Best Family Law lawyers in Virginia

1,814 Family Law Lawyers in Virginia

>1.8k

experienced lawyers

Joshua O'Beirne Elrod

15 E Nelson St Ste A, Lexington, VA

Criminal Defense Family Law Real Estate +3

4.0/5

5.0

1 Reviews

3.7

3 Reviews

07 Jun, 2023 by Stephen fierce

Horrible experience. Use anyone else!

23 Sep, 2019 by Malcolm wyche

17 Jun, 2019 by Carly toler

Amazing people

Laura Christine Dove

1100 N. Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA

Child Custody Family Law +2

4.0/5

4.0

4 Reviews

22 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous

MDMB and Laura Dove in particular, represented me in a complicated divorce and custody case in Arlington county Court. I found her through a good friend. Laura is a very professional, experienced lawyer, with extreme attention to details, an unbelievable memory, and excellent litigation skills. Always on top of the game! Case preparation, deposition, discovery, all-day hearings, you name it. She is well-respected by colleagues and judges (we had hearings with at least 4 of them). She truly loves what she is doing! I highly, highly recommend her. Just make sure to take notes and follow her advice! Good luck!

08 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous

Laura worked closely with me on my case and helped me get everything I needed for me and my kids. She was very responsive to my concerns and questions and really looked out for me. She let me know when I could do things to keep my costs down and also assigned some stuff to other people so that I got billed at a lower rate. If you want someone who will care about you and protecting your kids you should hire her!

30 Jan, 2014 by Jennifer

If you want your ex and ex's lawyer to win, then absolutely go for Laura. Their office never returned my calls/emails and let certain things lapse. I had to drop them and get a new lawyer. Their office will only call you back once the money in your account runs out.

Camille Allan Crandall

4084 University Dr. Suite 202-A, Fairfax, VA

Business Child Support Family Law +3

4.0/5

4.0

4 Reviews

11 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous

If you’re considering legal representation by Camille Crandall, I strongly urge you to reconsider. My experience with Ms. Crandall was not only disappointing but financially devastating. Her handling of my case was fraught with serious errors that resulted in significant monetary losses, and I am compelled to share my story as a cautionary tale. One of the most critical aspects of my case was the accurate valuation of a major asset. Unfortunately, Ms. Crandall failed to secure an updated appraisal at a crucial point in the proceedings, leading to a gross undervaluation of the asset. This oversight cost me a substantial amount of money, a loss that could have easily been avoided with competent representation. What’s more, her inability to correct this mistake even after it was brought to her attention reflects a troubling level of negligence. Additionally, Ms. Crandall’s mishandling of the financial aspects of my case did not stop there. When it came to determining my financial obligations, her failure to adequately argue and present necessary evidence resulted in an unrealistic and exorbitant financial burden being placed upon me. This has had long-lasting effects on my financial well-being, effects that could have been mitigated with a more thorough and professional approach. What’s most disheartening is that when I attempted to seek accountability for these clear instances of professional negligence, I was met not with concern or an attempt to rectify the situation, but with threats of countersuits and baseless accusations from her firm. This kind of response speaks volumes about the ethics and priorities of the representation I received. In conclusion, entrusting my case to Camille Crandall was a costly mistake. Her incompetence and the subsequent unwillingness to take responsibility for the substantial harm caused have left me in a far worse position than before. I would strongly advise anyone seeking legal representation to look elsewhere—your financial future may depend on it.

12 Dec, 2023 by Gina

So let’s talk about Camille Crandall, a legal superstar who didn’t just take my custody case but TOTALLY owned it, turned it around and WON. I need to give MAJOR kudos to Ms. Crandall for her incredible work in handling my rollercoaster of a custody court case, dealing with tough topics, spanning two different state jurisdictions (I don’t even live in Virginia!). She turned around a tough loss from a prior court hearing with another attorney into us receiving 98% of everything we asked for in the Virginia court final hearing with Ms. Crandall’s guidance. And if that wasn’t enough, the court also totally unexpectedly granted me decision-making authority for the child in question– an unexpected win I credit to Ms. Crandall’s expertise and hard work. And here’s the kicker, she accepted my complex case with an emergent deadline after a few other attorneys turned me down – and after that tough loss in a prior court hearing with a different attorney. Ms. Crandall didn’t just argue the law, she poured her heart into my case – almost like I was her own family!!! The level of preparation and her closing arguments were incredible! (Court watchers attested her closing arguments were fantastic.) Seeing that level of commitment and belief in her legal case -- it was AMAZING! Ms. Crandall gave me no-nonsense advice and recommendations from the start, and truly knows Virginia law, court, and judges. That’s what any client wants. My case was something many attorneys hadn’t seen before, and Ms. Crandall was NOT intimidated. I interviewed several attorneys and her advice/recommendations/process was just the most practical, honest, and useful, and directed towards succeeding at my case – she’s truly no-nonsense, straightforward, and real with you. We had some tough moments at court and even some frank talks (I'm not the best @ being on the stand) and it was all worth it! I’m THRILLED with my outcome! I too was once in your shoes: reading legal client reviews online, hoping I was picking a great attorney and that the reviews were real. THIS IS A REAL CLIENT REVIEW! Do yourself a favor. Pick Ms. Crandall as your family law attorney. If you’re lucky enough to have her take your case – you’ll have a legal superstar who believes in YOU, excellent legal recommendations, reviews details, and EXCELLENT chances of succeeding in your case. This attorney changed my whole life going forwards- and l couldn't be more grateful!

