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10 Aug, 2024 by Mando garcia
The greatest attorney and friend who fought for me during my trial. He is straight up and like a father fighting for you . Thank you Mr. ENGELLAND for your support,,,God bless you and if you ever need any help in life just let me know...from A.G ,big Fs friend of ours from the old neighborhood from the Grand Ave familia in Chicago
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27 Mar, 2023 by Beatrice “bea” flowers
Been reliable for my family for over 30 years!
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19 Jan, 2023 by Mildred dyson
Wonderful law firm
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22 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
No one ever thinks about divorce at the beginning of a marriage. But people change, situations change and sometimes divorce is your only option. That's how it was for me. And not knowing anyone who had got divorced or what to expect, I did not know where to turn or what was considered a normal proceedings. For those in my position, I would recommended Elizabeth of Elizabeth Westover Born PC. Elizabeth can break down the process, and let you know your rights and what to expect. She can guide you through an unexpected and an unsettling time, and help make it into a much more digestible process. I truly value her expertise. I highly recommend Elizabeth to anyone who may be thinking about divorce to get an honest opinion and know his/her rights.
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24 Apr, 2017 by John
Elizabeth is tough lawyer, who really takes the time to understand the case and the needs of her client. Willing to fight for your rights. Worked with her on a paternity case. Highly recommended.
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24 Mar, 2017 by Jamie
Words simply aren’t enough to express my gratitude for my team, Elizabeth Westover and Kerry, of Westover Born, P.C., during my family matters and child support cases. Having used small town lawyers for my divorce proceedings ten years ago, and seeing the way they both pitted me and my ex against each other for the sake of lining their own pockets, I refused to use that same lawyer for issues concerning my child today. Elizabeth and Kerry are not only sophisticated and intelligent lawyers, but they are empathetic and supportive; this is a rare combination in the legal field. Elizabeth and Kerry demonstrated the highest level of professional and personal commitment to me and my daughter throughout our cases. I was never a number, my daughter was never an afterthought, and we were treated with the utmost respect. As any client, finances are always a concern when a legal battle commences. Elizabeth and Kerry communicated with me, frequently and openly, about anticipated costs every step of the way. They listened to my wishes and concerns; they guided me firmly and compassionately; they aggressively fought for me and my daughter, all while remaining cognizant of my finances. Elizabeth and Kerry never took advantage of me or my emotions. They guided me into making my own decisions, supported me, and never pressured me to pursue frivolous claims as my divorce lawyer had done. In fact, throughout the legal issues, opposing counsel made several errors resulting in unnecessary and extra work for my team resulting in added fees. My team was able to recover a large portion of these fees for me, effectively demonstrating that they should not have fallen on me or my team to begin with. Elizabeth and Kerry’s interactions with me, as a team, were beyond effective and resulted in a positive ruling for me and my daughter. Elizabeth and Kerry genuinely placed our best interest ahead of their own bottom line. I highly recommend Elizabeth and Kerry to anyone in need of assistance with family matters. In fact, they’re the ONLY team I recommend. Their expertise, passion and dedication to family is unparalleled. My family is ever grateful not just for the positive outcome of my case, but for the humanity and care they offered to me and my daughter.
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25 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Ray was great, tells it like it is, we really appreciate his knowledge and assistance. A pleasure to work with!
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26 Mar, 2018 by Terry
He answered every question I ever had and made certain that I knew exactly what was going to happen.
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26 Mar, 2018 by Michael
Ray explained everything so I could understand it. We were getting a lot of bothersome mail and calls and he stopped them. Very understanding and easy to work with.
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27 Jan, 2017 by Leslie
Our whole family uses this business for our tax needs. Very friendly and usually very busy.
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29 Jul, 2016 by Nathalie
Mark Amenta will listen to you and care for what you need. I needed a compassionate Attorney and I couldn't be more satisfied with his help in Real Estate transaction. He is approachable, informative and I'll recommend him to anyone who needs services he offers.
