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04 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
​My case was in really bad shape, the other party secretly filed for sole everything! without my knowledge, then lived with me for 2 years and never mentioned a thing. When we split they claimed to the courts I was never involved in my childs' life and never responded to the paternity papers. They used every dirty trick you can think of, I had back to back Temporary Restraining Orders being thrown at me, at the same time finding out about another request in our case. The other side wanted to zero out all my time with a default judgement to lock it in. I had only days to reply and went with a family recommendation. This was a mistake! I didn't research the guy, I didn't feel comfortable with his laid back game plan. In fact, he had no plan, and did more harm than good. I wish I would have contacted a serious attorney like Jesse. But I didn't, instead I researched and contacted legal aid organizations. Another mistake. They did help me understand the legal process and really made me feel like I was part of the case, but in fact I see now after using them so many times, they are just lazy and wanted me to write my own case, while they polished it up with legal jargon. After wasting my time and money with those downtown organization and still getting hassled by the other parties unemployed boyfriend and the drunk step dad, the final straw came when they started punishing my daughter for not wanting to call the boyfriend dad. I FINALLY CALLED JESSE! I looked around, did my research. I knew what to look for in an attorney now, I wanted someone who knows the way around the courtroom, who's not afraid to square up in the hallways with other parties attorneys. Jesse didn't let us get pushed around, I immediately got results at custody court and quickly retained Jesse Verdin for my child support case. When I called him, I was a few weeks away from a serious court date. We met up at my conveniences near my house, I have a 5 inch thick case file over the last 4 years. Jesse let me explain everything I went through in the case file, I showed him the main points and he saw my side. Jesse quickly picked up on the lies and mistakes made in the case and new exactly what to do next. Like I said he got IMMEDIATE RESULTS! I couldn't be happier with the way my daughter and mine needs are being represented now. I recommend Jesse to everyone I know and meet. If your taking the time to read reviews like I did, then trust me and go with Jesse Verdin, make whatever sacrifices you need to for you and your family. From my own personal experiences the family legal system is completely flawed and bias towards the stigmatization with fathers in court. Don't get discouraged, your kids need you in their life, Call Jesse to help fight for you in court!
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12 Dec, 2015 by Elizabeth
I hired Jesse to represented me in my recent divorce, and I could not be more grateful. Having Jesse's knowledge and guidance made all the difference and removed the stress from a difficult situation. Jesse fought for me, cared about the outcome, and made sure I did not settle for less than what was mine. He was always honest with me in regards to what to expect, and no matter what we went through he was right every single time. My case was complicated, and the fact that he was never thrown a curve ball shows his years of experience with family law in Southern California court rooms. I am incredibly happy with his work, and would highly recommend him to anyone.
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28 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
He is the best out there. Lots of experience and still very attentive to his clients. As a lady going through the most difficult time in my life, he was understanding, patient, and trustworthy with all my concerns. He was on top of my paperwork/concerns,, he was a team player, always out looking for my best interest and that of my son's life. I highly recommend him!
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15 Sep, 2015 by Nate
I came to Allison to get the E2 investor visa. She guided me through the process every single steps. She's always there to answer my question and give them promptly. I got my E2 visa and probably will hire her for my immigration need later on.
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10 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
My 15 year journey to become an immigrant has been a long, arduous and sometimes fret with so much uncertainty, fear, and even desperation. The dream for a better life so that we could give our children a good future is always first and foremost on a parent's mind and heart. My Mom, who came to the US almost 30 years ago. was referred to Aquino Law office for her immigration needs then. Now I am following in my Mom's footsteps and have been so blessed and grateful that I have Atty. Allison Aquino and Atty. Richard Loew as my lawyers. Last year, I went to Atty. Allison to consult with her about my case but deep inside I was already resigned to the fact that there was no hope for my status anymore. But on that sunny afternoon, it was like the whole sky just opened up and shone unexpected blessings to me when Atty. Allison found a way to help me with my status.I was so shocked with happiness and excitement that there was still hope for my case after all! Atty. Allison was so thorough and helpful and straight to the point but at the same I could really feel her compassion for her clients. The Aquino and Loew Law offices treat their clients with much respect and caring and I really appreciated both Atty. Allison Aquino and Atty. Richard Loew's understanding and sensitivity to my own specific case. Atty. Allison, for one is very knowledgeable and really knows how to approach your case the best way possible. Atty. Richard also is a very proactive lawyer and definitely gets the job done. He was very invaluable in my Adjustment of Status Interview and was a great boost and support to me. The Aquino and Loew Law Offices gets a top rating and review from me because my experience with them has been very positive and very encouraging and inspiring. I am one of their many clients who walked thru their doors hoping that they could help me attain my dream of becoming an immigrant - and that is exactly what they did for me. They helped me get my dream after 15 years! I can just imagine the countless other clients that Atty. Allison and Atty. Richard have helped and changed the client's lives for the better. I highly recommend the Aquino and Loew Law offices for your immigration needs as they are on-point, very knowledgeable about immigration laws, caring and compassionate and very creative in finding solutions to cases plus their interpersonal skills are one of a kind. From my own experience with both Atty. Allison and Atty. Richard, I would consider them great lawyers who provide good service to their clients. They turned my fears into hopes, my frustration of my case into hopeful potential and finally, they helped me attain my dream of being a permanent resident after 15 long years! Thank you Atty. Allison Aquino and Atty. Richard Loew and your ever efficient and helpful staff for all your hard work and perseverance on my case.