30 Mar, 2022 by Nurunnahar

Camille Crandall who almost made impossible to possible in my case about having my child's custody. She is my hero who presented me such a wonderful way that I could never think of. I only worked with her for last 4/5 months and I hardly talked to her in person. But still the way she read me, understood me and presented me in the court, I don't think that any of my family member or friend could do that. She is honest, hard working, straight forward and very specific. More I want to write about her, more I want to see the good qualities in her. Her entire team was very professional and hard working for my case as if they know me for soo long. My situation/case was complicated for many lawyers but she made it very smooth and easy in the court. I will definitely recommend her for any divorce/ child custody/visitation case. God sent her in my life as an angel and have my child back. Last several years I was terrified that I will never have my baby back in my life and now my baby stays with me and I am the one who make decision for my baby. May God bless her and her entire team. My prayers and gratitude will be always with them.

Lisa Lane Mcdevitt

2155 Bonaventure Drive., Vienna, VA

Estate Planning Family Law Probate +3

4.0/5

4.0

4 Reviews

11 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous

I am a govt employee and hardly never ever leave reviews. But heartbroken beware.... Lisa did not have my best interests in mind. I could never reach her by phone when needed, and emails went unanswered for weeks. We received an email from opposing counsel that we responded to on September 9th, I received the email from Lisa with the follow-up letter. She never reached out to me to let me know that the letter she sent was mishandled at the post office, came back to her, and needed to be resent I found this information out because I reached out to her to her on 10/21 to see the status of my own case. It is December and I had still not heard back from Lisa about this issue. I could send an email and she would turn around and call me for me to explain the same thing that was in the email and charge me. No follow-ups to actions that she said would be taken on my behalf were ever given. When a client hardly ever calls you or sends you emails, when they finally call you and call you four times in a row, email you three times in a row, a normal person would think that there is an emergency and reach out. Istead of reaching out to see what was wrong, she textS me to tell me to stop calling her "incessantly" because she's in court. A simple "as soon as I'm out of court I will give you a call" would possibly have cats my anxiety down and our relationship intact. At 10:30 p.m. on the West coast, I leave my house to walk my dog to find court papers from the East coast just lying on the ground. No envelope... nothing. No one ever knocked on my door. They are divorced papers giving me 21 days to respond and dated November 9th. The 21 days has been up. So what is the first thing you do even at 10:30pm...you call and email your lawyer. And then you wait till 9:00 a.m. West coast time where it's noon on the East coast to call her. But you constantly get voicemail. It's unacceptable. A divorce is already a stressful time, emotional, jarring time. The person representing you in that matter, should have compassion towards your situation and your mental health. Being ignored by your attorney who is extremely uncommunicative....makes everything just a little bit worse because you already feel alone and ignored. You shouldn't have to take that from your attorney too. Especially when you pay every bill on time, in full, and provide all the information requested. Lisa did nothing to further my case but bill me for letters that never reached the opposing attorney. I did all of my own legwork. I would not recommend her business to anyone if they want results.

23 Aug, 2016 by Janine

Ms. McDevitt was very professional and extremely personal when dealing with me through my divorce. She returned calls promptly, made sure that my case proceeded through the court system, quickly. I wish more professionals were like her. I have already referred 2 clients to her.

22 Apr, 2015 by James

Ms. McDevitt handled my uncontested divorce. She was very efficient and responsive. She always kept me informed as to the status of my case and always returned phone calls and emails. She made my divorce a breeze. I have already recommended her to a friend and will continue to do so in the future.

Mayo J Wilson

8300 Boone Boulevard, Vienna, VA

Criminal Defense Family Law Immigration +1 +4

4.0/5

4.0

4 Reviews

01 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous

Mr. Wilson was my lawyer through my divorce and made the process very easy. He was always available to communicate with me when I had questions and took care of things quickly. I would definitely recommend him and am grateful for the referral.

25 Mar, 2013 by Heather

Wow... This is in response to the post from Victoria. I usually do not write reviews but I am completely appalled and disagree with those statements. I am completely blown away by her review. If this was her opinion, why did she continue to retain his services? If they were what she believed to be "In Effective" why didn't she look for other advice? Contrary to her experience, mine has been nothing but professional! I have been working with Mr. Wilson since 2008. He represented me in the past with a car accident and it was resolved fairly fast and I believe that if had I not retained him as my attorney, my settlement would not have been as substantial. I am currently working with him to dissolve my marriage. It has been such a pleasure working with Mayo. This is a difficult time for me, going through such a horrible divorce as a single mother of two and Mayo has been sure to answer my legal questions even when its past business hours. I believe that Mayo Wilson is a wonderful attorney. I trust him and recommend him to all of my friends and Co- Workers as he does not just care about getting paid, he cares about the outcome and puts your best interest first. He is very reliable and dependable and I will continue to retain him for all future legal needs and advice.

15 Nov, 2012 by Victoria j. morgan

Mayo Wilson is by far one of the worst lawyers in all of Northern Virginia. He represented me during a custody hearing where he refused to conduct Discovery properly and he refused to present evidence (that I gathered) to Judge Mann that supported my testimony. My ex, George Holder, had a standoff with the City of Alexandria Police, poured gasoline on himself and threatened to set himself on fire, had a protective order against him from a previous relationship, lied about abusing me, testified that he put me out of the house naked and pregnant one night, and was still able to win sole physical and legal custody of my babies.. I testified to those facts and also testified that George abused me. Judge Mann accused me of lying because Mayo REFUSED to present the evidence. He WOULD NOT request the mental health records for George. He REFUSED to request a Guardian Ad Litem and he basically overcharged me for doing NOTHING! Mayo was highly inefficient and spent most of his time judging me for being in an abusive relationship. He could care less about his clients and didn't even bother consoling me after I lost in court on September 19, 2012. He is lazy and knows nothing about the law - other than how to rack up fees to overcharge his clients. DO NOT HIRE THIS GUY! You will be wasting your money and putting your future and the lives of your children in jeopardy! By the way, the one review posted above mine was written by him. So pathetic!

