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23 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
I was faced with an extremely difficult family law matter involving custody, alimony and property division. Ms. Board kept me informed at every stage of the process and was well prepared to represent my interests ont he day of trial. I would recommend her to anyone who needs experience, knowledge and understanding.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Nilufar
I am working at the moment with Donna O. Woodward, Esq. My case is still in process. But Donna is a remarkable attorney! I had a fair share of attorneys to represent me in my complex custody and divorce case. What makes Donna special, is that she is strategic, and anticipates next steps (with previous attorneys I felt that we were always reacting to the next attack); she deeply listens to her client and takes action (with the previous lawyers, I often felt dismissed) and articulates in a concise and effective way! I love working with Donna and her assistant Adri Ann Summers!
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09 Aug, 2024 by Jocelyn shapiro
12 Sep, 2023 by Joshua
Great Attorney, Highly recommend to anyone.
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11 Feb, 2022 by Judy beck
08 Jul, 2024 by Armatha shower
Christina is very smart and hard working! Her clients' best interests are first and foremost! I HIGHLY recommend Christina!!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Shirley byrd
08 Jul, 2024 by Kristen haddigan
Christina was great to work with! Very knowledgeable, friendly, and easy to talk to! Definitely recommend!
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22 Feb, 2024 by Gillian thomas
19 Jul, 2021 by Astrid wynter
Andre is an experienced professional. I recommend him highly for estate and trust planning and advice
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09 Jul, 2021 by Melanie d.
Unfortunately my Mother passed away without having a Will or any of her Estate affairs in order. Prior to my mothers passing I had never handled an Estate before. I contacted a few attorneys but didn't feel they were the right fit for all of the complications pertaining to the Estate. Some attorney's weren't even willing to take it on. A neighbor of mine (who is an attorney) suggested that I contact Mr. Andre McDonald to handle my Mothers Estate. After our initial phone consultation, I knew immediately that he was the the right fit for all that needed to be accomplished. It was around the holidays. Mr. McDonald went above and beyond the typical duties that involve getting an Estate opened. He stayed involved and was on top of every aspect regarding the Estate throughout the entire process. He followed through with getting the Estate closed in a timely fashion. Mr. McDonald was very professional and knew exactly what to do and how to handle the Estate. He was always informative and reliable. Mr. McDonald always personally returned my phone calls and my emails in a timely manner. His staff was very pleasant and a joy to work with during a very hard time in my life. He kept me up to date on anything that needed to be done. He took the time to answer any questions or concerns that I had. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is a challenge within itself but Mr. McDonald put my mind at ease. I felt comfortable and confident knowing that he was the attorney handling my Mothers Estate during a very hard and difficult ordeal. I highly recommend Mr. Andre McDonald for any and all of your Estate needs.
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5.0
1 Reviews
4.8
105 Reviews
18 Jan, 2025 by Raven thomas
04 Dec, 2024 by Tymira hunter
09 Aug, 2024 by Jason fields
Great firm
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13 Feb, 2025 by Timothy williams
Kevin Carr ,Esq.I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the exceptional legal services you provided during my personal injury case. Your thorough approach and clear communication helped me feel confident and supported throughout the entire process. Thank you for your outstanding representation. It was a pleasure working with you,and I will not hesitate to recommend your services to others who may need legal assistance in the future. Warn regards, Timothy williams.
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09 Feb, 2025 by T roy
Mr. Kafka really cares and does diligent research on your case. He’s very honest. He also is knowledgeable of States Attorney Office, having been a former public defender. He is resourceful and quick in getting needed records, body cams and files. He knows what motions need to be filed. He does a great job of communicating and keeping you informed.
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31 Jan, 2025 by Latoya jackson-taylor
Tell all your family and friends. This lawfirm is honest, dedicated, responsive and comforting during a very complicated and stressful situation. 5 stars all the way down to the people who answer the phones. Arian was my attorney and Grace was my case manager. 5 Star Service. God bless you all
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24 Jan, 2025 by Daniel balmes
déjenme decirle que es mi primera experiencia en esto pero estos abogados me ayudaron demasiado la otra aseguranza no me keria pagar los daños y use sus servicios de ellos y me ayudaron demasiado en todo el proceso los volvería a utilizar y los recomiendo do.mucho....Wendell Castillo and Audrey Lin gracias por ayudarme...nunca pensé que realmente ayudarían pero lo hicieron muchas gracias....gracias por hacerme obtener lo justo ...
