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13 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
What an arrogant piece of work!! You want someone to tell you how to act, not even allow you to speak when meeting with him, shows no faith in your case, pick him! Wouldn’t waste a penny on him!! So unprofessional. Dressed poorly, desk was scattered with paperwork, no organization. Definitely would NOT recommend!
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09 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
He is an incompetent fool! I would not go to him again even for a parking Citation!
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22 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Reiko is completely unprofessional! I have followed up with her on several occasions pertaining to my case. The only time she will follow up with me is when it pertains to payment. She constantly up charges but does not provide any updates on the case matter. If you can, avoid this firm at all costs especially if you have to pay out of pocket. She will bleed you dry and then not fight for your case in court.
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29 Mar, 2021 by Paul
DO NOT use this attorney for complex legal matters especially ARAG members. This attorney lost every court fight except one during my contested case against my sister. When our mother's home was place for sale I notified the attorney by email and phone of the sale, however, instead of placing a Les Pendens to stop the sale during the first thirty days the home was on the market she procrastinated and dragged her feet and finally after much prodding submitted the Les Pendens four days prior to the close of escrow. However, it was to late and the home was sold because the title company later stated through an email that they checked just before closing of escrow and there was no Les Pendens listed on the county's website. The title company later stated that the county was two weeks late in entering any legal documents into their system.
For ARAG members. The ARAG website shows that members are entitled to a discount in legal fees and the attorney's website shows a charge of $225.00 per hour. However; this attorney charged me $300.00 per hour. I sent her an email regarding the difference in the fee, however; she never responded. During a phone call I requested and she agreed to send me a break down of all invoices but she never did. In closing, after spending several thousands of dollars in contesting this case and several months later this attorney stated that we had a weak case but still requested $50,000 if I wanted to continue fighting this case and hire a medical doctor who specialized in Dementia to review and possibly testify in court. I told her to forget it and close the case.
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07 Oct, 2023 by Brandon johanson
This guy got on social media and started threatening to DOX people. Really professional attorney. I’ve got screenshots for proof. Stay far away.
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17 Jul, 2023 by Allie reynolds
10 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
I have known several people that spoke highly of Ms. Lindly so rather than believing the one poor review, I chose to hire her. Sadly it was the biggest error of my life. I do not speak poorly of anyone and I would rather leave no review than to leave a bad one simply because often poor service is a one time or instance occurrence. But in Ms. Lindly's case I would be concerned. She was more often than not, unavailable due to her children. And as a mother of small children, I know that it is often difficult but as an attorney and professional I expected her to be able to schedule or plan her days around her clients and find other means for her childcare. If she were working at EZ mart she wouldn't make it one week. She also gave the impression that she was bored and a bit man hungry. Her eyes were always searching the crowd for a male to talk to, other attorneys or criminals.
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04 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
While I am aware that there are people who have had good experiences with this person, she was lazy and incompetent in our matter. She completely threw the case away because she wouldn't drive 2 miles, and then wanted more money. She is hands down the worst attorney that I have ever seen. I do not suggest using her unless you have absolutely no other options, including representing yourself. That might be foolish but it would still be better than her. Along with her complete disregard for the case, she chose to drop the client mentioned as soon as she could without completing the case. Again, the major complaint is that she was lazy, and refused to do actual work. Anything that was needed for court, she expected either her secretary or the client to provide, including signatures which basically lost the case. She would not drive 2 miles to have a document signed and when it was signed and returned to her, instead of her having a notary watch her sign it, she asked her secretary to sign it, making it null and void. And all of this only cost $5400. We could have given everything away for free. I truly hope that no one else ever experiences this from her.
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01 Sep, 2017 by Dan
Not a good lawyer. I had him for a probate/estate lawyer Not interested in devoting time into your issues. More interested in getting cases turned over to move onto to the next case. Won't fight for you, even if he know the other attorney is being dishonest. I find a common issue with bad lawyers are when you have to tell them the same thing numerous times. This was definitely the case with Mr. Eskin. I sent him numerous emails both in a folder and a via email and he never took the time to read them. Because he would acted surprised when the issue would arise again after the other attorney prepared his papers. Extremely frustrating.
