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19 Dec, 2024 by Mark lacy
16 Dec, 2024 by Kailey black
Real estate law can be very confusing and, as real estate clients, the firm helped us draft up legal documents in no time at all. JC and Team got back to us quickly and made it a seamless operation. Closing was a breeze even with a small child, under an hour! My husband and I highly recommend and will work with this law office again. Thanks, JC Lawson and Team!
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19 Nov, 2024 by Paige miksys
Attempting to complete things after the loss of my mother. This office is extremely slow to respond. I’ve been waiting for a call back for over two weeks and have followed up multiple times. Trying to work with this office is making an already difficult time even more difficult.
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30 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
Divorce is a painful experience both financially and mentally. Amy made one of the darkest moments of my life manageable. I don’t know how I would’ve survived this awful experience without her. Amy fought for me and did so while being conscientious about preserving my assets. She gave it to me straight - I always knew where I stood in the eyes of the court. She’s a master trial attorney, an expert negotiator, and a kind human being. I highly recommend Amy Jonaitis!
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23 Nov, 2024 by Michael o'meara
Howard Wise and I are colleagues and I have known him for many years. He is a top-notch criminal defense lawyer who is also a former prosecutor. His decades of experience matters. 5 stars all the way for Mr. Wise.
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02 Nov, 2024 by Jen
Amy is extremely knowledgeable and upfront with you! She makes sure you understand what is happening during the process and is very compassionate. I have recommended Amy countless times and will continue to!! She is one of the good ones!!!
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06 Nov, 2024 by Randal
Kelly help guide me through my options with divorce, i appreciate her help. she helped me understand everything
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18 Sep, 2024 by Jacob
I went to Kelly wanting to gain more time with my son. Thanks to Kelly and Lauren I was able to successfully gain 50/50 custody. The process was exhausting at times, due to the opposing counsel dragging their feet, but Kelly and Lauren were persistent and ensured that things on our end were done and they never backed down. I couldn’t be more grateful for the guidance by them, and the work they put into my situation. I’m grateful for how understanding Kelly was and how much she worked with me with my case. If I ever need assistance regarding family law, I will definitely hire Kelly and her team again.
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10 Apr, 2024 by Larry
Very intelligent. Very kind. At a time in your life you feel you can't make any sense. I owe her a huge thank you. Also great staff.
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31 May, 2024 by Anonymous
I was privileged to have received help from Anthony regarding my high conflict divorce case. Who we select to guide and represent us is a critical decision. Luckily Anthony was referred to me and I will always be grateful for his support and assistance. He returned my calls quickly and on time. Once on the call he asks key questions to get to the bottom of your issue and quickly gives you the bottom line. This guidance moves your case along and I appreciated his integrity and honesty. He is very familiar with the DuPage court system and consistently has his finger on the pulse which helps the client navigate the difficult, confusing process. He is a wonderful, ethical family man and he will be a solid choice and advocate/partner for you. Look no further, the outcome of my case was enhanced due to his knowledge and skillset. You will maximize your results for sure.
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05 Oct, 2023 by Matt
I recently finalized my divorce and hired Anthony Giudice very early on in the process and I was sure happy that I did. Anthony made a very difficult and confusing time and process so much easier to handle and really took the time to understand my situation and come up with a plan that worked for me. Anthony was extremely responsive to all of my requests and would make sure that I fully understood my situation each step of the process. Anthony always took the time to answer all my questions and made sure I was prepared for each step of the process. All i have are good things to say about Anthony and his team!
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09 Aug, 2021 by Darren
Anthony is the best attorney I have ever had to work with. I was in a horrible custody situation. I called Goosetree Law. Was told to talk to him. He is huge for Father's Rights. He will lead you in the direction that you want as long you Tell the truth and listen ! He always told me the truth. He always made me feel like everything was OK. He was always quick to answer questions and tell me what's going on. If you want the BEST. Your one phone call away. The whole firm as a whole work together so well. They are all so great and easy to work with. They will all there for all your needs.
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18 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
Lindsay has been so supportive throughout my recent case. She's helped me to navigate a very confusing process and has always pushed for my best interests. She's detailed, responsive and compassionate and I highly recommend her for any family case.
