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03 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
This is a life changing firm! I absolutely recommend their services. The communication and professionalism was the best I've ever seen. Thanks to Father's Right Law.
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07 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
She is beyond amazing and professional. The whole firm is very understanding and caring in every aspect.
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21 Apr, 2020 by Carneal
The sale of my house in Florida was a challenging and stressful situation because it was related to a divorce. I wasted 6 years trying to save money and handle my issue instead of hiring a lawyer. Attorney Felicia Williams was referred to me by another client and friend because she was great at working with men to solve their divorce challenges. Therefore, I hired Attorney Williams in 2017 to handle my Florida post-divorce proceedings and she exceeded my expectations and challenges. Attorney Williams consultation and experience to handle my complex case was extraordinary and finally settled in April 2020. Not only did she settle the sale of my house; she settled the alimony too. The alimony would have been another ongoing issue for me. If you want one of the top 1% of Attorneys in Florida who is exceptional with a great attitude, hire Attorney Williams because she gets the job done right. Attorney Williams is about her clients and results. If I have any legal concerns in the future, I know who to call. Thank you Attorney Williams, I am forever grateful for your outstanding service!
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16 Jun, 2019 by Atanas
My ex wife is what people call “helicopter mom.” She would not let me see my daughter. She accused me of ridiculous thigs and asked for 100% of any decision-making because I cannot be trusted. From the very beginning Fedor Kozlov told me that it would be a fight and he took the case to the trial. Everyone was against me, including the child representative. I think that he won trial. I have shared custody now and I see my baby every week. Highly recommended!
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15 Jun, 2019 by Julia
After a year and half of being with another firm during my terrible divorce and very little progress, I made a decision to change the law firm and hired Law Office of Fedor Kozlov. This ended up being the BEST decision I could have made. I reached out to Law Office of Fedor Kozlov at the point where my case was hopeless. Mr. Kozlov and his team are amazing group of lawyers with high professional knowledge, experience and personal respect for a client. They fought for me as if I was a member of their family, while being very conscious of my financials and using time and money in MOST efficient way. They protected me from unnecessary drama, and ALWAYS kept me posted about my case.
Mr. Kozlov is smart, honest, reliable lawyer with strong negotiation skills, great communication skills and most importantly - he will get the job done without wasting your money and time! Another lawyer in practice, Kendall Monson, fought in court for me on more than one occasion and was able to turn around the case in my favor several times. Both Fedor Kozlov and Kendall Monson were able to change the outcome of my divorce, which seemed closed to impossible. They are more than just very experienced and educated professionals; they are best People that you can absolutely trust. Thank you all for hard work and emotional support!!
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12 Jun, 2019 by Mathias
Out of pure revenge my ex filed fraudulent chargers against me accusing of child abuse. DCFS became involved. This was a nightmare. Before I hired Kozlov, I consulted with at least three other lawyers. Kozlov showed a good knowledge of the law and understanding of the procedure. It was very important to me to know everything that was going on in court and Kozlov kept me informed every step of the way. This hell is over and I have my child back. He is not cheap but Kozlov chargers only for actual work. Not BS chargers like travel time. He keeps his word. If you work with him he will get you the result.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Lela
Ms Drake is the best of the best! She began representing me in 2019 and my ex took me back to court twice after that. Believe me you want her on your side of the fight.
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11 Apr, 2023 by Nelson
I not only recommend attorney Brenda Drake, but I guarantee once you have used her service you too will look no further. She responds in an extreme timely matter, and is also very knowledgeable and trustworthy person. I am satisfied that she handled my case with extreme professionalism and definitely made this divorce process less stressful. I am now happily divorced and very thankful to have Brenda as my lawyer.
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05 Apr, 2023 by Billy
I posted a question regarding divorce proceedings that I am currently involved with and Ms. Drake was kind enough to answer me accordingly. I ended up messaging her and we began to communicate so I took the liberty of regurgitating my situation in detail regarding how I was mistreated by the Petition's Counsel.
She gave me solid advice and explained some differences in procedures from her jurisdiction versus mine. She didn't seem to mind that I just dumped a years worth of legal situations in her ear as she kindly and politely replied to me without judgement. I have had quite a few interactions with male attorneys and not too many interactions with female attorneys. I'm not attempting to make this a male/female battle but I am finding that there is something much better with regard to female attorneys. Male attorneys don's seem to take the time to actually read or listen to what one writes or speaks and Ms. Drake definitely read and listened to me because she answered my questions directly and to the point with clear and concise responses. She practices in Jacksonville Florida and does not venture out very far from her county's jurisdiction. If she did, I would very much consider retaining her as my counsel due to her attentiveness itself. Besides her photo displays a very warm and kind smile.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Angela
Thank you Alex,
If y’all need a lawyer these two can do whatever you need to be done, they fight for what you want!
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27 Jul, 2023 by Jennifer
Alex provided me with the support for a quick and peaceful dissolution of my marriage. Highly recommended.
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16 Feb, 2023 by Magic touch
Alex had to appear in court on our behalf with short notice. He was well prepared, his ability to read the other attorney and the judge and respond accordingly was stellar. I was very impressed with how he stepped in and stepped up to represent our case.
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15 Dec, 2018 by Melisa
Going through this painful process took alot out of me, but I received good support & advice from Mr. Cristiano and his staff. They are all wonderful. I would definitely refer Mr. Cristiano and his team to anyone who needs a great lawyer to represent them.
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06 Jun, 2018 by James
Mr. Cristiano was the antidote to an ugly part of my life. I actually enoyed the process, and more importantly the results!
No BS, he knows the process, well worth the time and expense. More importantly, gave great counsel and a commanding presence, understanding the situation and able to anticipate and counter with the best of them!
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27 Sep, 2017 by Eli
Mr. Cristiano has represented me with a recurring child custody case for the past 4 years. He is very knowledgable and professional as is the entire staff at his practice. I would highly recommend him and have done so already.
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21 Nov, 2023 by Paul
I cannot express how grateful I am that I found Daria and her team. I was in the unfortunate scenario of unexpectedly being plunged into our broken family law system.
I interviewed a few attorneys and hired one from another firm (S-M&P). I quickly realized I had made a mistake, as the competence of that attorney was severely lacking and it was clear that they viewed me as an ATM. After a month of manufactured drama/crisis and thousands of dollars down the drain, I made the decision to change attorneys.
