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29 Jun, 2023 by Cathy
Andrew and Nadia ( legal secretary) were with me every step of a 3 /4 year tumultuous divorce. My spouse played every game in the book and invented a few new tricks, none of it fazed Andrew . Andrew was always 1 step ahead and ready for anything that was thrown at us! I was awarded everything we requested and then some ! You couldn’t have a better attorney representing you during these difficult circumstances, Andrew is an outstanding lawyer, a true professional, and a caring person!!!
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01 Nov, 2022 by Mihai
Mr. Steele is a lion in the court room. He will go all the way to the end and doesn't back down. He just delivers. Many years of experience and it shows. My case was very difficult but his paralegal Miss Nadia, walked me through all the necessary paper work and answered all my questions, and I had a lot. Mr. Steele will work crazy hours on your case if needed. Weekends as well. Do not hesitate to hire him. He is a flat fee lawyer so there's no " we had to review your case for 8 hours × $350/hr " surprises.
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29 Nov, 2008 by Anonymous
This is a great attorney , old fashion , no nonsense , straight forward , and he does return phones calls , even after you paid him , very agrresive representation and honest guy .
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23 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired Richard Manzo to write a simple letter about a real estate matter. The first appointment I was hesitant but unfortunately I retained him. He would not do anything else until he knew that the check was good. We made a second appointment and which I was stood up. Mr. Manzo was a no-show. Call me later in the day wanted to meet. I came prepared with all the information he would need neatly written down. When I gave him the paper he said he could not see it so I read it to him. A day or so later he request for me to send him the same information by email Richard could not get my name correctly and he seem to be quite confused on who I was the buyer or the seller. I’ve pacifically told to wait and see what happens. But he decided to make phone calls and the only thing he accomplished was embarrassing me.
He even had to email me to get my phone number and then when he called me the TV was blaring out in the background. I am pretty sure he does not work with a paralegal from what I understand his son is helping him. I do not know what his legal education is. When confronting Mr. Manzo seems to think his incompetence is normal.
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11 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Manzo a few years ago to take over my divorce case after it was handled previously by two other attorneys who I felt did not handle my case properly and kept litigating in court for over a year and a half and overcharging me for their services. Mr. Manzo charged me a flat fee of $10,000.00 and took over my case. At first, I felt that he was very expensive and that I was trapped and had no other choice but to hire him since no other attorney was willing to take my case and I was exhausted of all this. Mr. Manzo did everything he can to avoid going to court, he listened attentively and kept me informed and we worked on a settlement with the opposing party. I trusted him entirely and was happy with the final agreement. Even afterwards, if I had any legal question, I would call him and he was there to guide me and give me legal advice at no charge. Two years later when I found out that my former husband was making more income, I wanted to take him back to court for modification of child support; I called Mr. Manzo again to represent me in court, he advised me that the judge will have more sympathy for me if I would represent myself, and to show that I am not wasting any more money to pay for legal fees. He answered all my questions at no charge, I was very confident and filled out and filed all the legal papers by myself and appeared in court as a "pro se". I was prepared to fight alone and got an increase of nearly $300.00. Mr. Manzo is an experienced and skilled attorney, he is very competent and has a good work ethic.
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05 Apr, 2013 by Earl
There are not enough spaces for the very(s) that I want to put, but very, very upset with that LACK of service. I am pasting an email I sent him, because phone calls never get to him.
Good afternoon Richard Manzo,
As discussed in mid October, I requested you set up a hearing for modification of child support due to my upcoming Oct.31st layoff. I emailed you my layoff notice and waited for your response. After several calls to your office, mostly getting the answering service, I got nowhere. I scheduled an appointment with you to talk about the case overall. You informed me that the 10,000 dollar retainer that I started with was all but gone, MUCH to my surprise, and all you could, do was draw up a modification request, that I would have to submit to the court, my ex, and any other required party. You never asked if I could afford another retainer, you never offered any information for an indigent party in my circumstance, you never laid out any expectations for me going further. In essence Richard, you accomplished nothing. You served me in the worst possible manner I could ever imagine from ANY profession, much less, one where people could go to jail due to a lack of response. That was a frustrating day for me, obviously. I asked you that afternoon for my file, and for you and I to go our separate ways. Your response was to give you a call and let you know of my request??? Still wondering what that means...? Currently, I am trying to get through this very difficult situation without counsel, and I know I should be used to that by now, but Michelle's attorney cannot speak to me because you still haven't withdrawn as counsel. I would like you to get that done as soon as possible. If there is some reason that you can't withdraw from my case, please let me know. I have left several messages over the last two weeks with your office for my file, so that I may proceed with my case. I have not received my file, a call, an explanation, or anything. One last time, will you please withdraw from my case and send my file, or call me and I will pick it up!
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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.
