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09 Aug, 2024 by Tim carter
If you need a lawyer call Stan. He is very good and a good guy to have working for you on any issue.
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11 Apr, 2024 by Lillian cook
24 Jan, 2024 by Paula ellison
Stan and Laurie are very friendly and very knowledgeable. They get the job done! I would recommend Griffis Law Firm to everyone that needs legal assistance.
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21 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
She said she understood my case, but completely lied. All she did was keep filing continuances, giving me the wrong advice and billing me for all of it. Until I ran out of money and she said nothing.
In 1/4 of the time my new attorney took care of it all and did it right, without OVERBILLING
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26 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
Shelly took over my case when my original lawyer had only created animosity, drama and cost a fortune. Within a short time with Shelly I was finally divorced. Shelly is kind, compassionate yet direct and honest.
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27 Aug, 2018 by Emily
Shelly has handled my divorce case with eloquence, care, and kindness. She is very straight forward and honest - possibly a money saver for me as she didn’t waste time. She truly cares and I felt like I was in kind and capable hands the entire time.
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26 Jan, 2022 by Christina
I hired Andrew years ago to handle my divorce and custody case. He was wonderful. He didn't sugar coat anything for me. I may not have always like what he told me but he was honest and did exactly what he said he would. I have since referred others to him. Still to this day he will take my call and give me advice. Glad I don't need a divorce attorney but if I did he would always be my first choice.
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13 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
This guy has some serious issues with anger - as well as rules and accuracy in record keeping and accounting. One could try to excuse his unprofessional and quite childish behavior as an allergic reaction to pain medication he's taking as a result of an automobile accident at the end of last year, but that would just be just that: an excuse.
Let's be clear, he's playing the role of parenting coordinator - I hired him because I had to not because I wanted to.
He's refused to address a clerical issue on an invoice that I had already said I would pay as soon is it was made accurate.
The first invoice was issued 21 days prior to the writing of this review and I pointed out the omission the same day.
The second invoice was issued today with a thinly veiled threat to send me to collections because "all but [less than $5] are almost 30 days past due". The total invoiced amount is less than $100.
I again, pointed out the omission on the invoice, and reiterated that I would pay the entire amount due as soon as the invoice was corrected, to which this guy responded by issuing a demand letter threatening to take the matter to the court if I did not pay the total due within 10 days.
I responded by pointing out that refusing to provide an accurate invoice is a violation of the Florida Bar's rules governing parenting coordinators and reiterated that as soon as the omission was addressed I would be able to make a payment.
He responded by issuing request for status conference to report noncompliance to the court.
Instead of correcting a clerical error which amounted to 29 typed characters (including spaces) this guy has decided to, essentially, throw a temper tantrum and bring the matter before the court.
His actions are, at best, unprofessional and completely irrational. His reasoning behind refusing to address a clerical issue and force a matter before the courts defies logic.
If you are looking for a level-headed lawyer, this isn't the guy for you.
If you are being referred to a parenting coordinator (a person who is supposed to facilitate communication, negotiation, and problem-solving in your domestic relations case) and this guy is on your list cross him off.
You're going to spend enough money on lawyers, and putting up with one that behaves like a two year old is simply not worth the expense or hassle.
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28 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
I couldnt be happier with choosing Mr. Storie as my lawyer. I hired him to represent me in my divorce case and he did a great job. He is very knowledgable on the law. What really impressed, aside from his abilities in court, was the fact that he and his paralegal really do care about you and your case. While he is not the cheapest divorce lawyer in Orlando, he is not the most expensive either. I interviewed several lawyers before hiring Mr. Storie and he was the one lawyer who told me what the law was...not just what I wanted to hear. When we got to go in front of the judge, Mr. Storie was very prepared and it was obvious he was respected by the judge. When my case started, my wife and her attorney were making unreasobable demands. She kept telling me that her lawyer said she would get everything and I was screwed. Mr. Storie told me the law and what I should really expect to happen. You should have seen the look on my wife's face when the judge agreed with Mr. Storie and she didnt get hardly anything she thought she was going to get. I know I made the right choice in picking him out to be my lawyer and would recomend him to anyone.
