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26 Jun, 2024 by Karen childs
I highly recommend Attorney John Stryker, for your family law needs. He goes above and beyond to answer any questions and concerns. He helped me with a custody battle and did an amazing job. He was excellent in client service, he has in depth knowledge of the law and is proficient in critical and creative thinking.
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19 Jun, 2024 by Tom kratko
I am writing to highly recommend Attorney John Stryker to anyone in need of exceptional legal representation, particularly for cases involving advocacy for children.
In my personal experience, working with John has been nothing short of enlightening. As a father and an individual, John's expertise has truly made a significant impact. He possesses remarkable skills in effective and intelligent communication, which was evident in our interactions. John displayed a unique ability to guide my thought process, helping me navigate through the complexity of legal matters by distinguishing between emotional attachments and crucial considerations.
For individuals, like myself, who may be inexperienced in legal procedures, John shines as a great communicator, educator, and advisor. His commitment to educating his clients and providing sound guidance is commendable. He creates an environment that allows for a deeper understanding of the legal process, empowering individuals to become effective advocates for their children.
In conclusion, if you are seeking legal representation that is not only proficient but also dedicated to your cause, I wholeheartedly recommend Attorney John Stryker. His expertise, communication skills, and commitment to his clients truly set him apart in the legal field.
Thank you for considering my recommendation.
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17 May, 2024 by Private jet pod
03 May, 2022 by Emily
Petrified, I walked into Christina Strasel's office three years ago. Through a difficult divorce and some custodial amendments, Christina truly empowered me to foster and maintain a peaceful co-parenting relationship with my ex partner and reassured me throughout the legal processes. Christina also worked carefully to protect my financial assets during the divorce. I will use Christina for all future legal needs! Thank you, Christina!
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11 May, 2017 by Rose
As my husband and I explored the potential opportunity we had to be match with a birth mom in Ohio, Julia was willing to talk with us and answer any legal questions we had about the process for Ohio. She also was able to recommend an attorney in our home state to collaborate with, and 2 adoption agencies in Ohio to work thru. We greatly appreciated her willings to help us out, even though we were not yet a paying customer, and will definitely be using her if we need an attorney in her area. She definitely exhibits a passion for what she does and is there to help you any way possible.
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01 Feb, 2014 by Candace
Renee is an absolute AWESOME lawyer!! She is very straight forward and honest with you! She gets right on the job and gets you exactly what you're entitled to! I highly recommend her! She is extremely knowledgeable & no one will get anything over on her. She is fierce when she needs to be! She totally impressed me & will be the only lawyer I ever hirer or recommend!!!
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13 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
She has been a great help to my immigration matters. She is trustworthy and knowledgeable when it comes to immigration matter. I recommend Monica.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Angie boulis
Shannon is an absolute beast in the court room. Great communication and breaking down step by step process. Very understanding and professional during entire process. Can't say enough wonderful things about her and her work. Would highly recommend and would use her again in the future, if ever needed.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Justis nance
Best attorney I’ve had! She actually cares and listens. I had a great experience with Shannon!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jermaine greer
Shannon and Rose are very professional and Shannon as far as her performance as a lawyer is a beast!!! She handled my case great!!! This experience with a local lawyer was night and day from the last time.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Josh sadler
I have worked with atorneyStefanie Brunemann multiple times over the years for various issues post-divorce . She has always given me an honest appraisal of my situation and has kept me from going to court a couple of times while still getting to a positive result for me. I would absolutely use her services again.
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27 Jun, 2024 by Griffin
Love the people there and how they take care of my every need.