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22 Jan, 2025 by Wenjie yao
The Portner Shure Attorneys at Law is very professional and helpful with my case. Christine Phong was responsive and patient, friendly and helpful. They saved me a lot of time and energy. Thanks to their strong support. Please feel free to contact them if needed.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Antonio barreras
Muy amables y confiables lo mantienen informados de todo el caso muy contento como trabajan gracias..portner &shure.P.A
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27 Sep, 2024 by Donna coffey
They are very professional and understanding. They explained everything along the way. I am happy with our results.
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02 Sep, 2024 by Stephanie robine
I have had the pleasure of working with Horman Nichols on my personal injury case and highly recommend their expertise. Andy Nichols was referred to me by a family friend, and from the outset, he and his staff demonstrated exceptional expertise, knowledge, patience, and kindness. While needing legal representation is never ideal, if you find yourself in such a situation, I strongly advise contacting the offices of Horman Nichols.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Euretha powell
All of the staff at Horman Nichols Law Firm were very attentive and professional, which created well-ordered interactions.
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3.7
3 Reviews
4.9
154 Reviews
23 Jan, 2025 by Jessica bailey
Julius was very informative, so helpful in getting me divorced. It was quick and easy. If you have limited childcare he does consultations over video chat, and his office is right in town for meetings, to discuss the simplest way to get your needs taken care of. Julius is friendly, knowledgeable, and I am so happy he took the time to represent me, and help me get my divorce taken care of! Give him a call, you will not be disappointed!!!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Sanjol basel
I highly recommend Blattner Family Law Group! Mr. Julius, Ms. Autumn, and Ms. Reagan were incredibly supportive, professional, and compassionate throughout my case. They took the time to understand my situation, kept me informed every step of the way, and always made me feel heard. Their expertise and dedication led to a favorable outcome, and I couldn’t be more grateful. If you need a legal team that truly cares about you, look no further!
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07 Jan, 2025 by Dennis bullock-bey
They were very professional at a good price. I really enjoyed my experience with this Law Firm.
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16 Dec, 2021 by Sandy mangum
Nice experience in Centerville with loan officers. Refinancing our business loan. Quick and pleasant.
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11 Dec, 2021 by Tenaea ariel
07 Dec, 2021 by Alexandra simpson
Always ready to assist. They have your back and are knowledgeable and caring . Highly recommend
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3.0
2 Reviews
5.0
20 Reviews
28 Nov, 2024 by Melissa & jennifer
Seamless experience
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11 May, 2024 by Donald lambert
Great People
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29 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Best lawyer ever to the person who put that she is bad you are a tupid human being
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14 Aug, 2024 by Chelestina2493 jade
Horrible they try to threaten you with lies. Definitely in it for the money only .
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27 Jun, 2024 by David lee
DiPaula Law handled my father's estate & did a fantastic job. Carolyn Evans was patient with me every step of the way even when family dynamics became an issue at times. She was very helpful in recommending a fantastic Realtor to sell my fathers house. The staff was always kind no matter the communication method whether phone, e-mail or in person etc. I would use their services again & highly recommend DiPaula Law.
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14 Jun, 2024 by Carmela dean
21 Mar, 2024 by Emma
I could not have picked a better lawyer. He’s professional, personable and knows his way around the system. I recommend him to everyone and will never stop.
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02 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Joe was so good the first time that I had to hire him again. He is the truth and takes pride in providing the BEST service to his client. He gives it you raw so that there is no grey area about what he feels is best for you. I will FOREVER have him as my attorney. He won my first custody case. I'm so thankful for all he has done and continues to do.
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17 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired Joseph Lawrence to represent me in my divorce. He was confident without being arrogant, exceptionally knowledgeable and able to fully describe possible outcomes, procedures, etc., and was able to talk me off the ledge when I became worried. My ex-spouse took a while to hire representation and spoke to Joe a couple of times while he was looking for an attorney. To this day, he says that I definitely had the better lawyer. I agree. We had a very amicable divorce thanks to Joe's diplomacy, professionalism and tact. However, should issues have become contentious, I know that Joe would have fiercely protected my interests.
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22 Sep, 2015 by Mike
I have worked with Ms. Jensen on several cases and always found her to be well versed in the law, very prepared and able to exercise a great deal of positive influence over her clients to achieve desired (win-win) results. A great choice in attorneys.
