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24 Jun, 2020 by Jennifer
Mr. Fuhrman helped me close two pending cases with just the right results! He is a very honest, helpful, and attentive attorney. He will always work with your situation and needs. I highly recommend him to anyone with custody disagreements!
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04 May, 2020 by Anonymous
Had a good experience and he did a good job.I would recommend him and I would use him again if I needed his service.
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15 Oct, 2019 by Igor
I had a very pleasant conversation with Bill. I called him from Seattle to discuss re-opening my visitation case with my daughter who lives in San Diego. It turned out I have to hire a lawyer from Seattle, but Bill gave me direction, contacts, To-Do's and a whole slew of information and tips and pointers. Very grateful to him and I hope I can find a lawyer just like him here in Seattle!
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19 Jul, 2024 by Lyndsey knighten
I recently had the pleasure of working with Shawn and am beyond thankful for his services. From our first meeting, Shawn always made me feel comfortable and heard. His professionalism, combined with a genuine empathetic approach, made a horrible situation much more manageable.
Shawn was not only responsive and accessible, but also highly skilled in his field. For those seeking a lawyer who blends exceptional expertise with genuine compassion and attentiveness, Shawn Leo is highly recommended. His unwavering dedication towards his clients goes beyond measure, and if you or someone you know is seeking legal counsel, do not hesitate a second longer and call Shawn.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Danielle
03 May, 2024 by Info water business usa
I have work directly with Shawn multiple times, he was great from beginning to end. The communication, response time and clarity was better than expected. I will be using his company in the future if needed.
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12 Nov, 2014 by Robert
She's kept me well informed .Has-been there every step of the way for me fighting hard for me . Sticking to principles and ethics at the same time which are very important to me . And the ladies at the office Jody and Rihanna and the rest of the girls will be there to help you every step of the way also. Truly a team effort !
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27 Aug, 2014 by Jp - san diego
My spouse and I did a mediated divorce with another attorney. A year later, my ex-spouse hauled me back to court for what was essentially a divorce "do-over". Julie and another attorney (at a different firm) were recommended to me by someone in the legal profession. I interviewed the other attorney and Julie Mack. For my situation, Julie Mack was a better fit. She provided me with excellent advice and guidance on how to move forward in a stressful, and contested situation, while being rational with a long range view. She was also efficient, and did not bill me for excessive hours.
In the first consult with Julie, I was very clear in stating I did not have significant $$$ to spend on this round two litigation as I was still paying off the mediation attorney fees. As result, she was clear that I needed to as much work as possible, and it was my job to provide her with clearly organized and concise information about my case, so that she did not need to spend excess time doing research, or doing back and forth questons/phone calls, emails with me, and bill me at lawyer rates. She put ME to work with clear directives as to what she needed. As result, this kept the billings down, and I feel I got my $$$ worth from her.
My over-all impression is that she is a rational lawyer, not a shark out to rake your spouse over the coals, or milk your bank-account. Her advise was spot-on, and her knowledge of California divorce law, and the bias of the local court, excellent. Most important, she helped to lower my stress levels throughout the process, and helped to craft an agreement that I was happy with, and remain happy with years later.
In my divorce I worked with 4 attorneys. In this round two, I interviewed Julie and one other attorney. If I had it all to do over again, I would have hired Julie outright in round one. In contrast to the negative review here, the crafted round two agreement is water-tight, clear, and correct. If you are not out for blood, but want to craft an agreement you can live with for the rest of your life and look yourself in the mirror (and your children in the eye), I highly recommend Julie Mack.
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04 Dec, 2013 by Andrew
Julie has been our lawyer for nearly a decade after we had a bad first-time experience with another family law attorney. She is very fair and very understanding. She takes her clients' matters to heart as does her staff. Her goal is in the best interest of the children, which is what a GOOD family law attorney strives for. After we moved up to Riverside County, we were going to transfer the child custody case up there but decided against it just so we could retain her services in San Diego.
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12 Oct, 2017 by Solana beach chamber of commerce
The Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce is proud to have The Law Office of Meredith G. Lewis as a member and appreciate all they do for the community!
