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30 Aug, 2024 by Marco silva
I don’t even have words to describe the work Kevin has done for me . It’s been a long battle and at some point i wanted to give up but Kevin kept me going assuring me we would get the best possible result at the end and we did . I’m so grateful for all talks , advices and guidance thru ought our journey. If you need someone that cares and is great at their job please don’t hesitate to contact Kevin !!!!!
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10 Aug, 2024 by Chris l.a.
Christy is so wonderful! I got all my needs met
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29 Jun, 2024 by Robert mccullough
Kevin was very helpful and honest regarding his assessment of my situation. His experience and knowledge were optimal in helping me navigate a difficult situation, so the best possible outcome occurred. He is a lawyer of utmost integrity who I highly recommend. Based upon a comparison with my past personal and corporate litigation experiences, his fee was more than reasonable.
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5.0
4 Reviews
5.0
25 Reviews
30 Aug, 2024 by Marco silva
I don’t even have words to describe the work Kevin has done for me . It’s been a long battle and at some point i wanted to give up but Kevin kept me going assuring me we would get the best possible result at the end and we did . I’m so grateful for all talks , advices and guidance thru ought our journey. If you need someone that cares and is great at their job please don’t hesitate to contact Kevin !!!!!
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10 Aug, 2024 by Chris l.a.
Christy is so wonderful! I got all my needs met
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29 Jun, 2024 by Robert mccullough
Kevin was very helpful and honest regarding his assessment of my situation. His experience and knowledge were optimal in helping me navigate a difficult situation, so the best possible outcome occurred. He is a lawyer of utmost integrity who I highly recommend. Based upon a comparison with my past personal and corporate litigation experiences, his fee was more than reasonable.
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19 Oct, 2021 by Nancy giliam
I found Matthew on the internet, I called he took the case , and did not hesitate it was a very very difficult elderly divorce , matthew was kind and carrying, he went beyond for these two elderly couple that had been together for 47 years , matthew in my book is one of the best lawyers in Marin county , Thankyou matthew
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16 May, 2016 by Jim shroyer
Eric Sternberger is a terrific lawyer. My wife Toni and I highly recommend him!
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22 Aug, 2014 by Dan
Matthew Briggs is a respectable lawyer building a solid practice in Marin. I got in contact with Matthew after attempting to resolve my custody issue for more than two years talking with my ex and several rounds of mediation. It had been extremely difficult and I was discouraged, stressed, financially strained, and more afraid than I can summarize.
Matthew was honest, professional, and kind. He got to know my situation thoroughly, let me know my options and possible outcomes, and never made unrealistic promises. The process was very hard work and included a full court trial. Matt guided me through every facet with confidence and skill. He comes from a place of thorough knowledge of Family Law, and is not fast talking or grandiose. Matt returned my calls and emails in a timely manner, set realistic goals, and his guidance gave me a sense of calm through the most tumultuous experience of my life.
I am relieved with the outcome that Matthew advocated for on my behalf. He truly believed in me and my family. Prior to meeting Matt I felt despair about the future of my relationship with my daughter. I am more than thankful for his support, and it has brightened my future.
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05 Jul, 2020 by Kevin
Emily was professional, kind, intelligent, and very organized. In what felt like a long and difficult process she was able to keep everything focused and on track to a successful conclusion for all parties. I would recommend her to anyone who needs a calm, thoughtful, and careful approach to the divorce process.
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20 Mar, 2019 by Carlos silva
After 9 years together I recently got divorced. Started with a simple separation that soon escalated into complicated matters, specially regarding custody and visitation rights. It was a time in my life where emotional pain clouded my judgement, I was confused and inexperienced. Then I meet Emily Vance, who dedicate her time, early morning and late at night. Always calm and objective.
After negotiations with three different lawyers, Not only she helped me kept legal and custody rights, she also accomplished a fair agreement. Fair for both parents. When I was wrong, she did let me know and managed to give guidance in a painful process with kindness and empathy.
