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18 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
I consulted Ms. Stuart for post nuptial issues that are unrelenting. She gave me her full time and attention and read over my documents, allowed me to ask any questions, gave full opinions based on the law, and provided helpful insight. She is straightforward and honest. That I can say. If hired, I would be able to provide more as to her handling opposing counsel and court, IF it came to that.
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28 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
I had the good fortune of hearing about Ms Stuart from a friend. She actually follows through on what she says and is very straight forward. I would certainly recommend her to a friend.
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27 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
I was going through a horrible divorce and desperately needed a lawyer who would be my advocate no matter what. Mrs Stuart was all that and more .If you need someone on your side that will fight for you and really knows the law you need Mrs Stuart Divorce can be an emotionally crippling experience and having Susan on your side is a very comforting feeling ..Needless to say , everything worked out extremely well and I am forever grateful for Susan's representation . She is just the best.
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14 Dec, 2020 by Sara
I have been fighting a CPS Civil Rights case with Mr. Del Col for 7 years now. The egregious things that happened to our daughter are slightly summarized in this New York Post article:
https://nypost.com/2016/01/17/hospitals-killed-our-baby-and-then-tried-to-blame-us-lawsuit/
When everyone else was afraid to take on our case and upset the Suffolk County Family Court System, possibly hurting their own practices; Bob was the only one that stepped up to the plate. He has spent tireless hours working, writing, researching, talking to experts and fighting for justice for my daughter and the civil rights of my sons that were wrongfully taken by CPS.
I should have typed this referral years ago. If you have any questions as to whether Robert Del Col is the proper attorney for you please feel free to call me at 631.514.9660 and I will answer any questions that you my have. He is tenacious and fiercely protective of his clients. That is not a quality easy found in this vast field. Very truly yours, Sara Keenan
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21 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I lost my sister 4 years ago and the father of her 2 young children left the state with them and this lawyer got them back for me and I now have custody of them. I can’t say enough good things about him
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16 May, 2017 by Irene
If you are looking for an amazing, smart, compassionate, talented, tough divorce attorney, Robert Delcol is your lawyer. He will fight for you and win! Being a stickler for service and working with someone that knows their profession extremely well, Robert Delcol is a professional, experienced attorney and has an amazing knowledge of law. I was very impressed and extremely happy with my results. He is the best in his field.
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20 Feb, 2024 by Rosa rosas
12 Oct, 2023 by Sara picchioni
I worked with Peter to settle a collections claim on behalf of my mother related to her stay at a skilled nursing facility. He was straightforward, honest and responsive which was very comforting given my lack of experience in dealing with aggressive collections proceedings. His knowledge spans the legal spectrum and I plan to tap his expertise for future legal matters around real estate, estate planning, small business needs and anything that might pop up along the way!
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14 Aug, 2023 by Pat poligkeit
05 Feb, 2024 by Victor
Very thorough and well prepared. Is very straightforward and great in front of the judge
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28 Jul, 2018 by Melissa
Great attorney! Mr. Howard made the divorce process as easy as it could possibly be. He was truly concerned with what was best for me and my kids. Honest and trustworthy. I definitely reccomend Mr. Howard
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04 Oct, 2017 by Nick
I was extremely nervous that the process of divorce was gonna be extremely difficult, drawn out and costly. However, Mr. Howard made the process easy and the price was much less than I expected. He was professional and knowledgeable. He also managed to get things done very quickly. Every questioned I had was answered and everything went as smooth as possible. I highly reccomend Mr. Howard to anyone going through a divorce.
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05 Nov, 2011 by Robert orlando
Ralph Fresolone has been my attorney for several years, I have used him for business contracts, civil issues, family trusts, power of attorney, medical proxy and real estate. closings
I can not say enough positive things to describe how well Mr Fresolone cared for myself and my family. He is extemely meticulous, with a passion for details - diligent in his understanding of ALL the issues.
Ralph thinks of the things which others (including his peers) dont think about -those things critical to every contract ... those items critical to ensure your safety - financial or otherwise
He also has a unique ability to explain complex legal issues in simple terms for those of us who do not understand legal jargon
I would not trust my life in the hands of another attorney
When the local banks need an attorney to protect their interests during a real estate closing they call Ralph Fresolone
When the police and sherffis dept need an attorney to protect their own, they call Tartamella, Tartamella and Fresolone
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05 Jul, 2024 by Dana bergstein
Fratello Law, located in Smithtown, is a truly remarkable estate planning and elder law firm. The attorneys are highly adept in a variety of practice areas such as wills, trusts, power of attorney, asset protection, Medicaid applications, special needs, and more.