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04 Feb, 2024 by Cj
I had the unfortunate need to retain an attorney during an ugly divorce, but I can confidently say that I could not have asked for better representation. Mrs. Pitelis and her team were always there for me, whether I was dealing with an emergent situation regarding my children or providing much needed guidance through the bureaucracies of family court. She even spoke with me and provided counsel outside business hours from her personal phone when the need presented itself.
In addition to being present and diligent, Maria has a wide breadth of knowledge with regards to case law, the court system in Pinellas county, and other divorce attorneys and how they conduct their cases. She clearly takes time to be appraised of any developments that maybe affect your case, and communicates those developments to you as her client in a digestible and concise manner.
I hope I don’t ever need to retain an attorney again, but if I do need a family court attorney down the road, Maria will be my first and only choice.
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13 Nov, 2021 by Michael
Maria always stayed in contact and was sensitive to my feel.she genuinely cared about my cases and made me feel like I was apart of her family.
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18 Oct, 2019 by Becky
When my exhusband and I separated, it took a while to get through everything. I hired Maria to finish it up so I could move on with my life. Best decision ever! She is professional, thorough, down-to-earth and really knows her stuff. Everything got wrapped up quickly and she even helped me when my ex tried to come back to change the terms of the child support last year.
I highly recommend her!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
This attorney will overcharge you and get nothing accomplished for you. I have receipts and emails to back it up.
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05 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Lisa has helped me over the last few years of a difficult custody situation. She has been wonderful as an attorney and support person. She proves herself very knowledgable and hard working.
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11 Jul, 2014 by Brent
I have worked with Lisa McNiff for quite some time regarding my divorce matters and subsequent custody issues. She has always been attentive, straightforward, and knowledgeable regarding my legal needs. I have and continue to appreciate her assistance!! Thank you Lisa!
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16 Jul, 2015 by Mary
I have used James for previous matters of mine and referred many of my friends and family members to him. He is an attorney that goes above and beyond to get the job done. He has never let me or anyone I know down. I highly recommend him to anyone and continue to do so whenever anyone asks me if I know a good attorney.
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13 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I have used James a couple of times for mostly paperwork agreement type things. I'm impressed with both his legal knowledge as well as understanding of human nature and how the real world works. I would not hesitate to recommend James for legal representation, especially if you need someone both aggressive and understanding. He gets it done.
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11 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
James Hornsey represented me in my divorce and he was extremely knowledgeable. I honestly would be very afraid to be on the team opposing him, since he is seriously tough as nails when it comes to knowing the law and defending your rights. I was amazed, just when I thought he had pulled out all of his cards in our case, he pulled out even more and it was just a wipeout for the other side and their lies and things they had pulled. I thank God I had his as my attorney or things would not have been so great for me since the other side was playing not-so-nice.
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14 Nov, 2024 by José rodríguez
I would not recommend this legal service which is unfortunate because I am also a professional who often gets asked about recommendations for various things including lawyers.
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03 Jul, 2024 by Blake baldwin
I could not be happier with the gartner law firm. I was referred to them by a friend also in the legal field. Right away when I talked to matt gartner about my particular work comp case he was very easy to talk to and did not give me that "salesman vibe" I would know as I am a salesman by profession. Matt did an excellent job explaining all the ins and outs of my particular case and looked at everything in a very objective fashion.
Now I will say you must be patient with this process! You will not get results overnight. You must be patient to get the best result. That being said I'd be more than happy to suggest anyone with personal injury or work comp matters to consider the gartner law firm. I now know they are hands down my go to guys for anything work comp or personal injury related. Thanks again gartner law firm
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01 Aug, 2022 by Brian trull
Great professional attorney.
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14 May, 2019 by Bob
Attn: Jan Baliles, Attorney at Law 6 May 2919
Generally, the average person seldom finds themselves in need of an attorney but once they do , the search begins. Similar to the medical field, one finds lawyers, like doctors specialize. So now the search begins based on your particular situation. In my case I didn't have family or friends to make a recommendation so I went to the yellow pages and settled on an attorney in a practice by themselves. I knew the multi membered ones would be more expensive. I selected Attorney Janese M. Baliles. Sure enough it was the right choice. That was about two decades ago. I was very comfortable with her as she listened attentively to my situation and ultimately solved my problem. Since then, every time I've need legal help she has consistently and reasonably resolved my problems, even to the extent requiring us to travel out of town.