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02 Feb, 2011 by Anonymous
This guy is amazing. I had been paying my tax people anywhere from $500 to $750/year, and usually paying in a little bit or if lucky breaking even. With Mark, I have gotten $4500 and $2500 back! He is awesome! and he only charges me $175!
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27 Dec, 2023 by Angela hyde hyde
She was very good i would highly recommend her for your needs
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19 Dec, 2023 by Michael schraft
Anne represented me in updating an outdated and non-equitable parenting agreement. I feel that the degree of sensitivity, responsiveness, and precision that she expressed not only towards my concerns and wishes but also those of my ex-wife was vital in bringing about a new, equitable parenting agreement for our family. Her proactiveness and especially her professionalism also helped restore the cooperative co-parenting dynamic that I had enjoyed with my ex-wife in the past as well. I cannot thank her enough!
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08 Oct, 2023 by Benjamin raleigh
10 Jun, 2024 by Sherry hellmuth
Todd was great in giving advice and being helpful. Thank you.
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10 Apr, 2024 by Pamela stiffler
11 Feb, 2024 by Brian anderson
5.0
20 Reviews
4.3
56 Reviews
30 Jul, 2024 by Jake smith
Lynn Wypych could use some improvement, and here is why…
1. Does not answer the telephone or take phone calls. Hides behind emails
2. Overcharges. As a state appointed employee, she nickel and dimes hard working families
3. Does not explain her decisions. She is the second most powerful person in your divorce, and she does not explain the why behind her decisions. She just comes down hard on families with unjust recommendations to the court, and when questioned, hides behind emails and will not get back to you or your attorney.
There is always more to the story, but these are the basics. She has charged my ex-wife and I over $50,000 for effectively nothing. Yes, I am upset with the fact that I have been on supervised visits for three years without explanation as to why or what needs to be done on my part to relieve the supervision. Another $25,000 sent to the supervisor with no end in sight and an excellent track record with the visits / great relationship with my children, it should be obvious as to why I am annoyed with Lynn. A telephone call on her part may be a start in mending the relationship, but I won’t hold my breath…
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12 Jul, 2024 by Sarah anselmini
Rebecca was my fourth attorney in an awful case against my second children’s father! She helped me settle both cases with both my children’s father in under 6 months! She’s affordable and amazing! She sticks to the point and gets the deal signed. I’ve never met an attorney so trusting and focused! Rebecca can handle all divorce and custody needs. She goes above and beyond for her clients. What an amazing experience despite the nature. Thank you!!!!
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25 Apr, 2024 by Teresa n
Becky will fight for you and your family! She is quick to reply to your emails and phone calls
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.1
40 Reviews
28 Mar, 2024 by Kimlet nichols
In my eyes he did nothing good for my daughter. I think he takes on to many cases at a time. I would not recommend him.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Kirsten dugan
David Del Re is a top tier, extremely smart, ethical and present attorney. He Looks at the details and thinks of the bigger picture. He is experienced, knows the law, thinks fast on his feet and fights hard. I wish I found him sooner!
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23 Feb, 2024 by Chad deal
Great law firm. I hired Fiona to represent me and she works hard for her clients and keeps you informed on your case and guides you in the direction that is best for you. She is quick to respond and extremely helpful
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31 Aug, 2024 by Priscilla pisarski
08 Jul, 2024 by Rich caise
Charged me $50 for a 5 minute phone call.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jesusgirl
Scott is a compassionate and caring lawyer. I highly recommend him. He was such a blessing after my husband passed and helped get things in order so I was prepared and protected. He's local, reasonable, and he knows the law. I highly recommend him.
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03 Jan, 2023 by Ed jordon
Smartest man I’ve ever met. Great atty. highly recommend.
