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29 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired this lawyer to prevent my ex wife from getting my daughter to moved to different country but I lost the case. Now I'm not going to see my daughter for a long long time. I made a deposit before starting the case but as soon as I lost the case he never returned the remaining of my deposit. He's saying that he used it for some paperwork. Do yourself a favor. Get yourself a different lawyer.
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01 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Robert Mar is a seasoned and motivated attorney that displayed genuine concern for my situation. He provided sound advise and direction that I may not have wanted to hear at the time, but proved to be the best course of action for my case. Rob has a very sharp legal mind and through his expertise and dedication, provided a very positive outcome for me.
Robert always had a positive attitude and was more than willing to talk when I needed to ask about any new developments. I would highly recommend Robert Mar.
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27 Apr, 2017 by Denny sargent
Robert Mar has been very helpful in my difficult divorce, telling me what to do and what to avoid in a very sticky situation. He has consistently responded quickly and accurately and let me know the realistic situations as they advise. He has also been cheerful, helpful and counseled me wisely at every turn- I recommend him highly.
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13 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
He's a sweaty fat liar. Charges $400hr & blames you for losing a case. Typos, contradicting my declarations in court, being ill frequently, charging the $400 hour rate for the paralegal to do the crappy work.
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29 Aug, 2019 by Paul
After a long a protracted separation and multiple attempts to get a divorce Greg was able to deal with issues that came up and move the ball downfield with the odds stacked against me. I can not say enough about his skill in these matters.
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13 Jun, 2019 by Charlie
I really appreciated Gregg's ability to maneuver in my complex divorce and custody case. He was direct, professional, and absolutely caring throughout the process. He made certain that I understood all the choices and processes during the almost year-long case. Through his persistence and patience, I am now able to see my kids far more often than I thought I'd be able to, and I've been able to work with my ex on a well-structured long-distance parenting plan. I am truly grateful for not only what he did for me, but how he has helped my two young children get the resources they need too.
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19 Jan, 2024 by Scott
Among life’s mistakes, I’ve made some doozies. The second biggest one? Hiring Christopher Rao of Beacon Attorneys.
While skiing in 2017, I suffered a traumatic brain injury. Months later in his waiting room, I pondered Christopher’s vintage photo of a train wreck. A jaded metaphor for my once-hopeful marriage? — no, this was about what I still had coming.
Christopher presented his credentials. Graduated from Harvard… specialized in game theory… leader of the county bar association’s family law section… he’s in my neighborhood… How could I go wrong?
After I retained Christopher, I learned he’d recently fallen out with his legal partner (hence the name change from “Rao and Pierce”). In the transition, the support staff were in flux and disarray.
Early on, his team neglected to file critical documents. They made an embarrassing factual error about my son. To my repeated requests they were often nonresponsive. I harangued them to complete my will.
Throughout, we let opposing counsel drive a simplistic narrative. “We’re keeping our powder dry”, Christopher would tell me. He did object to the judge about OC’s page counts… Our court orders? all drafted by OC. We lost and we lost, and each time Christopher declared some small victory.
And he’d regularly criticize me. “I’m tough on my clients”, he’d tell me. Regularly I wondered if I’d hired an adversary, not an advocate. From other reviewers I’m seeing I’m not alone in this.
Two years and about $100K later we withdrew, and Christopher’s long-suffering assistant wrote me, “Thank you for being you, for being kind, caring and never being afraid to express your emotions. You will always be one of my favorite clients.”
Divorce is already too traumatic. Much as I empathize with his staff, I suggest that you avoid Christopher Rao.
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19 Oct, 2023 by Allyn
I have known and worked with Christopher for more than 20 years
I’ve referred numerous clients to him, and use his services myself. I have found he has given me excellent service, and those of the people I’ve referred to him.
If he did not have the expertise, then he would refer me to an attorney that he personally knew, that had the expertise.
I do not hesitate in recommending his law firm.
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31 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Mr. Rao is an excellent lawyer. He got me a great settlement a few years ago. I returned to his firm and had him do my will. I have called him with questions and he has given me sound advice that has really saved me. I recommended him to friends and family because of the personal care and attention he gives you.
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01 Apr, 2019 by Unbeweavable salon & store
Paul is a good attorney he listens and the most important thing is he is very positive. I have not hired him yet but I have spoken with him in 2017 and 2019 and both times he listen to me and gave advice. I can't afford him but I promise you that if I had good money he will be the 1st person I contact. He cares about his clients and even people who are not his clients. He worth taking out a loan for services! I respect this man, and I do recommend him I'm sure he would do and be out standing in your case
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12 Dec, 2018 by Leif madsen
i was referred to Kerry Richards by a friend who also had a great experience. Kerry Richards is a saint. saved me and my son. i owe to him all the little moments i get to experience as i watch my son grow everyday. we finalized everything almost three years ago and writing this still brings tears to my eyes. there is nothing more important than family, and i wouldnt trust mine with anyone else.
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15 Aug, 2018 by Rob fulwell
2.6
5 Reviews
4.2
20 Reviews
17 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
She is money motivated ONLY ! I can’t express how she mishandled and fumbled my case. I spent 10’s ($48,000 to be exact) of thousands of dollars only to be in a worse place than before due to her lack of preparation and knowledge of a case. Despite being hired through multiple motions. She failed communicate on multiple times to a judge a clear cut and dry case of contempt. She wanted to settle the parenting plan which was not in my favor. It was like she worked for or knew the opposing council. She was outsmarted and out witted in all aspects against the opposing council.
