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02 Sep, 2019 by Anne
David is my hero because he’s saved me more than once. He’s a down to earth kind of guy and a great attorney. I have recommended him in the past and will continue to do so. I’ve used his services more than I care to mention and he has always been fair and straight forward with me.
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22 Nov, 2017 by Susan
David Lloyd is great attorney with very reasonable rates and an honest, upfront caring man. As he has done other work for me and my family with very happy endings... When I was desperate for help with only 3 days notice, he immediately came to my aid and helped SO MUCH! He was able to tell me that very day that my case has been continued far enough away that I would have time to find a place to live! I would very much recommend this attorney to anyone!
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04 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Lloyd to represent me in a Class A Misdemeanor DWI case along with a petition against the Department of Revenue (I refused the breathalyzer). In the criminal DWI case, there were several accompanying charges. The petition against the state would be quite challenging to overcome as well. Although the odds were against me, Mr. Lloyd readily took on my pair of cases. At the onset, I faced potential jail time along with losing my license for at least a year. Formal procedures commenced over the next several months. Mr. Lloyd was excellent about keeping me informed of my court dates and progress of the cases. It was apparent to me that he cared about my cases, which helped ease my mind at a time where that was not easy to do. By the conclusion of all this, Mr. Lloyd had continuously fought for the outcome of my immediate future. I believe his persistence and zeal shaped the positive result of both my cases. I served no jail time nor did I lose my license. As the end result of my cases could not have been better, I would recommend Mr. Lloyd to anyone I know. Thank you David, your representation undoubtedly changed my life for the better.
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03 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
My son sold something that is legal in Colorado, to another student at UCM, who was with the highway patrol. Stupid is not a strong enough word. I called 4 or 5 lawyers, trying to judge who should take my money and handle his case. Troy was empathetic from the first conversation. He also was very honest about the outcome. He got a good deal from the prosecutor, but then, a turn of events led him to take a chance and plead before the judge, who gave my son an SIS with loads of probation. Troy was also at least 50% less money than the other guys. I can't thank him enough. I feel he was a life saver for my son.
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02 Jan, 2025 by Kathy garza
Fantastic law firm
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25 Oct, 2024 by Emily fisher
Amanda Lotspeich is money hungry and will ill advise you in her favor. She bills for every email sent(regardless of whether it was necessary or not), every phone call, and even for sending letters in the mail to myself and to opposing council when they practiced in a close proximity. $100 for a 30 minute phone call where nothing was accomplished. She once sent me an email including some documents that needed to be filled out per discovery. One of the attached documents hadn’t loaded properly. When she eventually realized (after the due date of my discovery) that we were missing a document, she immediately blamed me for not ever turning it in. AND THEN she proceeded to bill me $20 for sending that one line email which was a result of her own incompetence in the first place!! She does not have children so I know that she can’t possibly understand what it feels like to have her 9 month old baby ripped away from her after she had been a stay-at-home mother with her child over the course of their entire life. After about a month of her representation, it wasn’t difficult to tell that she was clearly not on my side when it came to this case. She even gave opposing counsel information prior to any hearings that they would later use against me in court. When I told her that I no longer wanted her representation, she submitted a document to the court stating that she was “Withdrawing as council due to *my* inability to comply with litigation requirements.” I assume this was due to the missing discovery that she believed I had intentionally failed to submit for whatever reason she may have had. I don’t need to explain how damaging this was if you are aware that she worked in the same law office as judge Kati Roach up until 2022, 1 year prior to my case occurring. The reason for my failure to provide the document, which, when she emailed me about, she referred to in legal terms (that no practical attorney should ever expect a person who doesn’t obtain a degree in law to know), was again, a result of her INCOMPENTENCE. She did not explain to me what document she was requesting, nor did she do her due diligence to ensure that I could locate this document, as I had not actually received it. She could have re-attached the document to the email, but she preferred to email back-and-forth so that she could, yet again, bill me as well as blame me for not submitted the requested documents (all because she couldn’t admit that she had made a mistake, which resulted in discovery being submitted after the deadline, so she decided to let her PAYING client take the blame instead of her own reputation taking a hit.) It is impossible for me to include every complaint I could recall about Amanda, so I will just leave this here and you may take from it what you will. Just know that it is now two years later and I still only see my son 4 days a month. I have all the reason in the world to believe that Amanda negatively impacted the outcome that allowed my son to be ripped away from me, regardless of the fact that I switched attorneys very early into the case. She advised me on hugely impactful decisions towards my case. And just to give you an idea of the money-suck that this law firm is, I was billed $13,000 over a period of 3 MONTHS. My new attorney charged me close to half of that over 9 Months including 2 trial days, one lasting from 9:30am-5:00pm, and the other lasting for about 3 more hours. I will just leave it at that for now.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Heather murphy
Had a wonderful experience at this law firm. Lance A. Riddle was super informative and knowledgeable. He worked with us regarding a MIP and was very reasonably priced. We felt comfortable and very confident he will handle this situation with the utmost care. We are very happy we came to this law firm. Highly recommend!
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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You

A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.

Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?

Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:

  • Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
  • Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
  • Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
  • Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
  • Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
  • Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
  • Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.

Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.

What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?

A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:

  • Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
  • Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
  • Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
  • Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
  • Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
  • Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
  • Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.

How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?

Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:

  • Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
  • Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
  • Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.

The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.

How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:

  • Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
  • Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
  • Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
  • Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.

Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.

Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer

Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:

  1. What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
    Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption.
  2. How will you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved.
  3. What are the possible outcomes of my case?
    An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case.
  4. What is your approach to resolving disputes?
    Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals.
  5. How long do you expect my case to take?
    While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases.
  6. Who will be handling my case?
    In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.

How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:

  • Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
  • Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
  • Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
  • Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
  • List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
  • Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
  • Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.

Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.

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