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15 Jul, 2013 by William
I retained Mrs. Rehal to represent me in my Divorce proceedings. She took my money and withdrew from the case without warning the day before I was suppose to go to court. I filed a petition before the court to not let her drop my case and the Judge denied it. I had to hire another attorney, pay another retainer and other fees. Mrs. Rehal refused to answer any calls, letters, or inquiries as to why she dropped my case the day before my divorce proceedings were to begin. She did not return my money and she did not provide me with any legal services.
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31 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
My case was a domestic violence one and I had placed a TPO on my spouse. She is known for helping with domestic violence cases and seemed good. Well, when it came time to discuss with the other party the terms of the child visitation, she made decisions that were what my spouse wanted rather than what I wanted. She made it seem like I had no other choice. I wanted the child visitation exchange to occur at a visitation center, but instead she arranged with the other party to have it at his house. What's the point in a restraining order if you're going to make me go to his house? It was a scary situation for me. Eventually other arrangements were made.
As my attorney, I never felt like I was getting support from her. She was constantly discussing things with the other party and I felt like I couldn't trust her to represent my case so that my child's best interests were considered. Another thing that I truly hold against her is that she would purposely prolong the conversation so that she could clock in more time on my case. For instance, she would chat about tips on how I can help my son with teething issues and count that as time against me. It was pretty unethical.
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08 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
My ex-husband served me with an ex-parte order in 2014. The hearing was 11 days after I was served. Needless to say, I was in a bind and needed a lawyer fast. I found Kelly through someone I knew, and she was able to take my case last minute (and for a small retainer, which is a plus). However, I truly believe I was pigeon-holed as a "bad mother" from the beginning, and feel I was treated as if I should just "take what I can get" because I won't get custody of my child. At mediation, I felt pressured by her to give the other side (my ex) everything he asked for. When I told her I didn't want to agree, and wanted to take my chances in court, she told me that I should just agree to what was being offered, because it could be a year before a judge saw me and no judge would ever give me more than every other weekend with my child (who I've raised alone since day ONE). She told me I wouldn't win, so I needed to sign the agreement. I felt like I had no other choice, and because of my lack of legal knowledge, I consented to an order stripping me of most of my parental rights. It's been a year and a half since then, and guess what? I'm doing my case pro se, and the judge is actually giving me my child back. I should've had a stronger voice when it came to that, but I went with what my lawyer said. Over $8000 for one and a half sessions of mediation and ONE court hearing, and I ended up in an even worse predicament than before.
She might be a wonderful lawyer to someone else, but if you've got any sort of past at all, don't bother with her.
If you're lawyer can't see that people can change after their mistakes, they're not a lawyer for you.
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21 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
This man took my money, treated me like a child and thrn failed to get my divorce finalized or give me any real options. He never returned my phone calls and the experience overall left a bad taste in my mouth. I had a lot of faith in this attorney because my family had used his firm for many years. It looks like this was misplaced. We have severed ties. Find a more reputable attorney to handle your affairs.
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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:
-
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.