Susan Rachel Gerber

206 DeSota Drive, Richmond, VA

Family Law +1

4.0/5

4.0

4 Reviews

08 Jun, 2012 by Michelle

About two years ago, Susan was referred to me by a co-worker. I instantly hired her after our initial meeting. She is very direct, honest and a straight shooter. She is still my lawyer due to the continuous back and forth with my soon to be ex and his lawyer. She consistently keeps me in the loop of what is going on with my case. She fights for what I want and need 100% and she is always prepared when we go to court. I believe she is here to help anyone that needs it.

05 Jun, 2012 by Anonymous

Susan was referred to me for my custody/support/visitation and divorce proceedings. After sitting down with her I hired her immediately. I found her honestly and straight forward attitude refreshing. She helped guide me through this difficult and stressful process with a positive attitude. Never once did she fill me with false expectations or did she suggest unrealistic goals, instead she stayed honest and down to earth. Phone calls and emails are returned quickly and without attitude. Susan's positive attitude, knowlege and immediate attention to my needs gave me great comfort during this time in my life when I am feeling the most vulnerable.

01 Jun, 2012 by Anonymous

Has the gift of gab,no action in the court room. She hype the case to be cut and dry case, an easy case, then one week before the hearing she started to sing a different tune. I arrive one hour ahead of time to go over somethings, she did not appear until 20 minutss before hearing time, when I was talking to the Division of Child Support Enforcement she left me with them alone so she could go the bathroom and fix her clothes and snap her shoes. Her representation was useless,unprofessional and resulted in my child support being reduce by $552. She showed no remorse or empathy, and talked to one of the attorney's that was helping with the father of my children case, and after the case she tried to tell me she ran across him somewhere else, and he happened to had been in the court room during the hearing. She expected me to believe that, tried to persuade me not to appeal the ruling per the converstation with him, and indicated the both of them did not feel I had a case. I shocked her when I told her who he was and that he did not just happened to be there, and how I saw him converstating with the father of my kids & his wife. She was still in the court room when I saw that, and she didn't even have a clue of my knowledge of that. I asked her then who side was she on. She will play you for stupid if you let her. Watch her, she will sell you out with out a thought.

Angela Michele Cavanaugh

122 E Pembroke Ave, Hampton, VA

Criminal Defense Family Law Personal Injury +3

4.0/5

4.0

4 Reviews

15 Dec, 2019 by Bill

She was great. Handled my traffic case and had the ticket dismissed. She handled everything about the case very professionally. She is now my go to lawyer for any legal issues.

30 Jan, 2019 by Angie

I recommend Michele Cavanaugh for many situations, both traffic and family. She has represented me and my family in a very professional way. Michele knows the law and what to do for each case she’s dealing with.

23 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous

I would highly recommend Michele Cavanaugh. She handled a case for my son in traffic Court. She was very thorough and savvy. Plus she has a excellent reputation with Judges and their staff.

Christopher William Walker

P.O. Box 1107, Haymarket, VA

Child Custody Child Support Estate Planning +1 +4

4.0/5

4.0

4 Reviews

03 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous

Uses the law to get people things they don’t deserve. I will post this on every cite possible beware. Does care who he hurts.

17 Jun, 2016 by Killian

Words cannot describe the experience I had with this gentleman! By far the best decision I could of made and happy I did! He was very thorough and made sure my understanding was ensured before moving forward with anything. He got everything and more in the end results of my case!

13 Jun, 2016 by Jason

I hired Mr. Walker a few months before my divorce went full speed ahead. He has been very helpful (as to be expected). He has settled my nerves on more than one occasion. So far he has been right on the money or very close to what the Judge has said and done. When it came to the Pendente lite hearing he handled it like a true professional even without the discovery paperwork he had requested. He also keeps me updated with any changes to the case in a quick manner.

Catherine Mae Bowers

49 A E Lee St, Warrenton, VA

Family Law Mediation +2

4.0/5

4.0

4 Reviews

09 Aug, 2018 by Jen davies

Ms. Bowers is a thoroughly professional attorney and takes her cases seriously. She is honest and genuinely cares about getting justice for her clients. She helped me through a very difficult time in my life when my ex husband of 22 years was taking me to court over something I was not guilty for. She did the research, found other cases that were in common with mine and guided me in what evidence i needed to prove my case. I would highly recommend her and her very organized paralegal, Pam. They are a dream team.

09 Aug, 2018 by Jen

13 Jan, 2017 by Terry

Our family loved working with Catherine. Not only did she thoroughly understand Virginia law and research our case particulars, she has an incredible working knowledge of the Dept. of Social Services and custody/adoption process. Her attention to detail and excellent communication assisted us through a very difficult and emotional process. We have now used her services on several legal matters and highly recommend!

Margaret Brigid McNamara

477 Viking Drive, Virginia Beach, VA

Family Law +1

4.0/5

4.0

4 Reviews

23 Aug, 2024 by Aj

Common sense gets you alot further than you think. Go pro sei avoid the money leaches

28 Jan, 2020 by Steve

I hired Thomas, Adams and associates and was blessed to have Maggie McNamara represent me in a case against the Commonwealth of Virginia, a case other law firms wouldn't take. She is a courteous,competent and professional lawyer who delivered results way beyond my expectations. Maggie you rock !!

25 Apr, 2018 by Adam

Maggie did a great job representing me. She is very knowledgeable. She got what I wanted and more.

A. Russell Watson

2601 Hanover Ave Apt 2, Richmond, VA

Criminal Defense Family Law Litigation +1 +4

4.0/5

4.0

4 Reviews

03 Nov, 2016 by Casey

Russell was appointed by the courts and did an excellent job. I was given a suspended sentence on 2 grand larcenys.

