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21 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Meg was recommended to me and handled my contentious protracted divorce. She was extremely responsive and had a special ability to "calm" the emotions and stay focused on the case issues. I felt well supported by her, and she answered all my questions. She hung in there as an advocate no matter how hard it got or how obstructive my ex-husband was. With her help and support I am happily divorced. I appreciated and benefitted from her skills and wisdom. She was definitely in my corner through it all. With her advocating hard for me the case did settle.
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30 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
After my 24 year marriage came crashing down around me I had no idea where to turn or what to do next. As a man, about the only thing that I knew was that I wanted to hire a female attorney with a lot of experience. A friend of mine recommended that I reach out to Meg Oliver to have her guide me through the divorce process. I am so glad that I did. Meg is a unique blend of experience, great communication skills and patience. In the end Meg Oliver negotiated a fair agreement with me ex-wife's lawyer. I was pleased with the outcome and highly recommend Meg to represent you in your divorce.
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12 May, 2023 by Sam
Meg provided me with all legal route options related to my case with all possible paths and outcomes including timeframes and financial burdens. She is incredible with communication via emails or phone calls, keeping track and staying on top of all required documentations. Her knowledge and experience in divorce law helped me in a great deal to get a settlement and a court order. She also has a wonderful office staff. I am extremely happy that she was on my side.
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20 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Mulligan Law has been nothing short of a pure blessing to my entire family. Mrs.Annie showed compassion and kindness throughout my process. I didn’t have to call and get information on my case. She was in constant control and the communication was amazing. I was referred to her by a coworker and I am very happy and pleased with the work she did and her staff. She was affordable and worked with my schedule throughout the process. All the mediations I had to attend were set up with ease and I didn’t feel pressured with making decisions. All my meetings were informative, she was always prepared and helpful with all the questions and concerns I had. Her professionalism was unmatched!! I am thankful I had her by my side. I got everything I needed and wanted. If you’re looking for an attorney who will fight for your rights to the end , look no further!!!! Call Annie.
Best Lawyer I’ve ever had. Thank you and your staff for all the hard work, late evenings, early morning meetings, court appointments, mediations put together to provide the best possible outcome for my family.
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11 Oct, 2023 by Eboni
Very professional! She handled my case with care. She and her responded to my calls, messages, and e-mails in a timely manner. She is heaven sent!!!!!
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01 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Ms. Mulligan is fantastic. She doesn't charge an arm and a leg for her fees and works to get your case over with quickly and in your best interest. She works tirelessly for her clients and it shows.
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06 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
The entire staff at Marrison Family Law is top notch! Having been a client for 2.5 years during my DV divorce and custody case, I can say with out a doubt that I made the best choice in law firm. You can tell that every client matters to the owner Pat Marrison and the firm. Mark Bosworth and his paralegal Shannon have been nothing short of outstanding through the entire process- and I did not have an easy divorce case. They handled every aspect of the case with professionalism, support and are both extremely knowledgeable and well versed in the process of family law cases. I was awarded full custody of my children and Mark and his team fought to make sure that was the outcome. I cannot recommend them enough! When you are going through a hard situation and need someone strong by your side, Marrison Family Law is the best choice!
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16 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
A friend referred me to Dominic J. Perrino and told me that he was helping her navigate a contentious adversary who was negatively affecting her children and was causing great distress for her whole family. She told me that Mr. Perrino was compassionate, highly efficient, helped her with the documentation, and listened carefully to her needs.
I had spent several months contacting about 42 divorce lawyers in the Colorado Springs area, but I finally decided to go with Marrison Family Law because of my friend’s recommendation.
Mr. Perrino did not disappoint — far from it, and he came up with strategies for me that solved seemingly impossible problems, saved me tens of thousands of dollars, and was able to assist me in negotiating a divorce settlement that made the difference between walking away with enough to start my life over or ending up in a protracted fight and financially catastrophic outcome which is the likely fate I was facing.
My paralegal, Rene, has given me appropriate, focused attention, responded quickly and efficiently to every inquiry I’ve made, at the same time that she and my lawyer have worked very hard to keep my fees to a minimum.
As a result, I was able to get through this extremely painful and harrowing process in roughly 100 days with competent, caring support. I have full confidence that they are fully invested in my success and truly care about my well-being.
A professional staff member at Marrison Family Law answers the phone every single time I have called during business hours. They respond to my e-mail communications usually within the same day or no later than the next business day. They are consistently professional, courteous, and efficient.
I am eternally grateful to Dominic, Rene, the support staff, and Ms. Marrison for providing a level of personalized and professional service that I would never have been able to find at a big-name law firm. Also, unlike other practices I have researched, they do not have a policy of intentionally aggravating emotions in order to create conflict between the parties so that they can increase their charges. Quite the opposite, they were completely cooperative to my insistence that I maintain a stance of peace during the divorce process. They made sure that I didn’t incur any unnecessary charges so my total divorce costs were about a third of what I expected — and I am fantastically happy about that. I must also give credit where credit is due; this outcome heavily depended upon the cooperation of the other party to a peaceful process.
Everyone has a unique situation and experience with their divorce, so your experience might be different but I highly recommend Marrison Family Law because they are truly focused on my success, are cost-conscientious, and they were able to provide efficient, personalized, creative strategies for problem solving.
Finally, and most importantly, I believe that my friend’s referral to Mr. Perrino was Divinely directed. Thanks be to God for His provision, protection, and guidance!
Blessings,
An eternally grateful client
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03 Nov, 2022 by Krys
Pat and her firm were highly recommended to me. My first lawyer went on maternity leave (she was awesome!) and Pat stepped in to help. She was kind, professional, and very supportive of my difficult and long case.