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17 Nov, 2022 by Rick
Lindsay was my attorney through this unfortunate situation. She was excellent. My case was somewhat complicated and she knew exactly what to do. I would highly recommend her services to anyone needing an attorney for this process.
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06 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Ms. Stella has been my attorney since the start of my divorce. She has guided me, been extremely supportive through the challenges of divorce and given excellent legal advice. I would highly recommend Ms. Stella and her team.
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12 Apr, 2021 by Patrick
I absolutely recommend Butler, Giraudo, and Meister if you want a problem-solving attorney and a compassionate, dedicated support staff (thanks for all your help Kelly!). Tami Meister represented me in a contentious divorce and child custody case that lasted over a year and a half. Attorney Meister was thoughtful, empathetic, and went above and beyond to make herself available for any questions or concerns I had. She cares for her clients and their cases but doesn’t allow emotion to negatively impact her ability to effectively advocate for them. I appreciated that she gave me realistic outcomes for each situation we found ourselves in, even if it wasn’t what I wanted to hear at the time. I know that my case had a much more favorable outcome due to my choice in attorney and because I consistently deferred to Attorney Meister’s counsel and recommendations.
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03 Dec, 2020 by Emily
Tami was nothing but exceptional! She was always quick to response, stayed on top of my case, and got things done in a very timely matter. She is friendly, professional and very knowledgeable. She wasn't afraid to fight on my behalf when times called for it. She also saw that time was of the essence and did everything in her power to get my divorce finalized as quickly as possible so I could move forward with my life. I would HIGHLY recommend her!!
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03 Jan, 2020 by John
I was a wreck and had no idea what to expect from divorce. Tamara was very kind and made clear what I needed to do moving forward. She didn't waste my time or hers. I feel that hiring her was essential to my successfully navigating a very hard situation. She isn't a mudslinger or vague about what she does for her clients. I simply listened to her advice and trusted her guidance. My decision to hire her absolutely was the best one I could have made. Tamara and her entire office made me feel like I was a person not just the next case. I could never give enough thanks.
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15 Dec, 2023 by Mike
John is committed to helping his clients, he is invested in his clients outcomes
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15 Dec, 2023 by Melissa
Not only is John the best lawyer, he is all around a great person!! Easy to talk to and very understanding. Takes the time to make sure you know what is always going on in your case. Highly recommended!!!
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15 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Earlier this year our family was faced with a case and needed not only advice, but immediate representation. I contacted John Ericksons Law Firm on a Sunday evening and left a message. I figured it would be some time Monday morning before I heard back from someone.
John contacted me the same night, and setup a time to meet the next morning.
John not only met us, but adjusted his schedule so he could be present to represent us at our hearing.
John assured us through the process that everything will be ok.
Now that the case is over, I am proud to say John kept his word, and delivered on his promise.
John Erickson is knowledgeable and professional, and his law firm is A+ in my book.
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05 Aug, 2019 by Janice
Mr, Mccumber represented our family when we were seeking Permanent Guardianship our of grandchild. Mr. Mccumber is knowledgeable. When we incurred problems with the negligent father, Mr. Mccumber knew exactly what to do.
We are so happy with his expertise. We have our grandchild because of Sean. Thank you so very much.
YOU ARE THE BEST!
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02 Aug, 2019 by Paul
Sean McCumber represented me in my nasty divorce and I could not have been happier with his representation. When I would get upset/heated he kept things calm. He always told me exactly how things were and kept emotions out of it. He is a consummate professional. I strongly recommend Sean and this firm.
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29 Mar, 2019 by David
Sean helped finalize four adoptions for us! He's an expert in this field of law and handled everything timely and professionally. I was pleased to receive quick concise answers to my questions throughout the process.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Sergey k
I am happy to write recommendations for the company professional attitude to business, you will get a positive result! Thank you very much for your work!