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25 Aug, 2015 by Tascha
I've hired Robin on several occasions. She's extremely personable, has reasonable rates and will work with you financially. She's exceptionally well versed in all areas of family law and is straight forward with the realistic outcomes, so that you're not disappointed if things don't go as expected. I'd recommend Robin to anyone in need of a divorce/ custody attorney and truly wish we would have hired her sooner!
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20 Jul, 2015 by Louise
Robin has been my lawyer for a number of years. She worked through my divorce with my very uncooperative ex with tenacity and professionalism. She reached a fair agreement and the divorce was settled without having to go to court. Robin kept me informed throughout every step of the process and was always available to discuss the case. I would highly recommend Robin to anyone looking for an attorney.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Ethan kalchthaler
Very smooth process from start to finish definitely will use Ryan again.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Jaeden lewis
I had the pleasure of working with Ryan on three separate cases from March until now, and I can’t recommend him highly enough! From the very beginning, he was incredibly communicative, keeping me informed every step of the way. I never felt left in the dark, which made a stressful situation much more manageable.
What stood out the most was his determination to protect my record, particularly since the charges involved accusations of retaliation. He didn’t back down and fought tirelessly on my behalf. His dedication and expertise really made a difference in my cases. If you’re looking for a lawyer who truly cares about his clients and delivers results,Ryan is the one to go to!
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08 Aug, 2024 by Hunter rose
30 Apr, 2017 by Sriyani
Nina was appointed by the court for my two children during a bitter custody battle. She was an excellent lawyer who faught very heard to defend my children, even thogh the judge ruled against her recommendation at first. Weeks after the judges ruling, things started to get even worse then it was before for my 12 year old. After the first ruling she filed for emergency hearing and got the over night suspened permanetly from other parents house. She has given my children their child hood back, peace of mind, and security where they can go to sleep without having to worry abut anything. They can be care free children again. Her fees were very reasonable. I would recommend her to any one one who is in a bad situation and needs legal help to defend and to protect the children. Thank you Nina for all you have done for my children to give them a healthy and happy childhood going forward.
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12 Apr, 2017 by Susan
My son is a young adult living with mental illness. His condition rendered him unable to communicate or advocate for his own needs. I sought and acquired Legal Guardianship of my son with the help of Ms. Helwig. As a result, I was able to obtain proper medical care for my son which gave him his life back and he has now been happy, healthy and functional for the past one and half years! He has returned to college, maintains a high B grade point average and is enjoying his life. Ms. Helwig was extremely knowledgeable and effective as well as showing great kindness and compassion to my son. I seriously attribute by son's improved health and wellness to Ms. Helwig. I recommend her highly!
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11 Apr, 2017 by Gary r. mcintosh
I'm writing this letter to formally endorse and thank Nina Ms. Nina Helwig for representing my 14 year old daughter as her best interest attorney in our custody case...with your straightforward tact and sympathetic understanding you were able to ease her "scares" and concerns. I thank you for being a friend and confidant for her through it all. You displayed humor, honesty, dignity humility and compassion during this ordeal...
My wife and I were very impressed that you took the time check in on our daughter after the trial was over.
Regards !
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19 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Mensch is a Yiddish which roughly means a good person, a person of integrity and honesty, and I can’t think of a better word to describe Marni Schwartz.
I highly recommend Marni for anyone in need of legal representation. I have used Marni for my divorce and recently for a custody matter, and I couldn't have been more grateful for her expertise and guidance every step of the way. Not only was she extremely knowledgeable in her field, but she also took the time to make sure I understood all of my options and what to expect throughout the process. She was always responsive and kept me updated on any developments or changes in my case. Additionally, she was very professional and compassionate, making a difficult situation a bit easier to handle. Overall, I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional service provided by Marni and would highly recommend her to anyone in need of legal representation.
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31 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
Marni,
I owe you a special debt of gratitude. From the moment we met I felt a sense of ease and assuredness that I would get the best outcome available. As you have seen there was no way I was going to settle this in a reasonable manner.
Thank you for your unfailing support, I know you deal with all sorts of clients and are told all sorts of things, it was always my intention to be honest and forthright with you to assist you in helping me.
I'm grateful a friend suggested I hire you and without a doubt, YOU ARE THE BEST!
I look forward to continuing our relationship and I'd be shocked and amazed if I don't need you in the future.
Thank you so much!
