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13 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Starting with an amicable divorce helps, but having hired John E. Clancy, Esq. of the law firm of Townsend, Tomaio and Newmark (TTNLAW) was the best thing to deal with the numerous unforeseen difficulties such as COVID, and the sale of a home in Florida, and assets, and taxes, and…at every turn when yet another unexpected problem arose, John and the team at TTNLAW always took my calls or immediately responded with a return phone call or text message or email, even on weekends! John and the team at TTNLAW kept a bright light on for me navigating through a tough time. I was made to feel I always had a professional working to take care of my needs and that it was equally important to them. I got to them via a referral and I would gladly refer them to anyone who may need legal assistance.
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27 Feb, 2021 by Adam
John was wonderful to work with. He was so easy to reach, and would send me whatever came across his desk the second he got it. Divorce is such a stressful process, but John was always very calming. Through Mr. Clancy’s advice and guidance, my ex wife and I were about to get through our divorce process pretty quickly and smoothly. I would highly recommend John if you need representation you can rely on and years of knowledge and experience.
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31 Aug, 2020 by Mark
John was well prepared for all meetings. He is very knowledgeable and offered excellent suggestions. Hourly rates are reasonable given his experience and quality. I would definitely recommend.
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22 May, 2018 by Donna
Met with Mr. Townsend to ask him to prepare a prenuptual agreement for my fiance and I. Mr. Townsend was very kind, and a pleasure to meet with. He was very thorough in collecting all of our information, and did an excellent job at creating a document that my fiancé (now husband) and I could feel good about. My now husband is also an attorney, and he felt good about the document that was prepared. Mr. Townsend also has a kind manner, and was caring. His office staff is also very kind and attentive and was always helpful. I highly recommend this office and their services.
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10 Oct, 2017 by Aaron
Paul Townsend is the simply the most driven, experienced, capable, focused, and best lawyer in this field. I don't rate lawyers easily. When going through marital cases you don't want to mess around. Paul is extremely personal and extremely buisness oriented toward YOU and and your win in your case. I wouldn't recommend anyone else if you're serious about handling your case. I've looked vastly (and meticulously) for the perfect lawyer in NJ, none are like Paul in his tenacity drive and focus on your win. His honesty, integrity and drive are unparalleled. He seemed more passionate about my case than I was! And personanble. Secure and confident are gross understatements as Paul made me realize things in my case I didn't even see in my favor. Rarely do you get personable, professional and drive all in one but with Paul you do. I wouldn't trust anyone else unless they were recommended from him.
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26 Jan, 2011 by Faith
Paul helped me remain strong during those times I was ready to give up. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs a strong but gentle attorney for family matters.
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03 Oct, 2023 by Stacia lupinacci
If I could give Deana Koulosousas and her team at The Wacks Law Group 10 stars I would. Her knowledge and expertise in estate planning is unparallel to other firms. Deana and Kat have such a caring and hands on approach to strategically navigating even the most complex situations.
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26 Sep, 2023 by Gabby agin-liebes
My brother and I deeply appreciate the invaluable assistance provided by Deana and Kat with our Medicaid applications for both parents. Their expertise and compassion were indispensable, especially given the unexpectedly complex nature of the applications. We wholeheartedly recommend their highly skilled and compassionate elder care legal support services in New Jersey. Their pricing is both reasonable and fair, considering the significant time and effort they invested in the process and the substantial savings they secured for us. We cannot recommend them more highly!
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18 Apr, 2023 by Tatiana k.
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03 Oct, 2023 by Stacia lupinacci
If I could give Deana Koulosousas and her team at The Wacks Law Group 10 stars I would. Her knowledge and expertise in estate planning is unparallel to other firms. Deana and Kat have such a caring and hands on approach to strategically navigating even the most complex situations.
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26 Sep, 2023 by Gabby agin-liebes
My brother and I deeply appreciate the invaluable assistance provided by Deana and Kat with our Medicaid applications for both parents. Their expertise and compassion were indispensable, especially given the unexpectedly complex nature of the applications. We wholeheartedly recommend their highly skilled and compassionate elder care legal support services in New Jersey. Their pricing is both reasonable and fair, considering the significant time and effort they invested in the process and the substantial savings they secured for us. We cannot recommend them more highly!