I have no reservations about highly recommending Jan for a wide number of issues.
Bob LT. USN (retired)
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05 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Janese helped us get our family home sold. We had heirs that were difficult to reach. She took care of all of the details and was able to get us much more money for the property than we ever thought we would get. We were so glad to have her as our attorney. We were all so happy with the mo day that we got.
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12 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I had such a positive experience working with Jan! She is such a warm and friendly woman. She is very professional and it is obvious from the start how smart she is and how much knowledge she has in her field. She helped us with a very complicated case and we could not have been more thrilled with the outcome. We highly recommend her!
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18 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Bruman and his team, including Ms. Duncan and Ms. Cook, were the absolute best in helping me settle my case! After a male friend of my ex-spouse whipped one of my two sons, I kindly asked him to leave all future physical discipline to myself and ex-spouse. His response by text was, "we will settle this face to face". He later approached me and verbally threatened me again, during a child drop off, stating "I will whip your children whenever I want because it is the manly thing to do". That is when I saught the services of The Bruman Law Group... Now, that male friend, and all future friends of my ex-spouse are restricted from laying a finger on my children and are not allowed in my eyesight during periods of child pickup and drop off. Thanks again Bruman Law Group for legally protecting my children and me!
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20 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Bruman fought for my case and it wasn't easy as I have a disability. I won and got my child settling out of court because my ex lied about nearly everything and tried taking my child it came to light that my ex is crazy and everything worked out well for me. If you'll looking for someone who will fight for you, Mr. Bruman is a clear winner.
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31 May, 2013 by Anonymous
I, after reading reviews on other sites find it strange that this is the only site with positive reviews. I had an unparalleled horrible experience using this attorney. I did not get the outcome I was told I would, or even close. The two staff members I dealt with consistently rude. You definitely will end up spending 2-3 times what you thought when hiring. I wish I would have chosen any other attorney, I'm sure I would have had better results and much less stress for a lot less than 360.00 an hour.
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15 Aug, 2021 by Laurie
This lawyer called me 5 days after having a double mastectomy surgery for breast cancer to tell me my husband was serving me with divorce papers and I could pick them up or have them mailed!! Who in their right mind would do this to someone??
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15 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
Kim did our unconventional adoption and carried us through an incredibly stressful yet exciting time in our lives. Her understanding and compassion was top-notch even when I’d call or email 10 times a day with my questions and concerns. She was professional and calm throughout the entire ordeal at times when I knew I couldn’t be. I have since referred her to family and friends who agree she is the best of the best. I’d trust her with my life.
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15 Jul, 2021 by Kali
When we decided to divorce Kimberlie was fantastic to work with. She listen gave what was the best to do and if I decided to go a different direction she supported it. She is beyond amazing and I recommend her to anyone who needs the services she does. She is an amazing lawyer and an expect up all person. Highly recommend her!!
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01 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
Poor communication skills, poor representation, didn’t know my case or care to, and didn’t conclude with any results before sending a minimal amount (to standards of a credit agency but more than what his worth) to haunt my credit without my knowledge. Had to retain representation to actually advocate for my rights. I’ve been dealing with family law attorneys for some time, and this one is not worth your time or money. He won’t get results and will take you. However, it appears if your case matters to him, he may care. Beware.
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04 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Attorney Borchardt is a great attorney. He is fair, he gives an honest opinion and worked hard for me and my children. I found Mr. Borchardt to be very professional, knowledgeable and he and his staff were easy to work with. I would recommend Mr. Borchardt if you are looking for someone to work with you through your divorce.
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08 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
Peter was WONDERFUL for our family law case. For all parents out there, he represents what is RIGHT and will get it done! Don't walk in to ANY attorney and expect to hang the other parent based on what YOU think is right! Peter knows the law, he knows the strategy, and he will tell you how it is! He believed in us and that what we were doing was right and he stood by us and did what was best for the CHILD! No lawyer can work miracles, and if you're expectations are completely unreason
able, he will tell you! Thank you, attorney Borchardt for helping us and doing what is right! You made a difference in a child's life, and we are forever grateful for you! I highly recommend him if you're heart is in the right place! He will fight for you!