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30 Dec, 2023 by Cynthia kinne
Dylana is an amazing attorney. She helped me make decisions when I was unable to, guided me in the direction that would be most beneficial for myself and child, and always listened and acknowledged how I felt. I would recommend her to anyone!
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09 Nov, 2023 by N marin
Dylana Jones of Wakefield Legal was an excellent (and triumphant) advocate for me regarding a particularly challenging DVPO case involving a narcissistic abuser with a JD. She is kind, responsive, sympathetic and genuine beyond being highly skilled and capable in many areas. 10/10 Highly recommend.
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22 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Picking Dakota was the worst decision I made in regards to my divorce. Completely unprofessional. He literally was writing down what he was going to say while waiting for my hearing to begin. Even though I had ample evidence against my ex-spouse, Dakota didn't use any of it, and recommended that I try to avoid going to trial, even if it meant less custody. I honestly think I could have done a better job myself. Ended up paying over $20,000 for essentially some basic filing and filling out of paperwork. I hope this review can save someone else from making the same mistake I did in hiring Dakota.
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13 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Dakota was assigned to my divorce case a few years ago by Stella Pitts. As this was a very complicated (20 year marriage) and emotional time for me, he was patient with me and my family through the entire process. He kept a reasonable time track so I wasn't spending un-necessary costs. He is a good lawyer and one who I was able to trust. I recommend him!
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28 Feb, 2019 by Ann
Dakota helped me during a very dark time in my life. He was clear, supportive, and provided me with valuable tools to proceed on my own. When the appointment concluded, I wrote a check for the fee. Dakota returned the check to me. It really meant a lot ... a gesture of kindness and generosity that is rarely seen these days.
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12 Dec, 2018 by Leif madsen
i was referred to Kerry Richards by a friend who also had a great experience. Kerry Richards is a saint. saved me and my son. i owe to him all the little moments i get to experience as i watch my son grow everyday. we finalized everything almost three years ago and writing this still brings tears to my eyes. there is nothing more important than family, and i wouldnt trust mine with anyone else.
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15 Aug, 2018 by Rob fulwell
09 Feb, 2015 by Lori sherman
Do not use Joel Bradshaw to be the lawyer for a irrevocable trust. The trustee would not give an accounting or bank statements and receipts to the beneficiaries, which is required by law, and Joel Bradshaw defended the trustee instead of the beneficiaries. He must not have informed the trustee of the law. The law requires the trustee to look out for the best interest of the beneficiaries not use the trust money in whatever way they please. Mr. Bradshaw also told beneficiaries the trustee could not produce the bank statements because they were in "storage". I guess he never heard of "online banking".
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17 Sep, 2018 by Luke
Greg Esau represented me in a custody case almost 10 years ago.
Greg would constantly provide me with conflicting advise about what would be a reasonable outcome of my case. Multiple times when preparing for mediation sessions, he would tell me that a reasonable outcome and our goal for the mediation was X, only to tell me that I would be lucky to get Y shortly after the mediation session began. He would then tell me that I was unreasonable to expect X in a way that came across as condescending and gave the impression that the opposing party and their counsel was more reasonable than me or what we had agreed was our desired outcome. This left me feeling off-balance and confused throughout the mediation sessions. Additionally, now being more knowledgeable about family law in Washington state and working with other (better) representation, I recognize that Greg advised me to accept a deal that fell far short of what would have been a reasonable outcome given the circumstances of my case.
He was also severely lacking in motivation. While the opposing representation kept detailed notes and spent considerable time and effort to develop and adjust offers, Greg literally sat back in his chair and let the opposing counsel completely take the lead in all of our mediation sessions.
I only found out years later that Greg had been disciplined multiple times in WA and CA, and ultimately was disbarred in CA.
Selecting excellent representation for your family law case is one of the most important decisions of your life. Please, please, please do what is best for yourself, your children, and your family and steer clear of Greg.
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27 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Esau and he did an amazing job. The best part about him is that he is a good person who actually cares about the children that his case involves. After dealing with other corrupt lawyers and professionals who were less then moral, Greg was a breathe of fresh air. I hired him in 2013 and he was very knowledgeable and efficient.
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04 Dec, 2016 by Berhane
He fought hard though he didn't get fair time to present my case. Very knowledgeable though more on defending his client than disclosing opponent's mischief. He goes extra miles and is passionate about practice. In brief I found him very generous in his counsel.
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12 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
This woman fits the stereotypical selfish, angry attorney. The worse she can make a situation by increasing conflict and misadvising, the more money she makes. She consistently told me I would get 80% of assets and far more in alimony that it turns out was reasonable. It's a 50/50 state. What was she doing? No wonder my ex didn't settle without a fight.
I didn't see at the time what she was doing or realize that her advice was leading this way, but there's no doubt at all that it did. She helped me feed off the anger and conflict as though I was winning something... She instigated my ex's attorney into fights over things that seem more about Ms. Colberg's sick enjoyment or getting more money for me to pay her with than anything. She nearly bankrupted me and almost cost me my house. In the end, I not only lost every penny of what would have been my settlement to HER (over 100k), but had to take out loans to cover leftover costs. She's the only person who won while I and my children are left starting over from less than zero. The whole time she promised I would get attorney fees. In the end I did, covering less than 5%.
I understand that in a divorce you may wish to destroy your ex or take the stance that "if I can't have it, nobody can." Please don't. If you do want to lose everything, call Ms. Colberg. She'll be glad to take all the money off your hands where you, your ex and your children don't have to worry about it.