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27 Jan, 2021 by Kelsey “kelseyâ€
03 Nov, 2020 by Dayaira ware-davis
Ms. Linda came into my case, after I had been trying to handle things from Ohio for a year. Within a month she was fighting on my behalf as if she had been there the whole time. When we had our initial consultation she already knew exactly what was going on due to her research. In 7 months she got me and my children exactly what we needed. AND became a TRUE FRIEND!
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03 Oct, 2024 by Willie mills
It was a pleasure working with everyone at A. Traub and Associates. Polite, knowledgeable, and very helpful are a few ways to describe the service they provide. I highly recommend them.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Anand gajula (us)
Angel was really that! An Angel!!! helped out in a very difficult situation. Calm, strong and a gentle hand in a most stressful situation.Very invested in her client's well being.
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17 Sep, 2024 by John mcguire
Found group professional , efficient very friendly and helpful
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03 Oct, 2024 by Willie mills
It was a pleasure working with everyone at A. Traub and Associates. Polite, knowledgeable, and very helpful are a few ways to describe the service they provide. I highly recommend them.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Anand gajula (us)
Angel was really that! An Angel!!! helped out in a very difficult situation. Calm, strong and a gentle hand in a most stressful situation.Very invested in her client's well being.
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17 Sep, 2024 by John mcguire
Found group professional , efficient very friendly and helpful
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15 Dec, 2023 by Sally jane bland
Phil has always taken time to help me with legal issues I have encountered when I became a widow. His advice has kept me from possible lawsuits and scams. If I have to leave a message, he always promptly calls back and answers my questions and give good advice. It's great to have him on my side!!!!
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19 Oct, 2023 by Mary lou richardson
I have used Phillip intermittently over 10 years. He has always given excellent and timely advice. In August there was a complication with a closing. Being 720 miles away I contacted him again late on a Thursday. Phil went above and beyond, working on the weekend to research and write an answer that was delivered on Monday. I could not have asked for more. I wanted to shake his hand and personally thank him. This is second best.
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12 Oct, 2023 by Jinxy cat
Phil is an excellent all around attorney specializing in many areas, most especially estate planning. Highly recommend Phil and his staff!
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14 May, 2024 by David
Attorney Aaron Carnine treated my situation with the utmost professionalism and even more importantly - kindness. He was attentive to my concerns during this extremely difficult time and gave me the clear and concise guidance I needed to find my way through the process.
He explained everything in a way I was able to quickly understand and that clarity made it so much easier to progress in a positive way. He was extremely focused on what was best for me and my daughter, which also gave me comfort. I would highly recommend this attorney.
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09 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Terrible at getting back in a timely fashion. Got nothing accomplished in a year.
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01 Aug, 2019 by Thomas
I unfortunately was having a divorce, and was worried about the whole process. Mr. Carnine made everything easy to understand and stayed in constant communication with me about every step of the process. They're were no hidden fees and no surprise paperwork. I couldn't have asked for a better attorney.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Willie mills
It was a pleasure working with everyone at A. Traub and Associates. Polite, knowledgeable, and very helpful are a few ways to describe the service they provide. I highly recommend them.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Anand gajula (us)
Angel was really that! An Angel!!! helped out in a very difficult situation. Calm, strong and a gentle hand in a most stressful situation.Very invested in her client's well being.
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17 Sep, 2024 by John mcguire
Found group professional , efficient very friendly and helpful
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23 Oct, 2024 by Ronaldo pérez
22 Oct, 2024 by William jose parrales solorzano
16 Jul, 2024 by Jesse campa
Attorney Schreiber did a wonderful job working on my family law case. Just go in for a consultation and you'll realize that he will take your case personally and fight for your satisfaction as his client. I am speaking from experience as there were fast results instead of the typical dragged on litigation I experienced with other less competent Rockford area family law attorneys. 10/10 would recommend.
