Lawyers map
>178
experienced lawyers
Filter by
19 Jul, 2024 by Aaron miller
03 Mar, 2024 by Dori cassidy
09 Feb, 2024 by Lahib desha
Please do your research before hiring an immigration lawyer! We decided to reach out to Taft Law regarding an E2 business visa. We were told during our consultation that it would be around $6-8000. We talked it over and decided to go with them. We had a few more questions about the process in the next following days and we had told them we were going to go through with it and pay a retainer. After the first initial email we got from them me and my wife decided that we were no longer interested in pursuing that visa. Not because of the law firm but we decided that it was too risky of business for us and decided not to proceed. I sent them an email saying I was sorry and no longer wanted to proceed and apologized for wasting there time and that I was going to pay them for there time they had spent on our file.
We had a 45 min consultation, a 15 min phone call followed by a 20 minute phone call. We had no idea that every second of each phone call was being billed out at $480/hour. Long story short they charged us $1740 for a Zoom Consultation, 2 phone calls and an email. And they said that price included things that they didn’t charge for as well, as if they were giving us a break at that price. I feel like they threw the charges at us only because we were no longer working with them. They quoted us 6-8k for the visa and they did about 5% of the work and billed us $1740? Something doesn’t add up. Unfair billing practices!
I don’t expect them to work for FREE but $1740 for an email, 2 phone calls and a consultation is ridiculous.
I would highly suggest you go elsewhere where they are more transparent with their prices.
We are out the $1740 but it’s probably best as there quote of 6-8k would probably end up being 10-14k.
Read more
20 Jul, 2022 by Michael
She failed to investigate anything in my case, did not object to a statutory enhancement that does not apply, did not keep me updated so I could make informed decisions and judge j. Ronnie Greer said she was ineffective. United States v Freeman, case no. 2:14-cr-73 Ed tn
Read more
16 Mar, 2019 by Daniel
The disciplinary actions against her can never discredit all the work she has done for the clients she fought for. I can care less about the reason(s) she was reprimanded & it does not matter, god bless you Allison Folmar & everything you stand for.
Read more
27 Jun, 2013 by Sandra
Professional, Prepared, Poised, and she knows the law. Ms. Folmar made sure the laws of Michigan & the best interest of my son stayed in the forefront of my custody case. Unfortunately, I wasted time & money on other attorneys before meeting her. Trust me!! As a mom who had to fight, get Ms. Folmar on your team from the start!
Read more
29 Apr, 2024 by D'lo
I hired Burt Sallinger to represent me in a child custody case, but unfortunately, I found his services to be unsatisfactory. He consistently spelled my name incorrectly in court filings and did not correct the errors when brought to his attention. He also conveyed messages to the defendant's attorney inaccurately on multiple occasions.
Mr. Sallinger was disrespectful and failed to provide clear explanations of the legal process. When I asked questions about child support to understand my rights better, his response was dismissive and unhelpful. He refused to advocate for increased custody time as I requested, initially providing no reason, and later claiming the Friend of the Court wanted the child to be with the mother longer.
There were billing issues as well, with Mr. Sallinger calling me directly for payment when my company had already paid him. His administrative assistant was also rude and unprofessional during phone calls.
When I asked Mr. Sallinger to withdraw from my case, he was unpleasant and uncooperative, refusing to forward contacts and claiming he was no longer my lawyer, despite still being legally responsible for my representation.
Throughout the case, Mr. Sallinger failed to use relevant evidence I provided to support my position and seemed more interested in reaching a quick agreement than fighting for my rights and my daughter's best interests. He also failed to send documents to the mediator in a timely manner, causing delays in the case.
Overall, working with Mr. Sallinger added unnecessary stress to an already challenging situation. I have sent a letter of grievance to the Attorney Grievance Commission due to his unprofessional conduct and poor representation.
Read more
11 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Mistakenly hired with little due diligence due to the immediate need and lower cost (seemingly). Rude tone, seems disorganized, frequent typos and errors including exposing other client's information. Did not fight for anything we asked for. Just was a presence, checking boxes. Rate will be just as pricey as any other attorney because he nickles and dimes you to talk to you and do his job. If you want good representation that will fight for you, don't hire this guy. In the end it would have been better to hire a more competent attorney for the higher rate.
Read more
23 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Burt has assisted my family on several occasions. He is personable, quickly comes up to speed on the particular situation, and provides insight and feedback on how best to move forward. In terms of bottom-line results, I have never had a setback while represented by Burt. I recommend him without reservation.
Read more
10 Mar, 2024 by Tina
The worst mistake of my life. She caused me thousands of dollars and lied to ever time I asked for information. DO NOT LET HER RUIN YOUR CASE LIKE SHE DID MINE!! She encouraged to engage in illegal activities. HORRIBLE WARNING WARNING WARNING!!!
