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11 Jun, 2021 by Robert
As a much younger man than I am today, I was lucky enough to hire Janet to handle a paternity case for me.
She help me set all of the necessary legal things that I would need to do in motion. And by the time this case entered itself into the courts (involving child support, and custody issues), not only did I Not owe any back child support, but I eventually (with Janet's help) was awarded full legal, and full physical custody.
Janet later successfully handled my divorce, and I could not have been happier with the final results.
I have over the past thirty (30) years referred Janet, and her legal expertise to several of my dearest friends, and relatives, and they all still thank me to this very day for those referrals.
She is as an attorney without a doubt extremely thorough, she clearly knows how to successfully structure her legal briefs (whether that be at Family Law, or Personal Injury).
I'm so very grateful to have had Janet on my side on my side whenever I've had to enter into the courtroom. She lends you her courtroom confidence. You'll feel very protected.
She's the very, very best at what she does.
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18 Nov, 2010 by Anonymous
I've used Kiana for several custody cases with former partners and she's been wonderful. Not only is Kiana sharp and able to make a strong case or defense, but she does a thorough job of researching a situation before she responds. She knows her law.
She is also sincerely concerned with the well-being of the children involved which is refreshing in the attorney arena.
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08 May, 2014 by Dan
Getting divorced is never easy, but my divorce process was particularly painful. High conflict doesn't quite begin to describe it. The whole process took about two years; so, much longer than most. I can honestly say I don't know how I would have made it through that process without Staci's guidance and support. She was more than just an attorney to me. She was a source of wisdom, perspective and even-handedness that I really needed to lean on during the process.
Don't get me wrong, Staci has all the knowledge, strength and experience I could hope for and then some. I first worked with Staci at Sideman & Bancroft and chose to follow her when she opened her own practice. She created an MSA for me that's thicker than a novel and easily handled all the nuts and bolts of the proceedings. But what I learned along the way is that a successful divorce process -- one that puts the kids first and at least attempts to create a harmonious space for future communication -- requires more than just knowledge of the law. It requires an understanding of people and consequences. And I have the experience to prove it! I have since moved to a different state and have had some dealings with local lawyers here who just want to ship off letters and demands to my ex, all of which I know won't work. If anything they'll just make matters worse for me.
Staci took on a lot with my case and handled all the filing, all the paperwork, all the back and forth, etc. I feel very confident that my interests and the interests of my children were well represented throughout the process. Furthermore, I threw Staci additional challenges -- such as the fact that I decided to quite my job right as we were trying to finalize the divorce. (Yet another divorce, as it were.) Nothing fazed her. And she gave me great advice not just when it came to the divorce matters in particular but how to "set up" my life for the future; how to make sure I protected myself and my kids and the painful part ended and I could move on with a happy life.
I am happy to report my kids are doing GREAT and I am doing great. Thanks Staci!
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04 Nov, 2015 by Vasiti
After searching on this website and making calls to look for a lawyer to help me with my situation. Anne was the first to call back and willing to help. Even though it was a short meeting with her, I was very happy with her service.
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23 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Badma Gutchinov is an excellent attorney. He did an outstanding job handling my complicated divorce. He is extremely thorough and dedicated. Mr. Gutchinov was always available to take my phone calls and answer any questions that I had regarding my divorce and he got me through the stressful times when it counted the most. I highly recommend him without a doubt.
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06 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
Andrea represented me in my divorce. She was responsive, communicative, and thorough. Professional in every way.
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22 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Sadie Bissett was hired as my family law attorney. Her criminology background was helpful. I found her legal writing and litigation abilities to be outstanding. She was well-prepared and quick-witted in court. Her legal briefs were well thought out and compelling. My communications with her were pleasant and filled with strategies toward resolution. As her client, she zealously advocated for my rights.
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01 Aug, 2013 by Michael
Heather has provided legal counsel for me for two separate problems. The first was an issue concerning the housing situation of my very uncooperative and sometimes hostile mother. Family issues can be very tricky to solve, even when the law is pretty clear. Family members tend to play by different rules when dealing with one another and there is a compassion that you give to relatives that doesn't come into play when dealing with strangers. Nobody understands this more than Heather. Her care and compassion for all parties involved give her unrivaled effectiveness in determining a solution with which everyone can be happy. Instead of just going through the legal motions of removing my mother from her current, undesirable housing - which was the legal help I sought - Heather actually went the extra two miles and found several housing alternatives that would fit my mother's financial requirements. She investigated records and found some government assistance programs for which my mother would be eligible. She thoroughly researched all possible avenues, including mediating discussions with other family members. Her warm-hearted demeanor and obvious compassion make her instantly likable and does not put anyone on the defensive, which I have found can be the most serious obstacle to progress. These factors were enough to overcome my mother's hostility and help her realize the right choice to make. I would hire Heather again in a heartbeat if another such situation arises.
