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08 Mar, 2023 by Jennifer dowker
Entering into a high conflict divorce was stressful to say the least. I googled ‘best divorce attorney in Michigan’ and this firm was closest to me. Eric and his team were compassionate, professional, and hands down the best! Google was not wrong, they are an amazing team!
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14 Dec, 2022 by Thrivingfor5 leewomack
Very unfriendly staff, asking for a consult and she (Molly) hung up on me because I did not want to answer personal questions without a confidentiality contract after agreeing to a $250/ hour consultation fee.
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08 Dec, 2022 by Natalia wilczek
We worked with Morgan Shier on a complex international adoption case, and the expertise and guidance she provided allowed us to seek the exact solution we wanted. Our case was difficult as it involved a delicate navigation of US citizenship requirements, international adoption criteria, and Jamaican and US family-law knowledge. She provided quick and expert opinion that allowed us to take care of a child in need as soon as feasibly possible. Morgan is awesome, and we highly recommend her and the Eric Phelps law firm for your adoption/family law needs.
The Oliviers.
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01 Aug, 2021 by Brandon
My wife and I worked with Jennifer Meister on a family law matter. The issue involved a parenting plan, and the case was brought on by our son's biological father.
Jennifer is a smart and competent woman. However she is also distracted and made it clear that we were not her priority, except when it came to billing us. Jennifer conducted a marketing photoshoot during my wife's zoom mediation, meaning she was distracted and not present for much of the mediation. This mediation was covering our son's parenting agreement with his biological father, and it was the most important thing in the world to us. Clearly it was not that important to Jennifer.
During the mediation, Jennifer actually attempted to tank the mediation and told my wife it's not going to work out very early on, which per my wife was in no way the situation. We believe she did that so that we would have to move to a court case, which would continue to rack up bills. My wife was able to save it and reach an agreed upon parenting agreement thankfully, although a second mediation needed to be scheduled because Jennifer had to leave the first before it could be finalized to watch her child (which I would understand, except for the fact that she was absent for much of it doing a photoshoot, which is beyond ridiculous, and the plan could have been wrapped up in one mediation if she had actually set that time aside in her calendar). The second mediation racked the bills up further.
Since reaching that parenting agreement (which we had paid approximately $10,000 to Jennifer to reach it), we have now been charged another $6k just to recalculate child support. Every two weeks her firm sends us another retainer for $4,500, when at this point it is very minor work left over. It looks like we are going to be charged $10k for them to work through a financial affidavit and calculate child support per normal guidelines. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? They also charge us a minimum of $35 for every email sent, even if it's two sentences, and for a 10 minute phone call expect to pay close to $100. Jennifer even charged us $350 for legal research about changing a minor’s name. She’s a family law attorney and she’s charging us to research family law?? Should we pay for her law school also?
In addition to Jennifer’s ridiculous billing and complete lack of caring, she also appeared to change her mind frequently on best strategic course of action. She strongly discouraged us from getting GAL involved early on and said it will cost us a lot of money. Then 2 days before the mediation she said we should just cancel the mediation and get GAL involved. We were very confused and decided to keep the mediation, but we now realize it was because the mediation conflicted with her marketing photoshoot.
Jennifer is money hungry and does not care about you. If you are not extremely wealthy, steer clear. We fired Jennifer before finalizing child support because she is terrible. We would not have been able to finalize the parenting plan at all if we hadn’t put forth countless hours of work on our own. She certainly didn’t get it done for us.
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17 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Ms. Meister is an incredibly knowledgeable attorney that is easy to work with. She values opinions and is able to understand what is in best interest of her clients, and her cases as a whole. Strongly recommend her as an attorney.
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29 Aug, 2019 by Meladie
She was very thorough and worked hard on my behalf.. She left no stone unturned if she thought it would benefit me.
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12 Jan, 2024 by Ethel o.
I engaged Mr. Rakowski (LSR) in April 2023 to assist with Judgment enforcement matters. In August 2023, he blindsided me by filing a petition to withdraw while demanding that I pay him $7000 to continue representation without having provided me with an invoice of services supporting his demand.
This was during a time when he was supposed to be cleaning the mess he created by filing a Petition for Rule to Show (Indirect Civil Contempt) without any claimed amount, being able to mention the paragraphs of the Judgment violated, nature of the violation OR present Exhibits and evidence during the hearing to support the petition.