I am grateful
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08 Feb, 2019 by Carlos
For those of us who are unfortunate to have to go through a divorce will be pushed to our limits and beyond. We often forget why it has come to this and lash out at those who are near to us and those whom we have hired to help us. A divorce will bring out the worst of some of the parties involved. With this being said I would like to give a very special “Thank You” to Emily Vance who represented me during my dissolution process. Emily had to deal with some very over dramatic people and uncalled for remarks and lack of cooperation from the other side which kept her very busy. Emily was very professional in dealing with these issues while staying in contact with me and keeping me up to date with the progress. Emily and I had met on numerous occasions to discuss our next move and this also required a lot of patience on my part. There was some time she had taken off which she had notified me months in advance so there was no confusion. I will say that I highly recommend Emily Vance @Emily Vance
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20 May, 2023 by Mark
Michael called me to review my case, and was very kind with his time and very knowledgable about the process. He invested in me and my issue and I really appreciated his time. He recommended another lawyer who would be more appropriate for my issue, and I really appreciated that as well.
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22 May, 2013 by Anonymous
I only wish I had found this attorney when looking for one to handle my divorce. He's trustworthy, knowledgable and a very very kind person with much fairness & empathy.
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12 Dec, 2012 by Laura
Mike Apicella is a gem! If you are fortunate enough to have him as your legal advocate, you are in the best hands. He knows the law. He knows people. He was more than capable to sift through the chaff to identify and address the issues of my case. Not for a single moment did I ever think he would not successfully win for me orders in the best interests of my children - which he did! Count your lucky stars if you've found Mike during your search for an intelligent, capable, honest, and caring family law attorney.
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30 Sep, 2014 by Kathryn
Ron Champoux was invaluable as my attorney in the area of child custody/visitation. I had a extremely complex/complicated case . Ron did his best to explain the law , my options & the the most intelligent way to get the results I desired. He is extremely trustworthy, decent, honest & knowledgable. His attention to detail in his preparation & deliverance was impressive , this along with his confidence and knowledge of the law was why I got the results I wanted ( as impossible as they were! ). If it can be done Ron will get you the results you want. As they say , you get what you pay for & Ron is worth his weight in Gold.
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06 Aug, 2014 by Sharon green
Ron Champoux is an excellent attorney. From the first time we met, I could tell I was in good hands. Ron explained every step in detail about the process, many times if necessary, all with patience and kindness.
Over a year ago , I hired Ron to handle my divorce. His mastery of the law combined with his trustworthy
character, insured I obtained the best settlement. I can recommend Ron to anyone.
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16 May, 2014 by Mike
Ron Champoux was recommended to me by my business attorney to handle my divorce case. That was very fortunate. Ron clearly knows the law and better still what to expect from the court. He was able to predict with a high level of accuracy how the court might decide an issue, and develop a legal strategy around it. I respect that he never once spoke disparagingly of my ex-wife and did not foment friction. Unfortunately my ex-wife's attorney did the opposite. Ron Champoux was a step or two ahead of my ex-wife's attorney at every juncture. I could also see that Ron had garnered the respect of the court (Judge Beverly Wood) and was clearly liked by everyone, including opposing counsel. He's basically a nice guy who is very competent, treats everyone with respect and gets it back. I witnessed the value of having an attorney that the court respects. His personal integrity is a given in the courtroom and his representations carry weight. He makes honest statements and winning arguments.
My case was very litigious because my ex-wife's attorney was money hungry, hostile and unethical. Ron was able to deftly thwart the other side's aggression and shady tactics. He also very importantly explained the court's attitude toward entitlement and hard work. The Marin County Family Court is dominated by successful women who have balanced career and family, and do not agree that a spouse is entitled to a free ride while the other works. Ron understood that basic concept and the court's propensity for it and I was better served.
It makes a big difference having an ethical attorney who thinks well on his feet. Ronald Champoux saved me at least a half million dollars in settlement and perhaps over a million. So obviously I'm a big fan. Ron has mastered the nuances of managing a case, which means you are buying a high level of legal expertise and good sense. If you're looking for an attorney who will scorch the earth, then keep looking. But if you're looking for an attorney with class who knows how to win, then Ron Champoux is your guy.
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04 Aug, 2019 by 4ever young
14 Jul, 2018 by Letitia audrey
Wow! Three words: trustworthy, respectful, knowledgeable.
