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23 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Kevin was able to quickly cut through the complexity of my family law case and move forward with a strong strategy that helped to bring my case to a victory. He will not waste time or money and truly cares about his clients and getting them the best possible outcome. I could not recommend him enough. Excellent attorney.
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11 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
I spoke with several other local attorneys before deciding to retain Andrea and am so glad I went with this firm. She was knowledgeable, professional, and empathetic as I navigated the channels of a complicated divorce. I am pleased with my outcome and recommend this firm to anyone facing the dissolution of your marriage.
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04 Jun, 2013 by Erick
Mr. Jacobson had all my witnesses in court and by my side ready and willing to back me up. He gave me his word that he will perform as professionally and efficiently as possible and he did. In fact he investigated my case more than the police department and myself. He was thorough and kept me and my wife optimistic.
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09 Jan, 2018 by Melissa
Throughout a lengthy and complicated separation and divorce, Joe consistently provided me with honest, wise counsel regarding the process itself as well as what my options were. His background in the military as well as his extensive experience with family law proved essential. Joe is knowledgeable and honest, and he truly kept my best interests in mind every step of the way. His commitment to excellence and putting the client first have truly made a world of difference in my life. I strongly recommend him to anyone needing a trustworthy divorce/ family law attorney.
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06 Sep, 2017 by David
A divorce, even uncontested, is hard on a family and difficult enough without dealing with an unresponsive, slow-moving attorney. After over a year of delays and excuses, I fired him and followed up on a recommendation to contact Grenadier, Starace, Duffett & Levi P.C. Carolyn Abbate thoughtfully explained the steps and court processes. Recognizing my desire for a harmonious post-divorce relationship, she helped smooth out issues that could have become points of contention. Ms. Abbate also sped things up enormously, guiding me in providing her with relevant information, feeding back documents for review and promptly passing them on, which had the added benefit of encouraging my wife’s attorney to match her pace. The outcome was a swift, amicable resolution that allowed family relationships to heal.
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21 Oct, 2013 by Raymond
She is understanding and takes time to listen. She made me feel like I still had a say. So in my case. Highly recommend!
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09 Jul, 2015 by Laurie
Very organized. Explained legal matters in layman's terms. Walked me thru a most difficult time. Strong communication skills. Always responded in a timely manner. Mark and his staff are very proficient.
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09 Jul, 2017 by Christopher lee fields
Bruce did an excellent job with my case I was charged with a felony and I was denied Bond my attorney at the time could not even get me a bond hearing as soon as Bruce took over my case he had me a bond hearing and I was able to get out of jail I had been in there for 3 months waiting on this other attorney not only to get me out of jail he got my felony dropped to a misdemeanor and the judge thanks to my attorney Bruce set my bond at the lowest possible Bond he could set at the time much thanks and praise goes out the Bruce Russell who helped me out tremendously thanks again Bruce
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01 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Jennifer Oram-Smith is one of the most delightful and personable people I have ever had the privilege of working with. Even though, what put me in the position of having to hire a lawyer in the first place was not a good thing.... Jennifer's positive attitude and fearless fighting for my case helped make my experience that much better.
When you search for a lawyer, you often look for credentials - experience - size of the firm etc.... but what often isn't described is how diligent they are with their clients and their cases.
Jennifer was so tireless in her efforts to ensure I got what I was looking for, that each time I sent her an email she was quick to respond that very same day. Communication was key for me as I live in California and needed representation in Virginia.
My case was a complex one, with ALOT of history and paperwork to go through, and given the distance and how often I was able to actually meet with Jennifer in person - I can say I am very impressed with the way she conducts business.
As far as price goes, it should be no surprise to anyone that hiring a lawyer can be expensive (depending on your case) and you get what you pay for. I made that mistake the first time I hired a lawyer a few years ago and all I walked away with was debt and little to show for it. Jennifer is EXTREMELY fair in her pricing... in fact... I think she may be underpriced as I believe that her level of commitment is valued at so much more. And because of Jennifer's meticulous work and what felt like boundless knowledge of the judicial system, I was able to walk away from court with so much more than I had started with.
I would recommend Jennifer to anyone seeking legal help or even just legal advice.
Thank you for your help Jennifer!
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12 Dec, 2018 by Larry
Over the past 20 years, Fred has represented me several times. Not in just one Court setting, but in criminal and juvenile domestic cases. In, or out of the courtroom he gives 100%! There isn't another attorney at law I would call other than Fred. in fact, I think he needs to come up with a jingle... Like... Maybe... "Call Fred, instead!" : )
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26 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Best experience I’ve ever had in Court with any attorney. She comes prepared and it shows. Did a fantastic job negotiating and fighting for me.