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21 Jun, 2024 by F e
I hired this law firm in trying to clear my name. The day of court my lawyer hadn't showed up to the very last minute and he wasn't even prepared. The judge was annoyed because he didn't even know that he was the lawyer to be present and then had to fill out paperwork at the start of the court preceding to sign in. Clearly, didn't make my representation better. My lawyer hadn't read any of my documents because if he had, then he would have better arguements. Definitely, just another pay day for these people. My lawyer was dumbfounded regarding this civil matter. Nothing was accomplished to protect me or to make me come out feeling like a 2000 dollar investment was worth it. Very dissatisfied and told their was nothing they can do about my case not being sealed, but not enough was done in the court room in the first place. Just thought it would be a smooth ride and I would get the verdict, but that wasn't the case.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
I feel bad for my lawyers kids. She's fat and ugly and can't create factual arguments so she just writes smear campaigns. Can't imagine what their poor father goes through if that's all she's good at.
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12 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
For Hailey being court ordered to me for my case she was so amazing at her job. If I could I would use her in all my other cases dealing with my children. If your looking for someone to help you with your kids I 100% would recommend Haley mcdaniels
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10 Nov, 2023 by Matthew
Haley is the best and only family law attorney I have ever worked with. From our first meeting, she explained everything to me in terms I could easily understand and was always very responsive when I had questions outside of our meetings.
If anyone is looking for a knowledgeable attorney go to Haley.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Angela rush
Excellent service, highly recommend, thank you for outstanding service!
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17 Dec, 2024 by Jessica herriman
29 Nov, 2024 by Michael foltz
I met with Greg for a consult, and was given a lot of information. I am pleased and will return for future dealings. Office staff very friendly and accommodating.
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10 Jan, 2025 by Lannah anderson
Chris kept us well informed and helped my family navigate through a very difficult time. He was very straightforward and honest. I hope to never need his services again but I would recommend him to anyone. Thank you for everything!
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24 May, 2024 by Julie smith
They are so helpful and kind.
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07 Apr, 2024 by Matt
Linda is fast, efficient and communicative. She did a great job for our family.
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10 Feb, 2024 by Kylie conrad
12 Sep, 2023 by Christopher “cole” bowersock
Courtesy albeit a bit pricey
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18 Apr, 2023 by Zack fellows
Amazing work done by Chris Amatto and his team, very transparent and communicate great. If I called or text I would always get an answer, sometimes right away, other times it took a little bit, but either way any questions or concerns I had, was answered. Thank you Chris and everyone affiliated with my case, you all are amazing!
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10 Sep, 2024 by Jessica ward
I feel so blessed and incredibly grateful that Mr. Wagner was appointed my council in a custody case in Pickaway county. He is so knowledgeable and amazing at his job. He's honest and upfront with the different possibilities surrounding your case. He's patient and takes time to explain things and how things work. He's always reliable and even though he is busy, he makes sure to return calls or just check in. He's extremely professional and also always makes sure you, his client, feels comfortable, seen, and heard. He truly is the best of the best. I was lucky to be appointed Mr. Wagner but if I ever need a lawyer again, I will be calling Evan!!! So if you're looking for a lawyer who is Professional, Knowledgeable in law, Trustworthy, Reliable, Honest, Patient, Caring and good at getting the job done-------> look no further, Evan N. Wagner is who your looking for!!!
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10 Aug, 2024 by Dodoking 37
He helped us through a horrible case with CPS. He was massive help, understanding, and an absolutely amazing attorney. I highly recommend getting Evan Wagner as your attorney for whatever case you may be going through.
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28 May, 2024 by Howard goodman
He is a great lawyer puts his all in to the case been my lawyer going on 8 years
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11 Oct, 2024 by James walton
Straight shooter /upfront ,will let you know what he can do ;what he can’t, and what he’s going do 4 YOU! Great attorney recommended to EVERYONE! HE MEANS BUSINESS AND GETS IT DONE!!
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08 Oct, 2024 by Dyan i. jessica *
Mike Boske lied to Judge Elam about my case! Then said he wasn’t aware of my duplicate license. I got the book thrown at me! 30 days in county, fines, and a 3 year suspension! He’s a spineless man! He refunded my money, but couldn’t possibly repay me for all the damages he caused in my life! Disgusting attorney.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Richard baker
Chris was Greta to work with on my recent case. He was efficient and I had a great result.
