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03 Jul, 2021 by J hoov89
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29 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Suzana did an amazing job dealing with my overbearing ex-husband who is an executive at a major lumber company and is accustomed to being in charge. He and his lawyer put non stop pressure on me to settle the case without a trial. Suzana encourgaed me to keep fighting for the support I was entitled to and after a full day in court we walked with nearly double what they offered and what my ex assured me numerous times was "much more than I would get in court." Throughout the process she was confident and encouraging and just all around wonderful. Thank you Suzana.
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14 Sep, 2015 by Michael
I highly recommend Ms. Malek. She guided me through a spousal support case and did so efficiently and competently. She was rather direct with me about my options and the likely outcome. I appreciated her candor and her ability to quickly resolve the issues.
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24 Sep, 2016 by William
Jeremy Featherstone and his family law practice can be summed up in a single word: HERO. The machine process of law can be a very slow and drawn out agony (unfortunately most reading this are nodding their head). So I want to offer you some hope. Prior to hiring Jeremy, I had another attorney. Sadly they were simply not getting it done and then someone recommended that I talk to Jeremy Featherstone. What could have stretched out for ANOTHER year or more in choosing to hire new council, Mr. Featherstone wrapped up my in 6 months! I might have paid for a lawyer but what I got was a friend who cared about me and my case. He kept me out of jail; gave me my life back; even got me to-and-from airport to make sure I was in court on time. THAT IS DELIVERING ON A PROMISE. Thank you Jeremy. -eastcoaster, 2016
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27 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Jeremy was my attorney for a custody case as well as a DUI case. I was extremely please with the results of both cases. The outcome of the custody case was even better than expected. I would highly recommend Jeremy to anyone seeking out an attorney.
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14 May, 2024 by Brenda townsend
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06 May, 2021 by Janice simeone
Concerned and competent attorney.
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06 May, 2021 by Human academy
Our company received valuable legal advice from Joseph Jarzabek which helped us structure our business the right way. Great service and expertise. Thank you!
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20 Jun, 2024 by Brian errett
I've had the pleasure of working with Scott off and on for many years, he's an excellent and meticulous attorney and someone I feel is good at explaining legal material in understandable terms. Additionally I am a 38yr IT professional / network security officer and I feel he has uniquely skillful grasp of how law interacts with and is applied to new technologies.
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28 May, 2024 by Ernie martin
All the years that I knew Scott he was always fair, pleasant, and enjoyable to work with. I never felt stressed over legal matters and felt we would reach a fair conclusion. Ernest Martin
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20 May, 2024 by Daryl wheeler
Scott is an exceptional attorney who has consistently provided outstanding legal counsel on multiple matters over the years for me. His thorough understanding of the law, combined with his strategic approach, has placed my organization in an optimal legal posture. Scott's professionalism, dedication, and clear communication have been invaluable throughout each legal process. Sheriff Daryl Wheeler
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08 Jan, 2024 by Gabrielle
Wendy was excellent. I wouldn't have prevailed without her. There is still another issue on my journey in dealing with the discrimination against by my employer that I am attempting to resolve on my own. If I am unsuccessful in my attempt to resolve this on my own then I intend to re-hire Wendy for her further assistance. Her office is extremely busy, so patience with her schedule is necessary, but well worth the time.
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30 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Ms. Earle has demonstrated her excellent skills both inside and out of the courtroom. Her communication skills have been excellent. She answers every question, and remarkably, often states the exact code or statute applicable in support of her answer. She is absolutely focused on the tasks at hand. As a type A personality myself, I can assure you of the thorough, exacting, accurate, error-free, complete, and timely work products she provides. At the same time, while she is very personable, there is no "wasting" of time to "pad" the billing and charge more in fees. I have never felt any of the fees charged have been unreasonable or exaggerated in any way. Before hiring Ms. Earle, and with an awareness she has a litigation practice, we questioned Ms. Earle about her experience. We were amazed at the amount and variety of cases as well as the levels of courts she has had very successful experiences with. Wendy replaced an attorney who did incredible damage to our interests. I didn't realize the true extent of the damage until hiring a thoroughly competent attorney, Wendy Earle. Our unfortunate situation would have been entirely different had Ms. Earle handled the issues in the first place. Lesson well learned but at a severe cost both financially and emotionally as the other attorney was well paid for her incompetence. It is without any hesitation or reservation that we absolutely recommend the hiring of Wendy Earle, Esquire to handle your needs.
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17 May, 2023 by Ray
Wendy, Was professional and thorough in advising me on legal matters. She helped me understand the law based on the context of my unique situation and offered multiple legal perspectives where I could then come to my own decision. She also provided empathy and understood that legal matters are messy and that sometimes clients just need to be listened to. She answered all my questions and returned phone calls in a timeline manner. I hired her smaller office because I like professionals that provide individualized attention to complex matters instead of outsourcing staff to do their work for them. I was pleased with the case outcome, so much so that I would hire this attorney again.
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17 Nov, 2022 by Karen
If you have Todd Reed you are in good hands! I had a very complicated divorce in 2009. He was very tough on my ex. Brought out all of his lies, narcissistic and abusive ways!! Todd is very wise and knowledgeable! Handles things in an expert way. He stuck up for me the whole way through. Easy to talk too. Because of Todd and his expert ways, the judge awarded me full custody of my kids!
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05 Aug, 2020 by Adam thralls
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10 Dec, 2018 by Joseph.
I was going through a pretty bad divorce. I hired Todd Reed. I should have hired a rock. He literally laid down and gave her what she wanted, lying to me and telling me that she won’t take my kids. And he literally handed then to her. I honestly don’t know who’s side he was on. I was paying him. It should have been mine. My ex wife was the biggest mistake I ever made. Todd Reed was the 2nd.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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