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28 Mar, 2024 by Charity
Joseph and his team are incredible. I was dealing with a long distance divorce/custody case, with homeschooled children. I'd had a couple of attorneys, only one of whom actually helped, but then things seemed to fall apart. I needed to make some changes because my children were not doing well.
Our plan hadn't been finalized yet, so time was of the essence.
A few other mommas, in a similar situation, recommended Joe. I consulted with a few attorneys, but none of them were willing to really listen. All of them left me feeling hopeless and very triggered. After years of psychological and emotional abuse, I wasn't in a place to be able to handle those types of attorneys.
Joe was different. He was careful, calm, kind, and compassionate, but still straightforward with no b.s. I felt safe. I think that's what all of us want, really. Joe stayed in communication with me. He didn't leave me hanging. He kept me informed, answered every question, and was patient through all of it. He didn't yell at me (yeah, that has happened before). He helped me see things that needed to be seen and understand from better perspectives.
It was a bonus that we saw eye to eye on some things and I didn't feel like I had to defend myself to him.
We were able to come up with a new plan that kept the children's best interests as the top priority and avoid going to trial.
I'm truly grateful and blessed. God put him in my path right when I needed it most.
I have given his information to several mommas who are in need of help, and will continue to do so.
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26 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Thanks to Joe and his team they helped me reach an agreement without going to court. They led and held my hand the whole way in a very scary and emotional situation. He has great communication and I felt like he really saw and heard me. I know they are very busy but he was always very up to date on my case like it was the only one. I would recommend this team for my friends and family’s and anyones’s family law needs.
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27 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Alvarez and his team did a fantastic job with my custody modification case and thanks to him I was able to reach an agreement that was better than our best day in court. He made the emotional and stressful process easy to grasp thanks to his kind and compassionate demeanor. I know he’s busy but I always felt like I was his only client! He was always up to date with my case and always a step ahead. I also felt like he had my family’s best interests at heart-High recommend him for all your family law needs!
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19 Apr, 2022 by Jeri
Mrs. Ondreiasak and Ms. Jennifer Williams were with me every step of the way for almost 4 years in the adoption of my son. They were extremely informative on the process. They showed kindness and compassion to the birth mom. We the time was ready for the adoption the were super quick on putting everything in motion and with the court, LSW and assisted our family through many phone calls and emails. I wish there were higher ratings because they went above and beyond. I highly recommend their services.
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11 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
I couldn't be happier with the representation we got from ms. Ondriezek's office. My family was in need of good legal advice and action, and we got it. They were very responsive and got us the result we needed... which might well not have happened had we gone it alone. When we needed to wait, we waited. When people had to be contacted, they contacted them. Should we need a family law representative ever again, we will be back.
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15 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
Elizabeth R. Ondriezek, P.A. came highly recommend by a fellow attorney. I sat with Elizabeth on my initial consultation and she was honest and straight forward on my divorce options and possible outcome. Jennifer was assigned to my case, and she was professional, worked with my ex-husband’s attorney and negotiated a fair settlement. Out of the five things I wanted out of the divorce Jennifer successfully negotiated them with a positive outcome. I would highly recommend Elizabeth R. Ondriezek, P.A. to those who may find themselves in the same situation.
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16 Oct, 2021 by Steve
Carolyn Wagner represented me during an unusually difficult divorce. My ex cycled through four separate attorneys between the divorce, child custody and financial disputes. She was essentially responsible for bring each of these new players up to speed with what had already transpired. I am certain that it was frustrating for her. Yet she never wavered. She was a picture of professionalism, kept me continually informed, never hesitated to answer my questions, and always returned my calls promptly. I was made to feel that my problems were her problems as well. She showed empathy and a personal interest in my case. I am not an easy person to impress. She impressed me. I will continue to use her for any future legal needs and have happily recommended her to my closest friends and family.
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06 Oct, 2021 by Regina
I was recommended to Mrs. Wagner while having much help with a previous lawyer. Once I hired her she immediately began to sort out everything that was wrong in my case and fought for everything I asked for. Everything for the sake of my child was done and we are no longer dealing with the stress that the situation caused us. I highly recommend her to anyone needing a lawyer dealing with Family Law
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11 Apr, 2021 by Amy
Carolyn is such a caring, yet talented and thorough attorney who treated me with kindness and respect! She was a light during a very difficult time. She stood by me through a very tough divorce case and never stopped fighting for what is right! Her patience and determination is no doubt the reason for the final judgement and I can’t thank her enough!
