Top 10 Family Law Attorney Firms Compared
By Amanda Reyes | Published: 2024-10-27 | Category: Family Law Attorney
About Family Law Attorney
Family law attorneys specialize in legal matters concerning family relationships, such as divorce, child custody, adoption, and prenuptial agreements. They navigate complex emotional and financial issues to represent their clients' interests within the legal system.
How We Evaluated
Providers were evaluated based on their reputation, range of family law services offered, reported client satisfaction, attorney experience, and geographical reach. Scores reflect a composite assessment of these factors derived from public information and peer reviews.
Rating Criteria
- → Reputation & Recognition
- → Scope of Family Law Services
- → Client Satisfaction Indicators
- → Attorney Experience & Expertise
- → Geographic Coverage/Accessibility
The Best Family Law Attorney
Phillips & Peters, PLLC
Visit Website →A well-regarded family law firm in Virginia, known for its client-focused approach and expertise in divorce and military family law issues.
Target Audience
Individuals in Hampton Roads, VA, Military Service Members & Spouses, Families needing custody/support help
Service Offerings
Divorce and Separation
Guidance through contested and uncontested divorce in Virginia.
- Equitable distribution
- Spousal support
- Separation agreements
Military Divorce
Specific expertise in divorces involving service members.
- Military retirement division (TSP, pensions)
- SCRA protections
- Custody during deployment
Child Custody and Visitation
Creating and modifying custody arrangements.
- Best interests of the child standard
- Parent relocation
- Grandparent visitation
Scorecard (Overall: 8.1 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rate
Competitive rates for the Hampton Roads area.
Retainer
Standard retainer agreements.
Consultation Fee
Initial consultation typically involves a fee.
Pros
- + Strong focus on client communication and service.
- + Expertise in military family law specific to the region.
- + Positive client reviews.
- + Good reputation locally.
Cons
- - Geographically limited to the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.
- - Smaller firm size compared to national players.
Verdict
"An excellent choice for individuals and military families in the Norfolk/Hampton Roads area seeking knowledgeable and client-focused family law representation."
KoonsFuller Family Law
Visit Website →One of the largest family law firms in Texas and the Southwest, known for handling complex property division and custody cases.
Target Audience
Texans, High-Asset Divorce Cases, Complex Custody Disputes
Service Offerings
Divorce
Comprehensive divorce services under Texas community property law.
- Characterization of property
- Business valuation
- Protective orders
Child Custody (Conservatorship)
Handling Texas-specific conservatorship, possession, and access issues.
- Geographic restrictions
- Modification suits
- Enforcement actions
Property Division
Expertise in dividing complex marital estates.
- Tracing separate property
- Oil and gas interests
- Retirement assets
Scorecard (Overall: 8.5 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rate
Tiered rates based on attorney experience.
Retainer
Required retainer depends on case complexity.
Pros
- + Deep expertise in Texas family law.
- + Large team of board-certified attorneys.
- + Strong reputation within Texas.
- + Multiple office locations across the state.
Cons
- - Primarily focused on Texas.
- - Can be expensive.
Verdict
"A top-tier family law firm in Texas, highly recommended for complex divorce, property, and custody cases within the state."
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Cordell & Cordell
Visit Website →A large national family law firm specifically focused on representing men in divorce and custody proceedings.
Target Audience
Men facing divorce, Fathers seeking custody, Men needing representation in family law
Service Offerings
Divorce Representation for Men
Advocacy focused on protecting men's rights in divorce.
- Asset protection
- Alimony defense
- Business owner representation
Child Custody for Fathers
Seeking fair custody arrangements and parenting time for fathers.
- Establishing paternity
- Custody modifications
- Fighting false allegations
Child Support Issues
Addressing child support calculation and modification.
- Ensuring fair calculations
- Support modification advocacy
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rate
Varies by location and attorney.
Retainer
Retainer required for services.
Pros
- + Extensive national reach.
- + Specific focus on representing men's interests.
- + Large number of attorneys across many states.
Cons
- - Focus on men may not suit all potential clients.
- - Reputation varies by office.