I was referred to The Wise Law Firm by a friend of a friend, and from the start, Daria exceeded the high expectations that I had coming in. She was very transparent about my realistic options and the most likely outcomes. She didn't try to push the more contentious options simply to drive up her billable hours. There was never a time when I felt like I was being 'nickel and dime'd into oblivion - their billables are very fair and accurate and I never had to question any line item on my statements.
Daria and her team had the goal of achieving the best outcome for my family and me, and I am confident that my case would not have had the favorable outcome that it did, had I stayed with the other attorney. Family law is an ugly place, and I can't imagine dealing with it day in and day out, but somehow Daria and Stephanie have found a way to insulate themselves from becoming cynical and jaded.
If you are reading reviews because Daria is your opposing counsel, I can say with confidence that Daria is as professional of an opponent as you will find. She is not manufacturing drama/conflict in an effort to drive up the billables and the duration of your case.
If you have already hired another attorney and are having doubts, I would highly suggest making a switch - it's not worth it to stay with an attorney that you don't have full confidence in - the figurative and literal costs are far too high.
TLDR: If you are looking for a family law attorney, I cannot recommend The Wise Law Firm enough.
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30 Jun, 2022 by Kayla
For the last 7 years, Ms. Wise and her paralegal, Ms. Kayler, have been like extra family members, assisting us with some of the most challenging circumstances our family has ever experienced.
In every event our family has encountered (including parenting plans, modifications, emergency custodial issues, multiple mediations, protection orders, guardian ad litems, all manner of temperaments from opposing counsels, new judges), Ms. Wise's counsel and advice has been spot on. She's not one to make promises, but she has a solid grasp of the legal systems in the area and can accurately guide your expectations and limitations.
I have lost count of how many court appearances and mediations we've attended with Daria at our side, but our children and family have come out safer and better off after each one.
I have personally referred her to many of my friends in need of family legal services, and they've reported the same. She's timely, communicates well, and is passionate about helping her clients and their families.
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15 May, 2021 by Njide
The Wise law firm did an excellent job in handling my case, they showed professionalism a great work ethic and had good knowledge and experience in handling divorce cases. They also showed great empathy in handling my peculiar case; were very responsive and understanding of my financial difficulties and very generous in giving no charges whilst still working very hard to ensure that all my needs were tendered to. If you are looking for a firm that will fight for you and have your back, this is your firm. My case lasted 4yrs and Daria still remembered details of the case that even I had forgotten that ultimately helped me in gaining custody of my children as well as a very fair final judgement. I will highly recommend this firm, definitely a good lawyer you can trust!
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28 Sep, 2020 by Bryan
I have had to use Blair's services over that past 3 years and he has represented me with integrity, intelligence, and composure throughout the entire process. He has the resources and experience to guide you through the entire process and has many professional contacts who hold him in high regard.
Even though my certain situation was highly emotional and dramatic, Blair was able to keep a level head and manage expectations, offering me clear choices and describing in detail what each meant.
I got everything I needed from my case and I have Blair to thank.
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12 Sep, 2018 by Dennis
found Blair Chan when searching for a Board Certified Marital and Family Law Attorney in Tampa. After extensive research I selected his firm and never regretted my decision. I found him to be professional, responsive, intelligent and well informed. Stephanie, his paralegal, was equally as professional and responsive during the time I was a client. I was kept informed during every step in the divorce process. I highly recommend Blair Chan to anyone in need of an experienced Family Law Attorney.
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22 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Blair helped me through my very difficult and complicated divorce. I was fortunate to have him in my corner. He is very responsive, professional, and extremely knowledgeable. When you're faced with one of the most difficult times in your life, you want Blair on your side.
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12 Dec, 2021 by Frab
to have been represented by Aimee and assisted by her Paralegal Chris. My Divorce Issues have been resolved! It was a pleasure to be the recipient of knowledgeable, efficient, kind and honest Professionals. My case was handled in a timely manner. Totally felt supported throughout a very painful process. Thank You
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20 Sep, 2021 by Amber
The ladies in this office are all around amazing. Aimee did her absolute best representing me and my needs where my daughter was concerned. Chris is the most responsive and help lady out there. These ladies work so flawlessly as a team. I have already recommended them to friends and family of mine and will continue recommending them!
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30 Apr, 2020 by Lili
I hired Aimee to help me with my uncontested divorce. I had originally hired another attorney who was not being responsive. I explained to Aimee my desire to quickly resolve the divorce so that I could move forward with my life. It is the middle of COVID and my previous attorney was using this as an excuse to delay action. Aimee made phone calls right away and within 4 days was able to have me a court date. I am now divorced within a week of working with Aimee. I would highly recommend Aimee as a very responsive and professional attorney.
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21 Feb, 2023 by Dan
My friends and family suggested I contact the law offices of Jeffery M. Leving, Ltd. located in Chicago. I chose to have Jim Hagler and Summer Du represent me. BEST DECISION I MADE IN YEARS!
I came to Jim Hagler because I was not getting any time with my daughter, even though we had "equal custody" after the divorce almost 4 years prior. Our original divorce paperwork from a different lawyer was vague and poorly written, leaving my ex-wife lots of loopholes to keep my daughter away from me, unless she felt like "granting" me access to see my own daughter. I was heartbroken, depressed and mad. I hope no one has to experience the pain I was going through. I wanted to be her father, not some weekend or periodic person that could only see her occasionally.
I was done with feeling helpless, and knew I had to stand up for myself and get my daughter back into my life. Every daughter needs her father, and ever father needs to be with his daughter! Jim and Summer refiled the custody paperwork so it reflected what equal custody really means. That started the expected battle for custody. And holy cow were they ready for it!
Jim and Summer are real hero's to me. They blew holes in very false accusation and unsubstantiated lie my ex-wife could dream up! And I assure you she came up with new ones every time Jim and Summer proved the last one was a lie! No matter how ugly the process became they guided me through it all with a level of support, dignity and professionalism which gave me the confidence to know we would come out on top! In the end even her own lawyer knew the truth, it was a great victory- and by victory I only mean having my daughter (and best friend) back in my arms!
Today, I have equal custody of her and could not ask for anything more in life! My relationship with my ex has also returned to normal and we are doing a great job coparenting. I never though any of this would be possible.
MY WORD OF ADVICE: Don't ever give up your rights as a father and do what you know is right- call Jim and Summer if you really want your daughter back!!!!!!!!