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19 Mar, 2020 by Stephanie
We have used this law practice for several years, mainly for a divorce and multiple wills. Marni and her staff are professional and dedicated to quick and positive outcomes. Highly recommend!
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11 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Lynette is an excellent attorney. She's pragmatic and knowledgeable, but perhaps her best characteristic, is that she's an excellent judge of character. It shocked me how often she would predict the other party's next move.
I credit Lynette with making sense of the complex situation I was in, keeping me calm, and also giving me the insights and clarity I needed to frame what success would look like. This was important, because my case ultimately settled outside of court, during the tense days leading up to the court date.
During the process, Lynette accompanied me to hearings and waited outside during mediation. She read emails and text messages, and also helped me craft responses. I have taken these lessons on communicating with the other party forward into my future, to ensure that my communications are clear and emotionless.
If you're going to hire a lawyer to get things done and counsel you through the process, hire Lynette.
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13 Mar, 2018 by Kevin
As a military member, I had to juggle everything that comes with deploying around the world in addition to a stressful divorce. Lynette proved to be extremely helpful and quickly became someone I relied on to help me through this difficult time. Her expertise, advice, support, and sincere interest in my well-being put me at ease. She was always available and responsive to every question or concern I had. I was afraid of being taken advantage of by my ex-wife and her lawyer, but Lynette fought for me and I am pleased with the resulting settlement. I feel like I gained a friend during a moment in my life marked so heavily by loss. I highly recommend Lynette for anyone requiring any legal service or anyone going thru a difficult time and in need of a knowledgeable friend.
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13 Oct, 2017 by Aaron
Working with Lynette was a seamless, professional, and pleasant experience. After having put off addressing the preparation of a prenuptial agreement longer than my (now) husband and I should have, Lynette was able to work efficiently to help us through the negotiation and execution of an agreement with which we were both happy, which is no easy feat. She was incredibly responsive and pleasant to work with, and she found creative solutions whenever it seemed like my husband and I had reached an impasse or run out of ideas. Her work was excellent, and she made a difficult process as painless as possible. I would work with her again without hesitation on any family law issue.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Gerson r
Fue un eselente servicio del licensiado marvin ochoa ,muy amable atento ,se los recomiendo ,muy confiable
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15 Aug, 2024 by Phil
I will gladly share my experience here, as it changed my life. Without going into dramatic details I am a father who cares very much about my son. Helping him develop into a responsible adult is the most important part of my life. Prior to coming to A Team family law that was going to be a impossible task. The facts are that hiring a lawyer is a expensive adventure regardless of the circumstances but Valerie was more than fair with me when it came to charging me for her time. Hopefully I will never need these types of services again but if I do I couldn't imagine hiring anyone but Valerie. I will never be able to truly express my gratitude but just know that it was a life changing experience for me and I got everything that I wanted and everything I deserved.
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02 May, 2024 by Jaime thompson
Val with A Team Family Law represented me during a very contentious custody case. Not only did Val help me navigate the process and eventually get the best outcome I could, she was also patient, kind, and went to bat for me the way no other attorney previously had. Whether you're looking for someone for family law matters or estate planning for your family's future, Val will always help you put your family first.
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28 Apr, 2023 by Jaime beezel
I cannot recommend Linda Bush with the Law Offices of Shipe and Bush highly enough. She is professional, smart, honest, realistic, and determined. She’s a smooth operator and that courtroom and fought for me with everything she had. When it comes to divorce and family law, look no further! You will definitely have the best by your side.
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12 Sep, 2022 by Christian sotomayor
Great customer service!
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31 Aug, 2022 by Tina merryman
Wonderful to find someone doing what they were meant to do. When a person can combine intelligence, likely years of education, experience and humanity… it can make an unfortunate situation much smoother. Kevin is a patient, smart, kind and compassionate human being with the intelligence and expertise needed for his type of work. Compassionate office staff, as well.
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25 Mar, 2024 by Jennifer
Bianca Pinnock is not only an amazing attorney but an amazing asset to have on your team. She listened to all my needs and her vast knowledge of this area of law made me feel very comfortable with the case we were initiating. She made sure to address every question and concern I had in a timely manner and made the process feel very quick and easy. I am immensely grateful to Bianca and her paralegals as they are the reason two minors will be able to live in a household that can provide safety and stability. If you are looking for a family attorney, do not look any further, Bianca is the best attorney you will come across.