- - Can be perceived as overly aggressive by some.
Verdict
"A prominent national option specifically for men seeking representation in divorce and custody matters, offering wide accessibility."
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McKinley Irvin
Visit Website →One of the largest family law firms in the Pacific Northwest, offering a wide range of services across Washington and Oregon.
Target Audience
Individuals, Families, Complex Divorce Cases, Military Divorce
Service Offerings
Divorce
Representation in all types of divorce cases.
- Property division
- Spousal maintenance
- Military divorce issues
Child Custody & Support
Developing parenting plans and calculating support.
- Modifications
- Relocation cases
- Third-party custody
Adoption & Surrogacy
Legal services for growing families.
- Step-parent adoption
- Assisted reproduction technology law
Scorecard (Overall: 8.5 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rate
Varies by attorney and location.
Retainer
Retainer required, amount varies.
Consultation Fee
Initial consultation may have a fee.
Pros
- + Wide geographic coverage in the Pacific Northwest.
- + Broad range of family law services.
- + Good reputation in the region.
- + Offers services beyond divorce/custody.
Cons
- - Rates can still be high for the region.
- - Large firm structure may not appeal to everyone.
Verdict
"A leading choice for comprehensive family law services in Washington and Oregon, suitable for a variety of cases including complex matters."
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Stutman Stutman & Lichtenstein, LLP
Visit Website →A boutique matrimonial law firm in New York City, recognized for its expertise in complex financial and custody issues.
Target Audience
High-Net-Worth Individuals, Clients with complex financial portfolios, Contested Custody Cases
Service Offerings
Divorce and Equitable Distribution
Handling complex asset division in divorce.
- Valuation of businesses and professional licenses
- Tracing separate property claims
Child Custody and Access
Representation in difficult custody disputes.
- Forensic custody evaluations
- Parental coordination
Negotiation and Settlement
Emphasis on achieving favorable settlements when possible.
- Mediation support
- Settlement conferences
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rate
Premium New York City rates.
Retainer
Significant retainer required.
Pros
- + Highly specialized in matrimonial law.
- + Strong reputation in NYC.
- + Experienced litigators.
Cons
- - Boutique size might limit resources compared to larger firms.
- - Geographically limited.
- - High cost.
Verdict
"A respected NYC boutique firm for complex divorce and custody cases, particularly those involving intricate financial details."
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Berger Schatz
Visit Website →A leading Chicago-based family law firm known for representing affluent individuals in complex divorce and family law matters.
Target Audience
High-Net-Worth Individuals, Executives, Professionals
Service Offerings
Complex Divorce Litigation
Handling high-stakes divorce cases.
- Division of closely held businesses
- Trust and estate interests in divorce
- Executive compensation issues
Child Custody & Allocation of Parental Responsibilities
Navigating complex child-related disputes.
- Interstate and international custody
- Mental health expert involvement
Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
Strategic counsel on marital agreements.
- Negotiation
- Drafting
- Litigation
Scorecard (Overall: 8.5 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rate
Premium billing rates.
Retainer
Substantial retainer required for representation.
Pros
- + Highly respected in the Chicago legal community.
- + Expertise in complex financial matters.
- + Strong team of experienced attorneys.
Cons
- - Geographically focused on the Chicago area.
- - High cost.
Verdict
"A top-tier choice for affluent clients needing sophisticated family law representation in the Chicago metropolitan area."
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Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP
Visit Website →One of the largest law firms in the US dedicated exclusively to family law, renowned for its depth of expertise and resources.
Target Audience
Complex Divorce Litigants, Business Owners, Professionals
Service Offerings
Divorce
Handling all aspects of marriage dissolution.
- Forensic accounting
- Valuation of professional practices
- Executive compensation division
Parentage & Child Related Matters
Comprehensive services for custody, support, and paternity.
- Allocation of parental responsibilities
- Child removal/relocation
- College expense contribution
Appeals
Handling appeals of family law judgments.
- Appellate brief writing
- Oral arguments
Scorecard (Overall: 8.9 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rate
Varies by attorney seniority; generally high.