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14 Mar, 2021 by Karen
It has taken me nearly three years to write this review because I couldn't find the adequate words to describe Nathalie. After interviewing several attorneys, I came to Natalie on a friend's recommendation whose attorney father retained Natalie for his daughter. From the first conversation, I knew that I was in the best hands. My situation involved a difficult husband who was out for blood, a difficult separate property case, involved domestic violence, a lot of vitriol and was extraordinarily contentious. Brick by brick, Nathalie applied her brilliant knowledge of the law to build a case against any obstacle that came before her. With regard to the opposing side , she painstakingly paid attention to every single detail and ultimately trapped them using their own arguments against them, for the win. She out smart and out wit them at every turn! Natalie is fastidious with interpreting and applying case law rather than relying on mudslinging and gaslighting. There were times when I wanted her to get down in the mud with the opposing attorney and react aggressively. Nathalie clearly informed me that we are not pigs, we use case law and evidence to prove our stance, and she was right. I was a very, very difficult, needy and scared client. Nathalie not only saved me from myself by dissuading me not to react to their egregious tactics, and instead exercised her power, knowledge and experience in a dignified manner which knocked the opposing side to their knees. Nothing gets past Nathalie. During mediation, Nathalie absolutely fought for me using legal arguments which left the mediator absolutely speechless. There was nothing left to say, I won everything I deserved! To this day, my former husband is petrified of Nathalie, I need only to inform him that I will have Nathalie deal with the matter at hand and he backs down immediately! All I can say is, God help anyone who comes up against Nathalie's incredible talent, they won't know what hit them; their egos will burst like a fragile soap bubble. I am so grateful she didn't fire me, admittedly, I was like having five additional clients in one! She cares! She knew she had to protect me and she did. Her clients are people and she is empathetic to them. If you want the best, retain Nathalie, she won't let you down, she will fight tirelessly for you, not using spurious arguments, but solid legal arguments.
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04 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Nathalie represented me as my second and final attorney for my divorce. Overall, I was happy with her services. I enjoyed her dedication and fast turnaround. Due to the new tax law, there was a big incentive to finish the divorce in 2018 and she gets all my credit for getting it done. Others involved in the process were clueless. Why not five stars then?
There's been instances where I felt the OPC had a bit the upper hand due to having more experience or knowing the law/process better. A few times she had to "research" how this and that works, as billable to me. I would have thought that knowing these things already is what family lawyers are for.
In one case she jumped in the research of detailed implications of a contract, only to later find out that the contract itself might not be valid. I felt it would have been more appropriate to first research and inform me about the validity. At least once she billed me minimum billable for forwarding an email, and later another minimum billable for reading the content of that same email. I felt billing 24 minutes for this task was not reasonable.
Back to the big picture, I was satisfied with Nathalie’s services, she was the best of the four family lawyers I dealt with during my divorce and hence would recommend Nathalie to a friend - in fact I did.
P.S. my two cents if you are going through divorce with attorneys involved: hire a mediator and get it done in one day. You will hate the outcome. But you will hate the same outcome out the court even more, as you’ll end up poorer. Don’t look for justice in courts.
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12 Oct, 2017 by Solana beach chamber of commerce
The Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce is proud to have The Law Office of Meredith G. Lewis as a member and appreciate all they do for the community!
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5.0
4 Reviews
4.8
18 Reviews
26 Aug, 2024 by Your local guide
It’s very hard to find a good and trustworthy lawyer. My family was struggle with some serious problems. I was able to find Ratzer through a family friend. He has helped us so much. He is always one phone call away!
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26 Aug, 2024 by Inna k
I knew nothing about the process of divorce and Ratzer | Dino’s was so helpful as they guided me through the divorce process. They were organized and stayed on top of my case. They also responded to all my emails and calls in a timely manner. I felt like they cared about me and our case. I will forever be grateful to them for helping me through the hardest time of my life. Thank you Ratzer | Dobis
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08 Jul, 2024 by Gemma cassidy
23 Apr, 2024 by Chop giacalone
23 Apr, 2024 by Erin sanchez
I primarily worked with attorney Abe Ames for a probate case that lasted for more than 2 years. Although the estate was a huge undertaking that came with many unique challenges, Abe and his team were always invaluable resources that helped guide me along the way to great success. Abe was a pleasure to work with every step of the way and his knowledge, communication, and professionalism were truly appreciated.
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16 Feb, 2024 by Road dogg
Be careful with this Law firm. They are not upfront and will screw you out your money! They are not honest or trustworthy. Stay away Go with someone who is upfront and transparent! Buyer aware!
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23 Apr, 2024 by Chop giacalone
23 Apr, 2024 by Erin sanchez
I primarily worked with attorney Abe Ames for a probate case that lasted for more than 2 years. Although the estate was a huge undertaking that came with many unique challenges, Abe and his team were always invaluable resources that helped guide me along the way to great success. Abe was a pleasure to work with every step of the way and his knowledge, communication, and professionalism were truly appreciated.
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16 Feb, 2024 by Road dogg
Be careful with this Law firm. They are not upfront and will screw you out your money! They are not honest or trustworthy. Stay away Go with someone who is upfront and transparent! Buyer aware!
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26 Aug, 2024 by Your local guide
It’s very hard to find a good and trustworthy lawyer. My family was struggle with some serious problems. I was able to find Ratzer through a family friend. He has helped us so much. He is always one phone call away!
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26 Aug, 2024 by Inna k
I knew nothing about the process of divorce and Ratzer | Dino’s was so helpful as they guided me through the divorce process. They were organized and stayed on top of my case. They also responded to all my emails and calls in a timely manner. I felt like they cared about me and our case. I will forever be grateful to them for helping me through the hardest time of my life. Thank you Ratzer | Dobis
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08 Jul, 2024 by Alan ‘
Sarah Havens is the lawyer I want on my side in an accident. She is amazing to work with and I would recommend her to anyone. She does all the hard work and brings great results that are beyond expectation. Her para legal Tabitha quickly serves any legal requests such as records, documents, etc. They are the winning team.