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5.0
9 Reviews
4.3
107 Reviews
20 Aug, 2024 by Lisa filichia
I’m now a widow and my 13 yr old son and I are incredibly grateful for everything Clifford Law Offices provided for me and my family. A special thank you needs to be made to Kevin Sowizrol for referring me to the firm, his recommendations are always spot on. My wonderful Lawyer Craig J. Squillace, Partner and his assistant Debbie did an outstanding job. Craig has excellent follow up and tremendous compassion. His tenacity and strategic approach provided us with not one but two great settlements. I have already recommended this firm to several people.They really are a stellar firm!
Thank you again Clifford Law Offices for making a difference for our family.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Ryan doyle
I was involved in a very bad car accident where a guy ran a red light and nearly killed me and had put me in the hospital for nearly a month.Once I was able to speak again my first call was to Christine,She expressed her concern and thoughts for my well being.This isn’t my first time I’ve reached out to Christine ..which made the process easier . Christine had settled my case with one of the largest settlements awarded for an accident of this magnitude…..If you’re contemplating on an Attorney,Please have no second thoughts.She is the Lion and the lamb , you wouldn’t want to be on the other side of the court going up against her .She is direct, kind, diligent and in the end she does her due diligence with a VERY FAVORABLE outcome. Christine has represented Many members of my family and friends for nearly 25 years ALL of which have thanked me for recommending her.Thank you Christine for everything you’ve done for me my family and friends.
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20 May, 2024 by Amy feller
Dan Ryan has been great to work with. The whole firm has been wonderful to our family and they have went above and beyond what we ever expected! Mom suffered a terrible disease and they continue to make sure the companies responsible are being held liable.
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02 Sep, 2024 by Steve miller
I thought when you hire a defense lawyer they were hired to look out for your best interests, instead Brick was looking out for the arresting officer and the town of Cortland IL. After the officer who had multiple past charges against him, had boke in my home and assaulted me after someone made a false actuation 911 call about me. Brick decided to stall the case for 22 months so i couldn't start a case against the officer and the town of Cortland IL. Because of the 2 year stature of limitations.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Christina gardner
Evan was our real estate attorney and he was very professional, responsive and patiently explained everything we needed to know. We also did our wills with Evan and again had a great experience. Highly recommended!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Rania abdalla
21 Apr, 2024 by Tamra dascher
She is a wonderful lady to work with. Very thoughtful and helps you understand the process of system. I would recommend her anytime. 😊
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24 Jan, 2024 by Chelsay carleton
I highly recommend Kathryn for all your family court needs, she is amazing!
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12 Jan, 2024 by Melanie beal
Excellent Service. I wouldn't hesitate to hire for CDL help.
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16 Jul, 2024 by Mike dude
Perfect! thank you so much!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Chris irwin
08 Jul, 2024 by Darwyn boston
David responds quickly.
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13 Apr, 2021 by Lina vinchev
I am very grateful for having Miley as my divorce attorney. Miley goes above and beyond for me and always available to provide guidance.
Not only does Miley fight for me, she is constantly Protecting my interests.
Miley is an absolutely excellent lawyer. She has strong knowledge of the law, very compassionate, great work ethic, creative, honest and has great judgment.
I really feel protected and fortunate having her on my side.
THANK YOU SO MUCH MILEY!
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30 Sep, 2020 by Andrea
11 Sep, 2020 by Tony jenkins
During the covid-19 a lot of people are on it unemployment like me Geoffrey was the one person who you could reach out to he would answer the phone and give you any help he could to guide you through this complicated process love Jeffrey M Jacobson
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12 Jan, 2024 by Ethel o.
I engaged Mr. Rakowski (LSR) in April 2023 to assist with Judgment enforcement matters. In August 2023, he blindsided me by filing a petition to withdraw while demanding that I pay him $7000 to continue representation without having provided me with an invoice of services supporting his demand.
This was during a time when he was supposed to be cleaning the mess he created by filing a Petition for Rule to Show (Indirect Civil Contempt) without any claimed amount, being able to mention the paragraphs of the Judgment violated, nature of the violation OR present Exhibits and evidence during the hearing to support the petition.
