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William Thad Kermisch, experienced Child Custody, Family Law attorney in Studio City, CA with 20 reviews
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44,05
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5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
1 Reviews
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5.0
19 Reviews
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16 Dec, 2024 by Manuel hernandez
KG legal group Are absolutely the best in the business very helpful when it comes to understanding what you need to know and caring about any situation that you may be faced with, and to top it off you know you're in good hands.
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18 Nov, 2024 by Ryan jasinski
I want to extend my sincerest thanks to KG Legal Group for their incredible work on my case. After a freak accident two years ago, I had been working with another law group for almost the entire duration of my case, but it wasn't until KG Legal Group took over that things truly started to come to a close. From the moment they stepped in, Armen's team was friendly, transparent, and incredibly helpful. Armen always kept me informed every step of the way, explaining the process and ensuring I understood what was happening with my case. What really stood out was how quickly and efficiently they worked once they took over. They fought hard to secure the best possible settlement for me, and their dedication to my case was evident throughout the process. I genuinely appreciated their professionalism and the overall positive experience they provided during what was otherwise a challenging time. Their service was exceptional, and I wholeheartedly recommend KG Legal Group to anyone in need of a reliable, hardworking legal team! Thanks again Armen for everything you and your team did for me. I try to let everyone know the great experience I had with you and your team, so hopefully they will make the smart decision and come to you too!
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14 Nov, 2024 by Luis alberto
Muy amables y eficaces los recomiendo
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Jorge A Velasco, experienced Family Law, Litigation attorney in Studio City, CA with 2 reviews
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35,56
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4.5/5
Avvo
4.5
2 Reviews
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09 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Jorge did a great job at dealing with my ex and his lawyers in my divorce. He got my divorce settled and I was able to move forward. I would certainly recommend him to my friends going through a divorce. When things got a little more complex, response time could be improved. However, overall good with dealing with negotiations.
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01 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
I have been working with Jorge Velasco and Daniel Paletz on a custody case for a few months now. Both Jorge and Daniel are really great lawyers. Jorge knows how to play the divorce game in a very intelligent way. Between the Jorge and Daniel they made the the giant firm my ex hired look bad. I highly recommend them if you're going through a divorce.. They're so knowledgable in family law they out smart even the largest firms. I highly recommend working with this firm!
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Larry Evan Wasserman, experienced Business, Family Law attorney in Studio City, CA with 2 reviews
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35,06
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5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
2 Reviews
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07 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
I found Mr. Wasserman on the website for my Metlife legal plan. He was patient with me and answered all of my questions. If he wasn't sure, he paused to find the answer for me. After my call, I was very comfortable with the decision I was making in handling my issue. If I need representation...I am coming back to him. Great guy!
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22 Dec, 2007 by Anonymous
Did a great job on my divorce. The judge congratulated him on winning a fair and just decision thus saving his client much money and grief.
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Daniel Josef Paletz, experienced Family Law, Litigation attorney in Studio City, CA with 20 reviews
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30,11
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4.4/5
Avvo
4.4
20 Reviews
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14 Jul, 2024 by Amir
I would like to share my past experience with attorney daniel paletz and his office. Since my case started regarding a divorce, Unfortunately, I am dissatisfied with the service provided and cannot recommend him to others. The reasons for my dissatisfaction include poor treatment, inappropriate behavior, lack of professionalism, and unethical conduct. This attorney has demonstrated a lack of integrity and is unfit to practice law. He is opportunistic and excessively money-oriented, which is unacceptable in the legal profession. I am writing this to caution others against engaging with him or his office.
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13 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
I retained Daniel Paletz for my child custody case. He was very polished during my interview of him and definitely knew what to say and how to say it so that I would retain his firm. He told me it would cost $6,000 from retaining him until getting through to our PPA set just two months later. Unbeknownst to me, my ex had significant communications with Mr. Paletz just a few months prior. This created a clear conflict. Based on my communications with Mr. Paletz he told me he would refund my retainer but wanted to know if he should write a letter to the other side to see if he could continue to represent me. I knew that my ex would never agree. Mr. Paletz wrote a three page letter to the other side with wild accusations and a set of facts that were clearly not true based on Mr. Paletz’s own emails and texts. This prompted my ex to file a motion to recuse Mr. Paletz and sanctions against me. I found a new attorney and asked for my refund. I received $800. Literally no other action was taken on the case besides the 3 page letter (which should not have been billed and was) and a continuance of a hearing that was set in August. When I asked for my full refund as promised I was met with vitriol from Mr. Paletz who told me that he would sue me for defamation if I took any other action. Why threaten a client like that? Its terrible. I intend to take this matter to the State Bar. All he had to do was refund my money like he promised.
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22 Oct, 2020 by James
I have been going through a very difficult divorce after 29-years of marriage and six children. My first attorney was not performing at an acceptable standard. I interviewed nearly ten attorneys and was referred to Daniel Paletz of Kermisch & Paletz. After meeting Daniel, I was pleasantly impressed by his vast education, intellect, tenacity, and confidence, I was instantly convinced he was the best choice to represent me. Daniel has accomplished more in the brief time we have worked together than my previous attorney in nearly a year. I wasn’t looking for the least expensive attorney because I had a lot at stake, nor was I able or willing to pay the exorbitant fees that other attorneys were quoting. Daniel, Sarah and their team have compassionately treated me like a friend and taken pride in getting me the best result, all for a very reasonable fee. If I could give 10-stars, I would. I feel so much gratitude for Daniel and Sarah that I will never be able to reciprocate to them for helping me and making this process far less stressful. I am happy to take calls from anyone interested in knowing why Daniel, Sarah and their team are your very best choice for an experienced, successful divorce law firm. The firm will provide you with my cell number.
