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07 Nov, 2021 by Michael bryant
Great lawyers , the very best at representing train employees injured
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22 Sep, 2021 by Daniel brown
I really, really appreciated having Rebecca Guyette in my corner over the last year and a half as my divorce dragged on and on due to my former spouse's combative recalcitrance. I think I would have gone insane if not for her calm confidence, support, and professional expertise. I appreciate her immensely and recommend her without reservation.
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31 Aug, 2021 by Leslie kimes
Rebecca is an experienced family law attorney and is well-regarded as a practitioner, mediator, parenting consultant, and parenting and custody evaluator by the local bar. She is a long-time member of the Collaborative Law Institute of Minnesota and founding member of our local practice group, Collaborative Divorce Professionals. I highly recommend her services.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Kathryn johnson
Efficient...professional...friendly and great work to support their clients
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03 Dec, 2020 by Connie herzog
We have our family trust here. Recently, I needed some Trust docs drawn up for a real estate client of mine. They were completed in one day! Thank you Bardy Law office!
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24 Oct, 2018 by Kevin
Amanda was exceptional. Similar to wanting a doctor with great bedside manner, she was an outstanding lawyer. She is intelligent, calm, kind and methodical. Unlike many lawyers, she isn’t interested in racking up your billable hours; she works efficiently and only in your best interest. She always responded quickly to calls and emails. Her demeanor was professional yet stern. She is well respected by mediators and judges. My divorce was extremely stressful and Amanda did a great job keeping me calm during times where I was super emotional and stressed. She continued to be the voice of reason and kept me on the course which led to my desired outcome. I would highly recommend Amanda, especially to any man going through a custody battle.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Kathryn johnson
Efficient...professional...friendly and great work to support their clients
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03 Dec, 2020 by Connie herzog
We have our family trust here. Recently, I needed some Trust docs drawn up for a real estate client of mine. They were completed in one day! Thank you Bardy Law office!
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18 Mar, 2020 by Brent
Kerry Anne had a clear and definite plan during a brief consult two months ago. You can hear on the phone that has a logical train of thought and uses clear English and projects her voice well. This involved family court OFP. I think she would work very fast and determined with respect to her work and practice in family law. Although, she was hesitant when I mentioned include extra assistance in the form of a private investigator (Behavioral Intelligence Agent) she did concede that she would be open to consulting at her hourly rate as an intermediary advisor outside of court. *Please shop wisely and use lawyers who are willing to work with a full team of experts.
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27 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Kyle represented me in my high-conflict child custody case. From the first time I met with him I instantly felt like he understood my unique situation and genuinely cared about the wellbeing and stability of my children. I was very pleased with his prompt response to my needs and was very diligent and hardworking throughout. Due to the high conflict, contentiousness of my case, we ended up going to trial. Kyle was incredibly prepared, very smart, and cost efficient. He truly cares about his clients and fights for what is important to them. I would highly recommend Kyle to anyone looking for an aggressive attorney in the courtroom but also compassionate and dedicated to pursuing the best outcome possible.
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14 Jun, 2016 by Kim
When I was served with divorce papers, I needed to find a lawyer who could not only protect me legally, but also help me make decisions that would preserve my young daughter's happiness as much as possible. A trusted coworker referred me to Kyle, and I was relieved to find that he had much knowledge and professional experience in handling cases similar to mine. Kyle demonstrated a sincere interest in helping me with my case. He explained the pros and cons of various ideas I had, and answered my questions completely in terms that I could understand. He embraced and encouraged a mediation process, led me to an incredible mediator. He was there every step of the way during a process that would have been daunting without him. I felt protected, relieved and prepared because of the work and effort Kyle put towards the drafting and documentation before the mediation and after the mediation took place. Kyle conducted himself in a professional, courteous, and intelligent manner in and out of the courtroom. During the court proceeding he articulated points and articles with excellent command, and demonstrated a thorough understanding of procedure and protocol. The outcome was excellent for both parties, and in turn, ensured the best possible outcome for my daughter's happiness and future. I have come to trust Kyle explicitly, and I highly recommend him to anyone needing sound legal advice and representation.
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25 Apr, 2014 by Ben
I really don't think I could have picked a better lawyer to help me with my child custody case. Kyle was just amazing. His knowledge of child custody cases and procedures is unmatched in my opinion. He was able to put all of my concerns to rest and again, his expertise in child custody cases made me feel so confident in how we addressed my case which also made for no surprises throughout the process. He was always very response and available almost anytime when things came up and was very easy to get a hold of, promptly returning calls and emails. If it wasn't for Kyle I wouldn't be enjoying and getting the time I have with my 10 year old son. I cannot thank Kyle enough for all he has done for my family!! I very highly recommend Kyle!!
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05 Dec, 2014 by Dan
I have had great experiences working with Brianna Sadler. She is very good at what she does and knows her stuff. She has never let me down. I have sent several friends to her and every one of them has had a great experience. She really takes the stress out of the legal side of things.
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19 Jan, 2024 by Lucas johnson
Very good experience with Kyle. Knowledgeable.
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09 Aug, 2023 by Michael kaufman
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04 Feb, 2023 by John carney
I was going through a messy break up and didn’t really know where to turn. Kyle stepped in at the last minute and was able to help me negotiate through the entire process. He is kind, sympathetic, knows the law, and won’t sacrifice his morals. Would highly recommend for any family court issues!
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03 Aug, 2015 by Christine
I am a real estate agent in the Lake Minnetonka area. I have had the opportunity to work with Haugan Law office on both personal transactions and business transactions. In my personal transactions, Todd Haugan has worked diligently to close several transactions in a timely manner. Todd has also stepped in where legal representation was necessary and was able to bring the issues to a favorable outcome. I have also worked with Todd on many short sale transactions. Mr. Haugan was diligent about making sure our clients received a full release of deficiency and satisfaction of all mortgages. On a few occasions, the bank was not willing to cooperate in the short sale but once Mr. Haugan stepped in, we were able to close the sale with no further obligation to the client. I appreciate his tenacity and dedication to helping his clients and would definitely recommend him and his firm. Christine Coldwell
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29 Jul, 2015 by Donny
I endorse attorney Haugen. He represented me in a very difficult divorce in 2005 and all ended better than anticipated. He has a great understanding of the law, always comes prepared and is studious in legal fact finding.
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01 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
He was unprofessional, difficult to deal with and sneaky. I wouldn't recommend Todd Haugan to anyone. He is not worth the fees he charges...especially due to his lack of concern for me as his client or my case. Horrible experience with him. I'm not surprised he was previously suspended. I wish I would have checked him out further. He seems professional and knowledgable until you retain him. Then he shows his true colors and its not pretty.
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24 Oct, 2023 by Jennifer
Brad was not helpful in my divorce. He let the opposing counsel push us around. Since my divorce I have had a few lawyers look at my divorce decree and they are surprised he allowed what he did. I should have fired him but he was a flat fee. Big mistake.
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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You

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

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

When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?

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

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

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

What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?

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

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

How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?

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

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

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

How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?

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

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

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

Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer

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

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

How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer

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

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

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

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

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

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

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