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03 Jan, 2025 by Eddie
great guy i saw him at mcalpine meadery. 100/10
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12 Dec, 2024 by Bobbi wright
I received great service and received great customer service.
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03 Dec, 2024 by Mike mcclure
I was never a believer is injury lawyers until I worked with Nicholas Dodosh. His professionalism, attention to detail and negotiating abilities provided a very satisfactory resolution after my car accident accident and subsequent treatment. Thank You for representing me, Nicholas!
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20 Jan, 2025 by Beth and mike sheridan
A carrying and compassionate professional.
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14 Jan, 2025 by John lohrman
Very thorough and passionate regarding probate law. Highly recommend as a firm for Will & Estates.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Justin fox
These guys helped me through a very difficult estate.These service was great and made everything a lot less stressful even with the harships and roadblocks the league system threw at us.Would recommend them to anyone who asked me for a recommendation.
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30 Nov, 2021 by Jason davidson
I was referred to Mr. Miller through a few friends for a custody issue and a bankruptcy. When we first met, I did not bring the documents I was asked to bring. He was willing to reschedule, and I brought the papers. He was honest about the issues in my custody case and that some things from a few years ago would probably be brought up by my ex, which they were. He stood up for my rights as a father and made sure I had time with my kids. Even though the court ruled against me having custody (based on the past issues), I know he fought hard for me and I plan to go back to him in the future. As for the bankruptcy, he walked me through all of the steps, answered all my questions. I was freaking out about filing, but he kept me informed and made the whole situation easy to manage.
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03 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
The Justin C. Miller that I retained was impatient , used fowl language and told me off on 3 separate occasions. The Justin C. Miller I retained charged me $1500 to go to litigation but blew through that before the mediation date arrived and then demanded $1000 more. I never received hard copies and only knew what was happening with my case because I looked it up on line. We were notified the case was going to be dismissed and agreed to the next step he would take on my behalf. Justin C. Miller never took the next step, but charged me for his time as if he had. My experience was he didn't file or send things in a timely manner. One of the pages he filed as an attachment with the Court was in my handwriting on notebook paper. He said he would print it out but filed it just as I had sent it to him. I would not recommend this attorney. Do yourself a favor and go elsewhere.
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30 Jan, 2017 by Vickie
Justin has and is handling currently some civil matters for us. He is very attentintive and caring. We will continue to utuilize his services in the future ans highly reccommend him.
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10 Dec, 2022 by Allie
Erin Armstrong handled my divorce case which also included custody and child support. She is so personable, compassionate, understanding and non-judgmental that it made the whole process so much more comfortable for me and put me at ease. She is so reliable and what she promises gets done. She follows through with any issues and communicates in an extremely clear and upfront manner about what to expect, what could happen, how to handle it, etc. She answered my messages and questions in a timely manner. She is honest, has years of experience and knows the laws of Ohio regarding family law inside and out. Erin was truly a fantastic lawyer to work with and I felt I was very supported during the process of my divorce. I have recommended her to many friends and colleagues and will continue to do so. I am so grateful to how much she has helped me and my child handle a very difficult situation which we can move forward from thanks to her assistance. I would hire her again if needed in the future for any other area of law she handles.
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10 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
I retained Erin for a complicated divorce. Not only was she able to answer all of my questions, she went above and beyond to ensure that I was prepared for anything that could have been "thrown at us". She knows her state/local/and county laws and regulations unlike any lawyer I have ever seen...even in court she had to "remind" opposing counsel of things they were not aware of. She approached all of my concerns with grace and compassion but was amazing a fighting for me and my children in court. She is open and honest in her communication with you and you will always know and feel that she truly cares about you as a client...with Erin you are not just a "number" or a "money maker" she is truly invested in helping you navigate through what is often a difficult journey. I recommend her and her services to anyone I know looking for a family law attorney.
