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13 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Starting with an amicable divorce helps, but having hired John E. Clancy, Esq. of the law firm of Townsend, Tomaio and Newmark (TTNLAW) was the best thing to deal with the numerous unforeseen difficulties such as COVID, and the sale of a home in Florida, and assets, and taxes, and…at every turn when yet another unexpected problem arose, John and the team at TTNLAW always took my calls or immediately responded with a return phone call or text message or email, even on weekends! John and the team at TTNLAW kept a bright light on for me navigating through a tough time. I was made to feel I always had a professional working to take care of my needs and that it was equally important to them. I got to them via a referral and I would gladly refer them to anyone who may need legal assistance.
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27 Feb, 2021 by Adam
John was wonderful to work with. He was so easy to reach, and would send me whatever came across his desk the second he got it. Divorce is such a stressful process, but John was always very calming. Through Mr. Clancy’s advice and guidance, my ex wife and I were about to get through our divorce process pretty quickly and smoothly. I would highly recommend John if you need representation you can rely on and years of knowledge and experience.
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31 Aug, 2020 by Mark
John was well prepared for all meetings. He is very knowledgeable and offered excellent suggestions. Hourly rates are reasonable given his experience and quality. I would definitely recommend.
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22 May, 2018 by Donna
Met with Mr. Townsend to ask him to prepare a prenuptual agreement for my fiance and I. Mr. Townsend was very kind, and a pleasure to meet with. He was very thorough in collecting all of our information, and did an excellent job at creating a document that my fiancé (now husband) and I could feel good about. My now husband is also an attorney, and he felt good about the document that was prepared. Mr. Townsend also has a kind manner, and was caring. His office staff is also very kind and attentive and was always helpful. I highly recommend this office and their services.
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10 Oct, 2017 by Aaron
Paul Townsend is the simply the most driven, experienced, capable, focused, and best lawyer in this field. I don't rate lawyers easily. When going through marital cases you don't want to mess around. Paul is extremely personal and extremely buisness oriented toward YOU and and your win in your case. I wouldn't recommend anyone else if you're serious about handling your case. I've looked vastly (and meticulously) for the perfect lawyer in NJ, none are like Paul in his tenacity drive and focus on your win. His honesty, integrity and drive are unparalleled. He seemed more passionate about my case than I was! And personanble. Secure and confident are gross understatements as Paul made me realize things in my case I didn't even see in my favor. Rarely do you get personable, professional and drive all in one but with Paul you do. I wouldn't trust anyone else unless they were recommended from him.
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26 Jan, 2011 by Faith
Paul helped me remain strong during those times I was ready to give up. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs a strong but gentle attorney for family matters.
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27 Feb, 2024 by Paul
I cannot express my gratitude for the outstanding legal support provided by Angela Scafuri. My divorce continues to be contentious with a mother who chooses to counter partner vs co-parent and constantly uses the child and lies to use the court to her advantage.
Navigating the complexities of family court can be emotionally draining but Angela has demonstrated professionalism, expertise, and empathy thus far throughout the process.
Nobody wins in divorce but in my case, especially myself and my child needed to be protected. Angela was there to protect us around every corner and fought against every new tactic used by the other side.
Before finding Angela, I went through four attorneys who refused to even speak on my behalf. That type of representation left myself and my child unprotected and open to abuse through the court system. Angela has been the difference maker that started to turn my case around and set boundaries.
I wholeheartedly recommend Angeal to anyone seeking a family attorney. I’m extremely grateful for her expertise, guidance, and support.
After spending money / retainers on four other attorneys and seeing how they practice, I feel fortunate to have such a skilled and caring advocate by myside protecting myself and child.
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21 Jul, 2022 by Hamed
Angela. Angela. Angela.
The "circus", that is the divorce process, is harrowing and not for the feint of heart. Fraught with lies, deceit, and a virtual smorgasbord of all things unpleasant to say the least.
An absolute must have, is an experienced attorney, whom embodies integrity, intelligence, and essentially all things lacking in the process itself.
That's Angela Scafuri!
Angela Scafuri, is by far, one of the most honest, knowledgeable, and caring divorce attorneys you can have by your side, during a divorce process, that is anything BUT.
Her ability to guide you with integrity and compassion, will often times, temper the emotional decisions one tends to make in the heat of the moment. Couple that with some good, old fashioned tough love, her straight forward advice, will always see you out of the woods safely.
I can't stress how different my divorce proceedings have been, since I had Angela on my side.
There's no alternative.
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04 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
When encountering a life changing event such as a divorce, nothing is more paramount than finding the correct person for the proceedings. As the owner of three businesses, I know how difficult it can be to hire the right person for the job and, unfortunately, this often becomes a case of trial and error. It was then, to my delight, that the first person that I picked as representation, Angela, exceeded my expectations. Within one session, she was able to facilitate an agreement that was satisfactory to all involved. She also showed incredible compassion, a trait that I find admirable and is also a necessity in these type of situations. My wife also noted the compassion showed by Angela and it is this compassion that helped to create a smooth experience from what most would view a not pleasurable situation. I close this review by giving Angela the highest possible recommendation and would recommend her to anyone that may benefit from her professionalism.
