Best Family Law lawyers in Washington

2,168 Family Law Lawyers in Washington

>2.2k

experienced lawyers

Monty James Booth

1417 NW 54th St, Seattle, WA

Family Law Personal Injury +2

5.0/5

5.0

5 Reviews

29 Nov, 2021 by Thomas

Monty has helped me with numerous cases since 1996, and I always had a good outcome. With my family law, and personal injury cases I was very pleased. He has also represented several of my friends, and family members over the years , and everyone was pleased with the outcome of their cases as well.

12 Apr, 2015 by John

Monty Booth has represented me in various cases since I moved to Seattle in 2000. He was there for me when I was charged with a DWI, I got the best possible outcome with no treatment. I was charged with a violent assault and through his hard work it was reduced to a non violent charge. Monty has helped me get several traffic tickets reduced or thrown out. He has always been understanding, responsive to my calls and emails and very dependable. I definitely recommend hiring Monty Booth.

26 Mar, 2015 by Anna

I called on Monty Booth's services as he was highly recommended by a dear friend of mine. I was so glad I did! Monty was a "lifeline" during a scary time, and helped me wade through my legal situation with more ease than I had hoped for. If you are looking for a real down-to-earth person to help you with a challenging situation, look no further. Hopefully I will never need his services again, but if I do... I know who to call.

James A Pautler

3411 Colby Ave, Everett, WA

Estate Planning Family Law Personal Injury +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

5 Reviews

02 Jul, 2018 by Pat

James is a great attorney for any probate issues. We had hired James due to some issues with our probate matters, as expected James had extraordinary care for us though out the process. We had finally got through the bulk of the mess currently and expect to be finished with everything shortly. I would give my recommendations for James anytime.

25 Jul, 2017 by Troy

I recently consulted with Mr. Pautler and couldn't be happier with the result. He was kind, friendly, knowledgeable, honest and fair. He immediately made me feel at ease and in good hands. I would highly recommend him to anyone.

23 Aug, 2012 by Steve

After searching for my first Lawyer, and speaking with three different Lawyers, Mr. Pautler was firm, upfront, and did not beat around the bush. Out of all the Lawyers that I spoke with, Mr. Pautler told it like it was. I knew I wanted to hire this lawyer for my first lawyer. Once, hired, Mr. Pautler exceeded what I had first asked him for help with. He told me in order to fix my problem, certain steps had to be taken. With his help guiding me to follow required criteria, he not only help me fix my problem, but also helped me re-establish contact of lost loved ones. Mr. Pautler was very respectful, curtious, and told me "how the law" sees it. When my problem was solved, he told me so and ended our interaction in an appropiate manner to end the billing. I would recommend and encourage you to hire Mr. Pautler as your Lawyer. I see no need for me to seek out another Lawyer for myself, I will continue to seek counsel from him when ever I need a lawyer for myself. Thank you again Mr. Pautler for all that you have done for me.

Robert Raymond Colbert

700-A Okoma Drive, Omak, WA

Business Estate Planning Family Law +2 +5

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

5.0

2 Reviews

30 Sep, 2019 by Tim march

Nice and helpful attorneys.

20 Jul, 2016 by Sherri cobb

Peg Callaway is a caring and efficient attorney. She gets the job done in a timely manner and let's you know when there are things you can do yourself, to save money, rather than have her do them and pay the hourly legal fee. I definitely appreciate when someone is trying to help me save money, because you know, that doesn't happen very often! Anyway, she's knowledgeable and efficient and personable and I would definitely recommend her.

14 May, 2013 by Christine

After my fiancé and I moved our families into Washington State for a solid job offer, it went south and we had no doubt that an attorney had to be brought into the situation to help us. I searched hard for a firm that looked to be authentic, established and all-in on our behalf. An upscale Seattle based lawyer took our case, extremely positive that we could prevail in this employee related case. The attorney knew we were already broke and hiring her required us to take out a personal loan. Regardless, she assured us that at the most she would only require $5,000.00 to complete and settle our case. That was the top end of her estimate. After $7,000.00 paid out and many long frustrating, stressful months going nowhere, we were out of money again. She had also mentioned continuing on a contingency if need be, stringing us along with that carrot. When we just could not come up with more money, she quickly changed her tune and said they could no longer represent us (unless we suddenly came up with another $30,000.00 or more). Now broke twice over; once by the ‘bad guys’ and a second time by the very firm we trusted and hired to help us, we were worse off than ever before. After licking our deep wounds again, I decided to not give up just yet. Out there somewhere there had to be an honest person who wasn’t just out for the money. Interviewing numerous attorneys only brought a long line of disappointments. I was about to give up on the world of attorneys when Robert Colbert’s email popped up. He inquired about the basics of our case and soon was asking for more details. He never created any false hopes and gave simple advice on some options we could look into. Over time, he became more genuinely interested. This is what our case needed – someone willing to take the time to fully understand and to believe in it. When we decided to take a leap of faith and a second crack at this already emotionally draining case, we indeed hired Robert Colbert. I had obviously lost all faith in attorneys… and Mr. Colbert brought that faith back. He is straightforward, detailed and diligent. He did not waste any time on anything. His every move is precise, productive and genuine. His attention to detail and how the law applies to every intricacy is impeccable. He is by far the most professional and productive attorney I have ever known. No contest. If you want it done right with honesty and integrity, Robert Colbert is the attorney for the case! It’s a relief to know that there are still all around awesome attorneys out there. Mr. Colbert is living proof of that!

F. Mcnamara Jardine

911 S I St Ste A, Tacoma, WA

Criminal Defense Family Law Juvenile Law +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

5 Reviews

17 Sep, 2022 by Amy

I was facing some real serious charges & she took what I had n did the rest pro bono Thank God because my stuff went on for over a year. I went from having no hope to actually having a release date 15yrs BEFORE what I thought I was getting. I was young & dumb but she made sure I could still be someone as long as I was willing to do the work. I'm so GRATEFUL for this woman (.)

