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05 Jan, 2024 by Kathy smith
Paul is the best trust attorney I have dealt with. He is amazing. Give him a try. You won't be disappointed.
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12 Apr, 2023 by Dinah hale
25 Apr, 2022 by Mark petersen
Paul did a great job for us! Very nice guy.
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25 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
I cannot be too specific, as I don't wish to be identified, however this attorney and her Team are not trustworthy. Furthermore, if you do or say anything that they are unhappy about, or disagree with, they take you to task and threaten you. All I can say is that in my dealings with her, there were lies told and cover ups throughout. I would recommend people to steer well clear of her and find a more reputable, honest Attorney who has true integrity.
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24 Jun, 2013 by Barbara
I have never, before or since, worked with an attorney with such integrity. Tara truly does all she can for both the birth parents and the adoptive parents, guiding both through what can be a tangled system.
We adopted our first baby through her and two years later went back to get our second baby! I have referred her several times because she is so honest.
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16 Jun, 2013 by Terri
I worked with Tara several years ago when adopting my daughter. The whole process can be overwhelming: not knowing what questions to ask, waiting for a child, termination of birth parent rights, etc. She and her staff were understanding and helpful during that time but also took care of business.
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22 Feb, 2022 by Paul
Brenda helped me several years ago with a custody case that had been in and out of courts for years. Brenda was the lawyer that finally made it so that my child had a voice in the hearings. After years of fighting for more time with my child it finally happened. Thank you Brenda for all of your hard work and brutal honesty about how things may or may not go.
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22 Jan, 2020 by Sean
Brenda handled my divorce for me like it was a piece of cake!!! She is very knowledgeable and has a lot of experience. I would not hesitate for a moment to recommend her to anyone. She also a very nice person, and it was my pleasure just to meet her. She will not let you down, so just give her a call! I'm so happy I did!
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20 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Ms. Denton took my case when I had a last minute, urgent situation, and has stuck with me through the end. She knows her family law. I chose Ms. Denton because of her reputation advocating for women in unsafe situations. I have enjoyed working with Ms. Denton through the years. I have come to recognize more about her outside of our case. Ms. Denton is experienced, thorough, intelligent, understanding, straight-forward, kind, and reliable. Lastly, I've noticed the professional rapport she has built in the justice system here in Northern MN. Ms. Denton has been my hero. I rate her 5-stars for walking through my messy and long-standing court case. Miigwech/thank you Ms. Denton!!
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12 Sep, 2022 by John luebrecht
Went here seeking legal advise, and I appreciated they were very upfront that their services didn't cover my situation. It saved wasting everybody's time
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19 Jan, 2022 by Tommy todd
05 Jul, 2021 by Elizabeth govero
Did everything right
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24 Feb, 2024 by Darya
Ellen represented me in my recent order of protection case. Her professionalism and expertise were invaluable assets throughout this challenging process.
Prior to each hearing, I experienced significant anxiety. Ellen was able to skillfully navigate these concerns and help ease my anxieties. Her calm demeanor and clear communication instilled confidence, and her ability to explain complex legal matters in a straightforward manner was truly appreciated.
While Ellen always maintained the utmost professionalism, she also possessed a genuine empathy for my situation. This combination of legal expertise and personal understanding made me feel truly supported throughout the process.
Ultimately, Ellen secured a favorable outcome in my case, granting me the order of protection and restoring a sense of safety and security for both me and my child. I am incredibly grateful for her dedication and unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible result.
Without hesitation, I highly recommend Ellen to anyone seeking legal representation in a similar situation. Her expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for her clients make her an exceptional attorney.
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25 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
Difficult to get a hold of. Would not return messages left. Rarely followed up on commitments. Did not meet promised deadlines.
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06 Mar, 2018 by Preston
Ellen was professional and precise when working against my ex wife's shady attorney. We remained calm and collected against multiple threats from the other attorney and ended coming out way ahead in my opinion. The divorce and alimony laws in Illinois are terrible, but I was happy with the outcome that Ellen was able to provide. She remained professional even when her counterpart did not and I appreciate that.
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05 Aug, 2019 by Julie
She is very professional, honest and a amazing human been. We are so excited of having her as a our lawyer she is very knowledgeable, smart lawyer , very organized and excellent lawyer. We will recommend her and we are so thankful and bless of having her as a our lawyer. Thank you so much for your hard work and taking your time and giving us excellent service, she listen to you and she care about you as a your client. She takes her time and keep you informed and help you in everything. Thank you so much for all your excellent work we really appreciate you.
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30 Jan, 2019 by Danny
I was being sued for child support for a son that lived with me and had passed away. Mrs Pons helped me with child support issues faster and cheaper than any other attorney I had spoken to before. Highly recommended. Answered all my calls and very professional.
