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05 Apr, 2024 by Tamarra farro
I highly recommend Mr.Poree and his legal team. They were extremely knowledgable, professional, efficient and kind. It can be a very overwhelming process to go through and they were there for me every step of the way. If you are looking for great representation, I advise you to contact the legal offices of Victor J. Poree today.
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20 Sep, 2021 by Mike mora
08 May, 2020 by Chris sadler
I had a great experience working with The Law Office of Steve Fuerch. I was injured in a car accident that was not my fault and was hit by an uninsured motorist. Steve helped me go against my own insurance and receive a settlement I was very happy with. Steve was always extremely informative and helpful. Anytime I needed anything he was easy to get a hold of and eager to help. Throughout the entire process I felt as though he had my best interest in mind and fought very hard for me. My case had some tricky circumstances that he handled easily and without question. Steve also has an amazing legal assist Colleen that was unbelievably supportive and hardworking. Steve and his team run an amazing law firm that I would highly recommend to anyone. I could tell from our first meeting he was trustworthy and someone I wanted to work with and I believe you will feel the same way too. Thanks again Steve!!
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27 Dec, 2023 by Luther khachigian ii
Our family has been doing business with these folks for 40+ years. Great service, great staff, great lawyers.
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13 Jul, 2022 by Omar jimenez
09 Apr, 2021 by Gary davis
Matt helped set up a Trust. He did an excellent job.
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12 Jun, 2017 by Ethel
Bonnie Hiler handled the adoption of my daughter and during such an emotional time filled with uncertainty, I could not have asked for a more knowledgeable, competent, professional and compassionate attorney to guide and represent me. I highly recommend Bonnie Hiler and will never be able to convey just how grateful I am to have found her.
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12 Jun, 2017 by Lee
Bonnie guided us through the adoption process. She promptly responded to emails, kept us informed of every step along the way, and made us feel at ease knowing that we were in good hands.
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06 Aug, 2015 by Tiffany & daniel
Bonnie Hiler was on the ball, very professional, and gave everything more than due diligence to get our adoption paperwork to us as soon as possible every step of the way. We would highly recommend her to help you with your legal needs.
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12 Apr, 2023 by Ma in pa
Divorcing a narcissist is extremely hard, especially in a high conflict divorce and when attorneys smell assets and money. Prior to retaining Ms. Niedens, I had worked with 4 attorneys. Unfortunately, I did not feel like I had proper guidance and/or tangible representation with any of them. I felt as I was just a milking cow for all attorneys. I also felt oppressed and that there is no fairness for men in California. My first attorney was horrible and not trustworthy. The second was unable to handle my ex’s attorney who is aggressive and used unethical tactics. The third wanted me to, simply, bend over and give up on everything, and the fourth was too busy with many other cases - nothing was done other than billing me for communicating my ex’s demands. My divorce was lengthy, toxic, and very expensive.
Backward 9 years ago, when I initiated my divorce, I contacted numerous law offices including Ms. Niedens office. Even though my intuition and gut instincts were telling me to retain Ms. Niedens, I went with the shiny attorneys who have glowing reviews and prestigious offices thinking they would provide the best legal representation for me. THAT WAS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE I MADE WHICH I WILL ALWAYS REGRET. After years of being milked by the attorneys and my ex with no results, I decided to go with my initial gut feeling…I went back to Ms. Niedens begging her to take my case. After accepting my case, Ms. Niedens developed a legal strategy and explained it to me in a simple way. Shortly thereafter, I started hearing the hits on the big drum. I started seeing results. For the first time in years, I felt that justice and fairness can be accomplished in California. I felt that my best interests and legal rights are being supported and protected. I now realize that justice comes with evidence and the ability of the attorney to know the law and provide zealous representation. During my journey with Ms. Niedens, she acted like a navigator who drove while reading the map. She knew exactly when it was better to take the bus instead of the bike. Now that my case is into closure, I can confidently attest to her skills, knowledge, and expertise. Ms. Niedens is a highly competent attorney, and most importantly, extremely knowledgeable, and very professional. She is sincere, confidant, sharp, truly genuine, fair, and tough. She knows the system very well and is highly respected by the court. I am very impressed with her attention to details, deep knowledge of every detail of my very long case, and her ability to think outside the box. I will always be deeply grateful to her and her team (Mallory and Justine) for the outstanding support they provided and still providing to me. I highly recommend Ms. Niedens and her team. They are the BEST. A five plus stars review is not enough compares to the outstanding results and support they provided to me.
