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4.9
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31 Aug, 2024 by Alaa
Donna is a great person, precise, honest, easy to reach out and communicate with at personal level. She managed my divorce process in a very professional manner. She had to deal with a very difficult, unprofessional, time wasting lawyer of my X-wife, Erica Brown,
Thank you Donna for getting me through the most difficult time of my life.
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13 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Exceptional Lawyer !!!!
I spent a week consulting lawyers about our case, they all needed to do research before agreeing to take the case.
I emailed Mrs. Donna Medina at 1:15 a.m. on a Sunday morning regarding our urgent case, she called me back at 3:30 am and gave instructions on how to proceed. That Monday, Donna stepped into a highly complicated case and showed exceptional legal prowess. The instructions from the 1st session wound up being pivotal to the case being resolved in our favor. She guided us through a complicated process taking over 2 years and four courts to resolve. She managed the technical/legal process while acting as a counselor to help keep our emotions intact. She kept the 'Family' in family law. No call, email or text went unanswered, she was extremely responsive. Donna’s experience, professionalism and attention to detail stood out as our case moved all the way to the State Supreme Court for rulings. We watched as Mrs. Medina respectfully coached multiple judges on the law/court procedures because our case was so unique. One day after court, I told my wife "it’s like watching Micheal Jordon in the court room". Retaining Donna was a slam dunk for our family! We are most impressed with how she follows up just to see how things are going even after the case is resolved.
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13 May, 2022 by Lindsay wojewuczki
I honestly don’t even know where to start with this review. Donna Medina is one of the best people I have ever met. I had an extremely complicated child custody case, and she handled it SO perfectly. She truly cares about me and my girls. She was there for me emotionally and always made me feel like I was her only case , even though I knew how busy she was. She was always so professional, handled everything with such a great attitude. And let me tell you, it was not easy dealing with what we were dealing with. She truly made me a stronger mother and showed me how to stand up for myself. I truly went through the worst times of my life dealing with my case and I swear she made it “not that bad”. I don’t know how I could ever thank her enough. If I could give a million star review I would. Highly highly recommend her.
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.8
31 Reviews
24 Jan, 2025 by Ron meier
I am so happy I chose Michigan Injury Lawyers! The personnel was kind, made me feel at ease, and took great care of everything.
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22 Jan, 2025 by Harry pryor
He helped me after a car accident and made the entire procedure considerably smoother. He was always ready to answer questions and kept me informed every step of the journey!
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09 Jan, 2025 by Brad day
Attorney Tom Stroble is the very best! He handled my automobile accident case with care and kept me informed every step of the way. I could not have asked for a better result.
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04 May, 2015 by Robert
Mary Conklin wonderfully assisted in the needs of an elderly member of my church. In the process I was appointed to be the power of attorney in health and legal matters and then as the executor of the estate. Mary provided ongoing guidance and the necessary advice and legal work during those times. I recently completely my responsibilities to the estate. I appreciated her professionalism, knowledge, and "going the extra mile" spirit of service. I have recommended her to others and would certainly continue to do so. She is without question someone you can trust.
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07 Jan, 2025 by Michael kosmalski
NUMBER on google and web site no good CLOSED
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29 Aug, 2024 by Jennifer griffiths
Talia, Tonya & Vasil were a pleasure to work with and made the process as stressless as possible. Highly recommend!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Geo capelo
**Review for Attorney Talia Goetting**
I had the pleasure of working with Attorney Talia Goetting for a family law matter, and I cannot speak highly enough of her services. Talia truly has a heart of gold, and her compassion and dedication are evident in every interaction. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her clients feel supported and informed throughout the legal process.
