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14 Feb, 2025 by Josh ausborne
I would give a 0 if possible, this is the worst law firm ever they will tell you anything you want to hear until you put the retainer , I was ignored until pay day by supervisors, attorneys, case managers, then the first 2 court dates had to be postponed because my attorney didn’t come they sent a fill in with his own law firm that didn’t know anything about my case so I had to get a extra court date months later when the date came my attorney shows up didn’t know me or anything about the case asked if I wanted another delay , remind a month I was told to pause payment because of lack of communication so the day of my court the lawyer said he didn’t know me but was told he can’t go inside because I owe a payment lol I already had paid over 2500 dollars & that was literally my first time speaking to him , I was ignored the whole time except when paying was due worst place ever & they still are trying to charge me more money
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21 Dec, 2024 by Clasina kidd
Donna made my case as painless and streamline as possible. Going through this bankruptcy was a breeze and she was always available to answer my questions. Her staff is very pleasant and knowledgeable. Her experience will benefit you if you hire her as your attorney. I’m so glad I did she was worth her reasonable cost!
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08 Nov, 2024 by Axel corrales
Bullard & Powell has giving me solid advice and there truthful. If your looking for an honest and trustworthy hired lawyer they are a great option and have giving me great legal advice. They are very professional and honest every time i call their phone they are ready to talk and keep me updated, so if your looking for an attorney in the high desert Bullard & Powell are one your best options!
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25 Jan, 2020 by Thomas
Kerrie Justice is an intelligent lawyer with an athlete’s competitive spirit. Although she is obviously busy, Kerrie was always a wonderful representative of calm preparedness during my lengthy and tenacious custody litigation. I appreciate her knowledge, her calming presence, and her polite and respectful attitude in the courtroom, and outside of it.
I can only assume the negative reviews were retaliatory response from frustrated phonies who lost against her in court because Kerrie did an outstanding job representing the best interests of me and my children in a very touchy and extremely stressful custody case.
I was most pleased with her high level of integrity and tenacity during her closing statements because of how aptly she conveyed to the judge what was of highest importance to me in regards to outcome.
She is very intelligent and was forceful when the situation called for it. Her knowledge of the law and how it can work FOR you is exceptional and her ability to think outside the lines and come up with creative ways to solve a problem is beyond reproach. Speaking from experience, Kerrie’s best work is when you just trust her and let her do her job.
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05 Sep, 2019 by Celina
Thank you Mrs. Justice and your team! Organized. Confident. Structured. Established. Just a few words to help describe how truly amazing this woman is! And like my title says...I hired her twice!!! And if need be, wouldn't hesitate to do so again. If anyone says otherwise...well that just might be my ex lol
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03 Sep, 2019 by Seanna
I found Ms. Justice by a unique turn of events. It was one of those situations that when your at the end of your rope and attaching it to a rock to throw over a bridge something happens. Something you truly did not expect because the shoe has been consistently dropping in a 20 year marriage. He was going to make sure I could not leave and he tried hard to do everything in his power to financially destroy me and thus keep me and my children in a life he had complete control of. My story was embarrassing for me to tell. There were facts that I realized were a coin toss for one to believe. Ms. Justice listened and believed me. Pretty profound for a women who had been told for years she was crazy and imagining things. She could not promise me anything but that she would do her utmost to make sure my children and I survived this. We not only survived we are thriving. Were there times I was frustrated?..YES...Were there times I felt like I was falling in the dark without a parachute?...YUP!!! However more were the times I knew I had a legal team taking care of me. They calmed me down through melt downs and panic attacks and "Thank You" are such small words for what I truly feel. Ann Marie,for all the times you actually made me laugh and understood my fear and helped me. Kim for serving that man in a way that was nothing short of a real life TV episode and staying close to make sure me and my kids were safe after he was served. Ms Justice for going above and beyond solely on me doing my 50% and seeing it all through...THANK YOU...I owe my new life and successes to you..I adhere to the advise you gave me Ms. Justice..."Out earn him so you have control of you life from here forward"
Much Love
SeAnna.Q
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09 May, 2017 by Andrew
I retained Mr. Richard Malone with the Zumbrunn Law Corp for a case of a contractor had put a lien against my deceased mother’s home that I was trying to sell. I had been dealing with this for months, talking with other attorneys not going anywhere. When I talked with Mr. Malone, he told me what he can do. Mr. Malone had the case settled within a few weeks and cleared the lien. I recommend Mr. Richard Malone for any real estate issues, he is very professional, fast and efficient.
