Filter by

star star star star star
19 Oct, 2018 by Margaret
I was denied for Social Security Disability. I hired a lawyer (not Jack) to appeal this decision. Unfortunately that lawyer did not file the appeal within the timeframe required. So I was denied again. Through a recommendation I met and hired Jack to continue the appeal process which was extremely difficult at this point. Jack was extremely persistent. He was very patient with me. He is very knowledgeable about the process needed to file and appeal Social Security Disability claims. I would highly recommend Jack to anyone going through this difficult process. My claim was approved and I am very thankful for Jack and the wonderful job he did. He is the best. I can't say thank you enough to this wonderful man.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
15 Apr, 2017 by Kenny
I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. Leprowse for issues and challenges I have been having with my social security disability insurance. He was extremely knowledgeable and he listened to all of my issues before deciding on a course of action to take. He is very wise and a great listener. I felt extremely taken care of by Mr. LeProwse. I would recommend him to anyone and everyone. Thanks for our appointment and for your time. Kenny
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
14 Apr, 2017 by Chris
I have been overpaying for five years on child support and I have been having a custody battle with my ex Jack was honest got the job done got everything that I asked for I would recommend him to all my friends family and anyone out there he did everything that I asked for and more I am indebted to him forever for helping me out it's hard for fathers to go through a custody battle and be fair Jack is a great lawyer and everything that I wanted to change in my parenting plan and child support got changed thank you so much for everything that you have done for me making my life easier I hope whoever is reading this will hire Jack to help out with anything that they need he had fair pricing and I would've paid more for the job that he did I am so grateful that I hired him thank you again Jack
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
14 Oct, 2018 by Kira
Michelle took on my disability case (when she was handling disability cases) after I was diagnosed with a rare lung disease. Never in my life have I had a lawyer fight so hard and with such passion on my behalf! She was dedicated, extremely knowledgeable, hard working, and professional. She always returned my calls almost immediately and knew my case and my specific health diagnoses better then some of my own doctors. I was completely blown away. She won case easily with her thoroughness and attention to detail. I cannot thank her enough! I refer all of my friends and family to her law firm and I will not go to any other law firm but hers! Absolutely amazing lawyer with amazing results!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
14 Jan, 2016 by Patricia
Michelle Ciccone is brilliantly unique in the Profession of Legal Representation! She is the elite of the elite! She has No competitors…. She is a Master Genius in the Art of Law. Her skills include; Professional knowledgeable precision in every way, insightfully sharp about medical conditions and ultimate outcomes, impeccably talented negotiator, efficient, organized, dependable, honest and compassionate! She is a hard hitting attorney with focused determination aiming for only the best out come for the Client! Cleaving through the maze of rhetoric with stunning accuracy and foresight, straight to the solid facts. Non-negotiable there is no finer Attorney or Law Firm! Uncompromising standards of excellence coupled with integrity! Undeniably, she is an unassuming hero, but an impenetrable rock of stability! It was a unexpected fortuitous event in my life amidst so much trauma and injury that I would have the incredible honor, pleasure and opportunity to work with one of the BEST ATTORNEYS I will ever meet in a life time! How do I adequately Thank You for everything!!! God Bless You!!! Your unparalleled One in a Trillion!!!!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
16 Dec, 2014 by Mel
After receiving a settlement with a different attorney, the numbers did not add up. Unfortunately I was not getting any response from our lawyer. With the help of Michelle Ciccone she reviewed the contract, settlement agreement and was able to help me through all of the legal terms. She assisted me with the drafting of letters to our attorney who was involved in our settlement. In the end Michelle helped us get what we deserved and kept us informed of our rights. Thanks to Michelle this matter has now been resolved, I just wish we could of had her as our first representing attorney in our matter. She is kind, responsive and very knowledgeable. In an dishonest world she is a light of honesty and we are truly grateful for the service she provided us.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
24 May, 2022 by Lex
