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14 Sep, 2023 by Chioma
I had the pleasure of working with Alyson for nearly 4 years on a divorce case with a covert narcissist who suffers from various mental health issues in addition to his personality disorder. It was a nasty and stressful case with a completely uncooperative defendant but ultimately it ended up in a total, outstanding victory for me and I can unequivocally say that it was due in large part to Alyson being my attorney.
Pause and take a deep breath...I hope your case won't be like mine but if you suspect that you might be in for a ride, stop, get on your knees and thank the Lord that you came across this review. If you're a serious person who is doing your best to do the right thing then Alyson is your attorney. You will not find a more knowledgeable, capable, and respected attorney in the metro-Atlanta area.
In fact in my search for a lawyer, Alyson Lembeck's name came up multiple times both from highly respected professionals who work with the court system and recently divorced people in my network. These people did not know each other and I have since thanked them profusely for their recommendation. Alyson is a Top 50 Woman Lawyer in Atlanta who can help you not only as a divorce attorney, but with your prenuptials or as a Guardian ad Litem amongst other services. During my time working with her, I NEVER felt nickeled and dimed, her fees and billing were fair and she was always professional and accessible.
Alyson is calm under pressure, strategic and analytical. She's a fierce fighter but not in a dramatic or superficial sense, instead she is laser - focused on asking the questions that quickly reveal the heart of the matter and the first time that you see her in action in a court room you're going to thank God that you both are on the same side. She is not distracted by silly answers or deflection - she is not there to socialize although everyone knows who she is and respects her from the Judges on down. Instead she is there simply to fight for you and the comfort that provides during an otherwise stressful process in priceless.
At the same time that I was represented by Alyson, my ex was busy burning through lawyers and I got to witness how dangerous it is to both not be represented by good counsel and not respect court orders - the probability is very high that you are going to crash and burn and no one will be there to pick up the pieces. In addition to paying tens of thousands of dollars to me, my ex wound up going to jail because he did not respect the court system and I had a lawyer who understood that holding him accountable was important to me.
To anyone contemplating divorce - be smart about it! Meet with Alyson and discuss your biggest concerns before you even think about filing - she can help you navigate those issues. There are so many restrictions placed on you and your spouse the day that you file for divorce and investing in a little planning can make a world of difference. The law is often times not intuitive, you'll hear conflicting advice from your friends and family and even if you scroll legal forums for months, the true answer may be very different from what you thought. Because there is so much on the table in a divorce, you really cannot afford to play around from a time or financial perspective.
Even through the final hearing, Alyson was not only fighting for me, but setting me up for future success by making sure certain key facts went on the record so that should I need to come back to court for contempt, which is highly likely, future legal actions would be more likely to work in my favor. I was both in awe and so appreciative of her foresight and wisdom.
In wrapping this up, I want to give you a few pieces of advice. Your lawyer is not a therapist or a private detective - therapists and private detectives are cheaper. Have a good support team in place and understand that no matter how good your attorney is, at the end of the day you are the subject matter expert on your case!
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14 Apr, 2023 by Anna
Alyson Lembeck is utterly unflappable, focused, knowledgeable, and efficient. Her associates and staff are all professional, kind, and responsive. I never had to follow up with them for responses, which, as an attorney myself, I know is exceedingly unusual. She and her team provided support and guidance during the scariest time of my life. I hope to never need her firm again, but I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone else going through a divorce, especially in a high-conflict situation involving contested custody.
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19 Dec, 2022 by Alex
Alyson assisted with me with a post-Divorce Settlement Agreement where the OP was seeking alimony in perpetuity by exploiting weaknesses in the contract language.
She was timely, client focused and highly thoughtful throughout the process. She and her firm were masterful and polished with all pleadings and filings. Billing was painless and fair. She selected an impressive mediator and swiftly brought the case to a close.
This firm blew me away and brought me to tears. They helped me to feel understood and reassured. You won’t second guess yourself while working with them. Be honest and true. They are on the good side and masterful at family law.
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29 Apr, 2022 by Zac
My only regret is that I found her after my divorce! That said, she has helped me navigate a tricky marital home sale and given me council and clarity during disputes regarding anything contained in my divorce documents, ie. visitation, decision making rights, child support, etc. Her advice, given her compassionate regard for Father's Rights, helps me feel confident that I'm acting in accord with my legal agreements and being treated fairly. Many thanks.