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18 Apr, 2023 by Tatiana k.
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27 Feb, 2024 by Paul
I cannot express my gratitude for the outstanding legal support provided by Angela Scafuri. My divorce continues to be contentious with a mother who chooses to counter partner vs co-parent and constantly uses the child and lies to use the court to her advantage. Navigating the complexities of family court can be emotionally draining but Angela has demonstrated professionalism, expertise, and empathy thus far throughout the process. Nobody wins in divorce but in my case, especially myself and my child needed to be protected. Angela was there to protect us around every corner and fought against every new tactic used by the other side. Before finding Angela, I went through four attorneys who refused to even speak on my behalf. That type of representation left myself and my child unprotected and open to abuse through the court system. Angela has been the difference maker that started to turn my case around and set boundaries. I wholeheartedly recommend Angeal to anyone seeking a family attorney. I’m extremely grateful for her expertise, guidance, and support. After spending money / retainers on four other attorneys and seeing how they practice, I feel fortunate to have such a skilled and caring advocate by myside protecting myself and child.
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21 Jul, 2022 by Hamed
Angela. Angela. Angela. The "circus", that is the divorce process, is harrowing and not for the feint of heart. Fraught with lies, deceit, and a virtual smorgasbord of all things unpleasant to say the least. An absolute must have, is an experienced attorney, whom embodies integrity, intelligence, and essentially all things lacking in the process itself. That's Angela Scafuri! Angela Scafuri, is by far, one of the most honest, knowledgeable, and caring divorce attorneys you can have by your side, during a divorce process, that is anything BUT. Her ability to guide you with integrity and compassion, will often times, temper the emotional decisions one tends to make in the heat of the moment. Couple that with some good, old fashioned tough love, her straight forward advice, will always see you out of the woods safely. I can't stress how different my divorce proceedings have been, since I had Angela on my side. There's no alternative.
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04 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
When encountering a life changing event such as a divorce, nothing is more paramount than finding the correct person for the proceedings. As the owner of three businesses, I know how difficult it can be to hire the right person for the job and, unfortunately, this often becomes a case of trial and error. It was then, to my delight, that the first person that I picked as representation, Angela, exceeded my expectations. Within one session, she was able to facilitate an agreement that was satisfactory to all involved. She also showed incredible compassion, a trait that I find admirable and is also a necessity in these type of situations. My wife also noted the compassion showed by Angela and it is this compassion that helped to create a smooth experience from what most would view a not pleasurable situation. I close this review by giving Angela the highest possible recommendation and would recommend her to anyone that may benefit from her professionalism.
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21 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
I had an extremely disappointing experience with Laurie regarding a family law lawyer. Her communication skills were abysmal, making it incredibly frustrating to get updates on my case. Despite numerous attempts to contact them, I faced consistent roadblocks, and my concerns were often ignored. To make matters worse, the results of her representation were nothing short of horrible. I had expected a certain level of expertise in family law matters, but unfortunately, the outcome was far from satisfactory. Adding to the frustration, I was denied any form of refund despite the lackluster service and poor results. It's disheartening to see such a lack of accountability for subpar performance. As it was agreed upon in the retainer that she would no longer honor. What's even more concerning is that, after expressing my dissatisfaction, I found myself blocked from their contact number as my calls did not go through, my emails went unanswered and messages were undeliverable. This lack of professionalism and refusal to address concerns only added to the overall negative experience. I would strongly advise anyone considering Laurie to proceed with caution and explore alternative options. My experience left much to be desired, and I hope others can make more informed decisions when seeking legal representation in family law matters. I wish I had known earlier that most of their google reviews are misleading and seem to be paid reviews as her serve and experience was nothing like what others had said in their google reviews.