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09 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
We were in a year long parental rights battle utilizing a different lawyer. After that seemed to go almost nowhere, we consulted with Marsha Niedens and she explained to us all things wrong thus far with our case. We started from scratch utilizing her services and after a lengthy battle, we gained peace in our household. Highly recommended family law attorney.
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03 May, 2019 by Angela
I filed for divorce by myself and for years attempted to navigate the court system myself through the divorce and subsequent custody battle with the help of the self-help services at the courthouse. Finally after being beyond frustrated with my ex's continued delay and manipulation I hired Marsha to represent me. She not only secured a great custody plan, but came back again this year to keep it in place. She is prompt in her response, always available via phone or email, and so caring. She's wonderful to talk to, she really gets it and her attention to detail is amazing. I truly don't know how I ever tried to deal with all of this on my own. I feel so much better knowing that I have someone that not only knows the language but is also a human who understands the impact of all of this on my children. I won't step in to the courtroom without her again. Don't waste your time thinking that you can handle your case on your own. I lost weeks and months of my life trying to learn the court language and defend myself without the proper representation. I would recommend her to anyone needing help with divorce, custody or child support.
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30 May, 2019 by Anonymous
I recently reached out to Amy to advise me on my upcoming divorce. I am very impressed with her. She is kind, professional and on top of everything. She was a true advocate for my position. If I am ever asked for a recommendation, I have no hesitation sharing Amy's contact information.
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22 Aug, 2018 by Alesia
I was very happy with the results of working with Amy Spiering during that difficult time. I felt she listen to my situation and gave me honest information which I could make sound decisions for myself and my children. I would highly recommend her, 5 stars.
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26 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
We chose Amy Wicks after interviewing about a dozen attorneys for a move-away case. We were moving out of state and our daughters father was disputing. She handled everything quickly and efficiently. She made sure we understood all angles that could be taken by the opposing party and she was honest with us about the possibilities of what could happen. In court, she was by far the most prepared and hard-hitting attorney in the room. The opposing (and actually more experienced) attorney threw a fit and had to apologize to the Judge because he could not keep up with Amy in a professional manner. She had an immediate and valid response to every argument he brought up. In the end, she kept the move-away case from developing into a trial and we were able to settle, gaining more than what we had originally asked for because Amy is that good! We will use her for everything custody related moving forward and we only wish we had found her 6 years ago when this all began.
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26 Oct, 2018 by Mark
Going through a difficult divorce has helped me understand and appreciate the differences of a very good Attorney and an exceptional Attorney. Katherine Schreurs is an exceptional Attorney and exceeded my expectations in every facet of this divorce. While handling my case she has always been professional, diligent, thorough, compassionate and still strong towards the opposing counsel when necessary. At all times I was confident that Katherine was giving me her best efforts and always a pleasure to work with. Everything has been done as promised and always done in the time frame discussed with every phone call, text or email always returned. Katherine did everything she could to help me understand the process and the pros and cons of every decision. The legal services provided to me by Katherine had a much greater value than what she charged.
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17 May, 2017 by Ginny
Kate helped with me with powers of attorney for healthcare and asset management when my parents needed to start and get some assistance. In addition, she has helped with getting paperwork sent when hospitals refused to send the appropriate documents. What I could not get done in 3 months Kate got for me within 30 minutes of them receiving her letter.
