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08 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Andrea was extremely responsive and I felt very taken care of. I had access to her email and cell phone 24/7 in this highly contentious divorce and we ended up with an agreement that was extremely favorable. I have dealt with other lawyers before and she is by far above and beyond in her compassion and professional service. Five stars!
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28 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
Andrea wrote my will and subsequent accessory forms. She was reasonable in price, timely and did exactly what I wanted. I would recommend her for anyone needing "cut and dry" legal advice.
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15 Sep, 2024 by Melissa
We had an unusual case – one of guardianship that crossed state lines (guardianship originally awarded in NY). We found Milana on a Google search, and fortunately, she was able to take our case. We couldn’t be more pleased and highly recommend her! Milana is a genuine, professional, straight-forward attorney who knows her stuff! Because we live out of state, all our work had to be done virtually and via phone/email. She was responsive and communicated well, bringing us a sense of peace throughout the process. And I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge her assistant, Colleen, who was also quick to act and respond to communications. Her fees were extremely fair, and I would have paid more because she is that good. I know from personal experience that you won’t find anyone more attentive to your needs, or more knowledgeable and able to navigate the litigation process than Milana. If you need someone to help you in a family law matter, Milana is the best for the job; you want her on your side. Thank you, Milana, for your time and attention to our case.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Milana is better than the best!!! She is thorough, detailed, smart, great at communication, and really cares about her clients. She gives them so much time and advises you like you’re part of her family which is priceless. I hope I don’t need her but if I do she will be my attorney for life!
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10 May, 2023 by Jaimie
Words cannot express how Milana got me through the toughest time of my life. My divorce was so complicated and emotionally charged and her calm demeanor helped me stay grounded. She truly cared about me and my children and gave me the strength to continue doing what was best for us, even when I threatened to run away to another country and just start a new identity. (It’s funny but seriously, it got that bad lmao) I was nervous about hiring a woman but let me tell you, she can go head to head with any male attorney around. I guess not all women are intimidated by a man like many of us going through a divorce. She is educated, passionate…. But also has the empathy that I was looking for. I can’t recommend her enough. I owe her so much and I’m just so thankful.
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17 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Wasn’t aggressive enough for my divorce proceedings and wasn’t knowledgeable either!! Made matters worse with her legal advice!! I’d never recommend her to anyone she should stick to what she knows and it’s not this!!
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Questions? We have answers

Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer

When meeting with a lawyer for the first time, it's important to ask the right questions to understand their expertise and determine if they're the right fit for your legal needs. Here are some top questions to consider:

  1. What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in the specific area of law pertaining to your case.
  2. How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
    Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer fees, and any additional expenses.
  3. What potential outcomes can I expect from my case?
    While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience.
  4. What is your approach to handling cases like mine?
    Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
  5. Who will be working on my case?
    Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals.
  6. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
    Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times.
  7. What is the likely timeline for resolving my case?
    Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish.
  8. Do you have references from past clients?
    Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness.
  9. What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
    Understanding potential challenges helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations.
  10. Are there alternative ways to solve my legal problem?
    Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.

How to Check the Credibility of a Lawyer

Before hiring a lawyer, it's crucial to verify their credibility and ensure they're qualified to handle your case:

  1. Verify Their License:
    Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing.
  2. Experience and Specialization:
    Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case.
  3. Disciplinary Record:
    Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association.
  4. Client Reviews and Testimonials:
    Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to gauge client satisfaction.
  5. Professional Memberships:
    Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field.
  6. Awards and Recognitions:
    Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation.
  7. Consultation Assessment:
    Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns.
  8. Ask for References:
    A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your initial meeting with a lawyer, come prepared with:

  1. Relevant Documents:
    Bring all documents related to your case, such as contracts, correspondence, legal notices, court papers, or evidence.
  2. Written Summary:
    Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and involved parties.
  3. List of Questions:
    Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, or the lawyer's experience.
  4. Financial Information:
    If applicable, bring financial documents like pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements.
  5. Contact Information:
    Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case.
  6. Personal Identification:
    Bring a valid ID for verification purposes.
  7. Pen and Notebook:
    Take notes during the consultation to remember important points.
  8. Budget Constraints:
    Be ready to discuss your budget and any financial limitations.

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a lawyer varies widely based on several factors:

  • Fee Structures:
    • Hourly Rate:
      Lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on experience and location.
    • Flat Fee:
      For routine legal services like drafting a will or handling an uncontested divorce, lawyers might offer a flat fee.
    • Retainer Fee:
      An upfront payment against which the lawyer bills hourly fees.
    • Contingency Fee:
      Common in personal injury cases; the lawyer receives a percentage (typically 25% to 40%) of any settlement or award.
    • Monthly Retainer:
      For ongoing services, businesses might pay a monthly fee for a set number of hours or services.
  • Factors Affecting Cost:
    • Complexity of the Case:
      More complex cases require more time and resources, increasing costs.
    • Lawyer's Experience:
      Highly experienced lawyers may charge higher fees.
    • Geographic Location:
      Legal fees can vary significantly by region or city.
    • Additional Expenses:
      Court filing fees, expert witness fees, travel expenses, and administrative costs may be extra.
  • Estimating Total Costs:
    Request a detailed fee agreement outlining all potential costs.
    Discuss any additional expenses that may arise during the case.
  • Negotiating Fees:
    Some lawyers may be willing to negotiate fees or offer payment plans, especially for clients with financial constraints.
  • Pro Bono Services:
    For those who cannot afford legal services, some lawyers or legal aid organizations offer services at reduced rates or for free.
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