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10 Aug, 2016 by Donald
This woman fights for whether you've hired her or she's be appointed to you by the court. In my case she was court appointed and she fought for me. It wasn't like the same old song and dance with her in Tazewell County by my side. I'm so confident in her abilities that I would put a lifetime of freedom on the line as long as she was in my corner cause I know she's not gonna take it sitting down but she's gonna grab the bull by the horns no matter how big he is and she'll fight until the last second!!!!
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23 Jan, 2020 by Demetrius
Needed someone urgent, knowledgeable, and who can get things done. Ms. Molly is that and has exceed our expectations. Once she knew what was going on, she acted quickly and swiftly. I highly recommend her.
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19 Jan, 2018 by Ashley
Lorna surpassed my expectations. I was in a situation and desperately needed legal guidance, Lorna understood my every concern and was able to help me navigate my situation. She was caring, passionate, and professional.
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10 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
We consulted Ms. Francisco to develop some estate and family planning ideas. We then hired her to prepare instruments such as durable powers of attorney and advanced medical directives for each of us. We found her to be friendly, responsive, and, most importantly, professional. She alerted us to issues that we had not considered and developed strategies to address them. We will be back again and would feel comfortable having Ms. Francisco handle any legal matters for us.
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19 Jun, 2017 by Holly
Betty was the partner who handled my divorce along with Melanie Rice. Although we didn't get the full outcome I had hoped for, she (and Melanie) worked nights and weekends to try to get opposing counsel closer to a balanced settlement. I would recommend her to anyone who asked me for my opinion.
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12 Jan, 2016 by Daphne
Courtney gave me great advice and helped me work through a custody agreement during a very difficult time.
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10 Oct, 2012 by Frank
I worked with Lesley on getting a permanent residency in the US (aka green card). There are a lot of forms, supporting documentation, lots of other info to gather and she guided us through it quite smoothly. The process of applying for a green card can be stressful and full of uncertainty - Lesley was great at instilling confidence in her and in our application case, we felt and knew we were in good hands.
I would recommend her in a heartbeat.
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09 Feb, 2018 by Devon
Colleen stood beside me in court during one of the scariest and most stressful days of my life, and she made me feel at ease and confident about everything we were doing. She was kind, and gracious, and so easy to talk to. Her courtroom strategy and demeanor were beyond strong. I deeply appreciate the work she did and the outcome we received because of her diligence. I highly recommend Colleen and the other attorneys at Holcomb Law.
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29 Sep, 2016 by Jeffery
Jonathan McGrady represented me in a reckless driving offense. We spoke and I explained the citation and the circumstances. Mr. McGrady asked questions, understood my situation and then fully explained my options. His staff is extremely professional. Their communication was clear and concise, left nothing in question. I was able to communicate by email and phone. Not a call or question went unanswered. Being from a different state, I was afraid location was going to be an issue. His staff made me fill like they were right next door.
Mr. McGrady and his staff took this negative experience and were able to put a positive light on the outcome and the process.....
I would highly recommend Mr. McGrady as legal representation. Hopefully, I never have to use him again, but if I find myself in a similar situation, I know who to call.
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12 Apr, 2017 by Sydney
Hired John recently for a custody, visitation, and child support case. He represented me well and I came out on top as I normally do when he is in my corner. He has previously represented me in criminal matters which also worked out well. All around great and fair guy.
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13 Sep, 2012 by Rachel
When I almost gave up on my case, Attorney Ishmael Thoronka worked tirelessly around the clock to get me positive results and at the end I was satisfied. His skills are exemplary.
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21 Aug, 2015 by Robin
Chuck is most thorough and dedicated attorney ever. Chuck went above and beyond and left no detail to chance. He never over promised, was always level headed and thoughtful. I don't think that there are enough words to describe how happy I have been with him through the two trials in which he represented me.
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13 Aug, 2021 by Kelli
Emily was one of my attorneys while she was at a law firm in Northern, VA. Emily represented and assisted me in a very complex custody/visitation case and also a child support case. She was in the process of assisting and representing me in the defense of another related case prior to her departure of the firm and Northern, VA area. Emily is sharp, personable, detail oriented and remembers the little things which I found extremely helpful and impressive. I truly felt that the best interest of myself and my child were her priority. I would and will always recommend her to anyone in need of an attorney for custody/visitation/support, etc.