Heather is currently representing me in a personal injury claim from a motorcycle accident. I am continually amazed and impressed by her organization and knowledge. Despite being young and newly licensed, she's an excellent researcher and knows when to ask for help. It's obvious to me that she cares most of all about my satisfaction and providing me what I need, rather than serving her own interests. Yet she doesn't just answer my questions, she asks me all the things of which I haven't thought and sees to it that I keep on task when dealing with the seemingly insurmountable piles of bills and insurance paperwork. I can be difficult person with whom to work, because I insist of knowing and understanding everything and doing it my way. Heather doesn't push or prod, but she tells me matter-of-factly what the consequences of each and every one of my proposed actions are. She'll tell me when I'm making a bad choice and after all is said will work tirelessly to whatever ends I choose. I feel very comfortable knowing Heather is representing me and I do not worry. She's not just a great lawyer, she's also a really great, caring person.
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20 Dec, 2020 by Marco
Try to imagine the situation where you suddenly find out that your children who you thought were on a vacation like so many others, have been held on the other side of the world against your will by the person you thought you could trust. In that moment you know you have to do something, quickly, but what? In your head just confusion, bewilderment, chaos. In that moment you realize that you need help, lots of help.
And it was at such a delicate moment that I was lucky enough to find Mr. Seymour. Brent not only proved to be an exceptional professional but also the person who led me by the hand in such a complicated moment of my life. He knew how to untangle all the complications of the issue at hand, not only those strictly related to the legal problem itself but also language problems, laws of different countries, further complications introduced by the pandemic that prevented from moving anywhere. In spite of all the difficulties, Brent was able to operate with extreme mastery of his profession, never forgetting that on the other side of the screen, on the other side of the world, there was a person fighting to have his rights recognized and to be reunited with his children, living in a state of mind easy to imagine. Always professional, always close, always available, Brent knew how to give me back my confidence and take me hand in hand, safely, towards the solution of the problem, promptly and brilliantly circumventing every obstacle. If I look back in time I think I could hardly have found another professional as prepared and skilled as Mr. Seymour, whom I thank once again.
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16 Nov, 2018 by Louise mazzeo
Best trial attorneys in the Bay Area
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13 Dec, 2012 by Nadia
Cyrus Franck is a great lawyer. He helped me win my case. He is easy to communicate and he is friendly and very knowledgeable of the law.
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12 May, 2014 by Pamela
Mark Zeller has been my attorney for 7 years. He is the best Family Law attorney I have ever had. He is the most professional attorney I have ever worked with. In our first case he helped me get sole legal custody of my disabled daughter. In our next case he helped me get sole physical custody, and had my ex reduced to therapeutic supervised visitation due to his emotional abuse and medical neglect of our disabled daughter. Mark did what CPS refused to do. He has a calm caring nature about him, at the same time I have seen him argue and not back down with a judge that went back on her word and was about to make the wrong decision. He would not back down, until she finally relented, and did the right thing. Finding Mark was the best thing that ever happened for me and my daughter. She no longer goes to her fathers house to be abused. 4 years of supervised visits has brought me peace of mind. Thank you Mark, you're the best!
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05 May, 2023 by Mina
I'm convinced that Ann Riley is the most ethical, competent, and intelligent divorce attorney in the Bay Area.
I interviewed a lot of lawyers and many of them were simply not confident about the law and fairly apathetic. Ann really cares in a way that is helpful. She doesn't waste your time, she is able to be firm when needed, and is extremely logical.
She has a good understanding of the family court system in SF. Opposing counsel was unprofessional and difficult and Ms. Riley refused to engage, knowing that it would cost me more if she did so and that it wouldn't get me any further ahead.
A lot of attorneys like to engage in time wasting activities because they know they can get away with billing you for them - there wasn't a single line item in Ms.Riley's bill that was questionable - she deserved every penny of her retainer.
I wish I had met Ann under different circumstances but I'm really grateful to have met her when I did. She gives me hope that there are still decent and good people who find value in doing the right thing.