Talia's ethics are impeccable, and she always operates with the highest level of integrity. Her deep knowledge of family law, combined with her empathetic approach, makes her an exceptional advocate for her clients. If you're looking for a family law attorney who genuinely cares about your well-being and is committed to achieving the best possible outcome, Talia Goetting is the perfect choice.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Kylie carducci
Highly recommend! They will go above and beyond for you as a client and exceed expectations by their hard work and dedication. Extremely knowledgeable, think outside of the box to make sure you have all the tools needed to present in court. Worked with Ryan Decker and Molly Boughton.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Matthew carducci
I have had the pleasure of working with Ryan Decker , Molly Boughton and Andrew Gerkin over the last 4 years and every time they have stepped up and handled any issue at hand. From dog bites to divorce and a custody battle. They have gone above and beyond for me and my family. I will be forever grateful for what they have accomplished for me.
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14 Sep, 2024 by Dylan wheeler
Karen took me on last minute. I couldn't have asked for a better divorce attorney. After our first FOC meet she was able to get me two nights shy of 50% of my daughter, then 2. A month later she was able to get me 50%. It was a very tough process for me but she made it rather easy. I didn't want much from the divorce, but what I did want she was able to get for me. There was a lot that I needed to hear through this whether it was good or bad and she kept it straight and honest.
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29 May, 2022 by Kathie and phil
If you have a child or grandchild who needs a QUALIFIED ADVOCATE, Paula Aylward is the one. Paula helped us come to the aid of our granddaughter during one of the most challenging times of our lives. She is an EXPERT IN THE FIELD of FAMILY LAW and CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES. Paula is COMPETENT, CARING, COMPASSIONATE and extremely KNOWLEDGEABLE. She has EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION SKILLS (verbal and written). SHE IS RESPONSIVE AND CONSCIENTIOUS. Paula knows the law and is willing and able to take on government bureaucrats to pursue justice. She is a no-nonsense attorney who perseveres. In our view, Paula Aylward is the #1 SUPER LAWYER. WE RECOMMEND PAULA WITHOUT RESERVATION!
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19 Apr, 2022 by Dm
I hired Paula Aylward to expunge a CPS record from 17 years ago. She did an amazing job of gathering all the facts, reviewing changes in the law, and reviewing errors made by CPS. She kept me informed at all times. She was able to get this off my record so I can proceed with my career and life without his hanging over my head. Thank you!
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13 Jan, 2022 by Carol
Paula is a wonderful resource and so knowledgeable about child laws. She helped us with a recent case and I would highly recommend her! Her expertise in this field is just what you need if you are seeking an attorney who knows about child welfare in every facet.
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17 Dec, 2024 by Ginger smietana
Tibble law has helped me with both Trust document, set up an LLC & other minor items. he is quite knowledgeable and will suggest some options that I did not necessarily think of.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Kathy cory
What an amazing person and attorney! His kindness and understanding of my situation gave me such relief! If you need an attorney that will fight for you...see Attorney Tibble!
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23 Mar, 2024 by Cliff
Gary and Susan made my FSBO purchase of property smooth. Making the agreement and setting everything up for the closing on the property. Much appreciated.
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20 May, 2022 by Rosalin
Mara Kent has been a pleasure to work with on our estate planning. She’s been thorough, knowledgeable, efficient, great at answering our questions, clear in her explanations, and helpful in all aspects of our estate needs. I would highly recommend her for legal advise and certainly, estate planning.
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21 Jan, 2022 by Kristi
Mara is amazing! I have utilized her services multiple times.
Most recently, she represented me in a dispute with my financial institution. She had to educate this financial institution about the law and was able to resolve the dispute in my favor. She had a better grasp of the financial law than this institution with its team of professional lawyers.
Previously she handled my estate planning & was delightful to work with. She enjoyed fielding my many questions and explaining legal terms to me.
She not only knows the law backwards & forwards, but she has infinite patience to explain it to people in a very respectful, considerate manner.
I would highly, highly recommend her.
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26 Jun, 2018 by Tracy
Mara handled my estate planning needs and was very clear in explaining what can be a very confusing subject. I appreciated her knowledge, thoroughness and friendly demeanor. I highly recommend Mara.
