Lawyers map
>197
experienced lawyers
Filter by
02 Oct, 2017 by Tim
I didn't know this was such a powerhouse of a law firm until after I retained them to handle my divorce. The thing I liked best about dealing with them was they always treated me like a person, not just an account or client. The entire staff is that way. I especially enjoyed meeting with Mr. Goldstein because he was very understanding and compassionate. Regardless of how bleak I thought my situation was, I felt reassured and confident after meeting with him.
During the process of my divorce I also learned that G&S worked in many other legal disciplines including wills, trusts and estate matters, Immigration, and criminal law. The attorneys assigned to my case handled all of it competently and professionally. In addition to handling family law, one of them had been a prosecutor, another was well versed in immigration. About the only thing they don't handle is real estate.
I highly recommend this firm. Regardless of the type of legal matter, if it's handled by Goldstein & Scopellite I don't think you can retain anyone better.
Read more
05 Sep, 2017 by Jennifer
Mr. Goldstein helped guide me through a difficult time. Custody battle of my 2 kids. He was very knowledgeable and helped me legally as well as gave some great personal advice. He definitely seems to really care about his clients.
Read more
13 Feb, 2017 by David
I hired "Goldstein and Scopellite" about two years ago to take over as counsel in a complex litigation matter that was not going favorably. The case involved four attorneys and had many parties. When they took over the case, they were able to quickly review the lengthy file, develop a strategy to fix initial issues that were critical, and then develop a long-term strategy to win the case, which never would have happened if I had not hired them.
Mr. Goldstein and Ms. Scopellite, the partners of the firm, are professional lawyers who actually care about your case, just like they say they do on their website. They were attentive, personable, and helped me to understand the process much better than I did before hiring them.
I would highly recommend using this law firm and their services if you have an on-going case that is not going well. They can help turn things completely around. I would also recommend hiring them for any new legal matter; I wish I had hired them in the first place.
Read more
28 Sep, 2024 by Stephen perko
24 Sep, 2024 by Heatherr- reyes
I hired Ann after I was in a car accident. She was so professional, knowledgeable and true advocate. As a working mom I didn't have the time nor the energy to navigate the process with insurance claims, bills, etc. She handled everything and went out of her way to check in, give me updates and inquire how I was physically doing. She advocated to get all my medicals paid by the insurance company of the at fault driver and got me a settlement I feel I would have not received without her. I highly recommend her!
Read more
27 Jul, 2024 by Terrill _
07 Mar, 2024 by Dan
Over a protracted and difficult period of time, Danette proved to provide rock solid advice, advance legal strategy, and valuable and fair feedback. After researching the majority of lawyers available that practiced family law in Tucson, I selected Danette based on numerous factors. She had case specific experience in areas involving behaviors of questionable legal standing by opposing counsel and their client, as well as complex support through a religious organization geared solely towards extracting monies for the benefit of their group. Essentially, Danette had odds stacked against her. She successfully maneuvered the case through the system, with patience and care, all while managing expectations in a clear and concise manner. The outcome was favorable. I’m grateful for her help, and very satisfied with her capabilities and professionalism.
Read more
18 May, 2023 by Mollie
Ms. Pahl was my opposing attorney. I initially consulted her on my ex husbands behalf. Eventually I hired my own attorney. She frequently came to court unprepared and requested numerous continuances causing the divorce to run nearly five years. What was most disconcerting is that she lied three times to the Judge while the evidence countering her claims were part of the exhibits. She has a knack for changing course which led to more new pleas, continuances and then later she would remove said requests. Her peers describe her tactics as "throwing everything against the wall, right or wrong, then seeing what sticks". Her services will cost a lot of money with very little results.
Read more
27 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
I have worked with Danette for many years (sadly), first for my divorce, and then for ongoing child custody issues with a difficult Ex. Danette has been extraordinarily professional and has guided me through the maze of family law. My case was complicated and it was clear from the beginning that Danette had the best interests of my children in mind. I felt confident working with Danette, despite the emotional trauma of divorce.
