Lawyers map
>6
experienced lawyers
Filter by
04 Sep, 2013 by Rachel kim
At 1st glance, my case was simple. Mom VS dad fighting over custody of our son.
But when you started to look deeper, you would find that this was anything but a simple case.
Key points, I am a naturalized American citizen born and raised in South Korea, my ex and I met and were married and divorced in Korea while he was stationed there with the US Army. When the divorce was finalized (without a parenting plan due to some conflicts between Korean and American law) , our son was living in Colorado with his paternal grandparents against my wishes. Shortly after the divorce I moved from Korea to WA state and my ex was relocated by the Army to Kansas State.
Once I established residency in WA I filed by proxy with Megan Kahn for custody of my son after my ex and his family continued to deny me all contact with my son.
As soon as the case was opened the grandparent's hired a lawyer and joined the case as intervenors. This brought the case up to 3 parties involved.
So to sum up; Divorced with no parenting plan, 2 countries, 3 states, 3 parties and the US Army
With all those factors; I couldn't have hoped for better legal counsel than Megan Kahn.
She was very compassionate, informative, patient (I have a thick accent and it can be difficult to communicate over the phone) and never failed to make me feel like I was family and that she truly cared.
Our day in court couldn't have gone better, thanks to Mrs. Kahn's guidance, a situation that could have been terrifying was still scary but I felt better emotionally prepared for it than I thought possible. And her performance was above and beyond anything I could have hoped for
To sum up, anyone who finds themselves in the unfortunate position to need legal counsel, will never regret hiring Megan.
Read more
30 Jan, 2012 by Nr
A more diligent and trustworthy lawyer, I could not have asked for. I have just completed a highly contested case that the opposing council kept trying to delay. After false promises from opposing council of mediation and settlement negotiations, Megan wisely advised me that we’d need to proceed to trial. With the health of my son, and the future of my parenting involvement with him at stake, Megan focused my energy on obtaining positive results from our trial. She expertly advised me on tasks that kept me on schedule and strengthened our position. Aware of the benefits and risks, we headed to trial.
Her calm courtroom demeanour is quickly apparent. She was intimately familiar with the case and never asked a question without knowing the reply, or the result of the question. She expertly crafted her line of questioning to present evidence to the judge without risk of objection. Our position was tightly woven leaving the opposing council no room to attack and leaving the judge a clear picture of our stance on major topics. Her reasoning and tact was focused and determined.
On redirect, Megan quickly exposed the holes in opposing council’s arguments and rendered many of their points untenable. Her line of questioning was clever and effective in eliciting the needed responses from the other party without provoking hostility. It was very effective in exposing the other party’s faulty reasoning to the judge.
I could not give Megan Kahn a higher recommendation. She has helped set up a foundation with my parenting schedule that will endure the test of time, avoiding future court cases. She was instrumental in the overall success of the case.
Read more
20 Aug, 2024 by Chanda
She might be ok with the basic items but found to be limited in knowledge on complexity like creation of an irrevocable trust. She flat out gave me wrong information.
Read more
10 Apr, 2024 by Penny smith-kerker
Very professional and helpful. Highly recommend Charlotte for wills, estate planning, etc.
Read more
30 Mar, 2024 by Joan skinner
All done in a timely manner
Read more
06 Nov, 2023 by Erin
Mr. Marquez helped me with a traffic issue and made me way less nervous about the whole process as I'd never been in trouble before.
Read more
01 Feb, 2012 by Anonymous
Talking with my probation officer prompted me to write this as she informed me how unprofessional his actions were during the case. He completely misinformed me during the court process on several matters. He frequently had to be reminded of the case, even in court I had to correct him. He was more interested in getting paid than properly representing his client. His first impression was forceful but that quickly turned to an aura of laziness, dragging the case out much longer than it needed to be. He had to be reminded consistently to follow through on actions, often doing so the day of or before the next court appearance. I made a poor mistake hiring this highly unprofessional lawyer to represent me.
Read more
11 Mar, 2010 by Mike
It was great to have Ernie on my side. He is able to relate legal concepts in plain english. I hope not to need his services again, but should the need arise, he'd be my first choice. I give him an unqualified recommendation.
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.
