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24 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Stephanie Finelli
Choosing Stephanie to be our lawyer was like hitting the “jack pot “
Smart, realistic really knows her stuff
And how to fight for it
I wish we had her for the trail court because we most likely would have never had to go to the appeal court
Where other lawyers turned our appeal case away she jump for it
She was excited to help us
She helped us file the right paper work at the right time
She gave us an opportunity turn this extremely unreasonable judgement that didn’t follow the law around
She wrote an amazing opening brief and reply brief
She is familiar with our case for oral argument
She is truly amazing no matter which way the appeal case goes
I know if you choose Stephanie ,
you have an amazing lawyer to back you up
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23 Dec, 2015 by Xavier
It is my privilege to recommend the Law Office of Stephanie J. Finelli as an excellent practice focused on legal matters with regard to appellant law. Stephanie J. Finelli is an exceptional appellate attorney!
To be frank, I had an awful disposition due to the impacts of a trial court ruling. The legal process prior to that ruling had been very challenging and I was entangled in a legal experience no one should have.
I consulted with several appellate attorneys but Stephanie's engagement was remarkable. She is a legal expert. She understood the challenges and what was needed to unravel occurrences to achieve our goal. I will use a term I don’t really use but she was "brilliant" in her decomposition of issues and analysis of the ruling in the trial court. She identified a dichotomy in the case law applied and its applicability to our case as well as a need to improve the law. That was the basis for her argument before the State of California Appellate Court. Unfortunately, the appellate court did what it is inclined to do: it found a way to uphold the ruling of the trial court.
In spite of circumstances, I had rather optimistic expectations of outcomes from the appellate court. Stephanie had confidence in her argument but leveled our expectations with pragmatism. The ruling was disappointing and a seemingly devastating blow. It is in times like that when “having a legal expert to represent your interests and provide you with counsel” really matters. Stephanie was respectful of the appellate court's ruling and explained it to me. However, she also told me she believed the appellate court "did not get it right" and explained why. Her counsel was to persist with our argument to the State of California Supreme Court.
Stephanie performed an analysis to identify issues with the ruling of the State of California Appellate Court. She believed asserting the issues identified would be compelling for the State of California Supreme Court to consider our case. She believed if the Supreme Court would accept our case, the veracity of our argument may prevail.
The rest of my accounting is history now...for the State of California. The State of California Supreme Court (it declines ~90% of the cases submitted to it) was compelled to accept our case. Stephanie was excellent in her presentation and argument to defend our case. She won and changed/improved a rather fundamental law that governs us in the state of California. She helped establish a “bright line” that improved Family Law in California.
I highly recommend the Law Office of Stephanie J. Finelli. Stephanie is principled, a resolute litigator, and a very good person. Stephanie J. Finelli is what every person needs their lawyer to be: candid, a consummate professional, a legal expert, and a winner!
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30 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Michell took care of everything and anything my case needed and guided me through it with excellent advice! The hearing was a breeze with Michell by my side and I am so happy with the outcome. Thankful to have been recommended to her.
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28 Oct, 2020 by Jonathan
I cannot recommend Michell highly enough! After hiring two lawyers before hiring Michell, I soon realized that finding legal aptitude is not easy. Having the wrong lawyer on your team can be frustrating and costly. From the very first phone call, Michell listened intently to my legal plight, which had become an extraordinarily complex and elaborate situation inside the court. Michell always listened to understand, and she communicated clearly in a way that I always felt well taken care of. Ultimately, Michell was able to argue my case during a motion for reconsideration, and it was successfully overturned. Vacating previous orders in Family Court is not an easy thing to accomplish! I will continue to work with Michell and highly recommend her services. Thank you, Michell, for the peace of mind you have afforded me since starting to work with you. I am grateful to have found you!
