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11 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Said everything I needed to hear to get my retainer. Heard from her twice in a year. Apologized that she was giving such poor service and chalked it up to "personal problems", meanwhile, spent the retainer and sent me a bill for more money. Most charges are answering me every other month to find out what is going on. If it didn't happen to me, I'd think this was a joke. She is either unqualified, or cannot manage her workload. Either way, I would avoid at all costs...or the costs will be all to you with nothing but frustration to show for it.
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05 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I was mis-lead time & time again. I was financially & emotionally taken advantage of, and from the minute I signed my name, I was bullied and treated like a moron who didn't matter. Terrible human. Joy Ann Demas, and her office,... they're just HORRIBLE! period. And I had a nightmare experience with Joy, and the firm.
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06 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
I have not received response to emails in a timely manner. When I questioned the bill and lack of communication I was ignored. When I asked her to remove herself from my case I started to get some communication. It was to late at that point. I had to hire a new lawyer.
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31 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Presents himself as an ex-Judge, but upon further review, he only served a short term as a Judge. Hired him for complicated matters, not divorce. He never disclosed that the matters I hired him for was not his areas of expertise. He took the case and lots of money anyway. He consulted with and subcontracted much of his work to another attorney and charged large fees for both. Long on style and very short on results. Be very cautious. I had great faith in him going in, but after finding real, and effective, attorneys to sort out the mess left by Mr. Carey, I realized how poorly my cases were handled. Hiring him was a huge mistake in my opinion, but I did not realize that until It was much too late. When push came to shove, instead of being tough with the opposing attorneys, when he should have been, he let many opportunities just slip by. Poor attention to important details at court hearings and mediation. Also, like the other reviewer, I felt he was too interested in interacting socially with the opposing, and mediation, attorneys during breaks etc., instead of paying close attention to his clients real and important matters at hand and for which he was hired.
The attorneys hired by me, after Mr. Carey's involvement ended, to help resolve many issues left open by Mr. Carey, were under the opinion that
Mr. Carey was "in over his head" for the matters in the field for which I had hired him. Further, they stated that, in their opinion, he should have never taken on the work given his inexperience in the field of law for which I hired him and for which the legal issues, not divorce issues, demanded. Perhaps he is good at divorce law and should only practice in that field.
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15 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Dear readers, I worked with Mr. Carey on a family law matter and more recently a civil issue. Mr. Carey while a former Judge trying to get a hold of a new career again in representing clients in Family law has a knack for understanding, is forthright and honest as well as using his many years as a judge as a guidepost in his counsel to his clients. Initially however I worried about his court demeanor and his tactics but I am a non-lawyer and the family matter was extremely sensitive...I trusted Kevin and for what I paid he helped me get my life back and this review some 4 years later tells me he was right and correct about everything. I did not take all his advise but I am good. As for the Civil matter he answered my call in the off hours, met with me and took care of my issue and followed up in writing. His fees and costs we about right and relative to the money I spend on legal support - not a bad deal.
I would recommend him for mediation and court...he has gotten his feet wet again now in Family Law and does a ton of listening - your file and work will be given his time and attention and he is a Jesuit Graduate and an real nice man as well as honest. Thanks Kevin
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19 Jun, 2013 by Kenneth
Mr. Carey had mediation with me and my soon to be ex wife and did not assist me in any way - he just brought back all of the other attorneys offers and asked if I wanted to sign. I ended up signing a very vague agreement that left a lot of things unanswered and questionable with regard as to what I would be responsible and not responsible to pay for.
Mr. Carey left me in an adjoining room alone for over an hour - all the while I could hear him joking and laughing with the opposing attorneys.
I fired Mr. Carey shortly after I realized the lack of professionalism or effort he put forth on behalf of me.
I feel Mr. Carey is directly responsible for the poor position I am currently in, and I strongly advise anyone seeking a hard working attorney to go somewhere else where family law is concerned.
I am amazed that there is pretty much nothing I can do to help my own situation as a direct result of Mr. Carey's ineptitude and lack of attention to detail. He actually tried to send me am additional bill for services, and withdrew his bill after I sent him a bullett pointed e-mail on why I do not feel he should be entitled to any further payment. In layman's terms - he sucks as a divorce attorney.
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11 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
This attorney is well versed in procedure only. He repeatedly showed his lack of knowledge of marital law in Florida. His last big mistake has cost me more than $150,000 in efforts to reverse the decision. He has a very offensive style that is a major distraction and is the source of great stress for clients who are already facing difficult situations. He has a knack for saying the wrong thing to clients and then acting with great decorum in court. He is also obsessed with money. I would pay his bill the day I received it and he would be on the phone the next day complaining he had not received payment. He is really a property attorney who has no business practicing family law. He has no sense of strategy and does not even discuss how to win a case. In my case, he started negotiations with some false assumptions about my inevitable liabilities in the case. He gave the ball to the opposition on our ten-yard line.
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28 Sep, 2019 by Jeremy
In 2014, Mr. Broadus represented me in a Family Law Case. I met him at a networking group and because I didn't have much money, he seemed like a great choice. Well, as they say, "you get what you pay for". The Judge in the case wrote an Illegal Order, that Mr. Broadus did not catch. After the illegal clause written by the Judge was triggered, allowing my Ex-wife to flee the state with my 5 daughters, the "30 days" had passed, meaning the ruling could not be contested. I am just now, 5 years later, able to muster the resources to sue Mr. Broadus for Malpractice. I would DEFINITELY steer clear of Mr. Broadus. He is very nice and personable, but unless you want to lose your case, your children and endure years of depression because of his incompetence, I would suggest someone else.
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19 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Broadus was hired to represent me in a custody matter. I hired Mr. Broadus thinking since he's been practicing as a family law attorney for several years that he would be competent in the area of family law. My experience was every thing short of a good one. Mr. Broadus case load is too high. He lacks effective communication. He lacks attention to detail and made me lack confidence in him as my counsel.
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08 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
This lawyer has been arrested for forgery in 2017. This review keeps getting taken down by avvo because they support lawyers who have been arrested for forgery and other crimes. I will continue to spread the word about this lawyer on any and every platform available so avvo you can continue to remove this review for this lawyer who was arrested for forgery and who practices unethically.
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08 Oct, 2011 by Rodolphe celestin
When I hired him for a divorce case, in 2001, he told me at the last moment in court that he was a criminal lawyer not a family/divorce attorney. At that time, he was too late to fire him. In that regard I will never trust him again for any legal matters.
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17 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
I strongly do not recommend this attorney. She makes a lot of promises and her sales pitch sounds great. Once she is retained, she doesn’t do what’s promised. Hiring her in my family law case was one of my biggest mistakes. I felt like she could care less once she gets money out of you.
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FAQs
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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
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.
