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18 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Robert really listened to me and made my life so simple. I would absolutely use his services again. The kindness and dedication was incredible
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04 Oct, 2023 by Uc and kc
Robert has helped us on a couple occasions great service we highly recommend him.
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23 Jan, 2022 by Ana
Robert responded in a timely manner to our lawsuit, helped us the whole way through the issue, was able to negotiated well with opponent. Fair cost, highly recommend using him for business needs, we will be using him again if needed. Thank you
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20 Apr, 2024 by Siri h
Michael made the mediation process clear and straightforward without all the drama and alienation that can wreck a familly. He's calm, honest, friendly, thorough, responsive. He gets straight to the point, doesn't milk you for money. I would highly recommend him if you are going through divorce and looking for a trustworthy family law professional.
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19 Apr, 2024 by William ryan fritch
Theres not enough superlatives that can be said about Michael to really capture the calming, kind, thoughtful and professional manner with which he approached and resolved our mediation process. From the outset he made things that seemed so daunting and overwhelming feel doable and digestible. His organization, prompt and thorough communication and ability to hone in on on the real essence of an issue gave us tremendous confidence and calm through what could've been a hugely stressful experience. I can't recommend Michael and his practice highly enough.
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03 Jan, 2024 by Betty mcbrehon
Mike and Rebecca were so responsive and helpful. Always quick to clarify whenever I had a question or needed more guidance.
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20 Apr, 2024 by Siri h
Michael made the mediation process clear and straightforward without all the drama and alienation that can wreck a familly. He's calm, honest, friendly, thorough, responsive. He gets straight to the point, doesn't milk you for money. I would highly recommend him if you are going through divorce and looking for a trustworthy family law professional.
Read more
19 Apr, 2024 by William ryan fritch
Theres not enough superlatives that can be said about Michael to really capture the calming, kind, thoughtful and professional manner with which he approached and resolved our mediation process. From the outset he made things that seemed so daunting and overwhelming feel doable and digestible. His organization, prompt and thorough communication and ability to hone in on on the real essence of an issue gave us tremendous confidence and calm through what could've been a hugely stressful experience. I can't recommend Michael and his practice highly enough.
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03 Jan, 2024 by Betty mcbrehon
Mike and Rebecca were so responsive and helpful. Always quick to clarify whenever I had a question or needed more guidance.
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07 Jan, 2021 by Ann marie
After years of being harassed by my neighbor and his father, I filed for a restraining order. The attorney helping me was charging me for things he never did and it became clear it wasn't working out. I found Mike, thankfully, and he guided me to a resolution. Mike is amazing at figuring out a strategy and keeping you focused. We had to go to trial and although it was very upsetting for me, Mike was there to keep me calm and we won big time. I still call Mike when I have trouble with the neighbor and he takes care of everything. I feel safe knowing Mike is there for me.
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02 May, 2019 by Susan
It was a great luck that we got introduced to Michael to help on our criminal defense case. He picked up things from another attorney and turned things around for a favorable outcome. Most importantly, we felt that Michael was really there for us, offering ongoing legal and emotional support that was much needed. A rare combination of professional qualities and personal integrity. Thanks again.
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30 Mar, 2015 by Post anonymously
I found Mike a truly outstanding Lawyer. The finest attribute of Mike's services is that he walked me through the entire process and gave me a clear idea of what to expect and what could happen. He help quell my fear of the unknown which I am sure is daunting to most of us encountering the legal system for the first time. I find Mike trustworthy Responsive and of course knowledgeable. I would recommend Mike to anyone thaw would need his services
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21 Mar, 2022 by Jamie tuckey
Pauline represented me in a FSBO real estate purchase directly from the homeowners I was renting from. I was a first time homebuyer, brand new to the game and realized l needed help. Pauline was able to immediately step in, providing me with expert advice, leading me through every step of the purchase. She was incredibly organized thorough, and also succinct. She was available when I needed her and I’m incredibly happy that I used her legal services to help me with this purchase. I highly recommend Pauline!