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21 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
I had an extremely disappointing experience with Laurie regarding a family law lawyer. Her communication skills were abysmal, making it incredibly frustrating to get updates on my case. Despite numerous attempts to contact them, I faced consistent roadblocks, and my concerns were often ignored.
To make matters worse, the results of her representation were nothing short of horrible. I had expected a certain level of expertise in family law matters, but unfortunately, the outcome was far from satisfactory.
Adding to the frustration, I was denied any form of refund despite the lackluster service and poor results. It's disheartening to see such a lack of accountability for subpar performance. As it was agreed upon in the retainer that she would no longer honor.
What's even more concerning is that, after expressing my dissatisfaction, I found myself blocked from their contact number as my calls did not go through, my emails went unanswered and messages were undeliverable. This lack of professionalism and refusal to address concerns only added to the overall negative experience.
I would strongly advise anyone considering Laurie to proceed with caution and explore alternative options. My experience left much to be desired, and I hope others can make more informed decisions when seeking legal representation in family law matters.
I wish I had known earlier that most of their google reviews are misleading and seem to be paid reviews as her serve and experience was nothing like what others had said in their google reviews.
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03 Dec, 2023 by Jane
I regret to leave this review, but my recent experience with Laurie as a family law attorney was nothing short of disappointing. My pursuit of legal counsel during a sensitive and emotionally charged family matter left me feeling utterly let down.
From the onset, Laurie exhibited a lack of empathy and understanding towards the emotional turmoil surrounding my case. It was evident that their demeanor lacked the compassion and sensitivity crucially needed in handling family law matters. Instead of offering support and reassurance during this difficult time, the lawyer appeared disinterested and emotionally detached.
Communication was another major letdown. Their unresponsiveness and unwillingness to address my concerns or provide updates added to the distress of an already taxing situation. I felt unheard and marginalized throughout the entire process, as if my case was nothing more than a burden.
Moreover, Laurie seemed unprepared and unmotivated during our interactions. Their lack of enthusiasm and apparent disinterest in my case made me question their commitment to advocating for my family's best interests.
Regrettably, my experience with this lawyer fell far below even the most basic expectations. Their inability to empathize, communicate effectively, and demonstrate genuine concern for my situation was deeply disheartening.
In conclusion, I cannot, in good faith, recommend [Lawyer's Name] for anyone seeking emotional support and dedicated legal representation in family law matters. The absence of compassion and willingness to engage with clients' emotional needs makes them ill-suited for handling delicate family issues.
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17 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I can't say enough good things about Laurie. She handled a relocation for me and my son many moons ago, and she was just as amazing as she is now. She was heaven sent because she was tough when she had to be and thorough with all the paper work. I highly recommend her to anyone that is looking for an attorney that will have their back. She is wonderful.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Mike b
17 Mar, 2024 by Faysal ahmed
13 Jan, 2019 by Frank
Diana & Tanya of Helfand & Assoc. handled my divorce with a high level of professionalism and integrity. The process was expeditious and resolved with a minimum of controversy and discomfort.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Mike b
17 Mar, 2024 by Faysal ahmed
22 Mar, 2019 by Linda
My husband and I hired Jacqueline in 2013 to emancipate two of his adult children (from his previous marriage). Jacqueline went above and beyond our expectations. She got the courts to emancipate not only his two adult children we had requested, but also had his third adult child emancipated. It was a difficult case to say the least yet Jacqueline persevered and we won on all angles. We are now hiring Jacqueline again to prepare him for his retirement . We would highly recommend Jacqueline (and Tanya) as they are worth their weight in gold!
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27 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Nicole did nothing but take our money as a coparenting coordinator. She wrote one misinformed letter of recommendation with promises to correct and update but never followed through. I would never recommend her unless you want someone spinning your wheels for months without any resolution.
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16 Jun, 2023 by Maryana
As soon as I was assigned to Nicole by the firm and read her impressive credentials in family law, I instantly experienced her professionalism. I was looking for a lawyer who not only had my back but most importantly served the best interest of the children. Nicole possesses cool practicality, an impeccable work ethic, and amazing attention to detail. She will neither waste your time nor money trying to get to the best possible scenario. She has been my therapist, my wings, my superhero, and a sister I wish I had.
Nicole's profile on the firm's website says that "she has received the honor of being included in the Super Lawyers – Rising Stars list". To me, The Star has already risen, and I wish her and her clients much success.
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05 May, 2023 by Anonymous
I was referred to Nicole because I was told she’s a bulldog, I had difficulty getting her to follow up with me or my exes lawyer resulting in it looking like I delayed and was punished in our agreement for it. Now we have a terrible agreement that doesn’t help my son and I’m in a financial hole for it.
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FAQs
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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:
-
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.