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03 Apr, 2024 by Stacey laub
Our family has been dealing with a very contentious, complex, divorce and custody situation. Shannon doesn’t practice in our geographic area but she agreed to consult with our lawyer. Shannon Stein was professional, knowledgeable, kind, and thorough. She was available to answer questions and was always quick with her responses. She shared successful strategies with our lawyer and helped us find a resolution where we thought there was no good outcome possible. We highly recommend her services and the way in which she delivers them.
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25 Sep, 2023 by John
I had the privilege of working with Shannon for legal advice during my divorce proceedings, and I couldn't be more pleased with her services. While I didn't require full representation in court, I leaned on her expertise and guidance heavily, and I was consistently impressed.
Shannon demonstrated a remarkable level of professionalism and efficiency throughout our interactions. One thing that stood out was her responsiveness; she was always quick to address my questions and concerns, providing clarity and peace of mind during a challenging time. It was evident that she had a deep understanding of family law, and her ability to explain complex legal matters in a way that was easy to comprehend was greatly appreciated.
What truly set Shannon apart was her impeccable organization and attention to detail. She had her act together from the start, ensuring that every document and piece of advice was on point. This level of diligence not only saved me time but also instilled confidence in her abilities.
I wholeheartedly recommend Shannon to anyone seeking legal counsel during divorce or family law matters. Her expertise, responsiveness, and professionalism made a significant difference in my experience, and I am grateful for her support during this challenging period in my life. Thank you, Shannon, for your outstanding service and guidance.
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11 Apr, 2023 by Homaira
My case it not over yet, but Shannon is working very hard for my case (an abused women with 3 sons) to get justice and not beings through out of house with my 3 kids.
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08 Sep, 2023 by Andre
I worked with Traci on establishing paternity and requesting 100% physical custody of my 3 year old daughter. Her mother has been battling severe mental illness and is not capable of parenting at the moment. Traci was incredible to work with. Top notch communication, always responded quickly to any questions I had. Worked with Tara as well during the final hearing and Tara was well prepared and knew all of the facts like the back of her hand. I would 100% recommend Traci Koster and her team. I couldn't envision the process having gone any better. Don't mess around with something so important. Call Koster Legal and you won't be disappointed.
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21 Jun, 2023 by Mark
I am so glad I chose Traci and her team to represent me. Table stakes in a divorce is competency in the law. The difference maker for me is Traci's approach -- she is calm, she is fair, and she brings those qualities and approach to all parties in the process -- me, opposing counsel and by proxy, my ex. The impact of that to the journey was huge. Traci and her team calmly guided me through the most disruptive event in my life. Grateful.
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04 May, 2022 by Miranda
Divorce is death. Coping with death can be very stressful. This happened to me. Thankfully, and providentially, I was introduced to family law attorney, Traci Koster, to help guide me through this very difficult time. She was exactly what I needed. Tough, authentic, realistic, sympathetic, detailed but simentanesouly able to look at the wholistic picture; reminding me of the end game - she was great! She, by far, sets a standard for other attorneys to follow, especially in regard to leading in integrity. She fought for me when I did not feel like fighting any longer. As a result of her diligence, she won what I wanted and even obtained far more than I could have ask for at the end of my divorce. My children and I will forever be grateful for Traci's unmatched advocacy!
-Miranda
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30 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Joshua and his team are without a doubt the best around! They went above and beyond to meet my every expectation and ultimately won my case.
Huge shout out to Joshua Barreda and his team of legal experts!
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29 Nov, 2023 by Melissa
If I could give more than 5 stars I would! This was one of the most difficult times in my life and Mr. Barreda and his team were on top of it every step of the way. Josh and Karen were amazing and were always available for any questions I had along the process. I believe that any case they take on will end in the most favorable. Rest assured that they will handle everything for you from beginning to end. I highly recommend their entire team for any family law matters. They will not disappoint!
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29 Oct, 2023 by Traci
First of all, I want to shout out a huge THANK YOU to Mr. Joshua Barreda and his wonderful staff for all of their support and professionalism! Josh, the day finally came for us and it was worth every tear and all the ups and downs of this extremely life changing case!
Mr. Barreda took our case on behalf of my daughter and our precious, innocent grandson. Upon our first consultation, Josh took the challenge of this unique , and complex case . We had been advised prior by family court attorneys that this case could not be done and we would have very little chance of winning.
My grandson needed an advocate on his behalf to keep him safe, physically and emotionally, from an absent parent that abandoned him since birth, due to the arrest and criminal charges and a lengthy and prolonged 6 yr criminal trial with his co-defendant.
We filed a private severance case and due to the other party's excuse/ argument, it set the case as a precedence. If won by opposing party, it would have altered past and future cases for the worst, including adoptions.
During the lengthy trial we united and prevailed as a family in prayer and support and Josh stood strong by our side during this difficult time. He was amazing and we knew he would do everything he could. Josh, did an excellent job in providing exceptional and applicable case text to support the written argument as well as applying it to tear down the defendants defense arguments. Many false allegations and weak excuses by the defendant were brought to light by Mr. Barreda. Josh, took the matter to heart and he knew the seriousness of this matter and the injustice. He dug deep in the final days and used his knowledge and skills along with his tenacity to WIN on behalf of our family! I can say that we truly believe he saved their lives!
Words cannot express our gratitude. We are so truly grateful to God for sending us Mr. Barreda. I would also like to say this, for those that are fighting against the odds and protecting your children (we were told by many the verdict we received was equivalent to obtaining a death sentence) nothing is impossible!