23 May, 2016 by Brandon

I Had the Pleasure of using Mrs. Jardine as a mediator to create a parenting plan. She was very helpful, creative,and realistic in what will and will not work. she was by far one of the more knowledgeable attorneys i had come across in my travels . also a genuinely good person . I could only assume she is equally effective and most all areas of the law that she handles . Do your self a favor and at least meet with her .... I highly doubt you will regret it ..

09 Jul, 2015 by Stan

Extremely grateful to have hired her. She is aggressive and sharp. She has represented me in several traffic cases over the years with great success and she represented my daughter as a minor in a criminal case and was able to bring it to a deferment. She is one of the good ones!

Jasdeep Singh

13955 Interurban Ave S, Tukwila, WA

Family Law Immigration +2

5.0/5

5.0

5 Reviews

03 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous

Jasdeep is like a true blessing to me!! She is very hard-working, knowledgeable, and very professional. She was very responsible and made herself available 24/7. I highly recommend her. I had best experience, such a great person to work with!! She’s very expert in her work.

17 Nov, 2019 by Jaskiran

Jasdeep was a great help in my divorce case giving me the time to work around my financial situation, while I was dealing with this process of divorce. I would highly reccomend Jasdeep to everybody who is looking to not be rushed in these stressful cases, she gives really great pointers about the best way to approach the case for your own stability and convenience, also is very kind and generous at handling the job professionally.

20 Feb, 2018 by Stinkervic

Jasdeep was amazing throughout the entire process. Her actions in and out of court showed me that she was well informed with current immigration policies and procedures. Had spoken with several other attorneys and was not given much hope, given today's political climate in regards to immigration. Jasdeep fought hard for months to help me and my family. We are proud to say that just last week we were granted permanent residency. Something many attorneys had adviced me as being extremely difficult to do. She made herself available to me 24/7. Thank you for putting up with the 100s of phone calls. You truley are very knowledgeable and reliable counsel. My family is forever grateful. Bless you!

David Lutz

604 W. Meeker Street Suite 201, Kent, WA

Child Custody Family Law +2

+1 (253) 252-5179

5.0/5

5.0

5 Reviews

19 Dec, 2020 by Justin

The title says it all. David and Jill worked really hard on my behalf in a parenting plan modification. It was a difficult case, and they both took a lot of time and patience with me to achieve the best outcome. Everyone that I had any kind of interaction with was great! I highly recommend them to anyone that needs a good attentive attorney for family matters cases.

27 May, 2019 by Anonymous

I wanted to update my review for Mr. Lutz as I didn't include his Paralegal. Jill Conner as an aboslute superior performer. Her attention to detail, knowledge, and experience was unsurpassed. She really poised David Lutz for success. Here's my original review with updates. Mr. Lutz was amazing and he packs premium performance in a budget price.I had a fraudulent DVPO filed against me. My wife’s claims were untrue. She was attempting to use this as the common “silver bullet” technique used to get the upper hand in a divorce. Mr. Lutz helped explain what I needed to do in order to prove my innocence. I provided my evidence to him and his amazing paralegal. He helped me feel confident by explaining the process and what was to come. He went to court with me and calmly incapacitated the opposing counsel. He calmly told the commissioner my wife’s claims didn’t at all meet the definition of domestic violence. I probably didn't even need an attorney. My ex wife's attorney Bryan Murry was a bumbling, ever failing attorney. He was often scrambling for reference documents, and seemingly perpetually unorganized. To me, his performance indicated he obtained his education at a low-tier community college. I really hope he can get a new job and get trained by the best so he can succeed, as he was unscrupulous and unethically proceeded to talk bad about me after the commissioner had dismissed his case and publicity asked why he had brought this to the court. I fear until he gets help from a mentor, he will let down, and disappoint any client he takes on. He will willingly take money even though the case is not winnable, so I guess that's a good think. Using Mr. Lutz and Ms. Morfitt against him was like using a tactical nuclear weapon against Popsicle stand. The judge dismissed the case after agreeing with my explanations in my documents and concurring with Mr. Lutz. He’s still helping my divorce case and I’m hoping for another victory while keeping cost to a minimum. Mr. Lutz has been great to work with so far. He knows how what he’s doing and does his best to keep costs as low as possible. Mr Lutz, Ms. Morfitt, and Jill Conner were fantastic and I highly recommend paying them to help you succeed and the truth come out.

09 May, 2017 by Anonymous

David what's honest with me the whole time and when it came to go to court he was straight forward and to the point.

Jeffrey David Ott

655 W Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA

Business Criminal Defense Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

5 Reviews

29 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous

I give my highest recommendation for Jeffrey D. Ott. I asked him for help with a very complex and unique Separation/Divorce case and he handled it with professionalism, skill, honesty, and empathy. He was very responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about his role. He was straightforward about areas that he wanted to consult on or research more, which only made me more confident in his trustworthiness and his judgement when he gave advice. I am a professional in the county and he helped me navigate this process with confidence. Even with a significant amount of hostility, contentiousness, and difficulty between myself and my ex-husband he was level-headed, forthcoming, and professional. You can quickly feel that he has high integrity and wants to help people. I would recommend him for any family law matter.

03 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous

Jeffery was very effective with handling my case. Jeffrey made the entire situation easy to manage and ensured there was no added stress, in fact he alleviated the stress. Jeffery was quick to respond and readily available when needed.

11 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous

I highly recommend Jeff Ott for your legal needs. Jeff specializes in divorce, however, this is not why we retained him. My husband and I experienced a very bad situation with a contractor which required a good sum of out-of-pocket funds on our part to complete the job. In our search for legal help to recoup this money I was referred to Jeff from a legal acquaintance. We are so thankful he did. Jeff's knowledge of construction laws and contracts as well as his research and information gathering abilities brought us to a wonderful conclusion. He stayed in touch with us every step of the way. Jeff will not only do what needs to be done for your legal needs, he will also show you understanding, compassion, friendship and will make you smile with his infectious laugh. He is very competent and we give Jeff an A++++++++++ in every aspect of his practice.