Thank you Irene Pons for everything.
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03 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
This lawyer and her professional paralegal team did all the necessary steps to assist me with my divorce case. Something that could have easily escalated, she turn it to be very calm and collected process. She knows the circuit and is very professional. I hope I don’t need to use a lawyer in the future but, if I do, Irene and Claudia will have me as a client at no doubts.
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19 Oct, 2017 by Tom
Yes I knew Greta before she represented me in my attorney but that's exactly why I hired her. I knew she was smart and compassionate and that she doesn't do anything halfway. Greta had my best interest in mind throughout the process but understood that my interest was in the wellbeing of my children. I would hire her again and have and will recommend her to family and friends.
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06 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Kyle was very nice to work with and his experience in Family Court was an asset.
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03 Aug, 2014 by Smitty
Gretta is personable and friendly , and has a great personality.
I do however feel she reproached, humiliated & belittled me (unintentionally) in front of my ex , who NEEDED to see someone take a stand for me and our children ! - instead making me feel even more rejected and loathed and i sincerely felt sold out
I am truly disappointed because she had been so promising and I thought I may finally get issues resolved concerning my ex's manipulative, demanding, controlling ways and using influences and power and charm to control custody issues and contempt of my time and holidays.
In the end, she was manipulated by my ex also and because of this , the contempt issues have only grown and I feel I lost my kids because of her neglect to see abuse and manipulation as it is. Even though i still have custody , my ex does as pleases,and knows theyre above the court law.
While i like Gretta as a person, her professionalism is not a strong point and My rights dont matter in the end.
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18 Jan, 2022 by Lester wells
07 Sep, 2021 by Ben legault
Informative
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14 Feb, 2021 by Doris hightower
01 Apr, 2024 by Brian
Called several times just to get an appointment. Couldnt even get a day/time to meet.
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31 Dec, 2023 by Shehzad barkat tejani
28 Jan, 2020 by Kristen knight
We are from out of state and received some excellent and thoughtful legal advice for our business. I would recommend them as a business attorney to anyone.
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17 May, 2024 by Audrey
Breanne took my retainer and RAN. She would take weeks to respond to a call or email, and constantly missed deadlines. She promised me she would lead me through this divorce and did the absolute opposite. I had to let her go due to her negligence and she refused to give me a refund. Please do yourself a favor and NEVER work with the Clark Law Firm.
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13 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Breanne was thorough with everything! She is really good at what she does. 10/10 will hire again if I need to!
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11 Oct, 2021 by Jessica
Breanne was my attorney, and myself and my children are so happy for her work. My ex husband was refusing to see the children and was never placed on child support. To top it off a long string of verbal and electronic abuse toward me and my many attempts to resolve the children needs such as visitation and help in buying clothes, we’re always met with flat out bullying, from him.
She was brilliant in every Proceedings and In communicating to the court exactly what my family needed. I always felt understand, well informed in what to expect and how things would play out. She was an absolute blessing. Her knowledge of the law, but above all else her personality and kind nature , gave me an irreplaceable strength in the journey. I never felt judged as I shared the emails and text messages, that I was embarrassed to share. Rather she was kind and validated that my kids needed more. Because of her knowledge of the law and guidance, I spoke up for myself for the first time. In truth I was always acting tough in regards to my ex husband but would end up always giving in to his bulling because of intimidation or just sheer exhaustion. Breanne’s empathy gave a safe environment to seek help and get results. Everything we asked for we got in the case. And much more. God showed up and showed out as the saying goes, or in other words Breanne Clark has been an absolute blessing. Writing this brings me to tears, because it’s hard to explain how invisible I felt , compared to now, how much mine and my children’s lives have changed for the better. We’re infinitely grateful. It was a roller coaster no question. But now there’s finally some peace.
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04 Aug, 2020 by Laura
Meghan Bodie was very compassionate, professional and made my divorce process smoother than I could have ever imagined. She took time to answer any questions I had and helped me every step of the way. I moved during the process, and she was able to complete my filing and finish everything across the distance. I highly recommend - couldn't have done it without her!
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30 Jul, 2020 by Mandy
I am a single mother of 2 children, father showed very little interest in our children and had many addictions . After father tested positive for drugs and proof of how mentally unstable dad was she made an agreement to allow our children to be supervised by grandpa who left them alone with father while he was intoxicated. Ms. Bodie, gave me terrible advise and put my infant and toddler in harm's way. She did not show up for court and sent her paralegal who told the judge " I dont know the case well enough to answer that question" even the judge responded "then why are you here" I was also wondering the same thing. I was still charged for that day also. Many emails of not being responded to. Ms. Bodie has no idea what she is doing and charged me for a bunch of paperwork that she never showed or had signed by a judge so therefore, I could not use a single document in future court situations. She was not bold, she had very little knowledge of what my rights were, and did not fight for me or my children. Honestly,
this lady is heartless and money hungry. Shame on you for taking advantage of me and my children knowing our situation Meghan... After almost 4,000 dollars later, she did not help me further my case but actually set me back almost a year and a half and STILL have not established child support and father is still playing games and not responsible for following anything court or lawyers requested. It seemed like Meghan was not for me but for the father. I also know another family that she screwed over big time and put their foster child in harm's way when they wanted to adopt and give this child a better life. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND HER OR HER LAW FIRM. I'm surprised that she had positive reviews.