Mr. Barreda and his law firm obtained that victory. They believed with us and put it into action on behalf of our family! When others told us it was too late and impossible, Josh, had a different opinion and was fearless and bold enough to take it and advocate for the innocents. He knew the law and was aggressive when needed. Needless to say, I highly, highly recommend Barreda Law! We put our most precious things in his hands , our children!
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10 Aug, 2019 by Breonna
Mr. Morris represented me in a move away case recently and i cannot express my satisfaction enough. All family law cases are difficult on everyone involved no matter what the situation is. Mr. Morris and his staff made the process less stressful from beginning to end and they focused on what really mattered and that was what was best for my daughter. Mr. Morris and his staff exhausted all efforts to make sure my daughter ended up with the best possible outcome and the Judge ruled in our favor because, in my opinion, he saw that we were focused on what was best for the child.
I highly recommend Mr. Morris. He has experience, a heart and he and his staff are relentless. Another bonus is that he personally handles his cases and does not outsource his work to associate Attorneys. He KNOWS his clients!
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25 Jul, 2019 by Kevin
Kevin K.- Charles Morris (& staff) recently assisted me and my wife with our Estate Plan. We had many questions and concerns during the entire process and Charles was there to answer each and every one in a timely manner. He was responsive, extremely professional and detail oriented with each and every aspect of creating our Estate Plan. We had no idea of the level of detail required for an Estate Plan, but because of Charles (& staff) we now have the peace of mind that our desires will be fulfilled.
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11 Jul, 2019 by Fritz
It’s with great pleasure I recommend Mr. Morris. The law office helped with my divorce and I’m very grateful everything turned out the way Mr. Morris said it would it finished on time and on budget and I got A fair amount of time with my kids.I also got to keep my house.
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23 Jun, 2024 by Mary
I highly recommend Sarah Horowitz for probate/estate-planning legal help. She took the time necessary to explain the probate process to me and walk me through every step to draft and execute a trust and will, advance directive, and power of attorney. Sarah anticipated my every need and was prepared for every question regarding my unique situation: I have two teenage children, one of whom has special needs, and am divorced with shared custody. With her legal expertise and compassion for families bound to face very difficult decisions after the loss of a loved one, Sarah turned what could be a daunting and emotionally draining process into a manageable, positive experience. It's a relief to know that I no longer have to worry about what will happen to my children if something happens to me. Sarah is a great source of support for families of all shapes and sizes, including those who have children with special needs. Sarah's colleagues and referrals (including notary public Gina Milligan) were also incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. I strongly recommend that you contact Sarah for all your probate needs. You'll be glad you did!
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17 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
It was absolutely a pleasure working with Sarah on our estate planning. She is attentive, professional and made the process very easy and smooth. thank you Sarah!
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18 Apr, 2024 by Marj
Sarah is simply the best! She was so patient in explaining our new legal documents to us, made the changes we needed, and was incredibly flexible with our crazy schedules. Highly recommended!
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03 Oct, 2019 by Anna
I could not have asked for a better attorney. She was on top of everything, yet she was so compassionate and kind when I was going through this tough time. You can tell she truly cares about people. I felt confident having her at my side through this excruciating event in my life. I’m thankful for her and I recommend this powerhouse of a person and attorney!
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22 May, 2019 by Chris
Leanne Cooper and entire staff made our adoption process seem so easy. With the thoroughness and ease of the Clio program, our adoption was seamless. Thank you Leanne and Amanda for making the adoption possible. Highly recommended!
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13 Dec, 2018 by Petra
Thank You LeAnne and your office for getting me thru a complex divorce .... I tell ppl she's a pit bull with lipstick .. I look back 6-7 years now and Iam still grateful. I read back thru my files recently and had read your response and I was saying to myself . I had a great attorney ...Thank You so much
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14 Sep, 2023 by Chioma
I had the pleasure of working with Alyson for nearly 4 years on a divorce case with a covert narcissist who suffers from various mental health issues in addition to his personality disorder. It was a nasty and stressful case with a completely uncooperative defendant but ultimately it ended up in a total, outstanding victory for me and I can unequivocally say that it was due in large part to Alyson being my attorney.
Pause and take a deep breath...I hope your case won't be like mine but if you suspect that you might be in for a ride, stop, get on your knees and thank the Lord that you came across this review. If you're a serious person who is doing your best to do the right thing then Alyson is your attorney. You will not find a more knowledgeable, capable, and respected attorney in the metro-Atlanta area.
In fact in my search for a lawyer, Alyson Lembeck's name came up multiple times both from highly respected professionals who work with the court system and recently divorced people in my network. These people did not know each other and I have since thanked them profusely for their recommendation. Alyson is a Top 50 Woman Lawyer in Atlanta who can help you not only as a divorce attorney, but with your prenuptials or as a Guardian ad Litem amongst other services. During my time working with her, I NEVER felt nickeled and dimed, her fees and billing were fair and she was always professional and accessible.
Alyson is calm under pressure, strategic and analytical. She's a fierce fighter but not in a dramatic or superficial sense, instead she is laser - focused on asking the questions that quickly reveal the heart of the matter and the first time that you see her in action in a court room you're going to thank God that you both are on the same side. She is not distracted by silly answers or deflection - she is not there to socialize although everyone knows who she is and respects her from the Judges on down. Instead she is there simply to fight for you and the comfort that provides during an otherwise stressful process in priceless.
