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04 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
When my estranged father died, I didn't know where to start because, unbeknownst to me, his will documents had been removed from the house. Christine answered my call and spoke with me about possible next actions. Once his will was returned and placed where it could be easily found, I followed up with Christine and she spoke with me again as to next steps. Christine would be my first choice through the legal process if there had been any further legal action needed from me.
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30 Jan, 2023 by Cynthia aleidan
After getting myself into a bind by firing my previous lawyer and suffering almost five years of continuations/deliberations against my ex-husband's notorious criminal/divorce lawyer, she won my case. She is friendly and kind, unlike most lawyers Ive encountered. Meticulous record keeping and fair pricing, I highly recommend her.
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30 Jan, 2023 by Cynthia
Christine was recommended by Child and Family services after I got myself in a bind by firing my previous lawyer and stood trial alone against a notorious criminal/family/divorce lawyer in Madison County. After almost five years of deliberations and continuances by my ex-husband's lawyer, she won my case. She is honest and friendly unlike most lawyers Ive come across. I highly recommend her. Meticulous record keeping and runs her office/billing herself so there is no run around and when you call, you speak directly to her.
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28 Jul, 2019 by Robert s
Good but Costco rotisserie chicken is still too on my list
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07 May, 2018 by James smith
This attorney is the best person if you need the best you need David camp he knows everything about the law
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25 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
My experience with David Camp was far less than professional or acceptable. I had a criminal case and paid $10,000 for his representation. After he was paid, communication seemed to take a turn with unreturned calls and emails. Deadlines were also barely met. Then David presented a seemingly irrelevant argument during the suppression hearing to the court and then filed a notice to appeal but neglected to give me a copy or let me oversee the creation of the certified questions.
After the hearing, I ran by his office to obtain a copy. After I read it over, I realized the certified questions failed to address the whole purpose of the appeal, which was a warrantless entry into my home by the police.
He quit the unfinished case abruptly after I revealed to his secretary that I was possibly going to retain another attorney for the appeals process. He is not a trustworthy lawyer for criminal defense cases in my opinion, and if you plan to use him anyway, have him convince you by showing you all the cases he has won and get a guarantee that he will finish the job.
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25 Sep, 2023 by Amber broussard
Best experience. Very very very friendly.
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06 Apr, 2023 by Jerry belaire
He is so professional..
Much Love Mr. Randy ANGELLE & Staff
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28 Mar, 2023 by Tiffany breaux
Very unprofessional. Lack of communication and no response. Do not use if you are looking to close on a home. Steven especially was unhelpful and had no clear direction of the process
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11 Aug, 2024 by Blaine brumbaugh
This is a first class law firm. They will always go above and beyond to insure your case goes as smoothly as possible.
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11 Aug, 2024 by Alex jobe
I wish I had met and hired Jody at FLS sooner, they picked up my case in the 23rd hour and did great job. He was a voice of reason and kept communicating with me in the perfect way and by no way am I any easy client. I struggled to read the court documents and the extremely emotional mostly pissed through the whole process. Jody did a great job taking the time to explain everything to me and with great detail. Even when I wanted to rush through something he would say no we are going through this line by line. I will say this interview him and The Law dog Jake. I will me recommending him to everyone that ask me about a divorce.
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11 Aug, 2024 by Lyudmila veleva
DO NOT HIRE this firm under any circumstances, listen to the other reviewers! Terrible legal representation, unprofessional, unkind and gaslighting attorneys, capable of losing a simple case as a PO. Huge turnover. I was tossed around between attorneys with 1-3 years of experience who argued with me along about my own case and misstated facts. Greedy beyond belief. Overcharging for any and all services. Nearly $20 000 for obtaining a protection order!! Please seek help elsewhere!
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04 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Donna is extremely unprofessional and downright rude. I am a professional in the field and had to work with her on a case. She was easily swayed by opinions and struggled to focus on the actual facts of the case. Her style of communication is yelling and talking over you, and she often has little evidence to back up the very skewed claims that she makes. I don’t know how she gets any work at all.