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15 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Harold S Eskin is a poor lawyer who shouldn't be practicing law because he is INCOMPETENT. He thinks he knows what he is talking about but apparently does not. I hired him for two cases and BOTH times he failed me so, I fired his ass. Why? My first case was regarding a family member suing me regarding inheritance. Eskin told me that the case would be difficult because he is not friends with this particular judge. Seriously? You need to be friends with the judge? They teach that in law school? Whatever happened to law being impartial and "blind" to bias? Did I miss something? The second case I hired him for was for a tenant dispute which again, he failed me. Instead of fighting the plaintiff in court, he decides to issue motion to dismiss over and over until finally, the judge sided with the plaintiff and I LOST thanks to Eskin trying to win a case on default instead of fighting. There is a reason why he charges less than other regional lawyers----he SUCKS at what he does. He is first and foremost, a lawyer who specializes in adoption and surrogacy. Go help those who do not need substantial help, Harold. The profession needs you in that regard because as they always say, someone had to graduate last, right 'Hal'?
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17 Jul, 2019 by Tim
He did a very poor job on handling my divorce case. It took him 2 months after I hired him for my divorce to finally file. He didn't contact me to let me know that it was ready, even after several un-returned emails, phone calls and voicemails left. It wasn't until I went by his office to ask for a refund, did he then tell me he had my case ready to file. When I read over it, he had a lot of the information wrong. He lost my info sheet twice along the way. I don't believe he looked at any evidence that I provided. He was always losing my information and couldn't keep up with what information I had already provided him. This along with much more of his lack of actually caring enough about me or my case to spend much time on it at all. The only call I received from him was the day of my Final Hearing, telling me that he made a deal with my spouse's attorney and cost me a lot more to have to pay out for the next several years. I don't feel like he made much of an attempt to fight for me. I don't feel like he worked enough on my case to warrant the retainer I paid him. Do not trust this man with your case. I wonder how many other people's lives have been negatively affected due his poor work ethic. There were so many red flags, but he assured me that it would be fine. I trusted him with so much and he failed me. Hindsight is truly 20/20. I hope this will deter anyone else to put their trust and life in his hands. Remember, whatever the outcome of your case is, it does not effect this man's life one bit.
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15 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
My discoveries were due, I made multiple attempts to contact Toland and he would not return my calls and did not show up for my appointment at his office because he was "sick." The deadline came and went. It was my understanding that I lost my case due to this but luckily my husband and I are trying to make it work. Do not trust yours or your children's wellbeing to this attorney.
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10 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Despite coming highly reviewed, I was extremely disappointed with her lack of objectivity. She did not consider all the facts and information that was presented to her by several parties. She made a very skewed recommendation that sided with a sub par parent. By all means, do your research and choose your lawyer carefully.
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07 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous
Case assigned to underling who could not hold her own for the client in a negotiation with a high school drop out. Often wondered if she was representing the person I paid her to represent or the lazy convicted meth manufacturer she should have been defending her client against. Would never recommend her and the cost was extreme.
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21 Jun, 2019 by Cat
Carol is not experience in family law and should not be practicing. She drew out a very simple matter for a custody meeting. By doing this she overcharged me for her time. When I moved to another lawyer, her office charged me large fees to move my files (she only had me as a client for a few weeks) and charged for operational fees to send me my money back. In the end we spent a lot of money with no return. I do not recommend her as a lawyer.
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01 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
If you have deep pockets, she a good lawyer! I think her fees are outrageous! Believe me you will get charged for everything..... Even something that has to be resent BC you didn't receive it in the mail. When they claim to have sent it. So you get charged all over again for somebody else's mistake!
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16 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
she is first and foremost a liar and second to none in lost and confused person in her life.
After paying a retainer in excess of her childish demands for representation, along with changing schedules for court hearings and then finding out she instead needed a “nose job” thus resulting in no preparation for proper representation during hearings.
this woman needs to shunned and then invested by 1) IRS
2) Bar
Stay away from this fugazzi lawyer
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16 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
I paid a retainer to pursue child support, 10 months later nothing had happened. She did not return emails or calls. I fired her and handled the court preceding myself
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30 Apr, 2022 by Arnold
Hired him in 2021 for a child support case, took $1000 from me, says he is buddies with the judge and the ladies in the judges office, acts like he is going to do something for me, never returns phone calls, didn't show up for a court date and didn't update me with what is going on with my case. he is part of the criminal organization called Child support, they have been scamming, harassing and extorting money for years. I am filing a federal civil rights lawsuit against the whole organization and everyone involved.
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11 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
Don't hire this lawyer. He doesn't return calls and doesn't show up in court for a hearing. Worst decision I've ever made.