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02 Jan, 2014 by Anton
I have worked with Aaron on several occasions to review and negotiate agreements. He always took the time to understand my specific concerns and explain what points needed to be held firm and what could be negotiated without exposing me to to undue risk. I felt confident in my negotiations because of Aaron's skill and clarity. Further, Aaron is very easy to work with and communicated very well.
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21 Jan, 2015 by Karla
She is very knowledgeable in her field and provides information and answers to our questions for our peace of mind. She helped us process our immigration papers and we are thankful at how thorough and professional she is.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Obaidullah khalid
Jessica is an outstanding attorney. I had the pleasure of working with her during a lengthy visa delay, and my experience was exceptional. She possesses a deep understanding of immigration law, coupled with genuine empathy, and consistently responds to inquiries with thoroughness and promptness. Her rates are also very reasonable, making her an even better choice. If you're facing any immigration-related challenges, Jessica is the advocate you'd want on your side.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Akunna okoro
I'm blown away by Jessica's exceptional service! A friend referred me to her, and from our initial conversation on September 4th, 2024, to the resolution of my immigration case on October 1st, the entire process was seamless.
Jessica's team kept me informed every step of the way.
Fled my case on September 4th (ahead of time)
Defendants served on September 12th with a 60-day response window
Case resolved on October 1st.
The efficiency, communication, and professionalism displayed by Jessica and her team are truly impressive. I rarely leave reviews, but this experience deserves recognition.
If you're seeking reliable and effective legal representation, look no further than Jessica's law firm.
Thank you, Jessica, for changing my life!
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06 Sep, 2024 by Guilherme sttellet
Jessica Arenas is absolutely amazing! After facing long delays with my green card application, she recommended filing a mandamus. Once I provided all my case details, she had the paperwork done and ready to submit in less than 24 hours. I received my green card in under 40 days thanks to her efficiency and expertise!
A special shout-out to Delana, who handled my triage. She was super friendly, professional, and made the initial process so smooth. The whole team is fantastic, and I highly recommend them for any immigration needs!
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02 Nov, 2023 by Camila banfi
10 Jul, 2020 by Ben mcallister
#1 place to work for a reason
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02 Jan, 2019 by Monica marks
16 Sep, 2024 by Robbin roberson
We really enjoyed working with De Fonte Law. They were professional, efficient, and personable which made us feel so comfortable. I would higher recommended them for trust/estate needs.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I was referred to Diane for my divorce. Diane took the time to explain my case, and let me know what she would recommend for my case. She was well-spoken, intelligent, and had great knowledge of family law. If you are unsure, don't be.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Greyson olson
In September 2023, my brother (25, from Arizona) got arrested (in San Francisco, California) after attempting to enter a conference within a community both of us grew up in and have been apart of since 2008. His car keys were knocked out of his suit pants during a tackle incident at the security clearance after he had trouble leaving when asked. According to my brother there was a misunderstanding of an email conflicting with him not being invited to the conference. After being tackled and handcuffed, he told the officers he had a concealed firearm in his vehicle, 5 minutes away, as he felt it was a danger for his keys to be off of his person. I was at this conference, and saw some of this happen live. My peers in our place of work were laughing, and making memes about this for months. There are many videos and pictures of the whole ordeal.
They put 6 charges on him that night, including "possession of armor piercing ammunition" and "high capacity magazines"
The SF media created a narrative off of the charges and the prosecution ran with it moving to deny bail within the first week, just as my family was even beginning to cope with this new reality. Public consensus of the incident caused a rift in the community between those who knew him for years prior and know he would never do what was being inferred by the media, and those who didn't know him and were led to believe it. Our family used this as fuel to ensure we stuck with this case mentally and financially, no matter how hard it felt and how much of an uphill battle it was at times.
We went through two public defenders, and another private attorney before landing on Nechay Law in late March 2024. Nechay tried many angles of defense for this non violent gun storage charge. All previous charges except "having a concealed firearm in a vehicle" were wiped, and the remaining was moved to a misdemeanor which a change of plea got him out of jail after 1 year, 4 days.
The prosecution was going for conviction on the felony level to get him 6 years, based upon the narrative they shaped up. Nechay (even after 7 months of other attorneys handling the case) was able to reverse and put to rest the previously life ruining, retribution hungry narrative.
The best scenario out of all of this is he will be getting more familial attention and help to deal with previous traumas such as a car crash that totaled his very expensive car, two home break-ins, and his business faltering. Rebuilding for him will be a hard but rewarding journey, and Nechay has allowed that second chance of the sanctity of life to happen through her expertise. I cannot recommend enough. Our family is eternally grateful for Valery and her firm's service.