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19 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
I hired Mona to help me get out my debt. I lost my job due to a illness and couldn't find work. I used my credit cards to live and soon they were out of control. I called lady justice and this attorney walked me through everything. She answered all of my questions and her hours were flexible. She also was in court with me and really put me at ease. I would recommend her office to everyone.
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19 Apr, 2013 by John
We have had the pleasure of having Elizabeth Ritter represent us in a guardianship case in the Barstow courts. We are grandparents who were not knowlegeable about the laws around 'guardianship' and found Ms. Ritter advice and professionalism (both to us and in the court) better than we could have anticipated. Ms. Ritter was very approachable and answered all our inquiries honestly. We found Ms. Ritter to be very forthright with information and guidance during a difficult and long process. Ms. Ritter brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and understanding. We are sorry that we had to switch attorneys, but circumstances changed and we had to change courts. Should we ever have to be heard in this region again, we would never hesitate to ask Ms. Ritter to represent us. We cannot thank her enough for her guidance over the years. Ms. Ritter comes with the highest recommendation from us, in areas of professionalism, knowledge, honesty, compassion, and integrity.
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10 Apr, 2012 by Lauren
Mr. Heywood is a extremely professional, organized, skilled, caring, well spoken, honest and trustworthy attorney. I always felt comfortable with his skill and the honest way he did business. If you have to go through a divorce, he is the best attorney to help you navigate some rough seas and help you sail smoothly again.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Anastasia salcido
03 Jul, 2024 by #foofilms
18 May, 2023 by Patty hewitt
I’m very happy I chose this firm. They saved my life.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Stephanie paz
Do not use this service. These people have no education and are operating under a paralegal who no longer works there. They are literally playing lawyer with no education to back it up. Idk how it’s legal. I tried to file paperwork they was poorly prepared by the manager and the paperwork was rejected by the courts lol they will play with you and your money
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20 Nov, 2024 by Aria the esthie
Avoid James Alderson at All Costs!
My experience with James Alderson as my attorney was an absolute nightmare. As a 24-year-old single mother needing legal help to navigate a custody situation, I trusted him, only to be completely taken advantage of. Not only did he lack any real communication, but he also belittled me and made incredibly hurtful and unprofessional remarks. He even went so far as to call me “ignorant” and tried to instill fear by saying I shouldn’t have custody of my daughter and that she should be taken away—all because I slapped my ex-husband in the face after he made horrible remarks about me and my daughter. The disrespect and lack of empathy were shocking.
I initially hired James to help clarify custody details with my ex-husband, specifically regarding dates, holidays, and weekly schedules. But from the start, he twisted my trust. When I later informed his office that my ex-husband had filed a restraining order against me, I wasn’t seeking help for this—I only wanted him to be aware since he was my attorney. Despite this, James later claimed he “helped” the restraining order get dismissed (even though it had no grounds and wasn’t my reason for hiring him). When I reminded him that I’d only hired him for custody matters, he became dismissive, calling me “ignorant” and telling me he couldn’t represent me because of a misdemeanor on my record. He even suggested that I didn’t deserve custody of my daughter—an unbelievably hurtful and baseless statement.
In short, James Alderson took advantage of my situation as a young mother, provided no real support, and was entirely unprofessional and judgmental. His lack of communication, combined with his condescending and manipulative tactics, made a difficult situation even harder. I would never recommend him to anyone. If you’re seeking a compassionate, competent attorney, steer clear of James Alderson. Don’t let him take advantage of you as he did to me.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Aria the esthie
Do Not Hire Robert Ponce!