Jonathan William Milstein

5400 Carillon point, Kirkland, WA

Child Support Estate Planning Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

5 Reviews

22 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous

It has been several years since I had contact with Jonathan, however, his integrity, professionalism and kindness is that I will never forget. My teen daughter used CPS with her father with complete lies when not getting her way. I requested supervised visits to protect myself during the investigation. Jonathan was amazing, respectful and could see her demeanor and relationship with me. I appreciate his professionalism and integrity through this difficult time.

14 Dec, 2016 by Aj

I hired Mr. Milestine for a CPS case. He handled my case with professionalism and sensitivity. He helped me make logical decisions when I was an emotional wreck. He is the type of attorney that is on your side, not only understanding the law but human nature as well. I would highly recommend Jonathan.

04 Apr, 2013 by John

I am a licensed mental health counselor, a therapist in private practice for over 30 years, and recently retained Jonathan on the advice of another attorney that I regard quite highly but was unavailable. His high praise for Jonathan proved true, as he was both very professional and personable in his representation of my case, which was basically a delusional ex-client claiming that I and members of my family were stalking her. She was able to use the state to get a domestic violence restraining order against me and my son, who did not know her, and the assistance of a "victim's" advocate at taxpayer expense as the state has written these laws to "protect" the "victim" even if everything they say is utterly fallacious. Jonathan put together an excellent defense (you have to basically prove you are innocent as the state is quite willing to assume otherwise) demonstrating that dates and times she said she was being "stalked" were times when I was out of state, along with other impossible scenarios she contrived. This has made a deep impression up me that there are a lot of very deeply disturbed individuals out there who are even worse off than you might detect or imagine in a counseling session. And should you come across one who wants to mess with your life for their own insanely self-indulgent motives, it is good to know an effective, kind, skillful and reasonably-priced lawyer to protect and vindicate you. Jonathan is one such attorney and I will be referring all of my clients who need legal consultation to him from now on, knowing they will be well served. He also gives a one hour free consultation to fully understand your situation and assess what can be done to help you.

Howard Nathaniel Schwartz

413 N 2nd St., Yakima, WA

Criminal Defense Estate Planning Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

5 Reviews

23 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous

He is very knowledgeable about family law and knows the ins and outs of the court system in Yakima very well. He is to the point and usually can get things accomplished without heated difficulties with other attorneys. But, when that is not possible, he is able to present clear, concise arguments resulting in success in court. He is also very straightforward with his billing-There are no misunderstandings. His staff are on top of their game. I am very pleased.

28 Nov, 2018 by Samantha s

Howard has been my attorney for few years now he's smart,loyal and determined, he will tell you the truth and guide you when needed. I highly recommend him especially when you feel stuck and don't know what to do.

25 Aug, 2013 by Frank tamez

Howard has represented both myself and my business on numerous ocassions. He has done an outstanding job each and every time. Great to deal with Down to earth Not afraid to get in the trenches Gets the job done. I would highly recommend him

Kevin Tsingman Kwong

1001 4th Ave Ste 3200, Seattle, WA

Adoption Bankruptcy Business +5 +8

5.0/5

5.0

5 Reviews

27 Sep, 2023 by Vi bui

I am forever grateful for the invaluable assistance provided by Mr. Kevin Kwong. His kindness and compassion set him apart as one of the most exceptional lawyers I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Not only did he exhibit utmost professionalism, but his expertise and knowledge in his field were evident throughout our interactions. The life-changing advice he offered has played a pivotal role in shaping the successful individual I am today. To say that he has the power to completely transform lives is an understatement. I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Kevin Kwong for his exceptional legal skills and profound impact on my life. Kevin, I thank you from the very bottom of my heart...!

27 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous

Kevin Kwong is indeed the best decision I have made in my life when it comes to lawyer. He listens carefully and he truly cares about your case. Your case - his case! You win - we both win! Kevin helped me back in Summer 2012 with my tough immigration case. We spent about one year and I succeeded. Thank you Kevin for all you do and I will forever be grateful for you!

18 Oct, 2015 by Michael

He was great - he helped me out with some contracts in 2010, which have been the basis for every single contract I use today when hiring freelancers - he was professional and efficient and knew the legal language really well, as well as what to watch out for with the various freelance jobs that I was requesting. Mr. Kwong created a strong foundation for protecting my business.

Alexandra Moore-Wulsin

520 Pike St Ste 1205, Seattle, WA

Elder Law Estate Planning Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

5 Reviews

04 Aug, 2021 by Gary

Alexandra "Xana" helped me as a single father retain 50/50 custody of my two children. My ex-wife and mother of our two children decided that after 8 years of being divorced in another state that she would paint a completely untrue picture of me as an abusive, alcoholic and unfit father. Since the children's parenting plan was from another state, that added to the complexity of the case. My ex-wife hired an attorney from a "prestigious" Bellevue family law firm that has profiles of countless lawyers on their website. Her lawyer asked for three different emergency injunctions due to child safety. All three were rejected by multiple judges! The difference between Xana and the Bellevue law firms lawyer is that Xana uses facts, the laws and the truth. This case lasted nearly a year, and was the worst experience of my life. It was not cheap and emotionally exhausting to say the least. Xana was always there to answer my questions and give me guidance. The Bellevue law firm and my ex-wife decided to request a dismissal of the case because Xana was more prepared, more knowledgeable and ultimately a better lawyer. If you need a family law lawyer, Xana is the best there is in the Puget Sound!

25 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous

I have worked with numerous attorneys and “Xana” is a 10 out 10. I had a very complicated case with the custody of a special needs adult daughter. It required knowledge of family law (involving stipulations from out of state), guardianship law, and special needs law. Finding someone knowledgeable in these separate pillars is very rare. I was very impressed in how “Xana” quickly got her arms around the key issues, and developed a comprehensive strategy to counter the opposing council’s motions. I was very impressed with her knowledge of the new and emerging laws (in these areas), and how we could take advantage of them. “Xana” is a very smart, creative, and compassionate person. It was a real pleasure to work with her and her staff. I would not have prevailed without her.

