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02 Jun, 2024 by K b
24 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
After consulting with several attorneys, I know Paula was the correct choice. Paula promptly returned calls and emails, she listened carefully and worked hard to ensure a positive outcome.
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13 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Paula took on our contentious custody case in 2019. Despite many setbacks from COVID, she helped us get custody of our child in 2021. Her knowledge of the Maryland court system and family law set up our case in the most successful way possible through multiple pretrials and contempt hearings; we didn't have to go to a full trial. We believe her approach to our case and was the reason the defendant asked to settle. She has been an attorney in Anne Arundel County for over 30 years and her knowledge, network, and skills reflect this tenure. She is a bulldog in court and made sure the defendant's counsel followed litigation procedures absolutely perfectly or not at all; and the judges agreed. She understands the behaviors of disordered parents and knows how to approach them with legal actions that will perfectly document their performances in a manner that the courts will understand. The legal motions she drafted for our case were brilliantly written and documented the events of our case in a manner that truly showcased the poor actions of the other parent. Not only is she good at her job, she also truly cares for her clients and their families and still asks for updates on our kids. She is worth every penny you pay, and we cannot recommend her enough. If you are seeking aid from the courts for any issues, big or small, you want Paula representing you.
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20 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
I had a Will, Power of Attorney, and Healthcare Directive drawn up by Mr. Granat and his staff using his website. They were all helpful, responsive, professional, and provided the documents in a timely fashion. They provided a service that was very cost effective to me.
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17 Feb, 2016 by Frank
I found Richard S Granat's online legal services for a fixed fee to extremely reasonable, convenient and exactly what I needed. No job is too small or unimportant. His prompt service and attention to detail was greatly appreciated.
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23 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
I am very pleased with the services provided by Mr. Granat and his staff. I became acquainted with his book, Divorce in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia back in 1996 and purchased the book. Thereafter I purchased his then available product to produce a Marital Separation Agreement. Recently purchased a Quitclaim Deed and most recently the necessary Divorce documents to finalize my Separation and divorce.
He and his staff have been fantastic, and have always answered my questions and met the needs of my personal situation.
I have recommended his services to another friend who was unable to use Mr. Granat’s services, because, unlike my spouse who was willing to work out the Separation and divorce, my friend’s wife would not settle anything out of court. I was fortunate. If your situation fits mine, using his services can save you a lot of work, money, anxiety and frustration.
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5.0
1 Reviews
09 Jun, 2012 by Anna
I had thought that there was no hope with my legal case until I met Rob. WOW! What a difference compared to so many attorneys out there. He was responsive, helpful, informative and like a pitbull in helping me not only keep custody but create a better arrangement for both me and my son.
If you want someone in your corner that is knowledgeable and takes time with you, Rob is the one to go to. He's extremely successful for his clients.
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09 Mar, 2024 by Nirmala pather
In early 2022, I realized that my marriage was over and it was time to get a divorce.
I was unemployed at that time and I was concerned about the high cost of a divorce. I then googled- how to divorce at reduced prices. I had also read about fetching the relevant forms from the court and doing one’s own divorce.
For me, that wasn’t an option as I needed help in understanding and then completing the forms. I was also saddled with the emotional aspects of such a huge decision to end a marriage and I did not feel confident in completing the paperwork correctly.
In my online search I came across: Maryland Divorce Guide - How to do your own Divorce in Maryland, by Richard S Granat, Esq.
There was an offer of free legal advice online. The law practice was based on an uncontested divorce. My children were adults and my now ex-husband, who was always one for saving money, was agreeable to an uncontested divorce.
My divorce was finalized on 7/17/2023.
My experience in using the services of Mr Granat and his associates, Kathleen and Lynette have been simply amazing.
I was slow at understanding many aspects of the divorce process, often requiring emails with detailed explanations. The responses were always respectful, courteous and extreme patience. I often made mistakes in completing the necessary forms. Yet there was never any hint of annoyance, just extreme patience and understanding.
I can’t say enough about that.
Even after the divorce was finalized, and I had to draw up my new Will and Living Will, Mr Granat and associates went over and above their responsibilities to ensure that the documents were completed successfully.
The fee that one pays is very affordable. There is no hourly fee. There’s also a fee to purchase documents, for example, different aspects of the divorce process, like a Will or QDRO.
I’m so grateful that I live in Maryland and I was able to get the tremendous support I needed, during a very, very difficult time in my life. Thanks so very much to Richard, Kathleen, and Lynnette for your patience, kindness and care.
I highly recommend the services of Richard Granat and Associates.
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5.0
21 Reviews
4.2
15 Reviews
25 Aug, 2024 by Jackie
He helped me through all aspects of my divorce! He always was there when I needed a question answered and would respond quickly! It took 5 months and the divorce is finalized already!
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24 Apr, 2024 by Catherine smithmyer
Bill Blackford is excellent, thorough, pleasant to deal with, and and a good communicator. He provided legal consultation to my small business on matters ranging from employee matters and contracts with independent contractors to fighting subpoenas when the requested information is HIPAA-protected confidential patient information. This was earlier in his career, and when he didn't know something pertaining to my business, he researched it carefully rather than offering a less-than-fully-informed off-the-cuff legal opinion. I'll bet all that research over the years means he seldom has to look much up anymore. I highly recommend him.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Luke bergerud
Bill was diligent, responsive, and great to work with! He listened to the outcomes I wanted, offered helpful advice, and did his best to move things forward under challenging circumstances. Highly recommend his service
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01 Dec, 2023 by Liz
We have been doing business with Mr. Wilsman for several years now. He has taken care of several issues for us. We have been very pleased with him and his administrative staff in all areas. He's knowledgeable and explained legal terms to us so that we completely understood. We recently had him make some changes to our will. He took care of them quickly and efficiently, and explained a ramification to us that we hadn't considered. We definitely plan to keep doing business with his office.
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02 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Wanted to create a trust and he kept giving me reasons why I
shouldn't instead of coming up with a solution to meet my goal.
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25 Nov, 2019 by Mary jo
Michael was recommended to us by another person. He did a wonderful job with the preparation of our wills, power of attorneys, and advanced directives. He explained everything and patiently answered our questions. I would definitely recommend him.
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09 Jul, 2024 by Harley hope
28 Jun, 2022 by Son nguyen
22 Jan, 2020 by Pat dunn
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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.
