Lawyers map
>10
experienced lawyers
Filter by
17 Feb, 2012 by Tony
While my son was visiting the Smokies, he received 2 speeding tickets (1 in Swain County and 1 in Cherokee County) a couple of days apart. Rather than just paying the fines and accepting the points on his license, I researched and hired an lawyer. My research pointed me to to the firm of Brown, Ward & Haynes. Mr. John Ammons and his assistant Roger Taylor provided excellent advice and service in getting the tickets reduced to improper equipment infractions. They kept me informed of their progress and were easy to contact. His fee was also reasonable. I would highly recommed him.
Read more
30 Sep, 2024 by Kristen gembarowicz
I received a speeding ticket in Clyde, NC. I travel from between TN and NC often to visit family. I didn't have any contacts in this area and found Nielsen Legal through a Google search. I am very satisfied with the outcome and service I received.
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by War baby
I cannot express the level of gratitude I feel for Nielsen law firm , Josh and Meagan. He went above and beyond any expectation I had. Down to earth, level headed and absolutely genuine people. I would never consider hiring any other law firm from this point forward. If any of you are reserved about hiring Nielsen law firm, please let it go and at least go in for a consult. Sincerely, JSM
Read more
22 Aug, 2024 by Audrey yeager
I was very impressed with the friendly, caring personalized service from this office, would highly recommend to anyone seeking legal services, thank you Josh, Megan and Angela
Read more
04 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
I had hoped when I initially hired Ms. Vanhook that because she had been a former family court judge that she would know all of the ins, outs, loopholes, and best ways to sway judgements for her clients. She doesn't. I thought because she was a mom, that she would be sympathetic for my particular situations and predicaments, she wasn't. I thought because of time constraints and my location she would work hard to fast track my case, nope. I actually felt like she was partnering with my ex's attorney to keep continuing the case so I could not get custody of my son, and told her so. Firing her did not make it clear I was done with her lack of professionalism and assistance. She took money from me to do a job that wasn't done. I stopped paying her and told her that there would not be another dime until she got me to court. I feel she should refund my money, as I did her job myself. The most she did was file a motion for me, that I paid for, and appear in court for the weekly sorting of cases and agree with counsel to continue continuing the case. I don't think that was worth what I paid, as that may have equaled less than 30 minutes of time dealing with my case alone. She never, in her tenure on my case, let me know my son needed to be subpoenaed to appear, he's 12. She never truly gave me the information I asked for and rarely took it upon herself to contact me. Firing her twice didn't make a dent for her to withdraw, until I took matters in my own hands with a judge.
Don't use this attorney for child custody/divorce. Ms. Vanhook does not put the needs of her clients first. If you want updates or questions answered, you have to contact and contact and contact Ms. Vanhook before you get an answer, which is probably a half-truth answer at best.
I got myself on the docket for my custody trial. I may not be an attorney, or handled myself perfectly in court, or was told I had to subpoena my son, so he did not get to include his voice and let the court know how he felt, but I got the job done and I am now waiting on my court order from the judge. I am glad this is over and no matter what happens, I know it's more than I could have expected from Ms. Vanhook based on Ms. Vanhook's previous work and care on my case.
I had to give her at least one star, but in my opinion, deserves none.
Read more
03 Apr, 2018 by Mena
I hired Danya to help get custody of my three children, and she fought hard for me. The divorce process is tough, and not only is it emotionally difficult and physically draining. The actual legal process itself is simply unchartered territory for for me. My divorce was one of the most painful and grueling experience of my life, and Danya help me successfully navigate this nightmare! I felt as though Danya genuinely cared about me, and the fate of my children. She listen to my perspective, and my opinions, and incorporated that into her thinking for the case, if it was appropriate. Danya didn't sugar coat anything, and she got me through making tough choices that would be best for me and my children. My case was complicated or that I made it complicated because, I was in playing shocked by my my ex-husband's ridiculous unjustified financial demands! Danya has the experience and is knowledgeable of the law. She worked my child custody case in the most cost-effective possible. Danya does not implify the attorney stereotype of those seeking only to make a profit. She is a good person and someone, I also consider to be a friend!
Read more
20 Mar, 2018 by Shawna
We hired Danya to represent our son with a difficult case involving many charges. The entire process was long through the court system, Danya stayed by our side through the whole thing. She represented us well and all charges were dropped. I could not be happier with her service and dedication to our son. Would recommend 100%. Thank you Danya
Read more
23 May, 2024 by Laura jones
Great guy. Scott did a fine job. He is honest. The case was about a long term disability case. He kept track of everything from the start. He has a lot of patience, I could not do his job.
Read more
09 Apr, 2024 by Joseph dross
11 Mar, 2024 by Anitra hensley
I would HIGHLY recommend Mr.Taylor to anyone who needs assistance getting disability benefits. He has worked for over 3 years with multiple appeals to get my brother-in-law Dennis his benefits. He kept fighting even after Dennis had given up and never asked for anything extra. He knew Dennis could no longer work due to multiple reasons and kept pushing until he proved that fact. Thank you so much for never giving up hope! We are so grateful for your service.