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16 May, 2017 by B.
Ms. Schreurs has helped my entire family with various cases for the past 12 years. Anywhere from dissolutions,Wills/Power of Attorney to a personal injury matter, which is not her forte but she settled the matter for us in a short period of time.
She is very easy to talk with and she explains the step by step process.
Two of my sons had stressful divorces and she made the situation go
very smooth for them. I would highly recommend Ms. Schreurs.
Thank you Ms. Schreurs !
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19 Aug, 2020 by Ty
I couldn't have asked for a better lawyer. Ms. Harman was very kind and understanding of the situation I was in. Not only did she look out for my best interest, but also my child's as well. If I wasn't able to speak directly to her at times, her office staff listened and got back to me in a timely manner with appropriate advice. Never did I feel like my questions were disregarded or overlooked, everything was always considered and open for discussion. While going to court is nerve racking her calm professional demeanor and years of experience always helped guide me in the right direction. They have always been more than fair with me and I will continue to use them and refer them going forward. Thank you for all your help!
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06 Jun, 2017 by Meav
Tisha is very knowledgeable. But what I adore most about her is that she is unbiased and I am not her client. My son is. She is a dedicated an impartial advocate of the child's best interest.
Her responses are timely and empathetic but fair and she dashes in the harsh reality in a gentle manner. Sometimes she is the bearer of bad news but at least you know she's acting from sincerity and years of dedicated service to parents and children in distress.
I can not put into words how grateful I am to have Tisha represent and advocate for me.
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17 Sep, 2013 by Frank
Mrs. Harman was used as minor's counsel for my two daughters in a child custody case. She was excellent with my daughters, but most important, she was fair and impartial. She has a lot of experience and it shows in her professionalism. I would definitely recommend Ms. Harman.
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22 Mar, 2019 by Tim
Nico was part of my legal defense team that successfully defended me in a felonious assault case. Her detailed work with the case evidence resulted in locating the key evidence that persuaded the Prosecuting District Attorney that the case against me was in-consistent with the truth. She acted in a highly professional manner numerous times during appearances in court on my behalf. Nico is a very personable and friendly attorney whom I wout highly reccomend!
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19 Mar, 2019 by Dana
Nico represented my husband and I for our complicated child custody case. We are located in TN and my step daughter was there in CA. After speaking to a couple of lawyers we spoke to Nico and immediately knew that we wanted her to represent us. We are so happy that we made that decision. Child custody is rarely easy and often messy. She did everything in her power to make the process as simple as she could for us. She worked with us across the entire country and through the 2 hour time difference. We couldn't have asked for a better outcome in our case given that our daughter is now in TN with us permanently. We loved working with Nico and everyone else at the firm. If for any reason we needed to return to court in CA, she would be our first call.
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04 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
Nico represented me in a messy and contested custody dispute that crossed state lines. When I came to Nico, I was scared, stressed, and worried any potential misstep I may take would result in further harm to my children. Nico was measured and appropriately represented my interests in negotiations with an unnecessarily combative opposing counsel. My children are safely home with me again, even though chaos in the middle of the case threatened to disrupt the tenuous agreement we were reaching through careful and protracted discussions. In the event I needed a family law attorney again, I would seek out Nico’s assistance without hesitation.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Stephanie
I am not Ms. Neumann’s client. But I can say she did a great job for her own client. Because she fought for a guy to win in DVTRO and get the shared custody. This is a guy who touched his 9 year old daughter during/after the shower and videotaped her while she was changing her clothes, and who withheld medication and night-guard from his 8 year old son, who developed migraine/headache and grinding teeth after DVTRO was filed. This does not even include what he did to his ex-spouse.