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17 Apr, 2022 by Dan
I switched to Marilyn after 3.5 years with a previous attorney to handle my divorce. My only regret is not switching to Marilyn sooner. Marilyn truly cared about the outcome my case. She was very responsive to any questions or concerns I had. She is very knowledgeable with what to expect and always one step ahead of opposing counsel. I was very fortunate to have Marilyn on my side. She is the absolute best!
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19 Jul, 2021 by Janeth
Marilyn is WONDERFUL, she did an excellent job in my divorce case. Marilyn was very successful in everything she advised me. Since day one, I interviewed with her, my contact was always with her, and responding to all my questions, I feel blessed to have found Marilyn on my way. Marilyn es MARAVILLOSA, Marilyn hizo un excelente trabajo en mi caso de divorcio. Ella fue muy exitosa en todo lo que me aconsejó. Desde el primer día, me entrevisté con Marilyn, mi contacto fue siempre directo con Marilyn y ella respondiendo a todas mis preguntas, me siento bendecida de haber encontrado a Marilyn en my camino. I really recommend her. Realmente la recomiendo.
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18 Jul, 2023 by Pansy
Ms Campbell went above and beyond for our adoption. She kept me in the loop throughout the whole process, covered all questions and concerns, very professional but also the friendliest attorney I've ever met. I'm very thankful and greatful that she was the one that handled our adoption. I highly recommend her as the best adoption attorney. I went into this adoption blind and came out seeing the best result I could have ask for.
Thank you very much for all you have done for us!!!
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22 Aug, 2017 by William green
Mrs. Campbell was great and very caring and professional. I would honor to recommend her anyone that need to adopt.
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04 Aug, 2017 by Lillie
I hired Attorney Campbell to assist me in the process of adopting my granddaughter. I liked her professionalism, compassion, and knowledge of family law from our first meeting. She was there to assist me through every phase of the adoption. Attorney Campbell made the adoption a very pleasant experience.
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18 May, 2020 by Chasidy
Our adoption was a whirlwind and an emotional rollercoaster. Ronnie was so helpful every step of the way. She treated us, and our baby’s birthmomma with respect and compassion. She was professional, responsive, knowledgeable and compassionate throughout our experience.
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05 Jul, 2017 by Andrea
Mrs. Fishbein is an excellent attorney with many years of experience in adoption law. She guided us through every step of our stepparent adoption with ease. We are so thankful we had her expertise for the most important time in our lives as a family so far. I highly recommend her services.
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27 Jul, 2016 by Markbegnaud
Ms. Fishbein has been doing adoption law for years and years, and it shows. She walked my wife and I through the entire adoption process - she gave us so much helpful insight and made an uncertain process very clear and straightforward. I couldn't recommend her more strongly.
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11 Feb, 2019 by Charlotte
I've been working with Kathleen over the past several months to redo my will. I learned so much from her during our first hour long consultation.
Kathleen drilled down into the details of exactly what I was trying to account for financially for my heirs. I had some "out of the box" things I wanted to do with my will and she listened and advised. Never realized that the last lawyer that did my will didn't even ask me to designate who would manage my grandchildren's trusts. Secondly, I had never considered that leaving my 401k and pension plan to the estate would be taxed vs. leaving directly to my kids would allow them the option to rollover the money for their retirements.
The devil is in the details when it comes to a will and Kathleen will cover ever detail with you.
I highly recommend Kathleen.
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02 Apr, 2016 by Linda r.
We hired Ms. Womack to draw up our living wills, power of attorney's, and our directive for health care. The process could not have been made easier and she asked very pertinent questions to make sure everything was included. It was refreshing that not only was she very knowledgeable, she was also personable. I'd go to her again and would recommend her to any of our family and friends.
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02 Mar, 2015 by Nivia
ms Womack really saved me by helping me from start to fininsh with my separation from my partner. I could never thank her enough. I recommend anyone with a legal problem to call her.
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04 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Traci is an absolute pleasure to work with. My divorce was difficult and unique in many ways, and I cannot imagine how I would have gotten through it without her guidance and representation. She is sincere, honest, and very detail-oriented. Her care for her clients was evident with the way she handled my case. I do not have enough good things to say about her, and I would recommend her to any of my friends or loved ones who is going through this difficult time in their lives.
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21 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
Traci was informative and made me feel that I was well represented.