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13 Nov, 2016 by Jason
It's been a hard couple of months on my family. Without a doubt, the service that Meghan Bodie provided uplifted us in our time of need. While the ebbs and flows of the case didn't always go our way, Meghan always fought for us and our family's needs.
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01 Mar, 2012 by Andrew
Christine was referred to me by a friend in the legal environment. From day one, I knew I was in good hands. She answered any questions I had and gave me great advice throughout the whole process. Her drive to help her clients and get a quick resolution was phenomenal.
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01 Feb, 2012 by Keith
If you are looking for a diligent, responsive, trustworthy attorney, look no further than Christine Stolle. I am very satisfied with how Christine worked toward a fair resolution and successfully litigated issues I had concerning a divorce settlement. Christine was very thorough while working my case and kept me well informed. I felt very comfortable having such a zealous advocate with me in court. I would hire Christine again, no questions asked.
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30 Jan, 2012 by Candy
Christine was very efficient for me. My ex did everything he could to make things difficult but she was somehow able to get him to come to the final result that I was happy with. She was truthful with me-both positive and negative (when I needed it). She promptly (quicker than I expected) responded to my questions and issues about the divorce and helped me through this difficult time. When I worked with her face to face I was absolutely amazed at how quickly she was able to work and figure things out. Our financial situation was complicated and she sure knew how to work those numbers and FAST. My money was well spent and I have even had to hire her again a few months ago because my ex was in contempt of court. She is absolutely fabulous. I would hire her again. I first hired her in January of 2010.
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12 Jul, 2022 by Jeffrey chen
Catelyn helped us navigate all the paperwork and processes associated with an adult adoption. We are very happy to have employed her for her expertise and service. What would have been a confusing and laborious process felt so smooth and easy!
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11 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Hired and paid retainer fee. From that moment...Zero contact with us. Never returned calls. Emailed late at night after events of day have come to pass.
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07 Nov, 2018 by Scott h.
Efficient. Professional. Knowledgeable.
Definite recommend.
Efficient. Professional. Knowledgeable.
Definite recommend.
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05 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
I had a consultation with Mr. LaDouceur. He blamed me for my predicament. He was arrogant and condescending. I knew immediately that I would never hire him. I cut the consultation short.
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17 Nov, 2016 by Doug
Mr. LaDoucer was the only attorney that "got it" Todd helped us get our Mother, Ernestine Franks out of a For-Profit Guardianship and that was a 1 in 320,000,000 long shot. He is extremely intelligent, aggressive, and able to get up to speed quickly. He takes the cases that others will not touch. He is not your typical attorney thank God!
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17 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. LaDouceur helped me through my nasty divorce. He fought for everything I deserved and helped me gain custody of my children.
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15 Sep, 2020 by Tammy olson
19 Dec, 2019 by Kyle olson
05 May, 2019 by Ben johnson
16 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Katie is not good at replying to emails. If you have important deadlines or prefer responses in a timely manner, Katie is not for you.
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18 Aug, 2023 by Peter
I felt as though I was already at a disadvantage being male in DuPage and seeking as much time as possible with my daughter. My ex wanted to fight over every little thing possible. After 6.5 years and several lawyers later, by the grace of God, I found Katie.
Katie turned the entire case around and it was resolved in 18 months. Katie diligently reviewed the case file and had my ex figured out. She always responded to my calls and emails in a very timely manner. She was well prepared for all of our hearings. My case was a mess filled with drama and I don't know what I would have done without Katie. Thank you for everything!
As of today, I have a 50/50 spilt with my daughters mom. I would highly recommend her for any and all aspects of a divorce or parentage case.
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03 Jan, 2022 by Dlk
Katie Kenny was a member of a firm of which I was a partner. We were always pleased with her work and demeanor. In addition, after I retired, we retained Katie for a large civil case in which we were involved. Katie has always been punctual, respectful, very thoughtful in sorting out issues, calm, insightful in her analysis, thorough and professional. I recommend Kate Kenny without reservation.
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18 Feb, 2022 by Al deeds
Bill has always been professional and done a superb job for me.