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21 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Bianca was amazing from start to finish with handling my case! She is an advocate, responsive, dedicated, diligent, and meticulous. I appreciate her hard work and dedication to ensuring the timely resolution of my matter. I would highly recommend her!
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20 Mar, 2024 by Lee
Ms. Pinnock has been my attorney for many years. She is excellent, professional, and so understanding. When I first met with her, I was going through a very tough divorce and she made the process so easy. You cannot ask for a more understanding, competent and calming (very important) attorney when dealing with divorce or custody issues.
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1.0
1 Reviews
4.9
17 Reviews
09 Jul, 2024 by Muzamil azeem
10 Jun, 2024 by Farzana easmin
02 May, 2024 by Malkeet singh
07 Nov, 2024 by Melissa miller
I cannot thank Kathleen enough for her outstanding support during my case. From our first meeting, she made me feel heard and understood. Her expertise and compassion helped guide me through one of the most challenging times in my life. Kathleen was always available to answer my questions and provided clear, practical advice that made a significant difference in the process. Her professionalism and dedication were evident every step of the way. I truly appreciate everything she did for me and would highly recommend her to anyone.
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02 Apr, 2024 by Dennis badham
Kathleen and her entire team made a tough divorce and custody situation a lot easier. Kathleen was knowledgeable and honest about the entire process, and kept me informed throughout the duration. I highly recommend this group.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Mary ellen jacobs
Kathleen and her staff were integral in the reason why I was finally able to sign my divorce papers this week. She answered all my questions, was kind with difficult messages and even picked me up on morning when I was experiencing a panic attack before a court date. I would recommend her to anyone in MD for divorce. Thank you so much!
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18 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Best interest of the child is a sound bite. I hope she can sleep at night because my kids are living with an abusive alcoholic but they have deeper pockets than I do.
One star was selected only to submit.
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01 Jun, 2022 by Moses
Ms. Bayne is a phenomenal family law attorney! My wife and I have been her clients since 2015 and from the get go she listened and empathized. She is real and transparent; providing the proper strategy and letting you know every course of action along the way. We had very difficult cases, especially our contested adoption case. She went above and beyond for us and she will go above and beyond for you. We really enjoyed our strategy sessions with her where we would lay out different options, analyze the pros and cons, and then make a decision for the best way forward with backup options at the ready. She will also be honest and does not tell you want you want to hear, instead, she tells you the truth even if that truth is inconvenient. She's quick thinking and knows how to push the opposing side. Ms. Bayne is a deeply caring attorney and doesn't just see you as another number. I would VERY HIGHLY recommend her! Thank you so much Christina for being there for us and our family and fighting for us!
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07 Jan, 2019 by Susan
Christina helped me through my very bumpy divorce. She was extremely knowledgeable, responsive all the while very kind and supportive. She truly cared not only about me but also my costs and spared me from unnecessary expenses. I couldn't be more grateful for all her help. I warmly recommend her to anyone in need of an attorney.
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06 Aug, 2023 by Alex tingle
05 May, 2023 by George bowser
28 Apr, 2023 by Elijah cockey
Great lawyer
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21 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Micah has been my attorney for a number of years. He has always been respectful. thoughtful and above all, honest. That is what I look for in any business relationship. That shows me that he is not " all about the money". Micah represented me in an employment case and it took a very long time. He never gave up at any time. I did work with other attorneys in his firm however, that is what it is about in a team environment. God forbid should anything happen along the way. I think it is a great idea to include others. Everyone can then be on the same page. I also went to him with a family estate issue as well as a medical billing and coding problem. We can't always have our way but I will say this, I can be sure I will understand what the law says about matters that I bring to him especially if there is nothing he can do to help. I will understand why. There was only one time when things did not go my way. But it was not because he did not try for me.
I have seen some of the other reviews that are, shall we say, less than glowing? I have to whole heartedly and respectfully disagree with those people. We cannot make everyone happy that is clear but I will say that I endorse Micah and his team. I will always turn to him for legal advice when I need it. I am grateful for his knowledge and expertise in the matters that I bring to him.
Thank you Lippman, Sempsker and Salb for being my attorneys!
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23 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
I would not recommend Micah Salb. He didn't return my phone calls, and I was constantly passed on to one of his junior associates who also wouldn't return my phone calls. Drafts of paperwork was scheduled to be sent to me by certain dates but it took multiple weeks to even receive an electronic copy. He only cares about the money and not really about the client.
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18 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
I hired Micah Salb to deal with a family estate matter. After nine months with no resolution, I needed to seek other council.
