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22 Sep, 2024 by Renzo rossello
Great work and professionals
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05 Jun, 2024 by Briana bernhardt
Marc was very straightforward, honest, and thorough. I greatly appreciate his expertise and advice. Highly recommend!
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18 Oct, 2022 by Frank tomlinson
One of my clients was working with Emily Robinson on her divorce settlement. My client decided to refinance her home to satisfy the agreed buyout. Emily was very helpful through the entire process, I really don't think we would have been able to pull this off without her help. Thank you.
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23 Oct, 2024 by Samantha
Was highly recommend by a few people, he was amazing with communication and very honest which I greatly appreciate as he was looking out for my best interest. Thank you John for all your hard work and time helping me through my divorce
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16 Nov, 2023 by Patricia
I was referred to John for divorce proceedings and his representation was exceptional, knowledgeable and extremely kind. I have consulted with him on other matters and he always responds, helping me immeasurably.
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13 Oct, 2023 by Edwin
John was referred to by a friend, Right away John was attentive and was able to attend court with only a few days of notice. He is experienced, knowledgeable and patient. He asked me all the hard questions right away and never made any false promises. I appreciate him and his hard work to be able to get the favorable results we wanted.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Steven zhang
Kent helps me communicate to my insurance company and get me back the right amount from them. He is very helpful and professional!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Daniel rignack
18 Aug, 2024 by Rene servin
Great service, prompt response, always available for questions
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26 Sep, 2024 by Steven zhang
Kent helps me communicate to my insurance company and get me back the right amount from them. He is very helpful and professional!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Daniel rignack
18 Aug, 2024 by Rene servin
Great service, prompt response, always available for questions
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26 Sep, 2024 by Steven zhang
Kent helps me communicate to my insurance company and get me back the right amount from them. He is very helpful and professional!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Daniel rignack
18 Aug, 2024 by Rene servin
Great service, prompt response, always available for questions
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13 Feb, 2022 by Pamela
Gerard Dougherty was extremely unprofessional towards me. I have alerted and warned many friends, especially female, from using his mediocre attorney skills.
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17 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Dougherty helped me through a car accident. I had to get surgery because of the crash. Gerry took care of everything! everyone at the firm is helpful and kind. I have referred Gerry numerous times to friends colleagues and family. He won every case which ranged from breach of contract to criminal law keeping a friend from wrongfully getting arrested. I give the Dougherty Law firm 5 stars and more. Truly Gerry thank you for all you have done.
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10 Aug, 2015 by Tim
I have hired Gerard twice for personal legal purposes. He is a good listener, is highly responsive and thorough, and takes time to walk clients through legal process, estimated time required to perform services and estimated costs. I would recommend him to family and friends.
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17 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
She is a joke!y.don’t waist your money on her been there done that!I took my case to other lawyers and every time they were surprised that how careless she is.
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09 Aug, 2020 by Lisa
I referred Anita to a client of mine who was going through a difficult divorce and her first attorney was not representing her interests well. My client was very satisfied with Anita and the outcome of the case. When the time came that I needed help in my divorce, I did not hesitate a moment to call Anita. My situation was simpler, but Anita and her assistant Brian were both very responsive to a delicate situation and I found them deeply knowledgeable and efficient. Thank you very much for the wonderful service and I look forward to referring you again in the future.
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20 Jun, 2017 by Rhonda
Originally I had wanted to regain possession of the home we both owned. My ex wanted to sell it, so Anita represented me in negotiations, garnished his wages for spousal support and filed the papers to get my back alimony from escrow. She was very responsive and looked out for my best interest in every interaction.
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15 Oct, 2016 by Johnny
Heather is an amazing attorney. She gives an extremely high level of care and is an excellent communicator. Answers calls and emails fast and has always made me feel that she cares a great deal for her clients. She is a true warrior when you need one. Thank you heather!