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09 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
If you're looking for someone fluffy, this is not the attorney for you. He's down-to-earth, honest, trustworthy and, a bit brash at times, but if you need something done, this is your guy. He's assisted our family in several matters, from divorce, custodianship, guardianship, will prep and conservatorships. I highly recommend.
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27 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Melder & Melder has assisted myself and family with several items from divorce, real-estate and bankruptcy over the last few years. Aric Melder is not only well versed with many different legal matters but an excellent litigator for all of them. He is responsible, ethical and you can count on him and the firm to get the job done. The firm cares about their clients and go out of their way to take care of them. Their fees are very competitive. It is hard to find the right attorney, for a price you can afford. Melder & Melder surpassed my expectations and am confident that they will do the same for their other clients as well.
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28 Apr, 2014 by Elaine
Aric and his team are great! I needed a good divorce attorney that was affordable as well. Aric and his team were very professional and competent and got me an my kids the settlement we deserved. I was pleasantly surprised at the different areas of law his practice covers. I will be also getting him to handle my credit issues and possible bankruptcy as well.
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03 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Brenda Sprader did a great job!
Responsive and compassionate are two words that come to mind. Brenda has been fantastic in helping with our estate planning needs and even after the paperwork was in place, Brenda has continued to be there to answer questions, assist with additional items and truly cares about us as a family.
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09 Feb, 2016 by Joseph
Brenda handled my Case, and I couldn't be happier with the results. She familiarized herself with my case immediately, answered all my questions and addressed all my concerns, directly. I would recommend Brenda E Sprader!
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03 Feb, 2016 by Brenda
Brenda was recommended to me by a friend of mine, and I'm glad I got her as my lawyer. She does a phenomenal job. Brenda understood what needed to be done! I'm so happy that I chose her. She's extremely professional and knows what she's doing.
I'd recommend her to anyone and everyone! :)
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10 Oct, 2022 by Michael
Sonia Cannon is a wonderful attorney who is well-versed in the law, a zealous advocate for her clients and clearly well-respected by her peers, courtroom staff and judges. She keeps in regular communication with clients and is very responsive to them. Sonia took my family law case on the morning of an initial hearing and has been a blessing ever since, securing a favorable resolution for our family for which I will be forever grateful.
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25 Jan, 2018 by Rebecca santana
Sonia will go out of her way for the benefit of her clients. She will see to it that justice is served. She is most definitely a shark in a suit. It's amazing to see how highly she is respected when she walks into a court room. Sonia has been a blessing to our family.
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03 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
I met Sonia over a year ago. She handled my two cases for me. One was a personal protection order obtained under false pretenses and the other was a crazy live in girlfriend who tried to file a personal protection order. I was given prompt attention and she handled both cases very thoroughly.
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07 Dec, 2021 by Scott
Kathryn listened to me! She made sure she understood all the details of my divorce and acted accordingly! She was very professional and made sure my concerns were address in my final Judgment. I would hire her again if I ever needed a lawyer for anything.
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28 Jun, 2017 by Bonnie
I live out of state with my 15 year old son. My ex husband has summer parenting time privilege with him and had been keeping him from having any contact with me for sometimes more than a week at a time. Kathryn was able to get a hearing before our Judge in a short amount of time and I was awarded everything I asked for plus a little more. Kathryn is companionate, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile.
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14 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Kathryn has been representing me in a change of custody motion filed against me. Kathryn hasn't missed a single detail and is very well prepared at every hearing. She possesses a high level of ethics that extend to the billable hours that she charges. Having been through this a number of times now with other attorneys, I can honestly say there is no other attourney I would rather have sitting next to me in that courtroom.
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01 May, 2016 by Sharon
Divorce is one of the most difficult decisions that too many people have to make. The day I met Erica, was the day that I knew everything would be o.k. I found her to be very supportive, conscientious, caring, knowledgeable of the ins and outs of divorce and child custody, as well as very thorough. She made sure that I understood what was expected of me, and what I should expect from her. She was cognizant of my financial situation, and was willing to work with me to try and keep costs down as much as she could.
