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31 Jul, 2019 by Ryan
If you are looking for a family law attorney, look no further than Lesa Christenson and the team at ABC Family Law. I worked with her for about a year and a half in a very contentious custody battle. She is not only compassionate and deeply invested, but she also has the experience and sharp legal mind to get you good results. I would be happy to have her in my corner against any San Diego attorney in trial. She is well spoken, knowledgeable and a force to be reckoned with in court.
I found her at all times to put the needs of my child, and myself above her own interests - she tried to save me money wherever possible, and delegated lighter tasks to her associates to keep the fees lower. She does not blow smoke - she is a realist and will tell you her honest assessment- good, bad or ugly. I always felt well informed of my options and in control of the process.
I quickly found out that there are a couple different ways that attorneys operate in family law. Some use "shady" tricks or try to skirt the law. This is not the way Lesa and her team operates. You can be assured that they will represent you with integrity and do things the right way. I do believe that the sharp difference in approach by my attorney and that of opposing counsel was a helpful factor throughout the proceedings.
It's so hard to really know what you are getting with an attorney before you are really in the thick of it, so I am so grateful to have been referred to Lesa. Multiple times during the process other third parties involved in the court system went out of their way to let me know that I had excellent representation when I told them who my lawyer was. It seems as though they have deservedly developed quite a strong reputation.
Hiring a family law attorney is a massive investment - in the future of your family, and in many cases, financially as well. You owe it to yourself and your family to hire the best, and I believe that when it comes to family law in the San Diego area, there is none better than Lesa Christenson and ABC Family Law.
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07 Apr, 2019 by Lori
From beginning to end, my entire experience with Lesa and her staff was excellent.
She was compassionate and mindful of my situation and finances throughout the case and it was clear that her advice was given in my best interest for which I am grateful.
Thank you and you will always have a five star recommendation from me.
Thank you Lesa for your compassion during the whole ordeal
Lori
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12 Jun, 2019 by Steven
Albert provided excellent service, demonstrating professionalism and attention to details when preparing my living trust package. Gr
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22 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Albert was great to work with and helped me with my Living Trust. He knew exactly what to ask and how to make the process simple. His turn around is very quick, and he is very professional. It was a great experience.
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02 Aug, 2017 by Andrew
Alex is absolutely amazing. He has been working on my divorce case since January, when I fired my second attorney. Alex picked up very quickly, initially his retainer was reasonable but not extremely cheap, however as things went on it was clear he was certainly not charging me in the same fashion as my second lawyer, and even quite better than my first lawyer.
In my experience, Alex is not the type to charge you for one three minute e-mail a 15 minute fee, beware of lawyers doing that! I felt Alex will combine multiple short e-mails into one 15 minute fee, and frankly with me at this point I don't even think he's charging me that. The same goes for phone calls, and he will get back to you in reasonable time.
What impressed me most about Alex is this, if he did not know the answer to something, he would tell me he did not know and he would tell me he would not charge me for researching it to find out that answer. He spent his own time looking up things he didn't know not charging me so he could practice law! You know how amazing that is these days with a lawyer. Alex went on to say that he liked my case because it had a little bit of everything and he could learn from it. My previous experience was people not checking on anything and telling me bad information. Especially my first lawyer, she would use words like that's my understanding. Why am I paying her 200+ an hour to tell me that's my understanding.
It is my opinion that I can assure you nothing like that would ever happen with Alex Zarin.
Alex took over just before the MSC, he immediately found a change in the law regarding military retired pay that my second lawyer did not pick up on. The change was crucial, thank you Alex. So all the advice I was receiving on that issue from the previous attorney was based on outdated information, Alex is that good, he picked up on the change in hours and I spent over 5000 on my previous attorney for outdated information on that issue.
Alex is the first lawyer of the three who I felt truly cared about my situation, he did not judge me, or perhaps judged me the way an old friend from your crazy days would, for sure we clicked.
Trust me, you want Alex on your side. I've had three lawyers on this case. The others only cared about the money, spewed out bad fax, and didn't bother to look things up charging me for everything they could. Alex is extremely smart. He can look at bank statements and other items and put things together, trace things back, he is sharp and quick like I've never seen. In the MSC he did not let anything get by, and was able to enter into the agreement that the parties agreed spousal support did not meet the marital standard, he worked it in last minute, a very good thing to have in the agreement from my point of view making modification more difficult.