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10 Dec, 2024 by Denis kendall
Awesome Lawyer.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Rosena c
I wanted to take a moment to express my deep appreciation to Mr. Pat Nelson and staff for their exceptional legal representation. Throughout our case, Mr. Nelson has been incredibly patient, understanding, and professional. He and his paralegal have a remarkable ability to explain complex legal matters in a clear and concise manner, which has been invaluable in helping me understand the process and feel confident in the outcome.
I am particularly impressed with Mr. Nelson's honesty and dedication to his clients. They have always went the extra mile to ensure that my best interests were protected. I am truly grateful for their hard work and commitment.
I would highly recommend this law firm to anyone in need of legal assistance.
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04 Feb, 2025 by Tony
Michael is an excellent attorney! I have retained his services twice now and have never been disappointed. He is very knowledgeable and very responsive. He will present you with all of the options and will be as aggressive as you desire. I would retain him again without hesitation. Paralegal Rebecca is very helpful and very easy to work with as well.
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08 Feb, 2024 by Angela
Michael communicated very well. He was always on top off everything as well as fast response times when I would reach out.
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22 Dec, 2022 by Laura
Michael R. Stetler is very knowledgeable and respectful. He was also quick to respond. He got my divorce done in about 21 days.
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10 Mar, 2022 by John
Rachel took on my somewhat complex financial case, and proved herself in all areas of finance, communication, Illinois law and negotiation. She was successful in expediting a fair and balanced outcome using her talents and level headed approach with minimal cost. I am very happy I found Rachel and her team.
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01 Feb, 2021 by Joe
With Rachel on the case, I was able to move quickly to secure my parental rights AND work with my ex to work out a peaceful, positive resolution that was easy on all of us. She turned what started off as one of the worst experiences in my life into the foundation of something super positive for us that has fostered an amazing co-parenting environment for our 3 year old daughter. For any legal family matters at all, I would recommend Rachel and her team hands down. They are the nicest, hardest working, and most amazing legal team I have ever worked with. While I hope I never have to work with them again, if I do, they will be my first call.
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24 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Rachel was extremely patient and professional while working with her. I was given personalized attention and practical support through a difficult situation with a focus on promoting respectful resolution, minimizing conflict and creating a parenting plan that was focused specifically on the needs of our unique situation. I am truly grateful for her and her assistance with my case.
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16 Dec, 2024 by --
The service was really good and i this law firm to anybody who needs injury and accidental help.
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31 Oct, 2024 by Jon youngren
Colin O'Malley and the entire firm worked tirelessly for years to help us reach an agreement in our personal injury case. It was clear from the start that they cared about us and our little girl (also a plaintiff), and fought to find the desired outcome. While we certainly hope to never need COKT services again, we are confident that we would use them again in a heartbeat, and we would recommend anyone in need of representation to seek out COKT to handle their case.
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23 Oct, 2024 by Montoria mays
21 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Brian represented me and handled all aspects of a difficult and lengthy post divorce custody proceeding. Brian is a tremendous advocate and based on his efforts I gained custody of my children (which is not easy for a father to accomplish). Brian made himself available at all times to discuss issues with me and answer my questions.
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14 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Brian Hurst is an excellent attorney and did an outstanding job representing me in my divorce. From early consultation and strategy, financial analysis to negotiation and settlement, Brian was responsive, knowledgable and thorough. His advice and counsel was outstanding, and he clearly explained and sought my input throughout the entire process. He was incredibly detailed, knew my case inside and out and didn't defer to a junior attorney. We communicated by email, phone and text and I appreciated his availability. We were a team, and I'm delighted that I hired him. My case took one year to negotiate and settle and 9 months post divorce he has worked with me to finalize multiple QDROs and DROs. I would highly recommend him to any client and I already passed his name to an acquaintance who was looking for a divorce attorney. She hired him.
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09 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
I could not say enough good things about Brian. With his persistence and energy, Brian got me an absolutely great result in my divorce case. He is a hard-nosed negotiator and litigator and will vigorously protect your interests. He is also very personable and able to negotiate effectively with opposing counsel to get you the best deal possible outside of court. He has a therapist background and will guide you through the process with care and a soft touch. His office is great to deal with too. You absolutely will not go wrong with Brian.