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26 Oct, 2023 by Amanda
Julie has been extremely successful at helping me file for my divorce after I had her as my atty for a domestic assault case that she had dismissed for me! I would 10/10 recommend to anyone in the area!! Thanks JULIE!!
A. Hamil
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14 Jul, 2023 by Suzanne
My son got his 2nd reckless driving ticket. She went above and beyond not just get reduced but had him take the right driver improvement class.. she asked him questions she had him explain what he learned from that and from the community service.. it wasn't about getting him out of a ticket but to teach him what he did wrong and what could’ve happened..I would definitely use her services again if needed.
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15 Mar, 2023 by Lindsay
We originally retained Ms Churchill in 2018 for my husbands custody of his son, she does an amazing job at researching and organizing your documents, and advising you how to keep organized. You can tell she truly cares! My husband has sole legal and physical custody of his son.
In 2022 we retained her for my own custody (shared physical and joint legal) of my stepson and I won!
Her extensive hard work truly pays off. I trust her completely and cannot recommend her enough!
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27 May, 2020 by Keith
Imagine after many years of marriage your partner has you served for divorce at your office. She wants an ungodly amount of maintenance/money for 20 plus years and wants to keep you from your son (who is a Division 1 Top Recruit) unless you agree to pay more money. My ex-wife's attorney was vile, ruthless and not a good person in my opinion.
This was what I was facing and I was a total broken man. I was in denial and needed the assistance of a professional attorney to keep me from hurting myself. I was not thinking in my right mind and just wanted it to go away.
I met Lisa Gilmore at the lowest point of my life. She listened, was compassionate, funny and incredibly professional. Lisa coached and guided me through every phase of the divorce. Her courtroom demeanor was unbeatable. The judge had total respect for her and I felt this helped my case immensely.
My main focus was my son. How could a person who spent 80% of his son's time/life be asked to leave his home? Lisa again helped me process that this was not the end of the world... In fact, I believe I became a more loving father in the end.
Let's face it... No one ever truly wins in a divorce but I can say without a doubt, I would have been in a horrible position if not for Lisa Gilmore and her staff. I thank God I met her and I thank Victoria (also in her office) for giving me the extra nudge to push me through the divorce.
My relationship with my son is outstanding and I am even friendly with the ex-wife... but I still have my shirt, my dignity and feel very blessed Lisa Gilmore represented me.
I am the typical guys' guy. I spent many years in the military and while I like to have fun, I tell it like it is... Trust Me!! Use Lisa Gilmore as your attorney. You will thank me later!!
Thanks again Lisa Gilmore and Staff!!
Oh, my son now plays football for a large PAC-12 University and is doing fantastic!!
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23 Aug, 2019 by Ulana
Lisa was professional, sympathetic and organized. After recognizing the lack of cooperation from the opposing counsel , she was able to expedite the closure of a divorce prior to the court date, which saved everyone time, energy, and money. She expressed understanding about the pain a divorce can bring... She is truly an attorney with a "heart" !
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13 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
I retained Lisa to represent me in my divorce proceedings and I couldn't be more thrilled with her work, nor more grateful for the outcome. My ex is a very high conflict personality (HCP) and chose "bulldog"-type lawyers to represent her during the protracted proceedings. Lisa is EXCEPTIONAL at dealing with HCPs--both opposing party and opposing counsel. Lisa represented me in court as well as during mediation (and everything in between) and won the claims that I needed every time. Lisa is a very collaborative-type lawyer and handles collaborative matters as easily as she does the exact opposite. For more than two years, Lisa looked after my personal well-being, preemptively addressed harassment and protection issues, guided me through strategic and long-term planning, and fought and won on my behalf the freedom from abuse and financial stability I relish today. I remain continuously grateful for all the hard work and craziness that Lisa and her awesome legal team put in on this case and heartily recommend her to anyone seeking experienced, strong legal counsel and representation in family law matters.