I have recommended her to several friends and would not hesitate to recommend her services again. If you are involved in a divorce situation, with kids and don't know where to go, call Danette.
Read more
08 Apr, 2024 by Amber harter
Absolutely the worst experience ever! Walter is very rude. He can call it what he wants. Don't waste his time. Most importantly don't waste yours. Spent less then 2 minutes with this guy. Office decor is as old as him and could use a major upgrade along with his attitude. Time to retire Walter!! You should be ashamed of yourself. Your office claims to be compassionate that is far from what I experienced today
Read more
19 Dec, 2023 by Denny panthen
Hello Walt ! Moved bk to Tucson and thought of u & good memories . 😎. Hope ur doin well 🌹
Read more
06 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired Ed to resolve a child modification dispute. He worked on it for more than a year and I paid him a lot of $$$. I look back at the result and am clearly disappointed with my losses...he was a timid advocate, beaten by my-ex wife who did not have a lawyer and I can not recommend his services.
Read more
14 May, 2023 by Anonymous
I think it says it all in my title. I was given this law firms name by a legal service I have through my employer. Left voicemail and sent email regarding the issue I am having and need legal guidance on. I never heard anything from anyone from the office, even if it would be just to tell me they couldn't help. Waited over 2 weeks for a response and nothing.
Read more
14 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Atty Zachary Spanier has been very patient with our case. He made us feel safe and secure by staying calm and being there whenever we needed him. It has been a pleasant, calming, and reassuring experience with Atty Zac. If we were to choose another law firm, we have no doubt choosing Harlow Spanier & Heckele Law firm.
Read more
03 May, 2013 by Laura
Mr. Spanier took my case on under the program for people who qualified for lower legal fees. He genuinely seemed to care and did everything he could to help me fight against the prosecutor. He was always quick at answering my emails and phone calls, as well as answer any questions I had. He explained all my options and provided his advice. He was able to get me diversion, which was what I wanted. I would highly recommend him.
Read more
16 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
I have met alot of attorney's around Tucson but when I came across Reyna Lawfirm I knew that is where my problems were going to be solved. He is carring and pays very close attention to every detail. He even takes time of his weekends to meet with clients or even go see inmate to prison. If you want someone to really take care of your legal issues Ron Reyna is the RIGHT guy to go to.
Read more
13 Oct, 2020 by Jesus
My name is Jesus Santiago Arbizo SR. I contacted Reyna Lawfirm in Tucson Arizona for Mr. Reyna to assist him on a medical malpractice lawsuit against the Yuma Regional Hospital days later I came to find out my son was in Mexico in prison I went to the Mexican police and I was denied that my son was in custody supposedly he is in prison but can I believe them I still have no contact with my son but I do have some recordings on my phone where a person is leaving a message that he is in prison but they control that I then contacted Reyna Lawfirm to assist me on this he answer me that he is not an international law firm yet I found out he has a law firm in San Luis Rio Colorado Sonora Reyna y Asociados Seguros Insurance I knocked no one opened I walked arrowed and you could heir people being tortured can anyone help me with this monster?
Read more
19 May, 2016 by Hunter
The main reason I hired Mr. Reyna was due to his reputation in the court room. My close friend went up against him . She stated she would have won with an attorney like him. Her recommendation came from the loosing side. For this reason we hired him. Not only does he pay close attention to what you are requesting but teach you why things can or cannot be done allowing you the same comfort he has in the case. This is huge for people fighting for their family to know an attorney wants what is best for you and not your money goes a long way. My friend and I call him the Pit bull of law. He is aggressive and fights clean, abides by the rules, but is detailed and backs himself with evidence and sound reason. Defiantly recommend him to anyone.
Read more
30 Aug, 2024 by Odalis garcia
so do you guys never answer the phone! i been calling and calling and it just says theres no one available then hangs up!