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28 Sep, 2023 by Debra
This attorney was assigned to me and she refuses to give me my 300.00 back she said she sent it to 19131. thanks she never helped me and it was through legal aid or senior law center and she always treated me rude abrupt and nasty on the phone. beware of this person. I told her if she doesn't make sure I get my money I will sue her in court for my money she owes me and her last words were good luck with that and hung up the phone. Wow
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21 Nov, 2019 by Irena
I hired Donna to get a PFA for my young child. She.misrepresented my case by saying that she would be able to get me the PFA so I signed the contract and sent the payment. However on day of the hearing, she was unprepared and she couldn’t argue the defense lawyer. Afterward her attitude suddenly changed, and said that I pursue a PFA for selfish reasons and some other untruthful things she copied from the defendant’s lawyer. She charges hourly and I was charged for phone calls I made to discuss about payment. With the case dragged unnecessarily by her, the bill skyrockets so fast and there will be more bill.
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24 May, 2024 by Anna m messer
20 May, 2020 by Jessica rister
Susan made our step parent adoption painless and simple. When I reached out to her a year and a half after the adoption was completed because the biological parent came forward, after years of no contact, and began causing duress for our family, Susan jumped into action and eased all of our legal fears quickly. She is my hero!
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03 Sep, 2019 by Dj bibart
Susan is a War Horse in the adoption field.
We have retained her twice!
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17 Dec, 2023 by Kim
The worst experience! I filed for divorce in August of 2022 before the divorce laws changed even though the law changes went into effect on October 1,2023 and did not apply to cases filed prior to that she enforced the changes which only benefited my ex. As my counsel Amanda Schmidt never made me aware of the changes or how they would affect my case and just took it upon herself to make the changes without notifying me until it was to late. Sadly my ex husband could have won this case without an attorney representing him with the new law changes.
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06 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
This lawyer literally is the worst at communicating with people. She threatens and demeans opposing parties. She doesnt know the law shes practicing and continues to threaten filing contempt and other things all while opposing parties are in the legal parameters of agreement. She uses scare tactics and fluff language in her emails to get what she wants. She is awful
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28 Dec, 2017 by Bonnie
From start to finish my experience with Amanda was flawless. She was always quick to return my calls and emails. If she was not available she would have someone in her office call me. She was knowledgeable and compassionate. I have nothing but positive things to say about her. I don't live close to her office, but she was worth the drive. Thank you for being you, YOU ROCK!
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22 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Please do not waste your money or time on this lady. She will move slowly and not pay attention to your emails, and then come back asking for information you've already provided weeks ago.
She will talk to you like you are an idiot. In one of her emails to me she said "Ok, let me break it down to you.. read slowly" this is verbatim and "don't for a second treat me like I don't know what the F... I am doing" when I showed frustration and used the "damn" word in my email. Mind you, you are the one who's paying her and she's talking to you like this.
She will sign away your money without your consent. She offered the other side a lot money after I explicitly told her not to and then she comes back with "well, it's too late, they've already accepted".
Why did I keep her and keep paying her? Because I thought my ex and I reached an agreement but he would then change his mind and ask for more. Which he kept getting.
Yes, she will settle your case for you, for sure. Just be prepared to have her give the other side EVERYTHING they ask for and avoid court at every expense. She will tell you over and over,
" I just want to get you divorced and save you money", all the while giving away your money like it's water.
Do not hire this lady if your case is remotely complicated or you are a high income earner with your own business. And of course if you are looking for someone who remotely respects or listens to you.
This to say, that by the time, I brought another lawyer in, it was too late to undo all the damage she had already done and I was out of money to keep paying more and more fees. Wish I had someone different from the beginning. I would possibly still had paid alimony but much less than what was projected by the time another party came into play.
The whole justice system is not just people. Be prepared to lose as the lawyers make all the money. Divorce law is antiquated and needs an overhaul.
