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21 Nov, 2024 by Cheo od weuglymusick
This lady is the shit.. she is super humble and very cool she worked her ass off for my case and won win flying colors thnx Mollie may God bless you and yours..
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21 Oct, 2024 by Tina zimmer
Mollie is by far the sharpest lawyer I've ever met. She is truly committed to understanding your case, from all sides, and takes the time to explain all possible outcomes. Mollie has a commanding presence in the court room and she is a fierce advocate for her clients. Highly recommend!!!
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21 Oct, 2024 by Tina
Mollie is by far the sharpest lawyer I've ever met. She is truly committed to understanding your case, from all sides, and takes the time to explain all possible outcomes. Mollie has a commanding presence in the court room and she is a fierce advocate for her clients. Highly recommend!!!
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08 Feb, 2024 by Angela
Michael communicated very well. He was always on top off everything as well as fast response times when I would reach out.
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22 Dec, 2022 by Laura
Michael R. Stetler is very knowledgeable and respectful. He was also quick to respond. He got my divorce done in about 21 days.
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05 May, 2022 by Anna
I hired Michael in a somewhat contentious divorce. I would say he was firm, consistent, but fair throughout. He told me what I needed to know and kept me fully informed in the whole case. He did a good job in pushing the issues that needed to be pushed when they could. Also, he was less expensive than other lawyers I talked to with similar experience, but I liked that he was straightforward and didn't seem like he was trying to tell me just what I wanted to hear, but what I needed to know.
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06 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Gunnar handled a complex litigation matter brilliantly! He was able to swoop in and save the day when my legal matter went astray. He addressed it quickly and efficiently. He gave me clear instructions on what I needed to do and he listened to all of the facts intently. There is not a sufficient manner to thank him for all that he did, so I am writing this review to let the rest of you know that if you hire Gunnar, you hired the best.
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22 Aug, 2017 by Lynette
My name is Lynette, I would like to tell you about an attorney that is not only the best at what he does but he is a wonderful and compassionate true professional. He really listens and understands the needs of his clients.
Attorney Gitlin and the Gitlin Law Firm have had a life changing effect on my life in many ways.
Through their investigative services he has achieved something that other attorneys said could not be done and was considered virtually impossible. They located my ex-husband that was out of the United States and living in another country. Through case law and research Attorney Gitlin was able to pursue 50% of my ex-husband’s pension that was awarded to me from the divorce decree plus 11 ½ years, in which he was in arrears. Attorney Gitlin displayed extreme patience in working around my busy schedule as an elementary school teacher to complete my case.
In closing I am forever grateful to Attorney Giltin and the Gitlin Law Firm.
Attorney Giltin is truly an angel that God has placed here to help those that need help the most.
Forever Grateful
Lynette
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08 Jun, 2017 by Mike
Gunnar handled a very difficult situation for me. While I was emotionally devastated and shocked by my wife's divorce announcement, much legal worked needed to be done. He guided me through the process and educated me as to my options, weaknesses and strengths, even when some of the options were not good for him.
His expertise in divorce law was amply evident. While we spoke at the courthouse, a parade of other divorce attorneys would respectfully greet him. This was never the case for other attorneys. Gunnar's knowledge of Illinois divorce law is also manifest by the fact that he literally wrote the book on Illinois divorce - Gitlin on Divorce.
One aspect of Gunnar's expertise I specifically want to mention is his perception of the personality of my divorcing wife. He very rapidly understood her (extremely uncommon) mode of thinking and operation. He explained to me her likely actions and reactions. Even though we had been married for decades, I was far too emotionally wrought to come anywhere near matching his understanding.
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19 Jul, 2018 by Chris
Peter did a amazing job getting my divorced finalized. I originally hired a highly acclaimed big shot lawyer in Chicago and I had to fire him after 7 months of basically doing nothing but charging for every single email exchange. I clearly had no end in sight, but when Peter took over, he had me divorced in just about 2 months. He had a plan and stuck to it. He didn't nickel and dime me for everything. He knows the laws and is very sharp in the court room. I can't say enough on how highly I recommend this law firm. Great job Peter!!