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12 Jul, 2021 by Jerry yang
27 Jul, 2015 by Jared
Pauline was referred to me by another attorney when we were seeking guidance with our new lease. The building owner was formal as were the brokers. There were several issues with the HVAC, operating costs and terms for office dogs that had to be negotiated. Pauline guided us through and helped create a win-win agreement for us, the broker and landlord!
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12 Apr, 2016 by David
Kimberly was very prompt in contacting me regarding my questions. The area of expertise I needed was with estate planning after someone passes away and property is involved. She fully understood my concerns and was able to answer my questions in every day terms that I understood. She also advised me of the forms I would need and how to find them. This has been a difficult time for me, and was relieved after our phone consultation. She was sympathetic and understanding of my situation. She offered help down the road if something unusual should come up. I would highly recommend Ms. Strickland to family or friends if they should require her expertise in estate planning or real estate.
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04 Dec, 2015 by Nichole
Strickland Law Group helped my husband and I this year with our Estate planning and they went above and beyond for us! They were very informative, extremely caring and made us feel comfortable about the entire process. Kimberly was amazing and I would highly recommend them to everyone!
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29 Jul, 2015 by Bob
Kimberly is an excellent attorney. She was very helpful in clarifying my options with various insurance issues I was dealing with. I highly recommend her.
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26 Nov, 2014 by Sue
Michael helped our community group fight a large development. Our cause would not have achieved the level of recognition and attention that it did without Michael's wisdom, forethought, and execution. I cannot thank him enough for his help.
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19 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Michael Molland represented me in preparation for trial in a consumer law case opposing a large corporation. He inherited a complicated case and was quick to understand the intricacies involved. From the beginning, he was able to accurately pinpoint areas of strength and weakness in my case. He intelligently used this to define multiple legal strategies and as a result opposing counsel had to rethink their success at trial. In preparation for trial, the combination of his knowledge, extensive legal background, and skill as a litigator was clearly evident. At all times I felt a confidence in his legal representation. He is an excellent attorney who I would highly recommend to clients with cases both small and large.
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13 Nov, 2014 by Donna
Michael Molland has represented Citizens Advocating for Roblar Rural Quality (CARRQ) for several years in our fight to prevent the development of a gravel mine in rural west Petaluma. As an all-volunteer neighborhood group, CARRQ took on the uphill battle against the project developer and the County of Sonoma to stop the project, but it was not until Michael stepped in to help us that we were able to achieve any success at all. Michael took our case because he believed in our cause and wanted to help us make a difference in our community. He helped us craft strategies to oppose the project and guided us through years of legal actions. He (and his team) devoted hundreds of hours to our case and skillfully and tenaciously represented us before public agencies and in court. Of most importance to me though, has been Michael’s integrity; his ability to listen and put clients at ease, and his passion for doing what is right. I will be forever grateful to him for his counsel and I highly recommend him.
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14 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
She was amazing. Understood my case, had a wealth of knowledge surrounding it. Had great empathy for the nightmare situation I was in. I would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone need help!!!!
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06 Jan, 2016 by Rose
I would absolutely 100% recommend Erin Farley to a friend, and have already done so twice! LOL!
I can't understand why anyone would give a subpar review for Erin here on Avvo, and have instead found her to be an incredibly kind, intelligent and competent attorney.
I was first referred to Erin by a friend in 2013 when my ex and I decided to separate. I was obviously anxious and upset at the time (not to mention a little untrustworthy of anyone in the legal profession...), but I knew I needed to speak to someone about what a divorce would actually mean for me and my family.
Erin really helped me understand and come to terms with my divorce, and helped prepare me for everything that would follow (divvying up assets, custody battle, etc.)
I eventually hired Erin to represent me during divorce proceedings in 2014, and could not be more happy with that decision. I was really angry at my ex at the time and at first thought of hiring a 'shark' lawyer to get what was mine, but through mediation with Erin I was actually able to come to an agreement with my ex and settle our divorce out of the court room.