After dealing with such a stressful tenant situation, we left Louis’ office feeling confident, clear-headed, and secure. He looked over our contract, gave us much needed advice, and provided us with next steps. We are so happy and relieved that we connected with Louis. Don’t hesitate to call him! You are in excellent hands. Thank you Louis—we appreciate you so much!
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13 Jul, 2018 by Letitia
Three words: trustworthy, respectful, knowledgeable.
After dealing with such a stressful tenant situation, we left Louis’ office feeling confident, clear-headed, and secure. He looked over our contract, gave us much needed advice, and provided us with next steps. We are so happy and relieved that we connected with Louis. Don’t hesitate to call him! You are in excellent hands. Thank you Louis—we appreciate you so much!
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01 Mar, 2024 by Alexa maldonado-v
25 Nov, 2019 by Youssouf moussa
Building of the professional lawyer,actually the lawyer who mean the world to me works there. So grateful to have her as a lawyer. Bless your heart Megan there is no words to describe her.
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13 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
We hired Ms. Jenkins-Toney for highly complex related cases from family, civil and criminal law. She has out-performed any other lawyer, by far.
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16 May, 2016 by Jim shroyer
Eric Sternberger is a terrific lawyer. My wife Toni and I highly recommend him!
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18 Feb, 2013 by Sandra
Jasmine was truly a fighter for me. She was the only attorney I've worked with that didn't give up and voiced my concerns. Always diligent about her work, very responsive, and all about making her client happy. I highly recommend Jasmine with any child custody and child support issue you may be facing. I hope I never have to go back to family court, but if I do, I will come back to hire Jasmine to represent me again.
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30 Jan, 2022 by Larry stevens
18 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
I was referred to Johanna Kleppe by an attorney in another county that gave rave reviews. Johanna was exceptionally resourceful and savvy for my high conflict custody case and ended up with a better outcome than expected. She defiantly put the child first and fought for us. I can't recommend Johanna Kleppe enough!
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04 Aug, 2019 by 4ever young
14 Jul, 2018 by Letitia audrey
Wow! Three words: trustworthy, respectful, knowledgeable.
After dealing with such a stressful tenant situation, we left Louis’ office feeling confident, clear-headed, and secure. He looked over our contract, gave us much needed advice, and provided us with next steps. We are so happy and relieved that we connected with Louis. Don’t hesitate to call him! You are in excellent hands. Thank you Louis—we appreciate you so much!
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10 Jan, 2017 by Roget huntress
Louis Napoli is a very good and kind lawyer he is capable and has a very nice office
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22 Nov, 2018 by Shoshana baars-stanton
14 Nov, 2022 by Danilo visnich
04 May, 2024 by Pedro g alvarez
I was in a car crash and the insurance company was not treating me very well.
I consulted an other lawyer who said my case wasn't worth much. Bill green took my case and worked for it with a real interest to win.
We finally settled for a discente and just amount.
Pedro G Alvarez
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17 Apr, 2024 by Stephen ternlund
The insurance company initially refused to cover all of my medical bills after my car accident. I knew I needed help. Bill and Sandy were exactly the help I needed. True professionals.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Barbara ternlund
Bill and Sandy answered all my questions with great clarity and patience. They kept me informed every step of the way, which gave me great peace of mind. Highly recommend!
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04 May, 2024 by Pedro g alvarez
I was in a car crash and the insurance company was not treating me very well.
I consulted an other lawyer who said my case wasn't worth much. Bill green took my case and worked for it with a real interest to win.
We finally settled for a discente and just amount.
Pedro G Alvarez
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17 Apr, 2024 by Stephen ternlund
The insurance company initially refused to cover all of my medical bills after my car accident. I knew I needed help. Bill and Sandy were exactly the help I needed. True professionals.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Barbara ternlund
Bill and Sandy answered all my questions with great clarity and patience. They kept me informed every step of the way, which gave me great peace of mind. Highly recommend!
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17 Sep, 2024 by Jose alonso
16 Sep, 2024 by Craig boyer
16 Sep, 2024 by Warren laufer
The best I have had.
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04 May, 2024 by Pedro g alvarez
I was in a car crash and the insurance company was not treating me very well.
I consulted an other lawyer who said my case wasn't worth much. Bill green took my case and worked for it with a real interest to win.
We finally settled for a discente and just amount.