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5.0
2 Reviews
16 Nov, 2017 by Dejuan
Jill and her team are very good at what they do. I went through a divorce from multiple states away never stepping foot in GA. Everything was completed in a very timely fashion and Jill was there every step of the way. I felt very comfortable throughout the entire process even though we only communicated via email and phone calls. I would recommend Jill and her team you anyone. Even after everything was completed Jill still answers the occasional question in a very timely manner even though she doesnt have to. Thank you so very much Jill as well as to your team. You guys are great.
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06 Jun, 2015 by Dudley
Jill Byers and the entire staff at the Millard Law Firm worked tirelessly to defend me in a case that lasted over a year. I was completely satisfied with the final outcome of my case and would highly recommend the team. You will find them to be honest, caring, responsive and extremely knowledgeable in their field !!
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06 May, 2015 by Kami
Ms. Robinson has been a joy to work with. Thru all the confusing and upsetting things of a custody case, she has been reassuring, present, and knowledgeable. No one could have handled my situation better. I have been kept up to date on everything going on with my case and she is quick to explain things that can be complicated about the custody process. The most important thing, is I can feel that my case was handled in the most ethical, thorough, and moral way. She was as aggressive as was necessary, but never will I ever feel that this was not handled in a way that I and she can be proud of.
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13 Aug, 2013 by Andrea turner
I would recommend Heather to anyone. She is caring, smart and got everything handled for me in a timely manner. She was great!
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16 Mar, 2015 by Scott
As a father, Mrs. Hovastak helped me win the biggest battle of my life after my divorce. She worked diligently and after a prolonged ordeal I was able to get custody of my daughters. I couldn't be happier with the outcome. She also worked with me financially to setup a monthly payment plan which allowed me to afford and fight for custody.
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18 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Ms. Hovastak knows child support law. She was able to help me develop a plan that allowed me to care for my children and be involved in decision making.
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07 Mar, 2023 by David
I reside in Houston, TX, but needed family-related services in Atlanta, GA. It was easy to communicate with Lynn and she made the process easy and worry free. She was available via phone and email.
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01 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Lynn was recommended to us for our adoption, and we enjoyed working with her and with the paralegal on our case. Communication was good throughout the process, and we felt informed about each step as we approached finalization.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Djtranell hsmg
06 Aug, 2024 by Frank bailey
05 Aug, 2024 by Lil hatchet
25 Aug, 2024 by Ashley harrell
I was referred to this location by RBA for my co-parenting agreement. Lynn Goldman and Marcia Allen were both great with communication from initial consultation to finalizing my agreement. Very reasonable price and they get everything done in a timely manner. This law is office is absolutely the best.
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20 Aug, 2024 by K williams
Lynn Goldman was absolutely amazing! She really understood our situation, and knows the laws surrounding alternative family building. More importantly, she is one of the kindest people I have ever met. I would highly recommend her.
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20 Jun, 2024 by Liz johnson
We worked with Lila Bradley on an adoption of a family member. She was wonderful to work with and took a real interest in our family. She communicated clearly on timelines and expectations and the process to get to the courthouse felt very seamless! The office staff was great as well, and quick to respond to emails. Thank you Claiborne|Fox|Bradley|Goldman!
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11 Sep, 2024 by Samantha almengor
I can’t say enough about NVP Law. Nishit, Dante , Donsha and Danielle all played a role in making a very hard divorce case as smooth and productive as possible. I couldn’t imagine going through this without the personalized attention and care from this team, and the genuine effort it took to successfully complete this divorce process. Thank you!
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29 Aug, 2024 by Desiree m
NVP Law Firm exemplifies dedication and professionalism in every aspect of their work. They are incredibly considerate and attentive, truly prioritizing their clients' needs. NVP goes above and beyond, delivering 1000 percent to ensure that every detail is handled lawfully, accurately, and with precision. If you want a legal team that will fight tirelessly for your best interests, hire NVP—you won't regret it.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Brandy walker
My experience was definitely one to be remembered. Everyone was definitely hands on and extremely thorough. The reassurance that I was in good hands was not only amazing but comforting. My questions were always answered in a timely manner and the preparation on their end was perfect if there was such a thing. If you ever need someone to have your back HIRE Nishit Patel and his team!!! I promise you won’t regret it!