Read more
30 Aug, 2024 by Vanessa vega
Very unprofessional!!! by the time I finally got through the lady just kept talking and would not let me explain my situation . she kept going on about different situations by the time I was able to get in two words then she finally stopped and said that my situation was different than what she had been explaining.
If she would have given me 2 minutes to explain and if she would have listened to what I was needing help with instead of wanting to talk the whole time maybe she could’ve been more helpful and informative.
Overall Not very happy with the service especially when we’re not able to come in . And then having to call consistently and repeatedly because you get hung up on after 15 minutes! It’s very unprofessional and seems like they’re doing that on purpose because no one wants to help the less fortunate
Just my opinion
I would have given one star, but she did at least give me some information that I was able to work with and was able to figure it out on my own. But that wasn’t the help I was expecting
Read more
17 Aug, 2024 by Rich brooks
Never responded. The Nazis would be proud of their apathy!
Read more
30 Aug, 2024 by Odalis garcia
so do you guys never answer the phone! i been calling and calling and it just says theres no one available then hangs up!
Read more
30 Aug, 2024 by Vanessa vega
Very unprofessional!!! by the time I finally got through the lady just kept talking and would not let me explain my situation . she kept going on about different situations by the time I was able to get in two words then she finally stopped and said that my situation was different than what she had been explaining.
If she would have given me 2 minutes to explain and if she would have listened to what I was needing help with instead of wanting to talk the whole time maybe she could’ve been more helpful and informative.
Overall Not very happy with the service especially when we’re not able to come in . And then having to call consistently and repeatedly because you get hung up on after 15 minutes! It’s very unprofessional and seems like they’re doing that on purpose because no one wants to help the less fortunate
Just my opinion
I would have given one star, but she did at least give me some information that I was able to work with and was able to figure it out on my own. But that wasn’t the help I was expecting
Read more
17 Aug, 2024 by Rich brooks
Never responded. The Nazis would be proud of their apathy!
Read more
30 Mar, 2020 by Matthew randle
Caleb is an amazing attorney and human being - you’ll be in good hands if you hire him.
Read more
21 Mar, 2018 by Jagzilla
Completely and totally worthless..
Read more
22 Sep, 2017 by Linda christopherson
I couldn't be happier with Attorney Cheryl Copperstone and her staff. She took my very complicated family law case and fought for me. I was very happy to have this intelligent, sharp, passionate attorney on my side.
Cheryl made time to get to know the back story of why I was in court and pointedly asked me, "And so why do you think XXXX wants to take guardianship of your granddaughter away from you? Could it be that she knows if you don't have legal rights to ask for documentation on XXXX 's trust that she will then have total control of it?" The party who took me to court necessitating me finding legal representation has been abusing the minor's trust and I have been fighting to protect this future resource of my granddaughter.
Knowing these details Ms. Copperstone stepped up and stood by me with the determination and dedication that I so needed. This was about justice and justice was served in the judges decision who ruled in our favor.
You have to keep your head engaged and your ears tuned while working with her as she is working hard to keep a step ahead of what the opposing attorney is trying to accomplish. That proved to be instrumental in the success of my case because there were out of state attorneys involved who muddied the waters as well as the local attorney who I feel is less than an honorable human being, even taking such a frivolous case against me when I have been fighting for the welfare of my grandchildren and always there for them.
I am very glad that my financial advisor, Hoyt and Associates, recommended Cheryl Copperstone to me. She is a no-nonsense kind of attorney who will diligently work for you!
Read more
04 Jun, 2024 by Tim furnas
Fantastic law firm! They have helped us with a few items, and we found them to be professional, thorough and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!!
Read more
06 Mar, 2024 by Marques little
Please do better.
Read more
31 Dec, 2023 by Gretchen otoshi
Firm cannot distinguish between terms such as cancel and terminate. Individuals would be well-served to seek other counsel.
Google reviews appear to point to pattern of subpar ethics and expertise.