God Bless!
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30 Nov, 2022 by Ricardo meza
Jim works at the Law Offices of Jeffrey Leving is likely the most honest and probably the most competent family law attorney in Chicago and likely Illinois. He has spent his entire career practicing family law and provides his client the best service -- I recommend clients all of the time because I know he will provide top notch legal advice.
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27 Oct, 2022 by Chris
Navigating all aspects of divorce is overwhelming until you find the right attorney. James and his team eliminated as much of the confusion and concern from the process turning a difficult, tense situation into a manageable one, with a favorable outcome for both sides and most importantly, the kids. James and the firm have a great reputation and experience and both added undeniable value throughout the process from negotiations to the close of the matter. Throughout the entire process he listened to me, directed me to some valuable outside vendors to assist with ancillary issues, and saved me from making my own additional missteps while navigating the process. Outside of the process and the value he brought to my case, he is just a good person, making ethical decisions and looking for positive outcomes rather than dragging out cases and billable hours.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Tj
From our first meeting, I had great confidence in Robyn and her abilities. Instead of being intimidated to take on my case after two other attorneys, Robyn was excited to take on the challenge. My ex is prior military, former local and federal level law enforcement, and worked for Coconino County as a probation officer. Throughout our entire marriage, he abused me, our children, and other victims. Robyn did not gloss over the details of this abuse; she read all of the information and evidence and all of the correspondence between my previous attorneys and my ex’s counsel. She dove into my case without hesitation. Unlike my first two attorneys (who often appeared as if they were working for the other side and had no concern for my children's best interest), when Robyn submitted documents to the court; she fully and accurately represented my concerns and sentiments. I felt as if she knew my heart, knew my children, and actually cared about our safety and well-being. My case had stalled and been delayed; no progress was made until I hired Robyn. Leading up to court, I was confident I had the best team possible. Robyn’s paralegal, Mandy is just as knowledgeable as any attorney I’ve ever known and worked equally as hard in organizing material, preparing documents, and laying out evidence for settlement discussions and hearings/trials. Both of these women are powerhouses as individuals but their combined force is astonishing!!! Whenever I had a question, it was promptly answered! Whenever we met, I had their undivided attention! When I was feeling discouraged, they encouraged me; I felt supported each step of the way! My previous attorneys allowed my ex to drag proceedings out and continue abusing me through the legal system; they did not buffer the BS. Robyn and Mandy shielded me, figuratively and literally. Crucial evidence that my former attorney claimed could not be used in support of my case was admitted by Robyn and Mandy. Witnesses that my former attorney refused to reach out to were contacted and successfully subpoenaed by Robyn and Mandy. In court, Robyn stood her ground in my defense, holding my abuser accountable for his abuse and lies. Robyn presented my case in such a thoughtful, methodical way that it made the judge’s ruling (in my favor) easy. After just a few short months with Robyn and Mandy, my children and I are one step closer to being free from my ex’s abuse, my children’s voices are finally being heard, my children are finally being protected, and I am finally receiving child support, alimony, and attorney’s fees that my former attorneys refused to fight for!!! Living in Coconino County, I was reluctant to hire Robyn out of Maricopa County after my experience with the first attorney in Maricopa. But, she was more present and committed to my case than I could have imagined. Robyn repeatedly drove three hours each way and showed up to my hearings in person (my local attorney never did). Representation is everything; this made a huge difference for me and for the judge. I am so grateful I was able to find and retain Robyn!! It’s great to have a knowledgeable attorney...but I’ve learned that having someone with 30 years of experience does no good when their heart is not in it and they don’t truly care about what happens to their clients and their clients’ children. Some people get into family law for the money. Some people practice family law because they are good at this particular area of law. Then there are individuals like Robyn and Mandy who have the heart for this work and were meant for this work!! They connected with me as a person first, then got to know my needs as a client. The work my previous attorneys shied away from was the life-changing and life-saving work that Robyn and Mandy committed to for my children and me. Forever grateful and recommend highly Robyn!!
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05 Dec, 2023 by Amber
We have used Robyn for almost 2 years. She is amazing. She is always straight forward, never misses a deadline, and she knows how to change gears in an instant.
We will be using Robyn again for another situation that we have to finish. I highly recommend Robyn, she has excellent customer service, and goes the extra mile!
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25 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Robyn was prepared, effective, and passionate. I always felt supported by her, and even though my divorce was high conflict, she was able to support and encourage me throughout the entire long, grueling process. I can't imagine what it would have been like if I hadn't chosen Robyn as my attorney. I truly felt that she cared about me and my family, and I recommend her to literally everyone!
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5.0
20 Reviews
22 May, 2024 by Carmen
Wonderful lawyer. Great communication. Always available, prompt return to calls and messages. Discussed all things with me.
Thank you Ms. Loochkartt!
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10 Sep, 2022 by Elizabeth
Wonderful lawyer. Always available for me,prompt return calls
Discussed all things with me. Open, upfront and compassionate
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10 Aug, 2022 by Marla
I met Ms. Loochkartt at the recommendation of another client 24+ years ago and she coddled me through a long treacherous divorce and child custody battle. Long before the internet! Her kindness and grace and caring were none to be compared. She moved mountains to be fair and accommodating and to help me through the hardest time in my life. All these years later my son went to her to file for a divorce she has been there every step of the way, nights, holidays, weekends, questions like you would never even believe. Always a smile through every obstacle you could possibly imagine, her unremarkable knowledge of the law and her personality, caring and abilities have always shown through. The pandemic didn't stop her form letting us know she was always here for my family. A true "bulldog" when she needs to be (I am an animal lover so I don't say this with malice about a breed of dogs) and she never gives up. I would recommend Ms. Loochkartt to anyone. There truly are no words to properly thank her for being the smart and down to earth person and attorney she is. This combination is not always that easily found. She doesn't just talk the talk, she walks the walk. We are forever grateful for this wonderful lady!!!!! I hope no one goes through bad times, but if you do, Ms. Loochkatt is the most amazing person to have by your side!!!
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28 Nov, 2023 by Emily
Annette and Team,
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I just wanted to express my gratitude for your help with my divorce and everything that came with it. I came into all of this very naive - believing that we could be as fair as possible and never expecting things to turn as ugly as they did. I never could have imagined how selfish and hateful someone I've always admired for their kindness could be. It was terrifying and humiliating feeling like I was under his thumb and almost completely at his mercy. I'm forever grateful for your help in reaching a resolution in my case and for your guidance along the way. It was a very long road and I couldn't have done this without you. You're right, things didn't turn out 100% the way they should have but I have something I haven't felt in years.. Hope. Thank you for helping me break free. And thank you for being an attorney I could trust. I hope you all have a happy holiday coming up and stay well.