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28 Sep, 2015 by Tanya
When I came to Sara I had hired and consulted another lawyer to handle a paternity suit that was sprung on me while I was visiting the USA after residing in another country. This was very difficult, as I could not leave the country with my child and go home to my husband and my child's stepdad (whom she views as her dad). I was very scared because I had single-handedly raised my child and I knew no one else should have the right to keep me from traveling anywhere, as this person had not even contributed to my child's birth or upbringing in any significant way.
But, that being said, the reality was such that I was being advised by my first lawyer that I should respond to the paternity suit with a move-away trial as I had barely missed dismissing the case with a jurisdictional claim.
I felt something was off though, because this case was so clear and cut (my ex was not on the birth certificate, he had not emotionally or financially supported me/the child in any significant way).
**I saw the light when I spoke to Sara. She confirmed my intuition with her expertise, immediately confirming that I indeed could file for a termination of parental rights. She lay my fears to rest. We met and I presented her with the facts of my case. After assuring me she would not take my case if she did not believe she could help me, I released my other lawyer from duty and hired her.
What a great decision!! She lived up to her reassurances: it took perhaps longer than the move away trial, which was inconvenient only due to my particular case of being in a country we no longer reside in, away from my husband and our new life abroad, yet so worth it so that, a) my husband could adopt my son; and, b) to get the ex out of our hair so that he could no longer make our lives difficult.
I had faced a lot of disempowering conversations amongst not only people, acquaintances, etc. but also lawyers: people discouraging me from doing the termination of parental rights just because it sounded "mean" and so "final" to them. I knew inside of me, however, that the way my ex was handling this was unhealthy and selfish towards my child, with a paternity suit (after I had tried SO many times to civilly settle for some kind of visitation, yet he disappeared whenever he wanted, was inconsistent, and really only looked after his own interests and not my son's, who needs consistency in his life) and not being agreeable to reaching some kind of settlement (other than keeping my child after he had NEVER had custody, ever, or even seen him more than a handful of times/hours in his years of life).
The point is--Sara empowered me. She never once questioned me, she backed me up 100% and was a strong ally. She understand completely what I wanted, why I wanted it, has a child herself and understood my protective feelings toward my child, that I was 100% committed to her best interest.
She did her job diligently. I knew I could count on her to show up at the court appearances, and made an uncomfortable situation even pleasant. She wrote the briefs in such a way that made complete sense to me. She has ample expertise on the topic of stepparent adoption and termination of parental rights. She knew a lot of the staff in the courts/ offices we were in, and they knew her. She was personable, kind, compassionate, prepared, in communication, easy to get a hold of. Her offices made it easy and pleasant to pick up/drop off documents.
Also, when I told her that I was looking to get budget-oriented towards the middle of the whole legal situation, she was so cooperative and helpful with this.
We won our case and just got word the appeal was dismissed as well.
Cannot recommend her enough if you are in this sort of situation. She certainly seems like *THE* lawyer to hire in any kind of similar situation. I recommend her fully.
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20 Jun, 2011 by Aldo
Mrs. Neumann understood the most important aspect of my case. She demonstrated lots of compassion and treated me and family with the utmost respect you could not possibly imagine.
All the times I have found Mrs. Neumann to be dependable, reliable, hard-working, conscientious, honest, and very courteous.
Mrs.Neumann is helpful. She satisfied all my concerns and skilfully took control of all my case as if it were her case
Thank you Sara for all your help. You gave me my life back.
To anyone who is seeking a lawyer that cares...
I'd contact Mrs.Sara Neumann she'll get the job done. Don't waist your time with anyone else.
All the Best!
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14 Nov, 2012 by Genevieve
M. Jane Pearce assisted me with several legal questions and documents this year. She was very knowledgeable and helpful. I am happy with her services and would seek consultation from her
again. Genevieve
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12 Oct, 2012 by Nancy
Tenacious,fair, and determined to secure a settlement that was required by the facts, and longevity of my marriage.
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20 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Excellent, intelligent, easy to talk to about any legal problems.
