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11 Apr, 2024 by Traci mccarty
Sharon Mah is the worst lawyer in CA. Only panders to Judge Adams and other local
attorneys to curry favor. Run don’t walk from this law office. I was completely destroyed financially. Her great work enabled my deadbeat spouse to take our childrens’ college funds. The worst. Go to Bley and Bley in SF. You will get what you pay for.
Read more
31 Jul, 2023 by Pamela vita
Sometimes you just need Mah!
Read more
18 Jul, 2022 by Eric k. blatt
From a California Attorney:
Sharon Mah continually opens and closes offices to erase reviews of her performance as a divorce attorney and officer of the court. She has an extensive history of representing spousal abusers, sidestepping bright ethical and moral lines to extend the reach and power of abusive spouses and abusive parents.
She will set aside her professional obligations to damage or destroy your spouse's career. She must counsel on criminal law as her instructions to clients pose legal jeopardy.
As one erased reviewer, a client of Attorney Mah explained, she is the perfect tool to destroy the lives around you, the psychological and emotional health of your children and should be hired if these are your goals.
A lawyer who counsels' clients to take children to psychiatrists without obtaining required legal consent to try to get negative information to be used to deny custody? Uhuh. A lawyer who instructs and advises clients to steal highly valuable documents from secure locations, conspiring to hide them, personally taking possession and refusing to return them? Indeed. Making misrepresentions to the court like drinking water? Yup. Creating false representations about the role she takes, creating the false and fraudulent impression to the court and community that a client is representing himself since the lawyer's reputation for improper, illegal, unethical and fraudulent acts could damage a client's case? Terrible.
As another erased reviewer recommended, call her immediately and do not hire her --- this way, your spouse cannot hire her either. This is her own advice to her clients in order to manipulate the selection of mediators, child services personnel and court judges to assure that only the most biased and toxic actors are inserted into your family's life. If your spouse has hired Sharon Mah, you need to use available resources to challenge her ability to serve in any capacity in your case. Do it. There are many fine, ethical attorneys to choose from. If you feel an urge to find a soldier to destroy your spouse, stop and find yourself help.
She's old school, very old school and may just have missed the common understanding that abuse of a spouse includes abuse through litigatio. And to this particular point you should consider Ms. Mah a master enabler and even straight-up abuser of counterparties and other lawyers using her law license as a cudgel. It's quite disturbing to see her use professional standing and tenure to create human destruction against innocent adults and children alike.
Thankfully, the justice system is evolving and recognizing abuse and abusers operating within family law system. The future looks better, with specific criminal statutes addressing the above behavior and criminalizing the type of deplorable actions which Ms. Mah has made a cornerstone of her career.
Side deals, improper relationships with commissioners and judges, and corruption in the system of mediators and family law experts are being rooted out. Public corruption investions have done a little to chill these abuses, but the responsibility of allowing black hearts near your personal life and the lives of your children. Since she is best matched to spousal abusers, the damage to children is far down the priority list for such clients so as long as she's allowed to hold a license she'll find the clients who fit her professional mission and lack of care or commitment to the California justice system.
She may be long retired or forced out of the business before such criminal statutes are finalized in California, so in the meantime I offer this warning and advice on how to manage and avoid just one danger of many that can certainly cause serious damage to you. Resist the urge to win at all costs because after selecting Ms Mah as legal counsel to carry on abuse of a spouse through litigation and child custody horrors will result in exactly that.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Diego pineda
Really pathetic place in my opinion, total waste of time, came here for some general information, they didn’t help because I made too much money? Go figure, didn’t at least try to see why I was there or at least explain that I would have to pay if they help. Don’t even try and look somewhere else they would only help if you’re unemployed I guess not wonder Marin of full of homelessness
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15 May, 2024 by Padme tatum
They turn away landlords. Only help tenants. Many landlords are very low income themselves. Doesn’t seem right.
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08 May, 2024 by Tatiania margules
I love Virginia so much and her tattoos. Everyone that’s hating she won my case case closed
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11 Apr, 2024 by Traci mccarty
Sharon Mah is the worst lawyer in CA. Only panders to Judge Adams and other local
attorneys to curry favor. Run don’t walk from this law office. I was completely destroyed financially. Her great work enabled my deadbeat spouse to take our childrens’ college funds. The worst. Go to Bley and Bley in SF. You will get what you pay for.
