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12 Sep, 2023 by Rhonda b
Excellent advice. He helped me through a divorce by letting me know exactly what I needed to do. I walked away with what he said I would.
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22 May, 2023 by Estela salinas
I am very happy that I found Cox Law firm to represent me during my divorce. This was a very difficult time for me and everything was very confusing. I was represented my Melanie Cox, she was exactly what I needed during the process. Melanie always answered my questions and any concerns promptly. She is very knowledgeable, compassionate and always found ways to avoid unnecessary fees. I felt like she understood me and what I was going through. I highly recommend Cox Law firm and their professional team.
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19 Apr, 2023 by Joe squatch
The Cox Law Firm, particularly Melanie and team are amazing. She has a long history in Union County as part of the legal system and works diligently on your behalf. Does this sound like every other attorney out there? Here’s the differences, Melanie actually cares about her clients! Her staff cares! She has represented me throughout a very long and tedious civil case and has always given me sound council, even when setting me straight. I trust her and so should you!
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12 Sep, 2023 by Rhonda b
Excellent advice. He helped me through a divorce by letting me know exactly what I needed to do. I walked away with what he said I would.
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22 May, 2023 by Estela salinas
I am very happy that I found Cox Law firm to represent me during my divorce. This was a very difficult time for me and everything was very confusing. I was represented my Melanie Cox, she was exactly what I needed during the process. Melanie always answered my questions and any concerns promptly. She is very knowledgeable, compassionate and always found ways to avoid unnecessary fees. I felt like she understood me and what I was going through. I highly recommend Cox Law firm and their professional team.
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19 Apr, 2023 by Joe squatch
The Cox Law Firm, particularly Melanie and team are amazing. She has a long history in Union County as part of the legal system and works diligently on your behalf. Does this sound like every other attorney out there? Here’s the differences, Melanie actually cares about her clients! Her staff cares! She has represented me throughout a very long and tedious civil case and has always given me sound council, even when setting me straight. I trust her and so should you!
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03 Sep, 2024 by Joe rash
Rebecca and her staff were very professional and steadfast throughout this entire family tragedy. Not only did Rebecca guide us through the legal aspects of our issues but sincerely cared about the well being of my mother.
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19 Jul, 2024 by Caleb b
Rebecca was very professional, kind, and helpful. She went above and beyond to make sure that my wife and I were taking the appropriate steps with full knowledge regarding our estate. She has a great team as well! Highly recommend!
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05 Jun, 2023 by Tommy and ruth
We chose Rebecca McNerney on the advice of a retired attorney that we trust. We were smart to trust the advice! Rebecca handled some estate planning for us and we could not be more impressed and satisfied. She listens with kindness and patience and never once made us feel rushed. Her explanations of the North Carolina laws were explicit and detailed. We have no doubt that we are covered from every angle and tied up with a bow. We cannot repay her kindness and attention to detail. Our children will enjoy the fruits of her labor when we pass on and that is very comforting to us. We recommend her to anyone who needs legal counseling.
Tommy and Ruth
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23 Aug, 2024 by Shaunta chirinos
Working with Blood Law has been a great experience. Allison and her team were very professional and always available for questions when needed.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Javias williams
Such great people. Empathic and assuring!
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25 Jul, 2024 by Kim zinicola
Unless you have at least $15,000 to lose, I would not recommend Blood Law. I specifically chose them because they were an all-female firm. My brother and I paid Blood Law a total of $18,000 and I received no representation at three court dates, one of which was a hearing regarding Post Separation support and at the end of October, 2023, I was told that I had to pay $5,000 more to represent me in a divorce. NONE of the para-legals or lawyers or office staff personnel that worked with me are still employed, with the exception of Mrs. Blood’s sister, Olivia Lowery. I feel like promises were made and broken over and over again. At the worst time of my life, not only did Blood Law not help me, they made my situation worse. My experience with them started almost two years ago. My husband had an affair and wanted a divorce. In late August, 2022, I spoke to Olivia Lowery and she assured me that I had a good case and that because I was a dependent spouse and he was a provider spouse, he would be forced to pay my attorney fees, per Chapter 50 of the North Carolina state statutes. My husband and I are now divorced. Per the agreement I had with the husband, during the mandatory separation period, I was using my social security benefits to pay for an attorney. I had a contract of representation with Blood Law dated September 2, 2022. An offer letter and a counter to the husband’s counter were prepared by Ms. Lowery. Because I am a retired accountant, I also completed worksheets regarding the lists of assets for distribution. I explained my financial situation to the office manager and was told it was acceptable for me to fall behind in fees, if I could make them up with my next social security deposit. In January, 2023, after I received a summons from my then husband, I learned I had lost representation because I fell behind in payments. I also learned the office manager with whom I had been communicating, was no longer with the firm. Even though I was told they no longer represented me as I had fallen behind in payments, Blood Law worked with me to complete a 30-day extension for the reply for the summons. Because of their actions, I was under the impression if I caught up and stayed ahead, they would represent me. I did catch up in my legal fees, in March, 2023, and I continued to pay a monthly amount into a trust fund to try to stay ahead of what I thought would be charged. In March, 2023, a response to a summons was prepared as was a response to the husband’s attorney’s request to drop charges, and in April, 2023, a response to interrogatories. In April, 2023, I prepared and filed all of the court required forms myself and paid the court fees. I received minimal guidance from a paralegal to assist me in filing those forms. A junior attorney was sent to a mediation meeting on June 26, 2023. I have been forced to represent myself before a judge, on April 17, 2023, June 6, 2023, and August 18, 2023, the latter of which was a hearing for post separation support. Over the first two weeks of August, 2023, I sent two emails to Blood Law asking for advice and I made sure my trust balance was over $1,000 to cover the time to travel. I did not receive a response. At the hearing for Post Separation Support because Blood Law chose not to show up, I did not know what was going to happen and my request for post separation support was denied. My husband then cut back even more the amount he was depositing and I was unable to pay Blood Law any more than $500 per month, down from around $1,300. That is when I was informed that unless I paid them an additional $5,000, they would not represent me. I was also told “those emails and phone calls add up”. Well, yes, they do, considering how much work I did for them and that work needed to be reviewed. I did at least 60 hours of accounting work, in order to help defray costs, to no avail.
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FAQs
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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:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