At the same time that I was represented by Alyson, my ex was busy burning through lawyers and I got to witness how dangerous it is to both not be represented by good counsel and not respect court orders - the probability is very high that you are going to crash and burn and no one will be there to pick up the pieces. In addition to paying tens of thousands of dollars to me, my ex wound up going to jail because he did not respect the court system and I had a lawyer who understood that holding him accountable was important to me.
To anyone contemplating divorce - be smart about it! Meet with Alyson and discuss your biggest concerns before you even think about filing - she can help you navigate those issues. There are so many restrictions placed on you and your spouse the day that you file for divorce and investing in a little planning can make a world of difference. The law is often times not intuitive, you'll hear conflicting advice from your friends and family and even if you scroll legal forums for months, the true answer may be very different from what you thought. Because there is so much on the table in a divorce, you really cannot afford to play around from a time or financial perspective.
Even through the final hearing, Alyson was not only fighting for me, but setting me up for future success by making sure certain key facts went on the record so that should I need to come back to court for contempt, which is highly likely, future legal actions would be more likely to work in my favor. I was both in awe and so appreciative of her foresight and wisdom.
In wrapping this up, I want to give you a few pieces of advice. Your lawyer is not a therapist or a private detective - therapists and private detectives are cheaper. Have a good support team in place and understand that no matter how good your attorney is, at the end of the day you are the subject matter expert on your case!
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14 Apr, 2023 by Anna
Alyson Lembeck is utterly unflappable, focused, knowledgeable, and efficient. Her associates and staff are all professional, kind, and responsive. I never had to follow up with them for responses, which, as an attorney myself, I know is exceedingly unusual. She and her team provided support and guidance during the scariest time of my life. I hope to never need her firm again, but I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone else going through a divorce, especially in a high-conflict situation involving contested custody.
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19 Dec, 2022 by Alex
Alyson assisted with me with a post-Divorce Settlement Agreement where the OP was seeking alimony in perpetuity by exploiting weaknesses in the contract language.
She was timely, client focused and highly thoughtful throughout the process. She and her firm were masterful and polished with all pleadings and filings. Billing was painless and fair. She selected an impressive mediator and swiftly brought the case to a close.
This firm blew me away and brought me to tears. They helped me to feel understood and reassured. You won’t second guess yourself while working with them. Be honest and true. They are on the good side and masterful at family law.
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29 May, 2022 by Kathie and phil
If you have a child or grandchild who needs a QUALIFIED ADVOCATE, Paula Aylward is the one. Paula helped us come to the aid of our granddaughter during one of the most challenging times of our lives. She is an EXPERT IN THE FIELD of FAMILY LAW and CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES. Paula is COMPETENT, CARING, COMPASSIONATE and extremely KNOWLEDGEABLE. She has EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION SKILLS (verbal and written). SHE IS RESPONSIVE AND CONSCIENTIOUS. Paula knows the law and is willing and able to take on government bureaucrats to pursue justice. She is a no-nonsense attorney who perseveres. In our view, Paula Aylward is the #1 SUPER LAWYER. WE RECOMMEND PAULA WITHOUT RESERVATION!
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19 Apr, 2022 by Dm
I hired Paula Aylward to expunge a CPS record from 17 years ago. She did an amazing job of gathering all the facts, reviewing changes in the law, and reviewing errors made by CPS. She kept me informed at all times. She was able to get this off my record so I can proceed with my career and life without his hanging over my head. Thank you!
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13 Jan, 2022 by Carol
Paula is a wonderful resource and so knowledgeable about child laws. She helped us with a recent case and I would highly recommend her! Her expertise in this field is just what you need if you are seeking an attorney who knows about child welfare in every facet.
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01 May, 2024 by Anonymous
These attorneys at this firm are beyond incredible!! They are efficient and respectful and really take the time to make sure you are represented at the highest level. They did everything right in my case and couldn't have asked for better. These attorneys are top notch!
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27 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Kevin is an excellent family law attorney. I had a complex child support case and Kevin, Akylah and their team helped me maneuver through difficult legal situations and huge mess of documents submitted by opposition party. Kevin and his team were professional, patient with me and very thorough with their work. They prepped well leading to the trial and I won the trial thanks to them. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a family law attorney.
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28 Dec, 2023 by Kayla
Kevin is an amazing lawyer. He represented me in a Juvenile Dependency cases and won, getting it dismissed. He found outstanding medical experts to testify for my case. He was super responsive whenever I reached out and answered all of my questions. He is super easy to work with, knowledgeable, and very personable. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a lawyer.
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01 Jun, 2024 by William
Damon and Suzanne were phenomenal to work with as our family in going through a very tough circumstance. They were empathic, tenacious, and understanding.
They were not just collecting a pay day, they cared about the outcome for our family, and they celebrated with us after guiding the process to close and a big victory in a way we did not believe was even possible.
Could not recommend the firm more. If you a phenomenal family law firm, look no further.
Thank you so much!
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01 Jun, 2017 by Sabina
I am so impressed with Mr. Bivek. He is a "cut to the chase" kind of attorney who is incredibly knowledgeable, but more importantly he's sharp. He knows what you need, how you need it, when you need it and will help you make it happen. He's a bright light in a seemingly dark tunnel of paperwork and procedure. I'm just glad I found him to assist me in my divorce.
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16 Jun, 2016 by Robert
My experience with Damon Bivek was excellent. Divorce is a difficult thing, Damon was professional, responsive and efficient. My experience couldn't have been better. His experience and demeanor helped me deal with the matter in a dignified and positive way. I would highly recommend this lawyer to anyone facing a divorce.
