Filter by

star star star star star
15 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
Attorney David Wells represented me in the most professional manner. His ethics are of the highest standards. He is knowledgeable, and truly listened to my feelings and concerns. He helped me get through a very difficult trust situation. I dealt with challenging family members who made untrue accusations, and Attorney Wells made the process a lot less stressful. With courtesy, honesty, and respect he provided all the help I needed. I can’t thank Attorney Wells enough!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
03 Jun, 2016 by Bill
Karl Kelz helped me on a case where I wasn't guilty of the crime the DA charged me with. The DA tried to get me to take a plea deal and I didn't know what to do. I hired Mr. Kelz based on a recommendation from a friend. I am so glad I did. Mr. Kelz looked into my case and argued with the DA and went to court and got my case dismissed. It was for OWI and a conviction would have cost me my job. Mr. Kelz was very professional but treated like a person not some criminal. He explained the case every step of the way so I could understand and always returned calls usually the same day. I think his fees are very worth it, if you want a great attorney who will fight for you. Hire him if you want to win.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
04 Feb, 2010 by Jean
Attorney Danz has handled a child custody case, potential criminal case which resulted in no charges being filed, and a professional licensure issue for me. Additionally I have recommended Danz to employees who have used him with highly positive results. His fees are very much in line with other area attorneys. He has argued before the State Supreme Court and has a background in law enforcement as well as being the former DA for 15 years in Walworth County. I am an area business owner, and highly recommend
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
12 Jul, 2017 by Paul
My long addiction to drugs finally brought me into the legal system wtih felony possession of heroin. This was not my first time in front of the judges in Fond du Lac County. Attorney Julka was abe to get the judge to understand that I needed help. Not jail. I was able to get probation and the treatment I needed. Thank you and great job.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
16 Jan, 2015 by Neil
I had been working with another Attorney. I was getting no support, engagement or action. I fired that Atty and retained Mr. Loso. This was the best move I made! He listened to me, did tons of background work for me and was so professional and compassionate when it came to my case. After watching him in court, I realized it didn't matter whether or I won or lost. He is a man of high integrity, very trustworthy AND knows his stuff. The result - WE won! It was reversed.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
20 Oct, 2013 by Mark
Courtney was very Professional and helpful to me. She was hired by my Wife as her lawyer, but I agreed to not have my own representation and go with just Courtney as our lawyer. When I met Courtney at the courthouse on the day of our official divorce I could just sense that Courtney was very professional, and took her job seriously. She was most helpful with questions even to me. Without her help and direction I would have been lost. She went over everything that was going to take place and what to expect. This was a very tough time for me and very uneasy, but Courtney made me feel comfortable. I was able to get through it just fine. She is personable, understanding, very helpful, and an all out beautiful person. I wish her the best of luck in her future and I believe she will do well and go far continuing the way she is. Thank you Courtney. You made a difficult time tolerable. Best Wishes for you. Mark Gozdecki
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
07 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
I used Attorney Hoff for a traffic matter. He always got back to me promptly and helped me get a fair resolution in my case. I've recommended him to friends and family and would do so again. He never made me feel like he was too busy to talk to me.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
30 Mar, 2010 by Mark
I have had Peter as my attorney for going on 3 years. He has done an excellent job. He has excellent attention to detail and will use those details to help your case. He has helped me protect my daughter from her very abusive mother. Yes, I am a MAN and have Primary Placement and I am the Primary Custodial Parent to my daughter. In a state that always leans towards the woman, he stayed the course. He is honest and upfront on what to expect. If you tell him you are in for the long haul, he will continue to represent you with professionalism and always be honest with you. My divorce is over, but my ex-wife continues to be in contempt of court orders, Pete continues to represent me and has done a job that I do not think any other attorney could do.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