My divorce was painful, yet healing. It’s been a little over 2 years since I first met Erica. We’ve stayed in touch, and I am forever grateful for her time and efforts to get my children and I where we are today.
Should you find yourself in the position of impending divorce, I highly recommend you consider contacting Erica G. Brown as your representative. She truly is one of a kind.
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24 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Erica was an incredible advocate for me during a very complex, excessively long and exhausting divorce. She listened to me, understood my position on certain things, worked to make sure my interests were represented, and was always conscious of keeping my legal costs down (picking the right battles). She continues to look out for me and make recommendations as the residual details of the judgement are finalized.
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04 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Kristyn helped me with a matter several years ago and was excellent. She knows the law inside and out and clearly has a lot of respect from other lawyers and judges. On top of that, since then, over the years I’ve had to consult her on other issues and she continually does a great job. I’ve referred her services to many others and would do so again without reservation!
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07 Jun, 2017 by Cathy
I hired Ms. Recchia to help with getting my divorce judgment enforced because my ex-husband was ignoring everything the court had previously ordered. She was able to get everything handled in a relatively short time and was very easy to talk to and work with.
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05 Nov, 2014 by Anita
I started using Yeshareg Belay for my H-1B visa, and later for my green card. I always felt like Yeshareg was genuinely interested in my case as she would always take the time to answer my calls and respond to my e-mails right away. Her up-to-date knowledge of the changing laws made both processes as easy and short as possible. She was very diligent with filing on time, meeting deadlines, and communicating with me and my employer to keep us informed of how things were progressing. I highly recommend Yeshareg Belay to anyone looking for an immigration attorney.
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14 Feb, 2014 by Sampson
Attorney Belay provided us excellent service during the petitioning for my mother to join mein the US. She was always there to help us whether we had questions or concerns abiut the process. I was very impressed with the quick responses and determination to see our case through successfully. i would highly recommend her to others.
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07 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
I had a warrant for an old probation violation. Alyia was able to resolve my charges with no court appearance required. She did a great job and I'm very satisfied.
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25 Nov, 2012 by Christina
Alyia went well above what I expected from a lawyer. She genuinely cared about my needs and wanted what was best for me. Her wealth of knowledge continued to impress me throughout our relations. I will employ Alyia in the future for any and all of my legal needs.
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29 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
Mr. Gaus is a very experienced, very effective lawyer. He listened to me, he laid out my legal options and then when we selected a course, he worked tenaciously to get my result for me.
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15 Sep, 2014 by Regina
Teri is absolutely fantastic! She made my husband and I feel very at ease during the entire adoption process. She was quick to get back with us whenever we had a question and is very easy to talk to. I would HIGHLY recommend hiring Teri if you are needing someone to represent you during your adoption process.
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02 May, 2017 by Kim
I was involved in a lawsuit for several thousand dollars in unpaid rent that I thought had been paid by my former roommate. Ms. Carnagie was able to walk me through all the paperwork and fully explain my options. She negotiated with the apartment complex and was able to reach a settlement which I could afford. I am extremely grateful for all her help in the situation!
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26 May, 2018 by Patrick
Christine represented me in a property lawsuit. She did a fantastic job and I would recommend her to anyone.
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05 Jun, 2023 by Micky gordon
Solid attorney, goes above and beyond for her clients.
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03 Jun, 2023 by Mathew hebenstreit
She is great and very helpful and knowledgeable
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10 Mar, 2022 by Rebecca brandt
She really cares about her clients. Easy to talk to and fights for your rights.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Ron meier
I am so happy I chose Michigan Injury Lawyers! The personnel was kind, made me feel at ease, and took great care of everything.
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22 Jan, 2025 by Harry pryor
He helped me after a car accident and made the entire procedure considerably smoother. He was always ready to answer questions and kept me informed every step of the journey!