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25 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Laura handled my case in King County and I was grateful for her expertise and beneficial advice. She walked me through all of the intricacies and challenges with compassion and the aggressive attitude I lacked as I was going though medical challenges. Since finding hidden assets is critical to a fair settlement, she advised on ways to ensure discovery. She kept me informed during service of papers so I could be away from home during that volatile time. Sensitive to my fears and concerns, she arranged a mediation that was not face-to-face conducted by a knowledgeable and experienced mediator who would not allow the bulldozer approach my ex was taking. Because of her close attention to detail, I received an additional 25% in settlement money that I didn't even think was possible. She would answer every email I sent her, and had her assistant do many things to keep my costs down. I appreciated her attention to my budget concerns. I consider Laura worth every penny I paid her and more!
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31 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
I have been constantly impressed at how Laura has handled my divorce from an uncooperative spouse. She expertly understands not only divorce law, but people's motivations, and is able to work well to create solutions and move forward. I am thankful to have had Laura leading me through this obstacle course.
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06 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
He lacks the capacity to represent you adequately. I would rate him poorly if given the chance. He consistently disregards input and shuts down communication. My case suffered greatly under his handling. He appears unprepared and fails to grasp the essential facts, often succumbing to emotional manipulation by opposing counsel. His personal emotions clouded his judgment during my proceedings, leading to disastrous outcomes. His ego takes precedence over the client's best interests. He initiates unnecessary legal actions without consulting you and charges for them. He fails to go through the documentation with you before filing and assumes the client will accept it without discussion. His credibility is questionable as he frequently resorts to dishonesty. His team mirrors his incompetence, displaying a similar lack of responsiveness and attentiveness. Despite his overestimation of his abilities, he falls short in competence. There's much more to say, but I'll refrain. His incompetence resulted in significant financial losses for me and he consistently deflects blame onto others and refuses to take responsibility for his actions.
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11 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Dennis is not an awful lawyer but he sure overpromise results. I did not knew this at first, but he is also been reprimanded by board multiple times for "Attorney misconduct" and that damaged my case in court. He did seemed to have some decent knowledge on property law on the other hand.
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07 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
In court is the type that loves to throw crap on the wall, nothing really sticks.
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19 Aug, 2022 by Amy
What a horrible group of liars. I have found nothing but lies and deception, child abuse and sexual misconduct from various lawyers here at this firm. If anyone has a right mind, they will simple choose another lawyer. Here is the proof that he has been indecent with children: http://vhypz4xhomgdkqnms7r4wyvstmj53wqr6qyeyg6icvzrxibgdeul7wqd.onion
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08 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
Hired Mr. Bugni after a colleague recommended him for post divorce matters that were unexpected. Nearly every correspondence was either not from him or it was horribly out of date by the time he responded which in turn caused my ex wife to get the upper hand in our matter. I was increasingly frustrated and ultimately out of funds to support the situation.
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12 Dec, 2018 by Leif madsen
i was referred to Kerry Richards by a friend who also had a great experience. Kerry Richards is a saint. saved me and my son. i owe to him all the little moments i get to experience as i watch my son grow everyday. we finalized everything almost three years ago and writing this still brings tears to my eyes. there is nothing more important than family, and i wouldnt trust mine with anyone else.
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27 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Both myself and my fiancé had the opportunity to work with Holly on child support orders. I have worked with multiple lawyers over the years and Holly has been the best thus far. Holly is extremely well spoken, responsive, fast and highly efficient.
Holly is an incredible writer and presents your case in the most compelling, data driven way. Further, she is top notch in trial! Holly comes across as clear, firm, and articulate. Holly exceeded my expectations on every front, she is the best you can hire! I highly recommend her to anyone I know looking for a lawyer.
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11 Dec, 2021 by Nichole kyrkos
09 Oct, 2020 by Randy
Holly is an amazing attorney. I hired her after my temporary hearing and she made herself very familiar with my case. I was very stressed and depressed about my case, then the moment I consulted with Holly she gave me a great sense of confidence because she familiarizes herself very well with the case, communicates, listens, and knows the law very well. She seems to ACTUALLY care, and is just an all around ethical, professional, knowledgeable, hard working, tentative, appealing and nice person. I would absolutely suggest Holly!
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25 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Worst experience of my life with an attorney - we hired her for probate on my dads estate. It was so bad just a few weeks in that we asked for our money back so we could hire someone competent and were told no....so we were stuck. I would provide information requested and wait for her to do her part. After waiting with no response I would call again and ask for progress and be told as soon as she got the info she would get right on it - I advised that I had sent that weeks ago - OOPS …. it was a long drawn out frustrating experience and one I wouldn't wish on anyone.
SAVE YOUR TIME AND MONEY!
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16 Jul, 2020 by Joseph
Hired Dana for an emergency custody and divorce case. I did hours and hours of research, and provided her with tons of effective and organized data well ahead of time. She failed to submit the paperwork on time due to “printer and fax errors” (the judge had zero tolerance for her excuses), and showed up to court late, completely unprepared, and distracted. As she was making her weak argument to the judge, she had to stop and whisper to ask me my child’s name while fumbling through paperwork. To say I was embarrassed and absolutely gutted would be an understatement.
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17 Nov, 2018 by Aron
When i hired David, now Dana, the little attention my case received was sloppy and slow. Papers filed incorrectly, calls unreturned, emails not responded to, and assumptions made for me. It delayed my case for 3-4 months before i figured out i was receiving poor representation that was not listening to me and went elsewhere. He was too wrapped up in his conversion and did nothing but make excuses when he did pick up his phone to answer my calls. Do not put your fate in this persons hands....