Read more
31 Jul, 2023 by Pamela vita
Sometimes you just need Mah!
Read more
18 Jul, 2022 by Eric k. blatt
From a California Attorney:
Sharon Mah continually opens and closes offices to erase reviews of her performance as a divorce attorney and officer of the court. She has an extensive history of representing spousal abusers, sidestepping bright ethical and moral lines to extend the reach and power of abusive spouses and abusive parents.
She will set aside her professional obligations to damage or destroy your spouse's career. She must counsel on criminal law as her instructions to clients pose legal jeopardy.
As one erased reviewer, a client of Attorney Mah explained, she is the perfect tool to destroy the lives around you, the psychological and emotional health of your children and should be hired if these are your goals.
A lawyer who counsels' clients to take children to psychiatrists without obtaining required legal consent to try to get negative information to be used to deny custody? Uhuh. A lawyer who instructs and advises clients to steal highly valuable documents from secure locations, conspiring to hide them, personally taking possession and refusing to return them? Indeed. Making misrepresentions to the court like drinking water? Yup. Creating false representations about the role she takes, creating the false and fraudulent impression to the court and community that a client is representing himself since the lawyer's reputation for improper, illegal, unethical and fraudulent acts could damage a client's case? Terrible.
As another erased reviewer recommended, call her immediately and do not hire her --- this way, your spouse cannot hire her either. This is her own advice to her clients in order to manipulate the selection of mediators, child services personnel and court judges to assure that only the most biased and toxic actors are inserted into your family's life. If your spouse has hired Sharon Mah, you need to use available resources to challenge her ability to serve in any capacity in your case. Do it. There are many fine, ethical attorneys to choose from. If you feel an urge to find a soldier to destroy your spouse, stop and find yourself help.
She's old school, very old school and may just have missed the common understanding that abuse of a spouse includes abuse through litigatio. And to this particular point you should consider Ms. Mah a master enabler and even straight-up abuser of counterparties and other lawyers using her law license as a cudgel. It's quite disturbing to see her use professional standing and tenure to create human destruction against innocent adults and children alike.
Thankfully, the justice system is evolving and recognizing abuse and abusers operating within family law system. The future looks better, with specific criminal statutes addressing the above behavior and criminalizing the type of deplorable actions which Ms. Mah has made a cornerstone of her career.
Side deals, improper relationships with commissioners and judges, and corruption in the system of mediators and family law experts are being rooted out. Public corruption investions have done a little to chill these abuses, but the responsibility of allowing black hearts near your personal life and the lives of your children. Since she is best matched to spousal abusers, the damage to children is far down the priority list for such clients so as long as she's allowed to hold a license she'll find the clients who fit her professional mission and lack of care or commitment to the California justice system.
She may be long retired or forced out of the business before such criminal statutes are finalized in California, so in the meantime I offer this warning and advice on how to manage and avoid just one danger of many that can certainly cause serious damage to you. Resist the urge to win at all costs because after selecting Ms Mah as legal counsel to carry on abuse of a spouse through litigation and child custody horrors will result in exactly that.
Read more
11 Apr, 2024 by Traci mccarty
Sharon Mah is the worst lawyer in CA. Only panders to Judge Adams and other local
attorneys to curry favor. Run don’t walk from this law office. I was completely destroyed financially. Her great work enabled my deadbeat spouse to take our childrens’ college funds. The worst. Go to Bley and Bley in SF. You will get what you pay for.
Read more
31 Jul, 2023 by Pamela vita
Sometimes you just need Mah!
Read more
18 Jul, 2022 by Eric k. blatt
From a California Attorney:
Sharon Mah continually opens and closes offices to erase reviews of her performance as a divorce attorney and officer of the court. She has an extensive history of representing spousal abusers, sidestepping bright ethical and moral lines to extend the reach and power of abusive spouses and abusive parents.
She will set aside her professional obligations to damage or destroy your spouse's career. She must counsel on criminal law as her instructions to clients pose legal jeopardy.
As one erased reviewer, a client of Attorney Mah explained, she is the perfect tool to destroy the lives around you, the psychological and emotional health of your children and should be hired if these are your goals.
