How much does it cost to hire Brian for a child custody case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Brian walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Brian offer a free consultation?

Brian charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Brian's current terms during booking.

How long do child custody cases in Maryland typically take?

Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Brian gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Brian take my case if I'm outside Bethesda?

Brian is licensed in Maryland. Matters governed by Maryland law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Brian will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Brian?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Brian will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Brian accepting new child custody clients right now?

Brian's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Brian West, Child Custody Attorney in Bethesda, Maryland

Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Criminal Defense · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Of Counsel

Bethesda, MD

Practicing child custody in Bethesda since 1985.

41+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Criminal Defense Divorce Family Law Litigation +2 more →

Are you Brian West?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Brian West is an of counsel based in Bethesda, MD. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Criminal Defense. Brian has over 41 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Bethesda, MD
Experience: over 41 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Criminal Defense

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Criminal Defense matters from Bethesda, MD.
Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Brian West

Brian concentrates on child custody, child support, criminal defense, divorce, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Brian handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Bethesda, Maryland

Brian takes child custody matters in Bethesda, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Bethesda, Maryland

Brian takes child support matters in Bethesda, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Bethesda, Maryland

Brian takes criminal defense matters in Bethesda, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Bethesda, Maryland

Brian takes divorce matters in Bethesda, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Bethesda, Maryland

Brian takes family law matters in Bethesda, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Brian West — Over 41 years of Maryland child custody experience

Brian West is a lawyer practicing domestic relations, family law, divorce and 6 other areas of law. Brian received a B.A. degree from George Mason University in 1981, and has been licensed for 41 years. Brian practices in Bethesda, MD.

Working with Brian on a child custody matter

Clients Brian works with

Brian reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, child support, and criminal defense matters in Bethesda and the surrounding Maryland area.

Credentials

Brian West's legal education and bar admissions

George Mason University School of Law
J.D. · 1985
George Mason University
B.A. · 1981

Jurisdictions

Brian's state bar admissions

Maryland
1986 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1986 · ACTIVE
Virginia
1985 · ACTIVE

Brian studied at J.D. in George Mason University School of Law and B.A. in George Mason University.

Law school and academic background

Brian completed J.D. in George Mason University School of Law and B.A. in George Mason University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Brian runs in Maryland is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Brian West

Brian has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Brian West's office in Bethesda

Brian's primary office is at 1 Unknown, Bethesda, MD, 20814. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

1 Unknown

Bethesda, MD 20814

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Brian West — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Brian. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing child custody attorneys in Bethesda.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Brian West claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Brian West — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new child custody attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Brian usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Brian charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Brian will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Bethesda, Maryland

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Brian

Brian discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in child custody practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Brian confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Brian's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many child custody practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Brian West

How much does it cost to hire Brian for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Brian walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Brian offer a free consultation?
Brian charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Brian's current terms during booking.
How long do child custody cases in Maryland typically take?
Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Brian gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Brian take my case if I'm outside Bethesda?
Brian is licensed in Maryland. Matters governed by Maryland law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Brian will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Brian?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Brian will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Brian accepting new child custody clients right now?
Brian's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Child Custody attorneys serving Bethesda, Baltimore and Annapolis in Maryland

Brian handles child custody matters throughout Maryland. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified child custody attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Brian's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child custody attorneys in Bethesda handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.