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09 Dec, 2020 by Mike
Hughes Law group recently helped me complete a highly contentious divorce. I was recommended to the firm by someone with a great deal of experience in family law, and I could not have made a better choice than to hire Marc and Melanie. After taking the time to learn my needs, they determined an appropriate path for my case, set clear expectations, communicated with me through the entire process, and ultimately landed a fair CCRC and judgment which was precisely what I sought.
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31 Aug, 2011 by Anonymous
I am in the third year of a complicated divorce involving domestic violence and many other issues. Hughes Law Group has been responsive, knowledgeable, and ethical, and they have been extremely effective in ensuring my children’s safety and well-being. I am so thankful for their representation and would recommend them without hesitation.
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23 Jan, 2017 by Claire
I feel very Blessed to have found Linda States to represent me as my family law attorney. I didn't know what steps to take when I was suddenly served papers from my ex-husband.
She was very helpful and understanding. She explained to me what the procedures were and how we were going to handle them. She handled my case in an extremely competent and professional manner. I was able to reach out to her anytime of the day and she was always there to set my mind at ease. I am so pleased with the work she did and the efforts she made to make sure I had a prompt and fair settlement.
I strongly recommend Linda for her ethical and professional representation of clients.
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27 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
This has to be one of the most challenging time of my life and to have the most trustworthy attorney makes it all that much easier. There are no words to express how thankful I was to have Linda States in my corner through my family law battle! I was involved in a very unique and challenging family law matter and Linda has risen to the challenge. I strongly recommend Linda for her ethical and professional representation of clients. She is smart, ethical, and worked tirelessly to get the results that were warranted. Whenever I felt stressed out with my legal matters; Linda always made me feel confident again! This goes without saying, in the future, States Family Law will be my first choice for any family law matters.
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07 Mar, 2014 by Mandy
Although I was very intimidated at first, you were easy to talk to. During the seven years of my divorce, the opposition seemed to throw every obstacle they could find to complicate matters even more. Your court presentations were informative, to the point, and very well thought out. You were able to sort out the truth and come through a successful resolution. I appreciated your "bulldog" approach, with utmost confidence. You had an exceptional filing system and were able to retrieve documents quickly. In addition to this, I feel I gained a good friend.
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01 Feb, 2014 by Melissa
Ms. Codekas is one of the finest most ethical and hardworking people I know! Her knowledge of the law and tireless quest to assist her clients is second to none! Not only has she represented me in family court, she has caught my Ex in financial indescressions because of her degree and history as an accountant for the film and movie industry. I trust her completely. You won't want to choose another and find yourself in a courtroom opposing her!
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12 Aug, 2016 by Katie
When my husband explained that he wanted a divorce, I was concerned about hiring an attorney. My perception was that the attorney's goal would be to escalate the situation in order to produce more billable hours. This was not at all the case with Alexis. I knew immediately after our first meeting that I wanted Alexis to represent me. I was not without culpability and Alexis did not judge me. She gave me many options and thoroughly explained all costs. The new client packet even details how to avoid accruing attorneys fees with how you conduct yourself in the process. Alexis definitely had my interests and my child's best interest at heart. I achieved my child custody goals by taking her sound advice. I also appreciated that Alexis and her paralegal, Shana, always responded to me promptly and did absolutely everything they said they would do. All paperwork was filed on time and was completed accurately. This was not true of the opposing counsel. I cannot imagine what it would be like to go through such a difficult experience with an attorney that was not as knowledgeable and supportive as Alexis. I highly recommend Alexis Thodas to any person that is faced with the difficult reality of divorce.
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16 Sep, 2015 by Jim shilts
Alexis is the best. She is honest, helpful, insightful, and very experienced. If you are looking for someone to help you through a difficult time without adding addition undue contention, the she is a perfect fit. Highly recommended.
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19 Feb, 2017 by Heather
It has been a pleasure to work with Janet on different legal matters. I appreciate her professionalism and willingness to throughly answer any question whether it is minor or could have a major impact on what we are trying to accomplish. Anytime I contact Janet, she will respond in a timely manner. She is also approachable, calm and supportive even during the most difficult times. This will be the 3rd straight year I will hire Janet to assist me with a legal matter. Thank you!