21 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous

Alexandra ("Xana") represented me through my divorce, and was someone who I could rely on not just for legal advice, but also to keep the focus on the underlying issues, and help dial down the emotions when the other side would make aggressive moves that were simply not child-centric. At many points, it was a draining journey and she was a rock steady resource. She truly has an encylopedic knowledge of the law and one thing that helped to keep the many loose ends tied down was to have her assistant keep a punch list of the items that were in play. Certainly, you'll benefit from Xana representing you and providing the right context about the implications of a given situation.

David Clement Smith

201 Saint Helens Ave, Tacoma, WA

Criminal Defense Family Law Personal Injury +3

5.0/5

5.0

5 Reviews

09 Jul, 2018 by Desyree

David id an amazing lawyer, he truly makes you feel at ease. He's in the process of doing my bankruptcy and wo also be doing my divorce. It's nice to have someone who explains things and takes the time to listen. He's truly a people's lawyer and understands that everyone goes through hard times.

21 May, 2017 by Jennifer bahrke

Filing bankruptcy can be a stressful and humiliating time. My husband and I never dreamed we would ever even have to contemplate such a thing, but there we were, facing the harsh reality of a chapter 7. You see, my husband and I have always worked multiple jobs, prided ourselves on being hard workers! I'm an RN and he's an Aircraft Mechanic. But due to circumstances out of our control we found ourselves at David Smiths Law Office, to discuss bankruptcy. Talk about feeling at an all time low. David Smith was amazing! He and his staff walked us through our options. They were kind, non judgmental, knowledgeable, professional, and when he held my hand and told me it was all going to be ok, well I went home, and I just cried. I'm telling you my husband and I will never go to anyone else, because Mr Smiths integrity is such that if he can't help us, we know he will lead us in the right direction, of someone that will! I have already recommended Mr Smith to several of my colleagues because he knows his stuff, he won't feed you pipe dreams, and is the real deal! Finding people today with his integrity, well it's just hard to find. we just want to say thank you David Smith to you and all your amazing supportive staff! Giving you all five stars is not eanough, we give you all ten! You saved us and we just can't thank you all eanough! Jen and Steve

19 Feb, 2017 by Lisa larson

I contacted David C Smith on Saturday 18th and mr smith responded back to me quickly we spoke and met. Mr Smith was very direct and was very helpful and polite. by the time i left his office a huge burden was lifted off my shoulders. i want to thank you for taking the time to explain to me the things that i didnt understand .not rushing to get through the session.thank you so very much Mr David C Smith...I will most definatly refer you to others...Lisa

Emily Jennifer Tsai

2101 Fourth Avenue, Seattle, WA

Child Custody Child Support Family Law +2 +5

+1 (844) 912-1679

5.0/5

5.0

5 Reviews

11 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous

I’ve recently contacted Emily’s firm on a divorce/separation matter. I didn’t have much expectations contacting her firm but Emily’s effort in helping me was something that I will cherish for a very long time. I walked away from the experience with more knowledge on what options that are now available to me and an immense sense of relief, knowing that my problem is now solvable, all made possible by Emily’s great work ethics, outstanding research skill, and expertise in her fields of practice. Most importantly, she treated me with kindness, patience and utmost respect.

19 Dec, 2016 by Fabian sanin

Emily was great at clarifying what the law is and my options are with my situation. Emily was honest with me on what the outcome could be and what her plan was for the situation. Very much appreciated.

16 Nov, 2014 by Terry

I found Emily Tsai after seeing my wife’s lawyer out class my first 3 lawyers. He was able to take the documented truth and twist it into lies. The first 3 fell prey to sleazy tactics and threats of sanctions. Maybe they were afraid of a lawyer who had a Commissioner working in his law firm. Emily took him on and save me from losing potentially $2 million to the lies and tricks of the other side. She did this by not responding to lies and sleaze with lies and sleaze. She did it using the high road with good legal reasoning, good legal research, and outstanding expert witnesses. Emily is hard working. To my objection she had me in her office late into the night to prepare for the arbitration hearing. Her husband was very patient and waited hours for her to complete the preparations. If you have high value assets at risk in your divorce, you need to see Emily. She is well worth her fee.

Kathryn Jenkins

1911 W Nickerson Street, Seattle, WA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

5 Reviews

28 Nov, 2017 by Joseph v

My expieriance with Ms Jenkins and her staff was just that. Ms Jenkins orchestrated a timely win situation for both parties involved without going to court AND kept my costs reasonable. Thank you Ms Jenkins for representing my son and I very well.

09 Sep, 2015 by Janet

Kathryn is recognized as one of the leading divorce attorneys in Washington. I know this because I did a lot of research before I hired her; I also know this because my neighbor is a judge recommended her above all others; I know this because I watched her work in court; and I know this because she was so highly recommended by her former clients. Kathryn truly cared about my case, but moreover, she truly cared about me. She went out of her way to schedule appointments that considered my schedule; she sympathized with me where it was appropriate to do so; she showed "tough love" when it was necessary and she fought for me like a veritable pitbull. My case was very complex, including custody issues and 7 figure financial issues. Kathryn presented the case like an accountant, social worker and legal scholar all wrapped into one. She is truly the best of the best and I cannot recommend her highly enough.

09 Sep, 2015 by Leif

I found Kathryn Jenkins to be a true advocate. She really cares about her clients. Most attorney's I have dealt with simple want to run their meter and are primarily worried about their billable hours. Mrs. Jenkins is the opposite, and she is also a fighter who get in there and takes her cases personally. I would strongly recommend her to anyone who is tired of getting run over and needs someone right the ship. Thank you miss Jenkins you are a answer to prayers!

