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27 Apr, 2022 by Stephan c
20 Nov, 2019 by Paula ward
Attorney Morocco has helped me out in so many ways every single time I have ever needed any help attorney Morocco has been there. He's one of the most honest attorney's I've ever met
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03 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
I’m currently in the middle of a divorce and Fran was highly recommended. I had a consultation where he tried giving me financial advise on my IRA? I did hire him and sent $5000 check same day.... tried to get in touch with him several times over 3 weeks with no response... he finally called and said he can’t do anything for me until he get paid... after having him check into it he says there was a mix up and his office cashed it 3 weeks ago! After reviewng all specifcs and working on this for 2 months with very little progress he called me to ask these questions.. does your wife work?!, do you have kids and how old?!, did you file for a divorce yet? He also recommended me to get my company appraised for 20k even though I was ok with the other sides offer. A very frustrating experience!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Jose g
I am still receiving medical bill calls despite prior assurances that this matter was resolved. Furthermore, I experienced unsatisfactory communication and significant difficulty in filing an appeal. I cannot recommend this group.
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14 Jan, 2025 by Matt ferlo
Elizabeth was great to work with. Informative, on top of their game and there with you every step of the way. Tara was also great in assisting me with some questions and matters that came up too. I would not hesitate to hire Elizabeth and her team in the future. Thank you so much!
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04 Oct, 2024 by May coven
I has been worked for many years with Elizabeth and her team they are very professional they always responded my question I highly recommend her is the best real estate law office around worcester county.
Thank you very much 😊!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Jose g
I am still receiving medical bill calls despite prior assurances that this matter was resolved. Furthermore, I experienced unsatisfactory communication and significant difficulty in filing an appeal. I cannot recommend this group.
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14 Jan, 2025 by Matt ferlo
Elizabeth was great to work with. Informative, on top of their game and there with you every step of the way. Tara was also great in assisting me with some questions and matters that came up too. I would not hesitate to hire Elizabeth and her team in the future. Thank you so much!
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04 Oct, 2024 by May coven
I has been worked for many years with Elizabeth and her team they are very professional they always responded my question I highly recommend her is the best real estate law office around worcester county.
Thank you very much 😊!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Jose g
I am still receiving medical bill calls despite prior assurances that this matter was resolved. Furthermore, I experienced unsatisfactory communication and significant difficulty in filing an appeal. I cannot recommend this group.
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14 Jan, 2025 by Matt ferlo
Elizabeth was great to work with. Informative, on top of their game and there with you every step of the way. Tara was also great in assisting me with some questions and matters that came up too. I would not hesitate to hire Elizabeth and her team in the future. Thank you so much!
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04 Oct, 2024 by May coven
I has been worked for many years with Elizabeth and her team they are very professional they always responded my question I highly recommend her is the best real estate law office around worcester county.
Thank you very much 😊!
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10 Apr, 2019 by Daniel
Catherine Gallagher charged me a flat fee that was supposed to cover up to 3 court visits. After the first court appearance she was already hinting for more money, after the second she asked for more money. Catherine often referred to how much the opposing council was getting paid when suggesting the need for an increase fee. Before the deposition on me was done I did pay another flat fee, in my opinion. I hadn’t exceeded the terms of the first agreement (3 court visits). My conversations were often defensive from Catherine when asking questions or presenting possible suggestions, a comment to note when asking about strategy and possible case leverage was “haven’t you ever watched Judge Judy”. When negotiations never really happened between council, it appeared it was going to trial.
Based on the following reasons I had to act quickly and inform the judge I would no longer be moving forward with present council.
1. Catherine was poorly prepared every time we went to court, her attire and professionalism was less than desirable.
2. I felt Catherine did not provide proper review or council on my financials, there was little question or review of my wife’s financial which later was proven to be grossly overstated.
3. There was panicked phone interruptions during court in front of the judge and Catherine couldn’t turn her phone off.
4. The Judge asked for her pre-trial memorandum and her excuses was she left at her office, and informed me it doesn’t matter, that it has no effect on the case. (This document states your position and lays out your arguments so that the court may provide guidance).
5. My updated financials never got to apposing council or the court and my deposition was conducted on outdated financials. Catherine was an hour and a half late for my deposition and not prepared at all, she had no current financial in hand, and had no redirection for me at end of deposition. There were many excuses, stuck on a plane, not able to read or access submissions/documents from opposing council, she complained the type of media provided wasn’t sufficient or didn’t receive document or information pertaining to my case in time.
