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02 Dec, 2024 by Anthony edick
If you never had the "pleasure" of suddenly being served Divorce papers and you find yourself surprised, a bit lost, maybe locked out of your house, confused, in understandable shock, suddenly without money and blind-sided, I strongly recommend you go to M Kalil as soon as possible. He is very experienced and often has helped first-timers. Kalil is pragmatic and logical formost, saves you from MUCH extraneous nonsense by getting to the point and helping one navigate an impossible situation efficiently and to your benefit. The initial consultation is without charge but, better still, his experience and long-standing relationships with other lawyers and judges and local Courts makes your retainer fee go farther by avoiding legal dead ends and wasteful spending. Every dollar invested in his office saves you two more by avoiding unnecessary, wasteful motions and he is mission-focused on your best ultimate outcome. He will not hold your hand or wipe your tears (trust me, you don't want that kind of lawyer), but he will adopt your case in more of a feduciary sense with your solvency and goals as his goals. If you wish simply to resolve your legal Divorce issues and end up in the best position, use him. He's really good at it. His staff is experienced and has been working for him many years (ESPECIALLY Anne), his staff is top notch. If you are understandably sad or shook, ask him to recommend a therapist maybe, but if you wish simply to get your best outcome financially without nonsense or false leads, get him on your team soonest, please. In my experience, Kalil is an expert on mitigation and obtaining the best result for you personally in an impossible, terrible situation. Divorce produces NO winners, ever, but Kalil will find your path to resolution and place you in the least-bad situation for your benefit, blaze a path for you to stay solvent and hasten your best outcome so you can rebuild your life well. Again, one dollar spent with Kalil saves you many more by avoiding needless pitfalls and costly dead-ends with less experienced other local lawyers - I actually DID check them all out. I cannot recommend him enough. This, from a skeptical first time divorcee, University graduate, professional, NOT a lawyer-fan in general. Name is Anthony, and you're welcome.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Andrew kalaydjian
Such a pleasure to deal with. Very professional. Recommend.
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18 Oct, 2024 by Jessie
My ex husband and I used Michael Kalil for mediation for our divorce in 2021. He made the entire process simple and easy for us. We really appreciated his handling of what could have been a high stress situation. I would highly reccomend
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05 Jan, 2025 by Kim wilson
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05 Jan, 2025 by Sebastian rivera
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24 Apr, 2024 by Adis begic
Great people to work with
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05 Nov, 2009 by Laura
I have used this lawyer two times. For my divorce and my bankruptcy. I highly recommend Mr. Daly for an attorney.
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18 Jan, 2021 by Shari
Doreen is a very good Listener she listens and gets the job done she was at our side through the whole process. She knows her job she knows the in and outs of the. law She helped us when things were bad and we were new to the area.
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05 Sep, 2024 by William c ano
They are understanding, knowledgeable and professional.
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29 Jan, 2024 by Ruth morey
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22 Oct, 2020 by Alycia martin
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19 Sep, 2024 by Shari mcgill
We are incredibly grateful for the exceptional legal services provided by John Raspante. John went above and beyond to help with our grandson’s case, demonstrating unwavering dedication and professionalism throughout the entire process. His expertise and commitment ensured a favorable outcome, and his caring approach made a significant difference in our lives. John’s hard work and dedication have truly changed the trajectory of our grandson’s life, and we couldn’t be more thankful. If you are looking for a lawyer who is not only knowledgeable but also genuinely cares about his clients, we highly recommend John Raspante. His efforts have positively impacted our family, and we are forever grateful for his support.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Janice panek
I couldn’t say enough about this attorney. Hands down he’s the best around. If you want a no nonsense, get your money’s worth and then some this is your guy!! BEST AROUND HANDS DOWN ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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25 Jul, 2024 by Julius lang
Perfect guy to represent you I couldn’t be any happier with no inconvenience to my work life or anything he got the job done I appreciate everything he has done for me and I recommend him 10 out of 10
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14 Nov, 2024 by David doty
Michelle R. Gu helped me smartly, efficiently, and effectively where other attorneys came up short. She and her team got the job done when things looked rough— and led me, because of her efforts and persistence, to the positive outcome I had long hoped for. Thank you, Michelle and team!!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Zsanette marielle
Michelle was the lawyer I needed from the beginning, I highly recommend her 5 stars in my book! She has a wonderful personality and her office was homey and professional making me feel safe and taken care of. I was able to sleep better at night knowing that I had her on my side.
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10 Aug, 2024 by Goose
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29 Oct, 2024 by Cathy berard
He is very hands on ,you deal with him directly. He is informative & professional. Highly recommended!!! He did some work for me a few years ago & recently i needed copies of something I had misplaced....he immediately got back to me & got me what i needed in a world that you cant even get a call back.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Shallow creek
Clifford Eisenhut is an excellent attorney. I highly recommend him. If you are in need of an attorney he is the one to get. He is Extremely knowledgeable and gives your issue the attention to detail. I feel he is the greatest lawyer anyone could have.