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29 Jun, 2017 by Andrew
I can spare you some search time. Pick up the phone and call Jeff(rey) in the next five minutes and you'll better understand my feedback below for yourself;
We utilized Jeff for services regarding a very important family matter where trust, integrity, and sage counsel were our top priorities, and Jeff did not disappoint. He made sure to work with our schedule, made sure to follow up with us when we lost track of things, and he was always available to help reassure us in any doubts or concerns as they arose. He is patient, a true professional, and his working knowledge of the law makes us call him Jeffpedia! A natural curious mind coupled with an authentic demeanor made us look no further. We will continue to look to Jeff for future counsel and recommend him to all our friends and family.
My wife and I strongly recommend Jeff for any applicable legal counsel.
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27 Apr, 2017 by James
Jeff delivered excellent work while setting up corporate and trust documents for my family and I. He is extremely detailed, very professional and a joy to work with!
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27 Apr, 2017 by Kate
Jeff has done a great job helping with our family business needs. He's assisted with our family trusts and also thoroughly explained a buy/sell agreement. He is cordial and casual in a way that makes you feel comfortable and was easy for our family to relate to.
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26 Aug, 2019 by Pamela
Having known Gail Moser for many years I have found her to be very helpful, knowledgeable and extremely fair. I have hired her in the capacity of a divorce attorney and as a facilitator to executing my will. She is always willing to go the extra mile with her legal expertise.
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25 Feb, 2011 by Angela
Gail Moser has the perfect blend of compassion and knowledge. You can trust her to get the job done while informing you of all the steps; your responsibility and hers. She will respond to your questions and make the whole process as comfortable as possible. I highly recommend her services.
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24 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
Filing bankruptcy can be an emotional process. When I started my search, time and again I came across big, flashy firms that were, quite frankly, intimidating. In Gail I found a real person, with quite AFFORDABLE prices. She returned my calls promptly, gave good advice on the different possibilities of the way certain things could go, was timely, considerate and efficient. She made the process less scary and I am so happy she represented me through this process.
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10 Jul, 2015 by Sam
True enough, Patanisha exceeded our expectations. Very classy, honest and sincere. We felt the connection the first time we met her. She made us feel like a family. Thank you Patanisha! You are a blessing!!!!
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16 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
It’s hard to find a lawyer that is personable, very easy to talk to and at the end of the day know their stuff. Patanisha Davis-Jenkins fits that criteria. She is very hard working attorney who goes the extra mile and doesn’t price gouge you like every other attorney I’ve dealt with. Ms. Davis-Jenkins did a Trust for me and the material was very organized and concise and she explained it me in a way that I actually understood. I wish I would have found her much sooner. I’ve told my friends and family this is the only attorney I’ll work with.
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17 Jul, 2013 by Michael
I went to Mrs. Davis-Jenkins in hopes that she would help me with my discrimination case. She not only help me persue my case she helped me WIN my case I found her to be a god send and consider her my family and will go to her for all my future law issues if any come up.
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01 Jun, 2022 by Lee ramirez
29 Aug, 2020 by Tara saldivar
31 Aug, 2016 by Elaine
Marc Gradstein has a gift of incredible intuition when it comes to timing and intimidation . He successfully represented us as we went up against the State of California to fight to receive our adoptive daughter . He did the footwork necessary to bring our daughter into our arms. I have total confidence that he'd do the same for you. He's tough as nails with a heart of gold.
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26 Mar, 2016 by Charlotte
Marc was an exceptionally kind,thorough lawyer who handled my adoptions with expertise and caring. I had dropped to two sisters 15 months apart and he not only counseled us and found the birth mother but he accompanied us to adoption day so that we filed everything perfectly. I have recommended him to many of my pediatric patients and infertile friends
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30 Jun, 2017 by Kathy f.