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23 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Hired Mandy sept of 2017. She files a motion which cost me 1500 roughly that was rejected and not even heard. She talked to me like I was a little kid and was disrespectful in our face to face conversations. Emailed her paperwork to file in court and she never filed them. Have her legal paperwork to review before court she failed to. Had no game play at the hearing I had to schedule an appointment with her day before court just to come up with a game plan. Was an hour late to court because she told me the hearing was at 11 when it was at 10. Made us both late that day and it hurt my case. Judge asked her to file the order and she never filed it. Asked her set up an appoint with other party per the judge order. She charged me for setting up the appointment but never got the sit in. Asked her to erase the extra charges she charged me and she didn’t then she filed a motion to withdraw as counsel and even charged me for the motion to withdraw. Very unorganized counsel. Other attorney looked professional and she was never prepared to counter. She charged me for motions that were never heard failed to communicate file paperwork correctly and was late for court. Very below standard and do not recommend. She doesn’t care about her clients
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29 Jun, 2017 by Alex
She is the best family law attorney you can find ! I am from California and had to come to Nevada to visit just born son who is withheld from me for the first three months of his life because of lies his mother told even after it was ordered for me to have visitation every weekend the because of lies his mother told even after it was ordered for me to have visitation every weekend his mother still withheld him from me still withheld him Even though his mother was telling terrible lies about me Mandy stood by mestood by me me Mandy stood by me and believed in me and protected my son by the time we got to trial it was nearly a year and a half Mandy fought so hard for my son and I sifting through the lies of his alcoholic mother i received primary custody April 2015 and she still fight to protect my son today . If you are on the side of truth and you want am attorney that will fight for you and your child or children I highly suggest you hire Her as your attorney!
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14 Feb, 2024 by Ravyn
BEWARE!! HARASSING, HORRIBLE AND MONEY HUNGRY ATTORNEY FOR SERVICES HE DID NOT DO!!
I continue to be harassed by the law office for a bill they did not render services for! Mr. Young was already paid and received payment from the respondent almost a year ago. For which he stats to me you n front of 2 witnesses that I did not owe him any more money. In his exact words "we are square. You owe me nothing." My witnesses wrote out affidavits and submitted them. I had to FIRE this attorney due to him making back door negotiations with Opposing Counsel withOUT my knowledge or consent. He did nothing for me! And still got paid over $16,000 and continues to bill me for services not rendered! See his yelp reviews! He's a 2.8 on Yelp!
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14 May, 2019 by Anonymous
I would give Mr. Young 0 stars if that were an option.
Mr. Young was my second attorney on my divorce case because I was seeking a strong custody lawyer and he was suggested to me as a custody attorney. I have nothing positive to say and deeply regret using him. He charged a lot of money for absolutely no benefit, I literally would have gotten the same result if I had represented myself. I say that confidently as I am now three years post divorce and have represented myself at numerous hearings over the years.
Ladies dealing with domestic abuse situations in particular do not use this attorney. My ex was abusive. I asked for some basic things in my custody agreement such as doing custody exchanges at a public place. Mr. Young scoffed and asked if that was really necessary stating I would find it to be an inconvenience down the road. Three years later, my ex is still abusive and I am so grateful I insisted on adding this language despite his "advice" not to.
I was the primary supporter financially of our family and asked Mr. Young to fight on my behalf to reduce my alimony obligation based on the fact that our marriage did not contribute to my ex's inability to support himself. He said there was nothing he could do about alimony. Three years later, I've had three different attorneys tell me I should have fought the alimony originally and that it's harder to change later. I am currently going back to court to get it reduced.
He made no effort on the custody agreement. He simply wrote into the agreement the items I provided to him. I am regularly finding errors which has caused a lot of difficulty in coordinating visitation exchanges. For the amount of money I paid him, and because he's marketed himself as a custody attorney, I would have expected the custody agreement to be air tight.
Mr. Young was my second lawyer so my paperwork had already been filed, however, his office insisted on refiling. I found numerous errors they needed to correct. I was charged a lot for them to do something i had never asked and for them to do it incorrectly.
Every step of the way, the work Mr. Young and his office provided was incorrect, unhelpful, and cost a ridiculous amount. I can not strongly enough urge people, especially women, to not use Mr. Young's services.
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07 Jun, 2018 by Therese
I have found Mr. Young to be experienced and highly skilled as well as a caring and concerned advocate. My experience with Mr. Young and his staff has been exceptional and I could not be more pleased. I would recommend Mr. Young without hesitation.
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05 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Do not get her she's horrible she portrays herself as something that she's not
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06 Dec, 2019 by Betsy
My case was unique in Ohio. As a WA state grandma I was seeking visitation for my granddaughter. I chose Virginia through the internet. Always Virginia was very professional and very thorough. She mostly answered the phone herself and kept me on track; she was always available and sometimes with the three hour difference in time it was difficult for both of us. If she couldn't reach me then she would email promptly. I ended up stepping down from the case; knowing that we would most likely win; however the situation itself became a no-win situation. As in the beginning so was the ending, an honest, forthright attorney. I was never sorry that I chose Virginia to guide me through this journey. Thank you.