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19 Apr, 2014 by Kevin & kay
My wife and I needed a lawyer to represent us, we had grave injustices waged against us along with a personal injury, we interviewed many attorneys to find the right one, one that truly understood our problems and what we were going through and could do something about it. After an exhaustive search and many conversations with attorney's who seemed more interested in whats in it for them. We made an appointment with Janet Haines, we were impressed with her at the first meeting. Like a good doctor she treats the whole patient not just the disease. Janet listens, and that was important to us, were senior citizens and what we were going through was scary to us. Our case was a multi-layered, complex case that Janet took on, Janet's ability to research areas of law comes from her years as a para legal before becoming an attorney, and that experience lends to her success with the courts, Janet is very thorough and the judges like that. Janet is very relentless litigating, her resolve for her clients is unyielding, Janet litigated our case against a large insurance agency and an aggressive opposing counsel, and with her determination, experience, honesty, and integrity she brought our case to victory against overwhelming odds. I'm a former Marine that is old schooled and holds to high standards, Janet proved to me she does to. My wife and I highly recommend Janet Haines. Thank you Janet
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31 Jan, 2013 by Jennifer
Kristi handled my divorce efficiently, effectively, was supportive and helped me understand my rights and responsibilities during the divorce proceedings. She was always punctual, returned phone calls in a timely manner, was very knowledgeable, and gave good, solid advice. She was a pleasure to work with during a difficult time for me. I highly recommend her, she is wonderful.
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11 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
My case would have been dismissed because I included rental payments that were due over a year from the date of service on the 15-Day Notice to Pay or Quit. This is something I had not even thought of until Ms. Devon advised me on Avvo. Ms. Devon gave me so much valuable information! I am extremely grateful for all the time she took to help me when I posted a question on Avvo. She is extremely knowledgeable and gave me so much excellent advice.
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18 Sep, 2013 by Rachael
I never anticipated being in the position of needing an attorney, and was genuinely reluctant to even call one. But after hearing very good things about Sean Laird, I made a call to him about my case. From that day forward, I went from being in the unfortunate and quite desperate position of being harassed, stalked and blackmailed to having a fierce, competent, highly skilled advocate fighting for justice on my behalf. Sean's twelve years of previous experience as a well-respected, extremely successful District Attorney was evidenced in every aspect of the way he handled my case. He consistently returned my calls in a timely manner, assuaged my very real concerns about the possible negative outcomes that could occur, and in spite of the unusual aspects of the case, he instilled confidence in me that we had a solid case. The outcome was even better than I ever hoped for. The judge found for our side, and even more surprisingly, demanded that 100% of my substantial restitution costs be paid by the defendant. Without Sean's expertise, substantial skill set, confidence, unflappability, patience and dedication, there's no doubt in my mind the outcome would've been far different. I am still stunned at what started as a devastating experience turned into such an immensely victorious one where justice, and then some, was served.
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03 Nov, 2016 by Gail
As daunting as it initially seemed, Glenn was able to successfully guide me through months of family law negotiations from the other side of the country. I always felt that I had the best attorney and excellent representation.
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07 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
George is an exceptional attorney who has demonstrated the highest level of professionalism, approachability, and friendliness in our interactions. When I found myself facing a legal situation that no other attorney was willing to take on due to its complexity, it became imperative to secure the services of the right legal expert. After consulting with numerous attorneys, it was George who stood out as the sole individual capable of providing the assistance I required.
George simplified the entire process for me, making it easy to navigate. During our consultation, he exhibited a commendable dedication to understanding the intricacies of my case, ensuring that we were aligned in our understanding and approach. His genuine care and consideration for his clients were evident throughout, offering me a much-needed sense of assurance during a challenging time.