Mr. Rettenmaier helped me during my hour of need regarding a Landlord Tenant Unlawful Detainer Action (Eviction). I am so glad I hired Robert Rettenmaier to defend me with my unlawful detainer. Robert, was able to prepare me for trial in case we needed to go forward. During a time that was very stressful, Robert sat me down and explained to me what was going to happen and what would likely happen. On the morning of my unlawful detainer trial, Robert calmed me down. Mr. Rettenmaier protected my rights and even future rights. Robert was very professional and knowledgeable. We eventually settled my case instead of going to trial. When Robert was negotiating a settlment, the other party's attorney tried to get me to sign a general waiver of rights. Robert would not let me do this. I am so glad he was there to protect my rights because now I am capable of suing for injuries that were sustained. Also, I don't have an eviction on my record because of Robert. I would definitely recommend Robert to defend your rights in an unlawful detainer eviction action.
Under Full Disclosure: Robert Rettenmaier and I met in law school. I believe Robert did a fantasic job!
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29 Jun, 2017 by Kelly
I was very uncertain of all the steps I would have to take to get my case to court. I contacted Mr. Rettenmaier and he assured me he would assist me with every step of the way. He was available for me when I was uncertain of what items I needed. He was very clear and upfront. I was experiencing a very difficult situation and Mr. Rettenmaier reassured me he would handle my case effectively and in a timely manner. I highly recommend that Mr. Rettenmaier will provide an efficient and professional experience.
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19 Mar, 2018 by Trystan
It has been several years now since our adoption went through, but our memories of working with Elise are still as strong as ever. She worked tirelessly on our case, which was a complicated one. She somehow managed to sift through all of our emotional responses to family court and elaborate tracking systems to soothe us and find the details that would come to make the difference between winning our case or languishing in the probate system. She was truly dedicated and tireless in supporting our family through emergency guardianship, permanent guardianship, and finally-- permanent adoption. We are an LGBT family and she never showed any bias towards us whatsoever; on the contrary, she approached us with kindness, care, and compassion. We would recommend her to anyone needing assistance with their family law case!
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09 Jul, 2015 by Nereida ammari
I was referred to Ms. Greenberg by an attorney while cold calling because I needed an attorney the following day.Having just been served to appear the next day, I was frazzled, worn out and terrified. Ms. Greenberg walked me through the process, had an associate appear for me in court despite the last minute hiring, advised me as to how to appear, and was crucial to my winning. She turned my lost, defeated self into someone who looked confident, competent and together for court. She held my hand when I didn't believe I could get through it. I am grateful I was referred to her.
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13 Sep, 2014 by Fran
Harriet helped me get properties and and legal 'loose ends' neatly bundled into Trusts after my husband of 29 years passed away in 2009 here in California. He was a lawyer and I was involved in his Ohio practice so I knew what competence and an honest lawyer looked like. Ms Brown came recommended and I can reiterate that recommendation. She was open and listened to what I wanted, no bafflegab, no pressure for complicated legal vehicles. She was fair with her charges and fees. There were areas in which she was not as versed and she told me upfront that I would need a specialist in these legal territories. I am happy and secure with her work and have given her name to several friends.
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08 Feb, 2010 by Neil
I've given Ms. Brown the highest ratings, both overall and in the individual categories. Quite simply, I've had excellent experiences with her over the course of several years, spanning a variety of Estate and Business law issues.
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04 Sep, 2018 by John
We went to Any for estate, revocable trust planning. This woman wasted zero time from start to finish to make sure we received every dimes worth of her billing. I will go back to her anytime
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19 Oct, 2017 by Sue
Probate is a lengthy process but Amy Byrne is very attentive and responds quickly. She responding quickly, even when flooding occurred in Oroville and she did not have access to her office she maintained close contact with us. She is very articulate and wrote detailed easy to understand responses to all or our questions. She was willing to answer questions beyond the scope of the probate. The probate process is very lengthy in California but she moves things along at a faster pace than many others would and reduces the frustration created by the long process. She is the salve on the wound of a parents death.