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16 May, 2024 by Paul
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26 Aug, 2024 by Melissa t.
She was a horrible incompetent law guardian for my son who was 10 years old at the time and did not keep his best interest in mind as they’re supposed to do. She never did the job she was supposed to do in protecting him while making decisions for him that has negatively affected his entire life. The results of her representation were and continue to be devastating to my son as well as myself to this day. Thanks Julie! In New York State, a law guardian is a person appointed by the court to represent the interests of a child involved in custody and visitation disputes. The law guardian's primary role is to advocate for the child's welfare, not either parent's agenda. They are usually attorneys with experience in custody matters. In my sons case .. you failed!
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01 Nov, 2023 by Lindsey mcdougall
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24 Jul, 2021 by Krystal tillman
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19 Jun, 2024 by David k. griffith
Tom Atkinson is a horrible divorce attorney. He will not work in your best interests, he's not trustworthy and I can clearly demonstrate he violated my trust and confidentiality after I fired him.
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16 Oct, 2023 by Nick jarmak
This office was responsible for my mortgage paperwork, and largely messed up the amount to be held back for school taxes and then emailed me a couple months later to just casually send them a check for over $1500, as if I didn’t just purchase a house and expect that they had already taken care of the tax amounts properly. Horrible experience and now I am not financially sound right before the holidays. Not sure how a law office that manages mortgage paperwork was not aware that STAR credit is no longer applied directly to tax amounts…
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07 Aug, 2023 by Lily corathers
Had my mortgage paperwork through this firm. Very kind, patient, knowledgeable, and transparent. Easy to get a hold of with questions afterward, and kind!
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10 Oct, 2024 by Colby wold
I sought Mr. Hobika's help to look into suing a local department over some tickets that were issued to me for an error that was not my fault. Mr. Hobika not only acted like he couldn't be bothered with it, when I explained that I was not looking for help with the tickets but wanted a lawyer to look into suing this particular department he responded with "Oh you can handle the tickets? Good luck with that." and proceeded to hang up on me. Well I got out of court today and guess what? I got my tickets dismissed without any attorney's assistance. What Mr. Hobika is unaware of is that I own two companies and they are both getting large enough that I need a legal firm on retention. Had Mr. Hobika not been such a jerk to me on the phone, his legal firm would have been one of the first ones I spoke with regarding retaining them for my businesses. He quickly made sure that not only do I not want him ever for a personal lawyer, but I would not want his firm to ever come within ten feet of my companies. There are better options out there from lawyers that don't act like a consultation is beneath them and your seeking help is bothering them. First and last time I ever seek their assistance with anything, and I recommend looking elsewhere.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Heidi werner
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06 Apr, 2024 by Nikki nun yuh
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29 Oct, 2024 by Cathy berard
He is very hands on ,you deal with him directly. He is informative & professional. Highly recommended!!! He did some work for me a few years ago & recently i needed copies of something I had misplaced....he immediately got back to me & got me what i needed in a world that you cant even get a call back.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Shallow creek
Clifford Eisenhut is an excellent attorney. I highly recommend him. If you are in need of an attorney he is the one to get. He is Extremely knowledgeable and gives your issue the attention to detail. I feel he is the greatest lawyer anyone could have.
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16 May, 2024 by Paul
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17 Nov, 2024 by G allen
Absolutely the best Attorney you could want. Fully transparent about all legal issues and easy to understand without confusion.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Amy moreau
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24 Sep, 2024 by Kingralfeyboii plays
DO NOT GO HERE, paid $150+ for them to get my speeding ticket points to be reduced or do something, they only showed proof of emails being sent, no effort on their end to reduce the impact of the ticket, still had to pay. I was young and naive to believe that this place had any type of “ability” to help out others.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Colby wold
I sought Mr. Hobika's help to look into suing a local department over some tickets that were issued to me for an error that was not my fault. Mr. Hobika not only acted like he couldn't be bothered with it, when I explained that I was not looking for help with the tickets but wanted a lawyer to look into suing this particular department he responded with "Oh you can handle the tickets? Good luck with that." and proceeded to hang up on me. Well I got out of court today and guess what? I got my tickets dismissed without any attorney's assistance. What Mr. Hobika is unaware of is that I own two companies and they are both getting large enough that I need a legal firm on retention. Had Mr. Hobika not been such a jerk to me on the phone, his legal firm would have been one of the first ones I spoke with regarding retaining them for my businesses. He quickly made sure that not only do I not want him ever for a personal lawyer, but I would not want his firm to ever come within ten feet of my companies. There are better options out there from lawyers that don't act like a consultation is beneath them and your seeking help is bothering them. First and last time I ever seek their assistance with anything, and I recommend looking elsewhere.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Heidi werner
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06 Apr, 2024 by Nikki nun yuh
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21 Jul, 2021 by Sead pjanic
Very bad, it should be 0 stars up there. I wouldn't recommend this guy to anybody. He will just take your money and nothing done. I had to sue him to give me money back. Very BAD 😁
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13 Mar, 2021 by Lisa holeck
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14 Apr, 2019 by Karen sloma
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03 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Mark invest loyalty in his clients. I admire his work ethic and great reputation.