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24 Feb, 2024 by Travis bue
Very nice people.
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10 Feb, 2024 by Sarah paull
04 Aug, 2023 by Cody “bimberlytinfoil” edwards
I am writing this review as a Legal Guardian of a child, who had Tracie Dinehart as a LGAL. Tracie was very impressive and attentive to the child's wants and needs. She did an amazing job representing the child in court. She was given very short notice of the case, and once she had the history of the case, she immediately went to work on the child's behalf. If Tracie works this hard for every client, then I have no doubt in my mind that any client would be satisfied with Tracie.
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24 Jun, 2021 by Roxane majors
24 Jun, 2021 by Millennium automotive
Mrs. Smith is a wonderful attorney. Thanks so much!
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24 Jun, 2021 by Sheila jimerson
Mrs. Smith is an excellent attorney. She is very knowledgeable and displays great professionalism. She kept me informed throughout the entire process of my legal matter, eliminating unnecessary stress.
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26 Aug, 2015 by Sinem
The first time I met with Marta she made me feel very comfortable. I felt like she really was very concerned about my case. She explained the whole process on how becoming a permanent resident. She would always answer my calls return my emails and answer my questions. I'm very happy and grateful for you hard work. Now I have my green card. Thank you Marta.
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26 Aug, 2015 by Levent
Marta is a very talented very organized lawyer.
As if she is avalable 24-7 She always picks up the phone everytime we called her She was there, and She is a problem solver.
Highly recommended lawyer.
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21 Dec, 2014 by Alfred
My best friend hire this lawyer for his Immigration lawyer. But we realized that Marta has'nt an good experience for high level Immigration matter.
Also she does'nt advice him accordingly. Also she avoid to meet my friend in her office when he would like to meet her to talk about his case. At result my friend lose his case front Immigration court.
We had a very bad experience with this lawyer
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31 Dec, 2019 by Marcus
This woman is amazing! I loved her! As a father she got me with residential custodian parent with 50/50. She went up against other great lawyers my ex wife had and stood her grounds no problem. Highly recommend her!!!
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11 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
I paid over $3000 for a child support modification case where numerous mistakes were made. I tried to be understanding at first but then when it took a weeks and months to get simple things done I started advising things needed to improve. It took over a year to get a simple child support modification done. My case was never put first . The day before my first scheduled court date at 3:30pm they called to tell me we weren’t having court bc the other party had not been served. They didn’t even make sure that was done right !
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27 Apr, 2018 by Rachel
I hired Haley to take care of my child support case. She has been amazing. She really listens to what I want and fights for it. She's on time to court and the day before court even called to make sure I remembered. She's very nice. I would definitely recommend her. She wasn't like some lawyers where it takes months to get in just to consult. She gets you in fast
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28 Jul, 2023 by Edgar
She is a mediocre unprofessional lawyer, you have to pay in advance for the consultation and then she does not answer your calls or messages, she does not help. It’s a waste of time, she has a bad attitude. I do not recommend her.
Es una abogada mediocre poco profesional, hay que hacer pago por adelantado para la consulta y después no te contesta ni te responde las llamadas ni los mensajes, no ayuda. Es una perdida de tiempo, ella tiene una mala actitud. No la recomiendo.
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05 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
Ms Cordero was amazing in the handling of my divorce . It was a pleasure working with her .I would recommend Ms Cordero
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30 Apr, 2019 by Celinette
Hiring Ms. Cordero was the best decision ever. Ms. Cordero, from day one, made me feel very comfortable and her knowledge and guidance made me feel confident that hiring her was a good decision. Also, she is always so welcoming and approachable. I would recommend Ms. Cordero to anyone who needs a good attorney for any child support or separation.
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31 Oct, 2015 by Tammy
I was so thankful for all of Jim's guidance while I was going through my divorce and he helped me get what was best for my two young daughters. He played so many roles for me besides being "just" an excellent attorney. He was a friend, a counselor, a father figure, a therapist and always a gentlemen to all parties involved. Jim was somehow able to keep my stress level under control through this extremely difficult time in my life. A great attorney, a great man.