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.6
233 Reviews
27 Dec, 2024 by Ariana cholponkadyrova
26 Dec, 2024 by Nurbek alishov
Лучший адвокат в штате Иллинойс!
Убеждаюсь каждый раз
Профессионал своего дела!
Спасибо Максим🙏 неоднократно спасали наш driver license 👌😅
Рекомендую 1000%
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26 Dec, 2024 by Rinat
17 Mar, 2024 by Sbuchanan1221
Rob was quick with responses, mindful of fees, and realistic with outcomes. He researched, went the extra mile and consistently kept my best interest in mind.
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17 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Very knowledgeable and eager to.give me all the information he could! This lawyer was so willing to help and never even mentioned anything about hiring just wanted to help he even said I could email him details about my case without hire and would give his professional opinion.
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22 Feb, 2015 by Melissa
I met Rob as he was just beginning his professional tenure. He "looked" very young, like a younger brother. What I soon learned was that his motivation and tenacity for helping people with their legal issues was leaps and bounds beyond others. Rob is kind and compassionate but more importantly, he educates to ensure that you understand the law. Rob spent hours researching the "fine print", so-to-speak, finding numerous loopholes in a contract that I had signed. He continued to work with me and the company involved ensuring that I was fully represented. I was kept informed on the movement of my case. My inquiries were responded to promptly. I was not spoken down to. I highly recommend speaking to Rob about your legal questions. Asking Rob Parker to represent you will be the BEST legal decision you will make!
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08 Sep, 2023 by Janice
Rhonda did an excellent job on my case. I have no complaints and nothing but praise for her hard work. She kept me calm and focused throughout the case. I was informed of charges upfront. She explained to me what to expect and always answered my questions. I highly recommend using Rhonda.
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05 May, 2016 by Jay
I hired Rhonda to represent me for a follow-up divorce related matter. My prior experience with the original divorce attorney left me feeling that they were fine with the administrative aspects of the case, and pleasant to work with, but it mostly felt like I was working with a divorce "production house."
With Rhonda, however, the contrast was striking. She showed a genuine human interest in my situation, helped me develop a strategy, and positively challenged my assumptions. I really felt that I had a partner. Moreover, she remembered the details from our previous conversations each time we spoke. I would highly recommend her.
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10 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms. Rosenthal handled my case expertly and with care. She answered all my questions and took care of everything for me. Whenever she could, she gave me the option to handle some of the paperwork myself so I could save money rather than her doing it for me. She listened to me and made sure I was taken care of during all steps of the process. She was responsive to my questions and I would use her again if it became necessary. Best experience ever with a lawyer.
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02 May, 2024 by Roman v
Why another review and why is this my only trusted family law firm? Lidia is up-to-date with technology which makes payment and communication seamless. In addition to her prestigious resume Lidia is respected by many attorneys and that is something a client can be proud of. My case was a bit more with a DuPage Order of Protection and Kane County family court seemingly to overlap; I was not competent and felt was losing this particular hearing. Lidia was willing and able to defend my stance when I needed her the most. I forever continue recommending family and friends here! 10 years and going. Thank you so much :)
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20 Feb, 2024 by Ayleena moree
Me sentí como en esas series de tv dónde l@s abogados les dan una lección a la gente abusiva y uno casi aplaude osea , la mejor desicion, la mejor abogada que eh tenido hasta hoy , súper humana y con ganas de ser justa , mega agradecida mis respetos y admiración vaya un 💯
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15 Dec, 2023 by Araceli gonzlez
100% recomendada
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10 Oct, 2024 by Mike
Jeff was extremely helpful at navigating our complicated situation. He was also adept at pointing out some potential issues that could have created tremendous problems down the line. He also kept lines of communication open at all times. I highly recommend!
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12 Dec, 2023 by Amy anderson
Awesome!!!
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19 Jan, 2023 by Dan
DIvorce is not easy but Jeff was very communicative and on the ball for everything. I switched lawyers after first law firm had case for 13 months and got nowhere. Jeff got divorce finalized within 7 months and really helped negotiate a fair settlement. I highly recomend Jeff
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14 Mar, 2019 by Michael
Anamaria was great to have by my side throughout the case. She was very profession and worked hard throughout my case. I'm very appreciative of her and would highly recommend her to anyone needing a lawyer.