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09 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Very helpful and there when I needed him. His fees are fair for his experience. I would high recommend Mark as attorney.
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08 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
I am sorry to say - Mark is not a good attorney at all - he is old school - no computer to email, no fax, very disorganized, not there when he tells you to come down, you never hear from him, gets snippy when you ask questions, $1000 to retain him for what - does nothing for you - no paperwork sent out - I call the court for my answers. Definitely not a person I would recommend. Very poor in communication. Seems to get cranky when you ask specific questions to him - $300 an hour - stood in his office while he talked on the phone - I got up and left - he was not charging me for sitting there while he was on the phone - my time was as precious as his - I am not sure if he liked it but I sure did not. I have not been back since - no need as he has nothing to say.
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06 Dec, 2024 by Dino nuggie
Very pointless all the lawyers and even the manger is terrible they don’t help people at all
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06 Dec, 2024 by Carmela garcia
Very pointless they sell you a dream then crush your whole heart then try to act like they helped all about the money not about the rights
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03 Aug, 2024 by Jodi carnright
Didn't help me at. Lost my home and kids because I was a stay at home mom and couldn't get a lawyer. He cheats and I lose because of no help.
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26 Nov, 2024 by Thomas netzband
Well, I just had a useless conversation with the D.A.'s office. He has jokes!? I told him someone cost me a set of tire because whomever was changing the air pressure, and he asked me if they did it remotely? The tire blow out while I was driving down rt 5. I told him things were missing out of my safe deposit box, and he treated me like I was an idiot. I am down $140,000 and instead of coming up with helpful suggestions, he talks down to me. Great guy, seems he works for the wealthy and connected. Ps. I have proven my mental state to 3 Judges. One federal and two local and by suggesting otherwise could be seen as slander and defamation of my character. 30/Nov/ 2024 What a fun time at the Verona post office. A small group of people and insulting things being said by one of the staff ( stalker was there too). I admittedly did not catch all that was said, but enough to be humiliated and embarrassed. Also enough to know that my mail was gone through by someone other than staff. Is that not what is called mail tampering? How do I know that some of my mail was not taken by the stalker? Why is someone other than employees doing going through mail anyway? Attempted burglary and robbery, theft by deception and unauthorized entry.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Douglas bamford
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17 Feb, 2024 by Thomas netzband
Good afternoon, I am wondering when my parole is going to happen? I am suing Oneida County, 2 counties, the NY AG and a person for breaching my civil rights. I have a Dr's app next week in New Hartford. I am tired of a certain few people, who are not invited to show up and do raise hell. One of the people, call someone, after the cops are called and the cops are sent away. It is also getting back to me that if someone comes to see me, a few of the people involved show up every time. The guy who came to see me leaves without ever having see me. Now it seems that my mail is no longer private. I received a box and a woman approached the sub mail carrier and wanted to know what was in the box and where it came from. Did I fall asleep and wake up in a 3 world country? Is this not the month where we are celebrating the fact people who were treated like they were less than everyone else are not anymore? Am I missing something? Oh and by the way, my meds that were either short one month and over the next. I did report these events. Weird that after changing the locks twice, it is still happening. 4th day of April 2024 and as I thought nothing appears to be being done. Last night, between 9:30 and 10 pm I was told that I should join my late husband. It was too dark but seemed to me to be a man. It reminds me of the first time that type of thing happened. It was the Nov before my husband passed. A guy was letting air out of my tires. This time whoever he was beating on my car. 22/April/2024 I went to the second place where I have a safe deposit box. Strange thing that my late partner's name that was not in thier sign in book, the last time I was there BUT it was this time. The second strange thing was it looked nothing like my partner's signature and his signature was study. No one at this second bank can explain how anyone could possibly know about what was in these safe deposit boxes because the contents were not typical . 3 David's name did not appear in both pages, just one... It must be being done by a magician or ghost... Perhaps? I should have asked Senator Griffo about the events that keep happening to me? Last night, I was again told that I should join my late partner. The content of my house keeps being rifled and I know that being common trash you folks have better things to do or my 3 stockers come by but one would think that you might show a little bit of interest...
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20 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
I would not recommend Jim Corl to anyone. He missed my first scheduled meeting and left me to meet with his paralegal. When we did finally meet he was more than 20 minutes late (of course I was charged for the full time!). He was horrible at returning calls or e-mails and let me often worried about what was happening. When we did speak I had to remind him repeatedly of the case details because he never remembered or took the time to review my file. He gave me repeated promises to contact me, but never did unless I initiated it multiple times. There was even a point where I was in his office and noticed a note from his secretary listing all of his call backs. It was noted that nearly every one on the list had called in several times with no response from him. It was clear that I was not a priority to him and neither were many of his other clients. In the end he did resolve my case, but it took far longer than it should have. If you are considering using him...think again!
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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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