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03 May, 2024 by Karla
Mary worked tirelessly to make sure I was taken care of in my divorce settlement. She alerted me of new developments in my case and what my next steps were. Mary was very professional, however, she was also very realistic about what I needed to do to move forward. I sincerely thank Mary and her staff for helping me get through one of the most difficult times in my life.
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27 Nov, 2023 by Jennifer cannon
I believe that I went through the worst divorce on earth, and I thank god that I met Ms McDaniel. She is tough; she fights for what's right and fair. Sadly, I was married to a narcissist and a monster, who manipulated me throughout our marriage, while I struggled with Stage 4 cancer. Ms McDaniel worked hard to find a way to ensure my divorce was as easy as possible, in order to ensure it will not interrupt any of my Doctor Appointments and Chemotherapy sessions. The team at MGM Law are very respectful, kind, and hard working. My Ex husband tries to hide some funds, lied under oath and showed no respect to everyone, including his own lawyer. Ms McDaniel and her team was able to help me get a fair trail.
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21 Feb, 2023 by Iveta
Divorce is a very hard process to go through, and even though it is not over yet, I already know that I could not pick a better lawyer. The first minute I walked in the office, terrified and not knowing what to do, Mary listened me and knew right away what is the best for me and especially for my boys. Mary is very knowledgeable, she works very hard and she fights even harder. I highly recommend MGM Law to everybody who seeks a great family law attorney!!
ONE YEAR LATER: Today I had my final hearing. It was a very long and stressful day but again, Mary is The Shark!!! If they came at me strong and tried to put me down, Mary went back at them even stronger. I am so incredibly happy that Mary went with me through this difficult time because not only it is over but the most important thing is, she has managed to achieve a request, she has never experienced before to be ordered, and thanks to that my boys will be safe!
Mary is the type of the attorney who will always be here for you, will fight for you very hard and not once you will feel like you are just some client. We have developed very close relationship and I could not ask for better attorney to help me with my very difficult case!
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24 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
I had the privilege of working with Elisabeth Donovan on my case, and I couldn't be more impressed. Her expertise, attention to detail, and dedication to my legal needs were truly exceptional. She communicated clearly throughout the process, ensuring I understood every step. Thanks to her diligent work, we achieved a successful outcome. I highly recommend Elisabeth Donovan to anyone in need of legal representation.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Grace
Elisabeth was my saving grace in this broken Family Court system. What 2 other attorneys were unable to accomplish in 18 months she resolved and settled in 2 weeks. I would highly recommend her. She is fair, honest and simply the best!!
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20 Feb, 2024 by Maria
Actually I met Mrs Donovan in my hardest time ever when my ex husband kid napped my two little children and lost all my rights, it seemed impossible to get them back specially my ex husband took an advantage of me not knowing any of my rights but Mrs Donovan was supportive and fully equipped to help me and with her help I was able to get my kids back.
I highly recommend Elisabeth when it comes to family law she is the best attorney ever.
Thank you Mrs Donovan
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07 Jul, 2023 by Michael
Katie covered every area of my relationship issue and then some. She is awesome!! Use her for your relationship needs!!
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02 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Katie and her team did an excellent job during a very difficult time. Katie was very helpful and worked with my situation in a very professional manner
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30 Jan, 2023 by Tracy
Katie took me through the adoption process, made our journey less stressful. Very kind, caring and compassionate attorney. High recommend!
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5.0
20 Reviews
04 May, 2022 by Jennifer
I have known Wendy for 20 years now and have retained her twice in 2 different cases. Both times Wendy has been impeccable, thorough, and a fighter for me and the rights of my children. She knows the law in and out and will fight for you with all she is. Professional is an understatement when it comes to Wendy and her staff. I have referred friends/family to her and she has given the same impeccable results for them as well . I personally strongly recommend Wendy Morgan as I am confident she will fight for you as she has for me !!!!!!
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10 Nov, 2019 by Pamela
I was going through a nasty divorce with my, now, ex-husband. He had gotten an attorney to represent him. It was time I got an attorney to represent me. I found Wendy Morgan. She represented me with the fiery fierce will I needed. Wendy got me everything that I deserved. Wendy had no problem dealing with the other attorney. Wendy paid attention to details my case, and made sure that the divorce was fair and complete.
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23 Oct, 2019 by Lola jay
My ex kept stalking me. He stalked me at work, home, and when I went out with friends. I had called the police on him several times. I needed an attorney. I found Wendy Morgan. She explained to the process on how to get the protection I needed. Wendy also was caring and compassionate towards what I was going through. Wendy never backed down. She can fight for me anytime!
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03 May, 2022 by Lawrence
Jeffrey is straight to the point and we were able to settle my divorce in less than 10 months which included assets and child custody. He was available every step of the way to help me through this difficult time for my kids and myself.
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27 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
I came across Jeffrey after our "candidate" lawyer retired, and he suggested we contact Jeffrey. We met with him, discussed the case and he laid out the process and the pros and cons of the entire process very well.
The divorce case took about 10 months to solve the divorce and the child custody. The whole time Jeffrey was always available and kept us up to date with everything.
At the trial, Jeffrey presented bank records and income statements showing the Respondent was hiding income, and the award in the case was very fair and more than expected! Great job.
I appreciated the fact that as the case went along, we worked together to gather facts and he did all the lawyer stuff- and did a great job.
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22 Sep, 2021 by Iren
Mr. Graff was FANTASTIC!!! At the first meeting he was very knowledgeable as to my case details and clearly described the necessary procedures that I should expect. He was available anytime I had a question and always responded right away. When the court date arrived, he was absolutely the most professional in his presentation to the judge (compared to the other attorney who mumbled her way through) and I won my case. You can not go wrong with Jeffrey!!