If I had met him in the beginning, before I had spent approximately $17,000 on the first two attorneys, I would have saved a fortune and come out much better off. From my heart I truly believe that to be true. Take my advice, if he's available hire him.
Truly,
Andrew
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30 Jul, 2017 by Jenna
Alex has been an incredible asset and ally in my incredibly difficult and complicated divorce and child custody issues. He has always been there to answer any questions and concerns and fought vigorously to help me attain my desired and deserved outcome. Most importantly, he is a good, fair, and respectable attorney. He will genuinely fight for what he believes is right.
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10 Jan, 2019 by Jared carpenter
21 Apr, 2018 by Joseph maglione
13 May, 2015 by Lesley
Attorney Nalan is so down to earth. I was referred to him by a friend who had previous retained his services. He assisted me throughout the entire process of my personal injury case, and always kept me updated on any changes and appointments. He is extremely nice and works hard on your case. I am very happy with my settlement and glad I decided to hire Mr. Nalan. You will not regret having him represent you!!
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19 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Ms. Hasso is one of the hardest working attorneys I have met. She has taken my family law case and has made a positive impact for my children and I. She cares, works hard, honest, doesn't cut corners, positive etc.
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22 Feb, 2018 by Arabella
Patrick was my divorce lawyer and he did a wonderful job in defending me from my unrecognized husband which wanted to leave me out in the street without one penny. Patrick was honest, efficient, worked very hard against my husband and his nasty lawyer. I strongly recommend Patric as a Divorce Lawyer because he will look after your best interest. Also he made my husband to pay for all my attorne's fees.
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07 May, 2013 by Kitty
Mr. McNicol is an awesome attorney.
Mr. McNicol handled my divorce from my ex and he did an excellent job!
I would recommend him to any one and I have recommended him to my grand daughter!
Great job, Randy!!!
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30 Oct, 2022 by Estela
Megan is a great attorney! She is very nice and is a very knowledgeable about family law. She took the time to make sure I understood the process and helped me feel confident throughout. Having to go to family court is never easy but Megan made it as easy as it could be. She really listened to me and my goals. I highly recommend Megan for your family law needs.
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14 Jan, 2016 by Kim
Nobody wants to hire a lawyer, but in finding myself in that position, I hired Alan Cheung to represent me. We were filing against a remodeling company for faulty work on a remodel. Alan was very thorough in his documents to the opposing lawyer. He kept me well informed by email and phone calls of how the case was moving along. When I was ready to settle the case and "just be done" because I was sick of it, Alan kept working on it for me and ended up getting me almost double the amount of money I was willing to settle for. Alan really put for an effort above and beyond.
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07 Nov, 2016 by Cathy
I had a different attorney during our divorce. Through the divorce settlement, I received the house with responsibility for the all mortgage payments. My husband would receive an equalization payment from me and would be held harmless on the mortgage.
Although I tried I could not refinance to get his name off the mortgage and now my ex was taking me back to court requesting that my house be sold. Fortunately, I hired Martin Elwood, who turned the whole case around. He discovered that my ex did not disclose a very large asset in our divorce. Marty negotiated a settlement in which my ex dropped his case against me in return for me dropping my case against his non disclosure of an asset.
Martin Elwood is a great lawyer and did an amazing job. He saved my home, lowered the equalization payment that I owed my ex and I will now receive one half of the asset that he failed to disclose.
Marty’s experience and hard work turned a negative situation into a positive one for me. I would recommend Marty Elwood to anyone who is looking for a great family law attorney.
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24 Mar, 2017 by Nicholas
Bethany Ward thank you, and my family thanks you for all of the hard work and time that you put into our case. When we thought we didn't not have any other way to win Bethany Ward stepped in and made our case in a way that we could not express on our own. She was able to relay to the Judge how our rights were being violated and made our case valid and unjust in the eyes of the court.
Thanks to her we won the day, and her hard work, dedication and loyalty are the only reason we won.