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02 Nov, 2022 by Marissaa
This attorney was too afraid to go to trial, after being hired and paid decided it was too much for her and said she didn’t want to go to trial! Like ok?? Who does? As an attorney you have an obligation to serve your clients not screw them over because your too old and can’t handle a touch case! She shouldn’t have took me on as a client if she knew she couldn’t handle it! After taking my money and putting me in a worse situation not thinking once how parents go through so much during this whole situation just to be taken advantage of! I would not recommend her ever, she might as well retire at this point!
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14 Apr, 2016 by Jordan
I was faced with a parenting plan case and Kolleen was the first attorney I consulted. She told me if I was to get an attorney, that I would have to pay for an attorney for my ex and that I didn't need legal representation for my case. Both of those claims were undoubtedly false. I felt like she just pocketed my consultation fee and rushed me out her door. I would not advise anyone to consult with this attorney. I hired a much better attorney and my case went well.
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03 Jan, 2019 by To whom it may concern
Hired him for DWI, mistake number one. Never had time to call me. He got me a sorry plea deal. I don’t think he talked to DA until court which royalty screwed me. he is not a DWI lawyer avoid like the plague
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08 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Steven Kay's law firm to represent me in my divorce. Communication is severely lacking with this firm. I was apprised of several important facts pertaining to me case - after the fact- and only when I questioned things. I did not receive a bill for several months because - unbeknownst to me - the firm was in the process of updating it's accounting software. Instead of apprising me of that fact - I was slammed with a bill several months later - and an email - telling me all legal services would cease until I remitted payment in full PLUS an additional retainer fee. I was essentially penalized for the firm's lackadaisical ways of doing business. When I asked for them to work with me on a payment plan due to their lack of communication, I was essentially told that they only thing "lacking" was my ability to make payment. A friend of mine who is a local attorney has informed me that this firm has a terrible reputation in town - that - they are considered "stupid" by other law firms. Now I understand why. If I could do things differently, I would have retained another attorney. Do yourself a favor - avoid this law firm like the plague. They are solely interested in money, not providing quality services to their clients.
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12 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Never received an itemized bill, argumentative with client if you don't agree with here. Does not understand when an opposing attorney is bluffing. Can become emotionally labile at the drop of a hat. Broke client confidentiality. Took my retainer, never sent me an itemized bill. Very naive, can become extremely emotional. Run from this "attorney".
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18 Jun, 2010 by Anonymous
This attorney really doesn't know what she is doing. I was never informed of what was going on. She never seemed to have a plan. We were always on the defense in court. She never asked my wife any questions when she was on the stand. And after 3 years with no closer her law office informs me that my 2 inch file had been accidentally thrown away by cleaning crew or lost. Now I am starting over with a new attorney. Please beware.
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06 Sep, 2017 by Theresa
If I could give her no stars, that would be more fitting. We hired Erica for an adoption case. She was very friendly and would answer immediately when we first began speaking with her last summer. We decided to hire her, and soon after - we weren't able to get a hold of her. Until finally, we didn't hear from her at all anymore. As we found out, she took a job elsewhere and just left the firm. Our case was one she dumped on the only other lawyer in the practice (the owner of the business) who lives in LA. He also got slammed with all the other cases that she decided not to continue with. We made an agreement on our case cost with Erica which we later found out she didn't specify in her general contract, so our agreement with her wasn't honored, and we ended up having to pay 1k more than we agreed. Not to mention, our case got put on a back burner b/c of the workload the remaining lawyer had, so it took us an entire year for the adoption to be complete. We waited 8 months after the court approval of termination of parental rights, just to get an adoption court date that worked with the lawyers schedule. Erica's assistant was the only reason our case got handled after everything. What Erica did was irresponsible, careless, and unprofessional. She left us feeling like we didn't matter and our case didn't matter, and left us all with a big mess to try and sort out. I would never recommend her to anyone.
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15 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I have been involved and a very intense custody case for quite sometime. I hired this lawyer after steadily using a different one for several years. When we first met with her she seemed competant. So we hired her to represent us. After we begin signing contracts she became a complete disappointment. I had very important things that needed to be filed in court and she never once did it on time. Things would come and go and continue to build up without her ever addressing issues that were brought to her attention. When we first met this lawyer and before we hired her she was not that difficult to get a hold of. However once again after we begin signing contracts she basically disappeared. The office telephone number goes directly to voicemail all day every day. You can leave a message but I assure you that no one will call you back. To this day I have called many times and have never once received a call back. She also provided an email which also suddenly became a useless line of communication. This goes on for months and months at a time. I can be understanding if someone doesn't immediately get back to you I can also be understanding if they can at least get back to you quickly and then get back to you more in depth later. But to not be able to get a hold of your attorney for months at a time is completely unacceptable. When you're in the middle of any custody case it is already difficult enough. And I'm also aware than dealing with lawyers sometimes that can be difficult as far as always getting an answer when you want it. But the link that this went with this attorney with absolutely positively ridiculous. We were never really given a reason except that she was sorry. That doesn't really help a person when you need them to be in court representing you. I would never rehire this attorney ever again.