Retainer
Retainer required, amount depends on case complexity.
Pros
- + Largest family law firm concentration.
- + Significant resources and specialized knowledge.
- + Strong focus on financial aspects of divorce.
- + Offers mediation and collaborative law options.
Cons
- - Primarily serves Illinois and Missouri.
- - Cost can be prohibitive for some.
Verdict
"A powerhouse firm for complex family law matters in the Midwest, particularly cases involving intricate financial issues."
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Tropea McMillan LLP
Visit Website →A highly respected California-based boutique firm specializing exclusively in family law, known for handling high-profile cases.
Target Audience
High-Net-Worth Individuals, Entertainment Industry Professionals, Complex Custody Disputes
Service Offerings
Dissolution of Marriage
Expertise in complex divorce cases involving significant assets.
- Business valuation in divorce
- Hidden asset discovery
- Spousal support modification
Child Custody Litigation
Experienced representation in high-conflict custody battles.
- Move-away cases
- Parental alienation issues
Marital Agreements
Drafting and litigation involving prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
- Agreement validity challenges
Scorecard (Overall: 8.5 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rate
Premium rates standard for top Los Angeles firms.
Retainer
Substantial retainers required.
Pros
- + Specialized expertise in California family law.
- + Decades of experience with complex cases.
- + Strong reputation among peers and judiciary.
Cons
- - Limited geographic scope (primarily Southern California).
- - High cost.
- - Focus on litigation might not suit all clients.
Verdict
"A premier choice for complex, high-stakes family law matters within California, particularly for affluent clients."
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Blank Rome LLP
Visit Website →A large national firm with a dedicated and well-respected Matrimonial & Family Law practice group known for sophisticated counsel.
Target Audience
Affluent Individuals, Professionals, Clients needing multi-disciplinary support
Service Offerings
Matrimonial Law
Comprehensive services for divorce, including valuation and distribution of assets.
- Business valuation
- International custody
- Tax implications
Custody and Parenting Time
Addressing all aspects of child custody and access.
- Grandparent rights
- Interstate custody issues (UCCJEA)
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Mediation and arbitration services for family law matters.
- Collaborative divorce representation
Scorecard (Overall: 8.9 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rate
Tiered rates based on attorney experience; generally high.
Retainer
Significant retainer common for litigation matters.
Pros
- + Extensive resources of a large firm.
- + Broad range of family law services.
- + Strong reputation in multiple states.
Cons
- - Can be expensive.
- - Large firm environment may feel impersonal to some clients.
Verdict
"Excellent option for clients needing sophisticated family law representation combined with potential access to other legal expertise within the firm."
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View Top Ranked Provider
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Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP
Visit Website →A prominent national law firm with a highly regarded family and matrimonial law practice, often handling complex, high-stakes divorce and custody cases.
Target Audience
High-Net-Worth Individuals, Complex Divorce Cases, Business Owners
Service Offerings
Divorce and Separation
Representation in contested and uncontested divorce proceedings.
- Asset division
- Spousal support/alimony
- High-asset divorce litigation
Child Custody and Support
Handling custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and child support calculations.
- Custody modifications
- Parental relocation
- Paternity disputes
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
Drafting and negotiating marital agreements.
- Asset protection planning
- Agreement enforcement
Scorecard (Overall: 8.9 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rate
Premium rates reflecting extensive experience and complexity.
Retainer
Substantial retainer typically required.
Pros
- + Renowned for handling complex, high-net-worth cases.
- + Deep bench of experienced litigators.
- + National presence.
Cons
- - Very high cost, likely inaccessible for average individuals.
- - Primarily focused on litigation.
Verdict
"A top choice for affluent clients facing complex and contentious family law disputes, particularly divorces involving substantial assets."
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Final Recommendation
Choosing a family law attorney is a critical decision during sensitive times. The firms listed represent a range of top-tier options across the US, varying in size, geographic focus, and specific expertise. While many cater to high-net-worth individuals and complex litigation, others offer strong regional representation with specific expertise, such as military divorce or representing fathers' rights.
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