Lawyers map
>9
experienced lawyers
Filter by
26 Oct, 2023 by Melissa van paris
After multiple calls, no answer and a voicemail….never received a call back.
Read more
02 Mar, 2023 by Catalina wetzel
So beyond happy with the outcome of my case. A very lovely and caring law firm. Highly recommend it.
Read more
02 Mar, 2023 by Dean zellers
I have known Bill for 27 years when i first met him at age 29. I just knew when i needed an attorney William (Bill) has been my first call, If he could not help me , he knew someone who could.
Read more
26 Oct, 2023 by Melissa van paris
After multiple calls, no answer and a voicemail….never received a call back.
Read more
02 Mar, 2023 by Catalina wetzel
So beyond happy with the outcome of my case. A very lovely and caring law firm. Highly recommend it.
Read more
02 Mar, 2023 by Dean zellers
I have known Bill for 27 years when i first met him at age 29. I just knew when i needed an attorney William (Bill) has been my first call, If he could not help me , he knew someone who could.
Read more
09 Oct, 2014 by Josh
I would definitely recommend Georgiann. I first acquired her services around 11 years ago. I was clueless to the process and as a young man fighting for custody of his two children, I needed someone who could not only walk me step by step through the process but also to see me through a long brutal divorce. I would have to write a novel to give you all the details of how messy and brutal this divorce really was but instead I will tell you that without Georgiann I could have never made it through it. if you've ever been through a divorce like this you will know that it really never is over however Georgiann stood by me every step of the way and I received full custody of my children and more. it's not everyday that a young man ends up with full custody of his children and this requires one excellent lawyer. I feel like Georgiann is a part of my family now and will always have the utmost gratitude for her services.
Read more
17 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
Ms Rovai has helped me in the most difficult time of my life. She is personable and efficient. She always returns my phone calls and answers any questions. I feel confident in her ability to hand difficult situations. My divorce is still on going after 10 years and Mr. Rovai has kept me informed and has made sure that my interests are always taken care of. She is on time to every court hearing that I have had. I could not image going through my divorce without her by my side. I have recommended her in the past and will continue to recommend her in the future.
Read more
10 Sep, 2012 by Anonymous
I found her to be uninformed about most issues. She was also not liked by the judges involved, which was obvious. She doesn't return calls, even after several reminders, and it was a big mistake getting involved with her altogether. She still hasn't followed through with my ORIGINAL request, and I am not sure if she is just a terrible attorney in general, or is just lazy. Stay away from this attorney, you will thank me! I was referred by another lawyer who later apologized for the referral, he was unaware of her track record. She still has some money of mine in her coffers, and I am giving up hope, or maybe I just dread any more contact! She represented me in a divorce proceeding, and I was better off handling the proceedings myself! She seemed to have a big ego, and did NOT appreciate any input from her client, in my case, ME! I found if difficult to approach her with mistakes I felt she was making, and even though it was at MY expense, she put me on the defensive! I never was contacted by her to finish a MAJOR transaction she was to accomplish, and when I finally contacted HER, she said, "Oh, I forgot about that!" Well, I DIDN'T! And she still has my money, I asked for legal advice on what to do, and the resounding response was just to remove her, and retain another attorney. It will remain to be seen whether I have a fight to get my money that has been accrueing interest ( in HER account) back! I have a feeling I would never hear from her again, so I will follow the advice of other attorneys and replace her. I am dreading EVERYTHING about the future experience, just like I dreaded the current experience with her, at the time! Her bedside manner leaves much to be desired, and i never found out WHY the judges so obviously disliked her, but i am guessing it was her lack of knowledge of the law! SHE told me that the judges didn't like her, and this was BEFORE I saw it for myself. maybe she was warning me.
Read more
28 Jan, 2014 by Paul
Ms Richards was brought into a contentious custody case at the suggestion of my attorney, Brian Del Bove. Her role was Minor's Counsel. She was touted as someone who was both fair, and someone who would enforce the orders and recommendations of an earlier ruling in family court. She has been a disaster for me and my two children. Although the court ordered therapy for my daughters, reconciliation therapy for me and my daughters to take place on a weekly basis, I've seen my youngest daughter just once in nine months, my eldest four times over nine months. Ms Richards has refused to push for therapy because--according to Mr Del Bove--she has a personal conflict with me their father. Ms Richards also appears to have been intimidated by the mother who has applied psychological blackmail against the children. I was the primary caregiver for years until I was diagnosed and treated for advanced prostate cancer three years ago.
Ms Richards, rejecting the courts recommendations, has recently recommend to the court to strip me of legal and physical custody, returning my daughters to the mother. The mother has more than fifteen CPS reports filed against her. The mother's new husband had been arrested for assaulting her in front of the children when they were eight and ten, and attempting to rape my then ten year old. There had been a restraint order against the stepfather for five years. Ms Richards appears to have aligned herself with my former partner, a woman who was considered "inept" and "delusional" by a custody evaluator. The mother also has a terrible history of alcohol and drug use. Ms Richards has refused all communication with me. She would not respond to my emails or calls when my youngest daughter began missing classes. My daughter was either late or absent 40% of her class days over two semesters. Although my daughter, once a top student, was now failing math and also failed her SSAT's, Ms Richards refused to intervene, at least to my knowledge. My experience with this attorney has been dismal. After ten years of court battles, dozens of professionals, most well meaning and helpful, I have finally came across a professional who appears to have taken the low-road.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