Teresa Thais Keene

2625 W Northwest Blvd, Suite C, Spokane, WA

Family Law Real Estate +2

5.0/5

5.0

5 Reviews

23 Nov, 2019 by Tim

Teresa (Keene Law) did an awesome job for our eviction case. She was very patient with us and answered all questions we had as this was our first eviction. She was always available to us during the whole process and speaks to you in layman's terms. I can go on about her but let her work speak for itself. I would highly recommend, Teresa. If ever confronted with this type of thing again you can bet that we'll call Teresa at Keene Law!!

16 Jul, 2019 by Ryan

I contacted Teresa, who is out of my local area, after a full day of being dismissed by law practices in my area. She promptly spoke to me and was able to give me the much needed lawful reassurance I was seeking. I only had a few exchanges with Teresa in total but every time she was prompt, professional, direct, and most importantly kind. I would not hesitate to use her again or recommend her to a loved one.

02 Jul, 2019 by Shawna

Theresa Keen is a very intelligent, confident and hard working individual and that positively reflects her work. My husband was charged with a DUI and resulted with Negligent Driving in the first degree. . Just from my experience with Teresa throughout my husbands case she was very warm and comforting and beyond. She is a well known lawyer in a very positive way I have felt confident throughout the whole process. There was no time where I felt or thought that Teresa did not know what She was doing or wasn’t Always working to reach the best possible end result of my husbands case. Although my husbands own failure to obey the law, the outcome of the consequences are steps that I believe ended fair in my husbands situation Thank you, Teresa

Thomas Franklin Webster

116 N Main St, Colville, WA

Family Law Personal Injury +2

+1 (509) 685-3141

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

19 Sep, 2022 by James

If you are in need of an attorney to represent you in a personal injury case we highly, highly recommend Tom Webster, and his Law Office. If you are in this need, you are actually looking for a friend with excellent legal skills. Tom really knows the law, specifically the laws surrounding personal injury claims. He also knows a great deal on the medical side. He was most helpful in guiding us to terrific specialists who were of great help. Tom and his team are many things; extremely competent, compassionate, caring and effective. Very effective. The end result of our case was that Tom and his team were able to secure for us, triple the amount originally offered by the insurance company. Tom’s team also handled all the providers claims that needed to be dealt with afterward. Highly recommend Tom Webster and his team. You will find that friend and he in turn WILL walk with you as your life returns to normal …and maximize your settlement.

23 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous

My husband and I hired Tom for my husbands case regarding visitation with his children, the original plan needed to be modified since we moved 400 miles away. It should have been simple but thanks to my husbands ex-wife's attorney, it wasn't. It seemed as though her attorney, being from the a bigger city, thought she could get over on our "small town" attorney-was she wrong. They dug deep to confirm anything she said about the court systems in the county that this had to be filed in and caught her in some less than truthful situations. Long story short, Tom and his whole office went out of their way to make us their first priority at all times, they kept us informed of every little detail and offered up advice they thought would resolve our case in an attempt to save us time and money. He's a caring and compassionate attorney and I would use him over and over if needed. We once had a conversation about how 99% of attorney's are in it for the money and the other 1% are in it to help families...Tom's the other 1% in my book!

04 Mar, 2011 by Karen

He new what he was going, answered all of my questions and we one our case!!

Penny Rose Henderson

103 E Holly St Ste 509, Bellingham, WA

Estate Planning Family Law Juvenile Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

21 Nov, 2012 by Heather

Penny Henderson was a joy to work with. In our initial phone conversation she was encouraging and very supportive of our journey of adopting through foster care. Mrs. Henderson took care of all the communication and bills to the court house and kept us in the loop. She was happy to wait for her payment from the state so that it was not out of our pocket. Mrs. Henderson went above and beyond and took wonderful pictures of us in the court room and joined us for the party afterwards. She made the legal part stress free and joyful!

14 Nov, 2012 by Kathleen

I used Penny Henderson to handle my collaborative divorce. She was great. I interviewed several attorneys in town who specialize in collaborative divorce, and chose her because of her experience and expertise. She had worked in the legal field for years before becoming and attorney. I was so impressed that she had challenged and passed the bar exam, without going to law school. No easy feat for anyone, much less someone who worked full time. I was also drawn to her calm manner. She was perfect in a collaborative legal setting. She was at all times professional with me and with the other parties involved. She explained up front what to expect and she spent time asking questions and making sure she understood all my issues. Her explanations of the legal issues were very clear. When I had questions or concerns, she would return calls promptly and always spent time making sure I understood. Her billing was fair and accurate, and about half of what my spouse paid for the same legal representation. I would use Penny Henderson again.

14 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous

Ms. Henderson handled a case for me in 2007 and has helped me on subsequent smaller matters as well. I find her services to be exemplary. I was impressed with her collaborative approach to the law and how she was able to elicit cooperation from both sides. I found her to be impartial, fair, and a consummate professional. I recommend her to others often as she is patient and very skilled at working with children, particularly those in crisis.

Eric Richard Shumaker

113 E Baldwin Ave, Spokane, WA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

11 Nov, 2021 by Jacqueline

This attorney as absolutely stellar. I would recommend him to anyone I cared about.

25 Aug, 2020 by Anthony

Eric is an exceptional attorney. He very quickly understood my situation and listens well. He does not waste time and quickly makes a variety of suggestions on how to approach the task at hand. He did not advocate litigating, which was an option, however not the only option. Along with his team of paralegals, Eric is very formidable and also a good person. I highly recommend him to anyone.

02 Jun, 2020 by Craig

Eric brings wisdom, compassion and experience to his work. Coming into my case, I was anxious and uncertain but Eric and his team put me at ease. I have had no complaints in the time he has served as my attorney simply because I know that Eric cares about me and my situation. He is a genuinely good guy first and an excellent attorney second. Paralegals Elizabeth and Casey are wonderful as well, thorough in their questioning and their care of all the details throughout the legal process which can be intimidating. I would highly recommend Eric Shumaker and his team for anyone looking for reliable and trusted legal representation.