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4.6
14 Reviews
5.0
45 Reviews
23 Oct, 2024 by Aline m.
William was very helpful, patient and extremely helpful during the entire process. So thankful we got to work with him! He is very personable and quick to answer to any questions you may have. I would not hesitate hiring his services.
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22 Oct, 2024 by Venise williams
Mr. Hunter is very knowledgeable about different types of Trusts and Wills for a variety of situation. The firm is professional and I felt very comfortable creating a Will and a Trust for my family. I highly recommend this firm.
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19 Oct, 2024 by Solomom porter
Mr. Hunter was very professional and provided outstanding service. He answered all our questions throughout the process. I highly recommend his legal services!!
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04 Oct, 2024 by Johnny
Worst Attorney
Please do not hire Attorney Dixon to represent you for Family practice or a Divorce case! I paid her the retainer fee to represent my Son and is very disappointed with her rendered services.
The opposing Attorney filed several motions and she never filed a motion on his behalf. It almost appeared that she is was working with the opposing counsel against him.
Ms. Dixon only have 3 years of experience and it showed when she asked my Son to hire another Attorney to assist her.
Horrible communication skills- Who calls a client at
6:00 a.m. to debrief the day of a trial and shows up 30 minutes late to court?
He has been fighting to receive his funds from an escrow account and reduction in child support with no assistance or responses from her! She showed no concern or compassion but still received money for providing poor service. He lost his livelihood and everything that he owned with no fight or help from her.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Jasmine jemmott
Outstanding Lawfirm with great customer service.
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30 Sep, 2024 by David decuir
Great accident lawyers, who care about the community.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Jasmine jemmott
Outstanding Lawfirm with great customer service.
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30 Sep, 2024 by David decuir
Great accident lawyers, who care about the community.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Spencer wallace
Highly recommend! The staff was attentive and helpful, making my experience beyond exceptional".
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19 Jul, 2024 by Shenandoah evans
Hopefully, you will never need an Appellate Attorney, but if you do I wholeheartedly recommend --Calina Plotky. Her professionalism, integrity, and dedication to justice make her an invaluable asset to any legal teamThere are many others who lack integrity and will take your money. Throughout our legal proceedings, Calina demonstrated a profound understanding of the complexities surrounding DV and child protection. Her deep knowledge of appellate law, combined with her compassionate approach, provided us with the support we needed.
Calina's strategic thinking and clear communication were instrumental in presenting our arguments effectively.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Jeff b
I hired Calina to represent me in my divorce and I cannot recommend her and the team at KF Law enough. Both Calina and Tina were incredible and I'm so grateful I had this team on my side.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Jeff
I was caught somewhat unprepared when my wife told me she was filing for divorce. I was then made aware of Calina and was able to contact and have a consultation with her. She immediately put my mind at ease and I'm so grateful I hired her. She and her team where very communicative and helped me understand what was happening in the process all along the way. I cannot recommend Calina enough if you find yourself in the position of needing a divorce attorney.
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20 May, 2024 by Dawn wallace
30 Oct, 2023 by Julie ridings
I'm fortunate to have worked with Ryan Proctor and Kristen Proud on my divorce case. Ryan is extremely personable, always communicated very well. I highly recommend Ryan, his team, and this firm. Thank you, Ryan!
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29 Aug, 2023 by Joygina duke
Attorney Proctor is simply the best. Not only is he knowledgeable, he and his team took the time to educate me every step of the way. I was treated with dignity and respect every step of the way. If there was ever a change that needed to happen, I was notified promptly and given options. Every email and phone call I sent was responded to in a timely manner. I was blessed to have Attorney Proctor and his team work with me. I could not have asked for better representation in court. He and his team truly went above and beyond my child and I and I’m forever grateful.
Ryan considered me as a person, not just another case. I can’t thank this team enough.
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16 Oct, 2024 by Werx of wisdom
I am writing this reveiw to wholeheartedly recommend The Church Law Firm as your choice to retain for your needs. If you like honesty, professionalism, care and concern, hard working. thorough, transparency involving your legal matters.... Tom Church is your guy! He not only willfully communicates with his clients, he takes pride and ownership in his craft. You will never feel left out of the loop at anytime, his attention to detail and legal strategies are unrivaled. I am overjoyed and ecstatic to have had him as my legal representative involving my lagalities... I was distraught and felt bewildered in such a crucial time in my life.. Mr. Church patiently and very informatively walked me through the entire process. His team at the firm also accomodated me thoughout every step of the way. As a result of utilizing their services I have been granted an opportunity to regain my footing in society and continue my upward path in life…. The Church Law Firm was and is a Godsend….