That was the beginning of my nightmarish encounters as events spiraled out of control. He would then file several unnecessary and avoidable motions to modify, compel, and clarify, attempting to rectify his errors and failings while racking up legal fees. And then, he demanded $7000 for the work to clean up this mess without providing me with a supporting invoice.
He attempted to coerce me into paying him that amount and when I pushed back, he quickly filed his withdrawal and then immediately filed a petition for attorney fees after the withdrawal was granted. Important to point out that none of the matters I engaged him for were resolved by the time he withdrew, including the petition for reimbursement of child expenses that the Court denied without prejudice because of LSR's failure to state any owed amounts.
LSR claimed he was working on drafting a new petition for refiling and billed me over $1,000 for that supposed work in the invoice. However, I never saw a draft of that petition prior to his abrupt withdrawal. And he would then have the audacity to file a petition for fees against me because he thinks the law allows it and he would rather leverage what he believes to be law to oppress his client than do what is right. Zero accountability!!
Suffice it to say that I am now representing myself Pro Se and had to refile the petition for child expenses reimbursement myself, which the Court conducted a hearing on and ordered the respondent to pay me the amount claimed.
In hindsight, I would have been much better off doing this on my own with very little help from the Law Library. The library has all the applicable straightforward forms. The matters were not complicated. It was post-divorce and didn't require any discovery. I have the Judgment. And there were evidence and documentation to support its violation. But LSR made the process and filing so messed up and complicated so that he could then bill me over $11,000 attempting to clean the mess. Engaging LSR is the worst mistake I have made all through my pre-divorce and post-divorce journey.
I would have rated him a zero star if I could but unfortunately, the minimum I could give is 1.
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28 Feb, 2021 by Christina
Mr. Rakowski opened my eyes to what my rights are as a mother. His knowledge, confidence and compassion confirmed my decision as to why I chose him. Best decision I could’ve made to protect myself and daughter.
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14 Feb, 2021 by Allie
Steve is an absolute pleasure to work with. He & his staff are patient, courteous, responsive & very dedicated in pursuing only the best possible outcome for their client(s).
Although, sadly, there were many painful bumps on the road in dealing with my very difficult family members, Steve made working through my case a much more bearable experience because of his great counsel & advice.
I highly recommend Mr. Rakowski and his firm to everyone needing a skilled, masterful attorney! You’ll be in very good hands.
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12 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Donna is literally the worst lawyer I've come across. She was very friendly with opposing counsel (nicknames, etc) and let my ex's attorney run the show. Donna was condescenging and rude often cutting me off and nearly yelling at me. She is very disorganized and an awful communicator. She went weeks without answering my emails and then blamed me when I didn't have paperwork ready never acknowledging that she never told me I was supposed to have it. I fired Donna after 5 months because she was just an empty suit but had no fight in her. She was lazy and incompetent. If you think divorce and/or custody is stressful, hire Donna and you'll find out how much worse she can make it.
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05 Dec, 2017 by Edith
I was referred to Donna Polinske after a call to Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance regarding a family matter. At the consultation, she was stern and to the point. I had a hard time keeping my mouth shut. Once I did, Donna set forth a strategy to have my case dismissed. I hired her and can honestly say that I'm glad I did. She appeared in court on my behalf and was successful in the dismissal of it. I'm pleased and would use her again if these matters should arise in the future. Thank you Donna!
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08 Dec, 2015 by Andrew
Donna's professionalism in court was just outstanding! Donna and her team provided excellent service and were very helpful and informative in filing all the necessary court documents in a timely and efficient manner. She was very approachable and handled my situation very professionally. I highly recommend her services and will definitely contact her should I need her services again.