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05 Sep, 2024 by I.a. huxley
Adam was recommended to me through another lawyer and I'm so thankful that that happened. We corresponded via text before hoping on a phone call. I still can't believe how kind and empathetic and knowledgable he was. He's exactly the kind of person and lawyer that you want in your corner.
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09 Jul, 2024 by Kristina delevi
I can't recommend Valery Nechay enough as an attorney. Her knowledge in so many areas of the law is truly impressive. She went above and beyond to make sure every detail was covered, and I always felt supported and informed throughout the whole legal process. Even with her busy schedule, Valery always found time to answer my questions, no matter how small. She made me feel like I was in the hands of someone who genuinely cares and knows her stuff. Valery is not just knowledgeable and dedicated, but also incredibly compassionate. I'm so grateful for everything she did for me.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Jonathan jenkins
I had so much inaccurate information on my credit report! I tried for years to get my credit report fixed by doing it on my own or hiring a credit repair company but with no luck. I got in touch with Mike Cardoza and it was the best decision I ever made. Mike reviewed my situation and told me I had a good case and for me to sit back while he handled the rest. Not only was EVERY inaccuracy on credit report fixed in a few months but Mike also made the credit bureau pay me for what they put me through! This process was so smooth and seamless and now I can accomplish the things I want to accomplish for my family. Thanks Mike!
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27 Sep, 2024 by Alex eshaya
27 Sep, 2024 by Deyse martinez
It was a pleasure to work with them, they were very kind and everything went perfectly. I will always be grateful for their help. The lawyer and all his staff are an excellent team, 100% recommended.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Jonathan jenkins
I had so much inaccurate information on my credit report! I tried for years to get my credit report fixed by doing it on my own or hiring a credit repair company but with no luck. I got in touch with Mike Cardoza and it was the best decision I ever made. Mike reviewed my situation and told me I had a good case and for me to sit back while he handled the rest. Not only was EVERY inaccuracy on credit report fixed in a few months but Mike also made the credit bureau pay me for what they put me through! This process was so smooth and seamless and now I can accomplish the things I want to accomplish for my family. Thanks Mike!
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27 Sep, 2024 by Alex eshaya
27 Sep, 2024 by Deyse martinez
It was a pleasure to work with them, they were very kind and everything went perfectly. I will always be grateful for their help. The lawyer and all his staff are an excellent team, 100% recommended.
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5.0
22 Reviews
4.9
136 Reviews
02 Oct, 2024 by Elias mehari
After I research to find good attorney for my custody, visitation and divorce. I found Amin Law. The staff Jennifer was very helpful. She obtained my information and let Attorney sam contact me in few hours.Sam is a great firm that handles family law, divorce, custody and Visitation.Sam is helpful and generous for his complimentary Consultation. I highly recommended Amin Law.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Jim lai
Admin Law is great which offers a complementary consultation. I will update the details after the meeting.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Adan carta (himynameisadan)
Going thru a divorce and they are helping me to make this experience a very easy and simple one. Explaining things in a simple yet easy manner 100% would recommend.
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05 Sep, 2024 by 倪崧皓
Professional and knowledgeable immigration lawyer. He answered my question regarding investing immigration and really understand my needs and provided the best solution. Recommended.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Claudia garcia
Mi nombre es claudia Garcia y soy de el salvador primeramente le doy gracias a Dios y al Abogado por averne ayudado en mi proceso de asilo también le agradezco por su apollo en todo el proceso me encanto que el equipo es bilingue , y que el Abogado es muy cerbicial y que todo el grupo es muy amable.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Alfonso victoriano
El abogado Santamaria y su personal nos ayudó a mi esposa y a mí con nuestro caso de visa u y nuestra experiencia fue muy agradable porque nos explicaron paso a paso lo que se iba a hacer, nos ayudaron con todas las aplicaciones y traducciones, todas las preguntas que tuvimos nos las contestaron para que no tuviéramos ninguna duda, porque nuestro primer lenguaje es el español. Muy amables todos, siempre fueron. Yo los recomendaría 100%
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05 Sep, 2024 by 倪崧皓
Professional and knowledgeable immigration lawyer. He answered my question regarding investing immigration and really understand my needs and provided the best solution. Recommended.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Claudia garcia