That was the beginning of my nightmarish encounters as events spiraled out of control. He would then file several unnecessary and avoidable motions to modify, compel, and clarify, attempting to rectify his errors and failings while racking up legal fees. And then, he demanded $7000 for the work to clean up this mess without providing me with a supporting invoice.
He attempted to coerce me into paying him that amount and when I pushed back, he quickly filed his withdrawal and then immediately filed a petition for attorney fees after the withdrawal was granted. Important to point out that none of the matters I engaged him for were resolved by the time he withdrew, including the petition for reimbursement of child expenses that the Court denied without prejudice because of LSR's failure to state any owed amounts.
LSR claimed he was working on drafting a new petition for refiling and billed me over $1,000 for that supposed work in the invoice. However, I never saw a draft of that petition prior to his abrupt withdrawal. And he would then have the audacity to file a petition for fees against me because he thinks the law allows it and he would rather leverage what he believes to be law to oppress his client than do what is right. Zero accountability!!
Suffice it to say that I am now representing myself Pro Se and had to refile the petition for child expenses reimbursement myself, which the Court conducted a hearing on and ordered the respondent to pay me the amount claimed.
In hindsight, I would have been much better off doing this on my own with very little help from the Law Library. The library has all the applicable straightforward forms. The matters were not complicated. It was post-divorce and didn't require any discovery. I have the Judgment. And there were evidence and documentation to support its violation. But LSR made the process and filing so messed up and complicated so that he could then bill me over $11,000 attempting to clean the mess. Engaging LSR is the worst mistake I have made all through my pre-divorce and post-divorce journey.
I would have rated him a zero star if I could but unfortunately, the minimum I could give is 1.
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28 Feb, 2021 by Christina
Mr. Rakowski opened my eyes to what my rights are as a mother. His knowledge, confidence and compassion confirmed my decision as to why I chose him. Best decision I could’ve made to protect myself and daughter.
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14 Feb, 2021 by Allie
Steve is an absolute pleasure to work with. He & his staff are patient, courteous, responsive & very dedicated in pursuing only the best possible outcome for their client(s).
Although, sadly, there were many painful bumps on the road in dealing with my very difficult family members, Steve made working through my case a much more bearable experience because of his great counsel & advice.
I highly recommend Mr. Rakowski and his firm to everyone needing a skilled, masterful attorney! You’ll be in very good hands.
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17 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Horrible experience and I would steer clear of this law firm at all costs! They charge you for every email and second spent on your account, even if the email was regarding correcting their own mistakes! I asked them to correct their errors and typos and they charged me to fix them. If they send you an email (even when you did not request it or outreach to them), they charge you for it! It took me multiple emails just to get my final agreement signed, all of which they charged me for! Ridiculous and unfair billing practices that could bankrupt you. Find a lawyer who actually cares about their clients.
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19 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Ms. Reynolds approach to my family law issues were excellent. She explained effectively that I as a non-lawyer could understand. Her understanding of the law helped to reassure me that my legal position was reasonable. I look forward to my next consultation.
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25 Mar, 2019 by Holly
Christine was terrific. She was always available to answer questions. She was calm, cool and collected prior to our hearings. While I had internal jitters, she was more than confident in us and our case. I would use her and her law firm again if I ever needed anything!
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12 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Donna is literally the worst lawyer I've come across. She was very friendly with opposing counsel (nicknames, etc) and let my ex's attorney run the show. Donna was condescenging and rude often cutting me off and nearly yelling at me. She is very disorganized and an awful communicator. She went weeks without answering my emails and then blamed me when I didn't have paperwork ready never acknowledging that she never told me I was supposed to have it. I fired Donna after 5 months because she was just an empty suit but had no fight in her. She was lazy and incompetent. If you think divorce and/or custody is stressful, hire Donna and you'll find out how much worse she can make it.
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05 Dec, 2017 by Edith
I was referred to Donna Polinske after a call to Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance regarding a family matter. At the consultation, she was stern and to the point. I had a hard time keeping my mouth shut. Once I did, Donna set forth a strategy to have my case dismissed. I hired her and can honestly say that I'm glad I did. She appeared in court on my behalf and was successful in the dismissal of it. I'm pleased and would use her again if these matters should arise in the future. Thank you Donna!