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14 May, 2021 by Allison
I regret hiring Emily as my attorney due to the fact that she has a small law firm with high overhead and therefore needs to bill a lot of hours. I hired Emily because I thought she was compassionate and seemed to be understanding about my divorce situation. I was married to a covert narcissist for about 20 years and just wanted out asking for only half of my portion of the marital assets whatever they were because I had no idea. After two years and paying her $40,000 she dropped me because I could not pay and would not pay her the additional $10,000 trial retainer fee that she required before continuing to work on my case. By the way there were no children involved in the case. I felt that she took advantage of me and my situation by playing the games that attorneys do to make money by billing more hours and making it look like they are doing you a favor. My second divorce attorney was a no BS person, worked at a larger law firm (not as much overhead), and got the job done in a reasonable amount of time and had fair billable hours.
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08 Aug, 2019 by Alexandria
I cannot say enough good things about this firm! Emily and Alexandra were excellent attorneys from the very start. They were both knowledgeable about legal process and the best way to proceed based on my specific set of circumstances. I always knew what to expect with my case. They returned my calls and emails promptly, and the office manager was always willing to listen and be empathic. I never felt rushed. They gave balanced advice, were efficient and prepared in court and pushed my case to conclusion. And always cost conscious, which I was relieved about. They invested their energy towards getting me the best possible outcome, and I did – full custody of my daughter. I am forever grateful for their hard work and would highly recommend them.
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24 May, 2018 by Nick
Emily handled my maintenance negotiation after my original divorce decree didn’t have an end date. Emily and her office staff kept me up on all proceedings and we came to an agreed order in a timely fashion.
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07 Jun, 2024 by Todd billingsley
Got our documents done on time and as promised. Took the time to answer all our questions.
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10 May, 2024 by Calvin wilson
29 Aug, 2022 by Teresa b
21 Sep, 2024 by Jackie la diabla
I was facing federal prison time Mr.goldberg & Jeff his associate from the start they work hard too make sure I had the best outcome possible. mr.goldberg demonstrated exceptional level of knowledge and professionalism he made me feel protected from the start he instilled in me trust which it was very hard too find in me faith which I never lost 👏🏼 too trust in hes abilities mr.Goldberg always throughout the entire process make sure always returns calls and make sure always had & understanding of status of the case & I felt that he had my best interest in mind he truly proved to be a savior in My life from the start thank you very much mr.goldberg I am grateful. I highly recommend him for any cases you feel no hope and you want the best outcome possible you could trust he's abilities/ knowledge/ experience he's a straightforward person down to earth. my personal experience with him all I could say is he made me feel protected and was my savior in my federal case. I truly highly recommend mr Goldberg 💯
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19 Sep, 2024 by Joey
It is very rare in this day and age to find an honest, ethical, and no nonsense Attorney. Jonathan has more than earned my respect and appreciation, I value him and his ethics more than imagined. He kept me informed throughout the entire process, too show my appreciation for his hard work, I have already started to refer him friends and family, you don’t get a better thank you than continuing the relationship via referrals. Jonathan thank you for everything, you have given me the opportunity to change my life and stay stabile. I HIGHLY recommend anyone thinking about filing for SS benefits to contact Jonathan. 10 stars in my book.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Evelyn shropshire
Jonathon was outstanding!! He is very professional, nice and easy to talk to. Johnathon was always quick to respond back. Process was very smooth and faster than I expected. Most get denied a few times for the beginning process. Don’t get discouraged. Then there’s the hearing. Everything went very well at this stage. Within a few weeks I received my acceptance letter. Thank you very much Johnathon!!!!
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30 Aug, 2024 by Adam adrian
John was a massive help with my case. He worked with me to make sure that I was prepared for my hearing. I could not have asked for more.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Linda hannon
We live in TN and were petitioning for guardianship of our granddaughter in Illinois. John Wright is very competent in this area of family law and in just nine months, we were awarded guardianship.
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20 May, 2024 by Ramiro bautista
Great guy keeps you in the know on task
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12 May, 2024 by Thomas sullivan
Divorce is never a cheap or easy process. Swanson law firm is changing that it seems. Throughout my case Mike Swanson and his assistant Krysten were kind, attentive, and proactive. All of this coming at a very reasonable price. Swanson law firm found a way to make an incredibly tough time go by with ease. If you are ever in need of a family law attorney, I would highly recommend.
