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07 Jun, 2024 by Martha hernandez
Fred, and his staff, are wonderful and caring people. He represented me on a case, with the upmost professionalism. He was thorough, and efficient. I truly believe, I couldn’t have had a better defense attorney. He defended me with respect, and determination. I couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome. I am eternally grateful to Fred Hanassab, Lily and other office staff. I highly recommend him, his high standards of integrity, and respect I received from him and the staff. Thank you Fred and office. You are all wonderful, and knowledgeable people.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Brandy betts
Attorney Nader was friendly, very knowledgeable and genuinely had our best interest in mind.
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28 Nov, 2023 by American septic
Good litigation attorney. Fought our case for our employees that were in an accident. Took a while due to covid other than that he fought all the way for us.
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10 Oct, 2013 by Kimberly
Getting divorced was a very scary and confusing time for me. Peter was compassionate, caring and kind. I had no idea where to start or how to get this done. Peter walked me through every step of the process and made it as easy as possible. He was always available to take my calls and answer my questions. I really dont know what I would have done without him. I would recommend Peter to anyone that is in a difficult situation and needs help.
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02 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
Peter was unable to take my case because of a conflict. Even though he did not represent me, he is always willing to take my calls and answer questions about my case. He is clearly an expert in the field.
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02 Oct, 2013 by William
Mr. Walzer is diligent, knowledgeable, capable, descrete and at the apex of Family Law Practice. He writes and speaks extensively World Wide on the developing field of Family Law and brings this knowledge to bear in the service of his clients. I've refered multiple people to his practice and found they benefited from his legal knowledge, his realistic perspective and his human understanding of one of the difficult passages of life. He's a valuable ally and his intelligent guidance through difficulty can be trusted.
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01 Oct, 2023 by Pamela
John Nicholson never should have taken my case, Mr Nicholson was recommended to me by a casual friend, it was a simple probate, he took over 4 years to barely complete it, he didn't know what he was doing and didn't text or use Email, which I found highly unusual, he had excuses for everything, maybe he's done great work for someone else, but certainly not for me, at the end of the day , I hired him, so I messed up, but like I said, he never, ever should have taken my case ! Just a word to everyone, if you have a family death and need a probate attorney, hire a probate attorney
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08 Dec, 2017 by Henrik
I have nothing but good to say about John F. Nicholson and the Services he has provided to me since MAR2015 and still does. He took on a very messy ongoing Divorce Case for me and has provided nothing but honest and realistic guidance, advise, and hard work in trying to get my case "cleaned up" and turned around. He has even provided me with unrelated legal business advise at no cost in the process. Attorney billings are notoriously high, but John F. Nicholson is the first Attorney I have dealt with, where the cost very reasonably reflect the work and long hours he has put into my case - Do I like to pay : NO - but I put my self in this situation, and he promised to assist me, and he has, so I actually don't feel too bad about paying his Invoices - I just wish I had met him earlier on, maybe if I had my mess would have been less of a mess ! John f. Nicholson is, by my standards, a good, old school, Attorney, hard working, not afraid of digging in and getting it done, is fair towards his clients, to the case, and towards the opponents (whether they believe so or not), and he will tell it to you as it is. I hope I wont need his services again in the future, but if I do, I will for sure contact John immediately !
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08 Dec, 2014 by Adam
I am in Texas and I needed a Lawyer in California. John was recommended to me and did a great job. I would highly recommend him. He kept everyone cooled down, which helped get the situation resolved.
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08 Feb, 2024 by Michael de st. aubin
I cannot speak highly enough of her expertise, professionalism, and compassionate approach. From the moment I began speaking with Shannon, I knew I was in capable hands. Shannon possesses a unique ability to empathize with her clients while educating them about the complexities of the legal process. Unlike other attorneys, Shannon goes above and beyond to ensure her clients fully understand their rights and options, making informed decisions with confidence. Her wealth of knowledge and top-tier professionalism are truly remarkable. Shannon was able to set realistic expectations for my case while instilling in me a sense of confidence and assurance. Despite the challenges of navigating the family court system, Shannon's guidance and support served as a beacon of hope during what can often be a daunting and emotionally taxing experience. In a system that can sometimes feel overwhelming and intimidating, Shannon shines as a bright light of positivity and reassurance. Her unwavering dedication to her clients' well-being is evident in every interaction, and I am immensely grateful to her. Working with Shannon DeBiase has been nothing short of amazing, and I cannot thank her enough for her outstanding advocacy and support throughout my legal journey. I wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone in need of exceptional legal representation. Thank you, Shannon, for your unwavering commitment and for making a positive difference in my life.
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12 Jan, 2024 by Steve portaro
Amazing firm of very helpful and knowledgeable Trust and Probate lawyers
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23 Aug, 2023 by Raul ramirez
Avoid at all costs. I had the misfortune of using an attorney from this firm. They over charge, and then proceeded to do the bare minimum. In court they are too passive letting the other side have their way resulting in my child suffering as a result. Do not let your family suffer. Update: my attorney from this firm contacted me about my review. They stated that their poor work was intended to save me money. I never asked for that.
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30 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Be careful with this lawyer . He wasted my time over a month . He kept promising to review my case and he never did .
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25 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