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28 Nov, 2018 by Sarah
I recently used Attorney Gallagher for my immigration case. She was amazing. She always returned my phone calls (or text messages). She was straight forward and explained everything in a way I could understand. She was supportive throughout this very long case. If she didn't have the answer right away, she looked into it and got me an answer. She actually listened go me. Unlike my previous attorney, she didn't just say she cared, but actually did! If you want an attorney who listen, fight for you, and at a reasonable cost, I strongly recommend Catherine.
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12 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Catherine always calls me back, answers all my questions and always gets me the outcome I want. I have been using her for several cases and I am always pleased. I highly recommend her she is a great lawyer.
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22 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
It was horrible to work with her. She keeps shouting on her clients and is all about money. After taking the money she will not even contact you. When I tried to contact her for update she was shouting at me saying she knows law better than me and nobody should tell her anything. I don't wish for anybody to have this kind of attorney without any professionalism.
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22 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
In 2002 I found Marcia Calcagni and retained her to represent me in my 23 year long divorce I was leaving a marriage that was abusive for many years . Marcia and her para legal aniata where there every step of the way for me. She took really good care to see our children interests were taken care of as well as myself. I would recmoend this incredible attorney to anyone.. she is dynamic yet kind and caring. thank u marcia for giving me my life back. with out u i woulnt have survived. thank gwen
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12 Jul, 2011 by Anonymous
Marcia is an excellent lawyer. She is efficient, caring, and extremely professional. She is highly intelligent and keeps you informed every step of the way. I truly believe that if it was not for her constant persistence, my case would have dragged on longer. There are no words to describe how happy she has made my daughter and me. Thank you Marcia for everything!
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29 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Without Maria, the years we have spent in court would have been much worse for our family.
Maria is always honest & upfront with us about what to expect in court. She explains the reasons for everything she suggests, and the outcomes we might be able to expect as a result.
She is personable and knows how to help keep emotions in check so we can focus on the problems at hand.
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24 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
My Husband and I hired Maria for a nasty custody case and divorce. His ex pulled out all the stops and lies to try to gain the upper hand in court. I couldn't have asked for a better, more professional and knowledgeable attorney to represent us. Maria discredited all of the ex's false accusations and handled the craziness with grace. Maria always came in very well prepared and kept us informed as to all the options and outcomes that were possible. She never pressured us to pursue one option or the other but instead provided guidance to help us make our decisions. She also never promised us an outcome, but instead advised us based on the facts of the case and prior experiences in court with our specific judge. Years after the case was closed (with an outcome we were very happy with) Maria still stays in contact and offers us advice and sounding board to bounce issues off of. I have recommended her to several friends who have found her equally amazing.
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17 Apr, 2015 by Carlos vagnali
I hired Ms. Ortiz to represent me in my divorce and other legal matters she claim she was capable to handle. I paid Ms. Ortiz 25,000. Ms. Ortiz not only did not do any work on the case she never even showed up to court the day of the scheduled hearing in my divorce. Finally the judge forced Ms. Ortiz to come to court and she showed up poorly dressed and in fact her clothing was dirty. When the Judge asked why she missed the hearing Ms. Ortiz told the judge she forgot about the court hearing which is a completely different story than the one she gave me. In the end Ms. Ortiz made me lose my case. I was not able to hire another lawyer because I had already given all of my money to Ms. Ortiz.
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11 Apr, 2024 by Marcia
f you want an incompetent, weak, lawyer look, no, further, Donna will take your money and right before trial, she will withdraw from the case because she knows she cannot handle the case. When she gets in front of a judge she tells the judge she didn't have enough time to prepare. But the money you paid her is gone, She will just take your money and run a terrible Lawyer do not go for her.
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13 Aug, 2020 by Jeff
I came to Donna because of a referral by a lawyer I’d hired for another matter. It started as a consultation to help me with retirement amidst a “separation “. It ended up being a divorce. Through it all Donna proved to be very considerate regarding my problem. Making inquiries, consulting others, mediating between me and my soon to be ex-wife. Professional, yet compassionate and sensitive. I was, am pleased with her work and grateful to have been referred to her.
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17 Jan, 2019 by Stacy
I was very fortunate to have Laurie work with me. My ex-husband took me back to court, fairly unnecessarily. Laurie listened to me and heard everything I shared and every piece of proof I had, presented it perfectly to the court. Was honest with me telling me what was worth fighting for and what wasn’t. She has an amazing understanding and knowledge of the law and the way the court works.