Joe is amazing at what he does. He is strategic, effective in his communication and always responds in a timely manner. He is very punctual, professional and is quick to answer questions/ concerns. He has passion for his job, compassion for clients, strong writing ability, creative, and has very good judgment. He knows the law!! Highly recommend Joe!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
03 Jul, 2024 by Anthony rich
Claire helped me when my ex tried to use false DV claims during our divorce case. Claire was very knowledgeable about the law, helped me get the charges dismissed and was exceptionally easy to communicate with! She is definitely one of the best lawyers in the area!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
03 Jul, 2024 by Salem steppig
Claire is a fantastic lawyer that helped us during a very challenging time. She is smart as a whip, extremely easy to communicate with and works tirelessly for her clients.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
07 Jun, 2024 by Jordan rich
If you’re looking for a corrupt law firm, look no further. Claire and her husband Daniel, are in cahoots to work to get domestic violence criminals off the hook. I am a survivor of DV from a multiple-time offender ex who left bruises on me in front of our 3 year old and newborn baby. Justice was not served to my ex- which is wrong on so many levels. Daniel left cryptic notes on my apartment door at a time where retaliation was a high risk. Luckily, I was seeking shelter elsewhere. I cannot imagine another woman who makes money off of working to silence battered women and children. Utterly horrifying.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
25 Jan, 2024 by Brad coates
As a previous customer, looking at my credit report from June to now, late January, there was little to no change. I always had to reach out to them for updates. Several items on my credit report that were VERY dated and should've been deleted were not addressed. Very disappointing for the money I spent.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
08 Nov, 2023 by Gen a
If you are planning to get services here please stay on top of every single step of the way. I spent a year with this company and $1200 later there have been little to no changes. After attempting multiple times to ask questions where the process was at and also what was being sent where I was met with very evasive answers. Dawn was the specialist I was working with and was often met with "I just told you" on the phone. After going back and forth with Dawn for the past week with unanswered questions, I've had to end services. It is unfortunate as so many people have had completely different experiences.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
20 Sep, 2023 by Amy l.
I cannot thank these people enough. I have always struggled with my credit and for the first time my credit is good! They do exactly what they promise. Thank you Riverstone. And thank you Dawn.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
02 Apr, 2023 by Lumumba sayers
Randy Paulsen is the greatest lawyer anyone could hire. He's compassionate and honest. I was on trial facing 15-32 years, and I was found not guilty on all charges. I'm grateful and would hire him in a heartbeat. He's the greatest lawyer I have ever met.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
14 Mar, 2023 by Infucious
I contacted Randy for representation in a criminal defense matter in Westminster, he was attentive and personable over the phone, and provided a very reasonable fee structure, so I retained him over the 8 other lawyers that I explained my case to. In the end Randy delivered a Grand Slam win which was a full dismissal of my charge. Honesty, integrity and transparency are hard to come by these days and I believe I received above and beyond that. Thank you Randy!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
19 Jun, 2022 by Meghan murphy
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
27 Apr, 2024 by Thanh
Dianne was referred to me through Legal Shield, a service offered through my employment to help me with my Child Support Modification initiated by my ex-wife. We established a client-attorney relationship after a short phone consult in late December 2023. There were some technical difficulties submitting my retainer payment of $3,500 online into her preferred MyCase Client Portal. I ended up paying her first invoice of $1,423 by credit card for services she had already completed. Shortly after that transaction was paid, my inital retainer payment of $3,500 was finally withdrawn from my checking account. I figured I might as well keep it there since my case was still open. Dianne ghosted me days before a scheduled telephone pretrial hearing with the Courts. My repeated calls, texts, and messages were unreturned until the day before the meeting! I was so stressed and panicked thinking that I am no longer represented. Fortunately, we were able to settle my case prior to our court appearance. But the opposing counsel also had difficulties getting a response from Dianne near the agreed deadline. We were able to eventually finalize and signed everything through the Courts on February 29, 2024. Dianne has now ghosted me again after numerous requests to have her send me the final invoice for her services and still has my $3,500 retainer captive for nearly 2 months!! I'm not sure what is going on now. I see multiple 5 star reviews early on but this is not my encounter with her recently.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