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16 May, 2022 by Christie
I worked with Ms. Gartzke on my recent divorce. Although a difficult experience to go through, I found her to be compassionate, understanding and a skilled listener. I felt well represented and had confidence in her skills and knowledge of the law. She made sure I understood every option available to me and left no stone unturned. I would highly recommend her.
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08 Dec, 2020 by Jimmey
Deborah was a great attorney to work with. I really appreciated her transparency and professionalism. Deborah has extensive law knowledge and works your case from start to finish. She works alone and doesn't seem to take on more cases than she can handle. Always available and answers calls and emails swiftly. She's firm when she needs to be and has a great temperament to deal with lawyers who can be "challenging" to say the least. Unfortunate for me, I have retained several attorneys in my day and I can honesty say I recommend Deborah above all!
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24 Jan, 2020 by Betty jane tallett
Was a great help in settling my Dad's estate. She walked me through every step of the process. I would highly recommend her.
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31 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
I meant to write something a few months ago. Ms.Hynes is awesome! She represented me in December and everything I was worried turned out great! She knows her stuff. Great attorney.
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01 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
WOW!!!! Really don't know where to start. Wish there was more than 5 stars. Not only is this one of the most knowledgeable, caring , and honest person and attorney you will ever meet. One thing when Ms. Hynes tells you something you can rest assure that it will be done to the best of her ability. Ms. Hynes will not pull any punches with you she is straight up and honesty and prepares you with every scenario so you are prepared. Ms. Hynes has an awesome and knowledgeable staff who are as honest and supportive as Ms. Hynes. Ms. Hynes took on our case and we owe her more than money and words can describe. She fought for the wellbeing of our child and she helped me and stood beside me and held me up until our case was over and we WON!!!! If you want/need the best in a family court she is the one that you need especially when there are children involved.
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13 May, 2019 by Tasha
Mrs. Hynes has gone above and beyond to help me fight to get custody of my children! I have been working with her for 4 years now she and her staff have been very professional and for the most part very prompt! There have been times that Mrs. Hynes has responded to me while on vacation! We all knew from the start this case was going to be a battle at hand but Mrs. Hynes has fought off two attorneys and in the end I now have custody of all four of my children as of May 6 2019 thanks to Mrs. Hynes and her wonderful staff.. she is the best and very under paid for the services that she offers.
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18 Jul, 2023 by Ana isabel
At a time when my options appeared limited, with previous attorneys, and the possibility to have a satisfactory resolution seemed impossible, I found Mr. Hassler. He helped me during my divorce process, since the very first day he took my case. His calm and empathetic demeanor offered emotional support, in the most difficult time of my life. He communicated with me during the entire process, was completely transparent, and answered all my questions. His staff is always extremely friendly, and empathetic with me. They gave me peace of mind during a difficult time. I know I made the best choice by hiring him. My daughter and I are eternally grateful for his service, and I would highly recommend him without any kind of reservation.
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27 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
We hired the Hassler team a few years ago to handle a successful step-parent adoption. We are very impressed with Mr. Hassler's abilities and integrity, and highly recommend this firm. Thank you, Mr. Hassler.
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29 Apr, 2022 by Casey
Mr. Hassler and his law firm are truly incredible people who put their heart and soul into their work. Their communication is excellent and they go far and beyond their expected duties. My family is so grateful to Mr. Hassler for his work for our family! Thank you!!!
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21 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
Ms. Lisa Thiessen is extremely professional, knowledgeable, straight forward, and personable. There was not enough time to hire her for my case, but I wish I had found her sooner! I was representing myself, up against a long practicing lawyer. The opposing sides lawyer was no match for Ms. Thiessen's valuable advice. She helped me tremendously. I cannot say enough great things about her. I highly recommend Ms. Thiessen!
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04 Feb, 2022 by P i
Hired Lisa for my custody case. She made me feel very comfortable and confident during our initial consult and I decided to hire her right away. Lisa and her assistants (Gabby especially) were always very helpful and professional. Very good in court and very helpful with explaining things for me. She fought for me and the children and we got the results we needed. She helped change our lives for the better and I will always go to her for my family law needs, I will always recommend her to others.
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26 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
I had a really great experience with Lisa and Gabriella. They were both very helpful with my case and helped me get the results I was looking for. Although my case was not looking to be the strongest case, Lisa never gave up on me and continued to exhaust all options possible. She also made sure I did not waste my time or money. Lisa is a very kind, smart, strong, caring lawyer. She knows what she's doing and does not go after your money!!! I definitely recommend her and would definitely reach out to her again if I ever need a family law lawyer in the future. Thank you Lisa!!!
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25 Aug, 2022 by Antal
Sandy Fox and his entire team are extremely effective! When I hired Sandy to represent me I was in a highly contentious divorce that had been painfully dragged out for 4 yrs and several attorneys . In less than a years time my case, that ultimately went in front of a judge, resolved. Sandy Fox shined and got me a judgment i didn’t think was even possible. As another reviewer stated he is not one to stroke ego or entertain B.S. on either side. He is a highly effective, focused and aprovechable Divorce trial lawyer!
I wish I had hired him and his team years earlier, I know it would have saved me and my family a lot of time, stress and money.
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29 Jun, 2021 by Sara
Sandy Fox is a very effective and competent trial attorney. I hired him to represent me at trial and he was very prepared, skilled, organized and won my case. I would hire him again.
