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28 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Attorney Pirtle is extremely professional and knowledgeable. Would recommend hands down!
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06 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
The Pirtle Law Firm represented me well during my divorce case. Miss. Pirtle is very thorough, knowledgeable and professional. She was excellent, prompt and she addressed all of my concerns. I would definitely recommend this law office to others.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Ms Pirtle listened to my situation and offered sound advice as to what my options were and what would help me with my legal dilemma. Highly recommend.
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11 Jun, 2020 by Samantha
I never had any doubt when retaining Jessie in a family law case. It was a pretty hairy case, and he made sure he looked into every possible way to help. He makes sure you understand every option available to you, and will go above and beyond to make sure he can do what is best for you as his client. If you want an attorney who genuinely cares for you and your family, this is the guy to retain!
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03 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Jessie is an excellent attorney. I hired him in 2007 as my divorce attorney. My husband and I ended up reconciling that year but I rehired Jessie in 2018. My divorce was difficult since my husband thought we would reconcile again. Jessie guided me through every part of the process. During the divorce I was in a car accident which he also handled for me. I was very surprised at the settlement he was able to get for me. I was really only looking to recoup what my insurance had paid and what I had paid out of pocket. He was able to get the max allowed under the car insurance policy. I have recommended Jessie to everyone I know that needs an attorney!!
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28 Jun, 2019 by Mark
I met Jessie in 2004 by referral from a friend for a family legal matter. Jessie provided excellent legal counsel and counseling during and after the completion of the matter. Jessie understands the DSM manual for psychological disturbances and applies it in both offensive and defensive instances. Jessie provided not just legal, but compassionate advice to affect the intended outcome of the case. Since then I have utilized Jessie's services for an adoption, civil matters and bodily injury cases with a positive outcome in each instance.
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16 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I had a very unpleasant experience with another local divorce attorney in the Charleston area. After finagling firing that attorney, I brought my case to Autumn and Cortney (one of her paralegals). They not only reassured me that they could get things wrapped up efficiently and they did just that. Autumn is highly responsive to her clients which I'm sure can be a challenge as many of us are very stressed and emotional during this process. She always answered my questions and let me know when and what to expect. Can't say enough about this attorney or everyone I encountered at this firm.
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15 Jan, 2015 by Daniel
Ms. Hazy simplified my whole divorce process. She was very knowledgeable, helpful, and I've never met a nicer lawyer! My specific situation required a very constrained timeline, but she handed my case with ease. Worth every penny. I would recommend her to anyone!
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12 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
This firm assisted me in numerous personal and business transactions. Autumn Hazy navigated me through updating and amending my child custody agreement to secure additional time with my son. While she is a relatively new lawyer, she works with an experienced team of very well respected attorneys, including Tiffany Provence and David Causey. I enjoyed working with Ms. Hazy and this firm and have always been very impressed with the service I receive. My previous experience has involved large Charleston firms and I'm embarrassed to admit that I was paying 3-4 times as much for less service. I highly recommend them for domestic, probate and criminal work and have always been thanked for sending friends and colleagues to their firm.
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13 Apr, 2018 by Rena
So glad God guided me to hire Carolyn. She and her paralegal Haley took a difficult situation and made it easier. I not only hired an attorney,but also a friend rhat wougyld watch over and make sure my son and I would be okay. She is just amazing
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11 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
God always has a way of sending an angel in our time of need, especially when we need them the most! Carolyn was my angel at one of the worst times of my life. She not only guided me in the right direction legally but she always had a beautiful way of speaking with me in a caring yet professional way. She supported me and stood by me through some of the difficult times that I couldn’t seem to understand or see any hope for in the future. She was always very honest and thorough with every detail in my case. If I ever have to face a legal issue again, Carolyn will be the first person I call for guidance. I trust her knowledge and ability to manage crucial legal family court issues.
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19 May, 2022 by Amy geilhausen
Excellent representation! Sara Warner helped me in a difficult time and made my situation less stressful. She always provided a prompt response and great advice. I highly recommend this attorney.
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22 Apr, 2022 by Joseph cruppenink
Sara was extremely helpful and diligent and got me the max amount of money she could get me out of my accident case! I'd without a doubt use her again for any of my future needs! She was on top of my case at all times and diligent in getting me updates on everything!
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08 Jul, 2013 by Ian
Barbra was very helpful in my legal situation. I had a traffic citation that I needed assistance with. Both her and her paralegal were very respectful and helpful, and knew about the case. They were able to get the citation dropped, and removed from my record. Also too, they took payments due to my financial situation. I would recommend them to anyone.
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20 Jun, 2023 by Brian
My ex-wife and I were married for almost 12 years with two children. Ryan helped me navigate the waters of our non-contested divorce when I was served papers last year. He was available through text, email, and by phone to answer all of my questions and helped me get through it unscathed. Everybody’s situation is different but Ryan helped get me the best possible solution available and I am extremely happy with the outcome. I would 100 percent recommend Ryan to other’s with any of their family court needs.