While I ultimately decided to pursue a different course of action for my case, I am grateful that George was able to assist me during this critical phase. His pricing structure is notably affordable in comparison to other legal professionals, demonstrating his commitment to serving his community and clients over financial gain. This dedication to his clients is especially commendable in the current economic climate.
George may not fit the stereotype of a flashy or ostentatious attorney with grand offices, but he possesses the qualities that truly matter. He is a straightforward and results-driven professional who knows how to get the job done efficiently. In my experience, George has proven himself to be a true gem among attorneys in Sacramento, and I wholeheartedly recommend his services.
I extend my heartfelt appreciation to George for his assistance, and I am confident that should the need arise in the future, I can rely on him for steadfast representation.
Thank you for your invaluable support!!
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03 Jan, 2015 by Tom
Her knowledge base, level of understanding and compassion far exceeds what was expected. I would no hesitate to use her services again.
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05 Mar, 2013 by Christy
I'd been to another lawyer's office to attempt my bankruptcy, they put me with a paralegal who stuck some numbers in a spreadsheet and said I could only qualify for chapter 13 with huge monthly payments. Shareen looked at my situation as a whole, and was able to help me file chapter 7! It was great to work with someone who has the knowledge and was willing to take the time to advise me on the best way to proceed in MY situation. She handled my divorce as well, and now I am ready to start fresh! What I expected to be difficult and stressful, she made easy!
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30 Aug, 2018 by Hector
I hired Mr. Dedecker for a dependency court case and the odds were really stacked against me. He fought really hard and secured my innocence despite the county counsel being against me. He took my case and he was optimistic about it from the start. He really cares and it shows. First he was incredibly knowledgeable. From the first conversation I had with him until the last he was able to successfully explain to me the process of my legal problem and what he was going to do to help me. He was very responsive to all my calls and questions and enthusiastic each time I spoke with him. I was shocked that he answered his phone on a weekend and was willing to talk to me! I definitely needed a lot of support during my difficult time and he was able to put me at ease. If you want an attorney that cares to listen to your concerns and helps you understand the system. I would recommend you hire Mr. Dedecker.
If you find yourself or your family faced with allegations by social services, YOU MUST HIRE A GOOD ATTORNEY! Do not make the mistake of thinking that just because you are innocent things will “sort itself out”. I would whole heartily recommend Mr. Dedecker to anyone facing a dependency case involving a minor. He was an integral part in helping us get my son back and my wife. We will always be forever grateful. I wouldn't hesitate to hire Mr. Dedecker
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21 Sep, 2023 by Bill
I had Greg look into the option of finishing a legal separation agreement as a divorce. He spent quite a bit of time researching my options and presented me with a memo that was extensive and thorough. He answered all of my questions and was neutral and didn't give any opinions just the facts. The memo was well laid out and professional. I feel he did more work than he charged. I would not hesitate to use him again.
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21 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Margaret contacted me by phone and we spoke about my case. I faxed her the pertinent pages from my divorce decree. She sent a legal letter to my ex-husband. She was very detailed and spoke specific to my concerns. I appreciated all her help.
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12 May, 2020 by Bart
I know Jennifer Hemmer from her charity work and community leadership on behalf of the Sacramento Sports Commission, Sacramento Ballet Board, youth basketball coach, and other support of arts, culture, and sports in Sacramento. She's an absolutely stellar person, one I admire greatly. I've consulted with her on my family's legal affairs, and referred her to several friends over the years going through difficult family transitions. My experience and those of my friends is that she's handled our concerns with sound advice, sensitivity, and a cost-effective process using negotiated settlements as much as possible.
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04 Jul, 2017 by Laura
Allison Kephart is, and has been, great lawyer. She handled my extensive, involved divorce. Opposing counsel was more than difficult and her patience and professionalism were extraordinary. Ms. Kephart is expensive but well worth it. I would highly recommend her. My divorce was finally completed in Jan 2016, yet she continues to assist me with questions and issues with my difficult ex-husband.