I had an awful experience with Robert Ponce as my attorney. As a 24-year-old single mother needing legal help, I trusted him, only to be completely mislead and taken advantage of. From the start, he misled me, claiming he was “reducing” a felony charge to a misdemeanor. Later, I found out it had only ever been a misdemeanor—there was no felony to “reduce.”
Throughout the entire process, I never even got the chance to physically speak to Robert Ponce himself. Every conversation I had was with his front desk assistant. Looking back, that should’ve been a red flag, but I wanted to trust that he was handling my case properly and doing what was best for myself and my child. Instead, he dragged out my case over nearly a year, ultimately charging me over $3,500 for what I now realize was a complete lie.
When he asked if I wanted to keep him on for further representation, I declined due to his high fees and my lack of confidence in his help. I informed him that I was low on funds, hoping he might understand. But instead, he immediately handed my case over to a public defender without even notifying me of an upcoming court date. This lack of communication resulted in me missing the appearance and having a warrant issued for my arrest. When I finally got back on track with the public defender, they were shocked he hadn’t told me about the court date, putting me in an unnecessary and stressful situation.
Robert Ponce’s lack of honesty, communication, and compassion shows he’s only interested in adding another client to his roster to squeeze out a few thousand dollars. His business practices are extremely shady, and it’s a shame there are lawyers out there who operate like this. I would never recommend him to anyone, and I strongly advise anyone considering his services to look elsewhere. Don’t let him take advantage of you the way he did to me.
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02 Jul, 2015 by Norma quintana
I was referred by a friend to lewis, after 3 years battle for divorce, she finally gave me my freedom. i highly recommend her, very professional, thank you Mary, Sara, Tina, and Anne.
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21 May, 2015 by Gaspar
Anne Lewis is a first rate lawyer during a very messy divorced which had taken over 10 years my previous attorney had a history of continuances, after I fired that attorney and contracted Anne Lewis and her staff, Sarah, Mary and Tina , took care of all legal procedures in such a fast efficient, professional and caring way that the process became less stressful and was moved along that I finally got my divorce and I am so grateful that Anne Lewis and her staff where the ones there for me I wish I had gotten her as my attorney from the beginning and not have loss so many years...If a family court attorney is needed I will wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Lewis and her staff You cannot get much more caring besides your family
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07 Aug, 2013 by Jen
Anne E. Lewis is the best attorney in the high desert. She is extremely competent in her field. I have used her services before and I have been pleased with her representation as my attorney. I highly recommend her.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Stephanie paz
Do not use this service. These people have no education and are operating under a paralegal who no longer works there. They are literally playing lawyer with no education to back it up. Idk how it’s legal. I tried to file paperwork they was poorly prepared by the manager and the paperwork was rejected by the courts lol they will play with you and your money
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20 Nov, 2024 by Aria the esthie
Avoid James Alderson at All Costs!
My experience with James Alderson as my attorney was an absolute nightmare. As a 24-year-old single mother needing legal help to navigate a custody situation, I trusted him, only to be completely taken advantage of. Not only did he lack any real communication, but he also belittled me and made incredibly hurtful and unprofessional remarks. He even went so far as to call me “ignorant” and tried to instill fear by saying I shouldn’t have custody of my daughter and that she should be taken away—all because I slapped my ex-husband in the face after he made horrible remarks about me and my daughter. The disrespect and lack of empathy were shocking.
I initially hired James to help clarify custody details with my ex-husband, specifically regarding dates, holidays, and weekly schedules. But from the start, he twisted my trust. When I later informed his office that my ex-husband had filed a restraining order against me, I wasn’t seeking help for this—I only wanted him to be aware since he was my attorney. Despite this, James later claimed he “helped” the restraining order get dismissed (even though it had no grounds and wasn’t my reason for hiring him). When I reminded him that I’d only hired him for custody matters, he became dismissive, calling me “ignorant” and telling me he couldn’t represent me because of a misdemeanor on my record. He even suggested that I didn’t deserve custody of my daughter—an unbelievably hurtful and baseless statement.