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24 Jan, 2021 by Kyle
I am beyond pleased to have worked with Sandy Fox in a legal name change case. He is very knowledgeable, professional and gets the job done! I received exactly the results I wanted and it was in a very timely manner and I am truly grateful. I would highly recommend him.
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12 Apr, 2021 by Patrick
I absolutely recommend Butler, Giraudo, and Meister if you want a problem-solving attorney and a compassionate, dedicated support staff (thanks for all your help Kelly!). Tami Meister represented me in a contentious divorce and child custody case that lasted over a year and a half. Attorney Meister was thoughtful, empathetic, and went above and beyond to make herself available for any questions or concerns I had. She cares for her clients and their cases but doesn’t allow emotion to negatively impact her ability to effectively advocate for them. I appreciated that she gave me realistic outcomes for each situation we found ourselves in, even if it wasn’t what I wanted to hear at the time. I know that my case had a much more favorable outcome due to my choice in attorney and because I consistently deferred to Attorney Meister’s counsel and recommendations.
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03 Dec, 2020 by Emily
Tami was nothing but exceptional! She was always quick to response, stayed on top of my case, and got things done in a very timely matter. She is friendly, professional and very knowledgeable. She wasn't afraid to fight on my behalf when times called for it. She also saw that time was of the essence and did everything in her power to get my divorce finalized as quickly as possible so I could move forward with my life. I would HIGHLY recommend her!!
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03 Jan, 2020 by John
I was a wreck and had no idea what to expect from divorce. Tamara was very kind and made clear what I needed to do moving forward. She didn't waste my time or hers. I feel that hiring her was essential to my successfully navigating a very hard situation. She isn't a mudslinger or vague about what she does for her clients. I simply listened to her advice and trusted her guidance. My decision to hire her absolutely was the best one I could have made. Tamara and her entire office made me feel like I was a person not just the next case. I could never give enough thanks.
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05 Jul, 2024 by Supreme11505
Thanks to you and your whole team for everything you've done for me throughout this whole process! When we started, to me, my goals looked far fetched and maybe even unattainable. With you and your team's patience, expertise, and professionalism, sprinkled with a little Divine Intervention at times, we accomplished every single one of those goals. I can't thank you enough. I have my son here with me and he isn't just surviving. He's thriving. People always ask me, "Do you have sole custody of him? You got that through COURT?! How in the world did you pull that off?!" I know I have God, you, and your team to thank for that gift. Again thank you so much. All of you.
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13 Oct, 2022 by Jim
I am so impressed by Autumn and her abilities. When I hired her, I was impressed with her direct communication and no nonsense style. Working with her was easy because she is organized. In court, I was very impressed with her memory on very small details and her focus. She is motivated to win! I highly recommend.
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13 Aug, 2022 by Denham
Autumn handled my divorce. She was fast and was able to solve some hard problems that I thought would make our divorce expensive. But she knew how our judge liked things and worked a lot with the attorney on the other side so there were no delays. She used her experience to get to the meat of the case and it was over as quickly as it could be. She didn’t milk me for money and she was worth the money I did have to spend.
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10 May, 2024 by C.m.
Besides getting my divorce, Ms. Main was by far the best decision I could have made when it came to hiring the right person to represent me and my case. I had no idea how emotionally fragile this divorce would make me. However, Ms. Main was a constant and invaluable strength to me.
Thank you, Ms. Main, for all your hard work and not giving up on my case when the other party continued to play foolish games.
You are truly a blessing and I would absolutely recommend you to anyone who has to go through the unfortunate experience of having to deal with a situation that calls for a professional in family law. You and your team are amazing and you DO NOT let down.
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18 Apr, 2023 by Jamie
I retained Ms. Main about 6 months into my existing case after firing my first attorney. I was terrified and scared and discouraged because of my previous experience with the court system. My previous attorney dropped the ball and Ms. Main came into the picture and had to clean up his mess. From day one, she remembered every detail of my case and I was 100% confident in her court room appearance as well as all of the paper work that her office filed. She always put my son’s best interest ahead of anything else. She is truly ethical and was so professional in the court room even when the judge and opposong council left me with a sour taste in my mouth. She never stooped to their level and always stayed professional and fought for what was right! She is extremely knowledgeable and is “the smartest person in the room” (inside joke). Opposing council was a loud mouth and should actually be a criminal defense attorney, not a family law attorney. It’s actually disgusting how horrible other attorneys can be. HOWEVER, Rebekah is someone you want on your team. Child custody is heart breaking and gut wrenching. It’s expensive (however she is fairly priced and doesn’t charge above and beyond like most). After over two years from my initial hearing, my case finally was resolved and I am so grateful that I can now put the nightmare behind me. Let me add, it was opposing who consistently dragged out our case, not Rebekah. She wanted resolution as much as I did. She is extremely valuable and as far as I’m concerned one of the best attorneys I have ever known. Her staff is also awesome! I felt like they knew me on a personal level, I never felt like a business transaction. I am telling you now, if you are searching for a child custody attorney, do not waste your time looking elsewhere, hire Ms. Main. You won’t regret it. If I could give her 100 stars I would. THANK YOU for your honesty and integrity!
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04 Feb, 2022 by Archana
Rebekah was truly professional, ethical and humane in her approach. She truly cared for my children, as she advised me on various aspects of a legal situation.
I got to know a great lawyer without having to go through the heartbreaking process. Life got a little lucky there! And even though I made unconventional decisions, Rebekah made me aware of the pros and cons without vested interest.
I would definitely recommend her.