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10 Oct, 2024 by Nami ana
My Case Manager, Alish P. Was so easy to work with, timely, responsive, and communicative! I hope her level of professionalism is highly regarded by her employers and reflect throughout the company.
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09 Oct, 2024 by G taylor-sanders
Mr. Walker will tell you what you want to hear until the $12,000 wire transfer. He's MIA.
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16 Oct, 2024 by Werx of wisdom
I am writing this reveiw to wholeheartedly recommend The Church Law Firm as your choice to retain for your needs. If you like honesty, professionalism, care and concern, hard working. thorough, transparency involving your legal matters.... Tom Church is your guy! He not only willfully communicates with his clients, he takes pride and ownership in his craft. You will never feel left out of the loop at anytime, his attention to detail and legal strategies are unrivaled. I am overjoyed and ecstatic to have had him as my legal representative involving my lagalities... I was distraught and felt bewildered in such a crucial time in my life.. Mr. Church patiently and very informatively walked me through the entire process. His team at the firm also accomodated me thoughout every step of the way. As a result of utilizing their services I have been granted an opportunity to regain my footing in society and continue my upward path in life…. The Church Law Firm was and is a Godsend….
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10 Oct, 2024 by Nami ana
My Case Manager, Alish P. Was so easy to work with, timely, responsive, and communicative! I hope her level of professionalism is highly regarded by her employers and reflect throughout the company.
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09 Oct, 2024 by G taylor-sanders
Mr. Walker will tell you what you want to hear until the $12,000 wire transfer. He's MIA.
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04 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Ms. LaScala represented me in my divorce case. While she seems very knowledgeable and experienced, I did not feel her preparation for my mediation was adequate. I felt pressured to settle and pushed into an agreement that did not reflect my best interests. She told me from day one that alimony was intended to be restorative, not punitive, but in the end the amount and length of alimony was excessive. It was a long day and I feel like she folded rather than suggesting alternatives. After mediation she was difficult to get in touch with, did not return my calls, and was not available to assist with finalizing the terms of my divorce for things like QDRO and transfer of assets.
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19 Jan, 2017 by Francisco
Mrs.LaScala was very helpful throughout the whole process,would recommend her to anyone.Anytime I had questions or concerns she was there to answer them right away.
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27 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Ms. LaScala handled our case in a professional, timely manner with our best interest at hand. She was straightforward, fair, and available to me as a client when questions arose.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Bob hendrix
The Prince Firm is amazing. I was impressed with their attention to detail, knowledge of the law, quick response time, and friendly staff. I would not hesitate to recommend them for any of your legal needs.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Ron john
Peace and Love. Wow. Wow. Wow. Hands down the greatest lawyer I've had represent me in my immigration matters but outside of just helping, she's family! I've hired other lawyers in the past to resolve my immigration matters and I literally was put on the back burner for months. After a brief consultation, The Prince Firm accepted my case with the intentions of succeeding and success were met with an overstanding performance. I'll recommend The Prince Firm to anyone who needs legal assistant.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Joeyatl
04 Oct, 2024 by Phyllis cox
They the Best
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04 Oct, 2024 by Gemma arthur
04 Oct, 2024 by Joslyn keels
They are very kind and helpful they are also very consistent with getting the work done!!
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07 May, 2024 by Leah denham
Balean and Kristy kept me sane during the hardest year of my life and I am forever grateful.
I was too nervous to reach out to a divorce lawyer even though it was well past time, so a friend of mine who is a lawyer in another area talked me into it and recommended these two personally. I can't say enough good things so I'll try and break it down into the things that are/were important to me in a divorce.
They are NOT pushy. I was so nervous the first call, I did not want to get a divorce. I even (politely) told them I hope we don't ever need to talk again. They were extremely supportive. Not one single time did either of them push me towards a divorce. They answered all my questions honestly and thoughtfully and I never felt rushed.
On the flip side of that, they are also very cognizant that their time is expensive. So for me, it is very hard to find a lawyer who is constantly aware of running up your tab, but personable enough to trust them and not feel like just another check in the spreadsheet. On top of that, I have ADHD so I can get off on a tangent with the best of them. Both Kristy and Balean we're very good at redirecting me into the areas that mattered and pushing me though the areas that didn't without letting me get hung up on them.