In short, James Alderson took advantage of my situation as a young mother, provided no real support, and was entirely unprofessional and judgmental. His lack of communication, combined with his condescending and manipulative tactics, made a difficult situation even harder. I would never recommend him to anyone. If you’re seeking a compassionate, competent attorney, steer clear of James Alderson. Don’t let him take advantage of you as he did to me.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Aria the esthie
Do Not Hire Robert Ponce!
I had an awful experience with Robert Ponce as my attorney. As a 24-year-old single mother needing legal help, I trusted him, only to be completely mislead and taken advantage of. From the start, he misled me, claiming he was “reducing” a felony charge to a misdemeanor. Later, I found out it had only ever been a misdemeanor—there was no felony to “reduce.”
Throughout the entire process, I never even got the chance to physically speak to Robert Ponce himself. Every conversation I had was with his front desk assistant. Looking back, that should’ve been a red flag, but I wanted to trust that he was handling my case properly and doing what was best for myself and my child. Instead, he dragged out my case over nearly a year, ultimately charging me over $3,500 for what I now realize was a complete lie.
When he asked if I wanted to keep him on for further representation, I declined due to his high fees and my lack of confidence in his help. I informed him that I was low on funds, hoping he might understand. But instead, he immediately handed my case over to a public defender without even notifying me of an upcoming court date. This lack of communication resulted in me missing the appearance and having a warrant issued for my arrest. When I finally got back on track with the public defender, they were shocked he hadn’t told me about the court date, putting me in an unnecessary and stressful situation.
Robert Ponce’s lack of honesty, communication, and compassion shows he’s only interested in adding another client to his roster to squeeze out a few thousand dollars. His business practices are extremely shady, and it’s a shame there are lawyers out there who operate like this. I would never recommend him to anyone, and I strongly advise anyone considering his services to look elsewhere. Don’t let him take advantage of you the way he did to me.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Stephanie paz
Do not use this service. These people have no education and are operating under a paralegal who no longer works there. They are literally playing lawyer with no education to back it up. Idk how it’s legal. I tried to file paperwork they was poorly prepared by the manager and the paperwork was rejected by the courts lol they will play with you and your money
Read more
20 Nov, 2024 by Aria the esthie
Avoid James Alderson at All Costs!
My experience with James Alderson as my attorney was an absolute nightmare. As a 24-year-old single mother needing legal help to navigate a custody situation, I trusted him, only to be completely taken advantage of. Not only did he lack any real communication, but he also belittled me and made incredibly hurtful and unprofessional remarks. He even went so far as to call me “ignorant” and tried to instill fear by saying I shouldn’t have custody of my daughter and that she should be taken away—all because I slapped my ex-husband in the face after he made horrible remarks about me and my daughter. The disrespect and lack of empathy were shocking.
I initially hired James to help clarify custody details with my ex-husband, specifically regarding dates, holidays, and weekly schedules. But from the start, he twisted my trust. When I later informed his office that my ex-husband had filed a restraining order against me, I wasn’t seeking help for this—I only wanted him to be aware since he was my attorney. Despite this, James later claimed he “helped” the restraining order get dismissed (even though it had no grounds and wasn’t my reason for hiring him). When I reminded him that I’d only hired him for custody matters, he became dismissive, calling me “ignorant” and telling me he couldn’t represent me because of a misdemeanor on my record. He even suggested that I didn’t deserve custody of my daughter—an unbelievably hurtful and baseless statement.
In short, James Alderson took advantage of my situation as a young mother, provided no real support, and was entirely unprofessional and judgmental. His lack of communication, combined with his condescending and manipulative tactics, made a difficult situation even harder. I would never recommend him to anyone. If you’re seeking a compassionate, competent attorney, steer clear of James Alderson. Don’t let him take advantage of you as he did to me.
Read more
12 Nov, 2024 by Aria the esthie
Do Not Hire Robert Ponce!
I had an awful experience with Robert Ponce as my attorney. As a 24-year-old single mother needing legal help, I trusted him, only to be completely mislead and taken advantage of. From the start, he misled me, claiming he was “reducing” a felony charge to a misdemeanor. Later, I found out it had only ever been a misdemeanor—there was no felony to “reduce.”