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16 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Very unprofessional. Did not return calls & e-mails and (in other ways) ultimately contributed to this innocent parent losing custody of only child after spending thousands of dollars for nothing. I heard he was good. He was awful!!!
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16 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
Google search his DUI arrest on March 23, 2012. Read the negative comments from prior clients and his colleagues. Then ask yourself "do I really want him representing me as my attorney?" If you know what's good for yourself, you'll work with a respectful attorney who deserves to be paid your hard earned dollars. He's experienced but very self-serving and not trustworthy. I wish I knew then what I know now.
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05 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
HE TALKS A GOOD GAME AND HE IS CHEAP BUT YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR, WHICH IS ABOUT AS GOOD AS THROWING YOUR MONEY IN A HOLE AND WALKING TO COURT. HE IS CHEAP SO HE GETS TONS OF CASES HE CAN'T KEEP UP WITH ANY OF THEM AND HE DOESNT DO EMAIL, YOU CANT SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH HIS SECRETARIES AND HE DONT KNOW HOW TO FILE MOTIONS, HE IS TERRIBLE IN COURT, HE WILL SHUSH YOU IF YOU SAY ANYTHING BECAUSE HE IS TO BUSY FRANTICALLY SCRIBBLING DOWN EVERY WORD THE JUDGE UTTERS. I THOUGHT HE WAS A LAWYER NOT A STENOGRAPHER. HE GOT ME NO CUSTODY OF MY CHILDREN AND CHILD SUPPORT HIGHER THAN HE EVER PROMISED IT WOULD BE. THIS DUDE IS A JOKE SO RUN THE OTHER WAY
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03 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
this attorney should be disbarred.
I have a court date in 10 days
I can't get this guy on the phone.
I have gone to his office in person, while he was there, yet I could not get him to speak with me at all.
I have already paid this guy $10,000
he will not speak to me.
I have had to go to the solicitor's office myself after I filed my own motions for discovery.
the solicitor told me that eakes is my attorney and they can not speak to me about the case without him being present, but I can't get eakes to do anything he avoids me and I am terrified of court
so do not hire this guy unless you want to be left on your own up spits creek without a paddle
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15 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
She was really rude to me I contacted her trying to get paperwork about my case that I needed to try to hire an attorney and she got smart with me yelling at me and hung up she doesn't want to work with her clients she pretty much told me not to take the plea bargain now my case is being bounded over to Grand jury and now she is saying she is no longer my lawyer that I best hire one
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15 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Really hard to talk to and overspeaks. She also withdrew from my case without consent when expressing concerns of a better parenting plan or case.
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17 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Smith acted improperly by e-mailing a Judge outside of the courtroom and having exparte communications with her regarding my case and also interviewing my children in Judge's chambers and asking them questions when he was not allowed to. I would never use this attorney under any circumstances.
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02 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
I informed Mr. Smith four days after he received a $6500.00 check and it cleared that I no longer needed his services. We never signed a contract. That was 11/24/13. I asked for an immediate refund minus $1500.00 for his time & troubles. It is 1/2/14 & I have yet to receive an invoice or any money back. We've been in pretty regular communication, but he still hasn't informed me as to an amount or what exactly he charged me for. I have to report him to the Bar Association & file a fee dispute in order to get a decent amount back.
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24 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Reneka and Kary Gregg were put on my case last minute and did not do anything they were ordered to do by the courts in Montgomery County. I would highly recommend finding a different attorney as this entire law firm is a joke. Don't read and believe their reviews. they literally pay employees to put good reviews on there site to make them look better. Run as fast as you can.
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12 Nov, 2021 by Kt
Ms. Hayes was assigned to my case last minute by Bryan Fagan Law Firm, after my attorney resigned days before my trial. She was totally unprepared, unassertive, and lacked any evidence of properly preparing for my trial. As a disabled veteran on social security, I am still questioning how is it that I was billed over $10,000.00 for what amounted to horrible legal representation.