Amanda Hoke DuBois

927 N. Northlake Way, Seattle, WA

Child Custody Family Law +2

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

11 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous

I am so lucky to have found Amanda and the DuBois Cary Law Group. i went through a difficult divorce and Amanda was so professional and supportive. I had to change lawyers and I am so thankful that I found Amanda.

26 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous

Amanda and team held my hand through a very very difficult divorce. She out-lawyered opposing counsel every step of the way. She has excellent relationships with and is highly respected by mediators and judges. She became a good friend, confidant and advisor. While I am glad to no longer have her on "speed dial," I am glad to have worked with her and work out the best settlement possible.

21 Feb, 2013 by Aleksandra

Amanda provided stellar service for over 2 (two) years, keeping my child safe. It was a complex and highly litigated case. Amanda and her associates will give you the best legal representation. They will be your guide and trusted resource.

Lisa D. Scott

1409 140th Pl Ne Ste 103d, Bellevue, WA

Family Law +1

+1 (425) 230-3574

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

18 Jan, 2015 by Happy daddy with a fair divorce

When I met Lisa Scott I was going through a very difficult time. I had my own ideas about what I wanted, and had already been to numerous counseling sessions with my ex-wife and knew her radical ideas. I was able to work out a non formal agreement with my ex-wife for only 1 overnight a week, and two evening visits each week. I petitioned for the divorce, my ex-wife wrote a book to the court about what a monster I was, with lies and false allegations. My ex then wanted me to have less time (every other weekend with 1 evening visit a week. Long story short; With Lisa Scott's aid the court sided with me and immediately gave me a second overnight, and I finally settled out of court on a graduated 50/50 joint shared custody arrangement that I could not be more happy with. My daughter was 10 months old when my ex-wife left. She is now 20 months old and I am so happy with my results. My child support obligation also reflects my time with my daughter, and for that I am also pleased. Lisa Scott made sure I was in good hands, and helped me protect my rights as a father. She is straight up, passionate about her job, and very knowledgeable.

15 Nov, 2011 by Mark

I did also intend to mention that Attorney Lisa D. Scott is extremely honest in her approach to providing Counsel. She will not "Guild the lily" or make promises she can't deliver, or, immediately ask for a retainer as some others may, but was willing to provide initial guidance on an hourly basis, something of a rarity. She also was very clear about her Ethical position, taking a strong offense to obviously False Accusations made by the other side to "play dirty". She rolled up her sleeves to fight, but only with absolute honestly and an "open book" and "clean hands" policy, being morally superior to "playing dirty". This commitment counters a client's sometimes naturally insulted and emotional urge to "fight back" but then also risk appearing to be seeking retaliation over "Best Interest". If you walk into Court with Lisa by your side, you will know you have an Atty. standing With You, not just next to you. Again, I can not more highly recommend her on a personal level. I you want to fight dirty, go elsewhere. If you want a Capable, Knowledgeable Advocate, this is your Attorney.

10 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous

Lisa Scott is a tireless Advocate for her clients. She is not only a razor sharp Attorney when it comes to finding details about your case or documents that might otherwise be overlooked, she is a fantastic person. She has a great professional humor that will lighten the heaviness of the situation and make it easier to deal with. She takes personal interest in her clients, and beyond being a great Attorney, she is an amazing and wonderful individual as well. She is a great credit to her profession. If you are in a situation where someone has said something about you that is not true, she is the type of Attorney who will care about you, not just the case, and she will go above and beyond to help. I can not say enough to sing her praises. Thank you Lisa, for helping everyone you have helped, and me when I did not know where to turn - Mark

Stephen Olson

104 Marcy Ave, Montesano, WA

Car Accident Criminal Defense Family Law +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

27 Jan, 2014 by Michael

I recently hired Mr. Olson to represent me in my DUI case. He was able to get the charges drastically reduced with minimal stipulations required by the court. He was very easy to get a hold of, friendly, hard working, and knew the prosecutor well, which helped make negotiating simpler. I am thankful that I chose to hire Mr. Olson.

15 Apr, 2013 by Cora

I went to Stephen Olson after an auto accident and the other sides insurance company was not treating me fairly. Mr. Olson immediately got to work on my case, and it was clear from the beginning that he was a kind and personable attorney. It was also clear from the settlement that was reached he is incredibly effective and determined to advocate for his clients. I would recommend Stephen Olson to any person who needs assistance, as he is the only attorney I will use in the future!

15 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous

I highly recommend Steve. He fought hard to make sure that I was treated fairly and gave me the opportunity to get my infraction reduced. He is very knowledgable and gives a very good cross-examination. Sometimes it is tough in traffic court to make people believe your side of the story when an officer is telling a different story but he knew how to ask the right questions and was able to get the truth out.

Kristina Rose Ralls

Family Court Operations, Seattle, WA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

08 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous

I called her to ask one question relating to the family law. She is very friendly and professional. She answered my question immediately over the phone and pointed me the right direction how to continue my case.

14 Jan, 2015 by Kelly

Not only did Kristina help me with my divorce, she also helped me with a problem with my Landlord on the side. She has great skills and explained everything so that I could understand it. She is good at working with other people to come to a settlement that will work the best for everyone. I would hire her again if I ever find myself in the same situation.

13 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous

Kristina represented me in my divorce and she made herself available to answer my questions and guide me through the process. She is a good listener and helped me figure out what would work best for me. We ended up mediating, and Kristina helped me threw that process too. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a divorce lawyer who will be a good advocate and will help conserve costs.

Susan Elaine Carroll

6041 California Ave. SW, Suite 101, Seattle, WA

Child Custody Child Support Domestic Violence +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

05 Apr, 2022 by Tim

I was immediately impressed with Susan knowledge of the law and thoroughness of her approach.

27 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous

Susan is extremely Knowledgeable, compassionate, and works very smart. She is honest, and truthfull when giving advice and during representation. She has helped make things easier by being straighforward and direct, even when the answer you get is not the one you want. I recommend Susan to the highest degree when having to face a difficult family law case, she's the kind of lawyer you need by your side when you're trying to protect the most valuable asset in such cases, your child. Thank you Susan for everything you've done and continue to do for our family.