Not only did the settlement swing in my favor, but I do believe that attempting to avoid conflict during the divorce was what was best for my children. I also thing that our divorce mediations helped my ex and I become better co-parents today because it helped us put our family first instead of ourselves. We will, after all, be in each other's lives forever through our children, and I want to thank the Law Office of Erin Farley for understanding that and respecting it.
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29 Oct, 2014 by Chelsea
Erin Farley helped me four years ago with a dicey landlord/tenant issue. Long story short: my roommates and I signed a contract and agreed to live in an apartment without being aware that our unit would be under construction while we lived there. After living amidst sawdust and construction workers who walked in and out without knocking, I asked a friend for the name of the lawyer who had recently helped her out. She recommended Erin, and I am so grateful she did!
Erin was gracious, intelligent, determined, and even more importantly - personable! It was so lovely to work with an attorney who actually genuinely seemed to care about me and my situation. I've experienced other attorneys before who were 'wooden' and anti-social. Erin was the exact opposite and was truly compassionate.
Not only was she helpful, she got the job done! My roommates and I soon got a drastic cut off our rent, got money back, and even got to stay in a different unit while they finished construction.
THANK YOU ERIN!
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01 Mar, 2024 by Scott stevens
Great attorney! Especially in family matters and business issues. Irv is a longtime, dependable, honest and caring lawyer serving Sonoma County.
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18 Jun, 2019 by Helen anderson
He’s helpful, nice and he knew what he was talking about! It’s refreshing to speak to someone like him!!!
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20 Sep, 2017 by Geoffrey dunham
25 Mar, 2024 by Gaunett love
28 Jul, 2023 by Gina lynch
I cannot speak more highly of Rebecca and her team. Not only is she straightforward in terms of expected outcomes, but she is personable, compassionate, and very knowledgeable. She represents clients from the heart, is very smart, and is a go-getter. Highly recommend her!
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18 Jan, 2017 by Sultan
Charles Allan Davis was very thorough in handling my industrial injury case. His considerate and attentive demeanor made our open dialogue very fluid. I would highly recommend this attorney and was very pleased with the settlement that he acquired for me.
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12 Feb, 2015 by Brian
Mr. Davis has just helped me settle my complicated Workers Comp case quickly! If you need a great Workers Comp attorney that knows the law and how to deal with difficult cases like mine then Mr. Davis is the attorney for you too. He fought very hard for me the whole time with his extensive knowledge of the new and changing Workers Comp laws and his ability to deal with problems in a professional manner as they came up. Mr. Davis returned all emails, calls and paperwork promptly and he was always straight forward with me throughout the case.
Mr. Davis is a great Workers Comp attorney and he has my highest recommendation!
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24 Dec, 2014 by Bruce
RJ Symons represented me in my recent IRS audit of my business. He was very efficient and thorough in his preparation and organization of all my financial documents, and had an excellent grasp of all IRS procedures and questions. I'm very pleased with Jim's representation, which resulted in no IRS changes to my tax return. Besides, Jim is a very nice person to deal with, and I highly recommend him for your tax audit.
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29 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
David has been a fantastic attorney to work with. He is extremely smart and strategic, yet also is able to view the issue at hand from the 30,000 foot level down to the microscopic level. He is always available and extremely conscientious, but more importantly, makes sure everything is taken care of and done in the best possible way. I cannot recommend him highly enough!
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03 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
I recently had a Business dispute matter that I entrusted to Marc Coopersmith. From the onset, Marc handled the issue with alacrity and professionalism. I was especially impressed with the clarity that he exhibited in explaining and addressing the core issues of my case.
Marc is an intelligent, thoughtful attorney that made me comfortable and confident in a complicated situation. He followed up with me in a consistent, timely manner. More importantly, he was able to provide the best possible outcome.
Mr. Coopersmith is a first-class professional, and I heartily recommend his services.
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07 Sep, 2023 by Sam simmons
WSHB offers the best litigation money can buy. But more importantly, Sarah at the front desk is awesome.