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23 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired this attorney, and found she did not thoroughly examine the case. Goes on what she wants to think, instead of facts. Lacks in empathy and compassion. Would not suggest in hiring her.
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20 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
She does not care about details or the facts of circumstances. A common sense approach to finding solutions is nonexistent. You will waste money hiring her to try and resolve any family law issues.
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27 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Rachel Pico is unprofessional, inexperienced and it shows by her inability to follow through with her job. She talks tough, over talk you with her tough talk. But she is easily frazzled, and intimidated. Don't waste your time and money.
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29 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
She is inexperienced and it shows. She is all talk behind the scene and gets you to think she’s this tough lawyer. Then when it come down to it she doesn’t come through with what she has talked up. I’m front of my stbx lawyer she became very intimidated and couldn’t stand up for our case.
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04 Oct, 2023 by Jenna
Please stay away from Alee's firm. Long long story. All she did was lies and lies... Sloppy jobs. I will post more information about her all over.
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20 May, 2015 by Deda
Carolyn Northcutt handled my divorce. Communication was lacking. Calls were not returned in a timely manner. I feel as though she did not do a thorough job on my behalf. Now that we have been divorced for some time when trying to collect my retirement I found out she filed the paper work incorrectly and that I was not receiving the 50% because of her inability to do her job correctly. When I contacted her to help repair the situation I was told she would get back to me. Months went by while I worried about whether I could afford to live in my old age. I finally called her and was told that she wouldn't help me because she didn't know the laws. I can respect that it wasn't her area of expertise but this was her failure to be fixed and she never got back to me or gave me a referral to fix the matter.
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14 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Relatively new attorney in the Strom firm, who is knowledgeable, but is meeting an hourly monthly quota, so your divorce will be dragged on with no forward movement by Patty. Patty also does not play well with others, so do not expect negotiations to happen. Do yourself a favor and keep looking for an attorney that actually wants to settle your case and not destroy your children’s future in the process. Sometime you can be too young and not have enough life experiences to understand the detriment being caused by one’s actions. This is certainly the case with Patty.
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25 Jan, 2017 by Steve libby
She refused to go to trial. The day of the trial she said she would quit if I didn't accept horrendous settlement. Helen did not seek maintenance schedule that Illinois law allows? She refused to fight for premarital assets. I take a lot of responsibility for this situation, however was really counting on attorney that would fight for what is right. Worthless. Don't walk from this attorney, run.
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15 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr Ferreira took my case with 2 weeks of anticipation for evidentiary hearing, my case has been going on for 8 years and there is a volume of actions in the history of the case. I wanted to recover my lost joint legal and increase my custody time with a female judge that has not been sympathetic with rights of the father. He said he was going to be prepared and spent time studying my case but that he also had other cases that he needed to finish. At our hearing, he was not able to litigate the credibility of the moms allegations or present valid objections to the opposing party arguments. I didn't feel protected or looked after much less defended or advocated. Seem like he was putting up a show with no direction or goal and did not presented or establish evidence correctly in front of the judge. This greatly help my opponent. In addition, after he was told to prepare OAH, took 9 months to submit to Judge for final approval. This is clearly against the local rules which established a clear period of time if opposing counsel don't respond. I will definitively stay away from this attorney do not recommend. Don't waste your money.
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13 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
worst experience of life jennifer was my domestic violence attorney and she was very dishonest greedy for money even though she worked for the state she was only looking out for herself and really ruined my case
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17 Sep, 2015 by Vernon
She did both my wife's and my will and made many errors. The errors were partly due to her making "assumptions" (her words). I hire a lawyer to give professional legal advice, not make assumptions!
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1.0
1 Reviews
05 Dec, 2012 by Anonymous
I obtained Ms.Daley over a year ago, and have been getting nothing but answering machines and no responses. I have been asking her for 5 months for a itemized bill and the rest of my paper work to finish my case but I can't even get her to call me back. However she does manage to charge me $150.00 to read my emails that she never responds to!!!!
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11 Apr, 2016 by Judy
My family hired this attorney to manage the probate for my mother's estate, since she left no will. We were told since it was such a small estate (less than $40K), that it would only take 6 months to finalize everything.
It is now 15 months later and the estate still is not settled. The attorney has had to file motions multiple times because of errors in her filing, she won't communicate with us for weeks on end and has no real explanation as to why the process is still dragging on. We don't believe she has ever done probate before, but it would have been nice to know that at the beginning, so we could have hired someone knowledgeable.
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Discover the ideal lawyer
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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:
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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.
