Lawyers map
>702
experienced lawyers
Filter by
15 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
There was never a feeling that Julie was working for me or taking my family’s best interests into account. She was Unprepared and showed minimal interest in what I had to say. I never got the feeling she had a plan in court as she would sit there silently when salient points needed to be made. She did cut me some slack on the enormous billing incurred. possibly due to a feeling of not earning her exorbitant fee.
Read more
13 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
To say that I am disgusted with the actions of my attorney Julie Westerman would be an understatement. Please keep in mind that this has nothing to do with the fact that I lost my case trying to protect my son from a verbal and physically abusive alcoholic. The reason I am so upset and frustrated is because Julie did not do her job. In addition to the response time being extremely slow if at all.
I spent a lot of time writing my initial declaration along with a follow up to my ex's statement. In great detail, explaining that my son was scared of this person and was upset.
Essentially, I was asking for one of two things. I was asking that my exes boyfriend not be in my son's presence during her custody time or I was asking for more time to minimize my son's exposure to this toxic man.
The whole entire purpose of going to court was this material fact. The week before the case Julie and I had a conversation. And during that conversation, it sounded like she was in her car doing two or three other things, and not really paying attention to the conversation because the thing she was talking about did not make sense. I was not asking for more custody for the sake of just having more custody. And I said that to Julie. I said this Has to do with this guy being verbally abusive to my son, and it scares him and his mother.
So I re-emphasize everything and I thought we were on the same page. On the day of our court case she showed up late. And while she was talking to opposing counsel, I was able to listen and she was talking about what her husband likes to drink when they go out. And I felt that that kind of conversation before we walked into court was completely improper because it had nothing to do with what was currently going on. And because of that conversation with opposing counsel, I had no time to speak to my attorney before we even walked in the court.
Then, when we got to the courtroom, my attorney completely went off script, and made no mention of the man that was verbally abusing my son, and turned the whole thing into me, just wanting to have more time. And when opposing counsel was telling the judge that there's no evidence of any violence in their house, I was writing on a piece of paper, telling my attorney that she just contradicted what family court services had written after interviewing my son. And she pushed the piece of paper back to me, and made no mention of what FCS said.
Please understand that this has nothing to do with me losing. This Has to do with Julie Westerman not doing any research, not listening to me, and just doing what she felt which again does not make any sense because the whole reason we were doing this was to try to remove my ex's boyfriend from being around my son.
When I left court, that day, I felt sick, I felt frustrated, I felt upset, and worst of all I felt betrayed! My attorney literally did nothing! She stuttered and stammered her way through the statement she made to the judge, while her hands were shaking, and made no reference to any portion of my declaration or response that I took so long to write.
To me, this is literally a bad dream! That I spent all this money for her to just Sit there (that's right, she didn't even stand for the judge!) and make a nonsensical argument as to why I was looking for more custody to have the judge. Just say we're gonna keep everything the way it is.
I have documented this information to the California Bar as a formal complaint against Julie Westerman from malpractice in my case. And I would encourage anybody else to do the same. I hate having to do this, but the person I I was paying to protect me, and my son betrayed me, and I'm not gonna deal with it. And I'm gonna make sure everybody knows exactly the type of attorney. She is one that does not care because clearly her personal life is more important than her clients.
Read more
27 Jun, 2016 by Ken
I recently went through what should have been an amicable but ended up being quite contentious divorce. In the best of circumstances, these proceedings are painful and gut-wrenching, and mine was no different. To say that this experience was pleasant would be an overstatement.
However, I am grateful to the Law Firm of Moore, Shulman & Moore for their professionalism, support, guidance and sage advice in helping me with this life-changing event. Julie Westerman and her team (Rita Wagner, Theresa Duginski and Kristin Carbone) were my champions throughout this process. If were not for their help, I do not know how I would have managed.
My “Dream Team” walked me through every step, handling my questions and concerns with both great detail and extreme care. All of the “Legalese”, to me seemed like a foreign language, my team explained everything to me in great detail as gently but as forthright as possible. I can honestly say that there were times when the opposing counsel would respond with something and I became quite heated and emotional. But, my concerns were always addressed in an understanding and compassionate manner.
While this is not a process I hope to ever repeat, I am glad that I had Ms. Westerman and team as my legal defense and would highly recommend them to anyone who is going through this difficult but important transition.