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09 Jan, 2025 by Brad day
Attorney Tom Stroble is the very best! He handled my automobile accident case with care and kept me informed every step of the way. I could not have asked for a better result.
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02 Aug, 2024 by John estlund (me)
Awesome Experience, Tony is a phenomenonal attorney. Highly recommend!!
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25 Jun, 2024 by Dave kinder
Tony is very competent, and knowledgeable.
I highly recommend him.
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15 Jun, 2024 by Jason hunt
Tony and his staff are very professional and polite. I had no complications with my case and they solved my debt issue very quickly. They are also reasonable on there prices. I definitely would recommend Tony Abueita to anyone who is filing for bankruptcy
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20 Jan, 2025 by Brady
It was so nice to deal with a candid and honest attorney who was extremely knowledgeable regarding our issues. He clarified our concerns and was very patient with us He is also heavily invested with the well-being of the community, which is massively beneficial, having someone who actually cares about outcomes.
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19 Oct, 2024 by Ryan peabody
Love these people will use them again!
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16 Oct, 2024 by Kyle mead
Herbert has biblical values and for our family, that matters. Herbert gave his time to hear my family estate concerns with a civil matter. He was straight forward with pros and cons of this situation. His guidance was very helpful and if I ever need further assistance, I'll be calling this humble and honest lawyer. Truly what a lawyer should be.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Susan (suza) duesbery
I highly recommend Kevin for anyone seeking expert guidance on protecting their intellectual property. He skillfully navigated me through the process of securing two trademarks, making it seamless and stress-free. Kevin's professionalism, combined with his approachable demeanor, ensured I always understood each step of the process. I’ll definitely turn to him for all my future trademark needs. Thank you, Kevin!
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22 Nov, 2024 by Steve viggiano
We had an excellent experience working with Kevin McLaughlin at Crafted Law. He was knowledgeable, professional, and attentive throughout the entire trademark process. From the initial consultation to the final registration, Crafted Law made the process very straightforward. They took the time to answer all of our teams questions and provided valuable insights to ensure our brand was fully protected. I highly recommend Kevin McLaughlin to anyone looking for expert trademark assistance.
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21 Nov, 2024 by Jayson dekmar
Kevin filed a trademark for my company. He had great communication and prices seemed reasonable. I would work with him again.
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29 Oct, 2024 by Sherry butler
Willis Law is phenomenal!! Wonderful fast response on my case. Polite and courteous. Very capable. If and when I may need other services, they will be the first I call. Highly recommended!!!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Stan runyon
Mariko at Willis Law was very professional when we updated our estate plan. We were treated with the utmost respect and excellent service. I highly recommend Willis Law.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Kathy hawkins
Wills Law helped my husband and I do our estate planning. They were so kind and helpful when we didn’t know what we were doing. I bugged them several times and they were always kind and professional. If we ever need to change something in our will, we will definitely go back to Willis Law.
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30 Mar, 2015 by Ken
I have used Cheryl to handle several matters and am astounded at the success. She is the most knowledgeable attorney I have met in regards to divorce, PPO's and the legal process in general. The nice thing about Cheryl is that she knows Monroe county, she understands how the judges think and makes her plan around that. She is almost like this quite lioness hiding in the weeds, she jumps out and pounces on her prey and they never see it coming. She uses everything to her advantage in one way or another, the law is still the law don't get me wrong but she has a very keen way of getting her point across. Thank you for the successes !!
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29 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
I used her twice for getting custody of my daughter. Once to get custody, the second to keep custody from a drug addicted father.
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04 Jul, 2013 by Jamie
Cheryl helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. I had less worries with Cheryl representing me! She is honest, fair, and trustworthy....she is like family to me.
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5.0
1 Reviews
4.3
6 Reviews
08 Mar, 2023 by Jennifer dowker
Entering into a high conflict divorce was stressful to say the least. I googled ‘best divorce attorney in Michigan’ and this firm was closest to me. Eric and his team were compassionate, professional, and hands down the best! Google was not wrong, they are an amazing team!