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04 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
Used Ms. Hemmer for a very tricky custody situation involving a 730 evaluation. She was very honest, personable and helped get full custody of my son. As a single father with the odds stacked against me, she did an amazing job. I would highly recommend Ms. Hemmer.
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14 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
Noel was the third attorney I retained for my divorce. My first attorney was very good, but I ran out of funds. The second attorney was a waste of time and money. Noel was able to step in and finish the divorce.
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09 Oct, 2014 by David
I've retained three divorce attornies over that past 20 years and Mary was the last. She was by far the most caring and professional and I would recommend her to anyone seeking a strong advocate for a divorce participant, the system is adversarial much to its detriment but she is a warrior who understands how it works and is head and shoulders above her peers. She would make an excellent D.A.
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03 May, 2017 by Brittany
We had a pretty cut and dry child custody case. I live out of state with my husband and new baby, my ex-husband would not allow my 7 year old daughter to come to Idaho to visit. At first my ex fought us in allowing her but now she will be coming for summers and holidays. Dustin spoke with his attorney and together they came to the conclusion that the case for us was strong. Child support was a bit more tricky- I have been paying $300/m and my ex wanted me to pay $659/m. Living in Idaho wages are lower and my ex makes 3x more than me. Thanks to Dustin I am now pay $188/m.
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17 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
Best lawyer I have ever had! Highly recommed him.
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06 May, 2013 by Anonymous
I have had Dave represent me for a DV & family law matter. He helped me navigate very well through some of the tough issues with smart tactics. He and his associate Sally Gonzales make very good team and they would actually treat you like respectfully and humanly fashion and not just a client.
I was also very impressed with their honest billing. I thought his billing was fairly accurate compared to my previous experiences with attorneys. I also liked that fact that he made his position very clear wherever I have had some difference of opinion on few tactics but in the end I think I was better served by sticking to his tactics. Also Dave and Sally additionally have good knowledge of defense and immigration matters which was also crucial to the success of my case.
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16 Sep, 2022 by Diego reynoso
27 Dec, 2012 by Brandi
Hired Mr. Trenkle on more than one occasion and would recommend him without a doubt. He is very realistic, knows the law front and back, answers his calls, is prepared, provides all your pertinent documentation, etc! I cant really say enough. He does not sugar coat things, he will tell you what and how every detail will play out. He will not take your money if he cant help. I hired him within a week of a court date (last minute) and he was there for me, and knew my case as well as I did. You couldnt ask for a better attorney, TRUST ME! I have hired several others.... Mr.Trenkle is second to none.
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17 Feb, 2020 by Mick
Eric Nakano is a "Sacramento Hero." He is the most patient, companionate and knowledgeable attorney you will ever find. He perfected the skill of the one (1) hour appointment. We were very fortunate to have him at the Sacramento County Public Law Library and he is dearly missed. Thank you so much, Eric, for your Civil Self-Help Center pro bono services - you were a fantastic teacher and a gift to our community.
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31 Jan, 2015 by Adam
After working with a number of different attorneys for divorce and support modification issues, I found Jennifer Hunt. Jennifer is intelligent, caring, attentive, and extremely responsive.
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10 Dec, 2014 by Kathleen
As a client for several years, I have to state that Ms Elder's knowledge and compassion have helped me survive a bitter divorce. She has shown her follow up to be most excellent, in that she has kept me informed and up to date on any and all changes in my case, so we were able to be proactive rather than reactive in solving problems. I am most impressed with her knowledge of family law in CA. When my situation changed, she was ready to use a wide range of legal knowledge to help me win my case, when all others had failed. She is compassionate, easy to talk to, and expresses a high degree of her ability to help people without being overbearing or inconsiderate. Ms. Elder is a person who is committed to providing excellent counsel in law, and I would recommend her to anyone seeking representation for family law. I trust her completely.
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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.