14 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous

I met with Mr. Watson and ended up not hiring him. He spoke down to me, asked me questions but then interrupted me as soon as I started answering (he never got any answers by doing this) and told me I would lose my case. His whole attitude was very condescending. I walked out and hired another lawyer. Not only did my lawyer feel confident that I would win, but she won my case with very little effort!

16 Nov, 2012 by Amanda

He represented me as a young adult when I had some legal issues. Since then I have recommended him to 4 friends and coworkers that hired him for their divorce. 15 years later, I still trust his judgement, hard work, and council for any legal issues I may have, including a current speeding traffic ticket.

Lynn Eisinger Hawkins

2300 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA

Family Law +1

4.0/5

4.0

4 Reviews

09 Aug, 2021 by Tony

I'm not the type of person to leave reviews. I mean, I'f I'm disappointed with my service in any aspect of life I typically just don't frequent that establishment in food service cases or just never spend money with that company again. I don't feel negative reviews do justice to the injustice that you received....anyways....I feel the need to basically let any parent male or female know...if you're involved in ANY TYPE of custody or divorce situation you SERIOUSLY NEED TO CONSIDER THIS AMAZING WOMAN. From Day 1 Lynn represented me as if I were her own brother, like seriously....she's a Thurgood Marshall Scholar for Christ's sake! Look her up, she's more than legit. She knows her stuff inside and out and in the courtroom SHE EMBARRASSES opposing attorneys!!! I'm not kidding, she is not cheap, however I find you get what you pay for in most aspects of life and in this circumstance Lynn more than produced! She didn't nickel and dime me for our correspondence via email or phone convo. She's an honest fair woman, mother of her own children and fighter for yours! I couldn't afford Lynn but used every penny of savings I had to retain and keep her for as long as I could! Literally, the law clerk of our trial ran after us outside after our custody trial to tell her she was the most amazing attorney she HAD EVER SEEN!!!! IM NOT KIDDING....I totally agreed! She works for pretty much the longest established/most reputable firm in Virginia (PERIOD). I'm an honest non biased individual.....Lynn is pretty much capable of walking on water....not joking. She is so skillful and knowledgeable it makes you feel calm and assured as soon as you speak with her and realize she means business. If you believe in reviews as do I, please contact this woman to at least meet with and consult with at the very least. My life is better now that I've had the pleasure of working with Lynn. And years afterwards, I'll text her with occasional questions etc. As I can no longer afford her amazing services and she is always very helpful, honest and punctual. Lynn saved my life pretty much and I'm in debted to her and want any prospective client to know ....Lynn is a robot Superhero! Not from this world...

18 Jun, 2021 by Andrew

I met with Lynn Hawkins for a consultation immediately after my separation. I was in a vulnerable spot, and she was cruel to me. I was traumatized and had to revisit that consultation every time I walked by her office (which was in my neighborhood), at least for a while. I didn't want to split the assets 50/50 because I was the sole contributor to the family (no children), and because roughly half of the assets in question were earned before the marriage. When I expressed to Lynn that I didn't want to split the assets 50/50, she said, in a sarcastic tone, "well, how do you want it to be split?" I said, "in accordance to our contributions to the marriage." Lynn retorted, "well, the court doesn't care about your contributions to the marriage." Lynn is wrong. The court cares. It's the first item in the VA statute on how to split assets. In fact, my case went to trial, and the court split the marital assets 70/30 in my favor, and granted me essentially all of the assets I entered the marriage with, well, what was left of it. Ultimately, I got about 90% of the assets in question. But what traumatized me the most was when Lynn said, "don't worry about losing your retirement assets, you have another 30 years to work." The dismissive and glib tone she said that in was awful. I'm 40. How can you condemn someone to a late retirement like that, someone who is literally crying in your office? Of course, I selected a different lawyer. One that won my case and knows the statute.

06 Aug, 2019 by Bobbi

Ms, Hawkins was introduced to me as part of the law team helping me with my divorce. She is a fierce defender of the rights of her clients. She is sharp and witty. She was an associate of Mr. Korman, my main attorney. He certainly doesn't choose slackers to work under him. At first I was worried when so portions of my case were handed to her, but I was soon proven so woefully wrong. She was a perfect complement to Mr. Korman and represented him, the law firm, and herself, exhibiting respect, integrity, honestly and true grit. As a woman, she could empathize with me and the struggles I was going through. As a mother, she understood my motherly fears for my child in this horrific divorce. As an attorney, she and Korman were my Roman Legions fighting for me. I would not hesitate to seek her assistance again.

Frank West Morrison

828 Main Street, Lynchburg, VA

Family Law Mediation +2

4.0/5

4.0

4 Reviews

25 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous

Mr. Morrison handled my divorce. My personal and emotional well being was always a priority, after my consultation he immediately guided me to attend counseling. Throughout the entire long painful process of divorce I always felt encouraged knowing my legal counsel worked hard to help me get the final result I desired and needed. Frank Morrison is truly a man of great character. I highly recommend him.