21 Jan, 2011 by Merly

Susan is very competent, agressive and gets results right away. If you need anything clarified, she immediately notifies you by whatever method you used to resolve any discrepencies. She is a good family lawyer. I very highly recommend her.

Paul Andrew Petry

11300 Roosevelt Way NE Ste 300, Seattle, WA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

25 Mar, 2024 by Jim

Paul has helped me througha very difficult legal situation. He worked tirelesy on a very difficult case on my behalf. He has made himself available morning, noon, and late ito the evenings as well as on the weekends. I found him EXTREMELY knowledgable on all faeits of the case.and would recommend him to anyone who may need proper representation thier legal matters. Thank you Paul, Jim

01 Apr, 2019 by Azalea adams

Paul is a good attorney he listens and the most important thing is he is very positive. I have not hired him yet but I have spoken with him in 2017 and 2019 and both times he listen to me and gave advice. I am low income and can not afford him but I promise you that if I ever came across money he will be the 1st person I contact. He cares about his clients and even people who are not his clients. I respect this man and I do recommend him I'm sure he would do and be out standing in your case

01 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous

I hired Paul on a chance and a prayer in a desperate situation and a suggestion from an NPR attorney I contacted that was referenced in an article on cyber-stalking and domestic abuse. I have spoken to many attorneys and was looking for someone who would listen to my story, read my evidence and no matter what, be honest and submit truth to the justice system. My ex-husband and his attorney have submitted perjurous lies and base their litigation on chicanery, abusive use of the court system and backing an innocent person into a corner when they are unrepresented to cover up lies and criminal activity. No matter what has been cast against me or submitted to the courts as backhanded strategy I will not partake in unethical conduct. Paul has advised me based on experience, honesty and best case scenarios no matter how dim that picture may look or the little light in the corner. He is an ethical family man who makes you feel comfortable, does not judge, has a sympathetic heart and shares a wise story or joke. He’s the kind of guy you’d like to just sit and listen to, talk to or learn from. I highly recommend Paul and commend him on upholding the morals, values and laws he swore to preserve. Accolades to Paul for making me believe there are still good people out there!

Sara S.J. Kim

2033 Sixth Avenue., Seattle, WA

Family Law +1

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

01 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous

Sara was a great lawyer during this difficult time. She was professional but also empathetic.

15 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous

Sara was great. My case was not too complicated, but she still made the whole process much easier and less stressful than anticipated. She explained everything, addressed my concerns, and answered all my questions. She processed all the paperwork in a timely manner. It was definitely easier to get a hold of her by email than by phone which I didn't mind. She was always quick to respond, and I never really had anything that needed immediate attention. Overall, feeling relieved.

23 Jun, 2014 by Greg

Sara really came through for me in a nasty situation. She handled my divorce by keeping me grounded, putting things into a perspective that I could clearly understand, and even protected me from myself when I just wanted it to be over. She is very knowledgeable, and has a great staff.

William A. Buchanan

8195 166th Ave NE, Redmond, WA

Business Estate Planning Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

19 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous

My first counseling with Bill (William) was in the month of Oct’2017. Right from the outset, I found Bill to be professional and systematic - he explained me the legal procedures in sufficient details (and in a way that I could understand them to my satisfaction); cadence of events and rough timelines around them; and the documents that would be required of me and the legal documentation that he and his office would prepare on my behalf. After talking-to and evaluating a few more lawyers in the area, I was convinced that Bill would be represent me the best, following which I hired him. Bill has a strong bias for action, and in the weeks that followed, he proved to be increasingly resourceful - he asked the right set of questions (from me) to be able to assess the situation properly, and allowed me to ask mine. His recommendations and advices were tremendously helpful throughout, and they proved to be instrumental to quickly move forward with things. He was swift and detail-oriented with the paper-work and and ensured the documentation was thorough and error-free. He was timely in his communication and kept me informed around the proceedings. He and his office were also very accommodative of my schedule - even though I was not in the city for long durations of time, scheduling time with him over the phone (to have my questions answered or to get a status-update), was a breeze. He is also very responsive over emails. Thanks to Bill, my case concluded smoothly and as expected. Overall, I found Bill to be reliable, responsible and accountable and would strongly recommend him and his services.

28 Mar, 2014 by Naima

My attorney Mr. William Buchanan is the best attorney ever. He is the second attorney that I had to hire for my custody case. I hired Mr. Buchanan less than a month to the date of my trail. Before I called him I went through a list of 9 other attorneys that actually did not want to take my case saying that it was very complicated and a contested case, they also said that I called them a little late and they just can’t take my case. BUT when I got to Mr. Buchanan, he was the most sensitive and understand attorney I have ever met, he actually started to help me even before I met with him in person or even signed anything with him. He took on what other attorneys saw as complicated and not enough time left for them to do anything and won the case, nevertheless, what Mr. Buchanan said he will accomplish happened and I got EVERY THING I ASKED FOR AND MORE. Mr. Buchanan is the BEST attorney you will ever meet: 1. When you tell him your story he will remember accurately everything like all he has is your case. 2. Very well organized. 3. Very sensitive 4. Compassionate 5. Very understanding 6. Not judgmental 7. Very honest in his work, nothing but the truth. 8. Very smart, so that, if the other party lies, Mr. Buchanan can ask him questions that will reveal the lies. 9. HE IS WORTH IT EVERY DIME. By hiring Mr. Buchanan, I got what I wanted and MORE, he is a person that I will remember the rest of my life, because his diligent work saved my child from years to come of pain and hurts.

12 Jul, 2011 by Anonymous

I hired William Buchanan to handle the onslaught of litigation from my ex, post divorce decree. Mr. Buchanan does a great job of advising of what the possible outcomes are of particular strategy. That's why I've been using him going on three years now. After my decree and having two other attorneys who adopted whatever position I wanted with little question and poor results, I was looking for someone with more experience to thoroughly explain the pros and cons of my legal questions. I found him to be very thorough and patient; obviously key qualities if you're the type of client that wants to know what's going on. Mr. Buchanan is also pretty easy to reach if you have questions about your ongoing case. As mentioned above, I've had a couple of attorneys and client communication results have varied quite a bit: some won't return calls, some are afraid of email and treat it like a black hole. Mr. Buchanan won't leave you hanging as your case develops.