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14 Dec, 2022 by Thrivingfor5 leewomack
Very unfriendly staff, asking for a consult and she (Molly) hung up on me because I did not want to answer personal questions without a confidentiality contract after agreeing to a $250/ hour consultation fee.
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08 Dec, 2022 by Natalia wilczek
We worked with Morgan Shier on a complex international adoption case, and the expertise and guidance she provided allowed us to seek the exact solution we wanted. Our case was difficult as it involved a delicate navigation of US citizenship requirements, international adoption criteria, and Jamaican and US family-law knowledge. She provided quick and expert opinion that allowed us to take care of a child in need as soon as feasibly possible. Morgan is awesome, and we highly recommend her and the Eric Phelps law firm for your adoption/family law needs.
The Oliviers.
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21 Oct, 2013 by Steven
Peter Armstrong has helped my family and extended family with wills, living trusts, and other vital documents. He was personable and interested in what was best for our family. He did great work and revealed great character. I highly recommend using Peter Armstrong for family law needs.
Bottom line: He cares and is trustworthy.
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12 Apr, 2013 by Stacy
I came to Pete with a horrible divorce. He was honest with me, even when I didn't want to hear it and was there for me and the kids the whole way. I could not have had a better lawyer! My case was pushed away by other lawyers due to the circumstances involved, but Pete took it and was not only very involved but one of the most patient and understanding lawyers I could have ever hoped to have found. He was always there to answer questions and console me when I was frustrated or upset. Thanks to Pete, I have my kids and my life back and everything we need to start our new life!
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26 Jul, 2011 by Theresa
I found Pete Armstrong strictly by accident, and it was a blessing that I did. I actually found him before I even met him, I filled out a motion on my own for reimbursement of medical expenses in the self help center at the court house, and it was actually Pete who helped me find the right forms, and without telling me what to say, guided me through filling out those forms. I never would have been able to win my motion without his help.
When I went looking for an attorney, I fell upon Pete by accident. I called and left him a message, told him what I was needing and got a very prompt response. After speaking with me, he told me he could look over my file at the court and let me know his opinion on what I should do. I was grateful for any advice he would give me, and after discussing fees I decided to retain him to be my voice in order to do what needed to be done in the best interest of my children in my parenting time and child support case. Pete was on my children's side through the entire thing. I can't express how much it meant to me that he wasn't on my side, and he wasn't on my ex's side, but he was there to protect my children and do what was best for them.
I have never encountered anyone like him before, no matter what I said, or expressed to him, he never judged, he was the voice that I needed to speak for me and to help me do right by my children.
I have since reconciled with my ex and we are putting our family back together, and even in that Pete has been helpful, letting me know what steps needed to be taken to rectify issues outstanding with our cases in court.
If you ever need an attorney, Pete is the one I would recommend for anything family related. He's not in it for the money, he's in it for the family...and that means everything to me.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Brenda nemeth
These ladies did a great job with my case. Professional, timely, followed thru and most importantly, THEY LISTENED!! When no one else would, they did. They understood my feelings and kept it Professional. We will forever be thankful for making the call!
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18 Nov, 2024 by Travis holwerda
Every interaction that I had with Rodenhouse Law Group was steeped in professionalism of the highest order. Every member of their staff treated me with courtesy and respect and answered any questions or concerns I had knowledgeably. I would recommend their services to anyone seeking legal counsel.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Ty troeger
While needing to hire a lawyer was not on my list of things to do in life, being in a position where I needed one brought me to the Rodenhouse Law Group. Wonderful people from start to finish. Audra McClure was amazing with communication from the initial meeting to the final contact. Their efforts certainly made a life changing experience one that was not rushed, felt like I was being pressured or just another number in their list of clients: they made me feel like everything I had to say was important regardless of how big or little the details were.
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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.