It’s hard for him to listen to the client’s requests. He is arrogant and confrontational, while blaming the client for not cooperating with him.
He had to be pushed and prodded concerning updates on my case. Days and weeks would be go by without any emails from him.
His billing practices are extremely inefficient. My credit card company had to resolve a disputed bill.
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11 Jan, 2025 by Ella mcginnis
have not had a bad experience with any of the personnel that work for davida law
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10 Jan, 2025 by Joshua gilchrist
Great service
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27 Dec, 2024 by Gas one
1.0
1 Reviews
4.4
19 Reviews
26 Dec, 2024 by Taylor godbold
19 Dec, 2023 by Christopher agpaoa
Mark Davis
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22 Aug, 2023 by Bigolebulldog
I'm not a huge fan of attorneys, having had some unpleasant experiences with them in the past, but Davis, Upton, & Palumbo assisted me with one of the happiest events in my life: my son's adoption. Process was straightforward and the cost was reasonable. Hopefully, I won't need representation in the near future, but if/when I do, I'll start here first!
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12 Jul, 2022 by Jeffrey chen
Catelyn helped us navigate all the paperwork and processes associated with an adult adoption. We are very happy to have employed her for her expertise and service. What would have been a confusing and laborious process felt so smooth and easy!
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11 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Hired and paid retainer fee. From that moment...Zero contact with us. Never returned calls. Emailed late at night after events of day have come to pass.
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07 Nov, 2018 by Scott h.
Efficient. Professional. Knowledgeable.
Definite recommend.
Efficient. Professional. Knowledgeable.
Definite recommend.
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What an Adoption Lawyer Can Do for You
An adoption lawyer specializes in navigating the legal complexities of the adoption process, ensuring that the rights of all parties involved - the adoptive parents, birth parents, and the child - are protected. They assist families through the different types of adoption, such as domestic, international, foster care, stepparent, and private adoptions. Adoption lawyers ensure that the adoption process complies with state, federal, and international laws, and handle any legal issues that may arise during the process, such as terminating parental rights, conducting home studies, and finalizing the adoption.
If you're looking to adopt or if you're a birth parent considering placing your child for adoption, an adoption lawyer can guide you through the legal requirements and ensure the process goes smoothly.
When Should I Hire an Adoption Lawyer?
You should consider hiring an adoption lawyer in the following situations:
- Private or independent adoption: If you’re adopting a child directly from the birth parents without the involvement of an adoption agency, a lawyer is essential to draft and review all legal documents, including consent forms and parental rights termination agreements.
- Foster care adoption: If you’re adopting a child from foster care, a lawyer can help navigate the legal process, ensure the child’s eligibility for adoption, and represent you in court to finalize the adoption.
- Stepparent or relative adoption: If you’re adopting a stepchild or a relative, a lawyer can assist in terminating the parental rights of the biological parent and ensure the adoption is completed legally and efficiently.
- International adoption: International adoptions are complex, involving multiple layers of laws from the U.S. and the child’s birth country. A lawyer can help navigate immigration requirements and ensure compliance with international treaties like the Hague Convention.
- Contested adoptions: If a birth parent changes their mind about the adoption or there is a dispute over parental rights, a lawyer can represent you in court and ensure that the adoption proceeds legally.
- Adoption for same-sex couples: If you're a same-sex couple looking to adopt, a lawyer can help ensure that your adoption complies with state laws and that both parents have equal legal rights to the child.
- Birth parent representation: If you’re a birth parent considering adoption, a lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected, help you understand the legal implications of terminating parental rights, and ensure that your decision is legally sound.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help avoid legal complications and ensure that the adoption is legally finalized as smoothly as possible.
What Does an Adoption Lawyer Do?
An adoption lawyer provides a variety of legal services, ensuring that the adoption process is completed in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing legal paperwork: Adoption lawyers handle all the necessary paperwork, including petitions to terminate parental rights, consent forms, and final adoption decrees. They ensure that the adoption is in line with state, federal, and international laws.
- Conducting home studies: Some adoptions require a home study to evaluate the prospective adoptive family. While a social worker usually conducts the study, a lawyer can ensure that the process complies with legal requirements and that the report is submitted correctly.
- Terminating parental rights: Lawyers assist in terminating the legal rights of the biological parents, either voluntarily through signed consent or involuntarily through court proceedings if necessary.