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30 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
There is a New Generation of Family Law Experts in NE Florida and Christie Guerrero is leading the Pack. I don’t want to draw comparisons, so I will say Christie is establishing the Best Practice and format for the law, TODAY. So much has changed in this area, leaving gaps for both interpretation and leverage. I benefited greatly in a Contested case because of my Counsel’s Outstanding research ability and aggressive approach. We knew what the opportunities were in advance and succeeded with Christie’s rock-solid direction. Her automations for appointment scheduling and communications help reduce unnecessary touches- just a Bonus on top.
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27 Jan, 2020 by Ronald
During a vary contentious and scary divorce, Christie was a rock for me. Solid representation, and great advise, always working for my best outcome. I highly recommend her for your family law needs.
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14 May, 2019 by Kenny
Christie helped me out with a child support issue. She is extremely knowledgeable with all of the ins and outs of how everything works and resolved my matter quickly. I personally appreciated her honesty and integrity and will refer her services to anyone that might need them. Thanks for your help and expeditious resolution!
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21 May, 2021 by Margarietta
Mr. Michael went above and beyond. I had sent a email to Mr Shorstein on a Sunday morning, within 20 minutes he responded to my email. After a couple exchanged emailed he made me feel a lot better about the adoption process. Michael explain the process to my husband and I. We felt as ease and great confidence knowing that everything was going to be ok.
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10 Mar, 2021 by Sheldon
Michael Shorstein has been our attorney through two adoptions. His knowledge of adoption law and the adoption process gave us a lot of confidence and certainty that our adoptions would be finalized. He remained calm and patient when we were worried and gave us sound advice. Adoptions can be difficult to navigate and having a knowledgeable attorney proved to be so important in both of our adoptions. Michael Shorstein is a trusted advisor with a great passion for adoption.
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20 Jan, 2021 by Robert
I consulted with Michael Shorstein about a family law matter. Although he ultimately informed me he would not be able to represent me, he was kind enough to provide guidance and assistance at no charge.
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05 Nov, 2024 by Stephanie
Ms. Broadie and her paralegal, Ms. Branton are beyond amazing. We used her for an adoption and she walked us through everything and made sure we were prepared. Our documents were filed in a timely manner and Ms. Branton kept us in the loop with each step. They were caring and understanding and we are extremely grateful!!!
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26 Jan, 2024 by Cynthia
I'm so thankful that Mrs broady and Janielle were my Attorneys. They did a outstanding job of getting me through a difficult time. With stupendous results . Keanna managed to take a women broken down and not only built my self esteem back up , but made this difficult process effortless mostly on my part . Not only are they were knowledgeable in law but , also very personal. I was treated with respect and consoled when I felt all alone. I can honestly say that I could not have chosen a a more brilliant strategic Attorney and kudo for winning my case. Keanna Broadie and janielle are winning attorneys in knowledge and hand holding. Keanna was a lifeline. And janielles hard work is so worthwhile. I would recommend them to everyone that is fighting a vicious battle. These ladies are top of the line. Creme de la cream . Thank you so much for all your hard work , long hours and patience. I will recommend you to a yone that needs a A+ Attorneys. Thanks so much.
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26 Jul, 2023 by Micah
Keanna handled my divorce and was beyond helpful throughout the process. She fought back against miscalculations made by my ex and her attorney, and saved me nearly $4,000 in back child support that wasn't owed! If I would definitely recommend Keanna for any family law issue you might have.
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13 May, 2024 by Randy
I want to thank God that we found Cindi ! When things look grim and hopeless for my daughter and children I believe we were guided to Cindi. The previous lawyer my daughter had was useless and kept telling her she had to keep going back into a home that was dangerous for her and our grandchildren because of domestic violence.
Within days of hiring Cindi things started to change for the better. She proved to the court that our daughter and grandchildren needed protection from the domestic violence. We could finally breathe knowing that they were safe for now. Cindi is not only a amazing attorney but a caring and compassionate person. She makes you feel like family and someone you knew all your life. She gives her all to her clients and is worth every penny she makes. If you want the best divorce attorney out there look no further. We're still in the process and can rest easy knowing she's fighting for us!!
