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05 Oct, 2021 by Michael
I have been using Rachel for the last 10 yrs for different matters. She is very thorough with any matter I have presented to her. If I had any questions regarding issues on the matter at hand, she would get back to me in a very timely manner. It may be after hours,but I would always receive a response via phone or email. I have referred her to many friends and they were absolutely satisfied with her services. I would recommend if anyone needed an Attorney for matters she handles,Rachel is the one they should be looking for. Thank you for all you have done!
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23 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Rachel has been representing my children tirelessly and with great passion for several years since 2016. At first, my daughters who were 8 and 11 at the time, were very scared to meet with their attorney. Rachel immediately put them at ease and almost instantly they felt very comfortable talking with her and sharing their feelings. Since day one, Rachel has treated my daughters as if they were her own. She has taken time out of her personal life to meet with and talk to my girls. There was a point in time, they spoke several times a day. Rachel always answered their calls and text messages without hesitation. She constantly reassured my daughters and put their minds at ease. Without Rachel, I don’t believe my girls would have survived a grueling divorce and custody battle. Rachel has watched my daughters grow into young women. They are now 13 and 16 years old. She has never missed a beat with them. She has consistently checked in on them to see how they are doing in school, if they had fun during a school vacation and just to see how they are doing in their day to day lives. She often refers to them as “my girls”. She has fought for them, believed in them and represented them fully and completely in the court setting. There truly aren’t words that could adequately express how wonderful Rachel is as an advocate for children and as a human being. She is caring, loving, dedicated and trustworthy. Rachel has also helped me through this entire process with pure professionalism. I felt from the start, my daughters were in the best of hands and would be represented fairly and honestly. Rachel is a true champion for children. She listens without bias and is 110% passionate about her role in these very often turbulent cases. After years of working with Rachel, I can honestly say she is one of a kind. She has made these very difficult court proceedings bearable and I do believe my girls and I are better for having had Rachel in our lives. I recommend Rachel Camillery without hesitation.
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19 Apr, 2021 by Patrick engel
Rachel was amazing (In one word!) Extremely responsive, professional, knowledgeable and tough. I never won a case in family court before I retained her for my most recent case. She knew how to navigate negotiations with opposing counsel and when we didn’t come to terms we were comfortable with, knew to not give in and be comfortable with the fact that we had a strong argument to present. (She was right). Very pleased with her and her staff!
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15 Dec, 2021 by Joseph
We hired Jennifer after releasing our prior attorney who had only complicated and tactically lost us a large amount of precious time. Jennifer immediately took action, readdressed all of our concerns, filed all appropriate legal request upon the court, as well as communicated effectively with all concerned parties. We can only say we received above and beyond care for our difficult situation, she fought for our cause, and brought us the outcome we strongly desired and can't thank her enough......
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30 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
I believe a higher power directed me into the hands of Jennifer Lippmann as I was a naive, innocent 30 year old woman who had never seen a courtroom or even knew their were people aka lawyers that could not only “win” your case but essential to getting your life back on track. I was so naive that a lawyer was a lawyer…. If I had done nothing wrong and had nothing to hide , I shouldn’t have to search high and low for a way out of my short lived, highly volatile marriage. Thank god the first lawyer I called who I found via Google search bar by entering “lawyers near me” didn’t just see dollar signs or a new case, she heard my voice, listened to my story and honestly told me she she wasn’t the type of lawyer my situation needed, and kindly referred me to Powers Law specifically Jennifer Lippmann. I was a little confused but grateful for any guidance. The day I called Powers Law was when I decided to also Google 2020 cheating apps and downloaded about 6, finding my husband by his cell phone number on every one. I’d known for months something was different and wrong but couldn’t get an answer. After I messaged him on one, he came home from work early, entered our apartment, grabbed a pair of jeans and a shirt and left without a word. I was working remotely and we had a 6 month old son. I remember being so confused because I didn’t even flip out like I should have. I actually said their is obviously your unhappy with, let’s try therapy but he told me I was a “mentally ill, drug addict” and he never wanted me to begin with. I remember I transferred like $400 of our money into a savings account because he had previously kept his paycheck from our account when we’d get into an argument knowing I’d have no choice but to forgive him when we had no money. He told me I stole money from him and I would be penalized when the time came. I called the number of the lawyer i was referred to and I’ll never forget getting a man (John Powers) who spoke to me for 30 minutes reassuring me I absolutely did not steal money, it was our own account and I remember him saying “if he is already pulling this crap, I assure you that you have called the right place” and informed me on important decisions i should immediately make for my safety and my childs & arranged an appointment with Jen a few days later. Ironically that weekend after I met her , I had to call 911 over a domestic incident and before i was even a client John has called me back as did Jen who specified how important it was that I take my child and myself and I go to my parents (which I naively thought was illegal) because of the threats and fears my husband had filled my head with. Once I had this team on my side, my life slowly turned around and in the beginning it felt like my life would never be okay again. Their were accusations of my husband leaving our child in an unattended car for an unsafe period of time, women sneaking into our apartment while I was in the hospital after a car accident, almost a dozen verbal and domestic incidents and even a CPS investigation. I remember feeling so helpless at one point, I just wanted to give him what he wanted to stop the torture but that would mean my son and that was not an option. Jen has been a powerhouse of strength, smarts and just human morality within such a tumultuous series of events. Today, although my case isn’t over I can tell you my husband has zero control over my life when a year ago he controlled the whole thing. She has put safety measures into place and been the voice i didnt have for myself, but grew when my son was born. She knows every answer to every question the judge asks and it’s exactly how I would respond. She doesn’t just people please me through my case but is honest and fair and i am never surprised with any outcome because of this. I made a choice to marry a man who lived a whole life I never knew existed until I had to. At a time where trust was the most confusing word in the dictionary, I hired Jen & relearned it
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19 Apr, 2021 by Patrick engel
Rachel was amazing (In one word!) Extremely responsive, professional, knowledgeable and tough. I never won a case in family court before I retained her for my most recent case. She knew how to navigate negotiations with opposing counsel and when we didn’t come to terms we were comfortable with, knew to not give in and be comfortable with the fact that we had a strong argument to present. (She was right). Very pleased with her and her staff!
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29 Jul, 2024 by Christopher simone
John and his team are not only professional and responsive, but most importantly they were caring during a challenging time for my family.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Phillip rosner
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15 May, 2024 by Rosalie chiarelli
Excellent! Can't say it any better.
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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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