to see if I could set something up that was within my means to pay this down but they said the "creditor" isn't willing to give me the same "deal" as previously stated. I got a letter saying I'm being "sued". I'll challenge it in court, these people never reached out to me when they took over my account. I have a family to provide for and they don't care. See you in court.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Erik rodriguez
Me llaman cuando digo español me cortan la llamada qué tipo de personas son esas
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16 Oct, 2024 by Thomas t
He was hard to reach when I needed clarification or support
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17 Jan, 2025 by Carlos soares
This place is a joke! I'm currently unemployed and about to ship out with the military. I called looking to see if I could set something up that was within my means to pay this down but they said the "creditor" isn't willing to give me the same "deal" as previously stated. I got a letter saying I'm being "sued". I'll challenge it in court, these people never reached out to me when they took over my account. I have a family to provide for and they don't care. See you in court.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Erik rodriguez
Me llaman cuando digo español me cortan la llamada qué tipo de personas son esas
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16 Oct, 2024 by Thomas t
He was hard to reach when I needed clarification or support
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13 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Awful lawyer. It i could give zero star I would ! She sent a letter to my ex husband’s lawyer making demands without advising me, without my consent !!!! And she had the audacity to charge me on top of that for her service !!! Who sends a letter to the other party without advising their client. It is actually my ex husband who was furious who had to inform me that his lawyer had received something. Gina did not have ben call to apologize nothing despite the fact that I asked her to call me !!
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14 Jan, 2021 by Tasso
From the start, tells you what you want to hear. Afterwards, does not care about your specific needs whatsoever. Responds and works mostly with short emails that keep you confused and hanging on. "Important family and financial matters should never mostly be discussed via email between attorney and client. It works well for the attorney but not for the client." Doesn't offer any solutions to your problems and you are left feeling like you are being preyed upon your weakness to bring in $$ for the firm. Total lack of communication between staff members, and is oblivious to the key points pertaining to your case because other staff members are working on your case and you have to pay everyone so they can play catch up with each other. Poor billing department that makes mistakes. In my case it was over $2,500 that I was billed for another clients work. Highly fidgety and emotionally unstable and not patient character which makes you afraid to ask questions and ask for help. STAY AWAY, ONLY OUT FOR THE MONEY AND HAS NO EMPATHY TOWARDS YOUR FAMILY MATTER.
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14 Nov, 2013 by Debra
I hired Gina to handle my divorce which was a little complicated due to finances. I found her, Ruth Kim and staff to be attentive to a complicated case.
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23 Jul, 2015 by Robert
I was a client of his. And he was my divorce attorney before he petitioned to depart my case and left me without an attorney. He was very responsive, and very good when speaking and relating to all the judges. He gets the job done. But I can never figure out if he understood my physical, mental, and financial situations while preparing for court documents. I must admire that he got the job done whenever we attended the mandatory court sessions, but the undertone of all his work has to do with how he and his firm gets paid. He tend to build a course of plan and chore based on billing and financial potential.
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03 Aug, 2013 by Ellie
This retired Judge should not be taking jobs as a mediator. It has been my experience that he is bias and cannot be fair. This retired Judge is very pro father, and oversteps his boundaries. The sad truth is that he charges a fortune, but creates double work for other professionals that have to fix his case. Additionally- he often will not hesitate to pick up a phone and call the sitting judge- not a good place to be- Hire a regular lawyer as a mediator- you are better off
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03 May, 2013 by Molly
This lawyer never returns a call or an email and charges so much money. There appears to me no issues resolved, and the bill just keeps climbing. He also appears to be quite set in his ways and opinionated. I am sure he would be an aggressive lawyer - but as a mediator he is just not neutral and picks sides
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26 Apr, 2013 by Vincent
This retired Judge appears to be prolonging litigation, and actually causes more confusion than he fixes. I do not think he understands that mediation is confidential- and often makes reports he should not make. I have nothing against the man- I just get tired of paying a bill monthly and getting nothing accomplished
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FAQs
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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
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.