Pedro G Alvarez
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17 Apr, 2024 by Stephen ternlund
The insurance company initially refused to cover all of my medical bills after my car accident. I knew I needed help. Bill and Sandy were exactly the help I needed. True professionals.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Barbara ternlund
Bill and Sandy answered all my questions with great clarity and patience. They kept me informed every step of the way, which gave me great peace of mind. Highly recommend!
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25 May, 2024 by Jo mcdonough
It was a pleasure working with Alexis. She is very knowledgeable and professional. She made the process for us very smooth and seamless. I would highly recommend her!
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14 May, 2024 by Jose huizar
Alexis was professional and able to provide support and guidance throughout the process. We highly recommend her and would seek her advice for any future needs.
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13 May, 2024 by Wendy phillips
I highly recommend Alexis Lynch and her law office. Alexis worked efficiently and effectively while also speaking honestly and respectfully. Alexis helped my husband and I with our case for limited conservatorship of our daughter, an adult with special needs. Because our daughter is high functioning, her case became unexpectedly complicated. Alexis always kept us informed promptly and came up with a plan, helping us request an extension and gather additional information. Alexis's expertise and outstanding effort, including writing a detailed statement for us and her presentation to the judge at our hearing, made all the difference in the judge's decision to grant our limited conservatorship. Without her assistance we believe we would not have the same outcome. Alexis's fees are reasonable compared to others doing the same work, especially considering our case took extra time. If I could give more than 5 stars I would, as I cannot recommend Alexis highly enough.
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25 May, 2024 by Jo mcdonough
It was a pleasure working with Alexis. She is very knowledgeable and professional. She made the process for us very smooth and seamless. I would highly recommend her!
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14 May, 2024 by Jose huizar
Alexis was professional and able to provide support and guidance throughout the process. We highly recommend her and would seek her advice for any future needs.
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13 May, 2024 by Wendy phillips
I highly recommend Alexis Lynch and her law office. Alexis worked efficiently and effectively while also speaking honestly and respectfully. Alexis helped my husband and I with our case for limited conservatorship of our daughter, an adult with special needs. Because our daughter is high functioning, her case became unexpectedly complicated. Alexis always kept us informed promptly and came up with a plan, helping us request an extension and gather additional information. Alexis's expertise and outstanding effort, including writing a detailed statement for us and her presentation to the judge at our hearing, made all the difference in the judge's decision to grant our limited conservatorship. Without her assistance we believe we would not have the same outcome. Alexis's fees are reasonable compared to others doing the same work, especially considering our case took extra time. If I could give more than 5 stars I would, as I cannot recommend Alexis highly enough.
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25 May, 2024 by Jo mcdonough
It was a pleasure working with Alexis. She is very knowledgeable and professional. She made the process for us very smooth and seamless. I would highly recommend her!
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14 May, 2024 by Jose huizar
Alexis was professional and able to provide support and guidance throughout the process. We highly recommend her and would seek her advice for any future needs.
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13 May, 2024 by Wendy phillips
I highly recommend Alexis Lynch and her law office. Alexis worked efficiently and effectively while also speaking honestly and respectfully. Alexis helped my husband and I with our case for limited conservatorship of our daughter, an adult with special needs. Because our daughter is high functioning, her case became unexpectedly complicated. Alexis always kept us informed promptly and came up with a plan, helping us request an extension and gather additional information. Alexis's expertise and outstanding effort, including writing a detailed statement for us and her presentation to the judge at our hearing, made all the difference in the judge's decision to grant our limited conservatorship. Without her assistance we believe we would not have the same outcome. Alexis's fees are reasonable compared to others doing the same work, especially considering our case took extra time. If I could give more than 5 stars I would, as I cannot recommend Alexis highly enough.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Tom price
Amir wrote will and trust documents for us - he was extremely thorough and responsive. Great at answering all our questions.
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15 Sep, 2024 by Anahita aghaei
13 Sep, 2024 by Lorie spencer
15 Mar, 2022 by Rosie and ruby’s mom - contra costa
Second time around - first attempt wasn’t clear enough on my end to proceed.