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28 Aug, 2014 by Dawn
Mr. Aex handled my QDRO from my divorce and did a very good job dealing with a situation that took years to get resolved. Thank you!
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08 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Eric S. Schneider professionally guided me through the challenging, emotional, and difficult process of my temporary restraining order and child custody case. Eric kept me clear and focused on the facts and guided me to make decisions based on those facts and what is best for my children. Eric is a very fast thinker and was able to immediately stop several nonsensical requests during the process saving everyone time and costs. Eric’s tactical skills were matched by administrative and organizational ability. Everything Eric does is truly in the best interest of who he represents. It’s reassuring when he is able to put the opposing counsel in their place because he is better prepared and won’t let them fabricate and speak without legal facts. Eric rescued me from narcissistic ex and got me through the worst time of my life. He is exceptionally knowledgeable, highly respected by his peers, extremely personable and caring attorney. I will never forget how he has helped me and my family. In conclusion, I highly recommend Eric Schneider.
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08 Nov, 2014 by Charles
My experience with Kory representing me in my case has been exceptional. He had excellent communication and guided me through every step of the process. He took care of every matter and took the stress of this off my shoulders. As my case is ongoing, I consult with Kory on any matters that come up and always receive a quick response.
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02 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Going into this process I was completely unfamiliar with what was needed and what to expect. Mr Cervantes was thorough, competent, timely and trustworthy. Thanks to him, I got everything I wanted and more.
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02 Apr, 2021 by Michelle ok
From my Yelp review: I don't even know where to start with Adrian. Subbing Adrian in on my high-conflict military divorce military divorce case was one of the best choices I made throughout my litigation. At first, I really couldn't understand clearly his advice and actions throughout my case and sometimes I fought him on it. But he always remained calm and collected. My case is not over yet but I am extremely grateful to have him as my attorney. He was always upfront even when I was not understanding. He has fought for me AND the rightful way. He didn't even want me to call or email him me sometimes just to avoid me incurring more "attorney fees" unless I had a list of questions and concerns. Not many attorneys care how much you email or call them, but he did and that's important also Because the those monthly invoices are no joke. In conclusion, we all need an attorney like Adrian and his team at Mesnick Law. Adrian was very knowledgeable when it came to family law in the state of California and I really wish I hired him sooner.
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02 Jun, 2016 by Melody
Tricia is an outstanding divorce lawyer. She is knowledgeable and confident and always available to discuss important case issues. I highly recommend her to anyone who wants personal attention from a skilled attorney in a family law case. She made sure she knew my case thoroughly and was able to answer every question the judge asked. She was completely prepared during the motion and discussed every point of my case. I'm very pleased with her as a lawyer and the results of my case. It was not an easy case to begin with!
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31 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I was being harassed and stalked by a crazy woman who was making up lies about me, and trying to get me into trouble with the police. Ms. Tafoya was able expose the matter for what it was, and no charges were ever filed against me.
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29 Dec, 2016 by Heidi
I hired Sharon after my original attorney failed to get my case resolved in a timely manner forcing me to ultimately release him. I have a disabled Adult Child which made my case extremely complicated and other attorneys that I spoke with didn’t seem up for the fight. I found Sharon through a friend that had previously used her in the past. Sharon took the time to understand the complexities of my situation. Sharon and her team genuinely cared for me and my son with autism. She did an amazing job building my case and delivered the details to the presiding judge with poise. This has been one of the most tumultuous experiences of my life aside from the news of my only son being diagnosed with autism. I feel blessed that Sharon was on my side through it all.
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15 Apr, 2014 by Alison
I worked with James Shih at SMS Law for my Child Support case. The outcome of his hard work, knowledge, professionalism and thoroughness resulted in success. I would highly recommend SMS Law, especially James since that is who I worked with, for any family court/support related needs. He went above and beyond my expectations.