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02 Sep, 2015 by Lucio
I hired Allison Aquino in order to get the Green Card in USA. She was perfect in her orientations and her assistance. My family (part of 4) got the Green Card in a period of about 6 months. We are sure she was the major responsable for the success of our request. We are very happy with the result.
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24 Dec, 2011 by Anonymous
She did excellent work for myself and my family!
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22 Apr, 2008 by Anonymous
My experience with Kimberly was an excellent adventure. She really helped me understand my situation and was very patient with explaining areas I was not familiar with dealing. Thanks for your help.
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21 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
The best attorney I had in my divorce case. Jesus has been very responsive, with a focus on finding solutions and resolving disputes without extensive court time or excessive fees for unneeded motions and hearings. I have already recommended me to friends who are happy with his services (I found him through a friend, his former client, also very happy with his work and rightly so).
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21 Apr, 2016 by Robert s.
My case was complicated to say the least. My charges were numerous, and were heard in three different court rooms. Steven had his hands full dealing with different prosecutors, judges, and my mom, who by the way is also a hand full. There were deals offered that seamed appealing to me at the time, all things considered, and would undoubtedly relieve my attorney of mountains of motions to file, and court appearances in three cities. The easy road would have been the one most traveled by most attorneys in his shoes. But the longer harder road payed off, and I ended up home with my family much sooner than anyone had imagined, and much sooner than the prosecutors were intending. Steven Valerio is a very hard working, honest, dedicated lawyer, who would rather work more, and for the same pay, to get his clients the absolute very best representation possible, than work less, for the same pay, and just do nothing more than what he is obligated to. Which is very often the case with hired representation, who can rase the fee as the work load gets heavier. It wasn't just the money I saved, it was my life. He will fight for your freedom, and he will give you piece of mind knowing you have an attorney you can trust and rely on. Thanks again Steve.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Leilany villa
There is so much to say about carrillos law firm, first i’ll start off by saying they are positive people that bring you smiles when you’re facing one of the toughest times in your life. I’ve gone through a lot and just being supported by their whole team has gotten me so far. They make you feel heard and comfortable to speak the truth, they have your back in other words. They had our best interest in everything, they were transparent, and most importantly they cared about us. I’m not going to seat here and tell you my case was easy but i am going to say if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have been standing here now. Thank you carrillo law firm
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04 Jun, 2024 by Pifas hernandez
Excelente trabajo, profesionales y siempre te hacen sentir bien
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31 May, 2024 by Marisela hernandez
Always admired Luis Carrillo Law Firm and prayed never to need their services but when I did, I was not disappointed. Luis, Michael and Miguel were exactly the team of highly qualified attorneys we needed to seek justice. The care, compassion and empathy our family received was equivalent to that of a close friend. Best of all, was the clear communication and availability to update us every step of the way. It was superior to any expectation we could have had. Very thankful to their team!
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07 Aug, 2024 by Baja wine and dine
Lawyer Rene Ramos and staff I wanted to take a moment to Thank you for taking my Husband's case.When he told me that you were interested in his case.And that possibly you could help him in his journey to get back to US legally.It brought us joy and hope.We had seen other Lawyers but they didn't work as hard as you did.They would tell us his case was not possible to win.Thank you for making the impossible possible .We Thank you and your staff for staying by my husband side and pursuing his case.You didn't give up on him.Our family prayed for the news we received on June 12-24 that you successfully vacated the case and overturned all of the convictions. We cried tears of joy.You can only imagine how happy our hearts are.We understand that there's other steps we need to take.In order for my husband to join us in the USA where we all belong together as a family.My husband has already moved forward looking for a Immigration lawyer.We fill you were Heaven sent to us.You are our Angel Lawyer.Keep on helping other families that are in our situation.You gave us hope for unity as a family.There are no words for persons like you that make a difference in other persons life's.Many thanks over and over.Praying for blessing upon you and your family and your law firm for giving us the hope we needed.You understand how important it is for family unity. God bless you Evelyn Ochoa
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05 Aug, 2024 by Lourdes tamayo
Highly recommend. Honest, professional.
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15 Oct, 2023 by Betzy morataya
I referred a friend because the immigration attorney I work for is always referring clients to him and I have nothing but amazing things to say about attorney Rene and his firm. They are professionals and great people and make a great team. Amazing communication and my friends case was resolved in a timely manner and his immigration application was submitted on time. Thank you attorney Rene.
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01 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
Never had time to meet with me to talk about the issue with my case. The first hearing was a disaster since he did not know anything about the case and now I ask myself... Why in the world I hired this lawyer? Please hire someone that has at least 15 years experience in the type of case you need!!!
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.