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29 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Worst experience I have ever had with an attorney. I wish others had warned me. Was just trying to get child support and settled because I couldn't deal with her anymore.
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18 Feb, 2016 by Justin
Do not know what else to say. Went through an approximately 3 year adoption/custody battle. Amy was not the only lawyer I met with prior to hiring her. Once I met her I knew she was the one to hire. At all times during this case, she was professional, expedient, and supportive. The opposing counsel tried everything possible with tons of motions. With each new motion a new plan devised and executed. My family and I could not be happier or more satisfied. I highly recommend her and would use her again. Thank you Amy Olthouse-Duenas.
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03 Aug, 2015 by Margaret
I hired Amy after my now ex-husband filed for divorce, based on a reference from a friend of mine who is also an attorney. My ex-husband was extremely difficult throughout the entire process, causing me great anxiety, but Amy exhibited a great deal of professionalism throughout the entire process. While many attorneys would get frustrated and prefer to tell you what to do, Amy was great at listening to my concerns & questions and even had feedback when I had suggestions in my case. She has been handling these types of cases for quite some time and her ability to understand idiosyncrasies in the other party was key in the settlement of my case, which was in my favor.
I highly recommend Terry Fong Law Group, but more specifically, Amy Olthouse Duenas. Her prices are fair and the quality of work was exceptional. Not only is she a great lawyer but she is truly a wonderful person.
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25 Jul, 2015 by Amy
I'm not sure what the negative reviews on this site are about, but I have had Mrs. Olthouse Duenas as a lawyer on my family law case for the last 2 years. My ex is constantly cooking up one excuse or another to drag us back to court, and Amy is always quickly prepared to counter his argument. I have recommended several friends to her, and will continue to do so. She has been equally as professional, prepared and exceptional for the work done for them.
Amy's fees are in line with any attorney worth your time. If you are looking for bargain basement representation, prepared to get bargain basement results. Anytime I have had a question or needed clarification about an upcoming hearing or document from the court, I have received a timely response from both Amy and her staff.
You will do well to hire her for any family law case.
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04 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Paid to get a better Plea Deal and After he got the full payment the courts came with the exact same plea deal
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16 Aug, 2023 by Melissa
Don’t even waste your time on this tool. He did absolutely NOTHING for us. House arrest probation just to name a couple for defending my home when someone walked in. Worthless lawyer
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06 Dec, 2022 by Beau
It was my privilege to retain Mr. Demotte. Obtained an excellent result given the circumstances, so that was service enough. The communication and professionalism were a bonus.
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12 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Attorney was aggressive towards others in the courtroom. She did not communicate with opposing attorney to provide evidence before trial. Attorney was unprofessional in her manner towards others. Really poor communication skills. Attorney admitted to client's fault in public place so there was a breach of confidentiality.
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05 Apr, 2019 by Christina
She was very responsive, punctual with paper work, fast on setting court dates, knows her stuff
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03 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Horrible, Horrible representation. This attorney was extremely clear that I was in an extremely vulnerable divorce situation that was high conflict with soon-to-be-ex. She was not honest about the potential cost. Mostly, she did not return phone calls in a timely manner, she did not give me a clear understanding of my case and Indiana law, she was not my advocate, she was very shaming towards me, she seemed to actually side with opposing counsel. It was bizarre. I cannot fathom anyone needing to get a divorce, who is in a vulnerable situation because they were the "stay-at-home" parent having this attorney. She does not seem to be a women's advocate whatsoever. If you need someone who will have your back and fight for your rights...do not hire this attorney.
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29 Jul, 2018 by James
A very complex, tenacious, governmental problem created by others had been dropped onto my lap. It was costing thousands of dollars per month. I sought Ms. Wilcox’s help. She and her staff persisted through layers of interference and delay from our government until their mistakes were corrected. She and her staff were very pleasant and professional and were extremely effective in resolving my problem.
I recommend Briar Wilcox Esq. without reservation.
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15 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Briar is absolutely a no non-sense attorney. She is not going to coddle you by any means, but that's what you want in an attorney. She prepped me very well for court for which I am very grateful. Even on the days she was in court she would return my calls after hours or via email. I am very thankful I hired her for my family law case and would recommend her to anyone!