13 Mar, 2019 by Valisha

Frank Morrison was retained by our family for a custody case. He provided an initial no fee consultation via phone, and immediately went to work once retained. From the moment that he and his assistant Jenny became involved, I could tell that they were as invested as we were in the safety and well-being of the child. Dealing with some unique circumstances throughout the case was very stressful for us as a family, and at times we were not all on the same page, but Frank expertly used his mediation skills and had us back on track before we even knew what he was doing. The team was responsive throughout the case and flexible throughout the case - never missed an appointment and even worked weekends to accommodate our schedules, with us being out of the area the majority of the time. He was fair as it related to billing and fees - we never felt as if they were milking the clock or managing the case for his benefit. Every step we took he advised us of what our options were, including those that resulted in less billable time for him, and what we could go at alone or to help shave off time he needed to give. I cannot reiterate just how stressful a custody case can be, but Frank was as committed as we were, so it made each step a little more tolerable. When you hire an attorney it is not only for the time they spend on the case, but for the reputation they have in the jurisdiction; the guidance they provide, as you navigate one of the most horrific things you can go through; the knowledge that comes with experience that no lay person would ever have a reason to know; and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are not alone in this. In our case Frank represented the paternal side of the case, and despite how the laws may have evolved, the mentality of most jurisdictions do not treat fathers in the same manner as mothers when it comes to custody. Deadbeat dads have been a term that society has become accustomed to, along with the mentality that a child is automatically better off in the primary care of its biological mother - which is just not always the case. It was nice to have someone who understood that and did not subscribe to that antiquated way of thinking. So while I hope to never need Frank's services ever again, I would not hesitate to reach out to him again and recommend him for anyone who is looking for an attorney, an advocate, an adviser, and an ally all-in-one.

20 Feb, 2019 by Wendy

I hired Mr. Morrison when seeking a divorce. Mr. Morrison has let this case drag on for over 2 years and has not accomplished the things he said he would be able to do. When I question why things are not happening he always says that the other lawyer is not doing what he is supposed to do. However when we were in court it was the other lawyer that seemed well prepared and confident. Mr. Morrison also told me I needed to bring someone to court with me to testify that my husband and I were living separate and apart. I told Mr. Morrison I did not want this person to know my financial information but he proceeded to discuss my financial information with her in the room showing no respect for my request to keep my information confidential. When I arrived for my appointment yesterday Mr. Morrison was not there. When he finally arrived he said he had to leave again and for me to stay and update my budget with office staff. I regret hiring this attorney.

Anna Clarke Sas

780 Lynnhaven Pkwy Ste 220, Virginia Beach, VA

Family Law Juvenile Law Real Estate +3

4.0/5

4.0

4 Reviews

07 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous

I have known Anna for over 11 years now. She was there at the onset of my divorce and hand held me through many facets of the process despite sometimes being a bit of a pain in her side. All jokes aside you would be hard pressed to find a better more talented attorney in family law than Anna. I don't know how she does it, call it a gift she has. I most highly recommend Anna to help you. She made a huge difference in my case as a Father of 4.

01 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous

Anna Clark Sas was a godsend for my family! Our son for filed custody for his infant son after it was proven mom suffered from mental illness and stated she didn’t want baby. I was told that Virginia was a mom favored state when it came to fathers getting custody. Anna took the time to review all documents and there were many over the course of many many months (almost 2 years) and no shows from mom. She got my son more than we even imagined. Anna got to know our family and village and trusted we had the best interest of the child. We are very thankful for her assistance

20 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous

She helped a family member out with custody/visitation case. The case was long and drawn out and Ms. Sas was excellent in navigating the matter and helping my family out; without her, our lives would look much different. I would 10/10 recommend Ms. Sas to any person who is needing assistance in family law

Alice Evelyn Newhall

4000 Legato Road, Fairfax, VA

Child Custody Child Support Family Law +3

4.0/5

4.0

3 Reviews

03 Oct, 2017 by Chris

I worked with Alice for about 14 months and could not have had a better experience. She was tenacious, responsive, and discerning. Alice always made me feel that I was more than just a client to her. She was always very thoughtful in her communications and fought for me like I was a family member. I could not have been better represented by anyone else. Alice Newhall is quite simply the best attorney anyone could ask for.

24 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous

Really fought for my interests and I was pleased.

17 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous

Alice supported me on negotiating and updating a child support and visitation agreement. She was very nice, pleasant, and professional. She communicated well, calling and emailing as often as necessary. My biggest concerns revolve around her lack of due diligence and understanding of my needs. There were several occasions where it became clear she either didn't actually read, or didn't understand, some supporting documentation provided. This resulted in impacting the negotiation where opposing counsel called out her mistakes ultimately weakening our credibility and position. I also viewed some of her advice toward the end as questionable, focused more on protecting her reputation and less on protecting my interests. I have not returned, nor would I recommend this attorney.

Barbara Smith Picard

8310 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA

Business Family Law +2

4.0/5

4.0

1 Reviews

4.0

2 Reviews

09 Nov, 2020 by Sarah cooke

20 Jun, 2017 by Frederic patrick

17 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous

Current client. Barbara was available on short notice. She listened patiently to my complex tale. She charged me only the initial consultation fee. Gave me good advice Subsequently however every question is $45-50. I know this is how lawyers make their living but if you me ads client maybe I get two freebies following a paid consultation. Am I suppose to know every question following the consult? Still I intend to remain her client. I trust her.

Sarah Ann Piper

3201 Jermantown Road, Fairfax, VA

Child Custody Child Support Family Law +3

+1 (703) 665-3512

3.9/5

5.0

2 Reviews

3.7

12 Reviews

11 Aug, 2024 by Jaivin karnani

I had a terrible experience with Camille Crandall at Hicks Crandall Juhl, P.C. Her handling of my case was deeply flawed, leading to significant financial losses. Camille failed to secure an updated appraisal for a major asset, causing it to be grossly undervalued during my divorce proceedings. This oversight resulted in me losing a substantial amount of money. Additionally, her inadequate representation led to an unrealistic and excessive financial burden for me. When I sought accountability, I was met with threats and baseless accusations from her firm. I strongly advise against hiring Camille Crandall if you want competent and ethical legal representation. My experience with her has been a costly mistake.