They are extremely prompt (during business hours, I cant speak to otherwise because I don't expect people to work 24/7), I don't think I ever waited a full day for a reply. You WILL feel like a priority. Which frankly with how being a lawyer works, is pretty remarkable.
They know their stuff. I don't know a better way to put that. And if they don't know, they make it a priority to find out. I had a few odd snafus with property issues and a few (lets say less than reasonable) demands from my now ex, and if I had a question they tracked it down if they weren't already sure.
They are generally fun and calming presences. Mediation went for a full day, so Balean was trapped in a room with me for probably 12 straight hours. And if you aren't aware (i certainly wasn't), mediation is very much hurry up and wait. When we had the mediator, it was 100% business. When she was in the other room, we walked through everything we needed to discuss, got advice, and then were able to relax and recharge a bit before the next turn. As you can imagine, its an emotional time. I went from needing to pace the hallways angry to bouncing off the walls bored to everything in between and not once did Balean get even slightly irritated with me. They are VERY aware that you're going though something and that while we need to be efficient there also needs to be room for you to be a person with feelings and needs.
So if you don't read all of that, the important bits are they are going to make you a priority and you'll feel like it, they will not run up your bill for no reason and will be honest when they think something may do so, they give you grace to be going though something hard, while also getting you though it in a prompt and efficient and competent manner. I absolutely would not even consider another legal team if these guys are available. I can't speak highly enough of this firm.
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01 May, 2024 by Michelle foye
I highly recommend Kristy Barnhart as Family Law counsel. She is professional, knowledgeable, communicative and understanding of her client needs. She assisted us with a complex case involving legitimation and child custody.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Robert josephs
I've had the pleasure of knowing Kristy for quite some time, both on a personal basis and as a client. I can genuinely affirm that she epitomizes professionalism. When our family encountered a delicate situation, Kristy adeptly guided us through it. She approached the matter with a methodical strategy, staying ahead of the curve, and crucially, she had the ability to convey intricate details in a clear and accessible manner. I enthusiastically recommend Kristy Barnhart.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Robynne riccio
I am so thankful that I was referred to this group. Matt and his team have gone above and beyond fighting for me and my children through a really messy divorce. They kept me informed through the entire process and treated me like a friend and not like a “client”. I am truly grateful for their service.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Rich vann
Warner Bates is a well-established and an extremely well-rounded firm in a crowded family law space in Atlanta. WB has a solid team and they’re more than willing to go to battle for their clients. I highly recommend Matt Anthony and his trusty paralegal Carissa to anyone seeking great representation in a contentious separation or divorce.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Amanda brady
efficient helpful and easy to deal with sensitive matters.
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24 Jul, 2022 by Gerry
This attorney, took $4900 from me to do nothing but cost me my sons paternity time to be thwarted by not giving me notice that I had a child custody hearing. She was unprepared in a TPO order prior and would not assert herself to a lying & vindictive wife. Today I’m having to get another attorney to clean up her mess. She dismissed herself from my case without advising me of my child custody case court date. As a result I haven’t seen my son in almost 8 months. Now I have to fork out another $2500.00 for another attorney. Thanks Joyce for a splendid job that you managed to foul up. GREAT JOB!
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17 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms. Edwards and her staff are excellent, their attention to detail and work ethic are to be commended. She did so much more than our previous lawyer and was able to get a legal matter that had been hanging on for years resolved quickly. I highly recommend.
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05 Jun, 2012 by Faith smith
Joy is amazing. She always listened to me to understand what my needs were and she did a superior job executing my request. Although I just met Joy, she managed my case like she was a close family friend who sincerely had my best interest at heart. During the trial she was not thrown off by the other party's spontaneous attempts to sneak in invalid information. She even fought for me all the way to the end when the Judge was giving the decision; she recommended an alternate proposal which would benefit me and the Judge accepted. I am so glad she knew what she was doing. From the first conversation with Joy I felt confident in her ability to handle my case and from the day I hired her I never worried again about my case. I would highly recommend Joy and she will handle all of my family matters.