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Sandra Jane Momotiuk, experienced Family Law attorney in Studio City, CA with 186 reviews
Below Average
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26,94
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4.5/5
Google Maps
4.5
186 Reviews
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04 Jan, 2025 by Mark balderman-highlove
Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys have been great to deal with. They have been around a long time and are very supportive of the motorcycle community in general. Anyone who rides would be wise to keep RBMA’s number handy, and call them right away in case of any sort of incident. Nobody ever wants something bad to happen on a bike, but if something does happen it is important to have someone to call who can help. The people at Russ Brown are bikers who care about bikers, and are better suited to navigate legal issues surrounding motorcycle incidents than just about anyone else in the world. I ride with Russ Brown.
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31 Oct, 2024 by Rasean jones
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09 Oct, 2024 by Ismael terrazas
Shame on russ brown!!!! They will never update you on your case,they don't try to help they want it easy or they ghost on you...don't waste your time with this useless attorney
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Emily Rebecca Rader, experienced Domestic Violence, Family Law attorney in Studio City, CA with 88 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
26,85
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4.5/5
Google Maps
4.5
88 Reviews
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23 Jan, 2025 by Konstantine anthony
On two different occasions, Daniel Paletz, Jorge Guardado, and their team at Kermisch & Paletz were able to help me advocate, achieve, and maintain a better situation and schedule for my son. The entire team is attentive and understanding. Not only is this firm good at their work, they have excellent sensitivity and compassion in dealing with the difficult cases they handle.
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25 Dec, 2024 by Manuel torres
Daniel and Lauren are absolutely brilliant. They both truly care about their clients and go above and beyond to make sure you understand your case and rights. My case was far from easy, but thanks to Daniel and Lauren’s vast knowledge, they were able to help me secure full custody of my daughter. I am forever grateful for their team’s hard work and dedication. Highly recommend!!!!
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23 Dec, 2024 by Dr. andrew jones md ms
I had a deeply disappointing experience with my attorney, William Kermisch during my recent child support court proceedings. Despite his 19 years of experience, his lack of preparation and communication severely impacted my case. On Nov 12, my case was continued because the opposing attorney hadn't received requested documents. Additionally, a request was made for my personal car and home loan applications, yet my attorney did not pursue similar documentation from my ex, even though I had informed him she might be hiding assets (which she later confirmed she was). By Dec 2, I sent the requested documents, which were extensive and required multiple emails. However, in the days that followed, my attorney failed to review or discuss them with me. Aside from a single question about the date of a loan application, there was no communication or mention of needing supplemental documents. On Dec 12, I received a late email reminding me to attend court the next day, but there were no details or strategy outlined. Despite my concerns, I trusted his expertise. On Dec 13, just before the hearing, he emailed me asking where I was, then called me from a blocked number, further illustrating a lack of regard for client rapport. During the hearing, the judge almost called for another continuation because she hadn't received the documents I sent weeks earlier. My attorney’s explanation? "The file was too large, and I didn't know how to send it." This response was not only unprofessional but also deeply frustrating. Throughout the trial, my attorney's lack of preparation became glaringly obvious. He failed to address key aspects of my case, such as my bankruptcy filing, which the judge noted was relevant to my "true financial situation". He also allowed the opposing attorney to question me extensively about my transactions without stepping in, even though the answers were in the documents I had provided. His lack of proactive questioning during cross-examination of my ex was equally disheartening—he missed critical opportunities to challenge her financial claims. To make matters worse, after lunch, my attorney was late to court due to having another case and showed little engagement when the judge disallowed several of my deductions due to insufficient documentation—documentation I had already provided but which he failed to utilize effectively. Following the trial, I received a dismissive email stating that the outcome was "less of a reduction than we hoped for but still worth doing." This summed up his apparent lack of concern for my situation. Despite filing bankruptcy and providing detailed financial records, I was left with an outcome that felt preventable had my attorney been more prepared and attentive. In hindsight, I feel I could have represented myself with the same results, saving both time and money. It was evident that my attorney prioritized moving to his next case over providing me with the representation I deserved. While I considered addressing these issues with my attorney, his lack of professionalism and communication throughout the process has led me to simply move on. This was a hard lesson learned, and I’ve shared my experience with the friend who referred me.
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Jennifer Marie Lawlor, experienced Family Law, Immigration attorney in Studio City, CA with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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0.0/5
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Joann Robin Deutch, experienced Appeals, Business attorney in Studio City, CA with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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Aimee Doherty, experienced Family Law attorney in Studio City, CA with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
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Charles William Jenkins, experienced Business, Family Law attorney in Studio City, CA with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
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Lisa Janean Wilske, experienced Child Custody, Family Law attorney in Studio City, CA with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
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Damon Everett Martin, experienced Family Law attorney in Studio City, CA with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
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Lauren Michel Lookofsky, experienced Appeals, Family Law attorney in Studio City, CA with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
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Gerald Lloyd Friedman, experienced Family Law attorney in Studio City, CA with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
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Curt Victor Leftwich, experienced Family Law attorney in Studio City, CA with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
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Eliza Glants, experienced Family Law, Intellectual Property attorney in Studio City, CA with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
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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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