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30 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
At the initial consultation, I was comforted by her compassion and seemed to understand my situation. However, after dealing with my husband and his attorney, I realized she was not consulting me about assets; but agreeing with opposing attorney. She never followed through, never prepared me for court, and even suggested that she could refer me to another lawyer if I wanted to pursue by letting the judge stop the illegal actions committed by my husband. I am still having to deal with the fall-out of haphazard actions by her, and her hateful remarks to the affect that she was finished and I was on my own. I would NEVER recommend her to anyone else.
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01 Oct, 2022 by Monica flores
I have been wanting to do this review for a while, because Mr. Balli and his law firm deserve it. I don't know how much it will help Mr. Balli, but I hope it helps you. If you ever find yourself in a tough situation Mr. Balli is the best in Laredo and like my husband says he's a beast. That is what you need a beast; not scared to go up in front of the judge or jury. He will do everything he can legally to defend you as much as viable. You have to be patient and mentally strong. Just know that he can not give you updates every week, but when the time comes to represent you he will. My husband was initially looking at forty years and was sentenced to two years. I would definitely rehire Mr. Balli and his law firm to represent us, because he has great knowledge in the law and knows how to apply it to his client's needs.
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14 Jun, 2022 by Jorge gomez
15 Apr, 2022 by Sonia flores
05 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
THIS LAWYER FAILED TO INFORM THE CLIENT THAT HE LOST HIS LICENSE TO PRACTICE LAW IN APRIL OF 2021 FOR NOT ANSWERING TO HIS CLIENTS ON TIME.
HE KNOWINGLY MESSED UP A DIVORCE CASE THAT WAS IN PROCESS.
DID NOT ANSWER A WHOLE BUNCH OF EMAILS AND PHONE CALLS NO RESPONSE AT ALL.
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01 Nov, 2021 by Pamela
David Dalton was absolutely great. Very thorough, knowledgeable, and caring. So glad I chose him to represent my son. The fees were very fair. Thank You for everything. Blessings!!
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01 Sep, 2020 by Katrina tutor
I have to say Dave Dalton on everything I ever get from here on out he has been amazing at working with me and getting me a fair deal on my case thanks Dave
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14 Sep, 2023 by Pam williams
Top notch attorney highly recommend him
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10 Feb, 2022 by Ruby karlinsey
HORRIBLE TOOK OUR MONEY DID NOTHING:
EXCUSES: HE WAS SICK, HAD TO TAKE CARE OF HIS SON, DIDN'T HAVE A SECRETARY, HE FORGOT, HE WAS OVER WHELMED BECAUSE HE GOT THE CASES THE OTHER (PARTNERS ) LAWYERS DIDN'T WANT HIS EXCUSES COSTED MY DAUGHTER HER DAUGHTER JUST HOPE HE'S HAPPY I REALLY DON'T THINK HE WANTS A WOMAN TO WIN BECAUSE OF HIS PERSONAL SITUATION
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25 Feb, 2021 by Frank blair
16 Jul, 2024 by Karen wilkins
Thank you so much to Melissa and her whole team for going above and beyond I'm extremely grateful for all your help and bearing with me through everything God
Bless 😇
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04 Feb, 2024 by Meloney jacobs
Please pray for my grandson Tyler Foster as he is going before the judge on Tuesday February 6th to be sentenced for a crime he was involved in but not the trigger man or the one who pistol whipped anyone... just there.But he will be taking the fall for the juveniles involved because he thought they were his friends.Sadly he learned a little late .
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23 May, 2023 by Mya reim
12 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Even though Jim could not represent me for the case I was involved in, he sat with me and answered my (million) questions and helped me make sense of all the legal speak/terms/etc. People doing things out of the goodness of their heart to help someone they don’t even know is rare these days, but that’s exactly what Jim did for me today and I appreciated it more than he’ll ever know
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13 Apr, 2017 by Joseph
I was referred to Harward through my employer's assistance program. I saw negative reviews, but calling Harward a criminal or saying a 10 year old could do better sounds like a bitter customer writing from the wrong place. Also, the assistance program referral was supposed to give me a decent discount (I can't prove $250 is decent, as I suspect their normal rate is $265. But either way, it's not lower than many other lawyers). So I continued, not knowing where else to turn.