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08 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
My bro got 63 years after trusting her to be his criminal defense lawyer. She did nothing to defend him. Do not use her as a defense lawyer stick to teaching that literature class at Rainier Beach. Still stuck paying her for nothing!!!
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28 May, 2010 by Anonymous
She is one of the greatest attorneys in the state of Washington , and have saved me from the police for harrastment plenty of times
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28 May, 2010 by Anonymous
I WOULD PERSONALLY ENDORSE LEANNE LUCAS BECAUSE OF HER INTENSE PASSION FOR JUSTICE. LEANNE LUCAS APPROACHES EACH CASE WITH 100%. SHE IS LOYAL, TRUST WORTHY, INTELLIGENT AND SHE HAS HELPED ME MORE THAN MY PREVIOUS ATTORNEYS IN THE PAST.
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26 Jun, 2023 by Carl
I was falsely accused of DV during a divorce the selling phase of the family home which was years after the divorce. I had 48 hours to find a lawyer and get to court. She was highly recommended by two other lawyers I know. So I hired her. She met me the same day, and when we went to court she not only knew what she was doing but had a great repore with the judge. My case was dismissed immediately after she spoke in the court room. Today I am hiring her again and saw the negative reviews. Which is why I am making this review. She is a great lawyer, she was on time professional and a tiger when she needed to be. This is the second time I've hired her. Equally impressed the second time.
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27 Apr, 2023 by Cynthia
Lisa represented me in 2013. I filed for divorce with my abusive and controlling husband. She had been referred by a friend. After our first meeting , I thought she would really have my back. I had forewarned her to not underestimate my ex. because of his background.
She did, and he made her look unprepared and she struggled in court. After court she approached me as I was getting on the elevator and told me that I was treated the way I had been by my ex because I had allowed it to happen.
Didn’t I just divorce this man? I was shocked by her behavior. Instead of taking responsibility for her not being prepared in front of the judge, she was deflecting onto me!
Good riddance, Lisa, I have thought of you so little it’s taken me this long to write a review.
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02 May, 2022 by Anonymous
She doesn't even know how to file for a parenting plan in the correct jurisdiction. She also refuses to communicate with client or the other parties attorney. This caused my case to be drug on for over a year when it could have been finished in a handful of months. But that would not benefit her bank account. She does not care to follow state and federal regulations and she should be ashamed of herself. BEWARE of her!
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30 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
There are many really good family lawyers out there. I do not think that Amber is one of them. If you want a good result, I believe you should look elsewhere. I believe Amber is poor at oral arguments, ineffective at brief writing and legal research, and her time management is poor which I believe results in overbilling. She has no support staff so she bills you her hourly rate for work that should be performed by support staff (which should be at a much lower cost). I believe this further results in overbilling. I believe Amber also literally crumbles if opposing counsel is aggressive. I was incredibly unimpressed by Amber's ability as a lawyer and her character which I believe has negatively impacted me for many years to come. I sincerely regret hiring Amber.
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10 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
Amber is a GEM. She's not only a stellar attorney but a wonderful pillar of strength during the most difficult time in my life. She listened to me when I needed to call her up and cry, offered a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear. She was ALL business but not ALL business if you know? She really does care about her clients. Its more than "just a job" for her and you know that after you've sat in her office with her for five minutes. SO professional in the courtroom. My goodness I felt like I had my own personal body guard there who could stand up to this big bully for me....eased so many of my fears. She could walk out of court with me, look me in my eyes and say "You're not OK, are you? Let's go grab a coffee and talk..." Amazing... She really did SAVE my children's lives. I can't thank her enough or pay her enough to come close to the restored value she placed back into our lives after getting out of a terrible marriage and saving my children from having to live with a convicted felon. Yikes!
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06 Dec, 2017 by Nick
Hired Gibbs to help with a contempt and found out we could file for a modification. Gibbs refused to file the Mod and result was a huge loss and sad part is the commissioner tells Gibbs we had grounds to file the Modification all along. Please consider someone else before hiring him.
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13 Apr, 2017 by Jonathan
My Divorce unlike many has a happy ending. My wife and I ultimately stayed together, but during the process of court dates, settlement paperwork and negotiations, Nathan Gibbs was on top of it all and gave me confidence that our affairs were being handled with care. Nathan's approach was always straight forward and honest and that helped My wife and I actually come back together I believe.
When my wife and I agreed to stick together, we asked Nathan to switch gears and instead of helping finalize the divorce, we asked him to help get our dissolution dismissed and with in only a few days it was dismissed and we're up and rebuilding..
Nathan and the Goldberg Jones team were honest, straight fwd and aggressive during this ordeal and in the end were caring and genuine with our final needs, I'd recommend them for men going through what really is/was for me the most difficult times I have been through.
thanks, Nathan!
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29 Dec, 2020 by Danielle
John Velthuyzen was recommended to me by a friend of a friend. I couldn't have found a better lawyer! Since my divorce in 2016 a few of my friends have needed a divorce lawyer. I recommend him every time!
When John took over my case he began fixing things that my 1st lawyer did differently. John was prompt and communicative. He was very calm, organized and prepared all the time. My ex did a lot of things to make me work extra hard in discovery and in filing frivolous motions. John was a fighter and responded to each of my ex's motions and succeeded in getting my ex to have to pay for many of those frivolous motions and court costs.