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31 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Meredith was my attorney during a long and expensive case with a high conflict spouse. I had never been involved in a legal case before my divorce. I interviewed eight attorneys, and Meredith was one of the most expensive. However, I liked her, and in the beginning I was hopeful for an amicable divorce. That hope quickly evaporated and I found myself engulfed in a case where my spouse and his attorney would manipulate the legal system and outright lie to intimidate me. They didn't cooperate with turning over documents. It was a case that cost well over six figures, just my portion alone.
Meredith is responsive and far from lazy. She kept me aware of what was going on and responded quickly to email. I was constantly threatened by my spouse and living in an intensely emotionally abusive environment for both me and my child, and receiving a quick response meant a great deal to me and kept me sane. I still appreciate her for this.
I wanted to file for temporary support immediately, when it became obvious mediation wouldn't work. She delayed filing temporary support, and it opened the door to me being financially cut off. This turned my case in a very bad direction that resulted in litigation.
High conflict people hire attorneys who are sharks because they look at the case black and white and want the other party, no matter who it is or the circumstances, to have nothing. The last attorney my ex-spouse hired came to mediation prepared. She effectively used leverage to get a better deal for her client and to intimidate me. She threatened and was sharp tongued. I wanted to be defended the same way. I was in constant angst and knew, at one point, I wasn't represented that way. I couldn't get another attorney because of funds. I did not feel prepared for mediation or the abrasiveness of the private judge Meredith recommended, who although effective in settling the case, was unnecessarily rude.
I was in a long marriage to a high earner. I did not get a good settlement. This has been confirmed by another attorney who was surprised at how stacked the deal was in my spouses favor for the length of marriage and our income, and how little my support was overall. I thought I should always take my attorneys advice. They're the expert, right? That's what I'm paying them for, right? I've also had a women who works in finance specifically with divorced women, tell me I should have done better. As she said, "I would have at least wanted my attorney fees paid."
No one should pay nearly $1,000 an hour to have their attorney and forensic accountant attend mediation and be led by them to believe, "Hey, this is good enough." I found myself defending my position with the private judge throughout the very long mediation. It seemed it was a matter of taking what was on offer. Period.
I am sharing my personal experience if it can help someone else, but others may have a different experience with her office. In the end, I was disillusioned and felt my fear had been exploited to some extent. It's been a long time since my mediation, and I can say, it's hard to live with the consequences. Don't abdicate your decision making and don't throw in the towel, no matter how exhausted.
You may also benefit from a larger firm to handle a high conflict case. This is a small office.
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17 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Meredith is professional and caring. She has a deep and accessible knowledge of the law and is sharply accurate with numbers. One of the many things I appreciated about her was her stance on unnecessary drama from opposition. Her sound advice to deal directly with real legal matters and not engage with baseless accusation or matters that a court would not hear was fantastic. She forfeited thousands of dollars in billable hours by guiding me in this way. She is great at sticking to the big picture and fighting for what is legally possible. While my ex was being billed plenty of hours for calls and emails on things he and his representation (Procopio) crafted up to cause strife and stalling (and billable hours), Meredith paved the way forward in a contentious divorce by dealing solely with true legal matters. She was kind in her explanations about what a court would or would not get involved with. Meredith is a sound, respectable, excellent choice for representation. She is money well spent.
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15 Mar, 2021 by Dj
My ex and I decided to mediate our divorce, but it involved some very complicated financial questions/issues. I sought an attorney who was experienced in the court room, should we end up in litigation, but one who also understood how to mediate to help avoid litigation. Further, I needed an attorney who could quickly comprehend complex finances so as to ensure a fair settlement. I received a few referrals, but Meredith stood out as most qualified and she did an excellent job. She really knows the law and even, on a couple of occasions, had to correct and educate the mediator on the law, but in a kind and professional way. I was very impressed. I highly recommend Meredith.
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26 Aug, 2022 by Brittney
Shawn is so wonderful. Seriously, he is the most kind and gentle attorney I have ever known. I was scared going into my divorce. But mediating with my ex husband turned out to be the very best decision I could have made. Shawn was so patient with us. While I wasn't wild about everything in my agreement, we were able to settle and my ex and I are still friends. It so could have gone the other way! Most importantly, my kids have parents who get along even if we couldn't stay married. Thank you Shawn Weber for being incredible!
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17 Apr, 2018 by Jennifer
I was so scared going into my divorce. Shawn has a way of making his clients feel secure and safe from the first day. Even though this was very hard emotionally for me, Shawn made it bearable. Shawn was so patient. He listens very well and helped us find a way to settle without using a judge. His staff is wonderful too. I can't thank him enough and would recommend Shawn to anyone!
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12 Oct, 2017 by Solana beach chamber of commerce
The Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce is proud to have The Law Office of Meredith G. Lewis as a member and appreciate all they do for the community!
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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.
