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23 Aug, 2013 by Brad
I have had the pleasure of working with Attorney Dave Lima on both purchase and refinance real estate transactions. He is truly an expert at what he does.
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18 Aug, 2013 by Linda
About a year ago I decided to buy my family's home. For most people it would have been an easy transaction. As it turned out for me, many issues, disputes, and difficult situation came about. Dave was at the forefront of each one of these complication and handled them for me with his expertise, understanding and professionalism. I am sure that if I had had another Real Estate Attorney that the outcome of this transaction would not have been a favorable one for me. I certainly will never be able to thank him enough.
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16 Aug, 2013 by Pedro silva
David is a different breed of attorney. He is a human being first. He is willing to help and goes way beyond the "legal" expectations of his profession to actually doing his work to the best of his ability and full satisfaction of his clients. There are very few attorneys that I have ever met who actually care about their clients and take pride in their work in the way that Dave does. I would not hesitate to refer Dave to anyone I know. He is head and shoulders above his peers in terms of knowledge, experience, and service.
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14 May, 2023 by Ernesto de souza
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07 Mar, 2022 by Wayne cheng
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14 Jan, 2017 by Todd g.
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28 Jul, 2023 by Dean crosby
Tracey has been an excellent lawyer. She helped our family navigate a difficult estate settlement, she was always there to answer questions and solve problems. We couldn't have done it without her. I highly recommend Tracey and her staff for any legal matters. They did a great job!
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25 May, 2023 by David cancian
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24 Aug, 2022 by Fulanito de tal.
💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩
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28 Jul, 2023 by Dean crosby
Tracey has been an excellent lawyer. She helped our family navigate a difficult estate settlement, she was always there to answer questions and solve problems. We couldn't have done it without her. I highly recommend Tracey and her staff for any legal matters. They did a great job!
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25 May, 2023 by David cancian
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24 Aug, 2022 by Fulanito de tal.
💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩
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10 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Matt is comforting, knowledgeable, kind and has the capacity to “break down” legal language expeditiously. He is available and consistently present despite managing two offices. He factors in the needs of opposing parties and anticipates outcome with all fairness. When opposing parties refuse to negotiate, Matt advocates firmly. Our family highly recommends Matt and we thank him for his advocacy for our family.
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03 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Mr Blouin to help me get legal custody, child support, revised visitation, and other modifications. Matthew meticulously read over my divorce and custody agreements, and made suggestions for my case that I would have overlooked. From the first meeting I knew he was the right lawyer. I had met with other lawyers, and by far, Matthew had the most extensive knowledge of family law. He took a lot of notes and drafted my requests based on our talk. In court, he was extremely professional. My ex was a nightmare to deal with, but Matthew was composed the whole time. In the end, the court ruled in my favor, and the modifications were more than I could have hoped for. I got full custody, and Matthew was also able to negotiate other terms that I thought would take even longer. I have a huge weight lifted off my shoulders and I thank Matthew for that. My daughters life is now more stable. I couldn't be happier with the results. Thank you Matthew!
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25 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Attorney Matthew Blouin and the case was only a week away. I was very happy with the outcome and the way the case was handled by him. He was always quick to respond with any questions and concerns I had and explained everything to me and what was the best way to handle certain situations. He went above and beyond for me and I will retain him if ever needed in the future. I highly recommend him, he knows what he is doing and does it well.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Adriana
I am currently in the midst of a challenging divorce, and I cannot express enough appreciation for the outstanding support and advocacy Attorney Miller has provided so far. From the very beginning, he has been incredibly prompt in responding to my concerns, easing the stress and uncertainty of this difficult time. His attention to detail and quick communication have been invaluable in maintaining clarity and confidence in our ongoing process. Not only has Andy been efficient and professional, but he has also demonstrated an incredible level of empathy and understanding for the challenges I'm facing, particularly in dealing with a difficult soon-to-be ex-spouse. His compassionate approach has made a significant difference, providing much-needed reassurance and support. The entire team, including his paralegal, has been exceptional. They have been consistently responsive and thorough in addressing any questions or issues that arise, making sure I am well-informed at every stage. It truly feels like I have a dedicated team in my corner, advocating for my best interests. I would highly recommend my attorney to anyone navigating a divorce. His blend of professionalism, empathy, and commitment to his clients is remarkable, and I am genuinely thankful to have him guide me through this process.
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25 May, 2021 by Christine
Andy has gone above and beyond for me ! Divorce is one of the toughest most emotional time in someone’s life . I can’t say enough about Andy he’s the nicest most kind man and he’s NOT afraid to put up a good fight when necessary. The staff are also amazing kind & treat you with the utmost respect .
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12 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
Over complicated everything in order to increase the amount he could bill. Never presented the idea of simple joint petition when both would have agreed to thing (something I did not learn about until later). Took a whole bunch of unnecessary actions and filed unnecessary motions/subpoenas in order to bill more hours.
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16 Aug, 2021 by Michael
Ellyn was excellent at keeping me informed about the process and progress. Helped me define my goals for the process and then worked hard to reach those goals, Her professionalism was exemplary particularly when opposing counsel spoke in a demeaning tone with undertones of male dominance. She maintained a completely professional demeanor and did not acknowledge the slight. I was rather upset by it. I always felt like she had my back during. I trusted her to have my best interests in my in all communications with opposing counsel and the court. I would hire her again without a second thought and would recommend her to anyone with interest. She is a superstar in my book.
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25 Jul, 2021 by Diane
Attorney Fishkin is truly the attorney for divorce issues. She is easy to reach, knows what she is doing, always takes costs into account, and gets the job done. I have worked with other lawyers and have found Attorney Fishkin to be a great choice. Working with her office is easy, the staff is helpful, and she listened to my concerns. I highly recommend her services!!!! We reached a great and fair divorce.. I am highly satisfied and will call her again if I need help. 
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24 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
Lawyer Ellen took my case when other attorneys would not due to the many issues I had (custody, retirement, ex who was a cop and more) and that I had been so long without a lawyer. She knew the steps I needed to take, she saved me money by having me collect some of the documents, had me work with her assist when it would save $$ and was ez to talk to. I can say ellen saved my family. She got that I was sad but didnt let that stop her from helping me.
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21 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Unprofessional, terrible communication and was rude. Clearly didn't want the job. Would NOT recommend.
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28 Mar, 2024 by Carmen
Exactly unsatisfied. This attorney was appointed by family court to obtain a DNA test of my brother and after 7 months STILL has not the results. Mr. Bell was extremely disrespectful, condescending and rude. What he didn't realize is that our family is familiar with the law and knew he was NOT managing his responsibilities to court in a timely manner. If you are planning to retain his service DON'T wast your money.
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28 Feb, 2021 by Jennifer
Divorce is extremely emotional and Evan does the best job navigating the emotions with honest facts and a superb understanding of the law. After a marriage of nearly 20 years, he really helped me to understand the entire process and what to expect. He promptly returned my calls and emails. His dedication made me feel like I was his only client and he was always extremely communicative about his schedule to let me know if he wasn't going to be available at certain times. he made me feel like we were a team and we always had in depth discussions about certain outcomes and whether it would be "worth" it to pursue certain legal remedies, in that manner he was really upfront about the legal fees involved and he wasn't just "racking up" his bill. I think the best characteristic of Evan Bell was his honesty, even if at times it was difficult to hear. In my case there was no doubt I had the best attorney representing me.
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26 Jan, 2020 by Lisa ballard
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30 Nov, 2018 by Jonathan b. david
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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:

  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.

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