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03 Dec, 2023 by Jane
I regret to leave this review, but my recent experience with Laurie as a family law attorney was nothing short of disappointing. My pursuit of legal counsel during a sensitive and emotionally charged family matter left me feeling utterly let down. From the onset, Laurie exhibited a lack of empathy and understanding towards the emotional turmoil surrounding my case. It was evident that their demeanor lacked the compassion and sensitivity crucially needed in handling family law matters. Instead of offering support and reassurance during this difficult time, the lawyer appeared disinterested and emotionally detached. Communication was another major letdown. Their unresponsiveness and unwillingness to address my concerns or provide updates added to the distress of an already taxing situation. I felt unheard and marginalized throughout the entire process, as if my case was nothing more than a burden. Moreover, Laurie seemed unprepared and unmotivated during our interactions. Their lack of enthusiasm and apparent disinterest in my case made me question their commitment to advocating for my family's best interests. Regrettably, my experience with this lawyer fell far below even the most basic expectations. Their inability to empathize, communicate effectively, and demonstrate genuine concern for my situation was deeply disheartening. In conclusion, I cannot, in good faith, recommend [Lawyer's Name] for anyone seeking emotional support and dedicated legal representation in family law matters. The absence of compassion and willingness to engage with clients' emotional needs makes them ill-suited for handling delicate family issues.
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17 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I can't say enough good things about Laurie. She handled a relocation for me and my son many moons ago, and she was just as amazing as she is now. She was heaven sent because she was tough when she had to be and thorough with all the paper work. I highly recommend her to anyone that is looking for an attorney that will have their back. She is wonderful.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Mike b
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17 Mar, 2024 by Faysal ahmed
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13 Jan, 2019 by Frank
Diana & Tanya of Helfand & Assoc. handled my divorce with a high level of professionalism and integrity. The process was expeditious and resolved with a minimum of controversy and discomfort.
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23 Oct, 2019 by Monroe
Used him on my will/trust. Great Lawyer and was very attentive to my situation..I would recommend him to anyone that is in need of good legal counsel
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13 Nov, 2016 by Sean
I was very pleased with Dave's representation. He was very sympathetic to my position and fought tenaciously for me every step of the way. It is rare to find an attorney like Dave and I would recommend him for any legal matter.
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20 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
Could not handle a simple real estate transaction. Everything was handed off to his secretary who mishandled all communication with the seller's attorney. This law firm also pushed us into using a title agent who delayed our closing and overcharged us by hundreds.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Mike b
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17 Mar, 2024 by Faysal ahmed
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22 Mar, 2019 by Linda
My husband and I hired Jacqueline in 2013 to emancipate two of his adult children (from his previous marriage). Jacqueline went above and beyond our expectations. She got the courts to emancipate not only his two adult children we had requested, but also had his third adult child emancipated. It was a difficult case to say the least yet Jacqueline persevered and we won on all angles. We are now hiring Jacqueline again to prepare him for his retirement . We would highly recommend Jacqueline (and Tanya) as they are worth their weight in gold!
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27 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Nicole did nothing but take our money as a coparenting coordinator. She wrote one misinformed letter of recommendation with promises to correct and update but never followed through. I would never recommend her unless you want someone spinning your wheels for months without any resolution.
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16 Jun, 2023 by Maryana
As soon as I was assigned to Nicole by the firm and read her impressive credentials in family law, I instantly experienced her professionalism. I was looking for a lawyer who not only had my back but most importantly served the best interest of the children. Nicole possesses cool practicality, an impeccable work ethic, and amazing attention to detail. She will neither waste your time nor money trying to get to the best possible scenario. She has been my therapist, my wings, my superhero, and a sister I wish I had. Nicole's profile on the firm's website says that "she has received the honor of being included in the Super Lawyers – Rising Stars list". To me, The Star has already risen, and I wish her and her clients much success.
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05 May, 2023 by Anonymous
I was referred to Nicole because I was told she’s a bulldog, I had difficulty getting her to follow up with me or my exes lawyer resulting in it looking like I delayed and was punished in our agreement for it. Now we have a terrible agreement that doesn’t help my son and I’m in a financial hole for it.
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FAQs
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.