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30 Nov, 2020 by Tyson daniel holmes
14 May, 2019 by Harbor higginbotham
24 Jul, 2022 by Gerry
This attorney, took $4900 from me to do nothing but cost me my sons paternity time to be thwarted by not giving me notice that I had a child custody hearing. She was unprepared in a TPO order prior and would not assert herself to a lying & vindictive wife. Today I’m having to get another attorney to clean up her mess. She dismissed herself from my case without advising me of my child custody case court date. As a result I haven’t seen my son in almost 8 months. Now I have to fork out another $2500.00 for another attorney. Thanks Joyce for a splendid job that you managed to foul up. GREAT JOB!
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17 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms. Edwards and her staff are excellent, their attention to detail and work ethic are to be commended. She did so much more than our previous lawyer and was able to get a legal matter that had been hanging on for years resolved quickly. I highly recommend.
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05 Jun, 2012 by Faith smith
Joy is amazing. She always listened to me to understand what my needs were and she did a superior job executing my request. Although I just met Joy, she managed my case like she was a close family friend who sincerely had my best interest at heart. During the trial she was not thrown off by the other party's spontaneous attempts to sneak in invalid information. She even fought for me all the way to the end when the Judge was giving the decision; she recommended an alternate proposal which would benefit me and the Judge accepted. I am so glad she knew what she was doing. From the first conversation with Joy I felt confident in her ability to handle my case and from the day I hired her I never worried again about my case. I would highly recommend Joy and she will handle all of my family matters.
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16 May, 2024 by Luke
I had a wonderful experience with Chris! He seems to genuinely care about his clients and is careful to not charge beyond what is necessary.
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17 Oct, 2021 by Heather
Chris was an outstanding attorney to work with during the purchase of my condo. He is an expert in the real estate and housing market. I would highly recommend working with him for any of your real estate needs. This was my first time purchasing a home and Chris aided in easing my stress and made the process seamless.
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20 May, 2014 by Anonymous
I hired Attorney Vaughn-Martel after a civil lawsuit was filed against me by an ex-girlfriend over ownership rights to a vehicle I had solely purchased during our 4+ year relationship. An injunction/ court order was filed against me stating that I was not allowed to sell the vehicle until the case was heard before a judge. I hired Vaughn-Martel in hopes that he'd be able to assist in getting the court order lifted as I was unable to afford payments on the vehicle and wanted to be able to sell it. After several months of negotiations between Vaughn-Martel and the plaintiff's attorney a Settlement Agreement was drafted by Vaughn-Martel's office and was forwarded to me for review and signature. I stated the Agreement was to my liking and was told that the Agreement would be sent out AS IS to the Plaintiff and then sent to me for signatures. Problems arose when I found out that after I had approved what I thought to be the FINAL draft of the Settlement Agreement that the Plaintiff's attorney asked that a few changes be made and Attorney Vaughn-Martel's office made these changes without my knowledge, consent or even a discussion of such. When I contacted Attorney Vaughn-Martel to indicate my disproval of such changes I was told that there was nothing they could do to change the Agreement back as the REVISED Agreement had already been mailed out to the Plaintiff for signature. I was beyond irate at this point. To make matters worse is the Plaintiff was never able to obtain financing in order to follow through on the terms of the Settlement Agreement by purchasing the vehicle to pay off my loan (which I couldn't afford to pay and faced repossession of) and to compensate me for monies she had stolen via check fraud / forgery. After the Plaintiff had breached the Agreement by not coming up with the funds within the allotted time frame as per Agreement terms, I was advised by Attorney Vaughn-Martel that selling the vehicle, paying off the loan and keeping the balance of the agreed upon sales amount for myself would be a "viable solution to complying with the agreement, getting rid of the car, and getting settlement funds, all in a way that protects my interests in the event I had to go in front of a judge." I followed my attorneys exact advice and I sold the vehicle 2 days prior to the date it was to be repossessed but only got what I owed. When I got in front of the judge though I was found in contempt of court for going against the imposed court order. Attorney Vaughn-Martel never once stated that he had advised me to do such nor did he defend me in any sense of the word. He never tried to state facts and in no way stood up for me. He seemed to have no idea what to say in court and came across as being completely unprepared, incompetent, unprofessional and unknowledgeable of how to defend a client. He let me hang out to dry and when I confronted him prior to the next hearing for my punishment in front of the judge he totally denied ever having advised me to go against the court order. I even showed him his own email to me stating his advice and he still insisted he never advised such. He then stated it would be in my best interest to allow the civil case against me along with my counterclaims against her for stolen monies be dismissed as per the Plaintiff's request or the judge could punish me by making me pay her money for selling the car. I felt as though I was being coerced into settling the case because my attorney didn't want to have to explain himself to the judge as to why he advised his client to go against a court order. Due to being in fear of what the judge might fine/punish me with and knowing I had no more money and no real counsel on my side to defend me I went against my rights and agreed to allow the case to be dismissed. I ended up with nothing more than destroyed credit & added debt due to racking up $7k in legal fees.....way more than Vaughn-Martel Law ever truly earned or deserved
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05 Apr, 2024 by Rodney quills
would give zero stars if i could. this absolute cartoon of a lawyer blew me a kiss goodbye as i was on my way out the door after a poorly conducted consultation. keep your wife and kids far away from this deviant.