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10 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Rossington was very aggressive in handling my case. He actually cares and it showed. I ended up receiving more than expected! Thank you, ROSSINGTON LAW OFFICES!
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05 Nov, 2020 by Rebecca
I hired Mr. Witherspoon to represent me in negotiating an IRS debt incurred through an acrimonious divorce process. He educated me, filed paperwork, advocated for my best interests, and successfully negotiated an OIC. He was efficient, effective and thorough every step of the way. Highly recommend his services.
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16 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr Messervy and his assistant Autumn Hazy helped me in a disastrous case where I was being asked to show cause by my ex husband, who had resurfaced after being absent for several years. My anxiety was through the roof, but Ms Hazy's excellent communication and Mr. Messervy's calm wisdom kept me grounded. Things escalated during the hearing and many other issues came up. Mr. Messervy won me back all of my attorney fees and travel expenses. Just amazing!
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29 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I live 300 miles from Summerville. My divorce was final but my ex was NOT abiding by the orders. Gina was an excellent, timely, professional, easy to talk to, reasonably priced advocate for me. I wish she'd handled the full divorce. My ex had ignored the court order, ignored the sheriffs endeavor to serve papers & anythings else he could think of to be annoying. Gina was not detoured by his non-since & was able to get everything settled without another trip to court. She knows her stuff!!!
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09 Feb, 2016 by Amanda
Jeff is one of the best lawyers in the Summerville area. I had what should have been a very simple divorce but due to how difficult my ex decided to be it turned out to be tremendously complicated. Jeff has been so wonderful throughout the whole process. He is very responsive and witty in his emails. For what was one of the most stressful parts of my life he always had me laughing. At the same time, he is extremely professional and knows how get things done in court. Jeff handled everything so I could focus on work and not have this divorce take over my life any more than it already had. When my ex decided not follow the court ordered divorce decree Jeff did not take my money and rack up more legal costs (which he could have easily done). Instead he referred me to a lawyer in CA (where my ex currently lives) to handle my case so issues could actually be resolved. He is an honest man who is actually here to help you. Do yourself a favor if you need a family law lawyer just hire Jeff!
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06 Feb, 2016 by John
I had a fairly difficult case where the outcome was uncertain. Jeff did a great job of laying out my case and becuase of that we came out on top at trial. I couldn't have been more pleased.
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08 Jun, 2015 by Allison
Jeff was amazing. He was honest and real with me. He did a great job at keeping my calm when my nerves could have gotten the best of me. His knowledge was beyond my expectations. I knew that I could count on his communication any time I had a question or concern. While I haven't had a ton of experience with lawyers Jeff went above and beyond what I could have imagined and made my divorce as painless as possible.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Tawana walker
I am writing this review on behalf of my sister, Christine Walker, who was poorly represented by Makenzie. She accepted a fee to do legal work-and did absolutely nothing-yet, she claims that my sister has an outstanding balance. As a newly appointed attorney, why would Makenzie accept a case she is not professionally competent to handle. This child custody case was too complicated for her to handle. My sister was totally misrepresented. Honestly, this kind egregious representation was definitely racially motivated. Purposely not keeping my sister informed about her case, being dishonest and dismissive, and lastly demanding money for doing absolutely nothing. Elizabeth Height is to blame as well. Why would she allow Makenzie to handle such a complicated case? I am helping my sister to file a complaint with the SC Bar.
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12 Jun, 2023 by Robin
Custody situation which was very complex due to the fact that is was a family matter. Elizabeth, handled it all in a professional yet compassionate manner. I was blessed to have been introduced to her.
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19 Nov, 2021 by Jennifer kappell
Elizabeth form the moment I met with her was understanding and sympathetic to my situation which was WAY beyond a normal divorce in terms of the things my ex-husband was doing ( think lifetime movie kind of secrets). I instantly bonded with her during my initial consult. It was the most difficult and uneasy time of my life for me personally. She was absolutely wonderful! She is quick, sharp, extremely smart and doesn't miss a beat. I know I probably was not the easiest client as I have a hard time waiting for news. She understood my pain and I believe used it to fight for me on my behalf. I know she moved things along very quickly for me. One of the most impressive things about Liz is that while she was empathetic and kind during our initial consultation, I could also tell that there was a very powerful fire in her along with wisdom and intelligence. I knew instantly this woman can fight! When it came time for court she absolutely killed it for me. The divorce itself was absolutely horrible, but Liz is an absolute force and has a drive like I've never seen on her clients behalf.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Belgica
This woman just took my money, she doesn’t even know what she is doing. All she wants is your money! My hard working money. The only money I had left she took it from me and my children. Do not hire this woman!!!!!!!
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22 May, 2023 by Robert schweikart
Ben has handled my divorce as well as a new born adoption for us. My adopted son will be 21 on June 4th. Ben has prepared all the paperwork for whenever my time comes. I think Ben is an excellent lawyer. Robert Schweikart
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18 Apr, 2023 by Larry hamilton
Ben mack done more harm than good. It is why I am dirt poor and x is filthy rich. She was awarded house when normally assets would be divided in half...