Throughout the entire process, I never even got the chance to physically speak to Robert Ponce himself. Every conversation I had was with his front desk assistant. Looking back, that should’ve been a red flag, but I wanted to trust that he was handling my case properly and doing what was best for myself and my child. Instead, he dragged out my case over nearly a year, ultimately charging me over $3,500 for what I now realize was a complete lie.
When he asked if I wanted to keep him on for further representation, I declined due to his high fees and my lack of confidence in his help. I informed him that I was low on funds, hoping he might understand. But instead, he immediately handed my case over to a public defender without even notifying me of an upcoming court date. This lack of communication resulted in me missing the appearance and having a warrant issued for my arrest. When I finally got back on track with the public defender, they were shocked he hadn’t told me about the court date, putting me in an unnecessary and stressful situation.
Robert Ponce’s lack of honesty, communication, and compassion shows he’s only interested in adding another client to his roster to squeeze out a few thousand dollars. His business practices are extremely shady, and it’s a shame there are lawyers out there who operate like this. I would never recommend him to anyone, and I strongly advise anyone considering his services to look elsewhere. Don’t let him take advantage of you the way he did to me.
Read more
17 Sep, 2024 by Dee sydnor
We recently went to Zumbrunn Law for assistance with executing my mother-in-law's estate. Mr. Zumbrunn was quite knowledgeable and assisted us through the entire process. We were very happy with the communication from his office. They did an excellent job and we would highly recommend Zumbrunn Law.
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06 Feb, 2024 by Taj johnson
26 Jun, 2023 by Sheri harris
I always feel very well taken care of by Greg .. !
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17 Aug, 2024 by Casey g
I highly recommend Mrs. Brunner. She is a very good lawyer and I am so thankful that we chose her to represent us during a very difficult time with our child custody matter😊
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25 Jun, 2024 by Jesse chase
One star. Do not recommend.
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21 Apr, 2024 by Anna loalbo
No no no. She was my lawyer 13 years ago. I'm still mad at her.
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28 Nov, 2022 by Deborah
Jonathan is a fantastic attorney have been using him for business and personal issues for years. He has always been precessional and has taken care of all situations perfectly.
Would recommend to everyone.
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27 Aug, 2019 by Deborah
I have used Mr. Tasker for several different issues and each time he has taken care of my situation.
He had helped me with personal and business issues.
Thank you
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03 Nov, 2016 by Joyce clarke
I went to Mr. Tasker only after another attorney took me for most of my money and totally screwed up a complex case. Mr. Tasker solved the matter in less than one month, after the other guy took 4 years. Unbelievable but true. If I need an attorney again I will go back to him. He saved my life, literally.
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27 Sep, 2024 by D h
I had her years ago and let me just say keep looking. I sat in a meeting with her and the other lawyer and they were just chewing on her. She just sat there and I was like wtf say something. I had to end up speaking up and negotiating my divorce. She did nothing for me and I had a civil divorce. I cant image what would happen to someone who actually needed someone to fight for you
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07 Jun, 2024 by Nick the black
Very helpful and definitely explained everything very well. Actually she was able too turn a bad situation with 2 people who didn't talk, into a situation where we both came too an agreement and worked things out together.
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09 Apr, 2024 by Doug herman
If you are looking for an excellent Divorce Attorney. Kyle Woolridge is who you want. She will go to bat for you and fight hard for you and protect you. She has your interest at heart and will up hold them she is a pitbull. I cannot say enough about her and her staff. Kyle has an excellent paralegal Stacie. they will communicate with you and keep you informed all the way through the process. This team is excellent. Not only did I get what I wanted but that team saved me money........I would recommend them to everyone. Like I said if you want an excellent divorce attorney go see Kyle....
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22 Sep, 2020 by Katie linder
02 Jan, 2019 by James coldiron
Outstanding .thank you sherry and your staff happy we have you
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08 Feb, 2018 by Softballmom softballmom
Discover the ideal lawyer
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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.