Mi nombre es claudia Garcia y soy de el salvador primeramente le doy gracias a Dios y al Abogado por averne ayudado en mi proceso de asilo también le agradezco por su apollo en todo el proceso me encanto que el equipo es bilingue , y que el Abogado es muy cerbicial y que todo el grupo es muy amable.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Alfonso victoriano
El abogado Santamaria y su personal nos ayudó a mi esposa y a mí con nuestro caso de visa u y nuestra experiencia fue muy agradable porque nos explicaron paso a paso lo que se iba a hacer, nos ayudaron con todas las aplicaciones y traducciones, todas las preguntas que tuvimos nos las contestaron para que no tuviéramos ninguna duda, porque nuestro primer lenguaje es el español. Muy amables todos, siempre fueron. Yo los recomendaría 100%
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05 Sep, 2024 by 倪崧皓
Professional and knowledgeable immigration lawyer. He answered my question regarding investing immigration and really understand my needs and provided the best solution. Recommended.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Claudia garcia
Mi nombre es claudia Garcia y soy de el salvador primeramente le doy gracias a Dios y al Abogado por averne ayudado en mi proceso de asilo también le agradezco por su apollo en todo el proceso me encanto que el equipo es bilingue , y que el Abogado es muy cerbicial y que todo el grupo es muy amable.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Alfonso victoriano
El abogado Santamaria y su personal nos ayudó a mi esposa y a mí con nuestro caso de visa u y nuestra experiencia fue muy agradable porque nos explicaron paso a paso lo que se iba a hacer, nos ayudaron con todas las aplicaciones y traducciones, todas las preguntas que tuvimos nos las contestaron para que no tuviéramos ninguna duda, porque nuestro primer lenguaje es el español. Muy amables todos, siempre fueron. Yo los recomendaría 100%
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05 Sep, 2024 by 倪崧皓
Professional and knowledgeable immigration lawyer. He answered my question regarding investing immigration and really understand my needs and provided the best solution. Recommended.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Claudia garcia
Mi nombre es claudia Garcia y soy de el salvador primeramente le doy gracias a Dios y al Abogado por averne ayudado en mi proceso de asilo también le agradezco por su apollo en todo el proceso me encanto que el equipo es bilingue , y que el Abogado es muy cerbicial y que todo el grupo es muy amable.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Alfonso victoriano
El abogado Santamaria y su personal nos ayudó a mi esposa y a mí con nuestro caso de visa u y nuestra experiencia fue muy agradable porque nos explicaron paso a paso lo que se iba a hacer, nos ayudaron con todas las aplicaciones y traducciones, todas las preguntas que tuvimos nos las contestaron para que no tuviéramos ninguna duda, porque nuestro primer lenguaje es el español. Muy amables todos, siempre fueron. Yo los recomendaría 100%
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18 Sep, 2024 by Quentin lee
I cannot recommend more about this team of brilliant attorneys Kelly and Mikayla who shepherded my sexual abuse case against a major academic institution for years and won a settlement that I did not expect. They are supportive, meticulous and sensitive and I could not have expected a better result and handling on my case. Thank you!
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18 Jul, 2024 by Yvette ayala
Life happens, so its only natural for accidents to happens, hopefully small ones and not to often, but when they do I was very grateful to have reached out to TorkLaw!! They made sure I was taken care of. Didn’t settle until what was fair was offered!!! Truly grateful!!
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15 Jul, 2024 by Fernando s
25 Jun, 2024 by Norma jean rogers-jackson
Congratulations Von Rock Law for being voted "Best Attorney in the Bay by SF Gate. "
My family's experience with Deidre Von Rock and her team has been outstanding.
I highly recommend Von Rock Law to anyone seeking legal services in trust administration.
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06 May, 2024 by Chris
Excellent law firm. Took the time to answer all of my questions and were efficient at completing the work.
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15 Apr, 2024 by Larry stebbins
I have worked with the professional team of Von Rock Law multiple times and found them to be fair, knowledgeable and professional. They are highly recommended for estate planning including the creation of charitable remainder trusts.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Elias mehari
After I research to find good attorney for my custody, visitation and divorce. I found Amin Law. The staff Jennifer was very helpful. She obtained my information and let Attorney sam contact me in few hours.Sam is a great firm that handles family law, divorce, custody and Visitation.Sam is helpful and generous for his complimentary Consultation. I highly recommended Amin Law.
Read more
01 Oct, 2024 by Jim lai
Admin Law is great which offers a complementary consultation. I will update the details after the meeting.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Adan carta (himynameisadan)
Going thru a divorce and they are helping me to make this experience a very easy and simple one. Explaining things in a simple yet easy manner 100% would recommend.
Read more
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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.
