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24 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms. Pope was retained for custody. Despite it being obvious that my ex didn't want to care for his kids, but wanted to lower support payments & control things, she didn't advocate for us. He filed first; the assigned GAL asked where my petitions were, so I asked her the same & was told I didn't need to file petitions of my own... So when his grounds were revealed & they were OUTRAGEOUS, I had no recourse to open my own "change in circumstance," so I was left ONLY fighting against my ex's stupid crap. Several "deals" were tossed back & forth but none were good for my kids. Ms. Pope kept telling me I could NOT take a single day of visitation from my ex but every deal he offered cost me 12+ days per year. When you know the other party is looking to open support, you don't change days for a loss on your behalf. When a GAL can say, even to your kids' therapist that it's obvious the dad doesn't really WANT his kids, you don't GIVE that dad more time. You FIGHT for the time the mom is asking for, the kids are asking for, & the time the kids' teachers say is better for the kids. There was a last ditch effort by my ex to dodge court, but 1) the deal gave away a HUGE piece that was what he initially filed on (so I was agreeing to something I whole-heartedly believe is a detriment to the kids), 2) placed a ridiculous NEW stipulation on my time w/ the kids, & 3) gave him 3 days for every 2 days that were "added" to my time, so I was losing days overall. She yelled at me over the phone when I tried having a frank discussion w/ her about how I felt she was poorly representing me/us. She repeatedly referred to me by a very specific, derogatory term. I asked her to stop using the word & she persisted. She repeatedly told me I would lose & didn't bring half of the evidence I compiled despite it being pretty solid in the way of shining light on my ex's habits. She told me not to call witnesses because he had dismissed his, so we would look silly. She told me that one of my children's therapists would be a HUGE detriment to my case when the therapist said EVERYTHING to the contrary (& this has been reaffirmed several times!), so this professional, my strongest witness was never called. When asked about it, the therapist couldn't understand how Ms. Pope got the impression that he would be a detriment to MY case. He showed me my son's chart where he logged the information & it was reviewed again when the case was continued (I retained new counsel), & nothing he said about me was negative; in fact, the therapist agreed that it was obvious my ex doesn't want the kids, but he wants control & that's not a parent you put in charge. Period. Regardless of the issue that brought us to court this time, she put her own bias about a parenting style/choice first. She decided that the issue my ex chose to bring to court this time was something she agreed w/ him on & therefore, didn't represent me/us well. There was a lot more she could have done, especially w/ every text, email, screenshot, & witness I gave her, that she just didn't do. Her entire strategy revolved around settling out of court despite me repeatedly telling her that was not going to work - if we could settle, we wouldn't be here for the 7-8th time in 3 years. If we could settle, I wouldn't have thrown away $6,000 for an "advocate" to help argue my side. At no point did she say, "Don't offer that," during negotiations, so when one of his deals came back seizing on something I offered, but w/ additional demands, she blamed ME for giving too much away! Her advice was always, "Give away this big huge thing that was agreed upon during the marriage, to the point of signing documents to the affect of the agreement, then take what scraps he will give you for added time w/ your kids... even if it means it's not really adding time & costs you in child support, peace of mind, and sanity." The best interest of the children was over-ridden by a singular issue when it shouldn't have been.
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08 Feb, 2016 by Mike
Ashby is very informative, she stays in contact and answers your questions. She helped me win custody of my children and has helped me to keep them safe. I would recommend her to anyone.
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12 Aug, 2014 by Donald
Ashby Pope is an awesome attorney. She represented me very well with my divorce and she is a very tough lawyer. I would recommend Ashby Pope to anyone who needs a great attorney. Once again Ashby thank you for representing me.
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17 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired Archer Jones to fight a custody case for me as well as review my divorce paperwork. Initially he was upbeat about my case and I paid the retainer . A week later, his attitude completely changed. No longer upbeat, he accused me of doing the same things my ex-wife was alleging. I fired him and found a lawyer who fairly represented me and my child instead of believing my ex-wife and her lawyer. Those false allegations fell apart in court and I was able to increase my time with my daughter to 50/50. After letting him know I was going to have someone else represent me, Archer charged me an exorbitant fee to review legal paperwork that he did not author and was standard language for divorce decrees, and refused to return the retainer. I cannot express the pain of hiring someone only to have them accuse you of the same garbage your ex-wife is spreading about you. I recommend him to no one except my ex-wife. Please don't put your children's future in his hands.
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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.
