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07 Nov, 2019 by Zena
No one wants to find themselves getting divorced, but if you are in this situation the best thing you could do for yourself and your kids is to have Christina Shaffer and her team on your side. She's incredibly compassionate and she's an incredible advocate who will get you through this tough time. She and her team work incredibly hard and fight for you, giving you individual attention when you need it most. They take your situation seriously and will get you through it.
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09 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
I connected with Ms Shaffer to find out more about her practice recently. I was amazed by the time she spent with me to find out more information and to share about what she and her firm have to offer. Ms Shaffer is so professional, kind, and caring and I can tell she takes on her responsibilities seriously. I recommend setting up time to consult with her if there is ever a thought that you may need to take a next step with an attorney.
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09 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
I was looking for someone to represent me during my divorce involving a very unreasonable spouse and two very young children. Christina meet with me free of charge and discussed my situation and set real expectations for me right off the bat. I decided to retain her services and am extremely glad that I did. Christina and her assistant Sarah were very professional and helpful throughout my lengthy case and trial. Christina's office was very well organized and punctual with all my paperwork and filings, they handled everything perfectly and I never had to worry about a single thing, which is important when you are going through such a testing experience like a divorce. If I ever needed to discuss a situation or ask a question, Christina's office was always available and would quickly take care of whatever I needed. Christina's billing and fees were fair, and for what she brings to the table, I never gave it a second though.
My initial legal needs were representation durning a rough custody mediation and spousal support issue. Without Christina, my children would barely see me and I would be paying so much in child and spousal support that I would have been living out of my car. But she was able to fight for me and get me more and more time with my children each time we went to court. Christina put together a very detailed MSA for me and after several attempts to reach an agreement with my ex, we had to cut our losses and go to trial. After reading some horrible stories of what has happened to some people that went to trial, I was very anxious, and a little freaked out. Christina once again gave me real expectations and told me that this was my best shot to get a fair deal. Christina and Sarah dedication and effort preparing my trial reassured me that I was in good hands, and that every detail was going to be just right, and that is exactly what you need to know when you are going to trial. Christina gave me confidence and I knew that she was going to get me the fairness and equality that I was seeking, even if it seemed like a long shot and as if the court was working against me.
After my divorce was finalized, and my trial was over, I was able to finally move on with my life and start again. Christina fought for me and turned a bleak situation into a win, something that I never thought to be a possibility. I know without a doubt that without Christina's representation, my life would be a mess right now.
I would absolutely recommend Christina to anyone in need of a silver bullet.
Thank you Christina and Sarah, you were amazing and I could never thank you enough for everything you have done for me.
Sincerely,
NM
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04 Jun, 2019 by Jing
Through my tough divorce for 3.5 years, I had three lawyers. If I did not have other two, I would not have been so appreciative of Richard Rabbin.
Richard is very professional, knowledgable, efficient, and honest. In general, I do not trust any lawyers, but working with Richard for over two years, I trust Richard very much. He fights right to the points and understands so well what I really want. he also gets the job done quickly, and charge reasonably. The first two lawyers I had charged a lot of money but got little done. but with Richard, it costs very effectively. I would highly recommend Richard if you are going through a divorce.
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14 Mar, 2016 by Dan
No family law case is without drama and Mr. Rabbin was always the coolest head in the room. His advice was straightforward and got me through the case in the fastest way the courts allow. I felt in control of all the decision making while at the same time guided by expert hands. I have and will continue to recommend Richard S Rabbin for family law concerns.
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02 Sep, 2019 by Nate
I hired Karen to assist me with with my child custody matter and she was so helpful!!! Prior to her, I made the mistake of seeking legal counsel elsewhere and literally got take advantage of by the previous attorney so when I went to her I was skeptical and scared and let her know upfront and she was understanding and empathetic and was straightforward with me about my case and in the end I pretty much got what I was asking from the court, even though my mediator was a total nightmare. I’ve continued to refer friends to her and they have had the same experience. I highly recommend her, she is trustworthy, honest, and really knows her stuff. Not to mention whenever I call or text she responds right away and the previous attorney I had was difficult to get a hold of.
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26 Sep, 2014 by Alan
Karen is a very tentative and reliable attorney. She assisted me with a restraining order, she handled the case with ease, and revealed the truth behind our case which made the case easier to judge. Thanks Karen
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09 Aug, 2012 by Anthony
After seeking paternal rights in three counties for two and a half years and two lousy lawyers I finally found Susan Witting. Susan and her great Paralegal Cindy went to work and did a excellent job preparing for court. Susan did an amazing job each time we went to court and kept me informed throughout the process. With Susan's help I finally have the shared legal and physical custody I have been seeking. Susan also got the court ordered therapy necessary to help our children heal the wounds caused by separation and divorce. I highly recommend Susan to anyone seeking help with Family Law issues.
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11 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
This lawyer is fantastic. She is very smart. Smarter than a lot of the big dogs in down. In fact, I hired a big dog, but Lauren was put on the case as his associate and ended up doing all the work and dealing with everything. She never overcharged me. In fact, her fees were very fair. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is a high net worth individual or celebrity going through marital discord. She really knows her stuff.
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19 Apr, 2012 by Hendrika
Mr. Larsen is a well qualified, seasoned, and experienced attorney with a commendable commitment to his clients and their needs. I hired Mr. Larsen for some special circumstances when I was unable to attend ex parte (emergency, last minute) hearings. He was available to help and guide me through a lot of court issues I was facing and ALWAYS returned my emails and phone calls.
He's extremely knowledgeable and will tell you how it is, even if it's not what you want to hear, but in a kind manner.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Asked a simple question , and he said a lot of things that wasn’t part of my question!! Would not recommend
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23 Jul, 2024 by K b
HANDS DOWN SHE’S AN AMAZING ATTORNEY!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, AND PATIENCE WITH ME!!! I’M VERY HAPPY YOUR NOT A PUSH OVER AS A WOMAN ATTORNEY, YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR CLIENTS, YOUR HONEST, AND I’M VERY HAPPY WITH MY FINAL ENDING!!! THANK YOU!!!!!
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27 Jun, 2024 by Wes sullivan
I met with Sunny a few months ago for a consult on a workers compensation case. Sunny immediately made me feel comfortable and very kindly educated me on all of my options to settle a permanent disability case. In fact, she told me that I had done almost all of the work already and that if I felt comfortable, I should try and settle it on my own instead of hiring her and losing some of my settlement to her expenses. She said she would be more than happy to work with me, but that I would likely not need her assistance. I would highly recommend you consider Sunny if you are looking for someone to help with your case - she will go above and beyond and will be transparent. Thank you, Sunny!
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22 Sep, 2024 by Renzo rossello
Great work and professionals
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05 Jun, 2024 by Briana bernhardt
Marc was very straightforward, honest, and thorough. I greatly appreciate his expertise and advice. Highly recommend!
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18 Oct, 2022 by Frank tomlinson
One of my clients was working with Emily Robinson on her divorce settlement. My client decided to refinance her home to satisfy the agreed buyout. Emily was very helpful through the entire process, I really don't think we would have been able to pull this off without her help. Thank you.
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27 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
Deborah Perkins did a horrible job.
Talked a big game while collecting my money. But when it came time to face down opposing counsel, she sat there quietly while I was taken to the cleaners.
She put up no fight whatsoever. She's everything you don't want in an attorney.
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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.