Read more
25 Jan, 2020 by Rebecca
I was extremely disappointed with the lack of interest and caring on the part of Paul Willman and his staff in preparing a trust. I consulted with Paul in July along with my ex-husband, Don. He assured us he could take care of the trust work we needed. What should have taken maybe 6-8 weeks dragged on for months. We were prompt whenever we were contacted for something, but no amount of prodding got the process going any faster. In the end we wrote large segments of it ourselves. Then the staff completely garbled it, causing us to have to carefully review each detail to be sure they had not messed it up again. Very bad service.
Read more
20 Oct, 2019 by Terri
From our first meeting and right up until our final meeting, I felt very comfortable and knew I was in good hands. Paul is knowledgeable, easy going, yet in control. Those attributes made me feel at ease during a very difficult time in my life. His office staff was helpful, efficient and a pleasure to work with. Hopefully I won't need legal help again in the future, but if I do, I wouldn't hesitate to call Paul Willman.
Read more
17 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Paul Willman was slow to respond, if he responded at all, and didn’t inform me about pertinent information regarding my case, whether out of incompetence or greediness, and fired me for my lack of confidence in him. And yes, I lacked confidence in him for good reasons.
Read more
05 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Joy for a custody case with my ex husband, she was extremely unprofessional both with me and him. She milked the retainer and charged me enormous fees for miscellaneous items and "copies" and would want to call me in to discuss my case only to talk about herself half the time and have me repeat myself with information multiple times so she can charge me $250 and hour for consulting. I did not feel like she cared about the best interest of my children or me but was only trying to make the most money from our case.
Read more
20 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Joy gave my spouse half truths throughout her representation, causing more animosity than necessary. She would not reply in a timely manner to cancel trials, therefore opposing counsel would devote a week or more in trial preparation. Accordingly, this tactic would raise attorney fees for opposing counsel and gave her access to opposing counsel's exhibits which Joy never filed. She would miss the exhibit deadlines. Joy would not give any indication she was canceling a trial and still never provided exhibits . I did not consult with her, but I had to choose "consulted" to submit this. If you would prefer an attorney that does not give you the full truth and charge you hourly, she's your person.
Read more
23 May, 2016 by Tim
Joy helped me a great deal getting through a difficult divorce. She was succinct with answers to all my questions and performed to the highest standard in court. During my most stressful times, she has been there for me. I could not ask for more from my lawyer.
Read more
21 Jun, 2024 by Jamison clark
Jane did an incredible job with my case. It was really complicated and she researched all of the legal issues and made sure she was ready for every hearing. She gave me her cell number so I could text her and she was really fast answering my questions. I would recommend her!
Read more
07 Jun, 2024 by Hilda
She screwed me big time so many errors in my petition. Does not know what she's doing. Her and her paralegal can't communicate at all. You'll loose your case and money. Don't hire
Read more
24 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
Ms. Jacobs served as my legal representation in family court proceedings involving my daughter being taken from her custodial parent by the state. She was honest and realistic in her evaluation and consistently provided practical and concise advice. I should also point out that she was the ONLY person involved in the situation who I never had difficulty keeping in contact with. Getting the attention of the state's overloaded case manager was often impossible, but Ms. Jacobs never failed to respond in a timely manner.
Although I had to reduce my expectations for gaining custody simply as a result of Arizona's legislative disregard for what I would interpret as "common sense" (specifically, returning a child to a parent who has a history of multiple dependencies stemming from their illegal drug usage), Ms. Jacobs empowered me to go as far as the system is designed to allow. I'm left in a highly advantageous position if the other parent ever steps out of line again.
She is reliable, pragmatic and an effective communicator.
Read more
11 Oct, 2024 by Annelise
Very pleased with my consult. Mr. Kimminau was straightforward and extremely knowledgeable.
Read more
06 Mar, 2018 by Levy brack
This guy got his but kicked by someone that did not even have a lawyer and represented themselves in court for the first time ever !! Came into court and represented herself and made him look like a beginner!! He failed at every point and seemed as if he was lost !!!! And from the results he was !!!!!! But at my dime or should I say at the 20K Thrush Law firm charged and did not even finish!!!!!