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05 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Annette helped me regain custody of my daughter years ago and was wery insightful throughout the case. Her pricing was fair for what she does. She was referred by another lawyer who spoke very highly of her and I can see why. In the past year I had some questions and she responded to my emails promptly without extra fees which was nice, I went with doing a consultation to have a more in depth conversation as well and she helped me to fully understand more about my new concerns. I recommend her as she is punctual, always prepared and very personal while being professional at the same time.
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23 May, 2019 by Anthony
I have been divorced now for over 10 years and since my divorce have gone through three attorneys. My first experience with my first attorney was horrible and no justice was served in my divorce; my ex wife walked away with everything including my children. Since then I have taken my ex-wife back to court and never really truly been able to get justice served. I recently retained Annette Cox Sandoval as my attorney in a custody battle with my ex-wife. My ex-wife was always used to winning and getting her way and justice was never served until recently when Mrs Cox Sandoval took over my case. Mrs Cox Sandoval was very good at gathering the evidence that I gave her an overtime put together an amazing case!!! My ex even tried to get jurisdiction changed after it being 10 years in Arizona to hometown of Nevada. Mrs Cox Sandoval fought for me and convinced our judge to retain jurisdiction in Arizona (which was key to my custody battle)! Recently we were set to go to custody trial and the day before our trial my ex caved in and settled. I finally got justice served and more importantly, my son is now happy and living with me and his family in Arizona!!!
Mrs Cox Sandoval is the best attorney that I've had and I will never have to worry again so long as she is in my corner!!!
I highly recommend Annette Cox Sandoval to anyone when it comes to family court and or custody disputes!!!! Annette is the best!!!
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30 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr. Barnette is very through and kept me informed from start to finish. I highly recommend him.
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27 Apr, 2024 by Christopher
Mr. Barnette is an exceptional lawyer. He represented me during my divorce proceedings and could not have asked for a better lawyer to represent me. From my initial consultation with him until the end of my proceedings his expertise, knowledge and experience were extremely helpful in protecting my interest. He is very methodical and gives you best- and worst-case scenarios. Extremely talented, focused and genuinely looks out for your best interest. Shows compassion and makes you feel extremely comfortable during the entire legal process.
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13 Jul, 2020 by John
Michael stepped in to my divorce case after my first lawyer retired on me with little notice. He handled my case expeditiously through everything and got me to the end of a long process of divorce.
I highly recommend Michael to anyone going through divorce.
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16 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
Ms. Parker got me everything i deserved and needed for my son and i to be safe and happy with thia divorce. Kind hearted, understanding, straight to the point. Would highly recommend if you ate looking for a kind, edicated, and driven lawyer
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11 Feb, 2021 by Stephen
I was in a rough spot once my divorce started. I honestly didn't know where to turn to. I found Tara Parker online and requested a meeting. I briefed her on how everything started out for me. My Ex-Wife ran off with my children, without me knowing, accused me of things that I would never do, and wouldn't let me know where my children were, and if they were ok. My daughter is autistic and was taken out of Therapy for a lengthy time, my son was taken out of school and wasn't enrolled into school until 4 weeks later. Tara Parker and Amy Koshy helped me out so much. I was on the losing end, paying an exuberant amount of child and spousal support, the courts willingly gave her the kids, and it seemed like I was a total loss. Tara Parker and Amy Koshy assured me to hold my head up high, be strong, and the courts will decide the right thing in the end. A lot of new information was brought into light, I was able to start seeing my kids, and In the end, due to the grueling 1 year battle of this divorce, I got my children back, permanently. The case was flipped and I definitely cried at the news when I was told by Amy. God Bless these two, and for all they have done. They definitely give Fathers a fighting chance to see and have their children again! Thank You.
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25 Sep, 2020 by Sherry simmonds
Tara Parker is an amazing attorney. She guided me through a very challenging case for me. She helped me to negotiate a distressful divorce. After meeting with Tara a few times and going over my case I felt ready I would get a fair outcome. And she did exactly that!! Even his attorney made the comment that I had a great attorney. She also has an amazing assistant-Amy! My family and I are so thankful for both of them. They are very knowledgeable and trustworthy.
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29 Jul, 2022 by Jeffery
I literally had one of the most difficult cases known to family court with a bitter ex that made up lies and dragged me into court yearly for 16years of false allegations and manipulation to the point I almost lost my son. After 2 years of no contact I thankfully found Ali and with a few months I was able to see my son and a short time later gained full custody. The 16 year nightmare is finally over
Thank you Ali from the deepest part of my heart for everything you done
Highly recommend x100000000
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15 Oct, 2017 by Dash
Ali didn't only fight hard for me, she was always there when I needed her. It was never about the money. She genuinely cared about me. I failed to do my part as a client and I could still count on her. Even though the outcome wasn't in my favor that wasn't her fault. That was mine. She faught hard and honest. She was there for me. She did what I wanted. I recommend Ali to everyone. She is amazing.
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01 Oct, 2017 by Dan
I had to deal with a situation that existed in both family court as well as criminal court. Right away Ali was both informative and empathetic. As a professional, she knows how the legal system works. Ali spent time 'on the other side' as a prosecutor, which I felt gave her an inside understanding of not only how the prosecution operates, but of what judges want and look for in a case. Ali informed myself and my wife right away to initiate things like counseling and parenting classes and not to wait for that to be ordered. 1) Because you don't want to get MONTHS into your case and then have the system spring something on you that you could have been doing all that time and 2) It shows that you're pro-active in your case. She never painted a picture of unrealistic expectations and yet, at the same time, she managed to stoke the fires of hope and resolve. The above mentioned advice alone probably shaved 3-4 months off of my family court case. It's little things like that that become big things that Ali has an inside understanding of.
As a person, Ali took a personal interest in me and my family. She readily viewed pictures of my kids and even helped my eldest with a few decisions about college. Ali is a genuine person and she really does care.
To be frank, the court system is hell. Pick one reason or pick several, it's a sea of hell. Ali acted as a legal compass through it all.