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08 Dec, 2015 by Andrew
Donna's professionalism in court was just outstanding! Donna and her team provided excellent service and were very helpful and informative in filing all the necessary court documents in a timely and efficient manner. She was very approachable and handled my situation very professionally. I highly recommend her services and will definitely contact her should I need her services again.
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30 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Day is too caught up in her own personal problems to help you with yours. She is constantly out of town in Cheyenne, on vacation and responds weeks later on her own convenience. I would highly recommend staying as far away from it as possible. Her busy selfish schedule delays every process and it is always late in submitting required documents. Her integrity is very poor and is known to lie to everyone. Judges are not fond of her so stay away.
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23 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Went through a divorce with a different lawyer and that was a disaster and really screwed up so I went to DaNece to try to see about fixing things. She looked through and she said it definitely could use some change because things were not correct both with filing some things more than once and also some things weren't filed at all. She has since fixed everything that needed done and continues to help when my ex continues to take me to court. It has been a stressful drawn out situation but she always does everything she can to make things as easy as possible and she always cares about my kids and myself. I've even had to contact her on holidays dealing with custody situations and she has taken the time to help me. I couldn't be happier with everything she has done for me!
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29 Dec, 2018 by Justin ferguson
Denace took care of everything I had negative things said about her and had doubts it is know three years later and everything she did and said was spot on it’s hard to understand why attorneys do things you don’t understand but that’s why you pay them is for what you don’t know. She still helps me when I need it and you get what you pay for she is worth every penny thank you danece your awesome!!!!!!
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30 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Unable to Delete my review
He did call me & there was a misunderstanding as well as a conflict so I was unable to retain him but I was pleased with the extra information on referring me to some other attorneys to help me .
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27 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
I called his office needing an attorney ASAP He talked to me I thought that was good for a short time as it may of been close to closing. I was going to be in Olean on That Monday ( he Said he would call me to verify that there wasn't a conflict with the other party.)I would be able to stop by to talk & if need be hire with a retainer but he did not call me back & we didn't get to me . I'm Stuck with out an attorney was hoping to hire him
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30 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
I worked with Dana for a long time. Fair, honest, realistic, and has a great presence in front of the judge. Retain this man before he becomes wildly successful and out of your price range.
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11 Jun, 2019 by Cate
I was going through a horrible custody battle because I wanted to move back home, which was out of state. Andrea came very highly recommended to me, and the reality exceeded the hype for once. She fought tooth and nail for me. She was professional, knowledgeable, and understanding. She was honorable, courteous, and I will absolutely utilize her services if I ever again need legal representation.
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09 Jun, 2017 by Catherine
Andrea was thorough, proactive, concise and clear in her recommendations and explanations. She is experienced and knowledgeable in her field however she did not hesitate to garner and seek counsel and input from others with expertise if needed. She was both professional and compassionate in her dealings with me and those involved in this case. My case was particularly difficult and complicated and Andrea took action to get the necessary resources to effectively and successfully represent me and protect my family. She was also aware and considerate of the financial burden a lawsuit can be. She was thorough but also respectful of the costs. I highly recommend her.
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16 Jul, 2014 by Beau
I have, unfortunately, had to use a few legal representatives. None have ever been as supportive, informative, and punctual as Mrs. James. I got the results I was hoping for without a fight due to her knowledge and experience. She made my court experience a breeze. Affordable legal help is almost unheard of, but Mrs. James did everything she could to help me and my family and made it affordable!
I would recommend her to anyone!
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14 May, 2021 by Allison
I regret hiring Emily as my attorney due to the fact that she has a small law firm with high overhead and therefore needs to bill a lot of hours. I hired Emily because I thought she was compassionate and seemed to be understanding about my divorce situation. I was married to a covert narcissist for about 20 years and just wanted out asking for only half of my portion of the marital assets whatever they were because I had no idea. After two years and paying her $40,000 she dropped me because I could not pay and would not pay her the additional $10,000 trial retainer fee that she required before continuing to work on my case. By the way there were no children involved in the case. I felt that she took advantage of me and my situation by playing the games that attorneys do to make money by billing more hours and making it look like they are doing you a favor. My second divorce attorney was a no BS person, worked at a larger law firm (not as much overhead), and got the job done in a reasonable amount of time and had fair billable hours.