My divorce ended up in trial. John was beyond excellent in trial! He was more than prepared for the games my ex played. I was so absolutely impressed and feel so blessed that I ended up with John to represent my case. I don't know if another lawyer could have done better. John knew exactly
how trial would go and was able to respond to every game my ex tried to play. My ex's lawyer was even impressed and called him a "Cadillac lawyer." So you know he was fancy!
The entire cost with 3 days of trial included was less than $35K. I ended up with the best results that I could have considering the situation I was in with my ex. If I ever need a lawyer in the future I will definitely call John and see if he will be able to handle my case.
Not only was John an excellent lawyer, he is also a quality, caring person. He has stayed in touch with me over the years, and has offered to help with various things related to my divorce and child support. He remembers my child and me and asks how we are doing. Great lawyer, great person! I highly recommend him!
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07 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
All I can say is there are way better attorneys out there that actually care about their clients and their children. I’m a low income parent and this guy charged me and my family $75,000 for a Washington State parenting plan. That’s right $75,000 for a mediated parenting plan. Instead of sending my child to college I have to take out a loan to pay this guy for being really bad at his job and getting out maneuvered in every possible way by attorneys that were paid less than $10,000 for their work. Maybe If you want to lose and spend way too much money for almost nothing he would be a good attorney to hire? Hire someone else that actually cares.
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05 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
I consulted with Ms. Freel-Sparks regarding our case and felt she was honest about her professional opinions. She made some assumptions about our case without having a clear picture of certain issues and not reviewing the information we were willing to provide. She didn't feel it would have made a difference, I totally disagreed with this assessment.
Overall, she is an attorney that claims to be a very good negotiator, but not a fighter or one to take a firm stance. This is someone to bridge the gap, to discuss issues that specifically deal with special education, but feels there has to be a real need to retain attorney.
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14 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
I have waited five years to write this review. I hired Ruth Edlund halfway through my divorce to only concentrate on the parenting part of the case. I had received a less than favorable parent eval. and asked her to dispute the false accusations and lies as I had been a stay at home mom for 13 years and a teacher with a masters degree. I kept the former attorney on as well to work on the financial piece of the case. Ruth didn't listen to my concerns, wanted to create a new case which involved hiring a forensic psychiatrist and other expert witnesses that could testify in court. This not only drove the bill up, but instead of contesting false accusations she was agreeing to them and wanting me to be diagnosed with a mental illness that didn't exist in the first place. She ultimately didn't want to go to trial and in the end after mediation my ex husbands attorney filed an emergency hearing accusing me of more false accusations. Ruth failed to read the documents the morning of the hearing and we got killed because she didn't know how to fight back. She didn't object to the false testimony and we took a beating. I was then forced to sign a parenting plan and financial plan together which was to release a temp. restraining order the other party filed frivolously against me to see my children. I didn't know the dysfunction of family law at that time and agreed to sign my life away to see my three children. Five years later I do know the ins and out of family law and I know Ruth took advantage of me and did not represent me fairly or adequately. Documents were changed without my consent and agreements were changed without my approval. I tried for years to reach her to question and confront her regarding the malpractice situation. I was always directed to voicemail and she would deny any wrong doing via email. I recently heard she is no longer with Weschler Becker which is a step in the right direction. Ruth overcharged me and ultimately misrepresented me in a fairly straight forward contested divorce that the average attorney could have handled. Its a shame one person can do so much damage to the lives of others. Ruth should not be practicing law.
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29 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Ruth represented me in my divorce case but was unprepared and unorganized. She did not prepare me for trial, failed to object or challenge the opposing counsel during hearings for obvious misstatements. Ruth was lax in filing final orders and did not accurately highlight the mental illness and abuse of my former husband which ultimately caused trauma to my children and unnecessary delays and hardship. Then she over billed me and refused to complete my case so I was required to act alone until another attorney stepped in to represent my and my children's best interest. Ruth is only interested in self promotion and financial gain.
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20 Jun, 2014 by Suzanne
Ms Edlund represented me in a child custody case. Even with solid proof of my husbands mental illness and abusive nature she was unable to get me the custody i desired. She claims to be the most knowledgable and respected lawyer in the area but I saw nothing close to that in my interaction with her. The best thing about her is her strong relationship with several family court judges. Many of which are in "awe" of her high profile firm. This unfortunately didn't help me to get the sole custody I wanted with my "Little Boo"
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16 Nov, 2021 by Travis
I hired Matthew in February '21 to do my divorce paperwork and be a plan B if things went left with my Ex. Matt said he would try to get me on a $5k retainer but billing asked for $10k.
Matthew seemed empathetic at first. He had a calm demeanor and gave the impression he would be invested in getting me through the process.
I gave my Ex an initial offer. She counter-offered asking for 3x the amount. One that would never be held up in court but I didn't know that. Matt did not tell me that. He told me two things. I couldn't afford to have him negotiate on my behalf and she could make it much worse. My best bet was to stick with him and do the negotiations myself.
I did that, I negotiated a deal I should have never have entertained. I waited on Matthew to provide the final paperwork. This is where his apathy and incompetence saved me. It gave me time to double check and talk to other attorneys.
I didn't get my paperwork when Matthew said I would, so I fired him. Billing let me know that Matthew had spent my $10k in all two months. They hounded me for $500 more as I "overspent" on my services.
I let them know I would cover it if Matthew could explain how his initial estimate of < $5k ended up costing me over double that. Matthew never responded. I recently reached out to him and asked again. I asked for an explanation and a discussion on a refund of any amount.
Matthew does not care about you if he knows he's already sucked you dry. I have never been treated so inhumanly by someone I was paying.