I don't give this review with any amount of light heartedness. DCFS came and took my youngest son into state custody for over 1 year. In my heart I truly feel that if it had not been for Ali Leonard, that time would have been excruciatingly longer or worse, they may not have returned him at all. It's via her strength, her knowledge and her determination that I have my son today and my family is whole. Even when my monetary debt reads zero, I will never be able to truly pay her back. Thank you Ali.
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5.0
20 Reviews
13 Jun, 2022 by Ronald
Joan was very p[rofessional in ability to make sure I understood what was before me and what all could happen during this process. Her words were soft and made plain. She did not push me one way or another she left it up to me on my direction.
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25 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Joan was great! I retained her services for a divorce proceeding and she gave me her undivided attention, communicated with me regularly and thoroughly and helped me cut through my emotions to focus on what mattered to the court.
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11 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
White & Champagne were very direct and honest. They are a firm that has earned my trust. I would definitely do business with them and I would refer friends and loved ones to them as well. I can describe the firm with three words.
1. Trustworthy.
2. Competent. (Extremely)
3. Fair.
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26 Apr, 2020 by David
josh prepared a will for me and my wife. There were some unusual specifics we wanted included in our will and Josh was able to steer us through the problem areas. He was thorough and made sure that we understood all points in the will and that all of our concerns were addressed. Thanks,Josh!!!
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15 Feb, 2020 by Jamie
The consultation and time that Josh tucker personally showed myself and the interests of my children was amazing. He is a very knowledgeable gentleman and takes time for you to explain your options and willing to go to bat for his people. Very good to have on your side very well versed in many areas of law
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19 Dec, 2019 by Kristen
When I contacted Josh he got back with me very quickly. He was able to obtain information I need and was able to answer my questions. We exchanged emails and had conversations that gave me piece of mind. I appreciate his honesty that I probably didn't need to retain a lawyer at this time but if the time comes it will be Josh Tucker.
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18 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Attorney Romell was very personable, knowledgeable, compassionate, a good communicator and easy to work with. She made my divorce process more tolerable and kept me informed throughout the process.
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26 Dec, 2019 by Patrick
After all of the divorce dust has settled, I can't imagine having gone through this process without Sheila Romell. She provided me with excellent guidance and representation, and was always there to be my voice of reason amidst all of the emotions that often times occur during the divorce process. I am 100% certain that I faired better in this process having hired Sheila to represent me! The property division laws in Wisconsin can be unfair compared to some "at fault" states, in my opinion, and I truly believe Sheila protected me and my assets from an unfair or disproportionate division.
Some attorneys will stir the pot, or willingly fight over things, it seems. Not Sheila! On countless occasions, she reminded me that the "things" I wanted weren't always worth the cost of going after them, which I appreciated. Her goal always seemed to be the protection of my best interests, vs unnecessarily bantering with the opposing counsel in order to drive up a bill. That isn't to say that Sheila isn't a well respected attorney, or a fighter, if need be! She seemed to be very well known, and carried herself incredibly well.
Going into my "surprise" divorce, I was wondering how I could afford the legal fees, and whether I would come out in one piece. After the dust has settled, I now know that I couldn't afford NOT to hire Sheila, and am incredibly happy that I did!
I have nothing but good things to say about my representation by Sheila Romell. You hire an attorney for protection, amongst other things. I felt like a lamb going against a wolf in my divorce. Sheila was my protective lion, though, and I will recommend her at every opportunity! A truly wonderful attorney!!! Thank you so much, Sheila!
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05 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
Sheila was an excellent attorney to have by my side regarding my child relocating. From the first time I met with her she was very respectful, understanding and willing to help. The skills she has amazed me. Sheila was well prepared in the court room with organized paperwork and thoroughly explained everything to me step by step beforehand. She was outstandingly punctual. Her communications skills were superior between emailing and phone calls assuring that I stayed aware of everything going on. She makes sure her clients are prioritized no matter what, which I was very gracious for. Also, not to mention she is very well respected. Thank you for everything Sheila you and your amazing staff have been a pleasure to work with. Will rehire if needed.
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27 Feb, 2024 by Phat
If you looking for divorce attorney? Don’t look no further than attorney Joel Reed. I was hesitant at first but I was glad I chose him to work on my case. He is very professional, answering any questions you have and responding promptly in a timely manner and his paralegal (Julie) she is wonderful. I would greatly recommend his services to anyone. Again Thank you.
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25 Sep, 2023 by Hayley
I had to hire a lawyer in Ohio (I’m out of state) I hired based on reviews. Joel and the office staff were so easy to work with! At the end of everything we left with what we wanted. Would definitely hire Joel again!
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19 Jun, 2023 by Diane walter
My family and I live out of state We live in Tennessee. We had to hire an attorney in which my grandson resided in In Ohio.we contacted Joel Reed. Explain the situation to him, He took my son's case, And immediately went to work on getting custody for my son. My grandson was in a horrible situation And thanks to all of Joel Reed's hard work My son got custody of his son. He is very professional And works very hard for his clients. I also want to thank Julie his Paralegal As she was a big help as well So anyone that lives out of state and needs to hire an attorney in Ohio We highly recommend Joe Reed and his staff. He works very well under pressure and he does not Buckle under pressure. He is very honest He is compassionate About his clients And he will work very hard for you. There are not enough thank yous for how he helped my family and i obtained custody of our grandson.
All I can say is thank you again Joel Reed.
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26 Oct, 2021 by Jean
Had originally filed pro se and found the process to be way more complicated than I had anticipated. I needed a professional to handle my divorce with children. Daniel made this process as painless as possible. I even got money back! Thank Dan!
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25 Oct, 2021 by Paul
Dan came highly recommended and is someone I highly recommend myself now after utilizing his services for a custody case. I feel like he was looking out for my best interest. He reached out to me frequently to update me on my case, taking the time to explain things and to listen to my wants and concerns. Very professional yet personable attorney. My case was resolved to my satisfaction. He has earned my respect and trust.
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01 Sep, 2021 by Mike
I'd refer Dan to others. Dan worked diligently in coming to a solution to be agreed upon by both sides.
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30 Jan, 2024 by Jimmy
Natalie achieved all the goals we needed to meet. She was very caring, making sure to fully explain the outcomes of my case, but was also very professional through out the whole process. There are not very many attorneys that answer you phone calls after a certain time. Natalie answered my calls even when the office was closed. She was dedicated to making sure i was satisfied with the her services, and even followed up after it was all over. In Natalie i have not only an attorney but a long time friend.