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08 Aug, 2019 by Alexandria
I cannot say enough good things about this firm! Emily and Alexandra were excellent attorneys from the very start. They were both knowledgeable about legal process and the best way to proceed based on my specific set of circumstances. I always knew what to expect with my case. They returned my calls and emails promptly, and the office manager was always willing to listen and be empathic. I never felt rushed. They gave balanced advice, were efficient and prepared in court and pushed my case to conclusion. And always cost conscious, which I was relieved about. They invested their energy towards getting me the best possible outcome, and I did – full custody of my daughter. I am forever grateful for their hard work and would highly recommend them.
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24 May, 2018 by Nick
Emily handled my maintenance negotiation after my original divorce decree didn’t have an end date. Emily and her office staff kept me up on all proceedings and we came to an agreed order in a timely fashion.
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08 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired Cynthia for a child custody case. On the positive side she always responded to my concerns and provided time for my questions. On the negative side I felt that she was just trying to get my case off of her caseload in the fastest way possible by settling. I did not feel that she was willing to fight for my side, as I would expect my lawyer to do.
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09 May, 2016 by Anonymous
I'm really satisfied with the work that Attorney Vel and her staff did. My doubts were answered cordially and in time. I would recommend her to family or any one I personally know if they need of her services.
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11 Apr, 2016 by Liliana
Responsabilidad, Amabilidad, y Confianza
Gracias doy a Dios por ponerlos en mi camino y a ustedes por tan excelente equipo de trabajo.
Bendiciones!
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13 Sep, 2024 by Bob
Great company to deal with
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13 Sep, 2024 by Rick little
So far they have been working with me and are wonderful to work with, as they continue working on my case.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Valerie molina
02 Oct, 2024 by David o
The Harris Law Firm – Best in Class. I had the privilege of being represented by Erika Brotzman and her paralegal, Joyce Moore, in a post-divorce legal case brought by my ex-spouse. I’m pleased to share that the entire case was dismissed in my favor.
From the very beginning, Erika approached the case with remarkable strategy and professionalism. She meticulously analyzed every detail, crafting a defense that left no stone unturned. Her legal acumen, combined with her calm and confident demeanor in the courtroom, was instrumental in securing a positive outcome (from mediation to the courtroom).
Erika also played devil's advocate with me to ensure I was fully prepared, which was essential in achieving the favorable result. What stood out the most was her ability to transform a stressful situation into one where I felt truly heard and supported. She not only kept me informed throughout the process but also skillfully anticipated and countered the opposing party's claims with precision and expertise.
If you're looking for a lawyer who genuinely cares about her clients and delivers results, I cannot recommend Erika and her paralegal Joyce enough. Erika is a legal powerhouse and the reason I can move forward with peace of mind.
Thank you, Erika, for your incredible work and dedication!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Ken r
Excellent!
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17 Sep, 2024 by Taza gillespie tee
Harris Law Firm has done a wonderful job on my divorce. I would like to thank Kim Gent and her paralegal Maureen McAllister for all the hard work they have done. Dealing with the back and forth with the petitioner and their attorney and really paying attention and handling the responses from the petitioner, her attorney. I was really glad that Kim and Maureen got them to settle out of court to where we wouldn't have to make an appearance. I am still working with Kim and Maureen because there are some other things the petitioner still has to sign and get notarized. I like that they still want to help until every little things are completely done. Even though the divorce is over and I don't want to have any contact with the petitioner, and they understand that. Kim and Maureen have always listened to me and gave their opinion and figure out our strategy on how to approach the situation. If you ever need a great attorney and Paralegal call Harris Law Firm and ask for attorney Kim Gent and Paralegal Maureen McAllister they are the best.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Amanda kuntze
01 Sep, 2024 by Kristin cholewin
Travis, Stephanie, Matt and all others… Mike… righted a wrong and changed my life. My daughter’s life and my life. I can’t express my gratitude to the entire firm. You have no idea. If you are in a situation you feel impossible let me tell you that this firm will advocate for you. Many thanks
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10 Jun, 2024 by D.m ward
Can't go wrong here!