Jim counselled me to petition to modify my divorce decree because it was a mess. This was an exaggeration (he would later focus on just one thing), but I'm glad he talked me into fighting. Considering my financial situation, Jim agreed to a low retainer and a low monthly payment.
We tried to arrange mediation, but after some back and forth, Jim determined it was not going to work and opted to go straight for the petition to modify.
When Amy sent me the first draft of the petition, it was practically useless; fixing very little of the "mess". When I asked Jim about it, he said that crafting the petition was like sculpting a statue: start with a block and refine it through several rounds (or something like that). I now think it's more likely that Amy was given the task of writing the petition without being provided the information she needed. This happened again later with the drafting of our objection to an order to show cause.
While working through the petition to modify with Amy, I often had to fix typos in and omissions from the legal document (one in particular was about my income and could have ruined the whole case).
During one meeting I called with Jim, we discovered that the opposing party had filed an order to show cause against me. Why weren't they aware of this? Why hadn't they notified me? (This happened again when I called about something else and they informed me that a court date and mediation had been scheduled - I shouldn't have to call to find out.)
We filed a counter order to show cause and I again felt that I was doing more of the work than I should have to. They provided the legal know-how, but I was the one providing the arguments and proofreading. Maybe I'm thinking of a different price bracket, but I think the lawyer should be doing that.
With the counter order and petition in place, Jim felt that the commissioner would dismiss the case in favor of mediation. With this reassurance, I forgot about it until my calendar sent a reminder the day of the hearing. I called Harward to make sure it was off and they notified me that it was not. I needed to be there.
At the hearing, Jim pulled me aside and asked if the other party had been calling the shots and I had been going along with it. It turns out this was to be his argument. In the hearing, Jim used his argument and said we just need to go to mediation. The commissioner sided with the opposing party based on an exaggerated claim that had nothing to do with the law (but at least they HAD an argument). So in that hearing, Jim and Commissioner Luhn both ignored the divorce decree and the counter order to show cause that Amy and I had worked so hard on. The counter was essentially a waste of time and money (though it shouldn't have been).
Afterward, Jim tried to convince me that we got what we wanted. We would file an objection and take it to the judge after mediation. But he didn't tell me we only had 14 days to object and the commissioner's recommendation was a COURT ORDER until a judge overturns it.
This was when I decided to end my relationship with Harward. I found that the other negative reviews were accurate. Jim's friendly and reassuring, but doesn't follow through. He exaggerates. He didn't fight for me in the hearing (despite the prep work we did). They didn't know/didn't tell me important information. Jim tries harder to work his clients than the legal system.
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28 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Hired to help with my nasty divorce. I’m a professional business woman and my ex was attempting to steal our assets and my income by making false claims of abuse to simply increase his chances of getting large support orders. Mr. Rinaldelli and his office staff were very helpful in guiding me through the frustrations of the whole divorce process. He really made me feel like her cared about me and my situation and helping get me to a better new life beyond my failed marriage. Was very aggressive in court and very sharp and saw all the angles my ex and his lawyer were trying to employ. After a tough battle he was able to convince the court of my ex’s lies and I didn’t have to pay any support whatsoever. And he accomplished all of this in less than six months even though my ex was trying to drag the case on to force me to pay his lawyers fees and pressure me to settle. In the end I had to pay no support, no attorney fees, and was granted a restraining order against my ex. Mr. Rinaldelli and his office really helped me to move past my divorce and I’m very thankful. He was also very reasonable in his payment arrangements, discounts, and overall fees. I believe my ex paid his lawyer almost twice what I paid Mr. Rinaldelli and he lost almost everything he wanted. Thank you Daniel.
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09 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Hire Mr. Rinaldelli for a child custody modification. All paperwork was given to him within 2 days of retaining him, it took him over 7 months to file my paperwork. I had called, emailed, left message after message only to be ignored for months. Once I finally did speak to him he just gave excuse after excuse. He was highly recommended by a past client that is why I didn't just fire him. He agreed to two continuous' without even consulting me. Once we finally did go to court SIX months after the filing date due to continuous after continuous he was great. Very professional and does know the law very well. But it should not take over a year for a simple modification. An order after hearing was never filed by him although I did request one several times. If he only would be respectful of his clients time and money outside of the court room he would be great.