26 Aug, 2012 by Edwin
John Zeckel is an experienced trial lawyer that knew exactly how to deal with a suspected narcissistic personality disordered spouse. He has a savvy for developing strategies to deal with delay tactics in a high conflict divorce. Seeing him in trial was like watching Perry Mason. He is very organized and has an amazing attention to detail. His skills make for effective results. I would highly recommend John Zeckel to be your divorce attorney if you believe that your spouse has a cluster B personality disorder.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
02 Jul, 2013 by Michael k
Attorney Stangel promptly assisted me with every need in recovering loss wages from a previous employer. He took my situation serious, and kept me informed on everything until the ordeal was settled. He took the time to settle the issue without having to go to court. Since this recovery, he has been able to give me great legal advice and i will always suggest him to friends and family whenever asked who to go to. In a small city like Manitowoc, his name is one of the few I hear on a regular basis.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
18 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Ms. Leonard to represent me for my divorce last year. She was excellent and cared about my outcome and needs. She did a great job representing me and dealing with my wife’s difficult attorney,who tried to use delay tactics which would have raised my costs. We settled out of court, which was super since it saved me a lot of money and time. Highly recommended!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
13 May, 2016 by Debra
I have had Mary Losey represent me and found her and her staff kind caring and always available. On a scale from 1 to 10 I truly would give Attorney Losey a 10 plus. I would recommend her to anyone!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
27 Oct, 2011 by Nikki
Debra has represented me in more than 1 way. She was my attorney for my prenup, and also married my ex husband and I. She also was there to help through the annaulment. (No better way to have a guy say I do than have your attorney marry you.) Also, when my daughters dad (who had child abuses charges on him with his girlfriends kid) tried to get custody she helped me through the whole ordeal. She got me full custody of my daughter, and her dad has nothing to do with her (his choice.) Then when her dad tried to press charges on me Debra got me off knowing I did nothing wrong, but leave a picture of his daughter on his truck. Debra has been there through everything since I hired her the first time. She has helped me to understand everything that was going on and I would not have had the courage to go through any of this with out her knowledge and caring nature. I would say she went above and beyond what any attorney should do, but that is just her. Even recently she is helping me with my DUI i received. She has covered everything for me: Prenup, Marrage, Divorce, Custody, Criminal (DUI, Restraining Order, and Violation of Restraining Order.)
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
21 Feb, 2017 by Heath n. wasserman
Absolutely great Attorney. Attorney Tishberg won both a civil and criminal trial for me in consecutive months. I must say Attorney Tishberg is one of the nicest people I have ever met. Thank you, Attorney Tishberg.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
04 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
I had no clue what to do as a single mother when I was only guaranteed so many hours. This made me ineligible for benefits which included health insurance. I suffered from severe neck and back pain, extreme enough that I needed to call 911. The hospital did a cardiac work up since my symptoms mimicked a heart attack. I was sent home soon after they ruled out cardiac abnormalities with no diagnosis what so ever besides neck pain. No further orders were done and they prescribed a minimal amount of pain meds, that didn't even take the edge off. I went to a few different doctors who simply ordered different medications. Finally after an MRI that I had to pay on a credit card I was ordered a series of three cortisone injections all of which I also put on my credit card. I ended up maxing out five credit cards after ongoing problems with this. I owned a home and car and thought I was goin to lose them. A friend recommended Mark Brunner since he was a life saver for her. He was so knowledgable and explained everything in detail and made sure I knew what I was signing. All I had to do was bring all my bills, deed, and title to the secretary and she took care of the rest. I thought my case was pretty complex because there was so much more involved. I felt he would have had to spend several hours on my case. He was prompt when arriving at the court house. The secretary was thoughtful enough to make a map and reminded me when the court case was. He told me exactly what to expect and knew what I had to do when I entered the courtroom. I was amazed about the whole thing and would highly recommend his office to anyone.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