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23 Mar, 2015 by Elizabeth
Vonda K. Vaughn represented me this past year for my divorce case.
From the moment I set foot in her office---I experienced a level of professionalism, strength and confidence...along with a heart and conscience, that is rarely seen...these days. She's an an excellent listener who knows the value of paying attention to details.
She has the competency and commitment required to accomplish the task...or challenge at hand---and does so in the most thorough of manners.
My case was an extremely difficult one:
Ours was a long-term marriage, (26+ years), my position at work had just been "dissolved", and there was a significant income disparity.
The "energy" behind the difficulties was, in large part, due...from the very onset...to the adversarial tone set forth by my now former husband.
Added to this were the continual challenges that arose from the various stances in positions that he held onto.
Vonda had the tenacity and "bite" it takes to navigate our way through a myriad of challenges, such as researching, discovering the existence of...and then "hunting-down" benefits that my (former) husband failed to disclose, such as:
▪︎ a viable pension from a previous employer
▪︎ sources of non-qualified deferred compensation he was receiving...including a less-encountered type of benefit, yet common amongst upper-level
executives---known as a SRIP, (Supplemental Retirement Income Plan).
Even items that were disclosed during the initial "Discovery" period---though they were valuable benefits to me--- added to the complexity of the situation...and required her on-going involvement, monitoring and collaboration with others.
They included:
▪︎ 2 different types of pensions from his current employer
▪︎ a 401(k) Savings Plan, also from his current employer
These benefits, including the ones already mentioned, above them, had to go through the formal process of being divided between the two of us.
This process is known as a "QDRO", (Qualified Domestic Relations Order) and was a lengthy one, that was done in a mathematically-scientific manner---adhering to strict standards as set forth by my former husband's current and previous employers.
A lot of "back-and-forth" was required during this process.
So many "hoops" to jump through...and making sure to "cross" all the "t"s...and "dotting" every "i".
This..again...was where Vonda's attention to detail and ongoing patience was truly amazing.
Vonda fought for me...she was my Advocate.
She would be aggressive...yet tempered with a measure of cool, self-control. Throughout the case, in a variety of situations, she exhibited a remarkable ability to set boundaries---when and where they were needed. This valuable skill speaks to the uniqueness of her abilities. While she was knowledgeable in so many areas of the law---she would not hesitate, when necessary, to reach-out and draw from the invaluable resources that exist, and are there to support her, at a firm such as The Gitlin Law Firm.
So...while Vonda "had-my-back"---attorneys gifted and skilled in various areas of the law---along with an amazing support-staff...had hers.
This...along with so many other reasons...gave me the assurance that I had chosen the RIGHT attorney.
The RIGHT law firm.
Representation.
It's a powerful thing.....when it's done WELL.
I have...and will continue to recommend Vonda Vaughn of The Gitlin Law Firm to anyone who finds themselves navigating their way through the challenging, difficult...and painful process of Divorce.
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16 Mar, 2024 by Chris w.
Came with high regards. He did an excellent job preparing and presenting my driver's license, helping me through the board and the process of full reinstatement.
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23 Jan, 2024 by Laura king
Honest attorney who cares for his clients and possesses excellent litigative skill. Highly recommended.
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08 Apr, 2023 by Jim bean
Bill is a class act who truly cares about taking care of you. He will do everything in his power to take care of you, and does it all for an extremely reasonable one time fee. After working with him on 4 traffic tickets, I cannot recommend him enough. Stop paying $1500 a month in lawyer fees.
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16 Mar, 2024 by Chris w.
Came with high regards. He did an excellent job preparing and presenting my driver's license, helping me through the board and the process of full reinstatement.
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23 Jan, 2024 by Laura king
Honest attorney who cares for his clients and possesses excellent litigative skill. Highly recommended.