Read more
16 Feb, 2024 by Lynn
I sought minor's counsel for my daughter after a divorce. My daughter has medical issues and her father (also an attorney) denied and interfered with seeking help. I was also accused of fabricating issues. Heather Milligan never met my teen daughter, reached opinions without seeking the correct information from physicians and sided with her father. Right after my daughter turned 18 in May 2024, I found the right specialist, Center for Complex Diseases. She has Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, two tick borne infections , POTS and a hypermobility of her neck affecting the brain stem. After 10 years of seeking the appropriate care, we finally discovered the root causes. My daughter now has Lupus from not accessing the appropriate physicians. Heather did not abide by Family Court Services evaluation which should supercede anything. She never met my daughter and only talked with her on the phone. She blamed my daughter's behavior on poor school attendance. I knew all along it was medical but we just hadn't discovered what it was. Heather Milligan did not work in the best interests of my daughter, was verbally threatening me with "further" action if I took her to another specialist. My own attorney was surprised at Milligan's actions. She is unprofessional and does not work in the best interests of. children.
Read more
07 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Heather Milligan was court-appointed as minors counsel. Attorney Milligan made did not take action for her clients, and was very one-sided for no reason.
Read more
04 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Heather is a hardworking attorney,very well prepared. Very ethical. I was happy with her results (as happy as you can be in a divorce case).
Read more
14 Jun, 2021 by Darleene
He was my granddaughter's lawyer but rather than consult with her he would rubber stamp the decisions of other professionals who agreed with his obvious bias against one parent over another. He quite simply lied to my face on several occasions, made stipulations regarding special occasions (Christmas, birthdays etc.) and then held gifts etc in his office for months on end before actually accommodating his own plans. If I could rate him lower than one star I would.
Read more
06 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
I found him to let the opposing council run the process. He seemed to never fight/push back. Some numbers were never checked and it cost me thousands. He agreed to a forensic accounting person (who O.C. picked) which I found out later does not have a great reputation for being objective. Maybe someone else would have a different result but in my opinion, I would not hire him again or recommend him.
Read more
30 Dec, 2013 by Joyce
I found Mr. Benjamin to be what I was looking for. Skill and Integrity were my primary criteria. I found him to possess both. He was frank, forthright, and pragmatic ... not just saying what he thought I might want to hear, but rather advising based on what he felt the best course of action to resolve an acrimonious matter in the best way possible. I felt he was cost conscious and in the end, I was extremely pleased with his work.
He has handled two other cases of individuals I referred to him ... who have also expressed satisfaction and appreciation.
Read more
15 Dec, 2020 by Denise glover
30 Mar, 2019 by Rose parscal
Beyond rude to people trying to do the right thing and pay off an debit. They refuse to send you anything via the mail such as receipts or agreements for payment contract but want your debit card info, imagine that. The employee Aaron i spoke with hung up on me when asking how we’d go about sending receipts and placed me on hold about 20 times in our hour long bs conversation. Hopefully I’ll be able to speak to someone perfessional to get this resolved as that’s what I was attempting to do.
Read more
18 Sep, 2017 by Tawna jamison
Very Rude when I am trying to give them money!!!!
Read more
21 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Failed to bring facts that were necessary to get my son back. First thing she told me was to plead guilty to child abuse but I am innocent and I lost my son to CPS because of the negligence and lack or care for a family. I hope she one day understands the true hurt she’s caused by ripping apart families for false allegations. Your job as to fight for reunification and I did EVERYTHING I as asked to do and never missed anything while being homeless and car less then she fought to have my parental rights stripped away from me. I never hurt my son but her resolution was for me to plead guilty to child abuse & “just serve a couple years”.
Not trustworthy. Will be reporting to the BAR.
Read more
11 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
I entered the system through a child abuse case. The first words out of her mouth after I met her was "it's illegal to spank with a belt." Later I would have to hire a criminal attorney and find out it was in fact NOT illegal to spank with a belt. I directly pointed this out to her and her response was "I thought is was..." I immediately thought to myself "You thought it was? This is your area of expertise and you didn't know?” I had to have a criminal attorney who didn't focus in child abuse to find out the truth all the while I had an attorney who specialized in child abuse who didn’t know. This was a huge disappointment in my mind of her ability and credentials to really handle this case.
Throughout the process I have found information out about the case through social workers or other attorneys and it wasn't till I would email her that I would receive a response confirming what I had heard. I would prefer an attorney who was on top of the case rather than finding things out after the fact.
If you sit and watch her working in court she is very good. However, it is apparent that her case load is too much for her to do each case well. In the end the one who suffers is the client because they don't get her best. They get enough to perhaps get them through but it won't be her best because she can't afford the time to do it.
Lastly the way she made me feel as her client. But the way she interacted with me at times came across as judgmental and not helpful. I recall one time when I was talking and made a reference to spanking and she interrupted me and loudly said “this is not a spanking!” I had enough people against me I didn't need to pay for another person who was supposed to be on my side to be against me also.