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19 Jun, 2012 by Amy
Ms. Bayleigh Jordan Pettigrew has represented me in the past year as I have dealt with a blossoming career as a dancer, fitness trainer, and business owner. I would highly recommend her to any position that you are considering, as you will be acquiring a strong asset to your firm or business.
Ms. Pettigrew's most valuable asset is her careful attention to detail. She has caught wording and language in several contracts that I have been presented with that could have been incredibly detrimental to my career, and has been able to negotiate and change said documents so they were more favorable towards me. We've worked on a variety of issues, including intellectual property rights, salaries and payments for my services, and liability releases. In addition, Ms. Pettigrew also keeps me informed and updated during every step of the process, so that I feel in control of the situation and understand both the benefits and consequences of every decision that I make. She's always willing to make time to discuss the pros and cons of each situation, and I feel that she is highly invested in my satisfaction and success. Her blend of both the detail-oriented, intelligent, and hardworking law skills, plus her friendly and personable demeanor have a unique place in this industry.
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19 Jun, 2012 by Mayte
I knew Bayleigh Pettigrew even in her law school days at U.C.L.A. and she has always impressed me with her legal knowledge and her willingness to go that extra mile to find me the resources that would best help me when I needed legal advice. When I came to her firm for estate planning, I was very pleased with the way they thoughtfully considered my individual situation and spent the time to answer my questions. I wholeheartedly endorse this attorney and trust that she will always look out for my best interests and give me answers quickly and clearly.
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28 Jul, 2019 by Crystal
Mr. Shedwill came through for me and helped me get the back alimony my ex husband owed. I felt very comfortable with him and he explained everything to me in terms I could understand. I’m very grateful that Mr. Shedwill agreed to be my attorney. And I can’t thank him enough for fighting for my rights. Crystal M.
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09 May, 2017 by Cari
I couldn't have asked for a better attorney. Attorney Shedwill was very kind and understanding as well as his office staff. He listened and answered all my questions and didn't disregard or overlook anything I said or asked. I was very nervous about my situation until I met with and hired Atty Shedwill. Hes very affordable and fair. I will use him again in an instant if I need family law help again. Thank you for all your help and making a scary situation easier to handle!!!
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04 May, 2015 by Anonymous
- Petition The Court for a Limited Conservatorship for my disabled daughter in the Contra Costa County at her Walnut Creek office in 2012.
- It was an excellent first time experience in Family Law.
- She kept me informed and communicated updates every step of the way.
- I would recommend her services to anyone in a similar situation .
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13 Sep, 2014 by David
Sarah helped us with our wills and trust. She was excellent--low key, highly competent, responsive, excellent in her clarity and communication. We liked the fact that she was low-key and professional--a great combination. Additional plus for her being "in-network" on our legal insurance plan through UC (ARAG). High marks.
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01 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
I had the privilege of working with Colon Rosa Law. I cannot express my gratitude enough for the outstanding service and support I received during this challenging time. After a disheartening experience with my previous attorney, I am incredibly grateful to have found Colon Rosa Law, who has completely restored my faith in the legal profession. This law firm is a true gem, and I cannot recommend their services highly enough.
In stark contrast to my prior experience, where communication was sporadic and I was left in the dark, Colon Rosa Law established a seamless and transparent line of communication. Colon promptly returned my calls and emails, keeping me informed about the progress of my case and patiently explaining the complex legal jargon.
From the initial consultation until the final settlement, Colon displayed an exceptional level of professionalism, expertise, and empathy. Colon’s extensive knowledge of family law was evident throughout the entire process. Colon Rosa Law provided clear and concise explanations of the legal aspects, ensuring I understood every step along the way.
One of the most remarkable qualities of Iliana Colon is her ability to listen attentively. She genuinely cared about my concerns, fears, and objectives, allowing them to tailor her approach specifically to my needs. Colon’s compassionate nature and ability to provide emotional support during such a difficult period were truly invaluable.