The practice has many beneficial events as well as resources to help educate their clients.
Fratello Law is a very caring Law Firm that goes above and beyond for all of their clients!
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11 Jun, 2024 by Russ sallese
Rachel Katz was so helpful and nice with all info on living will, heathcare proxy, and reg wills. We had free consultation with her. She didn't rush us at all. We will deal with her again.
Thanks
Russ and Mary Ann Sallese.
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22 May, 2024 by Joe nunz
Professional, know their stuff and a pleasure to deal with. Highly recommend.
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23 Apr, 2022 by Dawn campo
15 Sep, 2021 by Michael friedlander
15 Mar, 2021 by Larry shivers
27 Apr, 2024 by P m
Mr Jusino is a force to be reckoned with. I call him the Crocodile because he commands respect and knows the law. They can’t push him around he’s so good I never got to testify!
He proved in minutes that my accuser was a liar. The case was dismissed and I was totally vindicated. If you want someone who will truly fight for you and win. Look no further Mr Jusino is the MAN!!!!!!
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25 Apr, 2024 by Kathy pagliari
He ruined mine and my three children lives because he was friends with my ex husband’s lawyer
Me and my kids lost everything under his recommendation
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19 Jan, 2024 by Kimberly
I called Phil’s office years ago on a Sunday morning when I was in a vulnerable place. I was surprised when Mr. Jusino called back a few minutes later that same Sunday, he introduced himself and explained how he could help. His staff is lovely and caring. When speaking to his staff you don’t feel like a client you feel like you’re talking to a caring friend especially Jolene she’s a doll. He has been a voice of reason and support the last few years and myself and my family are thankful for him. He is willing to go to battle for his clients in a professional and ethical manner. He does his best to settle cases if possible.
He communicates in a timely fashion even if that means taking a call from his home or when he’s on the road.
I would highly recommend Phil and his team!
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05 Feb, 2019 by Anthony
Mr. hove helped me with my child support case in suffolk family court. He communicate with me very good. He did a great job and got my child support lowered because of my injury and took care of back support too.
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25 Sep, 2018 by Joe
David Hove did a great job for me winning custody of my boys. He did the trial and then the case settled before the end because the mother could see she was going to lose. He is a great communicater and explained the process all through the proceeding. I would highly recommend David Hove if you are in need of a good lawyer.
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03 Jul, 2018 by Robert
Lack of effort . Got nothing that i asked for. Never returns calls. Does no leg work. He did more for my ex wife’s attorney than hers did. He absolutely sat on his hands and did nothing but take 5 k in retainer and got absolutely nothing that was asked or needed. He is absolutely the worst choice i could of made . Just a horrible reference from another attorney for a simple cut and dry case. I am absolutely disgusted i hired him . I wish i could sue for malpractice...
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02 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Shapiro's interests and alliances are not first and foremost with his own client, he listens with one ear. Mr. Shapiro's interests are solely for himself, it is more important to him to play the game and stay in good with the other attorneys. I had no marital money in my control. My son had to pay his attorney fee for me. I should have received child support and maintenance to ensure the well being of myself and four children. He held the original receipts for costly but necessary house repairs (i.e. burst water pipes during winter, etc.) which I had to charge a.k.a. go in debt and borrow son’s money to complete necessary repairs for we had no running water, heat and clean drinkable water and the house also needed to be in sellable condition. Mr. Shapiro likes to go on many vacations, and is unavailable to reach during crucial time. He allowed the defendant's attorney to also become the real estate attorney regarding sale of the marital residence and thus giving the defendant’s attorney full control over of the house sale agreements and closing. Before and during the closing we had an issue with a verified fully operating swimming pool (house was sold as is, swimming pools aren't even to be included in sale of house, in real estate swimming pools are considered as “no value”). Mr. Shapiro allowed the defendants attorney to obtain $10,000.00 for pool at closing which I did not sign the agreement and this should have never legally been allowed (conflict of interest). Also, real estate contract stated I was allowed to remain in the house for three days after the sale, which was changed to zero days at closing. The check I was handed to me at closing was after the close of banking business hours. I had to deposit the check for I did not have enough money for the bank to cash it against. This left me out in the street of NY for days. Mr. Shapiro held all the original house repair receipts for the marital residence that were paid for by son and was to be recouped at house closing which he did not. My son also had to pay Mr. Shapiro’s attorney fees for I had no control over my half of marital assets, which was lost due to having to fire Mr. Shapiro after the house closing. Mr. Shapiro hired the defendants attorney to sue me for more fees that were not timely even legally billable. Mr. Shapiro also allowed the defendants attorney to hold my half of the marital assets for years allowing them to gamble and make huge amounts of interest on my money to line their pockets, while my children and I did without. With serious medical emergency surgery at the time for me to endure, there was no protection from Mr. Shapiro when I requested and required a will to be set in place for to ensure the rightful inheritance to my children of my legal 50 percent of the marital residence and assets that were not yet disbursed and at high risk to all go back to the defendant. Too much aggravation etc., this is certainly not appropriate attorney behavior and attorney code of conduct, especially for an attorney that was hired to fight and protect My rights and interests as a Female (Person) Plaintiff; filed grievances on both attorneys. Beware!!! Mr. Shapiro must return $10,000.00 to my son immediately!!! No response is Not a Defense!