18 Jul, 2024 by Young ae choi

Susan and Haley are truly professionals with a clear sense of vocational calling. They were the lawyers who helped me through my divorce. Although my ex-partner appealed, and I consulted with other lawyers, the more I met with them, the more I realized how outstanding Susan and Haley are. They are not only professional but also genuinely kind-hearted. They answered all my questions promptly, often on the same day, and meticulously assisted me with every detail of my divorce, from beginning to end. I want to express my gratitude once again.

14 Jul, 2024 by Anju varughese

Awful. Will never use Crandall again.

Janet Elizabeth Boyd

385 Garrisonville Rd Ste 203, Stafford, VA

Estate Planning Family Law +2

3.9/5

3.9

33 Reviews

03 Oct, 2024 by Sameerah williams

She lost my case

03 Jul, 2024 by Tim ortiz

Both Janet and Ms Kym were amazing, my case went just as I prayed it would and got what was best for my children accomplished. Thank you!

15 Apr, 2024 by Ann pons

I would not recommend. There were many times I had to remind her she represented me and not the other party because she prioritized getting any information THEY requested over what I needed before court. I also had the exact same experience another client posted for their review, despite stressing that we needed to ask for child and spousal support she said, we can ask for that during your divorce case and waited until right before we were about to walk into court to run the paperwork up to the clerks office so not only did we not get that set but because paperwork had not been submitted until the last minute I was ordered to pay the other parties attorneys fees. The only time she was quick to make sure I recieved paperwork was when I went to sign off to end her representation as my lawyer. I was told I owed her thosands of dollars and because my retainer had been used up and when asked why this was the first time I was hearing about this was told "we've been emailing the bills to you" despite me repeatedly informing her I was having issues recieving emails. The multiple times I was in her office there was no mention that she was now billing me well after and that my retainer was used up. Instead I was handed a large envelope on the spot that was as thick as a book listing billed hours. You are better off handing your money directly to the other party and saving yourself the time and frustration.

Christopher Joseph Hutton

307B England Street, Ashland, VA

Criminal Defense Estate Planning Family Law +3

3.9/5

2.0

4 Reviews

4.3

24 Reviews

20 Aug, 2024 by Don r.

Friendly, helpful, reasonably priced.

14 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous

I've had multiple dealings with the courts at various points throughout my career in administrative education, so having had comparable experiences with other attorneys, I can confidently say I would not recommend this particular one to anyone. Not only was he rather difficult to reach throughout the entirety of my case, it seemed as though he was juggling a high case load that diminished his ability to fully focus on mine in any sort of strategic way.

14 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous

Mr. Hutton is an inexperienced and young lawyer that lacks connections within the community. As with most professions, I prefer someone who is established and well-known among peers. Unfortunately he is not that and was unable to produce the results I needed.

Terrence K. Martin

727 J. Clyde Morris Blvd STE E, Newport News, VA

Criminal Defense Estate Planning Family Law +2 +5

3.9/5

3.9

18 Reviews

24 Sep, 2024 by Allen luettgen

20 Jun, 2024 by Gene m. brown

08 Jan, 2024 by Cj james

Kristen Marie Shannon

2006 Old Greenbrier Road, Chesapeake, VA

Criminal Defense Estate Planning Family Law +3

3.9/5

3.9

10 Reviews

04 Dec, 2020 by Nathan

I’m not one to usually write reviews, but under these circumstances it seems appropriate. I hired ms Shannon to represent my sister on a motion to reconsider and at the beginning she seemed very sincere in her desire to help. Something had changed once she got paid and it seemed like i was working for her instead of her working for me. After all it must be a very strenuous process to write a letter under these current times we live in. My sister by no means is a bad person she suffers from addiction and nothing more then a possession charge. My father has been in and out of the hospital for the past 4 months and will soon pass without seeing his daughter again. I have lived in another state for years and get back to visit pretty regularly. However i cannot stay full time to help out. It took her three weeks to get the motion ready after i had given her information about the second part of my sister sentence which is a useless subcontracted state run reintroduction program. After waiting the 3 weeks and finally seeing the motion she wrote it wasn’t even close to the information i had given her. The state i was living in was wrong, my fathers ailments and the severity of them was incorrect. I had given up at that point and decided to accept things as they are. I am aware that most individuals usually have things going on in their lives which prevent them from being present, however i would not recommend her under any circumstances . She appears to Andy be in it for a buck and she is really not that good at it. Her assistant was very pretentious and you would think she is the one with the law degree.

10 Mar, 2016 by Matt

As an out of state driver that was ticketed in Virginia, I was concerned that I would not be able to keep the ticket off my record. I hired Kristen Shannon by phone and we had several conversations about the importance of keeping the ticket off my record. Kristen suggested that I provide a clean driving abstract, do an online defensive driving school and let her do the rest. I'm happy to report that Kristen was able to have my speeding ticket dismissed with no further cost, and no damage to my driving record. Thank you, and although I hope to not need your services for a traffic violation, if I ever do, I am sure to call!!

10 Feb, 2016 by Anthony

I am an extremely satisfied Commercial Driver of 20 years!!! Attorney Shannon's knowledge of the charge I was ticketed with and the assurance that this would not follow me into my future, put my mind at ease. Every question concerning my case was answered before my court date. She and her staff were personable and very professional. I live in the Richmond area of Virginia, and had to call at least 7 attorneys in the Va Beach Area and Attorney Shannon was the best choice !!! I recommend her highly to professional drivers and other drivers as well !!!

Daniel Dariush Rezai

215 S. Main Street, Lexington, VA

Consumer Protection Debt Collection Estate Planning +2 +5

3.9/5

3.9

25 Reviews

20 Apr, 2024 by Frank fuentes mojena

02 Apr, 2024 by Danielle hellams

04 Mar, 2024 by Heather kipp

Richard Mark Wexell

10480 Armstrong St, Fairfax, VA

Child Custody Child Support Family Law +3

3.8/5

3.0

2 Reviews

4.7

17 Reviews

13 Nov, 2023 by Jacob morton

Richard Wexell and his team are the upmost professionals and I recommend him to anyone looking for a family law lawyer who is compassionate, understanding, and effective. He wins. Thank you Richard.