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15 May, 2017 by Steve b
Tim Egan is a professional, dedicated lawyer and thorough on followup with both the legal process and communication to the client. Mr Egan is knowledgeable with the complicated legal process and is professional with those of us, involved in workers compensation cases. Works out of Petaluma for clients and spends quality time on individual cases with the end result of winning the case. Feel fortunate to have Mr. Egan hired him
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07 Sep, 2023 by Sam simmons
WSHB offers the best litigation money can buy. But more importantly, Sarah at the front desk is awesome.
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30 May, 2021 by Toby
Now if I become incapacitated, my family won’t agonize about what to do. When I die, my estate won’t go into probate. I am really happy to know that my beneficiaries will get what I intend to give. I don’t want to be responsible for broken bonds & relationships over money. I assume everyone would be fair but why leave anything to chance? There is a clear iron clad plan now. I didn’t realize how much putting this off was weighing on me.
Andrea won the Petaluma People’s Choice award for 2018 & 2019 for a reason. She probably won for 2020, I just don’t know. If you are planning your estate, Andrea will give you the peace and comfort knowing that if (really, when!) life happens, your ducks are in a row!
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03 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
Mr. Moore handled my divorce. I was in a bad relationship with a young son. Mr. Moore took the time to listen to me and help me understand the laws. He helped me and my ex-husband sell our house, deal with custody of my son and everything else in-between. I highly recommend his services if you are looking for an attorney who is dedicated to you and your issues.
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07 Sep, 2023 by Sam simmons
WSHB offers the best litigation money can buy. But more importantly, Sarah at the front desk is awesome.
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07 Sep, 2023 by Sam simmons
WSHB offers the best litigation money can buy. But more importantly, Sarah at the front desk is awesome.
Read more
15 Jun, 2016 by Susan black
An attorney who truly cares about his clients? It is so rare, in my opinion, it almost sounds like an oxymoron. Well I almost never write reviews and I'm so positively impressed with George, I had to write this and attest that he is a rare, amazing, caring, compassionate human being as well as an extremely skilled and competent attorney.
I speak from experience as I worked for 12 years as a contract employee for Family Court Services, so observed many attorneys, judges and mediators. I also am a peaceful person, as you may be, having ended a prior 23 year with a respectful mediated settlement never having to appear in court. Currently, I'm a survivor of 38 month, extremely high conflict, unnecessarily vicious divorce battle that cost $90K prior to George.
George was my fourth attorney and George went way above and beyond for a very reasonable pre-set flat fee. Words cannot express how happy and relieved I am that I found George who was able to resolve the case quickly by mediation a long overdue agreement and thereby avoiding a scheduled two day trial that I was dreading.
In summary, my only regret that I didn't find George Castagnola three years sooner so that he could have been my first and only attorney.
If I were a teacher, I would rate him A++. There is no higher rating.
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28 Jul, 2023 by Gina
I cannot speak more highly of Rebecca and her team. Not only is she straightforward in terms of expected outcomes, but she is personable, compassionate, and very knowledgeable. She represents clients from the heart, is very smart, and is a go-getter. Highly recommend her!
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07 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired Rebecca after consulting with at least 5 other employment lawyers in the Bay Area. She was highly recommended and wonderful to work with. She helped me successfully navigate a separation from a hostile company. She was instrumental in setting expectations, prioritizing, navigating communication with bad faith counterparts, and ultimately securing a reasonable outcome. Throughout she remained compassionate, focused, and responsive. I could not recommend her more highly.
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07 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Reaching out to see legal guidance is not always an easy endeavor; usually it comes at a time of immense sadness and uncertainty. Rebecca immediately put me at ease with her compassion, respect and genuine interest in helping me find a reasonable resolution.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Jan
Excellent thought provoking presentation. Good information for preparing for the future of personal aging.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Karen petersen
The Living Will workshop was immensely helpful, clear, timely.
All information was backed up with downloadable materials.