I hired a different lawyer who cut my alimony in half. He did in less than 30 minutes with my exes lawyer and $3k.
If you have millions in property, then Matthew is your guy. If you're reading this and realizing you made a mistake, it is never too late to fire your lawyer.
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03 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Matthew represented me in a divorce case for several months until mediation was completed. Having worked with one attorney prior to Matthew (pro-se divorce consultation), and one attorney after (representing me in trial), I can comparatively say I had a very poor experience with Matthew. While Matthew is very warm, empathetic, and agreeable and works at a "big-name" firm (things that brought me to Matthew), I found that he was not a strong advocate for me, was challenging to work with, and was significantly more expensive compared to my other attorneys (even the one who prepared for and spent 3.5 days in trial with me).
Specific issues:
(1) I asked Matthew to simply argue the data - that I couldn't afford what the opposing party wanted. But he didn't share this data or even my budget with the opposing party, and I believe this hurt me. We simply weren't aligned on strategy - to use data and facts (like what I earned and could afford to give) to argue the case, vs using his preferred tactic to let other parties go first w/ no info, then countering lower and then seeing where you land. This strategy had very little effect at moving the opposing party towards realistic numbers.
(2) Matthew didn't advocate against a mediator becoming biased and actively inflating the opposing parties expenses and budget.
(3) Matthew often told me to take bad deals I literally couldn't afford because he thought a court might possibly make a more adverse decision. I really just wanted him to fight for something that even got me to a $0 end of month budget (vs. something that put me in the negative).
(4) Matthew was often not responsive to emails or phone calls for days to weeks at a time. Requests to improve this didn't change his behavior in a lasting way.
(5) I asked to hold meetings to discuss strategy and next steps, but often couldn't schedule these until the day or day before arguments/documents/proposals were due. We were ill-prepared and I was ill-prepared because I didn't know what was coming
(6) Matthew didn't provide clarity into upcoming bills (despite asking for this). I was surprised by how quickly large retainers were spent, and it was frustrating to see how much of the retainer was spent on printing huge binders never used, overhead costs you pre-agree to, and other firm employees I never met.
(7) I eventually let Matthew go (in writing and via voicemail), but was invoiced for activities completed after I let Matthew go. It took months to successfully get the firm to drop the charges.
I had none of these issues with my other attorneys. While I know Matthew couldn't control the outcome of my case, the process of working with him was very frustrating, and the cost was egregious when I compare the efficiency and pleasure I had of working with my other attorneys.
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22 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
This review is difficult for me to share, but I feel I have to do it so at least others might be able to benefit from it. Matt simply was not a zealous advocate for me in my divorce. I gave him the benefit of the doubt for a while because he had started out well. After a month or so, though, Matt became passive and barely did any work. For a while he wasn't really billing, so initially the expenses weren't very high, but by the end I was paying thousands and seeing little movement on my case.
My divorce was straightforward; no kids, just division of a handful of assets. It dragged on for well over a year though. Opposing counsel, on behalf of my ex, would deliberately obfuscate and stall, and when faced with this, Matt simply accepted it. He did not push for transparency, did not find ways to push opposing counsel toward an end, and also did very little work himself. Weeks would go by with no communication from Matt, and when I'd reach out to check in, he would often times not respond. One time he disappeared for almost a month. I reached out to him three times to check in and ask if there was anything I could do to help move things forward, and he only responded after I told him I'd have to find other representation since my case was obviously not a priority for him. Despite his assurances, his behavior did not change.
A few times, Matt told me he was going to start work on something, then never did it. For example, opposing counsel sent us a settlement proposal and Matt told me he would get working on a counter-proposal right away. After 3 months and several attempts on my part to push or ask if I could help, there was still no counter-proposal from Matt.
Finally, I requested mediation (an extra cost) in an effort to force an end myself. The mediation was a full day. Matt's representation was fair, and we were able to negotiate the high points, although I now wonder if another attorney would have done better for me on those. At the end there were some details still open, and I tried to ask about them. Matt was in a hurry to leave and was dismissive of my questions, packing up while I was talking to him. I was uncomfortable signing the agreement, but I decided to trust that Matt wouldn't leave anything important hanging. It turns out I misunderstood an essential piece that I would not have agreed to if Matt had explained it to me properly. He also left a loophole that my ex exploited, which left me in financial limbo for what turned out to be months after the settlement.
When weeks turned into months after the settlement and there was no end in sight, I had to let Matt go. I retained someone else to finish the divorce (several thousand additional dollars that I really couldn't spare), and my new attorney was able to wrap it up within a few weeks of coming on board, despite encountering the same difficulties with opposing counsel that Matt had. She was just more proactive and wouldn't accept their tactics.
To add insult to injury, Matt's firm charged me interest on my outstanding bill, which took a few months for me to be able to pay due to the loophole Matt had left in my agreement.
Unfortunately, my experience was so frustrating that I can't recommend Matt or McKinley Irvin. Divorce is already one of the worst times in people's lives, and my ordeal with them just compounded it. I hope they're able to offer a better experience to future clients.
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30 Sep, 2020 by Nigel
I worked with Rich in 2016 when I went through a divorce, and I would highly recommend him. He was attentive to my case when it needed to be prioritized, and he was knowledgeable throughout the process. While we only made it to mediation, I would have been confident working with Rich had we gone to trial.