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02 Oct, 2023 by Ariadna
Nathalie Fletcher is a great attorney. She was there when I needed her. She and her team are professional and really care about her clients. Nathalie Fletcher has the qualities of a good lawyer. She is responsive. She has great analytical, research, speaking and listening skills. And the most important is that she is a very diligent and understands what her clients really need. If you need a trustworthy lawyer Nathalie Fletcher is the one.
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14 Aug, 2023 by Jason
After calling several lawyers and getting no responses back I began to pray for God to show me the right way to go. Shortly after praying I found Natalie's website and made a call. We talked for about an hour. I could feel that God had led me to her. She listened attentively to my situation and responded with indepth explanations of how we could proceed. She was considerate of my financial situation and showed a genuine interest in helping me reach my desired outcome. It was apparent from our many conversations that followed that Natalie was an expert in her field and was invested in my case. Natalie stood strong and confident in front of the judge. We walked out of there with a smile on our faces and peace in our hearts knowing that God had sent Natalie to our aid in out time of need. She continues to this day to follow up on our case and her work never ceases. Natalie is ever present in my prayers. I call her my lawyer but most of all I call her my friend. Five stars are just not enough for this amazing woman so I will give her ten!**********
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25 Sep, 2023 by Julia
ana and her team are truly supportive advocates. She walked me through my custody journey, explained everything, was so quick to respond, and offered so much comfort during such a stressful experience.
Even after my case is over, Ilana takes my calls and answers my questions that come up.
She’s not an attorney, she’s a powerhouse support system that I’m lucky enough to have in my life.
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15 Aug, 2023 by Kristin
If you're searching for a lawyer who will not only fight fiercely for your rights but also provide you with unwavering support and guidance, look no further than Ilana Tanner. Ilana and her staff are an exceptional advocates and a true professionals who will go above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcome for you. They treated me with respect and empathy, making me feel like more than just a case file. It was evident that they genuinely wanted the best for me, both legally and personally.
Thanks to Ilana and Nisreen's unwavering dedication and exceptional legal skills, my case had an outcome that surpassed all expectations. I can confidently say that I wouldn't have achieved such a positive resolution without their guidance and support.
I wholeheartedly recommend Ilana Tanner and her staff to anyone in need of legal representation.
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01 Dec, 2022 by Amy
When I needed a lawyer for a divorce from out of state, Ilana called me back right away. She and her team are very responsive and effective. My settlement was very fair and I give Ilana all the credit!
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03 Nov, 2021 by Amelia
David Bice and his legal team were invaluable in a complicated legal case surrounding my daughter. His years of experience practicing family law proved to be just what was needed to ease some of the stress. Mr. Bice was the first lawyer in Lynchburg that talked to us before taking money in advance. He shows professionalism in his work and demonstrated empathy to our specific situation.
DJ, who handles all the communication became a close friend throughout our many interactions. She cares about you personally and engages in such a caring way. Bice and his team would consistency respond within an hour or at least within the same business day.
You truly do you get what you pay for and Bice and his team are worth every penny. He always seemed one step ahead of our opposing lawyer. And that brought confidence that he would work hard for the best outcome for both us and other clients.
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03 Apr, 2019 by Bruce
David worked with me in a collaborative procedure against a team (ex+attorney) who did not play by the rules and in fact were threatening and manipulative and didn't keep to their agreements. After the dust cleared, I did end up getting stuck with support payments, but there was at least an endpoint. David did acknowledge after the fact, when he began to hear more reports about my ex's lawyer, that if he'd been more aware of his reputation as not working in the spirit of Collaborative Procedure, he never would have advised me to go in that direction. The only problem with our arrangement was that David's office is not in the same city. Since I'd never been divorced before, it didn't occur to me that I'd have to pay for the drive to and from the meetings (2 hours billing for each meeting), but that was just my mistake. Overall, David is a good guy and represented me faithfully and with friendship. Divorce is divorce, nobody wins, life goes on.
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22 Aug, 2018 by Janice
We hired Mr. Bice to represent us in a difficult custody hearing of our granddaughter. He was very honest in telling us the situation may not go in our favor due to us being grandparents. However, during the process, Mr Bice not only bought out circumstances in our favor but fought for us all the way. He encouraged us to do everything the court requested and he even stayed in contact with DSS and CASA representatives. He attended all meetings with us as our attorney, kept us up-to-date with any changes to the case, and returned phone calls in a prompt manner. The bottom line is that Mr. Bice did get us physical and legal custody of our granddaughter. We cannot begin to thank him for his excellent service during our time of upheaval. His court room demeanor was outstanding and the judge listened to what he presented. Even though there were a few hiccups in the beginning with how some individuals viewed us as the grandparents, Mr. Bice was able to put all their minds to rest and know our granddaughter would be taken care of and loved forever. We would hire Mr. Bice again and I'm sure we will be needing his services in the future. Thank goodness there are lawyers like Mr. Bice that you can count on in difficult situations.
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07 Nov, 2023 by Doug
I found Matthew J. Kuehnl to be extremely responsive, competent, efficient, and cost effective when handling my pre-nuptial agreement. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone who needs legal assistance.
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16 Aug, 2023 by Noel
If I could give Matt 10 stars, I would. We have a Washington case that was transferred to Utah and after a lot of searching for a good attorney, stumbled upon Matt, who previously practiced in WA before moving to Utah. This man is worth every penny and then some. He is professional while also being realistic and keeping humor involved. He has never given us expectations of something that didn't happen. He has fought for us and gotten results in record time that we weren't able to get with previous attorneys. Matt has gotten more results in 1.5 years than we previously managed to get in almost 10 years. He is logical, efficient and has a keen eye for detail. I work in the legal field in WA, but once it was transferred we had to find a Utah attorney so I'm extremely picky and have pretty high standards. Honestly, if you don't hire him it's your loss, and if your ex hires him you're probably screwed. He's that good.
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06 Oct, 2022 by Gina
Matt literally “held my hand” through the entire process. He was exceptional. Matt provided insight to a very confusing situation.
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04 Mar, 2021 by Larry
Abigail was great. I would highly recommend this Law Office to anyone in need of some high quality professional assistance.
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25 Jan, 2021 by Jeff
As a client of Jeff, my experience with him has been exemplary. He possesses a strong knowledge of Family Law: further he demonstrates a strong and professional court room presence. I have been extremely happy with his work and am most pleased with the results.