31 Aug, 2022 by Richard tucker

Richard Wexell and his team are the best at what they do. Their lifetime of experience far surpasses using a firm with a roomful of junior attorneys attempting to create a collective approach and solution to family law matters. Working within a process that can have many outcomes, some good/some not. Wexell Milman was able to determine a favorable outcome for everyone.

29 Mar, 2022 by Andrew marshall

Richard Wexell assisted me with a legal matter. He simultaneously explained my legal issues and options, while always remaining sensitive to the personal nature of my situation. And on top of all of that, he's a nice guy and our discussions often continued after the clock stopped on our "business". And as other have also noted, his staff are very capable and efficient. I would definitely recommend Mr. Wexell to anyone needing representation in Virginia!

Dana Wolfson

3201 Jermantown Road, Fairfax, VA

Child Custody Domestic Violence Family Law +3

3.8/5

5.0

1 Reviews

3.7

12 Reviews

11 Aug, 2024 by Jaivin karnani

18 Jul, 2024 by Young ae choi

14 Jul, 2024 by Anju varughese

Awful. Will never use Crandall again.

John Daniel Pond II

35 N Royal Ave, Front Royal, VA

Business Estate Planning Family Law +1 +4

3.8/5

3.8

35 Reviews

12 Jun, 2024 by Ash james

Alasen Schell helped us adopt our son and she and Marci were wonderful to work with!

14 Feb, 2024 by Nelson jacobsen (sonofnels)

Retain them for a friend in all of their communications has been so lacking. I don’t even know if they’re working on the case!

05 Dec, 2023 by Ashleigh mayberry

Christopher Hunt Macturk

1500 Forest Avenue, Richmond, VA

Child Custody Child Support Family Law +1 +4

3.8/5

3.8

17 Reviews

02 Mar, 2024 by Classylady5165

Chris handled my divorce case. The case turned into a debacle with my husband getting everything. The only thing I got was an enormous bill from Mr. Macturk. I cannot express, in words, my great disappointment with the services Chris provided. Please do you due diligence before you hire this attorney. I do not recommend that you hire this attorney.

06 Feb, 2023 by Steven

I was worried my divorce would be a difficult process. My ex had access to all our legal documents, and I didn’t. Evolution took care of all the details, went to the courthouse, and got the paperwork I needed. They were thorough and advised me on the right path to navigating a sometimes frustrating court system. On top of that, Evolution Divorce’s fixed pricing model gave me peace of mind that costs would not go uncontrolled. Chris and his team gave me confidence from our first meeting and helped me get the results I wanted.

02 Feb, 2017 by Caroline

I made the horrific mistake of hiring Chris as my lawyer in 2008. Chris appeared to be on my side and made me think that I had nothing to worry about when going to court versus my now x husband over custody of my then 2 1/2 year old. He wound up costing me close to $7k and the result of the preliminary hearing broke my heart by the judge awarding joint custody to my x. Chris acted like it didn't matter to him one way or the other if I lost or won when it came to the hearing. He allowed my x's attorney to walk all over him and eventually beat him in a case that was pretty cut and dry considering I had plenty of evidence against my x to prove that I was the primary parent even through our marriage. I would not recommend him to my worst enemy. I had to hire another attorney to get me divorced because after thousands of dollars and not getting the results I wanted or hoped for, I was not about to waste anymore money or time on someone I did not trust. 9 years later, I am still fighting with my x and about to go back to court over custody again. Thanks for putting me into debt and ruing mine and my son's lives.

Adrienne George-Eliades

14000 N Enon Church Rd, Chester, VA

Business Family Law Litigation +3

3.8/5

3.8

15 Reviews

13 Oct, 2022 by Ashley sides horner

I hired Adrienne Eliades for my divorce and child’s custody. Over two years and $30k later, nothing was finalized. I do not recommend her.

06 Oct, 2022 by James battle

06 Jul, 2022 by Christopher bradshaw

Worse attorney ever was very rude to me. Billed me 8k for emails and phone calls she only had one court appearance that in which she excused herself so it wouldn’t go against her reputation because I failed a urine test. Then had the nerve to send me a balance of 1500.00 when in fact I never received a breakdown on previous bill. In my opinion all she is worth is a consultation fee

Cherish Lorraine Hadley

128 South Lynnhaven Rd #202, Virginia Beach, VA

Business Estate Planning Family Law +1 +4

3.8/5

3.8

10 Reviews

06 May, 2024 by Tiona

Cherish Hadley talks on the phone for hour to charge you $400 per hour. All what you will hear from her ( one of you will got out of the court happy or sad). I grantee you will be the sad one for hiring her.

20 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous

Cherish Hadley is after your money. She does not care you win or you lose. All what she cares about how she will take you money. Her review on google are fake she removes all the bad reviews somehow.