Read more
16 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Brian is all talk. He made sure to talk just long enough to hit the one hour mark of his rate. My disappointed is what motivated me to write this review. I made the mistake of not reviewing attorneys, I'm writing this and hopefully you don't hire this guy. There are good attorneys out there, Brian is not one of them. Do you own research and you'll find others that have similar comments. Good Luck!
Read more
29 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
When all was said and done I felt as though I had been scammed, ripped off. Used Luke to uphold parenting agreement. Did not inform me that we would likely not be able to get any attorneys fees paid for by ex. Did not inform me that he would not even be willing to ask to get partial reimbursement from Ex for having to go to court. Charged $2500 for two meetings a few emails and 30 min in court. He did not stand up for me as I felt he should. Did not get the judge to see my side, did not discuss other options. He was little to no help in court.
Read more
08 Aug, 2017 by Yvette rodriguez
Luke Brown, has done a masterful job of representation in my divorce case. I would highly recommend him and his team to anyone who needs a thorough and attentive lawyer. He has tremendous grasp of the law and works extremely hard for his clients. He has the experience to know how to get you through your matter in a truly dignified way as possible.
Read more
01 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
The biggest mistake i have made in my life was to hire this attorney to take care of my divorce a few years a go , and to deal with my parenting time and child support . Mr. Luke Brown was never prepared for my court hearing, did not have any clue of what he was doing and gave me the wrong information and advice to follow during my divorce . The only reason I kept him during the whole divorce and child custody battle was because I had already paid him to defend me , I had not time not the mental power to fight my ex and his good attorney. Luke Brown always seemed to be afraid to speak to the judge , and did not even wrote my divorce decree in stead my ex- husbands attorney did and I ended up getting screwed and I am still paying for the consequences of that big mistake of hiring this attorney to represent me. Attorneys like Luke Brown really make other good and honest attorneys look bad.
Read more
07 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Do not hire David Polan to represent you if you want an aggressive attorney that will advocate for you! I no longer trusted David when I had to do the leg work in my case. I had to tell him what I wanted said and argued in court instead of him doing his job. His communication is horrible and the only way to get a timely response is to call the office. While he may be knowledgeable in family law none of his actions proved to me that he cared what was happening in my case and that I just had to deal with it. I was not informed of happenings in my case to the degree I would expect from an attorney. I would expect detailed information and would only receive general information. Bottom line is that he did not care to put time or energy into representing my interest.
Read more
11 Mar, 2015 by Zenaida
I have had Mr. Polan twice and by far is a amazing Lawyer. Best way to describe Mr. Polan, he is the Dr House of lawyers!! He knows what he is doing and will not sugar coat it. He is caring. Be honest with him and h. Will fight for you!
If you want someone to do their job amd fight for your family Mr. Polan is your guy. Hes there to do his job right. His secretary as well is caring and i promise these two will not let you down!!
Thank you David Polan for all you have done for my family!
Read more
30 Mar, 2021 by Courtney
Pogo is the best!! She is fierce, and highly focused. She knew more about my case then I did. She doesn’t try to make friends with other attorneys. Pogo was the best advocate against my ex- husband.
She does her research, you will NOT be disappointed. She was my backbone through the whole process!
Read more
18 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
Working with Ms. Overmyer is challenging to say the least. She and her legal assistant are indignant towards their clients, as well as everyone else. My case was handled very poorly, not only with a bad outcome, but also along the way making things significantly more difficult than they needed to be. Unnecessary work was done to inflate the costs of representation, and billing and tracking was not properly maintained so that I could audit the work and hours that she was charging.
Read more
23 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Annalisa for a complicated Divorce and Child Custody case. She was not easy to talk with. Over the course of the case I paid her thousands of dollars, yet I did most of the work for my case. The one thing her office did right was file paperwork so I guess 1 star instead of 0 because they are paper pushers. Annalisa was much too friendly with the opposing counsel on my case and gave in too easily when things got tough. I had to switch attorneys just after the documents were signed because I still needed representation for future issues and had no more money to pay her.