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08 Apr, 2023 by Jim bean
Bill is a class act who truly cares about taking care of you. He will do everything in his power to take care of you, and does it all for an extremely reasonable one time fee. After working with him on 4 traffic tickets, I cannot recommend him enough. Stop paying $1500 a month in lawyer fees.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Matthew
I have hired Stephanie for almost all of my family law needs and I've always been happy with the results!
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30 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
I needed to have a Matter taken care of from a divorce 10 years prior (QDRO). During the consultation Stephanie explaining everything thoroughly. I hired her and she began working on my case immediately as time was of the essence. Stephanie was extremely professional and timely. The case was concluded successfully and I would highly recommend her.
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03 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
Ms. Kasten was very dedicated in trying to find a fair compromise to settle our divorce. She came up with some very innovative ideas on how to handle maintenance in our case which I felt would have offered a win win solution to the divorce. She went to extremes to explain this solution to the opposing counsel, however he refused to work with her towards any solution to the divorce. Ms. Kasten finally recommended that in the interest of efficiency, and expense, it would probably be to my advantage to switch to another attorney since opposing counsel had obviously developed a vendetta against Ms Kasten as he refused to communicate with her verbally and said he would not negotiate. I had to agree with her as I felt she had been extremely fair and patient with opposing counsel and we were not getting anywhere because of opposing counsel's attitude.
I highly recommend Ms Kasten as she was very thorough, innovative, patient, and professional through this whole case.
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06 Dec, 2024 by Kassandra personett
The best. If you want someone that's strategic, moves things forward, and gets results then this is who you want. Worth the money.
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14 Nov, 2024 by Maureen keil
Jamie was absolutely wonderful! She is knowledgeable and knew exactly what best to do, to quickly help with a family law/child custody matter. She was efficient, kind, understanding, and great with communicating. Most importantly she knew how to make my son feel comfortable during a stressful time and showed empathy and compassion to help us with a difficult situation. In addition, all of the staff was helpful. I often spoke to Mallory, who was there anytime I had questions and was great with communicating and updating me.
Thank You, we appreciate all you did for us:)
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14 Nov, 2024 by Shamecka shalo mbensie
I am incredibly grateful to have had Rebecca as my attorney. She handled my case with remarkable diligence and perseverance, always going above and beyond to ensure that I felt supported and well-represented. Her attention to detail, clear communication, and compassionate approach made all the difference in a challenging situation. I was truly happy with everything she provided and the way she managed my case from start to finish. If you’re looking for an attorney who is both dedicated and professional, I highly recommend Rebecca.
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12 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
He hasnt filed a single thing for me hasn't requested anything or spoke to anyone on my behalf he hasn't spoken to me my entire case is based on false allegations false statements no proof at all and it's been almost a year he's accomplished absolutely nothing
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13 Jun, 2020 by Michele
My husband and I used him for our house closing. We were having difficulty with our mortgage lender and Mike went above and beyond to help us through. It was taking much longer than usual to receive the closing docs which made him late for court. We were so very pleased that he stuck with us even though he had to be somewhere else.
We highly recommend Mike as an attorney.
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24 Feb, 2020 by Maggie
This is a guy who will go above and beyond for you! He helped us out with a situation with the McHenry county. We were stuck in a senseless loop with the Building and Zoning at the county and he stepped in to assist us. We are so grateful for Michael!
He is an excellent attorney who will have your back!
Thank you Michael!
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11 Oct, 2023 by John
Would not recommend her to anyone definitely do your research on her she
does not know what she’s doing just takes your money $$$
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20 May, 2023 by Jessica levine
11 May, 2021 by Scott raybourne
25 Apr, 2024 by Michelle neeley
Does not care about victims whatsoever
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28 Aug, 2023 by Robert stassen
I'm sure they do a great job much of the time, but be aware, if you happen to have a case against a friend of the DA, they will do everything to scratch their back. Their friends can lie under oath and no problems at all. Nice to have friends in the McHenry DA, for the rest of the population, watch out, very crooked
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21 Feb, 2023 by Stacy eng
very helpful
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21 Dec, 2024 by Suellen
I really like Denise when I first met her. She was going to do a will and a trust for me after my husband passed away. After three years and many phone calls and texts, I still do not have a will or a trust I gave her a deposit of $1000. I know that isn’t a lot of money to most people but when you’rea widow on a fixed income, it is. I have asked for a refund and never received a response. In the meantime I have had to retain another lawyer to at least get a will. I hear that she is a good litegator but when it comes to other matters she is not good.