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25 Sep, 2017 by Dan
Anamaria was a great help.
I was having a considerable amount of trouble collecting a debt. I was a using a different attorney who was not responding to my requests for information or the status of the collection.
I retained Anamaria and she was able to finally get my file and inform me as how to properly proceed.
I would recommend her highly.
Thank you.
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15 Dec, 2016 by Tinamarie possidoni
Annamaria was extremely helpful. Divorce is not an easy or enjoyable process, but annamaria was always quick to reach and answered all my questions and concerns throughout the whole process. I would highly recommend her to anyone who wants to get their case done quickly and efficiently.
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01 Mar, 2020 by Eric
My divorce became an expected reality. Marilyn helped me navigate through the entire process. She negotiated a settlement that was better than my expectations which protected my future and that of my children. Whenever I talked to her my stress was always relieved. :)
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09 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Thank you for taking my case seriously and getting 95% if the results I wanted. I always got my call returned quickly, which was a problem that I had in the past with other attorneys...thanks staff! Always felt important and comfortable. Always enjoyed going to meet in the office...thought it was very nice.
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18 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I wish to take a moment and thank you for representing me so finely in court. I truly appreciate your steadfast determination to see justice accomplished. I thought your cross examination was excellent. I am proud to have you as my attorney and have expressed this to my family/friends. I am ever hopeful that our endeavors will come to a fruitful close soon. Please relay my appreciation to the office staff as well!
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09 Dec, 2021 by Lindsey
I was going through the most difficult time of my life. I hired Tiffany to work through a difficult divorce. She was well organized and prepared for my case. She walked me through every step and gave me great advice throughout the way. Following the completion of my divorce, she continues to be helpful with proper guidance and recommendations. I couldn't do it without her.
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09 Dec, 2021 by Colleen
I have been working with Tiffany since 2014, pre-decree and now post-decree. She is supportive, responsive and most-importantly, she reminds me remain calm under extremely stressful conditions. I trust her advice because I know in the end that she is looking out for me and my children. In the courtroom, she is highly respected by her peers. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a family law attorney, and I am very lucky to have her as mine.
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02 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Tiffany was extraordinarily helpful, and honest with her counsel regarding my very contentious divorce and post-divorce. She guided me through a very difficult time, providing me with information and advice to get me and my family on the other side. At times, it was communication I did not want to hear, but she kindly, compassionately and carefully shared with me information and advice. I am very grateful she was in my corner. I cannot recommend her enough as a divorce/family attorney.
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28 Aug, 2022 by Elaine
When living in Chicago used Mr Fine for a divorce & when selling my property on Dearborn. No worries Dr Fine took care of everything for me. If there were 10 star he'd get all 10. Thank you Sir.
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17 Apr, 2015 by Judy
Louis' expertise along with his hand-holding and advice allowed me to see a future that I felt empowered to navigate, 100% thanks to his guidance. I felt terrified, lost and alone when I started my professional relationship with Louis, but as time went on he became the one person I trusted and he treated me more like a friend who really cared about the outcome. It didn't feel like I was just another one of his cases. My gratitude to Louis is no less today than it was when my case was finally settled! I'm definitely one of his success stories!!
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22 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
from the beginning, Alejandra has always been comforting, supportive, and straight to the point. I appreciate all of her hard work. She handled my divorce, child support and custody all with ease. As a woman and person of color I recommend Alejandra every time to anyone I know.
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14 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
She was prompt and knowledgeable. Highly recommend her!