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02 Jul, 2023 by Brittany
Cindi is a true advocate for her clients. She was contacted during a time of despair and even though she was skeptical at first of our concerns….she listened to us and sat down to go over our case. We had previously had a well known attorney out of Jacksonville. Unfortunately, he did not take the time to listen to us nor fight for what we knew could not be afforded. Cindi ended up locating the egregious mathematical errors that had resulted in the judge awarding the other party an outrageous monthly alimony payment (an alimony payment that was unable to be made due to other bills and obligations). She fought for what could be afforded…..which was no alimony….and she delivered! It’s been an extended, prolonged battle but in the end the outcome is much better than we could have ever anticipated!! Cindi is incredibly knowledgeable about the law and sets realistic expectations for what the judge is likely to award. She does not make empty promises. Her prices are also incredibly reasonable and if I’m being honest, she should raise her fees. Cindi’s rates are fair and she remains conscientious of her client’s budget (unlike many other attorneys out there who will bill you for every little thing and take unnecessary and unproductive steps just in order to create billable hours). Cindi also always keeps the childrens’ best interest at heart. She is genuinely compassionate about her job and you tell how much she loves family law with the effort that she puts in! I cannot recommend her enough! She has held our hand through this process and even though I know we are her client….I consider her a friend. We will be turning to her as the years go by any time legal assistance is needed!
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27 May, 2020 by Edrian
I couldn't ask for a more professional and hard working attorney. Everyone doubted Ms. Crawford and I on proving a SUPPORTIVE RELATIONSHIP but with all her hard work and determination Ms. Crawford won my case and i cant tell you how happy i am! So if you are looking for someone to have your back in family law Ms. Crawford is your best bet!
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18 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I was very unsatisfied with attorney i hired one year ago to handle my case regarding alimony. I had an initial consult with taylor and was very impressed with her. Therefore i hired her to take over my case from this point. She worked delingently to make that happen. I am hopeful for working my case to end with her.
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17 Apr, 2018 by Chris
Mrs. McQuaide has went above and beyond to help me since day one of my case. Anytime I had a question she has responded quickly. What could have been a scary experience has been one of the most comforting experiences I have had due to Mrs. McQuaide's understanding and confidence. I highly recommend her to any and everyone regardless of the problem you are facing. To simply put it she is absolutely awesome and hands down one of the brightest young attorneys in Jacksonville.
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19 Jan, 2018 by Lindsay
Mrs. McQuaide provided in depth knowledge on what to expect when going through an adoption case. My husband is trying to adopt my son and she helped explain the process. She elaborated on what to expect from the paperwork, all the way to the court process. She truly is intelligent and has a wonderful sense of confidence that eases your mind. I would definitely recommend her services.
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28 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
She reviewed each detail of my case, searched the challenges of the case through internet and gave me significant information. She responded lots of messages so quickly and sincerely, and she did not make me feel as if she tries for marketing anyway. She was more like a sincere and helpful friend with huge know-how on the area. I exactly recommend her at least for a consultation, then you will easily see truth of above statements.
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18 Oct, 2016 by Gracela omamalin
She was candid, direct as well as informative.
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04 Oct, 2016 by Juan carlos barillas
Miss Maria is an angel sent by God for our family. She helped us step by step in our immigration case to become US residents. We had knocked on many doors, and they were closed. Made us loose our hope.She volunteered to take our case. She was very sincere with us. She treated us like family, not like clients. She was Very thoughtful with us. She didnt give us false hope. She would drive all the way to Orlando were our case took place. I would highly recommend her for any case. I am hiring her again for all my immigration work and i am very thankful for all that she has done for me and my family.
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23 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Jennifer and her legal team are by far the best I have ever had the pleasure of hiring. During my time of need for my grandchildren she and her legal team provided the very best legal representation ever. The results were quick although it seemed at the time to take forever. I am forever greatly for Jennifer and her team. It was the very best outcome for my grandchildren. Thank you.
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09 Sep, 2022 by Megan
We highly recommend Jennifer Williams & Elizabeth Ondriezek and their professional legal team! We had a seamless adoption process with their office. They are honest, fair, timely and compassionate. We are so grateful!
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02 Nov, 2020 by Kenneth p. lee
Jennifer did a great job in assisting us in the adoption of our grandson. She kept us informed and was available for questions. The process had some complications in dealing with the biological father, but she worked through those issues. Highly recommend.
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30 Oct, 2013 by Jill
Jack and his team made our adoption process so easy. Their compassion, knowledge, and honesty was so comforting for both us and our son's birth parents. Jack and his team fully explained and held our hands through the entire adoption process and ensured all parties were comfortable with decisions we were making. Thank you Jack!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Lexi
Hands down the best lawyer ever. I was recommended to her when my son’s distant dad opened the can of worms for 50/50 custody and when I was told she is a shark they weren’t kidding. Without her I’m not sure we be where now. She fought not only my husband and I but fought for what was best for our son. Now here we are having my husband adopt our son. I could not thank her or pay her enough for all that she’s done. If you’re looking for the best of the best she’s the one! Promise you won’t leave her for anyone else!!