27 Dec, 2021 by Jeffrey
While it is unfortunate that I needed to engage counsel for an action against one of the major brokerage and investment banking firms, I am very fortunate to have been introduced to Seth Hill of Halling & Cayo. Simply stated, Seth is an outstanding attorney! Seth is smart, professional, methodical and tenacious, which is precisely what I need given the complexities of the case and who opposing counsel is. Additionally, unlike many litigators who come off as being aggressive and combative, Seth is soft spoken, reasonable and tempered. I do not doubt that he can flip the switch when and if he needs to, but his demeanor seems to be that of a deal maker with one eye towards settlement and the other towards trial, as opposed to others who might only want to fight, sometimes at the expense of their clients. I also appreciate how he has explained everything in detail and how he quickly responds to my questions. Although we are not yet finished, I am absolutely confident that Seth will resolve the situation favorably and timely and I look forward to seeing a positive outcome in the end. It is therefore with great pleasure and no reservations that I can highly recommend Seth Hill.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
16 Dec, 2010 by Anonymous
Divorce is difficult therefore having a high recommendation of local sources helped me feel confident in justice through legal process.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
29 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Margaret was extremely informative, very knowledgeable, very friendly and does not take advantage of her clients. I would 100% recommend Margaret to anyone. I was very impressed and would definitely recommend my own clients to her.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
31 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I was referred to Frank after needing to change my family court representation mid custody case because I was very displeased with my first attorney. He was simply amazing. Very knowledgable attorney who knows how to strategize extremely well. One thing that stood out the most to me was that he was always polite to the opposing attorney and my ex despite his attorney's very rude attitude in response. His assistant Kristin is a wonderful addition as well and the two complement each other in their thoughts and approaches extremely well. I was beyond grateful that he was willing to take on my difficult case when we were already knee deep into it and he managed to assist me in getting an outcome that was beneficial, something my previous attorney was not doing. I was called to a deposition by the opposing attorney and my previous attorney did not prepare me at all and I was terrified. Fortunately the initial date had to be postponed and I had hired Frank before the new date. He and Kristin both made sure I was beyond prepared for what to expect and exactly what to do and what not to do that I was no longer nervous when the day arrived. I would absolutely recommend him, and have done so numerous times since, to anyone who has been looking for a family court attorney.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
15 Dec, 2023 by Kevin
Attorney Solis took my case and it went to a jury trial. I got EXACTLY what I wanted in the trial. He has a brilliant legal mind. Thank you Xavier!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
11 Jan, 2017 by Donna
Atty Dillhoff represented me for bankruptcy. She is very compassionate in her work and helped me 100%. Explained each step that would take place, and was understanding if I didn't understand certain procedures. I would recommend her to anyone.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
04 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
Attorney Borsheim represented my boyfriend in a drug case. I could tell right away that this guy knows his stuff! His office is very friendly, and Curtis was great at getting back to us when we called. He helped my boyfriend get a great deal and I am so happy that we hired him!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
21 Jun, 2013 by Ron