25 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous

If there zero star I will choose it. Ms. Hadley good in sending you invoice but not a good fighter. She charged me 61,000 in 8 months. Lost all my cases with her. The ironic thing that my ex sign a prenuptial contract to pay all the legal fees. When the judge saw the way she charges me he ordered that my ex pay 25000 only cause she changed me in ridiculous way my ex attorney send someone to retake a document from Hadley office she charged me 200 dollars. After all of this the judge give her one week to finish the divorce decree she is behind 4 weeks now. I had physical custody from the beginning then the ex file to have the custody 50/50 she could not keep the full custody for me and he wins. I have been I full time mother since my kids born my son is 10 years now. She could not help me to have full spouse support and the judge imputed my spouse support 17.50 per hour. I am asking her to give a hard copy from my orders her office refuses to help me and prepare this for me to pick up. After the judge ordered to close the case after one week from the trial she is behind 4 weeks and I called several times to set deadline with her to close the case and she does not want to give a deadline and he does not want to close the case. Every month she was charging me from 7 to 10 thousand dollars. I do not know how to say that but when she talks in the court judge does not consider her talk. Not strong fighter. Something also I did not like she charged me all this money and in the court she does not talk too much infront of the judge. Every time she was talking to the judge she talks about 5 minutes. The ex attorney was talking and reading from papers. The performance so weak, the invoices huge. Update: now they decree is not entered yet, so Ms Hadley had 25000 to be paid by the ex. So, what they do Ms. Hadley and the other attorney of the ex black mail me that if I do not sign the deeds of the houses they will not enter the decree in the court and when I said I am not going to sign the deed till he refinance the house under my name they said ok we will enter the decree tomorrow. Consulting other attorney, they said it is black mail. Gathering with my ex against me so he pays her the balance. After I called her and I said to her you are black mail me you and the ex attorney, answer was you do not have to sign now the deeds. Really, I have been told if I do not sign the deeds they will not send the decree to the court and they will take me to the court. Too much money and poor service. Update: the receptionist is the most disrespectful person you will meet in the Virginia beach law offices. She is discriminator. Second, after all of this experience and charges Ms. Hadley saying that she worked for free. Also, the decree that has been sent to the court to be signed was rejected by the the office of the judge cause it has a list of corrections that she has to correct so the judge has to sign it. This decree has to be finished in beginning of my now we are 30th of june. Update: here is the result she does not want to finish the case and the divorce decree. The ex does not want to Pay the child support and spouse support and she does not do any thing for that. She does not care about me or my kids and I do not know why she wants to stay in my life. She just send invoices. I am telling ms. Hadley the ex did not pay the support, she answered back ( go find a job). Wow Update: now we are about to be in August and Ms. Hadley does not want to finish up my divorce decree and she said that she will keep sending me invoices as long as the case opened and I want to close the case and have my decree. I think she keeps the case opened to keep charging me. I am asking here when she will finish the divorce decree her answer is she does not know

Michael David Thomas

Law Office of Steven Barnette, P.C., Abingdon, VA

Bankruptcy Car Accident Child Custody +2 +5

3.8/5

3.8

10 Reviews

20 Sep, 2024 by Kellie

If I could leave ZERO stars I would! This attorney who is listed as a bankruptcy lawyer is currently assigned to my mother in laws criminal case. I have been by his office called numerous times and can't get him to go see his client or schedule a bond hearing. He doesn't care about any evidence I have to show him. They ignore my calls now when I call cause other people will call after me and someone miraculously answers after my call isn't. If you want to stay in jail, have no defense at all, then you've found your attorney right here! I have dealt with a few attorneys, paid and court appointed, and this one really takes the cake on being the absolute WORST!

29 Apr, 2020 by Gregory

I hired Mike to help me work my way through bankruptcy. That was a traumatic enough event, but he was kind and professional, knows his business and set me straight when needed. Exactly the right person to do the work. Part of what drove me to bankruptcy was a rather draconian divorce settlement. In Mike's words, "Dude, you were screwed." After the bankruptcy was in place, my ex-wife decided she wanted to go after "optional" monies from the divorce decree. Because of my financial status, I am not able to comply. Undeterred, she pressed her legal council to attempt several methods to secure this extra bit from me. Mike has handled all of these in his most professional and efficient manner. He keeps me informed and keeps my interests on top. I am so very lucky to have found him, purely by chance and in a desperate time. I will be his client for a long, long time.

02 Apr, 2019 by Paul

Mike has been so helpful and has been so helpful in answering questions about the bankruptcy!!!!!!! I recommend him to all of you!!!!!!

Sin K Kim

Suite H, Alexandria, VA

Family Law +1

3.8/5

3.8

7 Reviews

07 May, 2024 by Daniel

Mrs. Sin Kim is very professional and goes above and beyond her job she truly definitely puts her all into her clients you can definitely tell she cares about the families involved I can sincerely say that me and my family thanks god for her and attorney like her for anyone who has anything negative to say about her I truly recommend to take that with a grain of salt. As invested as she was with my case I feel in some way she became a part of our family we truly appreciate everything she did for us

04 May, 2024 by Anonymous

She does not listen to a word you say, she came To court unprepared, my child’s mother basically ran the proceedings and she just said “ok and yes” to everything with out consulting with me. She failed to get my proposal sent over on time so instead, the other party sent theirs first and I had to either accept or counter when I was the one who was supposed to be sending over the proposed offer 1st. Just a terrible lawyer. Stand clear, she will not fight for you especially if you’re a male.

19 Apr, 2024 by Ms.lopez

I lost my daughter 7 years ago. The guilt spiked my addiction to alcohol and I am now two years sober. My daughter’s father and his fiance planned a life for my daughter without me. I was pushed out of every aspect of my daughter’s life with false and forced allegations. Resulting in severe trauma and distress on my daughter. Triangulation, malicious parent, and parental alienation became overwhelming. Ms. Kim is professional, compassionate, she did NOT judge me for being in recovery (unlike most people) she worked with my schedule, she prepared me for the worst but came out with the best outcome for my ten year old and I to finally have a balanced life together and start to heal. She literally got EVERYTHING I asked for. Mental health for my daughter, coparenting counseling, one week off and on w dad, and compliance with the legal custody we now share. She saved my daughter’s life. That’s no exaggeration. Parental issues weigh heavy on children. 1000000% recommend. Will retain again if necessary.

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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.

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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