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14 Feb, 2024 by Karin
Brian Myers is a superb divorce attorney. I hired him in 2012, and it was one of the best decisions during my divorce that I ever made. Brian was an amazing advocate, and he is intelligent, caring, thoughtful, and insightful - which was greatly appreciated. He gave me hope when I had none. Brian protected and supported me, when I felt I was being attacked by my soon to be ex- husband and his aggressive lawyer. I will always be grateful for the time, patience and support Brian gave me, during this difficult divorcing process. Brian Myers is not only an outstanding, professional Lawyer, he is an amazing, brilliant, kind man with a huge heart of integrity. I give him the utmost highest possible recommendation. Brian Myers is a real gem.
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02 Aug, 2023 by Michael
Brian Myers represented me in a divorce case that was extraordinarily contentious and difficult. Not only did Brian have to confront an opposing party that was unwilling to compromise on any matter great or small, but he also had to cope with my peculiar circumstances--when I first retained him I was living and working in Southeast Asia--and with the chaos and uncertainty that the pandemic brought to legal processes and the court. I am forever in his debt for his exceptional perseverance in surmounting these many challenges, for his stout advocacy, good judgment, his compassion, and for the deployment of his extraordinary legal capabilities on my behalf. Brian is among the most impressive people I have met in any field.
Compassionate and non-judgmental, with an abundance of optimism and an unflappable disposition, Brian always responded quickly and trenchantly to the many emails I sent him. During these dark days that, as days do, accumulated to years, I had a tendency to write long, sprawling messages, only portions of which were legally relevant. Had Brian responded in full to every facet of these emails, I would have quickly been bankrupted. Instead, with an unerring capacity to separate the tangential from the essential, Brian unfailingly got to the legal heart of my messages, keeping us on task and saving me thousands of dollars. This is one small example among many of his superb judgment, his devotion to serving the best interests of his client even when the client in question (me!) could not see the forest for the trees. Brian has a real gift for explaining complex legal mechanisms and terms in a way that clarifies them to the uninitiated. He is generous, patient, and thoroughly decent.
One of the reasons I chose to work with Brian has precisely to do with his decency and moral discernment. On occasion, what the law sanctions and what decency requires are at odds. Brian immediately understood--and I believe respected--my decision not to pursue a course of financial remedy that would have been in my self interest. And on other occasions, when I would ask about pursuing avenues that were legally legitimate but, under the circumstances, morally dubious, Brian would push back, and in so doing, made me a better person and a better parent.
In short, Brian Myers possesses all of the traits that an outstanding attorney should have: he is decent, incredibly hardworking and responsive, compassionate, a wonderful communicator, with an incredibly sharp legal mind. It is my pleasure to recommend him wholeheartedly.
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02 Aug, 2023 by Michelle
Brian Myers is the best attorney anyone can hire in Santa Cruz County. He has been my attorney for six years. This man knows the law and will fight for you with honesty and integrity. That may not be important to everyone, but it was, and still is, important to me. There is a reason why he is the Santa Cruz County Family Law Bar Association President. They chose well.
I met with Brian for a consultation 3 months before filing for divorce. I explained my dire circumstances and he listened. He didn't set a timer or watch the clock (like the others) and went well over the allotted time. Unlike some of the bottom feeders I met with, he showed compassion and I sensed this was a man who took his code of ethics seriously, which is very hard to come by with divorce attorneys. Let's face it, there's a special place in Hell for most of them. I told him I wasn't looking to hurt my soon-to-be ex-husband and he was okay with that. I thanked him for his time and left his office to consider what I would do.
Three months later, I knew I had no choice but to file for divorce. I called and asked to speak with him. He was surprised I was calling him at that time; not because he thought it would work it out, but because it took me 3 more months before I finally walked away from an impossible situation. His compassion was palpable. He asked for a very reasonable retainer and had my divorce filed and served within a week. There wasn't one hiccup.
My case inevitably became horribly ugly a few months later when an emergency custody request was necessary. He took care of everything and it was seamless. I then needed a Domestic Violence Restraining Order, which he secured for me for three years and then renewed for another five. I endured years of a custody/visitation battle with drug & alcohol testing, multiple reunification therapists, a move to a different county, etc. He's done it all for me. The bottom line: My kids are safe and I have Brian to thank for that.
The one thing that was (and still is) most important to me while fighting this fight is this: I want to be able to come out of this someday with my head held high. I want my kids to know, someday when they're old enough, that I did everything right. I never lied. I never stooped to the lows the other side did. That's important to me. Kids figure out on their own at some point what's going on, so don't play dirty. That's my first bit of advice to anyone reading this. My second bit of advice is this: Hire Brian. He will be there for you every step of the way. He'll get the job done and he'll do it right. If you want an attorney who will represent you effectively, ethically and efficiently, Brian Myers is your guy.
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04 Dec, 2023 by Greyden slack
what he said and did to maya and sebastion is terrible he is a terrible attorney do not opint him as your lawyer!!!!!!
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02 Aug, 2023 by Meg massey
Neglects the clients that need him the most.
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02 Aug, 2023 by Royanna cline
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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.