- Representing clients in court: Adoption lawyers represent adoptive parents, birth parents, or other parties in court hearings to finalize the adoption or resolve disputes.
- Navigating international adoption laws: For international adoptions, a lawyer helps ensure that all legal requirements, both in the U.S. and the child’s home country, are met, including securing the child’s visa and citizenship.
- Providing legal advice: Adoption lawyers guide clients through each step of the adoption process, advising them on their rights and obligations, as well as any potential legal issues that may arise.
- Drafting post-adoption agreements: In some cases, especially open adoptions, a lawyer can help draft post-adoption agreements that specify the level of contact between the adoptive and birth parents.
How Are Adoption Lawyers Paid?
Adoption lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the adoption and the time involved. Common payment structures include:
- Flat fee: Many adoption lawyers charge a flat fee for handling the entire adoption process. This is common for straightforward adoptions, such as stepparent or foster care adoptions, where the legal work is relatively predictable.
- Hourly rate: For more complex adoptions, such as contested or international adoptions, some lawyers charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $200 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: In cases where the adoption process may take longer or involve more legal work (e.g., termination of parental rights or court disputes), a lawyer may require a retainer, which is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on the case.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront, so you understand the total cost of the adoption and any additional expenses that may arise during the process.
How Much Does an Adoption Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an adoption lawyer depends on the type of adoption and the complexity of the case. General cost estimates include:
- Stepparent or relative adoption: Legal fees for these types of adoptions typically range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on whether the adoption is contested or requires a court hearing.
- Domestic private adoption: The legal fees for a private adoption usually range from $5,000 to $10,000, including drafting documents, terminating parental rights, and finalizing the adoption in court.
- International adoption: International adoptions are generally more expensive, with legal fees ranging from $7,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the adoption and the child’s country of origin.
- Contested adoption: If the adoption is contested and involves court disputes, legal fees may range from $10,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the length and complexity of the court proceedings.
In addition to lawyer fees, adoptive parents should also be aware of additional costs such as court filing fees, home study fees, and travel expenses (for international adoptions).
Top Questions to Ask an Adoption Lawyer
Before hiring an adoption lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they have the experience and knowledge to handle your case effectively. Key questions to ask include:
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What experience do you have with adoptions?
Ensure the lawyer has experience with the specific type of adoption you’re pursuing, whether it’s domestic, international, foster care, or stepparent adoption. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee or hourly rate and ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs involved in your adoption. -
What are the legal requirements for my adoption?
Ask the lawyer to explain the legal steps involved in your adoption and any specific requirements that may apply to your case, such as home studies or parental consent. -
How long will the adoption process take?
Adoption timelines can vary depending on the type of adoption, so ask the lawyer for an estimate of how long the process will take, including any potential delays. -
What are the common challenges in adoption cases?
Ask about any potential legal challenges that could arise during the adoption process and how the lawyer plans to address them. -
Will I need to go to court?
Depending on the adoption, you may need to attend court hearings. Ask the lawyer whether your presence will be required and what to expect during these hearings. -
Can you help with post-adoption issues?
Ask the lawyer if they can assist with any post-adoption issues, such as obtaining the child’s birth certificate, finalizing the child’s U.S. citizenship (for international adoptions), or drafting post-adoption contact agreements.
How to Check the Credibility of an Adoption Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable adoption lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no disciplinary actions on their record.
- Look for adoption experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in adoption law and have experience handling cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about their experience with the lawyer.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on adoption cases.
- Check for memberships in relevant organizations: Look for lawyers who are members of adoption-focused organizations like the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys (AAAA), which can indicate their expertise in this field.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your first consultation with an adoption lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Information about the child and birth parents: Provide any available information about the child you’re adopting (e.g., age, country of origin, current living situation) and the birth parents, if applicable.
- Adoption preferences: Be clear about the type of adoption you’re pursuing - whether it’s domestic, international, foster care, stepparent, or private - and discuss any preferences you have regarding the child’s age, background, or special needs.
- Legal documents (if applicable): If you’ve already begun the adoption process or have signed any agreements, bring copies of all relevant legal documents, such as consent forms or agency agreements.
- Questions about the adoption process: Prepare a list of questions about the legal steps involved in your adoption, potential timelines, and any concerns you may have about the process.
- Financial considerations: Be ready to discuss your budget for legal fees and any additional costs, such as home studies, court fees, and travel expenses (for international adoptions).
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice for your adoption journey.