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26 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
We were having financial issues due to high medical bills. We consulted with Mr. Cates, and he was highly professional and courteous. He contacted us personally and spent quite a bit of time explaining our options.
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30 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Our first meeting with Mr. Cates wasn't too impressive. His door was open and he was on the phone with, I assume, a client. Apparently an unhappy client. He was loud and brusk with his caller. He apparently was getting more agitated by the minute. He finished the call and after a few minutes called us in. We explained our situation. To be fair it was going to be complicated. In order to file a bankruptcy we (he) had to go over 3 years of amended tax returns. He say he would help for $1500.00. We paid in 3 installments. after 2 weeks I called to check on his progress. We went back to his office and listened to how long and complicated our case was going to be for him to go through. He asked for an additional $500.00. I wrote a check. By this time I couldn't have paid our bills if I had wanted to. He advised us to not pay anyone or try to make arrangements with our creditors now. Long story short. We didn't pay our bills. He never filed not one paper with the court in advance of starting bankruptcy proceedings. He said our case was complicated. (Again and again) Our creditors had already cancelled cards and threatened foreclosure and car repossession. He said it really wouldn't do any good to file bankruptcy now. Creditors were charging off or threatening to sue. He said we should just forget it now. Our credit was gone and now unfixable. He looked up and said "you know you are not getting any money back don't you?" He said our phone time and his reading had run his bill up. We left in shock! In my opinion he should check into anger management classes. I would NEVER refer anyone to this ONE man office. (Oh, he did have a receptionist that worked part time.) And we were out $2,000.00 for NOTHING!
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15 Oct, 2019 by Erin
Ms. Gracey handled my divorce in an efficient, professional manner. She does not back down, is diligent and cares about her clients. I recommend her for anyone who has to go through the process.
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11 Apr, 2013 by Grifflyprof
Nice lady. Inexperienced. If your case if complex in any way, look for someone else. My case was always on the 'back burner'.
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25 Jan, 2024 by Cathy campbell
Nancy and Katie have been great to work with. I like working with shall women owned businesses. Efficient and effective. Very professional and nice
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01 Jun, 2023 by Luke james
I could not be happier with the service that I received from this team. Specifically from her paralegal Shelley. Would recommend 10 times out of 10.
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20 Nov, 2022 by Cheryl klopp
I couldn't be happier. Someone said she was all about the money. That couldn't be any farther from the truth. Very caring and professional.
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30 Oct, 2023 by Alva anderson
Nice people in charge
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25 Aug, 2023 by Donnie lyday
Awesome group to deal with
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05 Nov, 2022 by Mistee mathis
26 Feb, 2024 by Zachary m
Pretty sure this guy is in league with county d.a. offices. He almost got my brother screwed over with him basically laying down at the da feet & giving my brother prison time till we dropped him & went to mark Hendrickson instead who diligently fought for my brother getting probation w/ no prison term. Skip this clown & go to mark Hendrickson instead. U will thank me.
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09 Aug, 2023 by Envy glasco
Was out of office when I had court in Elreno
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23 Jan, 2023 by Erikr1234
23 Feb, 2020 by Holly krupke
16 Nov, 2019 by M james bunnell
Would definitely recommend.
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19 Nov, 2019 by Eric jenkins
16 May, 2018 by Chris tolbert
08 Jul, 2024 by Cindi meason
Needing legal support and direction at times is difficult. Cynthia made my experience as comfortable as possible and made sure my needs we're met. Her ability to work through the chaos and delivery through court and paperwork needs we're handled very well and professionally and there was no worry on my end.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jason griffiths
Great information. Great person!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Ne on g
Always helpful. I had another lawyer that really screwed me over. She picked up the pieces that were done wrong. 1000 percent pick her!
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19 Jun, 2024 by Highland country
04 Jun, 2024 by Jeff's detecting and variety channel
I highly recommend Regina Shepherd she always takes the time to meet face to face for a meeting upon request she is very informative and always takes the time to return your calls...she worked very hard on my case she is a great attorney
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15 Feb, 2024 by Tessa stines
18 Nov, 2024 by Andriy hryhoryshyn
18 Nov, 2024 by Jeff pink
Bradford and Elizabeth have helped us with multiple closings over the past five years. Always accessible, responsible, and competent. We could ask for nothing more in these stress filled transactions.
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18 Nov, 2024 by Nicolette o'connor
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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.