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17 Mar, 2016 by Mark lester
My ex's attorney is known in the area as a jerk, unprepared, highly combative, and an expert at running up fees. Heather never took the bait, kept the proceedings moving forward at every occasion that opposing counsel tried to delay to run up his fees, and correctly anticipated at ever turn how opposing counsel's tactics would be received by the judge. She kept me totally informed about where we were in the process, realistic expectations and advice as to the range of exposure for spousal support and property division, and ultimately successfully negotiated a very reasonable settlement totally within the original range of my potential exposure at the start of the proceedings. Couldn't be impressed more! And I continue to recommend her to everyone I encounter needing family law advice. She's awesome.
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06 Jan, 2016 by Anthony
I have had multiple great experiences with Heather. I am currently a single father with virtually complete physical and full legal custody over my three year and a half year old daughter.... this does not come easy in the state of California. At the time of the split with my ex I was referred to Heather by a coworker. Heather quickly jumped on my case and had filed paperwork with the courts almost immediately. I did have a lot going for me in my particular case, although Heather did a great job and made sure to include all important details supporting my case. Heather has been great... anytime my daughter will have a visitation with her mom(who lives out of state), Heather is always a phone call away just to make sure everything goes as planned and accordingly. That type of assurance and security makes you sleep better at night when your daughter is not at home with you. Heather also at the same time will be the "level head" in the situation and explain what you should and shouldn't ask for, or what is/isn't reasonable.
Having Heather as my attorney has made mine and my daughters transition very easy on the both of us. I now have had my daughter living under my roof for multiple years since the split of myself and my daughters mom. That is what you call a great feeling.
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10 May, 2024 by M flanders
We got bad advice from this firm about the merits of our case and after we told them we intended to no longer pursue our claim, they proceeded to "prepare for the next hearing" and bill us beyond our retainer. I plan to stay far away from this firm moving forward.
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08 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
LINDSEY compromised my case. my attorney acted against my interest. I paid all his bills, close to $33.000 and in return i got a jeopardized case. I do not believe for a second that mistakes were negligent. I believe he wanted me too loose, because with each inaction and a with each mistake i was getting more and more frustrated. I was asking him to follow up with meet and confers as required, he did not. Deposition he took was a joke. he did not asked single follow up questions. the opposition got away with 175 unanswered question. Terrible experience.
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21 Jun, 2021 by Aww tbone
12 May, 2022 by Rocio
Kevin will hear your case, take your money, and then bail. I am hoping to hear from him and get a refund so that I can do what he wants me to do, stop asking for his advice and "find new representation." Kevin, If you read this, please just refund my money and I'll be happy to find a new attorney as you advised 2 days ago.
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11 Jul, 2014 by Robert
Scott lost what should have been a very simple case where my son's mother and I shared 50/50 custody and she was looking to leave state and take my son. He did not fight aggressively and had a very dismissive attitude about the whole case. Apparently he felt that it was such an easy case that he did not need to put forth the effort necessary to ensure that the case was won, even though every attorney I have spoken to since has said it should have been a sure win. It's not that I dont believe that he has the talent, I just dont believe he puts forth the required effort. This is, of course, just my opinion.
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01 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
If your looking for a good lawyer, they’re plenty around the area. Extremely rude, forgot the facts of the case, and developed quick and obnoxious opinions. Would not go even for a consultation, anywhere
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30 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
I had a bad experience with this man. His style is attacking and very short and does not wait to gather facts to make out his opinion which I knew was awfully incorrect, wrong and a rude..
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04 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
This guy doesn't know what he is doing... causes delay after delay all while charging me for each one. He never remembered the details of my case while in front of the judge or opposing counsel and I had to start over with a new attorney! Waste of time and money using him!!
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19 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Bryan on a friends recommendation, he did not represent this friend but he knew of him being an attorney. He started out okay but it was extremely difficult to get a hold of him or to get a call or email back. I was out of state and it was extremely frustrating to not be in contact while my life and my son's fate was being determined while I wasn't there. He wouldn't file papers on time and my court issues increased due to this issue.
Ultimately it turned out that Mr. Bryan was contacted by the same person I was fighting against in court and found out that they had mutual friends, after Mr. Bryan was contacted by this person he did not return any more of my emails or phone calls till I asked him to sign a substitution of attorney form.
He was EXTREMELY unprofessional and rude to me and I had significant losses due to his lack of integrity and fortitude.
I would not recommend Mr. Bryan for your legal needs.
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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.