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09 Aug, 2024 by Josh “bigdaddytoph” wheeler
Mr. Jared Crecelius and Ms. Perla Hostettler are a highly esteemed and accomplished legal team. They provided invaluable assistance during my divorce proceedings, demonstrating unwavering support and expertise throughout the challenging process. I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone seeking legal representation in divorce matters. As a resident of Casper, I sought out Mr. Crecelius specifically for his reputation as a tenacious advocate who fiercely defends his clients' interests. Without reservation, I endorse their services and hold them in the highest regard.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Wheeler campaign
The legal team provided exceptional support during a challenging divorce. Their expertise and guidance instilled confidence and security throughout the process. While I do not plan to remarry, I value the ongoing professional relationship we have established. They are highly skilled and a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend their services.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Eric royston
i called the Olsen legal group to set up my trust.
they did a great lob.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Josh “bigdaddytoph” wheeler
Mr. Jared Crecelius and Ms. Perla Hostettler are a highly esteemed and accomplished legal team. They provided invaluable assistance during my divorce proceedings, demonstrating unwavering support and expertise throughout the challenging process. I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone seeking legal representation in divorce matters. As a resident of Casper, I sought out Mr. Crecelius specifically for his reputation as a tenacious advocate who fiercely defends his clients' interests. Without reservation, I endorse their services and hold them in the highest regard.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Wheeler campaign
The legal team provided exceptional support during a challenging divorce. Their expertise and guidance instilled confidence and security throughout the process. While I do not plan to remarry, I value the ongoing professional relationship we have established. They are highly skilled and a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend their services.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Eric royston
i called the Olsen legal group to set up my trust.
they did a great lob.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Cre8tive bird
I had an emergency dealing with child custody situation Garner Law Firm jumped into action and made things work out for the best. I was very pleased with their professionalism and kindness.
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02 Jul, 2024 by Leallison whittinghill
There are not enough words to describe how incredible this Law Firm is….if you are looking for more than just legal representation than you have found it! They actually care about their clients! They will fight for what’s right, best money you will ever spend!
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02 Jul, 2024 by Roger r.
I highly recommend Garner Law Firm , they show impeccable attention to details and truly care about their client . Mrs. Patti would go out of her way to follow up and see to it that her client/child are of the most importance and truly care about your well being . I can’t say enough about the professionalism and care of this law firm . I would not hesitate to use this law firm’s services if ever needed again .
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09 Sep, 2024 by Krista conte
Lori and her team are responsive, thoughtful and sensitive. They helped me through a tough time and also gave me great counsel along the way. I would highly recommend the Costanzo Law Firm.
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24 Aug, 2024 by T williams
Great Firm, very corresponding and versatile to their clients needs. Agenda and goal oriented in seeking justice.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Raquel riopel
25 Mar, 2024 by Jj prachyl
Danny is communicates very well and makes expectations clear. These are extremely important qualities when helping normal people navigate our justice system. Thank you!
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02 Jan, 2024 by Meggan eisenlohr
Roger Reneau and Courtney Koster were huge helps with my divorce. I knew from the beginning that it wouldn’t be an easy process but they made me feel confident the whole time. I was kept thoroughly informed during the waiting periods and I always received quick responses to any questions/concerns I had. I never doubted their work and I’m super thankful I was recommended to the Reneau Law Group.
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05 Dec, 2023 by James lawrence
I was their client about a decade ago. I was left destitute and homeless after a deployment when Reneau Law Group lost and my ex got the house I paid for. Roger Reneau handled the case. A decade later I've almost recovered financially but honestly I'm still angry about the way it all went. If it wasn't for friends taking me in I never would have recovered. Reneau Law Group isn't all sunshine and happy conclusions. Everything Roger Reneau told me was the opposite of how things went.
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14 Jun, 2024 by Days mae
Attorney Patrick walker will fight for you, speak up for you, even when dealing with the most difficult people and attorney’s.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Matt thrailkill
Bret is an incredible lawyer can't recommend him highly enough. He was competent & reassuring from the start. He is also considerate to not waste time on things that are not needed thus keeping your costs down as much as possible. He took very good care of my case & fought hard for me getting a great result!!
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01 Apr, 2024 by Daniel crump
Used for my end of life planning. Courteous, punctual, affordable and very helpful. I would highly recommend.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Quest ballard
The team here is truly what they claim to be, ethically sound ,fair but take no bull bunch! They assisted me in navigating a very unique and lengthy divorce. However in the end all was handled cordially, and in the immediate sense, with unwavering commitment to seeing this settled, with amicable results.