A lawyer who counsels' clients to take children to psychiatrists without obtaining required legal consent to try to get negative information to be used to deny custody? Uhuh. A lawyer who instructs and advises clients to steal highly valuable documents from secure locations, conspiring to hide them, personally taking possession and refusing to return them? Indeed. Making misrepresentions to the court like drinking water? Yup. Creating false representations about the role she takes, creating the false and fraudulent impression to the court and community that a client is representing himself since the lawyer's reputation for improper, illegal, unethical and fraudulent acts could damage a client's case? Terrible.
As another erased reviewer recommended, call her immediately and do not hire her --- this way, your spouse cannot hire her either. This is her own advice to her clients in order to manipulate the selection of mediators, child services personnel and court judges to assure that only the most biased and toxic actors are inserted into your family's life. If your spouse has hired Sharon Mah, you need to use available resources to challenge her ability to serve in any capacity in your case. Do it. There are many fine, ethical attorneys to choose from. If you feel an urge to find a soldier to destroy your spouse, stop and find yourself help.
She's old school, very old school and may just have missed the common understanding that abuse of a spouse includes abuse through litigatio. And to this particular point you should consider Ms. Mah a master enabler and even straight-up abuser of counterparties and other lawyers using her law license as a cudgel. It's quite disturbing to see her use professional standing and tenure to create human destruction against innocent adults and children alike.
Thankfully, the justice system is evolving and recognizing abuse and abusers operating within family law system. The future looks better, with specific criminal statutes addressing the above behavior and criminalizing the type of deplorable actions which Ms. Mah has made a cornerstone of her career.
Side deals, improper relationships with commissioners and judges, and corruption in the system of mediators and family law experts are being rooted out. Public corruption investions have done a little to chill these abuses, but the responsibility of allowing black hearts near your personal life and the lives of your children. Since she is best matched to spousal abusers, the damage to children is far down the priority list for such clients so as long as she's allowed to hold a license she'll find the clients who fit her professional mission and lack of care or commitment to the California justice system.
She may be long retired or forced out of the business before such criminal statutes are finalized in California, so in the meantime I offer this warning and advice on how to manage and avoid just one danger of many that can certainly cause serious damage to you. Resist the urge to win at all costs because after selecting Ms Mah as legal counsel to carry on abuse of a spouse through litigation and child custody horrors will result in exactly that.
Read more
11 Apr, 2024 by Traci mccarty
Sharon Mah is the worst lawyer in CA. Only panders to Judge Adams and other local
attorneys to curry favor. Run don’t walk from this law office. I was completely destroyed financially. Her great work enabled my deadbeat spouse to take our childrens’ college funds. The worst. Go to Bley and Bley in SF. You will get what you pay for.
Read more
31 Jul, 2023 by Pamela vita
Sometimes you just need Mah!
Read more
18 Jul, 2022 by Eric k. blatt
From a California Attorney:
Sharon Mah continually opens and closes offices to erase reviews of her performance as a divorce attorney and officer of the court. She has an extensive history of representing spousal abusers, sidestepping bright ethical and moral lines to extend the reach and power of abusive spouses and abusive parents.
She will set aside her professional obligations to damage or destroy your spouse's career. She must counsel on criminal law as her instructions to clients pose legal jeopardy.
As one erased reviewer, a client of Attorney Mah explained, she is the perfect tool to destroy the lives around you, the psychological and emotional health of your children and should be hired if these are your goals.
A lawyer who counsels' clients to take children to psychiatrists without obtaining required legal consent to try to get negative information to be used to deny custody? Uhuh. A lawyer who instructs and advises clients to steal highly valuable documents from secure locations, conspiring to hide them, personally taking possession and refusing to return them? Indeed. Making misrepresentions to the court like drinking water? Yup. Creating false representations about the role she takes, creating the false and fraudulent impression to the court and community that a client is representing himself since the lawyer's reputation for improper, illegal, unethical and fraudulent acts could damage a client's case? Terrible.
As another erased reviewer recommended, call her immediately and do not hire her --- this way, your spouse cannot hire her either. This is her own advice to her clients in order to manipulate the selection of mediators, child services personnel and court judges to assure that only the most biased and toxic actors are inserted into your family's life. If your spouse has hired Sharon Mah, you need to use available resources to challenge her ability to serve in any capacity in your case. Do it. There are many fine, ethical attorneys to choose from. If you feel an urge to find a soldier to destroy your spouse, stop and find yourself help.