Read more
21 Aug, 2021 by Chad garrison
04 Jul, 2021 by Joe frisella
19 Jul, 2024 by Aaron miller
03 Mar, 2024 by Dori cassidy
09 Feb, 2024 by Lahib desha
Please do your research before hiring an immigration lawyer! We decided to reach out to Taft Law regarding an E2 business visa. We were told during our consultation that it would be around $6-8000. We talked it over and decided to go with them. We had a few more questions about the process in the next following days and we had told them we were going to go through with it and pay a retainer. After the first initial email we got from them me and my wife decided that we were no longer interested in pursuing that visa. Not because of the law firm but we decided that it was too risky of business for us and decided not to proceed. I sent them an email saying I was sorry and no longer wanted to proceed and apologized for wasting there time and that I was going to pay them for there time they had spent on our file.
We had a 45 min consultation, a 15 min phone call followed by a 20 minute phone call. We had no idea that every second of each phone call was being billed out at $480/hour. Long story short they charged us $1740 for a Zoom Consultation, 2 phone calls and an email. And they said that price included things that they didn’t charge for as well, as if they were giving us a break at that price. I feel like they threw the charges at us only because we were no longer working with them. They quoted us 6-8k for the visa and they did about 5% of the work and billed us $1740? Something doesn’t add up. Unfair billing practices!
I don’t expect them to work for FREE but $1740 for an email, 2 phone calls and a consultation is ridiculous.
I would highly suggest you go elsewhere where they are more transparent with their prices.
We are out the $1740 but it’s probably best as there quote of 6-8k would probably end up being 10-14k.
Read more
07 Jul, 2024 by Brad mandel
Awful human and awful lawyer..
Read more
24 May, 2022 by Venus williams
08 Apr, 2022 by Jacob allen
He handle my situation professional and knew how to get the job done .
Read more
12 Sep, 2020 by Eric
Attorney Ellison helped me through the darkest time of my life. I highly recommend him as a lawyer... He told me what to expect. Everything he said came true .... I give him an A+
Read more
14 Jan, 2020 by David
Mr. Ellison was very unprepared, advised me to relinquish all bargaining tools concerning my divorce case, had a number of clients simultaneously in other courtrooms on the same day of my court dates. He is unorganized and I would not recommend him. You get what you pay for. He doesn't charge much because of his level of dedication and expertise. I wouldn't recommend this lawyer to anyone. We got our behind handed to us by a more professional attorney with a game plan.
Read more
14 Oct, 2023 by Ruth
He was court appointed on my brother's behalf.He did nothing but agree with the opposition. Never allowed us to present our evidence of abuse. What a waste of our time and my brothers best interest.
Read more
11 Aug, 2021 by Ricky
Great lawyer!!! Helped me out so much!! Would hire again in a heartbeat if needed!! I am really really happy with how fast and accurate he was!!
Read more
22 Apr, 2013 by Tim
I tried to contact Ms. Nelson-Klein regarding a legal matter but I never received a reply.
Read more
25 Jan, 2012 by Michelle
The lawyer helped me through a pretty thorny issue involving guardianship and adoption in probate court when other attorneys did not want to touch it. She was tenacious and a strong advocate and in the end, largely because of her expertise and determination, the adoption went through, and just before Christmas. She may be a bit rough around the edges, but I found her to have a heart (and brain) of gold. She gets the job done.
Read more
11 May, 2011 by Anonymous
This lawyer is absolutely terrible. When you need her to help you, she is basically unreachable. She refuses to email, work weekends, or call you after hours unless it benefits her. I needed her to sign off on a document and she refused to open her schedule to meet or to call me. When she needed me to sign a document, she started calling me on weekends and after hours badgering me to get this document signed. It's funny how she works weekends, and after hours when it benefits her. In addition to that, she is slow and really doesn't have time to take on the amount of work that she has taken on. She promised me that my case would be closed within 90 days and it has been almost 2 years. No external circumstances has caused this, this is completely her fault. She comes up with multiple excuses on why it's taking her so long. Every phone call results in a different excuse. She is also very rude, condescending, and unprofessional. I would not recommend working with this person at all. All in all, it has been a horrible experience working with her and I will be glad when this is over.
Read more
29 May, 2024 by Anonymous
not prepared excuse after excuse misses court days over and over unprofessional. would not recommend she's not good in the criminal field.
Read more
08 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
She is currently working on an estate case for myself and my siblings, she is never in the office and when we leave her a message, she never has the courtesy to return our phone calls.
Read more
17 Apr, 2010 by Anonymous
she is an excellent lawyer who gets work done and continuously works hard and efficient. i have had the honor to work with her and it was an pleasure. you need a lawyer shes the women i would get her.
Read more
21 Aug, 2012 by Tahira
I paid Mr. Goss when my mother died to handle all legal aspects of her estate and he abandoned me when it got to the transfer of her property in my name. He would not return my calls and to this day I do not have the property in my name after paying my sibling off for the property. This has been 3 years of a nightmare business relationship.
Read more
23 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Todd did a awful job on a case and was disrespectful to everybody after payment. Mr mcconaghy was not intelligent at and seemed unqualified to carry a license of law. Do not hire him.
Read more
14 Feb, 2019 by Adam
I told him my ex would never live up to an agreement and that the case needed to be controlled by the courts. He said ok. We made an agreement, he said he filed it, and news flash... she didn’t fulfill her part. I contacted him and he admitted that he never filed because he assumed that she was speaking in good faith. I lost all 18 years of my daughters life.
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.