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12 Sep, 2024 by James harrison
Mark was amazing , gad great customer service and got my case settled swiftly. I enjoyed my experience with Mark and I would definitely recommend him to anyone who needs help solving a traffic dispute or any other disputes necessary.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Luke pettaway
11 Sep, 2024 by Jerry oliver
Mark is one of the most proficient and calculated lawyers ever. Would say he doesn’t boast how efficient he is so I’ll speak for him. He fights tooth and nail for you and knows his work. Was referred to him from my personal lawyer and he’s worth every cent he requests. Almost like after he’s done you may feel you owe him more the way he represents you in the court no matter what evidence may or may not against you. Dismissal was my result. It’s rare you see a judge smile at how a defense attorney present and represent his client thru trial. Mr. Andrews is one of kind. You will not be disappointed!
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09 Aug, 2024 by Manish chopra
Going through a divorce and a custody situation can be a daunting, complicated, and emotionally draining process. You need someone by your side to help you navigate the complexities, provide you with the necessary guidance and most importantly be as invested in fighting for your rights as if they were their own. With Mr. Benjamin Fitzgerald at SSHW you are truly “in good hands.” He is everything you would want to have in someone representing your interests. His reassuring compassion and empathy will put your mind at ease in trying times and his knowledge, professionalism, and direct approach, both inside and outside the courtroom will ensure that you achieve the best possible outcomes. I was at a really bad place when I first called him on a late Thursday evening, he took the time to understand the situation and by the time I met him, first thing on Friday morning, the next day, he had already worked out and set a plan in motion. What I had expected would take at least a week or two, was achieved within an evening. I cannot really express in words how his sharpness and responsiveness during this time salvaged an impossible situation and reassured my trust in our justice system. This was however just the beginning, our contentious divorce and custody battle would continue for well over 2 years, but with Ben ‘s help and guidance, I always felt at-ease and reassured. His preparation and advice were always through, complete and ethical as was the entire team at SSHW. During this time there were several motions, countermotions, depositions, settlements and court appearances and I was always amazed with his knowledge about my case and his level of preparation and commitment for my cause. I am forever grateful for his guidance and advice during those challenging times, I believe and know that with SSHW and Ben Fitzgerald, not only did I get the best possible representation, but I also received the best possible outcome.
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19 Jul, 2024 by Bradley nimitz
I worked with Ben Fitzgerald (and other relevant SSH&W staff) on my custody case and was very pleased with the amount of attention, detail and overall due diligence he and his staff gave my case. I felt that every hour that I was billed had been packed with hard work from Ben's side. This ultimately resulted in a very favorable outcome for me. I highly recommend Ben and his associates at SSH&W
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14 Jun, 2024 by Ashley brady
If I could give 10 stars, I would! Penn Bain is an amazing attorney who helped me resolve a quite challenging family law case with a favorable outcome. From the start, his approach to my case was underpinned by a high level of integrity, transparency, compassion, and legal prowess that is unmatched. My only regret is not finding him sooner. In addition, every interaction I have had with his team has been pleasant, respectful, and prompt. If you want a strong, skilled, and knowledgeable attorney who will effectively advise and represent you, without question, you should select Penn Bain. Sevila, Saunders, Huddleston & White is undoubtedly a top-notch firm.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Manish chopra
Going through a divorce and a custody situation can be a daunting, complicated, and emotionally draining process. You need someone by your side to help you navigate the complexities, provide you with the necessary guidance and most importantly be as invested in fighting for your rights as if they were their own. With Mr. Benjamin Fitzgerald at SSHW you are truly “in good hands.” He is everything you would want to have in someone representing your interests. His reassuring compassion and empathy will put your mind at ease in trying times and his knowledge, professionalism, and direct approach, both inside and outside the courtroom will ensure that you achieve the best possible outcomes. I was at a really bad place when I first called him on a late Thursday evening, he took the time to understand the situation and by the time I met him, first thing on Friday morning, the next day, he had already worked out and set a plan in motion. What I had expected would take at least a week or two, was achieved within an evening. I cannot really express in words how his sharpness and responsiveness during this time salvaged an impossible situation and reassured my trust in our justice system. This was however just the beginning, our contentious divorce and custody battle would continue for well over 2 years, but with Ben ‘s help and guidance, I always felt at-ease and reassured. His preparation and advice were always through, complete and ethical as was the entire team at SSHW. During this time there were several motions, countermotions, depositions, settlements and court appearances and I was always amazed with his knowledge about my case and his level of preparation and commitment for my cause. I am forever grateful for his guidance and advice during those challenging times, I believe and know that with SSHW and Ben Fitzgerald, not only did I get the best possible representation, but I also received the best possible outcome.