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19 Nov, 2019 by Eric jenkins
16 May, 2018 by Chris tolbert
05 Dec, 2023 by Unbelievable
I can’t believe the amount of funds you charge for a simple divorce, I would never recommend you or your firm to represent anyone I know,
Unbelievable
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21 Aug, 2013 by Lisa
Wonderful experience during a difficult time. Quality representation at an affordable cost. Was able to obtain joint custody, when my ex wanted full custody. Kept me informed and was sensitive to all parties involved. Made me feel secure and comfortable about my case. Did not sugar coat anything. Went to her desperate and left feeling much stronger!
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11 Sep, 2024 by Shaakirah landers
07 Jan, 2023 by Marcia sylvester
No reason to fear this place they drag out chump change cases and have newbies and interns do all the work. Big companies spend more money in litigation than they would have if they settled. Stay away!!!
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08 Dec, 2022 by Delisa shatteen
Definitely would not recommend for hire… they purposely dragged out our case. The Plaintiff was more than willing to settle for way less than they was in the beginning but the attorney never said a word. No calls, communication and very unprofessional. Wish we saw these reviews beforehand.
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31 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
Absolutely RUN FROM HIM, John Collar!!! He has a vindicttive, anti-female relationship to his clients and an "old boys school" you-help-me, I'll help you relationship, Go anywhere else but here!!!
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28 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
He is the worst! I asked the firm to switch me from him and they would not after wasting $50,000 on my still litigating divorce. He ran the bill crazy up, was very disrespectful, dud not tell me to postpone my divorce until 2019 in order to not pay taxes on alimony I'd receive and totally bungled my divorce. $100,000 later, I've had to hire another attorney to fix his legal mess.
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07 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Awful at communicating and just dropped the nail in negotiations. Would not recommend.
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What an Adoption Lawyer Can Do for You
An adoption lawyer specializes in navigating the legal complexities of the adoption process, ensuring that the rights of all parties involved - the adoptive parents, birth parents, and the child - are protected. They assist families through the different types of adoption, such as domestic, international, foster care, stepparent, and private adoptions. Adoption lawyers ensure that the adoption process complies with state, federal, and international laws, and handle any legal issues that may arise during the process, such as terminating parental rights, conducting home studies, and finalizing the adoption.
If you're looking to adopt or if you're a birth parent considering placing your child for adoption, an adoption lawyer can guide you through the legal requirements and ensure the process goes smoothly.
When Should I Hire an Adoption Lawyer?
You should consider hiring an adoption lawyer in the following situations:
- Private or independent adoption: If you’re adopting a child directly from the birth parents without the involvement of an adoption agency, a lawyer is essential to draft and review all legal documents, including consent forms and parental rights termination agreements.
- Foster care adoption: If you’re adopting a child from foster care, a lawyer can help navigate the legal process, ensure the child’s eligibility for adoption, and represent you in court to finalize the adoption.
- Stepparent or relative adoption: If you’re adopting a stepchild or a relative, a lawyer can assist in terminating the parental rights of the biological parent and ensure the adoption is completed legally and efficiently.
- International adoption: International adoptions are complex, involving multiple layers of laws from the U.S. and the child’s birth country. A lawyer can help navigate immigration requirements and ensure compliance with international treaties like the Hague Convention.
- Contested adoptions: If a birth parent changes their mind about the adoption or there is a dispute over parental rights, a lawyer can represent you in court and ensure that the adoption proceeds legally.
- Adoption for same-sex couples: If you're a same-sex couple looking to adopt, a lawyer can help ensure that your adoption complies with state laws and that both parents have equal legal rights to the child.
- Birth parent representation: If you’re a birth parent considering adoption, a lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected, help you understand the legal implications of terminating parental rights, and ensure that your decision is legally sound.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help avoid legal complications and ensure that the adoption is legally finalized as smoothly as possible.
What Does an Adoption Lawyer Do?
An adoption lawyer provides a variety of legal services, ensuring that the adoption process is completed in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing legal paperwork: Adoption lawyers handle all the necessary paperwork, including petitions to terminate parental rights, consent forms, and final adoption decrees. They ensure that the adoption is in line with state, federal, and international laws.
- Conducting home studies: Some adoptions require a home study to evaluate the prospective adoptive family. While a social worker usually conducts the study, a lawyer can ensure that the process complies with legal requirements and that the report is submitted correctly.
- Terminating parental rights: Lawyers assist in terminating the legal rights of the biological parents, either voluntarily through signed consent or involuntarily through court proceedings if necessary.
- Representing clients in court: Adoption lawyers represent adoptive parents, birth parents, or other parties in court hearings to finalize the adoption or resolve disputes.