Iliana Colon’s meticulous preparation, exceptional legal skills, and unwavering dedication truly made a difference. I wholeheartedly recommend Colon Rosa Law to anyone seeking a competent, compassionate, and results-oriented Family lawyer.
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03 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Colon is great and promising lawyer. She keeps things straight and clear and most importantly doesn't lie to the clients. She was very honest with me. She kept great communication during the DV case. She was very well informed about the case unlike the opposition attorney who was unfamiliar and was just shooting arrows in dark, wasting time. I strongly recommend her to anyone in need of a best and affordable attorney. Thanks again Colon! for being so supportive.
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16 May, 2024 by Cameron
Without hesitation, I give Doug the highest recommendation. He is extremely knowledgeable, highly skilled, and his great work ethic helped my case go smoothly. Doug was there for me every step of the way through a painful and difficult Change of Venue case. I truly admire Doug’s excellent representation, care and adaptability! I am incredibly grateful for The Law Office of Tiffany L. Andrews. These professionals truly care about you and your case!
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02 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Steve is an exceptional attorney who has the required skillset to take on any task. He is extremely diligent in ensuring that all of his cases are handled efficiently and in compliance with the law. As a fellow attorney, I would hire him for any adoption matter.
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25 Jul, 2015 by Catherine
Ken has handled numerous contracts for my firm, has provided sharp advise and really explains things and his logic. I feel my business decisions has improved because of him.
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24 Mar, 2017 by Nicholas
Bethany Ward thank you, and my family thanks you for all of the hard work and time that you put into our case. When we thought we didn't not have any other way to win Bethany Ward stepped in and made our case in a way that we could not express on our own. She was able to relay to the Judge how our rights were being violated and made our case valid and unjust in the eyes of the court.
Thanks to her we won the day, and her hard work, dedication and loyalty are the only reason we won.
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04 Nov, 2015 by Vasiti
After searching on this website and making calls to look for a lawyer to help me with my situation. Anne was the first to call back and willing to help. Even though it was a short meeting with her, I was very happy with her service.
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13 Nov, 2019 by Michele b
I was referred to Cara by my foster son's attorney and she represented me in his dependency case. I can't say enough about her. She's super impressive and efficient! She is very responsive and gave me the play by play via text while in court. She was able to move my case forward from termination of services, to termination of parental rights, and towards adoption which I hope will happen by spring. She is no-nonsense type person and has good relationships with the attorneys on the dependency floor in Santa Ana. She is literally in those court rooms every day and is familiar with each judge as well. I'm so glad I didn't bring an outsider in. She works on a single, very reasonable retainer to take families all the way to adoption so you don't have to deal with expenses getting out of hand.
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30 Aug, 2018 by Hector
I hired Mr. Dedecker for a dependency court case and the odds were really stacked against me. He fought really hard and secured my innocence despite the county counsel being against me. He took my case and he was optimistic about it from the start. He really cares and it shows. First he was incredibly knowledgeable. From the first conversation I had with him until the last he was able to successfully explain to me the process of my legal problem and what he was going to do to help me. He was very responsive to all my calls and questions and enthusiastic each time I spoke with him. I was shocked that he answered his phone on a weekend and was willing to talk to me! I definitely needed a lot of support during my difficult time and he was able to put me at ease. If you want an attorney that cares to listen to your concerns and helps you understand the system. I would recommend you hire Mr. Dedecker.
If you find yourself or your family faced with allegations by social services, YOU MUST HIRE A GOOD ATTORNEY! Do not make the mistake of thinking that just because you are innocent things will “sort itself out”. I would whole heartily recommend Mr. Dedecker to anyone facing a dependency case involving a minor. He was an integral part in helping us get my son back and my wife. We will always be forever grateful. I wouldn't hesitate to hire Mr. Dedecker
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
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.