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06 Feb, 2023 by Monica
I highly recommend hiring Jeff if you have custody issues. He understands the NJ family court system and helped me from day one. I hired him for an emergent custody case and he handled everything including the emergent custody hearing we had within three days of being hired. I cannot praise him enough for his continuous help. Thank you Jeff!
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27 Jan, 2023 by Karl
Jeffrey Alan Kerstetter represented me in a complex multi-month custody dispute. Throughout this time, he was an effective and timely communicator. His knowledge and experience were immediately evident during the first consultation. He was a constant voice of reason and wisdom. I never had reason to question any of his counsel, and regularly deferred to his judgment. Let the expert be the expert.
I’m not a lawyer, I’m a businessman. I took one business law class in grad school. But when your kids are at stake, it’s no time to go in Pro Se and you don’t settle for second best with lawyers. I needed experienced, knowledgeable, and professional representation - and that is exactly what I got with Jeff. I was extremely impressed throughout negotiations, document preparation, and appearance.
I cannot recommend Jeff Kerstetter highly enough. I hope I never need a family court lawyer again, but if I do, he’s the only call I need to make.
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19 Dec, 2022 by Karen
Mr. Kerstetter walked me through what to expect every step of the way. I appreciated that he was direct. He was clear with what I should expect and what the issues may be. He returned calls timely and was considerate of my time. Every conversation was pertinent. His diligence and efficiency resulted in a favorable outcome in record time.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Angela
Thank you Alex,
If y’all need a lawyer these two can do whatever you need to be done, they fight for what you want!
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27 Jul, 2023 by Jennifer
Alex provided me with the support for a quick and peaceful dissolution of my marriage. Highly recommended.
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16 Feb, 2023 by Magic touch
Alex had to appear in court on our behalf with short notice. He was well prepared, his ability to read the other attorney and the judge and respond accordingly was stellar. I was very impressed with how he stepped in and stepped up to represent our case.
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25 Sep, 2023 by Julia
ana and her team are truly supportive advocates. She walked me through my custody journey, explained everything, was so quick to respond, and offered so much comfort during such a stressful experience.
Even after my case is over, Ilana takes my calls and answers my questions that come up.
She’s not an attorney, she’s a powerhouse support system that I’m lucky enough to have in my life.
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15 Aug, 2023 by Kristin
If you're searching for a lawyer who will not only fight fiercely for your rights but also provide you with unwavering support and guidance, look no further than Ilana Tanner. Ilana and her staff are an exceptional advocates and a true professionals who will go above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcome for you. They treated me with respect and empathy, making me feel like more than just a case file. It was evident that they genuinely wanted the best for me, both legally and personally.
Thanks to Ilana and Nisreen's unwavering dedication and exceptional legal skills, my case had an outcome that surpassed all expectations. I can confidently say that I wouldn't have achieved such a positive resolution without their guidance and support.
I wholeheartedly recommend Ilana Tanner and her staff to anyone in need of legal representation.
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01 Dec, 2022 by Amy
When I needed a lawyer for a divorce from out of state, Ilana called me back right away. She and her team are very responsive and effective. My settlement was very fair and I give Ilana all the credit!
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03 Nov, 2021 by Amelia
David Bice and his legal team were invaluable in a complicated legal case surrounding my daughter. His years of experience practicing family law proved to be just what was needed to ease some of the stress. Mr. Bice was the first lawyer in Lynchburg that talked to us before taking money in advance. He shows professionalism in his work and demonstrated empathy to our specific situation.
DJ, who handles all the communication became a close friend throughout our many interactions. She cares about you personally and engages in such a caring way. Bice and his team would consistency respond within an hour or at least within the same business day.
You truly do you get what you pay for and Bice and his team are worth every penny. He always seemed one step ahead of our opposing lawyer. And that brought confidence that he would work hard for the best outcome for both us and other clients.
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03 Apr, 2019 by Bruce
David worked with me in a collaborative procedure against a team (ex+attorney) who did not play by the rules and in fact were threatening and manipulative and didn't keep to their agreements. After the dust cleared, I did end up getting stuck with support payments, but there was at least an endpoint. David did acknowledge after the fact, when he began to hear more reports about my ex's lawyer, that if he'd been more aware of his reputation as not working in the spirit of Collaborative Procedure, he never would have advised me to go in that direction. The only problem with our arrangement was that David's office is not in the same city. Since I'd never been divorced before, it didn't occur to me that I'd have to pay for the drive to and from the meetings (2 hours billing for each meeting), but that was just my mistake. Overall, David is a good guy and represented me faithfully and with friendship. Divorce is divorce, nobody wins, life goes on.
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22 Aug, 2018 by Janice
We hired Mr. Bice to represent us in a difficult custody hearing of our granddaughter. He was very honest in telling us the situation may not go in our favor due to us being grandparents. However, during the process, Mr Bice not only bought out circumstances in our favor but fought for us all the way. He encouraged us to do everything the court requested and he even stayed in contact with DSS and CASA representatives. He attended all meetings with us as our attorney, kept us up-to-date with any changes to the case, and returned phone calls in a prompt manner. The bottom line is that Mr. Bice did get us physical and legal custody of our granddaughter. We cannot begin to thank him for his excellent service during our time of upheaval. His court room demeanor was outstanding and the judge listened to what he presented. Even though there were a few hiccups in the beginning with how some individuals viewed us as the grandparents, Mr. Bice was able to put all their minds to rest and know our granddaughter would be taken care of and loved forever. We would hire Mr. Bice again and I'm sure we will be needing his services in the future. Thank goodness there are lawyers like Mr. Bice that you can count on in difficult situations.
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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.