- Navigating international adoption laws: For international adoptions, a lawyer helps ensure that all legal requirements, both in the U.S. and the child’s home country, are met, including securing the child’s visa and citizenship.
- Providing legal advice: Adoption lawyers guide clients through each step of the adoption process, advising them on their rights and obligations, as well as any potential legal issues that may arise.
- Drafting post-adoption agreements: In some cases, especially open adoptions, a lawyer can help draft post-adoption agreements that specify the level of contact between the adoptive and birth parents.
How Are Adoption Lawyers Paid?
Adoption lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the adoption and the time involved. Common payment structures include:
- Flat fee: Many adoption lawyers charge a flat fee for handling the entire adoption process. This is common for straightforward adoptions, such as stepparent or foster care adoptions, where the legal work is relatively predictable.
- Hourly rate: For more complex adoptions, such as contested or international adoptions, some lawyers charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $200 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: In cases where the adoption process may take longer or involve more legal work (e.g., termination of parental rights or court disputes), a lawyer may require a retainer, which is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on the case.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront, so you understand the total cost of the adoption and any additional expenses that may arise during the process.
How Much Does an Adoption Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an adoption lawyer depends on the type of adoption and the complexity of the case. General cost estimates include:
- Stepparent or relative adoption: Legal fees for these types of adoptions typically range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on whether the adoption is contested or requires a court hearing.
- Domestic private adoption: The legal fees for a private adoption usually range from $5,000 to $10,000, including drafting documents, terminating parental rights, and finalizing the adoption in court.
- International adoption: International adoptions are generally more expensive, with legal fees ranging from $7,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the adoption and the child’s country of origin.
- Contested adoption: If the adoption is contested and involves court disputes, legal fees may range from $10,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the length and complexity of the court proceedings.
In addition to lawyer fees, adoptive parents should also be aware of additional costs such as court filing fees, home study fees, and travel expenses (for international adoptions).
Top Questions to Ask an Adoption Lawyer
Before hiring an adoption lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they have the experience and knowledge to handle your case effectively. Key questions to ask include:
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What experience do you have with adoptions?
Ensure the lawyer has experience with the specific type of adoption you’re pursuing, whether it’s domestic, international, foster care, or stepparent adoption. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee or hourly rate and ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs involved in your adoption. -
What are the legal requirements for my adoption?
Ask the lawyer to explain the legal steps involved in your adoption and any specific requirements that may apply to your case, such as home studies or parental consent. -
How long will the adoption process take?
Adoption timelines can vary depending on the type of adoption, so ask the lawyer for an estimate of how long the process will take, including any potential delays. -
What are the common challenges in adoption cases?
Ask about any potential legal challenges that could arise during the adoption process and how the lawyer plans to address them. -
Will I need to go to court?
Depending on the adoption, you may need to attend court hearings. Ask the lawyer whether your presence will be required and what to expect during these hearings. -
Can you help with post-adoption issues?
Ask the lawyer if they can assist with any post-adoption issues, such as obtaining the child’s birth certificate, finalizing the child’s U.S. citizenship (for international adoptions), or drafting post-adoption contact agreements.
How to Check the Credibility of an Adoption Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable adoption lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no disciplinary actions on their record.
- Look for adoption experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in adoption law and have experience handling cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about their experience with the lawyer.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on adoption cases.
- Check for memberships in relevant organizations: Look for lawyers who are members of adoption-focused organizations like the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys (AAAA), which can indicate their expertise in this field.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your first consultation with an adoption lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Information about the child and birth parents: Provide any available information about the child you’re adopting (e.g., age, country of origin, current living situation) and the birth parents, if applicable.
- Adoption preferences: Be clear about the type of adoption you’re pursuing - whether it’s domestic, international, foster care, stepparent, or private - and discuss any preferences you have regarding the child’s age, background, or special needs.
- Legal documents (if applicable): If you’ve already begun the adoption process or have signed any agreements, bring copies of all relevant legal documents, such as consent forms or agency agreements.
- Questions about the adoption process: Prepare a list of questions about the legal steps involved in your adoption, potential timelines, and any concerns you may have about the process.
- Financial considerations: Be ready to discuss your budget for legal fees and any additional costs, such as home studies, court fees, and travel expenses (for international adoptions).
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice for your adoption journey.