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13 Jun, 2013 by Sandra
I had a good outcome in a difficult divorce. Mr. Shapiro is very reasonable in his billing practices and his law enforcement background was very helpful in this case.
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06 Jun, 2013 by Lisa
Mitchell knows his stuff..so knowledgeable and effective. NO nonsense! I was at ease upon consultation and was in awe of his ability at our house closing. Very fair and does not over charge his client with billable hours. Would use him for any other legal maters in the future.
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18 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
He was not the laywer for cousin and me, too imapatient when explained what our needs were. annoying him
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04 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Tried calling several times for representation ,but he never responded and when I finally got someone in the phone the guy who answered was super rude and stated “Mr. Stein does not accept sales calls”.I responded “ sir I’m in need of representation this is not a sales call”. He repeated “no sales calls” and then hung up. I was totally confused by what happened,but if this is a suggestion of his services well I’d be in trouble.
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06 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
He drag my case out and lied on the phone to us our new lawyer because had fire him said this should have been done years ago but peter dragged it out don't go to him waste of 5 years
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04 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Doesn't respond, is late to court, and then overcharges you for activity you don't recognize.
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17 Jun, 2023 by Christine
Jean took my money for services she did not deliver. Paid her money to retain her and then she just disappeared. Never anderes my phone calls to her office or her cell. Never returned my emails or texts. Disgusting how you present yourself as a lawyer the. Just take someone’s money and run!
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23 Feb, 2023 by Cecilia
Not professional- disappeared
I tried to contact her and she doesn’t want to answer my messages.
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14 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
He lied about everything and double charged for motions that were never done along with court appearances he never made in addition he charged for serves he himself did not do. A case that should have been settled in no more than 6 months took over a year and a half. After I fired him and hired a new attorney my case settled in 3 weeks.
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08 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Phil Castrovinci for my custody/adjust child support trial. It cost me approximately $30,000, plus I was forced to pay the OPPOSING lawyer $7,500 on top of the $30,000 at the end.
The Judge wrote us saying, “Defendant (my ex) included a Statement of Net Worth for the Court’s consideration, which gave a more comprehensive picture of the Defendant’s financial circumstances. Plaintiff (me) did not include a Statement of Net Worth which limited the Court’s examination of his financial circumstances. Accordingly, the Court shall award of counsel fees in the sum of $7.500.00 payable by Plaintiff to Defendant.”
Not only was I refused custody of my 14 year old son, who was begging to live with me, I was somehow forced to pay over $10,000 in ‘retro’ child support when I had paid, in full and on time, what I was required to by law up until the trial.
I sat in court and watched my ex and her lawyer commit perjury by telling lies to The Court, under oath. Sitting in court I had, in my hands, proof they were lying and Phil’s response was, “It doesn’t matter”. The evidence was not presented to the Judge and I got nothing out of this case except a large amount of debt and disappointment.
As stated by other reviewers, you’ll be promised the moon and don’t hold your breath waiting for return calls/e-mails. When I was fortunate enough to get a rare response from an e-mail or a call, direct/specific questions that I had asked were dodged.
The ‘glowing’ reviews here seem to completely contradict my experience, along with multiple others. On Google reviews, I see that a family member left a 5-star review for Phil’s associate. It make we wonder about the validity of these positive reviews.
Hire at your own risk!!!
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21 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
I too wish I could give a negative star . This firm is incompetent and full of lies and false promises. I'm not sure if they did anything for me except suck me dry of thousands of dollars. Do yourself a favor… Research your lawyer… Do your homework… And do not hire anyone from this practice
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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.