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27 Jul, 2019 by Christina
Schaefer was extremely effective, efficient, fast and professional. Very to the point, honest and a bull dog in the court room without being overly aggressive. His previous experiences both professionally and personally make him a true asset to have by your side for custody court. He provided the platform my son needed to come back home. Thank you, Mr. Schaefer. Our lives are changed for the better!!
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25 Sep, 2018 by Micheal
Great lawyer, got primary custody of my kids. Was very helpful and knowledgeable about the law
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30 Dec, 2021 by Danielle
We have worked with Mark since 2012 through a very messy custody matter. He has given us exceptional representation and success. Even though the fight was long, Mark worked hard and prevailed every step of the way. We recommend him to anyone and everyone.
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27 Apr, 2021 by Richard
Marks opening statement to the court was
" Your honor this case is a crap shoot" I knew I picked the wrong attorney. After thousands of dollars paid he demanded payment in full for the balance or he was quitting the case. And he quit. Never won at anything in court but to have the judge let him quit. He than sued me for the money owed. We settled on a lower amount.
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02 Sep, 2020 by Dave
I have been working with Mark over the last few years with a custody battle. My ex was causing problems with me and stopped, but then started up again this past spring. Mark has been very helpful with whole situation. I would highly recommend him as a lawyer. He has a lot of knowledge with the law and works with you.
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22 Sep, 2023 by Amy
Everything she did I could have done on my own…do not recommend in any capacity.
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04 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Caprice Hicks-Bunting has been a great advocate for my family and most importantly my child during our custody case. She has been knowledgeable, and has been very caring, understanding and down to earth. She is a great attorney who knows her stuff, and genuinely cares about her clients, and the children involved more than just making a dollar off of her clients. She knows just what to file when, when to object or request on your behalf, she is aggressive at the right times. I highly recommend her.
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03 Sep, 2013 by The kreger family
Caprice Hicks Bunting is a no nonsense attorney who gets the job done !
She was involved in a custody case for our family and did an excellent job. Being in Lancaster County and also being a male wanting shared custody is an uphill battle which she handled with ease. She did this while charging a reasonable price. If you want a lot of fluff and a fancy office don't bother calling but if you want a tiger by your side who does what she says she will then this is the attorney to contact. Hoping not to need her anytime soon but if we do she will be the one we will be calling .
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08 Jan, 2024 by Tara
Very hard to get a hold of. Went by office during business hours. Nobody was there. Don’t know what to do. Sent an email that said he’s going to take our real property. I don’t know what that means. I don’t know what to do.
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06 Jan, 2012 by Robert
Fantastic Lawyer. Made sure we were well informed and always professional and courteous. Relayed information in a way that we understood and avoided the typical rhetoric of lawyer talk. Down to earth and easy to talk to and listens well. We put our trust in Mr Burdsal and he delivered. Top of the line Lawyer and individual.
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04 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
Nathan is helping us with a case in preventing an individual from taking out bankruptcy. He has helped us in presenting a criminal action against this person. I have appreciated the ease in working with Nathan, his honesty in explaining our rights, and costs, along with letting us know he will do his best but the case will be determined upon it's merits. This helped us in deciding how much we are willing to risk. I don't want to be told you can't lose, and then find out I wasted a lot of money. He has helped us with other legal matters, and has been great.
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01 Apr, 2024 by Kriste s
Jim is an outstanding attorney who exceeded my expectations and got me the best outcome possible. I consulted multiple attorneys prior to finding Jim; no one came close to his level of professionalism and experience. Jim was an invaluable resource during a very difficult time and he truly has his clients' best interests in mind. I cannot recommend Jim more highly.