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28 Jan, 2016 by Meichele
I initially met with Richard for a free consultation. It was clear from the start that he had the knowledge and experience necessary to handle my case. My case was very complicated, involving a modification of a parenting plan with the children residing in another state. Richard took the time to listen to the facts of my case and answered all of my questions. Just as important, he never tried to oversell me or waste my time/money. I would highly recommend this attorney
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20 Feb, 2015 by Michael
Mr Cassady is an extremely good attorney. I was in a bad situation financially and he really helped me to understand my options, course of actions and what was important when converting my separation into a final divorce decree. We hit many bumps in the road and he was on top of all of them and kept me informed on a regular basis. He worked diligently to map out and get the best outcome possible. The divorce is final now and the future ahead is not cloudy any more thanks to his efforts.
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15 Mar, 2018 by C. and
Melanie helped me through a really difficult legal matter. She stayed in close communication and allocated enough time to get it resolved in my favor. I appreciate her professionalism and her sheer grit. She did what was necessary to take care of it and didn't overcharge. I really appreciate her honesty.
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11 Jul, 2017 by Matthew
I hired Melanie under recommendation from a friend and then was warned by that friend that she was screwing him out of return of money that was paid for a retainer and suggested I do not hire her. He is currently filing a bar complaint and had her contacted by another attorney to get some money back. I HAD ALREADY SIGNED AN AGREEMENT SO WAS STUCK. She literally did nothing she promised, took no action or gace no advise on home, did not follow through on any ideas or promises based on initial consultation and then 8 months in sends me a letter she quits due to the fact she will be out of town for a personal issue - asked her for court dates and nay info pertaining my divorce status to be sent to me and she said look at your old emails to find anything - SHE SHOULD NOT BE WORKING AS AN ATTORNEY - You expect an attorney to guide you through process and suggest what to do throughout - DO NOT HIRE THIS LADY SHE IS A SHAM
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06 Dec, 2013 by Anonymous
Nice to talk to on the phone but shoves you aside when she's busy. I've been waiting a while for her to help. Nice lady but seemed to busy to work my case. Why didn't she communicate in a reasonable time ? I don't know.
She claims that she responds to requests promptly? This can't be further from the truth. There were multiple times that she did not bother to return my calls and was unapologetic for her procrastination. She was also acting like a counselor and telling me how i should handle my oldest son and how I should talk to him. She rambled on like she is some counselor or physiologist. I found this inappropriate and disturbing. I felt like she is not personable whatsoever and is quick to denounce her own faults and blame me as potential client when posting a negative review.
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03 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Anne Gould is dishonest and did not have my best interests at heart, nor did she care about my children. She created mess after mess and was angry. She told me too much about her personal life that had fallen apart. She is very unprofessional, did not get critical information on the record and failed my family. I can't believe anyone would give her five stars. Anne let opposing counsel have his way and ruined my life without any remorse. She shouldn't be allowed to practice law. I recommend that you choose other counsel.
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04 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
Frankly, if you think "divorce lawyer", RUN AWAY from this one. She has been a complete waste of my time and my money. I mean literally... after spending about $20,000 and countless hours doing exactly what she wanted me to do and filling all the documents, I ended up with a commissioner sentence that was exactly the opposite of what we were looking for, and it sided 100% (Yes! let me insist ONE HUNDRED PERCENT) with my spouse. Without investing on her and therefore saving lots of money and time, I could have not gotten less.
To add to that already dismal feeling, she has an attitude, kind of condescending and cold, which I thought naively could have been a plus in the trial.
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12 May, 2018 by Beth
I would love to give Anne a 10 star rating. Unfortunately I can only go to five. I've only needed her services once and she was a rock star. Anne fought for me and always had my best interests in mind. She is very smart, fair, helpful, kind, and honest. The dissolution of my marriage was settled through mediation (she avoided the ridiculously expensive court costs) and the result was very fair and the best outcome for the circumstances. If I ever choose to marry again I’m definitely having Anne write my pre-nip!
Anyone who is going through it knows that divorce is absolutely draining. It drains time, money and energy. Anne kept it from draining my soul. She's awesome.
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06 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
Catherine stepped in to help me when my previous lawyer quit just two months before trial. She was principally responsible for the excellent result I obtained at trial and I uneqivocably recommend her.
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18 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
She is not a very good public speaker and really was little help. She contiually said, "You probably won't win that." I don't think I was asking for unreasonable things. She would use the fact that I didn't have much money and tell me that would end up costing me more. I paid her $10,000 for something I could almost do myself. I am now searching for another attorney as my ex is taking me back to court less than one year later.
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29 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
I had a lot of trouble with her giving me one answer and then a completely different answer at a later date for the same information. She "completely forgot" one part of the proceedings, and poorly worded documents which has caused years of confusion and court hearings to straighten out.
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29 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
He missed several deadlines which cost me literally thousands of dollars. He charged me to file a motion to fix his mistake, which was denied, and charged me for that too. He talks a good game, but at the end of the day, doesn't care. He charged me so much to try to fix his mistake that I had to make two payments on the bill, so he charged me interest on the second half, for work he would have never had to do if he hadn't missed the deadline. He should be reimbursing me the thousands of dollars extra I had to pay my ex because he blew the deadline, not charging me for trying to fix his mistake, which he didn't fix.
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20 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Bennet was hired to represent our family in a very complicated international child-custody/domestic abuse situation. At the beginning, he jumped right in and wrote a very impressive brief. However, as time went on, he lost interest in the case, often siting he had other clients, and did not prepare at all for the mediation and the trial. He often did not respond for weeks when it was time sensitive issue, and let us down big time in his court presentation. It was too late for us to find another lawyer after the mediation and before the trial. I would not recommend his services at all.