She's old school, very old school and may just have missed the common understanding that abuse of a spouse includes abuse through litigatio. And to this particular point you should consider Ms. Mah a master enabler and even straight-up abuser of counterparties and other lawyers using her law license as a cudgel. It's quite disturbing to see her use professional standing and tenure to create human destruction against innocent adults and children alike.
Thankfully, the justice system is evolving and recognizing abuse and abusers operating within family law system. The future looks better, with specific criminal statutes addressing the above behavior and criminalizing the type of deplorable actions which Ms. Mah has made a cornerstone of her career.
Side deals, improper relationships with commissioners and judges, and corruption in the system of mediators and family law experts are being rooted out. Public corruption investions have done a little to chill these abuses, but the responsibility of allowing black hearts near your personal life and the lives of your children. Since she is best matched to spousal abusers, the damage to children is far down the priority list for such clients so as long as she's allowed to hold a license she'll find the clients who fit her professional mission and lack of care or commitment to the California justice system.
She may be long retired or forced out of the business before such criminal statutes are finalized in California, so in the meantime I offer this warning and advice on how to manage and avoid just one danger of many that can certainly cause serious damage to you. Resist the urge to win at all costs because after selecting Ms Mah as legal counsel to carry on abuse of a spouse through litigation and child custody horrors will result in exactly that.
Read more
11 Apr, 2024 by Traci mccarty
Sharon Mah is the worst lawyer in CA. Only panders to Judge Adams and other local
attorneys to curry favor. Run don’t walk from this law office. I was completely destroyed financially. Her great work enabled my deadbeat spouse to take our childrens’ college funds. The worst. Go to Bley and Bley in SF. You will get what you pay for.
Read more
31 Jul, 2023 by Pamela vita
Sometimes you just need Mah!
Read more
18 Jul, 2022 by Eric k. blatt
From a California Attorney:
Sharon Mah continually opens and closes offices to erase reviews of her performance as a divorce attorney and officer of the court. She has an extensive history of representing spousal abusers, sidestepping bright ethical and moral lines to extend the reach and power of abusive spouses and abusive parents.
She will set aside her professional obligations to damage or destroy your spouse's career. She must counsel on criminal law as her instructions to clients pose legal jeopardy.
As one erased reviewer, a client of Attorney Mah explained, she is the perfect tool to destroy the lives around you, the psychological and emotional health of your children and should be hired if these are your goals.
A lawyer who counsels' clients to take children to psychiatrists without obtaining required legal consent to try to get negative information to be used to deny custody? Uhuh. A lawyer who instructs and advises clients to steal highly valuable documents from secure locations, conspiring to hide them, personally taking possession and refusing to return them? Indeed. Making misrepresentions to the court like drinking water? Yup. Creating false representations about the role she takes, creating the false and fraudulent impression to the court and community that a client is representing himself since the lawyer's reputation for improper, illegal, unethical and fraudulent acts could damage a client's case? Terrible.
As another erased reviewer recommended, call her immediately and do not hire her --- this way, your spouse cannot hire her either. This is her own advice to her clients in order to manipulate the selection of mediators, child services personnel and court judges to assure that only the most biased and toxic actors are inserted into your family's life. If your spouse has hired Sharon Mah, you need to use available resources to challenge her ability to serve in any capacity in your case. Do it. There are many fine, ethical attorneys to choose from. If you feel an urge to find a soldier to destroy your spouse, stop and find yourself help.
She's old school, very old school and may just have missed the common understanding that abuse of a spouse includes abuse through litigatio. And to this particular point you should consider Ms. Mah a master enabler and even straight-up abuser of counterparties and other lawyers using her law license as a cudgel. It's quite disturbing to see her use professional standing and tenure to create human destruction against innocent adults and children alike.
Thankfully, the justice system is evolving and recognizing abuse and abusers operating within family law system. The future looks better, with specific criminal statutes addressing the above behavior and criminalizing the type of deplorable actions which Ms. Mah has made a cornerstone of her career.
Side deals, improper relationships with commissioners and judges, and corruption in the system of mediators and family law experts are being rooted out. Public corruption investions have done a little to chill these abuses, but the responsibility of allowing black hearts near your personal life and the lives of your children. Since she is best matched to spousal abusers, the damage to children is far down the priority list for such clients so as long as she's allowed to hold a license she'll find the clients who fit her professional mission and lack of care or commitment to the California justice system.