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07 Mar, 2024 by Kurt elkins
Had to find new law firm because this one lied to us and here is the last email I sent to their office after finally getting my documents back along with half retainer due to the non refundable clause in the contact. Even though they breached the contract with dishonesty and poor standard of care. Placing my grievance with the state for our wasted time and funds.
email from me to office manager:
Is it a breach of contract to lie to your client or just a breach of ethics? We have honored our side of the contract with the expectation to get honest representation and a standard of care. Now we have a huge waste of time and money because of the professional performance of your firm. I will attach the email communication that proves that we have been told two different statements. First being an email labeled (receipts), In which I provided Mrs. Frey with the receipts she requested. In her response, "I have reviewed the discovery served upon you and have made my objections; I'll scan over to you once I return to the office. Along with it, I'll send you a tip sheet to make the process less daunting".. Document was never sent. A week later, I asked through email for an update on our CS case since I have heard nothing since the last email stating that she would scan and send documents. Her reply was "how's it going with the discovery?". Which is ridiculous to ask seeing as she had the discovery and never sent it back with the corrected questionnaire. I responded, informing her that she has the discovery and was reviewing it last week. Her response was " just double checked, looks pretty straight forward!"..... This is completely opposite of what was said the week before. Both cannot be true and can only conclude that one statement is a lie. This is a complete abandonment of trust along with the lackadaisical update on our case, especially when I am asking on a Friday evening whether we are showing up for court Monday morning because I have gotten no word from my paid attorney.
I believe this is gross negligence of standard of care from your firm. I will leave a detailed review of my experience with your firm and place my grievance with the state.
This is a very important matter to my family and I. I hope that other cases you have, that you treat them with more respect and care than we have received.
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02 Jan, 2024 by Tommy sullivan
23 Mar, 2023 by Kendra
John Ward and his team have been nothing less then spectacular. My case has been a load and a half, DV, divorce, custody battle and many appeals. John has never backed down, he has stood strong and always fought for my son and I's best intrest and keeping us safe all the while. John and Michelle are always a phone call away and are very supportive, making sure all the bases are covered. I am so thankful for everything that John and his team do to stay on top of everything, 10/10 recommended.
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24 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
BEWARE! John Ward is a scum bag. He makes glitter look like gold during a consultation and after he receives payments does absolutely nothing. Mr Ward is a thief. He makes up false billing fees stating he is doing work for your case when he does nothing. Even though I lost thousands of dollars, firing Mr Ward was the best decision I could have made. Please don’t waste your time and money on this man. After all the complaints with the State Bar of Wisconsin I am surprised he is still able to he’s not disbarred!
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04 Jun, 2020 by Paulette
John Anthony Ward is representing us in a custody case. Mr. Ward is a consummate professional, and he treats us as though we are his only clients. He works hard for us, and he keeps us informed about the progress of the case. We win every time we go to court thanks to Mr. Ward.
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09 May, 2021 by Philip
Charges $50 for opening file. Ask me for info or do something, then charges for all phone calls & emails ($300 for me). Watch who you talk, $75 for ass't, $250 for lawyer, Marie. Charged $500. for Marie to drive to court and another $250 for 1/2 hr of court. In return for me, $65 for unserved subpoenas, over $200 in prep for original deposition that Marie was a no show. Marie never called witnesses for testimony until court, even though she was given info months ahead. Ability to represent for and during trial showed a lack of preparation and inexperience. Needless to say, we lost case of 9yr County notorized recorded deed as invalid, based only on memory testimony of senior citizen, claiming not present with no other legal physical evidence. Of course, Ms Troxler offered to handle appeal with up front $3500 nonrefundable retainer. No way, hired another lawyer to clean up her mess. This firm probably would lose case for Abe Lincoln. Oh, firm doesn't give monthly statements, so watch your charges from day of retaining firm. This firm only does basic legal forms needed by court, no investigating. You would do better, pro se, if you got knowledge to file legal forms. At least, if you lose, you save that nonrefundable retainer. At least, you know your best effort was done. Something this firm may have a hard time ethically saying.
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02 Feb, 2021 by Crystal
I hired her and always told me what was needed for my case. She stood up for me and counter argued what was needed. I highly recommend her. She won my case against my son and would do it again.
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01 Aug, 2020 by Robert
I hired Tracy to do a divorce and a complex business matter. She did a great job and got the results I wanted. Always able to reach her and returned all calls promptly. Great communicator with me and great fighter in the court room.
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13 May, 2023 by Love my kids
He's a great lawyer
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12 May, 2023 by Holly fabiani
02 May, 2023 by Heather racho
You know why you're getting one star Archibald.......
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12 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
Heather represented us on a DUI. She thoroughly reviewed the case information, kept us in the loop on what was occurring and worked hard to get the best outcome under the circumstances. Heather answered all of our questions and provided us with realistic and practical information to assist us in this process. She was extremely pleasant, helpful and had a wealth of knowledge in helping us navigate the unfortunate situation that we were in. I highly recommend her to anyone in the Fairbanks area looking for legal assistance.
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02 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I had what was a slam dunk situation (described by Ms Brown and another respected lawyer) in my favor and the way Ms. Brown wrote up the paperwork, it not only got denied by the court. It was filled out wrong and I had to go and scratch out parts of her work and rewrite parts of it. Once my situation was denied, I tried calling Ms Brown and I couldn't even get a return call from her. I hope local residents avoid this attorney. So many better options out there and you deserve so much better treatment from an attorney.