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03 Apr, 2020 by James
After 3 years fighting a frivolous case brought by my ex, things weren't going well. The judge was actually re-interpreting our *already* finalized divorce agreement based on what he THOUGHT my ex SHOULD have done. My lawyer, at the time, was at his wits end, and recommended I switch to Denise Ambroziak.
Within ONE appearance, Ambroziak nimbly got the judge to actually READ the agreement already in place and pointed out that decisions he threatened to establish were neither fair nor lawful. She compelled/ negotiated things BACK to where they had already been agreed 3 years and multiple court appearances later.
The bonus was - - after the proceedings, Ambroziak then went into the hallway and "handled" my ex -- letting her know she'd face legal ramifications if she didn't accept the original terms of our agreement. This part was equally as vindicating/ gratifying for me as her handling of the judge.
Now, my ex is finally GONE but Ambroziak is a KEEPER. Unforgettable experience - - Thank you, Denise!!
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09 Aug, 2018 by Richard
Lets be honest, going to court is most likely something you're dreading. You feel fear, anxiety, and a host of other emotions because you're at the mercy of a judge. I've used Denise for close to 10 years now for various legal needs from family law to the closing on my home. Each time I've used Denise she's been fair in her billing, she's been clear in direction she recommends, and she has ALWAYS looked out for what's in my families and my best interest.
Most notably from my experience with Denise was the fight for my son. I called her in a panic to protect my sons rights along with mine and she was there without question. She had a clear and concise plan of action and did everything possible to protect my son. Sure, in the end I got the results I was looking for but there's no doubt that had I used any other lawyer I would had not gotten the same results.
If you're looking for a lawyer to protect your rights, your family, or just you, you need to call Denise Ambroziak.
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25 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
The first red flag is that they took my case without even looking anything over. I felt that they only were out for money and anything extra was just to much for them to do. The best thing I did was find a new attorney to help with my Divorce!! Thomas F. Loizzo made me feel as if i didn't matter and to just give up on my case. He belittled me & his communication skills are 0. Do not use Thomas as a divorce Attorney, if i could give them no stars i would!
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06 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
I haired him for a divorce. I had to correct many errors in the actual agreement. I did 90% of the work and paid him for 130% of his time. Frequently left me hanging while he was on vacation. Rarely available by phone, does not provide email contact. After divorce was finalized I found about 30 mistakes in paperwork as far as leaving out specifics for parent time that caused me extreme grief during drop offs and holidays. I feel like I should have been paid by Tom as I spent at least 20 hours a week trying ro figure out what was going on with the divorce. I hired him to have my back and I don't feel like he did...at all.
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08 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
She handled or I should say mishandle my divorce and custody fight too. She did not return my calls until a week later…EVERY time! She informed me about court dates after they have gone by and/or the day of. She withheld information from me, she showed me the final divorce decree one hour before my final court date. The divorce decree was in favor of my ex. I even thought she got money from my ex! She never ever fought for me to have custody of my son. She entered in agreements with my ex's attorney without consulting me and I found out about them a week after the court dates were held. She had couple of bright moments but she was not interested at all in my case. Alert, alert: She does her own billing therefore she can "forget" some payments you send. Even though she shares the office across the street from the court she does not have an assistant to support her clients. She is knowledgeable but in court and in front of the judge can be easily eclipsed by louder attorneys. If you need her for a traffic ticket she is your attorney but for divorce, child support, child custody or other serious cases she is not an attorney for you.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