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18 Jan, 2021 by Courtney
Jeff Alford was a symbol of hope to my family during a scary time in our lives when we quickly needed an attorney. When we felt that our situation was in dire need and we needed successful results fast, Jeff was there. He immediately dove right in without hesitation and I knew from day one that he had our back 100%. Jeff offered a confidence that eased our mind, while also offering us a soft place to land and a calm empathetic demeanor when we needed it most. He educated us and kept us informed throughout the entire process. Jeff Alford is professional, efficient and he protected our family! He is easy to talk to, does his homework, and his knowledge of the law is impressive. He has worked tirelessly on our case and guided us through every step of the way. You will pay for this lawyer, but the peace of mind you gain knowing he is phone call away is priceless! I write this review with an ongoing case of over a year. This review is not based on a win or lose, because regardless of the outcome I am confident that Jeff gave his ALL to our case and there is no other attorney that would have went to the great lengths that he has and still is. Jeff is determined to reveal the truth and make sure justice is served! I also applaud his office staff, as they have been absolutely wonderful as well. I would recommend anyone to this firm!
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30 Oct, 2023 by Isabelle
Jennifer Waterway guided me through the entire process with compassion and professionalism in this difficult, confusing and complicated time.
She was always right on point and explained the pros and cons of my particular case.
She helped me tremendously through the entire process and listened attentively to my needs.
She was always quick to answer my calls and kept me informed at all times.
Jennifer was an excellent advocate during this stressful emotional roller coaster called a Divorce.
She has great communication skills, strong ability and willingness to listen in difficult times.
I also want to recognize her assistant Maribel and all her office staff for making me feel at ease.
Too many people fail to put in the time and effort to fully understand and comprehend what the client need or say.
Jennifer had to clean the mess I was left with by prior representation and got me to mediation within few month and finalized the divorce in timely manner.
I couldn’t have done without Jennifer and glad I found her.
I highly recommend Jennifer for her hard work ethic and perseverance, knowledges, responsiveness and great communication skills.
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13 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
When divorce hits you unexpectedly you find yourself scrambling to sort out your life. Finances, where to live, how to cope emotionally, and then there are the legal aspects to deal with. You need someone you can trust to help you navigate the process.
That is what Jennifer Waterway did for me. She guided and educated me about the law and my rights. I always felt that she advocated for me especially through the process of dividing a marriage financially. She listened and helped me learn to think about divorce in terms of the legal aspects (when I was overwhelmed by emotions!). She helped me come to a reasonable result. I highly recommend her services. Thank you, Jennifer.
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23 May, 2023 by Anonymous
As a lawyer, I have high expectations when hiring another attorney. Jennifer was recommended to me by fellow attorneys who have a high level of respect for her, and I know why. My divorce was finalized in less than three months and she went above and beyond to protect me and my child(ren). She set us up for success and now I co-parent with my ex as well as anyone can hope, sharing major life events and holidays on a regular basis.
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31 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Joshua Hains represented me in a divorce. He provided sound advice, was quick in follow ups, was reasonably priced, and exceeded my expectations for a divorce attorney. He expertly guided me through what could have been a difficult journey. I would highly recommend him for a divorce attorney.
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19 Oct, 2021 by Victor essien
Attorney Hains? The best of the best. He’s always calm, review all the information, work with the truth and would tell you the reality. Have him by your side whenever you have issues with child custody and divorce. He’s the best!!
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12 Oct, 2021 by Randy
From day one I knew I had selected the right attorney. Josh Hains is an incredible divorce and family law attorney and an even better human being. He is meticulous and thorough and has your back every step of the way. He communicated effectively through a difficult divorce and navigated the case to a fair and just settlement. I highly recommend him if you want to feel like your situation is priority one and you want the confidence that you are in great hands.
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15 Dec, 2023 by Rhonda
Jon Erickson is an excellent attorney. Very caring and thorough, I highly recommend him.
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15 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Mr. Erickson has the knowledge and experience I needed at a difficult time in my life. I was relieved to have someone to guide me legally at this time.
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15 Dec, 2023 by Wendy
Mr. Erickson has ALWAYS done an excellent job for my family and I, in all matters we have had him represent us. We could not ask for better representation and will continue to use him in the future.
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10 Nov, 2022 by Alexandra
I thoroughly recommend this firm and the lawyers if you are seeking for someone courteous, considerate, and sensitive to support you through your divorce. Attorney Craig Richard Van Thiel and attorney Grant Bayerle assisted us in proceeding through the separation procedure in timely, reasonable terms. They were comprehensive and reliable, making sure we both understood exactly what we were agreeing to and that we had a child care plan that would be the most beneficial for our son.
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15 Sep, 2011 by Phil
I recently went through a collaborative divorce represented by Mike Fischer. He and his staff did an outstanding job during the process. I think it would have been a very rough road without their expertise. They not only provide excellent knowledge and input but a caring spirit that is obvious to all parties. It was a very emotional and stressful period for my ex-wife and myself. We were able to walk away feeling that the best outcome had been accomplished because of the environment by the attorneys. I want to tank Mr. Fischer and his staff for a job well done.
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09 Sep, 2011 by Sean
Just wanted to express my sincere appreciation to the lawyers at this legal practice for everything you have done for me. There is simply no better..
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11 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
I found Alyssa here through Avvo. I sent multiple personal and detailed messages regarding my horrific family law matter. Alyssa sent me a message very quickly and answered all of my concerns in an honest and caring fashion. I retained Alyssa after working with two previous attorneys and with the need of her representation for my court date which was only four weeks away. Alyssa accomplished more in four weeks to help me than my other two attorneys did in two years!
Alyssa is very honest and tells you the good, the bad and the ugly which I love and appreciate. She goes above and beyond to answer the tremendous amount of emails I send her.
We ended up getting everything I wanted during our hearing. She literally blew me away while I’m court and when it comes to a horrific custody battle, she truly put my children’s needs and my desires front and center and fought for my family in the most impressive and short amount of time.
I’m LAS Vegas, there isn’t another family law attorney that can hold a candle to Alyssa. If you are in a position where you ever need a family law attorney, contact Alyssa today! You will truly have your family in the hands of an angel!
Thank you for everything, Alyssa. Words will never be able to express my gratitude to you in words!
