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04 Sep, 2024 by Vikkie (my google)
12 Apr, 2024 by Stephanie morale
Called the office 5x left messages with theresa the secretary .and since he is not my lawyer but my brothers he will not talk to me regarding my moms Will.. and deed to her home..I want a copy of the Will mom died march 14th at hospice and since my family does not speak I am a daughter who is treated like a stranger and unless something has been done AGAIN to the will and deeds by this lawyer vs john karp who refused to change my 92 year old mothers and husbands documents who i trusted vs this lawyer who will not talk to me .what are you hiding call me with the information ..you should not change documents with elderly with cognitive issues
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29 Dec, 2023 by Jason franciosa
Lori is an excellent lawyer who is compassionate, listens well, works hard, and is def the attorney you want on your side.
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18 May, 2024 by George
Asa purple heart veteran, I am ashamed to have met Tom Colton who claims to be a patriot and takes every opportunity to rip off other veterans and innocent people seeking help, he holds the bible in one hand and a rifle in the other, his arrogance is appalling, he is a thief and not to be trusted, DO NOT HIRE!
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09 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Shame on me for taking someone else’s recommendation without doing my own research.
Shame on me for not reading the reviews.
Shame on me for expecting an intelligent, thoughtful and respectful interaction.
Shame on me for wanting to protect my personal information until I was sure I was going to hire a legal firm.
Shame on me for being trusting and expecting to be treated with respect and kindness.
Shame on me for allowing this incredibly negative experience to bother me longer than it took us to get up and walk out of the “free consultation”.
Do your own research and read the reviews. If something doesn’t feel right, walk away quickly!
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18 Jan, 2024 by Jordan
I had an emergency situation happen over the holidays and needed an attorney asap. On Christmas eve within 30 minutes of reaching out, I received a phone call from Thomas Colter himself. He was so kind and patient while listening to my issue. The day after Christmas I was in his office with an amazing team of associates and paralegals. They were kind, compassionate and worked diligently together to get me the results I needed. They even set me up on a payment program throughout the process. I cannot express how grateful I am to this office and to each person who worked tirelessly on my case. To Ashley, Sean Hardwick, Mr. Colter and everyone else: Thank you for everything you did for me and my family
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01 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Barlow for my child support and custody case. The outcome was even better than expected! I got everything I asked for and Mr. Barlow was very professional throughout the case. His rates were more than reasonable and I would hire him again in a heartbeat!
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05 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Rick to work on my divorce case. I didn't get the work and results that I would expect at his rates. After continued arguments about billing and him losing every plea in my case, I fired him. He then filed a lien against me in Martin County and I was forced to pay his ridicules bill in full. Never again, as there are to many other local attorneys that are more cost effective.. All I can say is watch out...
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31 Dec, 2013 by Stuart
When it first became necessary to hire an attorney, Mr. Barlow made himself available to me on a Sunday afternoon in his office to facilitate the needs of my schedule. He was also preparing for a trial starting the next day and I thought that his willingness to meet with me on Sunday when he was preparing for another matter was especially client oriented and showed a sincere interest in helping me retain counsel as soon as possible to relieve some of the burden from my shoulders.
Mr. Barlow listened to my entire story and all of the facts and came up with a strategy which was virtually the same as I had anticipated being an attorney myself, though a different type of attorney. Anticipating a battle lasting well into 2014, I was pleasantly surprised when we were able to get to a final hearing in mid December and everything was over.
I found Mr. Barlow be thoughtful, thorough, and compassionate. He and his paralegal make a good team for anyone who needs competent and honest representation. I would refer friends and clients who might require services in his practice areas without hesitation.
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06 May, 2022 by Alexandra
I am so extremely grateful for both Jeff Gorman and his family law attorney Erica Powers. While Mr. Gorman can handle family law matters, he primarily handles criminal matters while Ms. Powers primarily handles family court matters. I was extremely happy with Ms. Powers: She goes above and beyond to ensure that your case is handled to the best of her abilities. When retaining an attorney it is extremely important to retain an attorney who has a good rapport with the judges in within your district. When you retain Erica Powers you are also, by association, retaining the services of Jeff Gorman, which meant that I had two attorneys protecting my legal interests. Also, both Ms. Powers and Mr. Gorman are extremely well respected by all local judges as well as other attorneys. Ms. Powers is extremely adept in all legal matters. I had retained another attorney in this area, a woman, who took my retainer and then did nothing for it, absolutely no work, and used up my $7500 retainer and there was nothing I could do about it except get another attorney, which was Ms. Powers. I was very upset; however, after retaining Erica Powers I was extremely pleased that things turned out the way that they did because in the end my divorce was handled much better than I had ever anticipated and it is because of her prowess and experience. Now I am grateful that the first attorney did not work out. (IMPORTANT: NEVER SIGN A RETAINER WHERE THE ATTORNEY KEEPS ANY PART IF YOUR RETAINER IF THEY ARE TERMINATED FOR LACK OF PROGRESS OR WORK!) In the end I want to say this: I RECOMMEND MS. ERICA POWERS TO EVERYONE I MEET WHO HAS FAMILY LAW ISSUES AND I RECOMMEND HER TO YOU IF YOU ARE READING THIS: YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. I WOULD RETAIN HER AGAIN.
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05 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Do not think you are getting Jeff when you go there for a divorce you are getting Erika Powers who in the end let us walk out with less never agreed on any of our mutual agreements that would have saved a lot of money on attorney fees and we both would have settled with more.
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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.