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09 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Heather was a true pleasure to work with, in my trying time. She helped me along the way explaining every step and walking me through every situation. By far the best in town. All tough I hope I never need a lawyer again. If I do, there is no question who I will be calling.
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15 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
This attorney is only concerned with money and how much she can make off of you. She will promise you great results, then get you involved in a living hell. Hired for a family court case that took forever and cost me a fortune. Could have done it better myself, and saved a lot of money, time, and pain. Referred and would never refer her to anyone I know.
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05 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
She's the best lawyer around, I had her for family court as well she fought and fought for me and my child ...was hard to get in contact with at times but she's very busy and when I called she would get back with in two days and if very important less then 4hrs of not in court ....if it wasn't for her I would never have gotten threw my case and have my son ..she explained things so well to so I could understand what was what ....I will recommend her for anyone in family court...
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05 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
She helped me get my child from her father who always made my child feel horrible about her self and never cared what he did to her....she explained anything I asked about and was a shark in the court room and fought unbelievably hard for me even thou she didn't know me or my child.....I would deff recommend her to anyone she's awesome ....
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15 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
One of the smartest attorneys I have ever met. His satiric way of thinking is absolutely incredible. He wins every case. Go watch this man in Court. Holy Wow! I am not going in to detail on my case(s), but I can tell you this...I will never choose another attorney for any of my legal issues. Eric Wulff is the best. He may not call you back every time, but that is not because he is twiddling his thumbs, it is because he is throwing punches and fighting aggressively for you!
And no I was not paid to type this. Kind, great, caring attorneys need to be recognized.
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23 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
Seriously, one of the best attorneys and staff! I got my divorce done in a quickly manner, without having to spend a lot of money. Great legal advice!
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22 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
I have to say my experience with Eric and his paralegal was horrible. I had to call multiple times to get questions answered and Eric would never respond. He took 2500 dollars from me and promise to get order of protection for my child and he never filed through with it. When I asked for a budget his paralegal would always say she could not get a hold of him and he is in court. He ended up keeping my money and lying and saying he would get with his book keeper and never did. I would not recommend him or his staff. They will take your money and not help. I had to file a complaint with the bar to try and get my money back.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What an Adoption Lawyer Can Do for You
An adoption lawyer specializes in navigating the legal complexities of the adoption process, ensuring that the rights of all parties involved - the adoptive parents, birth parents, and the child - are protected. They assist families through the different types of adoption, such as domestic, international, foster care, stepparent, and private adoptions. Adoption lawyers ensure that the adoption process complies with state, federal, and international laws, and handle any legal issues that may arise during the process, such as terminating parental rights, conducting home studies, and finalizing the adoption.
If you're looking to adopt or if you're a birth parent considering placing your child for adoption, an adoption lawyer can guide you through the legal requirements and ensure the process goes smoothly.
When Should I Hire an Adoption Lawyer?
You should consider hiring an adoption lawyer in the following situations:
- Private or independent adoption: If you’re adopting a child directly from the birth parents without the involvement of an adoption agency, a lawyer is essential to draft and review all legal documents, including consent forms and parental rights termination agreements.
- Foster care adoption: If you’re adopting a child from foster care, a lawyer can help navigate the legal process, ensure the child’s eligibility for adoption, and represent you in court to finalize the adoption.
- Stepparent or relative adoption: If you’re adopting a stepchild or a relative, a lawyer can assist in terminating the parental rights of the biological parent and ensure the adoption is completed legally and efficiently.
- International adoption: International adoptions are complex, involving multiple layers of laws from the U.S. and the child’s birth country. A lawyer can help navigate immigration requirements and ensure compliance with international treaties like the Hague Convention.
- Contested adoptions: If a birth parent changes their mind about the adoption or there is a dispute over parental rights, a lawyer can represent you in court and ensure that the adoption proceeds legally.
- Adoption for same-sex couples: If you're a same-sex couple looking to adopt, a lawyer can help ensure that your adoption complies with state laws and that both parents have equal legal rights to the child.
- Birth parent representation: If you’re a birth parent considering adoption, a lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected, help you understand the legal implications of terminating parental rights, and ensure that your decision is legally sound.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help avoid legal complications and ensure that the adoption is legally finalized as smoothly as possible.
What Does an Adoption Lawyer Do?
An adoption lawyer provides a variety of legal services, ensuring that the adoption process is completed in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing legal paperwork: Adoption lawyers handle all the necessary paperwork, including petitions to terminate parental rights, consent forms, and final adoption decrees. They ensure that the adoption is in line with state, federal, and international laws.