I would end up being arrested and the police called her to give her a chance to call me. It would give me a chance to have someone tell me what was going on and let me know that the police wanted me to turn myself in (which I did). However, when she spoke with the police her comment to them was “you can call him.” Again no consideration of what I may be going through as her client. Even the investigator commented to me that she said “uh..okay I can do that.” It was as if even the investigator thought it was leaving me out alone.
Read more
22 Nov, 2019 by Odirtylove
15 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Dude is incapable of any exhibit of strength or power. Misrepresented me to the max. Cost me over 100k and barely spoke on my behalf in court. OPC walked all over him time and time again and the best he could do was whimper like a sissy. Kept pushing me to go to trial even after I fired him. Said he was doing the best he could. I replied, “You might want to rethink your profession!”
Totally incompetent. Never followed my instruction. Only billed me almost literally to death.
Then started pulling in the partners, tripling the billable fees. Without consulting me first.
Then when I did fire the firm called several times to pressure me to go to trial and keep them retained.
Read more
28 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Pensaría dos veces antes de contratar a este abogado, en realidad no está tan pendiente de los casos como lo dice cuando uno lo van a contratar... suerte con sus casos...
------------
I would think twice before hiring this lawyer, in reality he is not as attentive to the cases as he says when one is going to hire him... good luck with your cases...
Read more
26 May, 2011 by Anonymous
i hired this attorney for a child custody battle, and he kept me so uninformed, took my money, and didnt even stand up for me, his response time, took too long, and at the end of the court hearing, i wanted to hire my ex-husbands attorney, because she "fought" for him, my advice is lawyers are expensive, but we are the ones conducting the "job" interviews, do more research and homework, so you know exactly what you want out of your lawyer, and to ensure the outcome is FAIR!
Read more
11 Apr, 2018 by Katherine masel
When Susan Rosen was "handed" my cases after I was passed around with the law offices of Beatrice Snider, on our first phone call she YELLED at me and told me that "she was the one to do the talking "(?!?!?) . She was so rude, not even well spoken and bossy.
When I told B. Snider this, to her credit, she apologized and recognized Rosen's inappropriateness. I was hoping Rosen would be a bull dog against my high powered husband, but instead, she bullied me. She could not answer questions about my case and was not up to date. I was to pay her to "catch up" on all that already transpired. It was when Rosen has my case that I fired her because the firm dragged the divorce out and made excuses and encouraged hostility between my and my x to be. Susan Rosen was particularly rude. She sets the standard for bad attorneys and gives them all a bad reputation.
Read more
02 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Called to find out if they can help me but, the secretary did not want even to listen to me unless I send her the ARAG form!
I just wanted to explain but she was rude and did not even let me finish! I hope that the lawyer is not like her!!!
Read more
27 Jul, 2023 by Winona hunter
such a bad attorney that it would be laughable if not for the matter of the fate of actual human lives being in her hands.......
Read more
28 Jan, 2023 by Julie b
Horrible defense attorney! Should be dis-barred! She is a horrible representative for Asian lawyers
Read more
27 Jul, 2023 by Winona hunter
such a bad attorney that it would be laughable if not for the matter of the fate of actual human lives being in her hands.......
Read more
28 Jan, 2023 by Julie b
Horrible defense attorney! Should be dis-barred! She is a horrible representative for Asian lawyers
Read more
28 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I have unfortunately encountered and been harassed directly by 2 different attorneys, Ben Torrence and Jasmine Dwelkotte, with Antonyan Miranda that are under Ilona Antonyan’s management. It is obvious Antonyan Miranda promotes and encourages its attorney’s to be aggressive, demeaning and harassing to initimdate opposing clients. It’s very disgusting and unprofessional. Be warned this law firm fights dirty and below the belt, without facts to back their accusations!
Read more
06 Sep, 2017 by Yvette takashima
Divorce is always a difficult experience and having the proper attorney to help you navigate the court system is a must. Months after my last court date I hadn't yet received a final judgement draft so I send the attorney an email inquiring about it. After numerous emails back and forth one of his responses to me was, "You are divorced, its just paperwork." I disagreed with him stating I didn't have any county recorded paperwork. He then replied, "The paperwork doesn't matter." I continued to request that the final judgement and paperwork be sent for the Judge's approval and County recording immediately. His final email to me was, "The paperwork's done. I hope you are happy now."
Read more
06 Sep, 2017 by Yvette takashima
Divorce is always a difficult experience and having the proper attorney to help you navigate the court system is a must. Months after my last court date I hadn't yet received a final judgement draft so I send the attorney an email inquiring about it. After numerous emails back and forth one of his responses to me was, "You are divorced, its just paperwork." I disagreed with him stating I didn't have any county recorded paperwork. He then replied, "The paperwork doesn't matter." I continued to request that the final judgement and paperwork be sent for the Judge's approval and County recording immediately. His final email to me was, "The paperwork's done. I hope you are happy now."
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.