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21 Oct, 2020 by Mike
Robert was tasked to file a motion for contempt as my counsel and failed to file properly, then after mores charges paid, failed to file properly yet again, you be the judge!
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03 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
I wish we would have read the review above before ever working with Carl Edwards.
We also endured several delays in Carls responses. The length of time Carl took to rule on our matters made his rulings "stale" to a judge who also refused to use any of Carl's language/ruling in the order.
Carl shouldn't represent family law cases. His actions have already put my child in jeopardy on several occasions because of his inability to read materials and separate himself from his own personal and political issues when ruling. His Rulings will not protect you, as they won't be confirmed in court.
DO NOT HIRE Carl Edwards
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26 Oct, 2018 by Shannon
Carl Edwards came highly recommended. After reviewing a complicated case after 38 years of marriage, he assured me he would be my advocate and stand up to my husband-something I was never able to do. He acknowledged that he would get a forensic accountant and handle my husbands outrageous spending as "predistributions". He shared that he chose few cases because his family would always be a priority.
Unfortunately Carl was never my advocate, never stood up to my husband's lies, refused to get a forensic accountant, undermined my credibility, was sidetracked with personal issues and an enormous case load, proved that he had no understanding of commercial real estate or residential real estate, and was clueless about domestic abuse...
Eventually I had to fight both my husband and Carl over the value of my commercial building (Carl had never obtained an appraisal over the 2 years prior to final arbitration). My settlement doubled because of my persistence.
Carl had so many personal issues during my case, it would be reasonable for him to acknowledge this and be accountable. He has not.
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20 Aug, 2008 by Anonymous
Carl is a really good lawyer. Attentive to his clients, attentive to detail, reasonably well organized, and very honest about the law, and the law's up's and down's. he won't guarantee you that you'll win your case with empty promises, but you get the impression from him and working with him that he'll do everything he can within the law that is fair and reasonable and doesn't promote animosity, to win. Carl doesn't believe in destroying your opponent with slander, but rather standing by the facts and the law and with good common sense to get the job done. People in divorces will often give themselves enough rope to hang themselves with, Carl sees to it ya don't do anything stupid.
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28 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Working with Patricia was a horrible experience! She seemed friendly and competent, but basically took my money and ran. She extended what should have been a 30 min session into 3hrs and billed me for the time it took when her computer program didn't work. She was almost non-responsive and when she did respond, it was "I'll get back to you tomorrow" Run far, far away from this lawyer!
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15 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Absolutely horrible attorney. She didn't respond for weeks at a time, and when she did she would repeat irrelevant info and build up hours with no strategy or coherant direction. She was fired from Seattle Divorce Services before I could fire her as my attorney. No idea where she is now hopefully retired.
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19 Apr, 2013 by Susan
The worst attorney imagineable. She lost paperwork, neglected to read pertinent information, never returned calls or emails for weeks at a time. Stay far far away from this one. She didn't even know the details of my case when I transferred from another attorney and still doesn't. She actually LOST the arbitrator's final decision and never did file it with the court. My ex had to file it.
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16 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
I would strongly caution anyone who is considering hiring Eugene Oliver to represent them, especially in a family law case where there is conflict between the parties. I am a professional woman and a single mom; I had need of an attorney to handle some post-divorce matters that should have been relatively straightforward and was referred to Mr. Oliver by a colleague who had used his services for some low-conflict divorce mediation. After initially meeting with Mr. Oliver in person and explaining the nature of my case and the type of legal help I needed, he laid out a "plan" for me on how we should proceed. In hindsight, I understand now that he totally misinformed me and submitted a statement to the court commissioner that was heavily criticized by the commissioner due to some very basic technical errors that caused the commissioner to rule against me. Not only did Mr. Oliver make grave errors in formulating my statement for the court commissioner, he arrived at the hearing totally unprepared and did not even remember some of the most basic facts of my case when the court commissioner was questioning him. I was told afterwards by three different attorneys that the mistakes Mr. Oliver made were very serious and would harm me for years down the road. It has been two years since this happened and the court commissioner's verdict, made as a direct result of Mr. Oliver's mistakes, continues to harm not only me but my young child as well. This attorney does not know some of the most fundamental tenets of family law and for $6,500 brought nothing but frustration to me and misfortune to myself and my child. I would not recommend him to anyone who cares about the outcome of their case.
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12 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Oliver decided to take my case Pro Bono at the last minute and was not properly prepared to represent me, which had negative consequences when the Commissioner made his decision. I recommend getting a referral from Legal Voice. They referred me to lawyers, who would represent you for one Court Hearing only.
Of the three lawyers, they recommended two were very friendly to give practical advice and finally one called to say he an opening of for my 9am Monday hearing. Beginning on Friday and through the weekend he called and emailed to get information to be prepared for a one day only representation. At the court hearing on Monday he was fully prepared and the outcome was in my favor. My previous lawyer charged me $6,688.00 and his work ethic was simply to put in hours.
Mr. Oliver's work ethic of taking a case and not being prepared is not the kind of lawyer, I would recommend to others.
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12 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
I worked with her on a custody battle. She talked about herself and her boyfriend. Going to court, she talked to me about how she felt fat. In court she said nothing and told me to say nothing and the other attorney blasted us and she didn't' stand up for me at all. After that, and in the middle of the battle, she said she quits being my attorney after taking the majority of my money that I had as a stay at home mom and I had to start up with another attorney with barely anything. It was the worst experience I have ever had.
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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.