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14 Oct, 2024 by Marianella mendez
I am incredibly grateful to my lawyer at Smith & Eulo for the exceptional work they did on my case. They guided me through a difficult period and achieved the best possible resolution for my situation. Thank you for your hard work and commitment—I'm truly thankful!
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13 Oct, 2024 by Richard hayes
I went through this firm for a case and it was great and everything it's needed to be until paying the retainer. Once the retainer was paid, it was a disaster. The lawyer i had was Derrick Smith. He communicated poorly, made sure i was(u uninformed, unaggressive and unargumenttative in court in all hearings, and seemed unprepared. People from my government job came to my hearing and told me he needed another profession and there was no way possible he was a lawyer, It was just that bad. When confronted about it he dropped from the case and didn't return any of the money without reaching trial which was the agreement signed. I called the company to seek another attorney as I was blown off as if my case didn't matter. I have proof. I WOULD STAY AWAY FROM THIS LAW FIRM, YOU COULD BE NEXT.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Jaiker gomez
The experience I had with Smith & Eulo Law Firm was outstanding. Their attorneys are not only knowledgeable but also compassionate. They guided me through every step of the process and kept me informed at all times. Thanks to their efforts, I felt supported and confident in the decisions we made together. I would definitely recommend their services to anyone looking for a reliable law firm
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21 Dec, 2023 by Tye scott
Words can’t express how thankful I am for Jason Woodside Law. Fantastic team
20/10!!!
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27 Oct, 2023 by Selina l
Great services working hard to help in my accident to get me back healed from accident and to get vehicle repaired!! Will recommend for your accident needs!!
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04 Oct, 2023 by Amanda boo
To high when u need a lawyer
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2.3
3 Reviews
4.8
1115 Reviews
26 Sep, 2024 by Michael weathers
16 Sep, 2024 by Anita music waldron
I appreciate century law firm very much! Miss Donald White called me today and went over my case! she had a lot of knowledge and she respected me, and she explained to me about everything about my case! she is a Jewel & Access for century law firm⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! And good for customers also like myself! Central law firm is awesome! And they have good employees working for the clients benefits’ Again, thank you Central law firm for Donna White!! I give lost Central law firm Five stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! Also give Donna five stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! Yay!
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16 Sep, 2024 by Debra rodriguez
Friendly staff that works hard for you. Everyone you speak with is so pleasant and kind to your concerns. They quickly address your concerns and get them resolved promptly. Cynthia recently worked diligently to reach a resolution by going above and beyond to followup with me. Very pleased with the entire company!!!
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.7
18 Reviews
06 Feb, 2024 by Aaron avery
08 Sep, 2022 by Ryan
Deb did an amazing job. She worked with me during an extremely stressful time in my life. She made everything as easy as possible. Deb and her team were extremely professional and organized. They made sure I was well informed and prepared throughout my case. I always felt like they were one step ahead. It was really reassuring and reduced any potential additional stress on me. I highly recommend Deb and her team.
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30 Sep, 2021 by James
Deborah and Andrea picked up my case after it had been poorly handled for over a year. She immediately answered my questions about why my case was not settling and focused me on the things that mattered. Her team found and applied recent statute changes that literally saved me hundreds of thousands of dollars. My representation cost far less than what they saved me. Her and her team took my case all the way to trial while also crafting multiple settlement offers that the other side was too dumb to accept. I will not hesitate to recommend her.
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06 Feb, 2024 by Aaron avery
26 Oct, 2023 by Chad
Andrea is extremely detailed, and diligent on making sure she fully understands the situation, accurately. Also amazingly dedicated, working long hours and late into the night to ensure we were properly prepared, for both document submittals and court. Andrea is also easy to work with and communicate with, making what can be a difficult process much more bearable.
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27 Jul, 2023 by Glen
I had an incredibly positive experience working with divorce attorney Andrea Jevic during a very difficult and challenging situation. From the outset, Andrea displayed remarkable empathy and understanding, creating a supportive environment that helped me navigate the emotional complexities of my divorce.
Throughout the process, Andrea's legal expertise and meticulous attention to detail were evident. She tackled each aspect of the case with precision and care, ensuring that no important detail was overlooked. Her strategic approach to negotiations proved invaluable, ultimately leading to a favorable resolution that brought me much-needed relief.
What truly stood out was Andrea's dedication to my well-being and best interests. Despite the complexities of the situation, she fought passionately on my behalf and remained accessible whenever I needed guidance or reassurance. Her unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for me was a source of comfort during an otherwise challenging time. I cannot thank Andrea enough for her support and professionalism throughout the process. If you are in need of a compassionate and knowledgeable divorce attorney, I wholeheartedly recommend Andrea Jevic. Her expertise and genuine concern for her clients make her an invaluable ally during difficult times.