Highly recommended.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Robin casadidio
lots of great information. Expecially the part about getting in touch quickly with your law firm to transfer things into a new trust.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Jan
Excellent thought provoking presentation. Good information for preparing for the future of personal aging.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Karen petersen
The Living Will workshop was immensely helpful, clear, timely.
All information was backed up with downloadable materials.
Highly recommended.
Read more
29 Aug, 2024 by Robin casadidio
lots of great information. Expecially the part about getting in touch quickly with your law firm to transfer things into a new trust.
Read more
10 Jun, 2024 by Cana jenkins
I recently had the pleasure of having Robyn Coppedge from Affordable Wills and Trusts prepare a will and trust for my family, and I cannot recommend her services highly enough. From start to finish, Robyn demonstrated exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to ensuring our needs were met.
The entire process was seamless and stress-free, thanks to Robyn's thorough understanding of estate planning and her ability to explain complex legal concepts in a way that was easy to understand. She took the time to listen to our concerns, answer all our questions, and provide insightful advice tailored to our family.
One of the standout qualities of Robyn is her meticulous attention to detail. Every aspect of the will and trust was handled with the utmost care, ensuring that our family's future is secure and our wishes are clearly outlined. Additionally, Robyn was incredibly responsive, promptly returning calls and emails, and always making herself available to address any issues that arose.
What truly sets Robyn apart is her empathy and genuine concern for her clients. She made us feel comfortable and confident throughout the process, turning what could have been a daunting task into a positive experience. It's clear that she is passionate about helping families protect their assets and plan for the future.
I am extremely grateful to Affordable Wills and Trusts for their exceptional service and would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone in need of estate planning assistance. Their expertise, dedication, and personal touch make them an invaluable asset to any family looking to secure their future.
Read more
03 Jun, 2024 by Cathy ramirez
Decent lawyers are hard to find, just listening makes a difference. Thank you for the support even if you could not take my case, appreciate your time & referral.
Read more
03 Apr, 2024 by Deborah sternecker
Robyn was professional and knowledgeable to work with setting up our trust and wills. I appreciate the fact that she is a notary for all the documentation and also filed our grant deed for our house with the County Recorder for us. Every step of the way through the estate planning process, Robyn explained the steps and responded quickly to our questions when we needed help. We highly recommend her services.
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10 Jun, 2024 by Cana jenkins
I recently had the pleasure of having Robyn Coppedge from Affordable Wills and Trusts prepare a will and trust for my family, and I cannot recommend her services highly enough. From start to finish, Robyn demonstrated exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to ensuring our needs were met.
The entire process was seamless and stress-free, thanks to Robyn's thorough understanding of estate planning and her ability to explain complex legal concepts in a way that was easy to understand. She took the time to listen to our concerns, answer all our questions, and provide insightful advice tailored to our family.
One of the standout qualities of Robyn is her meticulous attention to detail. Every aspect of the will and trust was handled with the utmost care, ensuring that our family's future is secure and our wishes are clearly outlined. Additionally, Robyn was incredibly responsive, promptly returning calls and emails, and always making herself available to address any issues that arose.
What truly sets Robyn apart is her empathy and genuine concern for her clients. She made us feel comfortable and confident throughout the process, turning what could have been a daunting task into a positive experience. It's clear that she is passionate about helping families protect their assets and plan for the future.
I am extremely grateful to Affordable Wills and Trusts for their exceptional service and would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone in need of estate planning assistance. Their expertise, dedication, and personal touch make them an invaluable asset to any family looking to secure their future.
Read more
03 Jun, 2024 by Cathy ramirez
Decent lawyers are hard to find, just listening makes a difference. Thank you for the support even if you could not take my case, appreciate your time & referral.
Read more
03 Apr, 2024 by Deborah sternecker
Robyn was professional and knowledgeable to work with setting up our trust and wills. I appreciate the fact that she is a notary for all the documentation and also filed our grant deed for our house with the County Recorder for us. Every step of the way through the estate planning process, Robyn explained the steps and responded quickly to our questions when we needed help. We highly recommend her services.