06 Mar, 2023 by M
Dianne is very experienced and knowledgeable. I found her to be extremely compassionate during a time that I needed support, and she understood that there was a human in the equation from the start. I interviewed several attorneys and I found that Dianne was the most relatable, intuitive listener in the interview process. She answered my many questions about legal processes and documents, helping me understand the construct of what I was going through. I was more confident with her on my team, and while I believe no one wins in divorce, I think she helped me wrap my head around my own situation and take control of my outcome.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
24 Feb, 2023 by Mario
Firstly thank you so very much Dianne for your exceptional ability to not only be an amazing lawyer but an even better friend! Honestly I can’t imagine enduring for what felt like an eternity and the end of the world (At the time) with any other lawyer. For anyone reading this trust me there’s honestly no need to look any further. I highly doubt that you’ll find any one as passionate and caring as Dianne, thank you once again!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
10 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Yes. A third rate divorce lawyer can do great damage to your case… I can honestly say that Diane Kaiser is THE worst lawyer I’ve ever dealt with. I came to her, crying, asking for her help with a very difficult custody situation with my ex withholding parenting time for 2 years with my autistic child and instead of helping me, she took advantage of me, adding even more stress to my life. I think the worst part was, when I emailed her, it had been weeks, I was expecting to hear the details of my custody case settlement, hadn’t heard anything, then found out Diane had emailed my private legal documents to an unknown email address! She admitted she did this, then refused to contact this unknown person to destroy the documents, you know, how lawyers have a DUTY to protect your privacy? Nope. She wouldn’t do it. 2. In addition to all this other mess, after I hadn’t heard anything back on my custody case and had the audacity to ask, hey what happened? I get an ALL CAPS verbally abusive email from her. Talk about lack of respect for your client. This was par for the the course from the beginning, being disrespected and then even blamed for HER mistakes. She never took accountability for any of her mistakes, nor did she refund any money for billing countless hours for reading documents, then bailing on my financial case. How is this ok? Who’s working for who here? 3. Prior to that, Diane and her decades-long employed paralegal, were not up to par on technology, Dropbox. I had to coach her paralegal to help set it up for me. (I was billed for this too) I uploaded all my documents to get her up to speed on my case. Two months later, I met with her, Diane actually pretended that she had read the documents. I was suspicious and pinned her down. Turns out she hadn’t read them. She admitted to me that she hadn’t. I asked her to call her paralegal and the paralegal said she had been trying to print out an audio file? Unbelievable. She even blamed ME for not reading the documents. This was very egregious. I begrudgingly gave her a second chance, as I was potentially about a month away from going to court. Lucky for me, my case settled, due to my own diligence. Believe me, I would not have wanted to go to court with this charlatan! 4. I also hired her to handle an outstanding financial issue, she supposedly FINALLY actually read my documents a month later, she billed me for countless hours on this financial issue, but then after the custody issue settled, she announced that she was not going to do her due diligence to follow through with resolving this issue! She bailed, withdrew.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
28 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
While Ms. Kaiser is honest and fair in price, she does not listen very well. My experience with her office was frustrating, as I would have to ask more than once to have anything done right, as if we we never quite speaking the same language. Also, she would become argumentative very easily, so that I felt I had to watch what I said. Only later did I realize the I was the employer in this relationship. If I could do it over again, I would find an attorney who listened. Perhaps then the court would have heard my issues, instead of the issues Ms. Kaiser thought they should hear.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
10 Nov, 2011 by Andrew
Diane is a well educated, hard working attorney. I've used her twice with great success. She is direct and to the point, with no B.S.. She will not give you a pity party, but she will face you in the right direction with out robbing you blind, she is fair in price and honest.
Read more Avvo
See 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:

  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.

Scroll to top