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10 May, 2021 by Michael
I was wrongfully sued by a former contractor who had helped build my house. Richard was indispensable in helping me WIN that case. Instead of BSing around in arbitration, my case was transferred to superior court, where the judge found for me, WITH PREJUDICE. How often does THAT happen??? I intend to use Richard again, soon, to help me get all my assets into a revocable living trust, because I want a very specific line of beneficiaries prioritized in a bit of a non-traditional way, and I know Richard can provide more than the boiler-plate forms so I can rest easy that my estate will be properly distributed.
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21 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Worst lawyer I have ever dealt with, overcharged for minimal work.
I even had to locate the applicable case law for him. Of some of the work product produced I ended up throwing a majority out as it was completely unusable before i fired him I found an another lawyer for literally a fraction of the price
While working with him he refused to bring my demands to the opposing side claiming they were "unreasonable", Oddly enough when the case was settled they approached me offering, If not exceeding, what he refused to present. Could've save thousands of dollars has Richard Paris presented my demands when requested
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03 Jun, 2024 by Raymond martinez
28 May, 2024 by Kaylee harrington
20 May, 2024 by Danial james
3.6
6 Reviews
5.0
3 Reviews
12 Aug, 2022 by Ashley farrah
Highly recommended & Best attorney around for family law.
Absolutely amazing job at representing our case in court and has the best interest at heart for our children.
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30 Jun, 2018 by Maila gurung
08 Jun, 2018 by Joe
I came to Renee after my friend had recommended her to me. My ex-wife refused to let me see my daughter and I was not going in the direction I wanted to in the court system.
At the outset, Renee was extremely helpful, diligent and eager to help me get custody of my daughter. After a short period of time with her representing me, I now have custody of my daughter and will be going back to court with Renee to get more time.
Renee's fee structure is also reasonable given her experience in this area of law. I am very happy with Renee and the work she has done for me.
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4.2
16 Reviews
03 Jul, 2024 by Steinberg8
I interviewed a number of different lawyers and while all were knowledgable. Rachel distinguished herself with her friendly but very practical demeanor. She was efficient, empathetic yet realistic, extremely easy to talk to, and honest. Compared to the other lawyers that I met with, I found her easy to relate to and felt she understood my situation and challenges very quickly. We ended up using a mediator but Rachel provided excellent counsel when I needed it, especially towards the end of our process. Importantly, however, she prepared me well to enter into mediation. I feel the mediation process was more efficient because I got great advice from Rachel in the one hour consult we had prior. Prior to our meeting, I had sent her a lengthy e-mail outlining the issues and my priorities. She took the time to read through this and had questions for me when we met. I felt this was respectful of my time and resulted in a much more productive, focused discussion with clear action items for me as a result. At the end of the day, divorce is a business transaction with a lot of emotion attached. Rachel made it a more pleasant experience throughout. And while I did not need her as much as I anticipated (thankfully), I have heard others give her extremely high marks for getting the job done. In fact a friend of mine had a few lawyers before connecting with Rachel and once connected, her divorce was expedited. Our mediator, who is very well known in our county, spoke highly of Rachel too which gave me a lot of comfort.
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12 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Asked Rachel about how to process a modification to child support. She said she could fill paperwork out and do this. Turn out, she is completely wrong and I have to go through court. Not only did she cost me time and money, but she delayed the modification dramatically. Terrible and unprofessional.
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11 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
I was extremely pleased with Rachel Castrejon. Of course, divorce is a very difficult time in ones life. The process can be alien and intimidating. However, Rachel guided me through extremely well. Of course, she knows the law and various courses of action very well. She was technically very proficient, but more importantly, she did an excellent job of answering my questions and giving helpful and prudent advice. I honestly never once felt Rachel was "in this for the money" and appreciated that she was looking for the optimal outcome for me, for the least amount of legal fees. I would unhesitatingly recommend Rachel Castrejon to anyone.
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03 Apr, 2024 by Gail dubinsky md
This is the most unprofessional and disorganized law firm I have ever encountered in 40 years of practice.
Multiple calls and emails to the office went unanswered and messages unreturned. The few times a person did answer, there was no apparent record in the file of actions taken. A signed lien was not honored.
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09 Aug, 2023 by Dan bornstein
Mr. Marne was professional and very diligent.
I highly recommend The Marbe Law Group
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22 Jan, 2021 by Tom connelly
Mr. Marne's attention to detail and knowledge are outstanding.
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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.