Read more
20 Apr, 2024 by Siri h
Michael made the mediation process clear and straightforward without all the drama and alienation that can wreck a familly. He's calm, honest, friendly, thorough, responsive. He gets straight to the point, doesn't milk you for money. I would highly recommend him if you are going through divorce and looking for a trustworthy family law professional.
Read more
19 Apr, 2024 by William ryan fritch
Theres not enough superlatives that can be said about Michael to really capture the calming, kind, thoughtful and professional manner with which he approached and resolved our mediation process. From the outset he made things that seemed so daunting and overwhelming feel doable and digestible. His organization, prompt and thorough communication and ability to hone in on on the real essence of an issue gave us tremendous confidence and calm through what could've been a hugely stressful experience. I can't recommend Michael and his practice highly enough.
Read more
03 Jan, 2024 by Betty mcbrehon
Mike and Rebecca were so responsive and helpful. Always quick to clarify whenever I had a question or needed more guidance.
Read more
10 Jun, 2024 by Cana jenkins
I recently had the pleasure of having Robyn Coppedge from Affordable Wills and Trusts prepare a will and trust for my family, and I cannot recommend her services highly enough. From start to finish, Robyn demonstrated exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to ensuring our needs were met.
The entire process was seamless and stress-free, thanks to Robyn's thorough understanding of estate planning and her ability to explain complex legal concepts in a way that was easy to understand. She took the time to listen to our concerns, answer all our questions, and provide insightful advice tailored to our family.
One of the standout qualities of Robyn is her meticulous attention to detail. Every aspect of the will and trust was handled with the utmost care, ensuring that our family's future is secure and our wishes are clearly outlined. Additionally, Robyn was incredibly responsive, promptly returning calls and emails, and always making herself available to address any issues that arose.
What truly sets Robyn apart is her empathy and genuine concern for her clients. She made us feel comfortable and confident throughout the process, turning what could have been a daunting task into a positive experience. It's clear that she is passionate about helping families protect their assets and plan for the future.
I am extremely grateful to Affordable Wills and Trusts for their exceptional service and would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone in need of estate planning assistance. Their expertise, dedication, and personal touch make them an invaluable asset to any family looking to secure their future.
Read more
03 Jun, 2024 by Cathy ramirez
Decent lawyers are hard to find, just listening makes a difference. Thank you for the support even if you could not take my case, appreciate your time & referral.
Read more
20 Apr, 2024 by Siri h
Michael made the mediation process clear and straightforward without all the drama and alienation that can wreck a familly. He's calm, honest, friendly, thorough, responsive. He gets straight to the point, doesn't milk you for money. I would highly recommend him if you are going through divorce and looking for a trustworthy family law professional.
Read more
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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:
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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. -
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. -
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What is your approach to handling cases like mine?
Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation. -
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Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals. -
How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times. -
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Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish. -
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Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness. -
What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
Understanding potential challenges helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations. -
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:
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Verify Their License:
Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. -
Experience and Specialization:
Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case. -
Disciplinary Record:
Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association. -
Client Reviews and Testimonials:
Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to gauge client satisfaction. -
Professional Memberships:
Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field. -
Awards and Recognitions:
Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation. -
Consultation Assessment:
Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns. -
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:
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Relevant Documents:
Bring all documents related to your case, such as contracts, correspondence, legal notices, court papers, or evidence. -
Written Summary:
Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and involved parties. -
List of Questions:
Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, or the lawyer's experience. -
Financial Information:
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Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case. -
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Pen and Notebook:
Take notes during the consultation to remember important points. -
Budget Constraints:
Be ready to discuss your budget and any financial limitations.
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The cost of hiring a lawyer varies widely based on several factors:
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Fee Structures:
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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.
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Hourly Rate:
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Factors Affecting Cost:
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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.
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Complexity of the Case:
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Estimating Total Costs:
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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.