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30 Jan, 2015 by Sml
Sadly, I've had to deal with my ex for the past 10yrs for various issues having to do with our child, but THANK GOODNESS Jim has been my attorney the whole time! It has been extremely stressful throughout the years and continues to be (YEP he is STILL representing me), but when it comes to knowledge, kindness, understanding and heart he has it all and has been there for me every step of the way. Anytime I doubted his advice or what an outcome may be in court (due to my "worry wart" personality) - I've ALWAYS been proven wrong! He has always been spot on with what he has told me, whether in my favor or not. I have complete faith in him. I've referred 3 people to him (2 of them family members). I was referred 10+ years ago by a co-worker who said he was the BEST! I haven't looked back since. I can only speak on the family matters he has assisted me with (child parenting time, child support, etc.... ) but I most definitely would recommend him to anyone & everyone!
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18 Dec, 2012 by Amanda
As sad and stressful as divorces are, you expect to hire an attorney who is trustworthy and will do whatever it takes to defend you rightfully. James Lofstrom, however, did not fulfill this for me. He messed up paperwork several times, costing me more money and delaying the inevitable, my divorce. After he finally got the paperwork corrected with the courts (three times total), my divorce was finally overwith. He did not follow through with things I requested him to do, which left me with nothing that I had "won" in the divorce. I lost all of my childhood memorabilia because he did not file papers demanding the items be returned. The only thing Mr. Loftstrom was good at was sending an overpriced bill.
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21 Nov, 2022 by Tina mills
she is amazing !Very knowledgeable and professional
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14 Mar, 2022 by Tina mills
16 Sep, 2021 by Sarah miller
Doesn't answer the phone or return calls
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14 Nov, 2024 by Mellany mcleod
22 Aug, 2024 by Arsenio solomon
Anthony Rich made a huge impact on my future and has restored my faith in the Judicial system. From the bottom of my heart I thank you Mr Rich.
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15 Aug, 2024 by F older
Attorney Pitinni was consistently responsive and attentive. He helped me navigate a difficult legal matter, while helping to set appropriate expectations and outcomes. He will not sugar coat your situation, but he will provide you with solid legal advice and experience. I would highly recommend his services.
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05 Jul, 2024 by Ian mclean
Maya Shulman and her staff were absolutely wonderful in helping us achieve our dream of many decades. At last I was able to legally adopt my step daughter through a voluntary adult adoption petition. My wife and I are so glad that we employed Maya and her team. They iterated with us to get all the details right, so that when we finally went to court the judge ruled immediately in our favor and the whole process was over in minutes. What a wonderful day. Thank you Maya.
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05 Jul, 2024 by Shlomo benlaib
Competent, empathetic, knowledgeable, strategic and passionate. A wonderful combination. Highly recommended. - SG
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05 Jul, 2024 by Lana bernard
Ms. Shulman was the perfect attorney for my case-cool, calm and collected. No nonsense attorney who did not waist time and money. I am extremely happy with outcome. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart!
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08 Feb, 2023 by Russenda lyon
Susan Adair...Can not put into words all of the things I need to say about Mrs Adair. When she is your lawyer she fights like she fighting for her family. I would never use any other lawyer but Susan Adair.
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20 Oct, 2021 by Kourtni beebe
19 Dec, 2020 by Cassandra ross
23 Aug, 2024 by Dolores monroe
Ms. Clark made us so comfortable right from the beginning. She listened to us, answered every question we had & put us at ease immediately. She was very knowledgeable, direct & did exactly as she stated to us. We felt as if she truly had our back & it was such a huge relief! If we ever need a lawyer again, she'll be the 1st one we call on for assistance. Thank you Ms. Clark!
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14 Jul, 2024 by Brudda
Helped with divorce and most importantly child custody with a parent trying to use the children as pawns. She fights for what's best for the children; not what the parents want. Ms. Barbara Clark is awesome
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19 Dec, 2023 by Teresa porter
She has done much for me and my family. Her excellence and knowledge has served us well.
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27 Mar, 2023 by Joseph miller
I wanted to share a thank you for the genuine commitment to me as I went through my divorce. When someone, like yourself, makes sure to understand a situation and provide counsel, solutions, and comfort it makes all the difference. I needed confidence as I was pretty beat down at that point and you helped me have that.