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19 Jul, 2024 by Bradley nimitz
I worked with Ben Fitzgerald (and other relevant SSH&W staff) on my custody case and was very pleased with the amount of attention, detail and overall due diligence he and his staff gave my case. I felt that every hour that I was billed had been packed with hard work from Ben's side. This ultimately resulted in a very favorable outcome for me. I highly recommend Ben and his associates at SSH&W
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14 Jun, 2024 by Ashley brady
If I could give 10 stars, I would! Penn Bain is an amazing attorney who helped me resolve a quite challenging family law case with a favorable outcome. From the start, his approach to my case was underpinned by a high level of integrity, transparency, compassion, and legal prowess that is unmatched. My only regret is not finding him sooner. In addition, every interaction I have had with his team has been pleasant, respectful, and prompt. If you want a strong, skilled, and knowledgeable attorney who will effectively advise and represent you, without question, you should select Penn Bain. Sevila, Saunders, Huddleston & White is undoubtedly a top-notch firm.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Rebecca grant
Best Lawyer!
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10 Jul, 2024 by Muhammad danish
I had the pleasure of working with Andi Geloo recently for my reckless ticket in Prince William County 25/51. From the moment I contacted her, I was impressed by her professionalism and knowledge of the law. Throughout the process, she kept me informed and explained everything clearly, which made a potentially daunting situation much more manageable and her responsiveness was outstanding. I never had to wait long for a callback or email response. Thanks to her expertise and dedication, I achieved a favorable outcome in my case. My six-point criminal misdemeanor has been reduced/dismissed and I was found guilty of only a minor zero point non moving infraction called defective equipment. The speed specification was moved entirely and it was all because of Andi.
I especially appreciated her for all the effort and time she has put for this case. It's clear that Andi Geloo genuinely cares about her clients and goes the extra mile to ensure her needs are met.
I highly recommend Andi Geloo to anyone in need of legal assistance because of her integrity, knowledge, and commitment to her clients set a standard that few others can match.
Thank you, Andi.
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06 Jul, 2024 by David goodspeed
Andi was an absolutely *excellent* lawyer to have in my corner - she truly went above and beyond to assist me with a reckless speeding ticket (ticket stated 80 in a 55, which I thought was a 65 zone).
Andi's assuredness, communication, and knowledge applied to my situation were all of a higher quality than I could have ever hoped for - and through her skill and determination I was able to receive the best possible outcome during my court date.
If you are in her region of service and require representation, I cannot imagine you could do better than to hire Andi Geloo. Thank you again Andi and knowing that you are out there serving the community gives me and my family a huge measure of calm and security!
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20 Aug, 2024 by S
Peter has excellent communication skills and is incredibly knowledgeable. He is candid and will always give you the full picture as it stands. Whilst showing the utmost professionalism, the thing that has and continues to stand out for me is Peter’s human side; always showing genuine concern for the client. He will always go over and above to help. Mine was a difficult case which Peter helped to navigate in the best way possible. I would not hesitate to recommend Peter’s services - you will be in safe hands!
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02 Aug, 2024 by Gjergj dollani
Peter has been my go-to for the past 6-7 years. He has helped me tremendously with various issues from contracts to litigations, and has always pushed hard to represent my interests.
His integrity is paramount, which is of huge importance to me and my family.
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06 May, 2024 by Lyudmyla topcha
We loved our experience with Jabaly Law.
Peter provided exceptional quality of work, excellent customer service. Any questions we had, Peter made sure to answer all of them and prioritized our case! I highly recommend Peter as a lawyer, won’t regret it.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Taha bilal uyar
Arif Bey ve ekibi ile çalışmaktan çok memnun kaldık. Son derece tecrübeli ve profesyonel bir ekip. Göçmenlik süreçlerinde desteğe ihtiyacı olan herkese kesinlikle tavsiye ederim.
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29 May, 2024 by M. e.
Thanks a lot. We are guided by Gozel Law on our immigration journey. We had no gap professional service related to our case. They helped us to understand all process at the beginning, spotted our path till reaching our green card right, thank you for your professional help and kindness.
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29 May, 2024 by Kanan manafov
Oncelikle Arif bey ve onun ofisinde tum calisanlara ve Eylul hanima personal teşekkürümu bildirirem. 19 January interview oldu, Eylul hanim tam olarak beni destekleyerek interview tamamladiq. Ve 19 Mart approve aldik.
Cok teshekkurler Eylul hanim.
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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.