Walton Lawson Dabney

19125 North Creek Parkway, Bothell, WA

Estate Planning Family Law Government +3

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

17 Jul, 2020 by Felix

When I found Mr. Dabney I was on my way to being dis-enrolled from my ROTC program, even after the board of officers found me innocent. As an ROTC cadet I was very much unaware of how the process worked and what needed to be done in order to save my not yet started military career. When I first met with Mr. Dabney, he seemed to understand exactly what was going on and even showed compassion to my situation. I was given several options on how to move forward and did not feel pressured in any way to hire Mr. Dabney. Instead, he made sure that I understood my options and advised me to take time and think about the pros and cons to bring him onto my case. After a few days I decided that in fact, it would be in my best interest to hire someone who knew what needed to be done. He helped explain what each form I was signing meant and even contacted my chain of command when he felt like they were making me do things that were unnecessary and that didn't follow the regulation. Mr. Dabney was very knowledgeable on regulations and was always available to help me when something new came up. It was within a month of hiring Mr. Dabney that I was reinstated into my program. I owe this victory to him. I would recommend any ROTC student that finds him or herself in a similar situation to not only hire Mr. Dabney, but to not wait as long as I did to do so. I would seek his counsel during the board proceedings as well as once the dis-enrollment or LOA begins. I wish I was aware of this valuable asset when the process first started.

22 May, 2020 by Anonymous

Mr. Dabney engaged quickly with sound advice and wise counsel when it was needed most. He provided excellent recommendations, responsive communication, and a calm demeanor. He helped resolve a very difficult and painful issue with military leadership in a non-confrontational way, which was the best case scenario. *I tried to leave this review several months ago but it got kicked back by AVVO for some reason? Second attempt to recognize excellence by Mr. Dabney.

20 May, 2020 by Anthony

When I felt like the whole world against me Major Dabney gave me a voice and gave me the feeling that someone cared about me and the positive outcome of my situation.

Russell B. Juckett Jr

3119 Oakes Avenue, Everett, WA

Car Accident Family Law Personal Injury +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

08 Apr, 2016 by Monica ransopher

Russ Juckett is a great lawyer. He helped me a lot with my divorce case and he always returned my calls. He trylu care about his clients and takes his time. I would highly recommend him.

01 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous

Mr. Juckett is a very well knowledgeable lawyer. he sure know people and know how to treat them when there in mental pain. I rate this lawyer a 5 stare. very likable

08 Apr, 2010 by Jeff

Russ, in short, is a wonderful man and lawyer. Not only did he take the time to get to understand me as a person, he did a great job with my legal needs. His approach worked well. The personal attention that Russ gave me was very much appreciated but not expected based on my past experience with other lawyers I have used. Russ helped get me through my divorce and taught me a lot along the way about being a better person. Russ is probably one of the most ethical men I know. I highly recommend him if you are in need of a lawyer. I will give his office my permission to give out my phone number if you require further details about the type of person and lawyer that Russ is.

Erin Healy Hammond

5790 Soundview Dr., Ste. 201E, Gig Harbor, WA

Family Law Litigation Medical Malpractice +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

11 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous

Hiring Erin to defend a complaint against my license was key for reducing stress and finding comfort in a complex and scary situation. Going up against the state can be quite intimidating but Erin educated me along the way and helped navigate each turn. She is brilliant, honest and offers unique perspective. I appreciated how kind and caring she was. She made me feel as though I was her only client and this was her only case. I highly recommend her being on your side, I think you will be just as pleased.

03 Sep, 2018 by Heather

Erin Hammond represented me in a very difficult divorce case. Erin is there for you and guides you through the difficult path. Highly recommended for any family law issues.

11 May, 2018 by Andrew

Best lawyer around when it comes to healthcare provider issues. She represented me in a case where the patient was clearly trying to get us to pay for services she did not deserve. Highly recommend!

Leslie A Irwin

14058 2nd Ave Nw, Seattle, WA

Child Custody Domestic Violence Family Law +3

+1 (877) 941-0345

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

22 Oct, 2020 by Sam

I had telephone consultation with Leslie. She listened to my situation carefully. Asked the right questions and gave me advice about how to proceed next. In the advice, I could clearly see that she had put mine (client's) best interest first. I would definitely hire her for her work ethics and knowledge.

18 Oct, 2019 by Kim

I was referred to Leslie by another DVPO attorney. I have to say never does any attorney work overtime non sleep til morning to meet deadline not because she waited til last min but because she is constantly a step ahead of what is anticipated response from other party. I slept at midnight she worked Graveyard til Noon deadline. My hearing is not here yet for a few days but the preparation this woman does is OUTSTANDING. I didn’t want to write a review now in fear she will be too busy for my case but I thought its only fair to give credit where credit is due. Although I made my retainer minimal I know Leslie has well over exceeded her hours I paid her. But never once she ask for more money. I was hoping she would so I can pay her for her time. :-) happy to! My case got from complex to completely extremely complex. From dvpo to family law to overly complex. My great appreciation to Leslie for working non stop to get it done no matter what it’s takes. that’s a HUGE quality hard to find in an attorney. Whatever the outcome maybe in court I know we have put our BEST FOOT forward. Her details to attention maybe too much BUT it’s necessary because it’s ALL ABOUT FACT FACT FACT to the judge. Not talk. Thank you Leslie. My child and me greatly appreciates all your hard work. Thank you

11 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous

I met in person and had consulted with Ms. Irwin regarding a custody matter. I found her to be very professional, knowledgeable, sincerely and a great problem solver. She knows family law/DV matters and was a good listener and empathetic to my needs. I would highly recommend Ms. Irwin's services.

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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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