Read more
29 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
Annalisa is an excellent family law attorney. She is very knowledgeable about the law, she maintains good communication, and she tries to settle a case with the best possible result. She is well prepared in court, and knows exactly what is needed. She handled a complicated custody case, as well as one that had complicated financial and business issues, and she protected my rights and got the best outcome. I would strongly recommend her for any family law case!
Read more
04 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
He takes money, then doesn't do the work he was hired to do, doesn't contact you, lies about it, and tries to get away with it.
Read more
11 Mar, 2020 by Mike c
I hired Russell and I recommend him. He understood my situation quickly and gave me concise advice.
Read more
03 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Experts stay away. This person is not familiar with Daubert Standards for experts and may expect you to testify even if it is against your best judgement.
Read more
19 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
Jacob is representing me on my third case - I would recommend Jacob Amaru to anyone, even if the case is outside the realm of criminal defense. Jacob is extremely intelligent, and subsequently pays close attention to every word and emotion, inside and outside of the court room. Jacob has always returned calls and/or email immediately!
Read more
16 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Sower of discord. Worst kind of divorce attorney. Dragged out the divorce. Gave bad advice. Expensive.
Read more
01 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Took over my case from Lisa Abrams, who was also doing a terrible job. For a top rated firm I expected more than big bills. Not only did she seldom return my calls or emails, but my bills magically kept growing. My final divorced was lodged (put through by my ex's attorney without me ever signing it) because she neglected to get back to me or my ex's attorney. Luckily I had someone else handle my custody case, and won sole custody of my kid.
Read more
24 May, 2012 by Anonymous
Super nice lady but I had to email her multiple times about things (and then of course, I was charged by her for each and every email).
A friend of mine had been using her and finally fired her and went to another attorney because of the same issues.
Incredibly frustrating that she has wasted my time and money but nothing has been accomplished.
Read more
27 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
She thoroughly botched the job of PC when she was assigned, spending many months and thousands of dollars, ultimately failing to protect my children.
I had to go to court to have her removed from the case early and then spend more time and money unravelling the damage she did. Ultimately I prevailed and we are on a better track, but in my opinion Nanette had a hard time transitioning from being a Judge to a Parenting Coordinator. She brought very little that was productive to the table.
I am writing this review in lieu of filing a formal complaint with the State Bar, I honestly don't have the energy, or enough bitterness to do this woman professional harm. She is in the twilight of her career and I'm certain there is a role for her somewhere, I just wouldn't engage her as a Parenting Coordinator.
Read more
24 Feb, 2016 by Marjo-lynn delorea
I have never had such a terrible encounter with an attorney. She does not return phone calls or emails, sets up appointments and fails to show up for them or respond. For our case we should have had a decent size file with evidence and information and when I would request to see certain things she would say she didn't have that. She omitted witnesses we listed and when asked why said she wasn't sure. She never contacted one of our witnesses until I threatened to file a complaint against her. After I threatened to find new representation she apologized for the lack of communication and that it would not be like that anymore.....however it did not change.
Read more
04 Sep, 2023 by Christian
I retained Salvatore for a child custody case and this guy did absolutely nothing! I stand corrected, he did take my money! He charged me for hours of work that he did not do! Literally this guy did not do one thing for me and charged me $1,600! I confronted him on this and he basically hid from me! This guy has no integrity and is all about the money! He will not do the work but he will take your money! This guy gives a bad name to attorneys and he is a real scumbag!
Read more
08 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
She is guilty of professional, misconduct, criminal activity with the department of child safety knowingly allowing perjury and falsified court and public documents continue without correcting the actual FACTS.Child Endangerment fraud corruption and abuse of federal money for personal gain ect.
Read more
12 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Samuel is not knowledgeable at all. Never return calls. He is not familiar with texting or emails. Just a waste of time and money. Avoid!
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