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12 Apr, 2024 by James kelley
Robert Bass was nothing but professional kept on top of things for me. I didn't have to show up at court until it was time. Things were taken care of very professional and I'm so happy for the outcome. I would recommend him at to anybody anytime even just for his advice
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15 Jan, 2024 by Chris kellerman
Rob cares about people and he is the most upstanding lawyer in Madison County. Period. He is the one I would trust with my life.
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29 Jul, 2024 by Miranda
I am forever grateful to have Joel by my side as I navigate the challenging world of parental court as a single mother. His expertise, compassion, and unwavering support have made a significant difference in my case. Mr. Zimmerman is an exceptional attorney who truly cares about his clients and fights tirelessly for their rights.
His knowledge of family law and court procedures is impressive, and his ability to explain complex information in a clear and concise manner has been incredibly helpful.
I highly recommend Joel Zimmerman to any single mother facing parental court proceedings. He is a true advocate and a beacon of hope in an often overwhelming system. I can’t thank him enough.
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13 Apr, 2024 by Usha delesio
Mr. Zimmerman helped me get divorced very quickly. He helped me understand the process and was there to answer questions/provide updates whenever I needed them. He the process so easy for me and has given me a sense of relief. I will forever be grateful that I found him and for all the help he has given me.
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12 Apr, 2024 by Sydney soto
19 Feb, 2024 by Hope coulter
I highly recommend Darran ! He is one of the best there is . Narrissa is so helpful as well they are a great team ! Thank you for all you do Darran !
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19 Nov, 2023 by Lewis
*SINGLE FATHER AWARDED MAJORITY CUSTODY*
Hands down the BEST attorney I’ve been represented by. He navigated seamlessly through my custodial civil case with my son and I was awarded custody in the end. Mind you there were several landmines he had to help me over and as stated before the man did it with ease! I would classify myself as a pretty intelligent being that is well versed and one who does extensive research when I don’t know or understand something. I say that to say this, I barely had ANY questions for Darran B during our face to face meetups due to him having all the answers to my questions already covered. The man is a wizard as it relates to law and was worth EVERY SINGLE DIME (plus some) for his efforts, knowledge and expertise. If you’re looking for a ASTOUNDING attorney that’s NOT going to exhaust your retainer, tell you lies take and purely advantage of the circumstances like ALOT of attorneys please look No further and RETAIN DARRAN BARHAUGH!! He’s the TRUTH . Words can’t express what he has done for me and my son. ALSO, I retained Darran B again for custody of my second 😂. Thank you brother for all of your efforts and persistence in saving GODS children and bringing families back together 1 client at a time. Highly NOBLE of a human, let alone an attorney!!!
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19 Nov, 2023 by Sherman
*SINGLE FATHER AWARDED MAJORITY CUSTODY*
Hands down the BEST attorney I’ve been represented by. He navigated seamlessly through my custodial civil case with my son and I was awarded custody on the end. Mind you there were several landmines he had to help me over some and as stated before the man did it with ease! I would classify myself as a pretty intelligent being that is well versed and one who does extensive research when I don’t know or understand something. I say that to say I barely had ANY questions for Darran B during our face to face meetups due to him having all the answers to my questions already covered. The man is a wizard as it relates to law and was worth EVERY SINGLE DIME (plus some) for his efforts, knowledge and expertise. If you’re looking for a good attorney that’s NOT going to exhaust your retainer and take advantage of the circumstances like ALOT of attorneys please look
No further and RETAIN DARRAN BARHAUGH!! He’s the TRUTH . Thank you brother for all of your efforts and persistence in saving children and bringing families back together 1 client at a time. Highly NOBLE of a human, let alone an attorney!!!
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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:
-
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.