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21 May, 2018 by Kyle
From start to finish Andrew and the staff at Stange made my divorce as painless as possible. They anticipated my needs and kept my up to date on every aspect of the case. I highly recommend
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05 Nov, 2015 by Heather
My daughter starts at Southern Oaks tomorrow in Ky, my hometown, thanks to Andrew Rankin. I'm so nervous and excited for this change. I'm even more excited for her. More than anything, the fact that she is so happy about moving, let's me know this is exactly where we are supposed to be. Going through this divorce has been the most heart wrenching experience not just on me, but for my girls. I never imagined being treated by the man I loved for so long in such hateful and slanderous ways. 5 months ago I received a petition for divorce, alimony, sole custody, child support, and a restraining order keeping me within 50 miles of his residence when Im not even from here nor know anyone because I spent 4 years focused solely on my degree and family. Thanks to Mr Andrew Rankin, he gave me the best birthday gift yesterday, the call to tell me to go home. I have my family back despite my ex's tremendous amount of lies and manipulation. Andrew Rankin greatly surpassed my expectations. And probably deserves way more for putting up with my hormonal rants. But he was always there, answered every question, and took care of everything including the childsupport i was finally awarded after so many months of receiving nothing from the ex. He does his research, and is meticulous with his work. Now to start my life. What an amazing feeling. Thank you, Andrew.
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16 Jan, 2013 by Robert
Bridget is the best in the business! Recently she handled my grandmothers will and trust. my grandmother is 91 years old, so it was not an easy case. Bridget came to the house, assess the situation, and was very straightforward honest and knowledgeable. Best of all her heart is bigger than her house! And after it was all said and done, The follow-up was amazing. Stayed in constant contact with me and my grandmother throughout the whole process.
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01 Nov, 2010 by Mary jane
Bridget Walsh Hutchen has represented my family and me several times, always with a positive outcome. She evidences skill, empathy, knowledge, and perseverance. I was cited for speeding in a school zone, an offense that could have resulted in the loss of my license for six months. Bridget was effective in getting my offense reduced to just speeding so that I could receive court supervision. She seemed to be well known to court officials who treated her with great respect. On another occasion Bridget represented my family after painters contaminated our home with lead dust forcing us to vacate our home for two months and incur huge cleaning expenses. She helped us to deal with the painters' insurance company who initially seemed sympathetic. When they started to ignore us, she kept at them. Finally, she helped us decide when it was time to file suit. They paid us the thousands we deserved immediately. If Bridget had not effectively represented us, I don't think we would have seen a nickel. My husband is also a lawyer, and he joins me in highly recommending Bridget Walsh Hutchen.
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16 Dec, 2024 by --
The service was really good and i this law firm to anybody who needs injury and accidental help.
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31 Oct, 2024 by Jon youngren
Colin O'Malley and the entire firm worked tirelessly for years to help us reach an agreement in our personal injury case. It was clear from the start that they cared about us and our little girl (also a plaintiff), and fought to find the desired outcome. While we certainly hope to never need COKT services again, we are confident that we would use them again in a heartbeat, and we would recommend anyone in need of representation to seek out COKT to handle their case.
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23 Oct, 2024 by Montoria mays
30 May, 2024 by Lena shkolnik
Very impressed by the attorney Brian Gryll. He makes you feel appreciated as a client, returns your calls and responds to emails promptly, attentive to details, client's satisfaction is a priority to him. And if something is out of his scope of practice, Brian gives great referrals to other attorneys for your specific legal needs. Brian is very well mannered and a true pleasure to communicate with.
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09 Feb, 2024 by Stuart hersh
Brian was recommended to us by another attorney. He helped us through the entire process of selling our home. We were very impressed with his excellent communication, follow-up, and guidance through to the closing. We would recommend Brian to anyone looking for a real estate lawyer.
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03 Feb, 2024 by Bari green
25 Jul, 2010 by Anna
He is the best. He is caring, compassionate, patient, kind, knowledgeble, professional and most of all, intelligent. He is dedicated to help the helpless people. He has a never ending thirst to fight for justice. He is working so hard for my case(international parental child abduction). No other lawyer would have offered me the same kind of support. I am lucky to have him as my attorney.
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06 May, 2018 by Anonymous
She really listened. She quickly identified what we needed and reassured us about what needed to be done. Then she did it.
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03 Feb, 2015 by Mitch
This is the kind of person anyone should consider hiring in her field of expertise. She listens without judgement and communicates with you on a personal level. I went to Kelli Walker for a serious matter and left with complete confidence and respect for her.
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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.
