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14 Nov, 2018 by Howard
I was interested in setting up a General Warranty Deed reserving enhanced life estate and met with Tyler Edmondson regarding doing such and he was very informative and knowledgeable about this particular deed and other trusts. He helped me set up the warranty deed which in Texas is termed the Lady Bird Deed. He is very helpful and friendly and I would recommend him for any advice you might have concerning legal matters.
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06 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
I cannot express how highly I would recommend Tyler. I was in a horrible divorce that was dragging on. Tyler was not only understanding and compassionate, he kicked butt!!!! If you want an honest lawyer, that will do the best possible job for you, Tyler is your man!!!! My whole family and I are in his debt. I thank God for the day I called him, he gave me my life back.
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22 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Tyler was simply the best! I truly felt like I had a friend helping me walk through my divorce. I considered filing on my own and I am SO glad I made the decision to go with Edmondson Law - there's no way I could have done it myself. His office was always on top of things, very punctual and thorough. So glad to have them in my corner!
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26 Jan, 2016 by Brittany
She was a wonderful person that kept me updated and fought for me with her all. When everyone else said that my case could not be taken care of, she tried anyways, and we won. I will use her again, and I highly recommend her, she will put her all into your case!
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25 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Jennifer was extremely helpful in reviewing divorce paperwork for me at the last minute. I never felt pressured or rushed. She gave me the confidence to move forward and the reassurance that she would be there in the event I needed additional help now or in the future. Very personable and caring. Would highly recommend Jennifer and her staff.
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21 Jan, 2016 by Jill
Mrs. Edmonson reviewed a Warranty Deed, Deed of Trust and Real Estate Lien Note for me and explained it well to me. She added wording for clarity and ease in the event more legal action was needed. She "got me", she understood where I was coming from and future goals. Not the hour and a half with an attorney that I expected at all, it was a delight!
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25 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Michael was very thorough with explanations I needed. I would recommend him to anyone. I have hired him to be on retainer. It is hard to find this kind of customer service anymore.
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05 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
It's wonderful to have a professional help you through troubling times. Mike is an attorney with integrity and values and relates to the everyday problems. He was responsive to all of the many questions that I had. He communicated to me what was happening with my case in a timely manner. He has a lifelong client, we wouldn't use anyone else.
Thank you, Bekah
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11 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
I have to say that this gentleman is great. Not only has he kept me informed during my whole legal proceedings, he has done so with a degree of compassion I have not dealt with in an attorney. W/ that said I would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone who asks.
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27 Aug, 2020 by Bonnie
I have been very happy with the services of Mrs. Elkins. This has by far, been the worst experience of my life and she has represented me and my case with honesty, integrity and professionalism. She has been tough, proactive and very responsive. I would highly recommend her for you family law needs.
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26 Oct, 2011 by Kim
Heidi is a great attorney. She is very passionate about her clients needs. I would highly recommend Heidi for any family matters.She is the only attorney I will ever use. She listens to her clients and does her best to do want they are asking.
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25 Aug, 2020 by Karrie
We hired Ashley to petition the court to remove my niece from a neglectful situation to ensure her health, safety, growth & development. I was fully prepared for a long, stressful, battle. However, Ashley was thorough beyond reproach & our case wrapped up much swifter than I believed it would.
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21 Jul, 2023 by Craig babinec
21 Jun, 2023 by Steve ray
Darn Good Divorce Lawyer
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18 Mar, 2020 by Kym wilson singleterry
21 Jul, 2023 by Craig babinec
21 Jun, 2023 by Steve ray
Darn Good Divorce Lawyer
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18 Mar, 2020 by Kym wilson singleterry
07 Feb, 2017 by Anoyomous
Ms. Matern is by far the BEST attorney that I could of hired to handle a very difficult time in my life. She is very competent, efficient and very experienced with advice and her expertise. She is highly qualified and knows her stuff. I would recommend her to anyone going through a divorce or custody matter.
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18 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Ms. Matern is very straight forward and doesn't sugar coat anything. She gets down to the point and her main goal is to do anything she can with the up most respect for her client. She was absolutely wonderful for my divorce case. I recommend her to everyone I know. If you chose Ms. Matern make sure you understand and can handle that she tells it to you straight. I absolutely would use her again if need be!!
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13 Apr, 2016 by Will
I was very surprised to read the negative Client Reviews for Deborah Matern, although after reading the verbiage in the reviews, I’m suspicious that they may have been written by the same person. My experience with the Matern Team could not have been more positive. I found Ms. Matern to be professional, informative, reasonably priced, knowledgeable, and driven to resolve my case in a manner that was in my best interest and definitively NOT most profitable for her.
I think that when we pay for a service, societally we have come to expect a “How may we help you?!” and a service-with-a-smile attitude from service providers. Unfortunately, that is an unrealistic expectation when it comes to matters of law. It is standard practice for clients to be billed by the minute and generic platitudes and niceties are expensive and unproductive. I found Ms. Matern to be very pleasant but also very direct and to the point, which I appreciated because at the end of the day that saves me money. If you want to be disingenuously greeted and asked about your day, I suggest you go to Starbucks.
The other reviews also mentioned “exorbitant billing”. My answer to that is that competent legal representation is very expensive. I researched other firms before deciding on the Matern Firm and I can tell you that comparatively she is very reasonably priced. Where many other firms bill the attorney’s work, phone consultations, etc in 15 minute blocks and always round up, Deborah Matern bills in 6 minute increments. This may seem tedious and unimportant but when it comes to your out of pocket money the benefits of her billing-style add up quickly. In fact, Ms. Matern often referred me to her paralegal and office staff in matters of less importance as a cost-saving technique, as her paralegal billing occurs at a reduced rate, not to be dismissive or because she was unreachable.
Another common expectation of service providers is that you explain your problem and they fix it; much like leaving a car with a mechanic. Again, that was not a realistic approach in my case and in legal matters in general. I found that Ms. Matern provided clear direction and explained my options in a manner that someone not well-versed in legalese could understand. It wasn’t always what I wanted to hear but it was an honest evaluation of my situation and in retrospect, I appreciated the clarity she provided. I don’t believe legal representation is intended to be a drive-thru dry-cleaning drop off type situation. It is very much a collaborative process that I found Deborah Matern to be exceptionally proficient at.
My case and legal issues in general, can be extremely confusing and uncomfortable in the best of situations. I appreciate the effort the Matern Team put into making the process as efficient, comfortable, understandable, and as timely as could be expected. I would highly recommend retaining Deborah Matern as legal representation were you ever in need of an attorney you can trust to make your priorities her own and help resolve your situation as fairly and reasonably as possible.
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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.