It was important for me to let you know that.
Gratefully!
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16 Feb, 2022 by Rick engel
Dave is a very competent, kind, wise attorney! He understood my objectives and gave great counsel. He also responded to my questions and emails and did the work necessary in a very timely manner. I completely recommend him!
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15 Dec, 2019 by Hazmattmc
My experience with David runs counter to Laurie’s. I went through an amicable divorce recently and from the very first call with him I had concerns about keeping costs down. David kept a detailed log of time and never seemed to ramp up costs. In fact, he discounted a small amount of time because we were starting to exceed our higher cost estimates.
David did a good job of balancing minimum required “lawyer stuff” with watching out for my rights and counseling me on protections I could take.
If you don’t want to spend a lot on divorce lawyer fees, make an effort to get along with your soon-to-be ex... or better yet, don’t neglect your marriage in the first place and stay married.
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19 May, 2021 by Nicole van der tuin
24 Oct, 2019 by Mby by
11 Oct, 2019 by Chang b “atto” kim
27 Mar, 2023 by Joseph miller
I wanted to share a thank you for the genuine commitment to me as I went through my divorce. When someone, like yourself, makes sure to understand a situation and provide counsel, solutions, and comfort it makes all the difference. I needed confidence as I was pretty beat down at that point and you helped me have that.
It was important for me to let you know that.
Gratefully!
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16 Feb, 2022 by Rick engel
Dave is a very competent, kind, wise attorney! He understood my objectives and gave great counsel. He also responded to my questions and emails and did the work necessary in a very timely manner. I completely recommend him!
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15 Dec, 2019 by Hazmattmc
My experience with David runs counter to Laurie’s. I went through an amicable divorce recently and from the very first call with him I had concerns about keeping costs down. David kept a detailed log of time and never seemed to ramp up costs. In fact, he discounted a small amount of time because we were starting to exceed our higher cost estimates.
David did a good job of balancing minimum required “lawyer stuff” with watching out for my rights and counseling me on protections I could take.
If you don’t want to spend a lot on divorce lawyer fees, make an effort to get along with your soon-to-be ex... or better yet, don’t neglect your marriage in the first place and stay married.
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09 Feb, 2024 by D_christine
Lori was unprofessional, disrespectful, and lacked common human decency.
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20 Sep, 2023 by Monica
28 Aug, 2023 by Adam wainikainen
Excellent intelligent and professional attorneys. Absolutely the best attorneys Fort Wayne has to offer
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09 Nov, 2024 by Lannie sing
There is not enough words to describe how incredible Scott and Issac are. These men fought and won victory over my dad setting him free on all counts. Issac and Scott gave out their personal cell phones and were always just a text or phone call away. They answered all of our questions right away, as our family had never been through any court related things. We always knew what to expect out of each court day, and never left in the dark. Scott and Issac treated my family and dad with upmost respect. We are so incredibly thankful for them and proving my father’s innocence.
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02 Nov, 2024 by Ryan zubrisky
Scott and Allie are the absolute BEST attorneys. I was confident that I was in good hands when Scott recommended Allie take over my case. Allie was very professional, extremely knowledgable, approachable, and always responded n a timely manner. Allie handled my case flawlessly and I highly recommend her!
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25 Oct, 2024 by Charles taylor
09 Nov, 2024 by Lannie sing
There is not enough words to describe how incredible Scott and Issac are. These men fought and won victory over my dad setting him free on all counts. Issac and Scott gave out their personal cell phones and were always just a text or phone call away. They answered all of our questions right away, as our family had never been through any court related things. We always knew what to expect out of each court day, and never left in the dark. Scott and Issac treated my family and dad with upmost respect. We are so incredibly thankful for them and proving my father’s innocence.
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02 Nov, 2024 by Ryan zubrisky
Scott and Allie are the absolute BEST attorneys. I was confident that I was in good hands when Scott recommended Allie take over my case. Allie was very professional, extremely knowledgable, approachable, and always responded n a timely manner. Allie handled my case flawlessly and I highly recommend her!
Read more
25 Oct, 2024 by Charles taylor
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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.