"Thank you"- Quest Ballard
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19 Aug, 2024 by Christie hill
I cannot express the gratitude I have for
Mr. Walsh and his team. Very pleased with their work ethics and communications, they helped make everything run so smoothly. Thank you!!
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15 Apr, 2024 by Lashawn henson
Mr Walsh has helped me several times over the years, he's great with communication and honest about what to expect. He's worth every dime. You're seriously cheating yourself if you don't hire him.
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01 Jul, 2024 by Julia partida
Overpriced.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Marcia degraaf buis
Bruce and his staff were fantastic! They worked quickly and efficiently. Highly recommend if you need a family attorney.
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13 Jan, 2024 by Joe hall
20 Apr, 2024 by Cami n
I was losing my custody and visitation case for my children that mean more than this world to me with another lawyer. I got rid of the other lawyer and hired Adam and he won my case for me in a very big way. Adam has to be one of the best lawyers in Kentucky if not the country and I highly recommend him!
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02 Feb, 2024 by Lincoln piper
Do not waste your time. I tried to hire Adam to represent me in a criminal case and the person answered the phone was of no help. I had some questions for the lawyer and the person answered the phone said that he wouldn’t be able to answer those questions. I guess these people don’t like money.
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04 Jun, 2023 by Gordon huser
Adam brings a level head to the table great atty and person
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17 Feb, 2024 by Shannon shattuck
Worth every dime will rehire if needed
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08 Feb, 2024 by Delight carig
21 Oct, 2023 by Rebeccamccoy
08 Jan, 2024 by Brett bogus
Professional and attentive
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06 May, 2023 by Therealmopar_man70
Always very professional
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01 Apr, 2023 by Larry moore
02 Apr, 2024 by Dennis badham
Kathleen and her entire team made a tough divorce and custody situation a lot easier. Kathleen was knowledgeable and honest about the entire process, and kept me informed throughout the duration. I highly recommend this group.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Mary ellen jacobs
Kathleen and her staff were integral in the reason why I was finally able to sign my divorce papers this week. She answered all my questions, was kind with difficult messages and even picked me up on morning when I was experiencing a panic attack before a court date. I would recommend her to anyone in MD for divorce. Thank you so much!
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19 Sep, 2023 by Deedee t
Ned wasn’t bad. He cared I could tell. Kathleen didn’t. I paid over 20,000 in less than 6 months. Our court date came and I had no attorney to stand by my side. I was told I had a balance of another $4000. This was days before our hearing. Take that for what’s it worth. Don’t come here.
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02 Nov, 2023 by Kim mead
Complete joke!!!!!
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23 Aug, 2023 by Anthonie weyland
Fantastic professionalism and very informative, I'd reccomend his services to anyone !
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16 Sep, 2022 by Sharon hill
After an injury at work, I mistakenly thought the doctors that workmen’s comp sent me to would help me recover. Instead, I found that their loyalty was to the insurance company paying the tab.R. Trent McAuliffe helped me get the medical treatment I needed when workmen’s comp kept trying to close my case. It took a few years to go through the process, and I am grateful that I got the surgery I needed. I’m very satisfied with the results of Trent advocating for me. I wish I had consulted him when I first got injured, instead of several months later. Get a consultation with him as soon as possible, it’s in your best interest!
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30 Oct, 2023 by Henry ward
08 Jun, 2020 by Eric house
Good people
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26 Apr, 2020 by Pumpkin smile
27 May, 2023 by Tonya padgett
22 Mar, 2023 by Erik mcgaughey
Incredibly helpful
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19 Aug, 2022 by Eric mason
29 Feb, 2024 by Amanda mcnitt
Bart and Sheri were wonderful! We and our birth mom had a great experience with the firm.
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23 Jan, 2024 by Christopher
I reached out to this law firm for help and was absolutely delighted by the service of Sheri, a paralegal working there. She went far out of her way to assist me. Showing kindness and modesty, this is a great support staff for sure!
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19 Oct, 2022 by K8eann
Bart Browning and his team really helped us out in a very difficult situation. We highly recommend them!
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07 Jun, 2024 by Todd billingsley
Got our documents done on time and as promised. Took the time to answer all our questions.
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10 May, 2024 by Calvin wilson
29 Aug, 2022 by Teresa b
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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.