Confident that I hired the best, and she had a genuine concern for what was right; and it happened. She definitely was part of the reason my case ended so well.
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15 Jan, 2019 by Chandra
Attorney Laurie Raphaelson was a ray of hope at a time I was so despondent over health challenges and my husband leaving me after a thirteen year toxic marriage. I consulted with a few attorneys prior to Laurie; none of whom I felt comfortable with trusting my future. After I had consulted with Laurie several things stood out, most of all was her intuitiveness. Lawyer after lawyer advised me to file immediately. Laurie said the opposite. She agreed to represent me but would not right then because I was not ready. She was correct, I was a wreck mentally and physically. This was the most comforting advice I had received at this point. Several months later my now ex-husband filed and so the process began.
Laurie is a force to be reckoned with on so many levels. An amazing attorney who consistently exceeded any and all expectations. Her guidance and knowledge of the law and court system proved to be unparalleled. She was the advocate I needed. Laurie was extremely responsive to my many inquiries and provided explanations in layman's terms. She was very patient and compassionate yet aggressive when necessary. Laurie was always direct, to the point and spot on. Her staggering ability to keep things in perspective, especially when delivering information I did not want to hear, was extremely beneficial. Her calm and confident presence allowed me to stay strong during such a difficult time. Laurie's empathetic demeanor offered emotional support during times it was very much needed. Her preparedness never ceased to amaze me. Her attention to detail, impeccable timing and no nonsense attitude allowed my divorce to not drag out and was resolved the day of my pretrial hearing. From day one I had all the trust and confidence that Laurie was an attorney of integrity who would always have my best interest at heart. It was a true honor to have been represented by such a fine attorney and person.
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14 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
I've had the honor of having Laurie Raphaelson as my attorney. Not only is she an exceptional attorney, but she is also a kind and compassionate person. She help guide me to make the best possible decisions for me and my children. She made it possible for me to build my life back up. In short, she's a truly amazing person.
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27 Apr, 2020 by Janet
For years I had tried to track down heirs of an abandoned empty parcel of land without much success. When I asked Attorney Meloche to assist, not only did he quickly track down all the heirs (some as far away as Ohio) but my purchase of the parcel is now complete in a short 2-month period of time. I highly recommend his expertise.
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18 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
Hired Attorney Meloche for a real estate litigation civil case I filed in Worc. Mass. He put a very inexperienced attorney on my case. Case based on substitution of deed at closing prior to recording. I have evidence that the Attorney that substituted my deed , was told by her client (lender) no substitutions .Because of Meloche and Meloche Spencer Mass. Poor representation I lost my case , my house ,and ended up homeless. I would not recommend Michael Meloche for any legal services. After I lost ,he said to me personally that I got screwed ...you think !!!!
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24 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr Clifford was recommended to me by the MA Bar Association. I asked about his qualifications during our interview, and he told me he could represent me. I was only able to meet with him twice, which he charged an office office fee. Thereafter, he seemed to be avoiding me; he would not return phone calls and his office staff could find no record of my case. I waited hours for his return to the offie and strongly asserted my concerns for the statutes of limitations. He admitted that he never compiled a file for my case, and thought I should probably seek counsel elsewhere. He waisted my time as well as the timeline for the case and he took my money. I would strongly recommend not hiring this attorney.
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28 Nov, 2009 by Chiang
His expertise helped me win my case with best result "dismissed". I enjoyed his performance in court especially his adjustment accordingly. i can feel he put his best effort for me. He only charged me with a very reasonable price (far than I expected). I like him for not only be my lawyer but also a good man.
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15 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Not an effective lawyer. All about taking your money with no true value in return. Won't do what you ask her to do. Never met a attorney like this one. Would not recommend this attorney.
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07 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
I would not recommend this attorney at all. Will not return calls, does not do what you hired her to do, and will outsource your case to other not competent attorneys that will drain your assets.
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26 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
Hired for estate planning. Got a bunch of canned program printouts none of which were reviewed by him. All done by secretary and incorrect and not professional. We had to scrap them all and have them done over. Good thing he is in probate because none of these documents which should have eliminated it were correct. He was sure to be there for taking the money though. Don't hire this guy for professional concise work. Best to do it yourself on a canned program for fifty bucks.
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01 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Client beware You may be pushed off to an associate that lacks experience. Many overcharges. Typical big business will get all they can out of you then sell you out
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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.