I would not recommend Andrew Wyatt. Do not hire this man. Andrew Wyatt is a con man and disgrace to the legal profession. The only time he was nice when he wanted me to pay him the huge retainer amount of $8000, he demanded. He made promises that he would work hard on my case, and he is accepting my case because it's a strong case. Once I paid the retainer, he showed me his true colors. He made no efforts to work on my case except doing copy paste of the claims. Andrew misrepresented me in the court filings and even supported the opposing party to file sanctions against me based on misinformation his was spreading. Each time I asked Andrew about my case update he would either ignore and/or use unprofessional and disrespectful language to insult me. Andrew is just a petty thief who stole my hard-earned money with no intention of working on my case. Andrew even took bribe from the opposing party/double-dipping to not work on my case and withhold case information from me. This man just steals retainers from his clients and runs. Unfortunately, I didn't see other negative reviews before hiring this man. All the good reviews you see are fake reviews from Andrew's equity partners and friends.
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27 May, 2021 by Annette
Mr. Wyatt is an excellent attorney. I wasn’t sure how things were going to work out due to Covid, but Mt. Wyatt communicated to me through emails, phone calls, and the mail. Mr. Wyatt is professional, reliable and honest. He always answered any questions I had in a fast and prompt manner. I would highly recommend Andrew Wyatt to anyone who is in need of an attorney.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Anzor
She is only demand money! Destroyed our asylum case. She doesn’t know nothing about it. Terrible “professional”.
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25 Dec, 2022 by Happy
This lawyer was hired and paid by reviewer to do a Will and Trust, I was convinced to have a Trust written, which I did, the attorney says to me that I bragged about I have this and I have that, but yet she was writing a Trust, so I had to tell her what I had to protect, the attorney appears to make everything personal, the attorney made a huge error on my Will with the pain section, which honestly I thought was intentional at the time, and had my state of residence wrong on first draft, much was left out of the Trust and a few of my Banks did not accept it, she had not response to that, this attorney has more then once called and yelled on the phone
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19 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
Waste of money and time. This attorney didn’t send me an itemized bill for months and kept my remaining funds. He incorrectly prepared necessary court documents as per other attorney and opposing attorney. Had to teach this Family law specialist, for 6 hours on my dime, about the California healthcare system . He uses a relic of a computer and sends files that I cannot even open. Wasted time coming up with strategies that never made sense for my case.
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15 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
My rating to this lawyer is 0. Not a very good one ! Very temperamental ! Not very supportive, just because he's been a trial lawyer for 30 years doesn't mean he's right on everything he does. Failed to study and research more on the case before trial, i.e., evidence should have been strongly studied upon and presented to jury aggressively. Poorly representation.
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27 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
Stopped handling my divorce case after petition , no phone or email response . Do not recommend
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27 Jul, 2024 by Karina
I scheduled a consultation to speak with Emily Robinson about my case, and immediately upon talking to her it was so clear that she did not have good intentions. The fee she quoted me was ridiculous for what she was offering. I suggest going to anyone but her.
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26 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
Do better. She can't even protect kids from their abusers. If you're looking for a lawyer to protect your kids, find a different one.
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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You

A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.

Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?

Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:

  • Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
  • Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
  • Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
  • Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
  • Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
  • Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
  • Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.

Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.

What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?

A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:

  • Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
  • Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
  • Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
  • Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
  • Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
  • Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
  • Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.

How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?

Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:

  • Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
  • Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
  • Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.

The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.

How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:

  • Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
  • Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
  • Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
  • Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.

Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.

Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer

Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:

  1. What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
    Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption.
  2. How will you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved.
  3. What are the possible outcomes of my case?
    An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case.
  4. What is your approach to resolving disputes?
    Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals.
  5. How long do you expect my case to take?
    While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases.
  6. Who will be handling my case?
    In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.

How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:

  • Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
  • Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
  • Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
  • Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
  • List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
  • Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
  • Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.

Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.

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