She may be long retired or forced out of the business before such criminal statutes are finalized in California, so in the meantime I offer this warning and advice on how to manage and avoid just one danger of many that can certainly cause serious damage to you. Resist the urge to win at all costs because after selecting Ms Mah as legal counsel to carry on abuse of a spouse through litigation and child custody horrors will result in exactly that.
Read more
11 Apr, 2024 by Traci mccarty
Sharon Mah is the worst lawyer in CA. Only panders to Judge Adams and other local
attorneys to curry favor. Run don’t walk from this law office. I was completely destroyed financially. Her great work enabled my deadbeat spouse to take our childrens’ college funds. The worst. Go to Bley and Bley in SF. You will get what you pay for.
Read more
31 Jul, 2023 by Pamela vita
Sometimes you just need Mah!
Read more
18 Jul, 2022 by Eric k. blatt
From a California Attorney:
Sharon Mah continually opens and closes offices to erase reviews of her performance as a divorce attorney and officer of the court. She has an extensive history of representing spousal abusers, sidestepping bright ethical and moral lines to extend the reach and power of abusive spouses and abusive parents.
She will set aside her professional obligations to damage or destroy your spouse's career. She must counsel on criminal law as her instructions to clients pose legal jeopardy.
As one erased reviewer, a client of Attorney Mah explained, she is the perfect tool to destroy the lives around you, the psychological and emotional health of your children and should be hired if these are your goals.
A lawyer who counsels' clients to take children to psychiatrists without obtaining required legal consent to try to get negative information to be used to deny custody? Uhuh. A lawyer who instructs and advises clients to steal highly valuable documents from secure locations, conspiring to hide them, personally taking possession and refusing to return them? Indeed. Making misrepresentions to the court like drinking water? Yup. Creating false representations about the role she takes, creating the false and fraudulent impression to the court and community that a client is representing himself since the lawyer's reputation for improper, illegal, unethical and fraudulent acts could damage a client's case? Terrible.
As another erased reviewer recommended, call her immediately and do not hire her --- this way, your spouse cannot hire her either. This is her own advice to her clients in order to manipulate the selection of mediators, child services personnel and court judges to assure that only the most biased and toxic actors are inserted into your family's life. If your spouse has hired Sharon Mah, you need to use available resources to challenge her ability to serve in any capacity in your case. Do it. There are many fine, ethical attorneys to choose from. If you feel an urge to find a soldier to destroy your spouse, stop and find yourself help.
She's old school, very old school and may just have missed the common understanding that abuse of a spouse includes abuse through litigatio. And to this particular point you should consider Ms. Mah a master enabler and even straight-up abuser of counterparties and other lawyers using her law license as a cudgel. It's quite disturbing to see her use professional standing and tenure to create human destruction against innocent adults and children alike.
Thankfully, the justice system is evolving and recognizing abuse and abusers operating within family law system. The future looks better, with specific criminal statutes addressing the above behavior and criminalizing the type of deplorable actions which Ms. Mah has made a cornerstone of her career.
Side deals, improper relationships with commissioners and judges, and corruption in the system of mediators and family law experts are being rooted out. Public corruption investions have done a little to chill these abuses, but the responsibility of allowing black hearts near your personal life and the lives of your children. Since she is best matched to spousal abusers, the damage to children is far down the priority list for such clients so as long as she's allowed to hold a license she'll find the clients who fit her professional mission and lack of care or commitment to the California justice system.
She may be long retired or forced out of the business before such criminal statutes are finalized in California, so in the meantime I offer this warning and advice on how to manage and avoid just one danger of many that can certainly cause serious damage to you. Resist the urge to win at all costs because after selecting Ms Mah as legal counsel to carry on abuse of a spouse through litigation and child custody horrors will result in exactly that.
Read more
09 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
This attorney acted as a mediator recently in a family law case in which I was a party. I was very surprised in her poor performance overall because she seemed to command the respect of both counsel throughout. Yet, she was not focused on the issues of the parties themselves, preferring to ignore individual interests in favor of streamlining process. Her objective appeared to be a fast and loose negotiation for resolution, despite the fact she demonstrated very little command of the underlying details themselves. She established no written agenda for the 3 sessions I attended, often appeared unprepared (or just winging it) and would always revert back to court-defined procedural requirements instead of a negotiated settlement between the parties. Her style of mediation is directed at counsel, not the parties themselves.
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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.
