What people ask before they hire a family lawyer

We talk through what is happening, I read what you've brought and I tell you what comes first, what can wait and what each path might cost. You aren't committing to anything by coming.

You'll have the fee structure and an estimate in writing before work starts. Most family matters are billed against a retainer, and I'll tell you at the first meeting how that works for yours.

I take stepparent adoptions and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Agency and international adoptions I send to colleagues who do them often.

I can help you prepare for mediation and review an agreement reached there. I don't act as the mediator for a couple I represent, because a mediator has to be neutral.

Then it can be quick and gentle. Each of you should still have someone check the agreement before you sign it, and I can be that person for one of you.

You can still reply to the papers and get advice. Talk to a lawyer before you sign anything the other side sends.

All of it is part of the picture, and each has its own rules. Bring the latest statements and the deed or loan papers and we'll go through them together.

Yes, when something important has changed. The court looks at the new facts, so keep notes of what is different.

I don't take criminal, immigration or injury cases, and I'll point you to someone who does if you ask.

Yes. Tell me which phone, address or email is safe, and I'll use only that. The Leave quickly button at the top of each page closes this site fast. If you're in danger now, call 911.