I had 2 cases that Bill handled for me. The first case I ended taken a plea bargain that Bill had negotiated for me. He felt if I had gone to trial I would a 75-80 percent chance of a not guilty verdict, but if I lost I was looking at 3-5 years in prison. My family decided the risk was to great and the punishment was to excessive to risk and Bill got me a 2 year probation instead. I am grateful for him everyday I wake up. In my second case, me my wife and my daughter were served a search warrant and as a result of this we were all given municipal tickets. the search was an illegal entry into our home and when Bill filed a motion to suppress the search, he was inundated by the DA's office calling him and telling him that if we did not pull the motion that they would dismiss all charges and reissue them as criminal charges. Bill and I had several talks on this matter and I told him I would not give up my constitutional rights given to me as a citizen of this country. Bill told me each time he was proud of me for standing up for my rights. Well sure enough the state did what they said they would do, dismissed the charges and reissued criminal charges. when I called Bill on this matter, he told me flat out, he did not feel comfortable about defending us, due to the fact he felt he could be a witness in a civil rights lawsuit against the state., and he recommended to me a lawyer who hit a grand slam homer in our suppression of the search. Now what lawyer do you know would walk away from being paid. Honesty, integrity. and trustworthy are not to be taken lightly, and I stand for Bill in all of these character traits he possesses and highly recommend him in any criminal case you might have.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
04 Nov, 2016 by Deb
Melody was my lawyer and she is very knowledgeable and compassionate. She helped me retain my children in 100% physical custody from my abusive ex. I would recommend Melody to anyone needing help with their divorce.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
03 May, 2009 by Anonymous
I would very highly recommend attorney Christopher Rose to anyone in need of legal services. I hired him to represent my son when he was facing a few very serious felonies. My son admittedly denied he wasn't guilty and after meeting with two other attorneys that told my son to take a plea deal, Attorney Rose listened to the whole case and hired an investigator to PROVE my son was innocent. The evidence didn't lie and thanks to him my son is back home with his family. Attorney Christopher Rose is viewed as one of the most respected attorney in Kenosha. The judges said in the Kenosha News "he is the only attorney in Kenosha capable of taking on the big cases. This is why he was given the Mark Jensen defence case"
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
07 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Attorney Moffat is a great attorney! I had her for my custody case. She took the time to look at all the information available and determine what was in the best interest for my daughter. She is extremely knowledgeable and seems completely comfortable in the courtroom. I'm very grateful for her work to make sure my daughter was safe! I would recommend her to anyone looking for a wonderful family law attorney that truly seems to care about her clients!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
25 Apr, 2018 by Anna
THE FIRST TIME I CALLED I SPOKE WITH DIANNE (KYLES WONDERFUL ASSISTANT).. I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHAT I WAS GOING TO DO, I WAS A TOTAL WRECK. I WENT IN THE NEXT MORNING AND SPOKE TO KYLE. I WAS CRYING SO MUCH I COULD HARDLY TALK. I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT DAY. HE TOOK MY CASE, I AM SO BLESSED TO HAVE HAD KYLE AND DIANNE TO HELP ME THROUGH ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT TIMES IN MY LIFE, THEY REALLY CARE ABOUT PEOPLE, BUT BELIEVE ME, THEY ARE NO PUSHOVERS. THEY WILL FIGHT TO HELP YOU. YOU WON'T GET A BUNCH OF LIP SERVICE FROM THEM, THEY MEAN WHAT THEY SAY AND DO WHAT THEY SAY THEY'RE GONNA DO. I AM VERY BLESSED TO HAVE HAD KYLE AND DIANNE IN MY CORNER. IF I COULD I WOULD TELL MT WHOLE STORY BUT I BELIEVE I HAVE TO KEEP IT LIMITED. AND I THINK THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE A REVIEW FOR KYLE ALONE BUT I HAVE TO TALK ABOUT DIANNE ALSO BECAUSE THEY WERE A TEAM FOR ME. SO JUST KNOW THAT KYLE AND DIANNE ARE ABSOLUTELY THE VERY BEST. I WILL ALWAYS THINK OF THEM WITH A WARM SMILE, AND A THANKFUL HEART. KYLE, YOU'RE THE BEST!!! : )
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
27 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
Mr. Clark and his staff provide incredible service and representation!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
31 Jan, 2014 by Stacy
Nicest most knowledgeable attorney I have every met. He truly cares about you not just as a client but a person. You will never find a better attorney in his field. He really points you in the right direction and has made a life long lasting impression on me. I look up to him and admire him so very much!! Thank you for everything and going out of your way to be there for me!! Lots of love and admiration Mike:-))))
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
10 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Chris handled my bankruptcy case. He was sensitive to the issues and did a meticulous job with extreme attention to detail. This was a very difficult time in my life and it was a relief to have a lawyer who knew how to take the stress off of me by handling the entire matter start to finish.
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