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03 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
when my son got murdered in 2004 i was so lds that i wanted only and lds lawyer. he met me in omaha. that was nice. he thought there was a big wrongful death suit.
in the end he was not competent to handle the estate and quit leaving me hanging and sending me a bill for $10,000.00...yes, i said 10grand. he billed me more than the estate had in it.
i was in shock over my son's death and he wrote me a letter telling me it wasn't his fault my son basically got himself killed. what a nice mormon guy.
well, he may have gotten off the hook with Irina but i found his bishop and he was very nice. he told me to send him a copy of the bill and that took care of that.
he has no morals but i didn't know at the time that mormon lawyers are just like the non-mormon ones.
i was able to find another lawyer that charged me a couple of hundred dollars to do a lot of work and get my grandson some money too. that lawyer knew i had already been almost robbed so he was very nice charging so little which he did take out of the estate, but it was nothing.....for sure not 10K...he probably goes to the temple in omaha. maybe even after the consultation.
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11 Jan, 2017 by Irina
Mr Widdison finalized my divorce. He got the job done, but I don't see who would't - it was an easy case. However, the final invoice somehow turned out to be twice as much as initially discussed. Every attempt made to clarify the bill was dismissed. It's not about the money, it's about the moral character and his approach. Please be aware when making decision of appointing him to represent your interests. Research him, there is quite an interesting reading out there. Google Application of Widdison SD. I should have done a more thorough research before making my choice, that would have saved me a lot of headache.
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05 Jan, 2017 by Walker
I came to Widdison Law Firm with a complex product liability case which included governmental negligence and devastating work related injuries leaving me permanently disabled. Mr. Widdison fought hard for me during the worst part of my life and helped me to recover physically and financially. Thank you Hal!
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17 May, 2024 by Brandon young (dj skribe)
Didn’t even get a chance to sing my side of the story, and they pleaded guilty for my wife without her full consent. Basically, they went about a court matter improperly know my wife could not find a job here for months, because of her record contacted the judge and nothing was done in the matter absolutely terrible the way they conduct business it’s all about money!
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06 Dec, 2022 by Jeffrey matthias
Quick to help very professional
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30 Nov, 2022 by Green squirel
They don't care about the common folk, typical azz-holes.
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17 May, 2024 by Brandon young (dj skribe)
Didn’t even get a chance to sing my side of the story, and they pleaded guilty for my wife without her full consent. Basically, they went about a court matter improperly know my wife could not find a job here for months, because of her record contacted the judge and nothing was done in the matter absolutely terrible the way they conduct business it’s all about money!
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06 Dec, 2022 by Jeffrey matthias
Quick to help very professional
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30 Nov, 2022 by Green squirel
They don't care about the common folk, typical azz-holes.
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03 Sep, 2021 by Cliff
I spent time filling out my online statement being as specific as possible foolishly expecting someone might actually read my comments and get back to me. When no return telephone call after several days I called the office and was told she has been very busy and will give me a call later. Patiently waiting I called back a day or so later just trying to verify my email was received since I only had so many days to answer a summons and file a reply. The person answering the phone after some conversation told me they were not taking on any new clients at this time. Very, very unimpressed with this office!! Never had an opportunity to consult!
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18 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
At first was aggressive with case after collecting Huge upfront costs. Became less agressive and interested in case. I feel she was squeezing us for every penny she could get and included another lawyer Michele Lewon in on her money grab. We told her we couldn't afford her fees with no results any more and she sent a a request to the judge to be released from our case stating irreconcilable difference when we already told her we were not continuing our service with her.
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13 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
Explained that we had a pretty clear cut case in the beginning.
Then half way through said we might not win. Then I stated we need to be more aggressive with our case because we are losing. I asked if she would be willing to do that and she resigned from my case.
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25 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Court dates continually rescheduled. Took over 18 months before we saw the inside of a court house for divorce and custody hearing. Deck seemed sympathetic and intested but when it came to taking any kind of action he did little to nothing or was not prepared! Attorneys like this will continue to take your money, blow smoke up your rear and leave you discouraged in the system as long as people do not make complaints or report the attorneys poor representation!
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06 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
The only time he pays attention to you is right before you have court. During any court proceedings he ignores anything you wish to bring up and acts like you haven’t said anything. He is a yes man for the other side. He does not follow through even if he tells you he will. He must be over loaded with cases because he seems to not have time to actually care about your case. He has no business practicing in family law. And it may just be time for him to hang it up.
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FAQs
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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.