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04 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr. Wood is a very kind man yet seemed more interested in his personal life than taking accurate notes for my social investigation case, which showed in his report, $3,000 dollars later.
He was habitually late to every appointment, he lied to the court stating he works by himself, however, his wife works right by his side and was rude to me via email. The interviews aren’t recorded so the court relies solely on his word.
As I stated he’s kind but it may be time for him to retire. If assigned by a Judge ask for a different social investigator.
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14 Sep, 2015 by Martha
Mr. Wood
Help me with my case with the highest standard's and professionalism , he is a caring and compassionate of his work , he never let me down he carried my case until the end to me Mr. Robert Wood is a fighter for humans rights he's experience let him see the true easily and Winn my case if you hire him no matter what your problem is at the end you will not be desapoinred.
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10 Sep, 2015 by Cynthia
Robert Wood handled the adoption for our grandson with professional, gracious assistance. His associate, Sherry, was extremely helpful, friendly and courteous. She always returned calls , or assistance in a timely manner. We hope to use Mr. Wood with all our family legal matters.
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25 Feb, 2020 by Sevan
Troy was there for me during my injunction hearing. He has such a heart and his compassion left me speechless. He understood what I was going through and with him there I knew I could relax and let him do what he does best.
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31 Aug, 2012 by Cathy
Very hardworking,informative kept me in the loop at every stage of my case. Very reasonable and very personable. Would not back down to opposing team demands.
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5.0
23 Reviews
4.4
324 Reviews
03 Oct, 2024 by Kenneth
I hired Tawny Roundtree as my Divorce Attorney from Joy Owenby Law. Tawny was extremely knowledgeable, professional, organized and easy to work with every step of the way.
She had me so prepared that during mediation I was able to execute and state my case with precision and ease.
Thank you Joy and Tawny! If you have to make the decision to move on from your marriage, Joy Owenby Law Offices is the place to find Tawny. She represents all office locations.
Jacksonville
Orange Park
Fleming Island
St Augustine
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22 Sep, 2024 by Rachel u
I am pleased to share my thoughts on Neil Kush and his outstanding character. Although he did not represent me directly, I have witnessed his professionalism and integrity in various legal settings. Neil is someone who genuinely cares about his clients and goes above and beyond to ensure they receive the best possible support.
His deep understanding of the law, coupled with his ethical approach, makes him a trusted advocate. Neil communicates openly and transparently, always prioritizing his clients' needs. I have seen him navigate complex situations with grace and a commitment to justice.
If you are looking for an attorney with exceptional character and a strong dedication to his clients, I wholeheartedly recommend Neil Kush.
Sincerely,
Rachel Urosek MSN, RN
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17 Sep, 2024 by Sophea hill
22 Sep, 2024 by Rachel u
I am pleased to share my thoughts on Neil Kush and his outstanding character. Although he did not represent me directly, I have witnessed his professionalism and integrity in various legal settings. Neil is someone who genuinely cares about his clients and goes above and beyond to ensure they receive the best possible support.
His deep understanding of the law, coupled with his ethical approach, makes him a trusted advocate. Neil communicates openly and transparently, always prioritizing his clients' needs. I have seen him navigate complex situations with grace and a commitment to justice.
If you are looking for an attorney with exceptional character and a strong dedication to his clients, I wholeheartedly recommend Neil Kush.
Sincerely,
Rachel Urosek MSN, RN
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17 Sep, 2024 by Sophea hill
13 Sep, 2024 by Cambria hooven
I have consulted with Lauren Spitznagle on multiple occasions and would highly recommend her and the staff at Owenby!
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28 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Felt like she was rushing to be finished talking with me, nor was she interested in listening to me, also came off kind of rude.
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02 Oct, 2015 by Betty
My dad died without a will or anything planned for his house. For years, my brother and I paid the mortgage and taxes without realizing we had to open a probate case to get our names on the house. Thankfully, we found Amanda and she was able to get our names on the house.
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25 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Mrs. Meyer was my attorney in a custody battle between me and my ex. In a case that I had a slim to none chance of winning, she got me so much more than anyone else thought that I would get in court. I would highly recommend this attorney to anyone that is in need of legal assistance.
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23 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
Mark Miller was sloppy in his work and irresponsible. On several occasions he did not sufficiently research information or follow up on questionable information. He relied too heavily on an internal informant and did not consider or pursue potential conflicting information. While I believe he means well, he is not reliable if you need professional, thorough or responsible legal work.
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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.