Read more
20 Jul, 2021 by Michael
Me Gilligan and I went to court and when he came to me he came to me and used the words a singular charge of reckless driving. All paper work I signed regarding this plea only had a singular charge on it, yet later I found out I was also charged and convicted of dwlr non impaired. He will not return my phone calls and this has been years now the DA tells me he’s the only one that can fix this clerical error. No one else. This is in Jackson county. I am still not able to obtain a license due to me gilligan not returning my calls to resolve this matter. Years. I’ll remove this if he finally reaches out. 980.349.9404 thank you in advance Mr. Gilligan
Read more
27 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired Gilligan for my case, and he ensured me that he would appear for me on my court date. That day came around and he DID NOT show up and a bond was out in my name. I never even heard from him that day. I only knew this because the other person involved in my case (who hired a different lawyer) was there and told me that no one was there to represent me. After calling his firm numerous times, I couldn’t get a hold of him. Finall I heard from him and he was on his honeymoon!?!?! Why did you lie and say you would appear in court for me on that day? Why didn’t you tell me you were getting married that week? I guess he tried to do some sort of absence form that somehow didn’t make it to the court. He blamed his paralegal of course (which by the way, he went through 3 different paralegals during the time I had him retained. That speaks volumes of how he runs his business.) after that gets worked out, I complete my community service, turn in the forms to him, and I NEVER HEAR BACK FROM HIM AGAIN. After numerous follow ups, I had to contact the NC STATE BAR and tell them he abandoned my case and wouldn’t talk to me. They told me to write him a letter and see if he responds. He of course, did not. The State Bar calls him and of course he gets back to me right away with no apology that he was ignoring me for weeks. This man is rude, dishonest, uncommunicative, and unreliable. I beg you not to give him a minute of your time or cent of your money. There are much better lawyers in the area. PLEASE DONT HIRE HIM.
Read more
30 Sep, 2020 by Kim
I spoke with Mr. Gilligan this morning about a Social Services custody case I'm involved with and although he does not practice in my area, he was very forthcoming and informative even though he wasn't getting paid. Super nice man and super educated in this field...highly recommend!
Read more
22 May, 2024 by Shayne mackinnon
I enquired about the process of filing a small claims suite. Mr King explained the process in a way I understood. I felt relieved with the information he provided. I would definitely use this firm again.
Read more
29 Apr, 2024 by Amber mcguire
If I could give negative stars, I would. After a year, their lawyer is withdrawing from my case due to relocation. After paying them around $10k, I now do not have a lawyer to represent me at my LAST hearing. They don't even have the decency, ethics or morals to find an attorney within their firm to cover my last hearing. I paid the retainer and have been paying $500-$1000/month every month for the past year for them to ditch me at the last minute, through no fault of my own. Now they still want me to pay them over $4k? For what? I need the $4k to find another attorney. THEY should be paying ME back everything I've paid them thus far since they withdrew because of their own issues. It's not my problem or my fault. It's King Law's problem and King Law's fault. Steer clear!!! All they care about is money and they will ditch you no matter how much you've paid them!
Read more
17 Apr, 2024 by Russ versaggi
King Law was a huge surprise to my wife & me! I expected a rookie lawyer type to discuss our legal issue but Mr. King himself was on the phone and he was extremely helpful and very personable. I hope I get to meet him someday to thank him face to face!
Russ & Leigh V
Read more
03 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
He was completely inadequate to handle my custody matter. Because of him & his extremely poor representation, my daughter is in danger. He has no clue what he's doing. He will not stand up for you. He will sit there and scribble notes while you're on the stand getting torn apart by the opposing party. Do NOT use him. If my daughter were to get abused again, Tim will be part to blame for that.
Read more
14 Oct, 2020 by Jessica
Attorney' Lewis has not yet went in front of the Judge or D.A to debate any of my cases yet only bc my court date was continued. But so far..
From just meeting him, talking with him about myself & my case, and planning with him.. Seems like he is a "Radical" lawyer to have appointed. Sounds, acts and carries himself in a very proffesional style.
Sooo.... High hopes tht he does an amazing job with my case and i can go on about my life. Heehee. We'll find out soon.
___ Thannks´`
'Jessica A. York ___
Read more
25 Mar, 2020 by Brian
Mr. Lewis was appointed to represent me in some criminal matters in Haywood County. From the beginning, he was very good with communication and let me know that my case mattered to him. He told me to have confidence in him for a trial. The Judge found me not guilty and I owe it all to Mr. Lewis. He was incredibly professional.
Read more
15 May, 2015 by Anonymous
While I cannot attest to the entire WNC law firm staff (they might be good lawyers). I can say that Brian and his paralegal Mica gave a below average effort (I have had the pleasure of dealing with other competent lawyers in the past). I hired him for a civil family law case, not criminal law. I think he either had trouble understanding my situation or he didn't care. Several times he stated something like, "If you had more money things would be different" I cannot remember his exact words. That statement confused me because I gave him 5 thousand dollars and he did nothing for me, but appear in court, and file a motion. All discussions between him and my opposition was done in secret in the back room. Other things that irritated me, the simple act of getting a phone call returned was a joke. All legal feedback was given in hindsight and all planning was done 5 minutes before court started. He allowed the opposing attorney set the terms and control the case, which I verbally detested to Brian. To further aggravate me, half the time, I was unable to reach voice mail at the WNC Law Firm. I was later told that it was, "Being worked on". I was not impressed by their (Brain and Mica) performance, it was sub-par at best. Don't be fooled, Brain is good at selling himself as competent. Brian is good at telling you what you want to hear. However, you're not looking for a life coach, you're looking for zealous legal representation. In reality, Brian has no industry recognition (clout). He guaranteed me that something (a legal outcome) was not going to happen. Guess what happened? The exact thing he said he would prevent from occurring. He blamed the Judge for the outcome! Not his poor lawyer skills, his lack of effort, or his inability to understand my case. My understanding is that there is a cardinal rule among attorneys that you never speak to a client in absolutes. Giving a client a 100% guaranteed outcome is frowned upon. Obviously, that rule doesn't apply to Brian or he missed that day back in law school. In my opinion, you can do much better than Brian K Law and his assistant Mica. I spent over 5 thousand dollars and Brian did nothing for me that I couldn't do alone. Heed my warnings, go elsewhere and demand a flat rate contract. Unless you like throwing money in the garbage. That's my 2 cents.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