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14 Jun, 2018 by Patricia nunez
Ms. Louis is not only smart, dedicated, and exceptionally organized but, most importantly is a kind, SELFLESS and caring individual, who truly wants to help her clients. In my first consultation with Ms. Louis she not only took the time to deeply get to know me and my 3 year old daughter, but with great detail she listened to my case and was constantly taking notes. I must have spent over an hour ( free of charge) speaking to her. What I love about Ms. Louis is that she cares much less about making money and truly cares about helping her clients. Ms Louis always responded quickly to my emails, calls, etc even on the weekends and many times free of charge. She was always extremely prepared for court and was constantly taking notes and strategizing ways to win our case while we waited for our turn in court. She never stopped working and fighting for my daughter and I. She not only became my advocate, but she became my friend. I still can't believe that my divorce attorney sincerely became someone who gave me so much light in a time of so much darkness. It was truly a privilege to have worked with Ms. Louis I truly couldn't have picked anyone better. Ms. Louis if you ever read this please never forget how grateful my daughter Sofia and I are for you. Thank you for fighting for us and standing by our side. Thank you for your selflessness, for your dedication and sincerity to help others. I will forever be grateful.
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17 Jan, 2016 by Mike b.
Mr. Marshall helped my family and I through a very difficult matter involving an adversarial situation. We really appreciated his patience and knowledge of our rights according to the law. I would highly recommend Mr. Marshall to help you with matter pertaining to minor children. He took the time to explain how the Calif. Family law process works, and we were very comfortable with him when we had to meet with other attorneys representing the other side. His kindness and patience is something that set him above other lawyers we considered for our case, which was somewhat complicated in nature
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25 Mar, 2022 by John
She has done well for me so far. I have absolute confidence she will get the best outcome in my case.
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17 Feb, 2015 by Gkl
My case took over 5 years and was part of a group of cases referred to as Clergy III. The cases went from State Court to Federal Court as the Defendant attempted to minimize the liability of the claims against it. At no time was Mr. Zalkin ever unavailable to answer concerns or questions about the case, and brought in the necessary experts to assist when needed to secure an adequate value and location of assets as the case proceeded through Federal Bankruptcy court. Because of his diligence and professionalism, Mr. Zalkin was able to help secure an additional 100 million dollars to the initial offering of 98 million and settle the cases without having to put any clients though any unnecessary trauma of trial. The work he did in my case and the way in which he handled it was above and beyond what had been experienced with other Law firms in years previous. Mr. Zalkin handled the sensitivity of the nature of my case with the utmost of respect and professionalism. I recommend him highly, as he is a man who can be trusted to provide the best legal representation at all times.
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13 Jun, 2018 by Gina
Monica is one of e most patient people I have met. She is extremely professional in her approach to divorce and considers all involved. She is calm and precise and well educated in military divorces. Her knowledge is beyond what I expected and I learned a lot about the legal system because of her clear expectations. She is resepcted by other lawyers as being honest and to the point. She communicates extremely well not just with adults and others in her field, but also with young children and teens of which she is extremely considerate in divorce cases. Her approach in trial made me feel relaxed and comfortable. Not once did I feel she left me to be alone or unknowing during the whole divorce process , she was always available and responded to my calls and emails promptly even after hours. An expert on difficult divorces!
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24 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
a young energetic,knowledgeable and honest. Not over pricing and he kept client informed. He helps and guided so many client who were victims of the so called " opportunist lawyers "
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21 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Unlike my previous attorney, David was easy to reach any time I had questions. He moved my case along and settled my case within months of hiring him.
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19 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Greg personally represented me all the way through my bankruptcy case and did a very good job. He didn't use any paralegals. He helped me to understand every aspect of what went on, including the reaffirmation of my car loan and the choice whether to try and have my student loans discharged based on hardship. Greg is a really good lawyer, and he's honest.
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11 Mar, 2022 by Kelly
My husband and I appreciated having the opportunity to work with Jennifer Bunyan on an arduous high-conflict case. Jennifer is professional, kind, compassionate, supportive, understanding, responsive, and personable. She is passionate about helping others; putting every effort into achieving the outcome your case deserves. It is rare to find an attorney who will listen to what you have to say and who will work collaboratively to navigate the stressors these cases often bring. We felt supported, heard, understood, and valued by Jennifer. With Jennifer's support, we felt we had someone in our corner giving voice to our needs and concerns with our family's best interest at heart. We trust Jennifer and the team at Neumann Family Law with any family matter we may have. We highly recommend this law firm to help you navigate your family law matter.
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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.