- Conducting home studies: Some adoptions require a home study to evaluate the prospective adoptive family. While a social worker usually conducts the study, a lawyer can ensure that the process complies with legal requirements and that the report is submitted correctly.
- Terminating parental rights: Lawyers assist in terminating the legal rights of the biological parents, either voluntarily through signed consent or involuntarily through court proceedings if necessary.
- Representing clients in court: Adoption lawyers represent adoptive parents, birth parents, or other parties in court hearings to finalize the adoption or resolve disputes.
- Navigating international adoption laws: For international adoptions, a lawyer helps ensure that all legal requirements, both in the U.S. and the child’s home country, are met, including securing the child’s visa and citizenship.
- Providing legal advice: Adoption lawyers guide clients through each step of the adoption process, advising them on their rights and obligations, as well as any potential legal issues that may arise.
- Drafting post-adoption agreements: In some cases, especially open adoptions, a lawyer can help draft post-adoption agreements that specify the level of contact between the adoptive and birth parents.
How Are Adoption Lawyers Paid?
Adoption lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the adoption and the time involved. Common payment structures include:
- Flat fee: Many adoption lawyers charge a flat fee for handling the entire adoption process. This is common for straightforward adoptions, such as stepparent or foster care adoptions, where the legal work is relatively predictable.
- Hourly rate: For more complex adoptions, such as contested or international adoptions, some lawyers charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $200 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: In cases where the adoption process may take longer or involve more legal work (e.g., termination of parental rights or court disputes), a lawyer may require a retainer, which is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on the case.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront, so you understand the total cost of the adoption and any additional expenses that may arise during the process.
How Much Does an Adoption Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an adoption lawyer depends on the type of adoption and the complexity of the case. General cost estimates include:
- Stepparent or relative adoption: Legal fees for these types of adoptions typically range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on whether the adoption is contested or requires a court hearing.
- Domestic private adoption: The legal fees for a private adoption usually range from $5,000 to $10,000, including drafting documents, terminating parental rights, and finalizing the adoption in court.
- International adoption: International adoptions are generally more expensive, with legal fees ranging from $7,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the adoption and the child’s country of origin.
- Contested adoption: If the adoption is contested and involves court disputes, legal fees may range from $10,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the length and complexity of the court proceedings.
In addition to lawyer fees, adoptive parents should also be aware of additional costs such as court filing fees, home study fees, and travel expenses (for international adoptions).
Top Questions to Ask an Adoption Lawyer
Before hiring an adoption lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they have the experience and knowledge to handle your case effectively. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with adoptions?
Ensure the lawyer has experience with the specific type of adoption you’re pursuing, whether it’s domestic, international, foster care, or stepparent adoption. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee or hourly rate and ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs involved in your adoption. -
What are the legal requirements for my adoption?
Ask the lawyer to explain the legal steps involved in your adoption and any specific requirements that may apply to your case, such as home studies or parental consent. -
How long will the adoption process take?
Adoption timelines can vary depending on the type of adoption, so ask the lawyer for an estimate of how long the process will take, including any potential delays. -
What are the common challenges in adoption cases?
Ask about any potential legal challenges that could arise during the adoption process and how the lawyer plans to address them. -
Will I need to go to court?
Depending on the adoption, you may need to attend court hearings. Ask the lawyer whether your presence will be required and what to expect during these hearings. -
Can you help with post-adoption issues?
Ask the lawyer if they can assist with any post-adoption issues, such as obtaining the child’s birth certificate, finalizing the child’s U.S. citizenship (for international adoptions), or drafting post-adoption contact agreements.
How to Check the Credibility of an Adoption Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable adoption lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no disciplinary actions on their record.
- Look for adoption experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in adoption law and have experience handling cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about their experience with the lawyer.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on adoption cases.
- Check for memberships in relevant organizations: Look for lawyers who are members of adoption-focused organizations like the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys (AAAA), which can indicate their expertise in this field.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your first consultation with an adoption lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Information about the child and birth parents: Provide any available information about the child you’re adopting (e.g., age, country of origin, current living situation) and the birth parents, if applicable.
- Adoption preferences: Be clear about the type of adoption you’re pursuing - whether it’s domestic, international, foster care, stepparent, or private - and discuss any preferences you have regarding the child’s age, background, or special needs.
- Legal documents (if applicable): If you’ve already begun the adoption process or have signed any agreements, bring copies of all relevant legal documents, such as consent forms or agency agreements.
- Questions about the adoption process: Prepare a list of questions about the legal steps involved in your adoption, potential timelines, and any concerns you may have about the process.
- Financial considerations: Be ready to discuss your budget for legal fees and any additional costs, such as home studies, court fees, and travel expenses (for international adoptions).
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice for your adoption journey.