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09 Aug, 2022 by Leticia
My best friend told me about this Lawyer that can help me with my Divorce/Child Custody support. Ms Alyssa and her Assistant was helpful and understanding and very professional from the start. I glad we was able to get everything settled. I would definitely recommend My Alyssa and her Form for legal advice and services.
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22 Mar, 2022 by Andre
I just wanted to say THANK YOU to Alyssa for helping me with this case . She made it SO MUCH easier for me . This was my first time ever dealing with a custody battle and she made the experience a lot more easier and less stressful . Handled everything on time and executed everything she said she would . I am more then thankful to have Alyssa represent me in my case . Don’t 2nd guess yourself Alyssa’s work is well worth it and would have her represent me EVERYTIME if I needed . Thank you again , 12Star rating if there was one .
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Child Custody Lawyer Can Do for You
A child custody lawyer specializes in helping parents navigate legal matters related to the custody and care of their children, particularly in the context of divorce, separation, or other family disputes. These lawyers assist with determining custody arrangements, drafting parenting plans, and advocating for your rights in court. They also help resolve disputes over physical custody (where the child lives), legal custody (who makes decisions for the child), visitation rights, and modifications to existing custody orders.
Whether you're going through a divorce or need to change an existing custody arrangement, a child custody lawyer can help you understand your rights and protect your child's best interests throughout the legal process.
When Should I Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a child custody lawyer in several situations, especially when disputes arise or complex legal issues affect your parental rights. Some common reasons to hire a child custody lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: If you're going through a divorce or separation and need to establish custody and visitation arrangements, a lawyer can help ensure the custody order reflects your child's best interests.
- Disputed custody cases: If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody or visitation terms, a lawyer can advocate for your rights in court and help you develop a strong case.
- Modification of custody orders: If you need to change an existing custody arrangement due to changes in circumstances (e.g., relocation, changes in the child’s needs), a lawyer can help file a modification request.
- Parental alienation: If the other parent is interfering with your relationship with your child, a lawyer can help address these issues through legal action.
- Domestic violence or abuse: If there is a history of domestic violence or abuse, a lawyer can help protect you and your child by requesting restraining orders and advocating for appropriate custody arrangements.
- Grandparent or third-party custody: If you are a grandparent or another relative seeking custody or visitation rights, a lawyer can guide you through the legal process.
- Paternity disputes: In cases where paternity is in question, a lawyer can assist with establishing or challenging paternity, which may affect custody and visitation rights.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help protect your parental rights and ensure that the custody arrangement is in your child's best interests.
What Does a Child Custody Lawyer Do?
A child custody lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help parents resolve custody disputes and secure favorable custody arrangements for their children. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing custody petitions: Helping you file the necessary paperwork to request custody or visitation rights and ensuring all legal procedures are followed.
- Negotiating custody agreements: Assisting in negotiating custody and visitation arrangements, often working toward a mutually beneficial parenting plan without going to court.
- Representing you in court: If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody terms, representing you in court by presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
- Drafting parenting plans: Helping you draft a comprehensive parenting plan that outlines the schedule for physical custody, decision-making responsibilities, and visitation.
- Handling child support issues: Assisting with related issues such as child support, ensuring that financial obligations are properly calculated and enforced.
- Modifying custody orders: Helping you request a modification from the court if you need to change an existing custody arrangement due to significant life changes.
- Mediating custody disputes: Acting as a mediator to help both parents reach an agreement on custody and visitation without the need for litigation.
How Are Child Custody Lawyers Paid?
Child custody lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case, the time involved, and the nature of the legal work. Common payment methods include:
- Hourly rate: Most child custody lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer's experience and location. The total cost depends on the time spent preparing documents, negotiating, and representing you in court.
- Flat fee: For simple custody matters or uncontested custody agreements, some lawyers may offer a flat fee for specific services, such as drafting a parenting plan or filing a custody petition.
- Retainer: Many lawyers require an upfront retainer fee, which is billed against as the lawyer works on your case. The amount varies based on the expected complexity and duration of the case.
- Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some lawyers may offer reduced fees or pro bono (free) services for clients with limited financial means, particularly in cases involving domestic violence or other serious issues.
It’s important to discuss fees and payment arrangements with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how much you will be charged and what services are included.
How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a child custody lawyer depends on various factors, including the complexity of the case, whether it’s contested or uncontested, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:
- Uncontested custody cases: Legal fees may range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the paperwork and any negotiations.
- Contested custody cases: Legal fees can range from $5,000 to $40,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the issues, the need for expert testimony, and the time spent in litigation.
- Hourly rates: Lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or complex custody disputes.
- Mediation services: If both parents agree to work through mediation, costs typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more for the mediation process.
Always ask for a clear cost estimate during your consultation to ensure that you understand the total legal fees and payment structure.
Top Questions to Ask a Child Custody Lawyer
Before hiring a child custody lawyer, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure they are the best fit for your case. Some key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with child custody cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, especially if your case involves complex issues like domestic violence, relocation, or paternity disputes. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, offers flat fees for certain services, or requires a retainer, and ask for an estimate of the total cost. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your case, including potential challenges and expected outcomes. -
How long will the process take?
Inquire about the expected timeline from filing the petition to reaching an agreement or going to trial. -
Will you personally handle my case?
Ensure you know who will be managing your case and representing you in court. -
Can we pursue mediation or alternative dispute resolution?
Ask whether the lawyer recommends mediation or other forms of dispute resolution to avoid a lengthy court battle.
How to Check the Credibility of a Child Custody Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable child custody lawyer, follow these 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 and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for family law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in family law and child custody cases.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to gauge the lawyer’s professionalism and success in child custody matters.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on custody cases.
- Check for certifications: Look for lawyers who are board-certified in family law or have memberships in organizations like the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) or local family law sections.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a child custody lawyer, come prepared with relevant documents and information:
- Court orders or existing custody agreements: Bring copies of any existing custody or visitation orders for the lawyer to review.
- Communication with the other parent: Provide copies of emails, texts, or letters regarding custody, visitation, or disputes.
- List of your child’s needs: Prepare a list of your child’s specific needs, such as medical care, education, and extracurricular activities.
- Timeline of the case: Outline key events related to your custody case, including changes in living situations or parental involvement.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions about the custody process, legal fees, and the lawyer’s strategy for your case.
By being well-prepared, you can help the lawyer assess your situation effectively and receive the best possible advice for protecting your rights and your child’s well-being.