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18 Sep, 2019 by Missy
Kyle remained by my side through one of the most difficult times of my life. He was always there leading the way and taking care of all my concerns and issues. I would highly recommend Kyle to anyone looking for piece of mind and a strong voice.
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17 Sep, 2019 by Arlette
Kyle is an absolutely amazing lawyer! He ensured that all of my questions and any concerns were answered accordingly. He is prompt and handled my case very attentively. I will highly recommend him to everyone who is looking for services that he offers! I will definitely be a return client if I ever require his services again!
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17 Sep, 2019 by Christi
Kyle Ward helped me with charges my juvenile son was charged with in 2018-2019. He was very informative on our options, always available for questions or concerns, and did a great job handling it all, as his charges were in two different counties and three different cities. I highly recommend him!
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12 Aug, 2013 by Gail
I live in NJ and Graves Wilson was recommended by a NJ attorney. Have been delighted with his service. He is handling an adoption for me and has been sensitive to my need for answers and never made me feel as though I was a bother. Kept me updated on every step and gently walked me through a process that was completely new to me. I would be very confident recommending him.
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22 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
I found him on your website. Went to the firm site, found no email address, talked to 2 people, and was told I could not have his email address without answering questions. I cannot recommend an attorney who is not readily accessible by email.
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31 May, 2013 by Ho dong
Very informative and helpful. He's is also friendly and provides all that we needed at the time. I approve Graves.
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02 Jun, 2018 by Shawn
I hired Mr Hyland because he told me I had a slam dunk case. 1 year later, I was battling just to break even and not lose any parental rights that I had. It all came down to finances. He never expected my exwife to lie and fight I guess. Lol. He never filed inquiries I requested to prove my case and just wanted it over at the end. He was pushing me into a settlement that I didn't want but felt compelled to accept because it was obvious that he could care less. So overall, don't believe in him and dont hire him unless your pockets are deep. He appears to lose that loving feeling as the well dried up.
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29 Jan, 2017 by Michelle h
Took on my case and put me at ease right from start. He gets the job done!
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20 Jan, 2017 by Rudy
I needed help and contacted Gregory Hyland. I was not sure what action I needed to take legally and he helped me out. He made the whole experience (could have been very unsettling and trying) easy and handled it with professionalism and care. I would definitely recommend Gregory for your legal needs. I don't understand the negative reviews he has received as I was completely satisfied with my experience and will seek his help in future legal matters should they arise.
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10 Jan, 2024 by Pamela
This lady, who has a small child herself, had me thrown in jail for my sperm donors attorney fees. She sentenced me too 30 days,I could get out when I paid my ex's attorney fees of $2300. I am an unemployed,single parent who home schools her son. Kimmons did not give me a chance to pay the money back over time, did not let me make arrangements for my child or his school work,she found me guilty of almost all the accusations, strictly on hear say and did not let my witnesses speak to prove these were lies. My son is 9 years old,his sperm donor wanted nothing to do with him and did not even meet him until he was 7 years old,he drinks and drives with my child in the vehicle but she didn't care about any of that. She was rude,nasty,biased and did NOT have the best interest of my child in mind.
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12 Apr, 2016 by Christopher l. hosch
Mandy far exceeded my expectations. Mandy personalized the relationship, owned my concerns, and engendered a belief she would do everything possible to help me succeed. And she did. Most of all, Mandy was available and responded in a timely manner. I would most definitely recommend her.
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22 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Natalie to do a simple, uncontested divorce. From the start, I explained that my ex was difficult and we needed to have everything done right the first time. My ex came to her office and signed all of the paperwork- or so I thought. The day of court, she arrived deshelved and entered the courtroom on her iPhone. Why ? Because she was scrolling and googling what to say to the judge. Seriously. I can't make this crap up. Toward the end, the judge flipped through the paperwork and asked where page x was. Come to find out, she forgot a page. The judge granted my divorce but not the agreement (custody, child support, visitation, etc) because of her incompetence. My ex took full advantage and refused to sign the missing page because he said he didn't trust her. She refused to help me any more and said, You got your $500 worth of work from me. Because of her mistake, I had no court order for support or visitation. It took me hiring another attorney, $10k in debt and receiving no child support for over a year to correct her massive screw up. Her error, point blank, cost me years of my life and thousands of dollars. She is a hot mess and shouldn't be allowed to even practice law.
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23 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Almost lost my kids because of her, what she stated to the judge made me, her client, in contempt of court. She is not intelligent and doesn't have the knowledge needed to represent people that are dealing with serious situations. Wasted over 5 grand on her to almost get me arrested
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04 May, 2023 by Anonymous
If you want to lose a case hire Tran. Attitude, disposition, and aggressive behavior render this individual a liability.
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20 Dec, 2023 by Lee
Sheila is better at billing you than representing you. She makes mistakes and passes them off as your responsibility. She also confuses your case with other clients
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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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