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31 Jan, 2022 by Tito
As we closed today on our case with a win! I must say I’m beyond forever grateful from start till finish Erin did an amazing job at representing me and I feel like amazing is an understatement. I can’t express how grateful and bless I was to have her represent me during my case, my wife and I actually went with Erin based off reviews left from others and it was the best decision I’ve agreed to do! Thank you Erin for everything you have done for me and my family and we’ll definitely continue to recommend you to others in need.
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08 Nov, 2024 by Stephen smith
I called needed legal advice. Mike was able to provide easily over the phone and helped me without me becoming a client. I would recommend giving him your story and have him tell you the best course of action.
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13 May, 2024 by Madeleine devitt
Mr Hrabcak reviewed a new build contract for us and provided quick and informative consult. We appreciated his willingness to assist in a last minute situation.
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19 Apr, 2024 by William heden
This attorney's name was provided to me about a VA related issue. He gave me more information in 8 minutes than I've been able to get in 3 years. I would highly recommend his firm. Bill
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19 Dec, 2024 by Jennifer smith
Austin is an amazing lawyer, he is very knowledgeable in all aspects of the law. He has helped our family immensely with our legal issues and achieved excellent results. If you need a good lawyer he’s the perfect choice.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Courtney cunningham
During a stressful period in our lives, Austin provided invaluable assistance and demonstrated exceptional knowledge. He exhibited meticulousness and transparency in presenting all available options and potential outcomes. Ultimately, he effortlessly secured a favorable agreement for us. I wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone seeking a reliable and trustworthy legal representative!
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20 Nov, 2024 by Heather mollett
Austin G. Ervin is great professional attorney. I recommend him to anyone who needs a great attorney. 😉
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30 Jun, 2022 by Brandon landrum
Nancy is an amazing attorney and cares deeply for her clients. She has went out of her way to help me in my case. She is very knowledgeable and fights for the rights of her clients. 10/10 I would highly recommend.
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12 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
Upon meeting Nancy, I immediately felt comfortable that she was able to understand the potential difficulty of my divorce case. Little did we know what the future would hold and just how challenging and complex my case would end up being. We ended up dealing with an onslaught of false allegations, various CPO's and eventually a case of parental alienation. I will say that Nancy had the experience to tackle all of the issues gracefully and with the children's best interest in mind. She worked extremely well with the GAL in sorting through all of the testimony, details and the facts of the case that resulted in a change of custody. I can't thank her enough for her sensitivity to the issues, her patience with me, and her eternal optimism for the best outcome. She never sugar coated the possibilities and had faith in the system doing its job. Nancy fought for me and the future my children's best interests. I cannot thank her enough.
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27 May, 2021 by April
I was panicked when I first figured out that I needed help with my child custody situation. Fortunately, a friend of mine, who went through a child custody situation, recommended Nancy through personal experience. When I reached out to Nancy she called me back immediately. I was surprised to get a response so quickly. Over the phone, she asked pointed questions and helped me understand that her only concern would be the wellbeing of my child. At the in person consultation, she offered me a game plan to help me in a lot of different scenarios with the father of my child...it was much more than I could’ve imagined getting out of an hour long consultation. Even more impressive was her honesty and candor; she told me that I need not retain her services yet, but that when I needed she would be there for me. In summary, I cannot imagine a more professional, capable, and reassuring legal resource than Nancy. My overall impression of her is this- she’s truly a trust-worthy, eminently experienced, and ethical partner.
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10 Nov, 2024 by Mrs. sparkie
08 Nov, 2024 by Danny and charde dukes
I can't type enough words to express how thankful I am with the service provided to my family by Eli Heller. We've used him multiple times and was left with remarkable outcomes. Eli will fight for you all the way. He's not someone who will take your money and give crap. He's very thorough, upfront and affordable. If I could give more stars I would. Thanks Eli!!!!
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16 Oct, 2024 by Bill ziss
Eli Heller was is not only a great lawyer, but an excellent advocate and advisor as well.
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28 May, 2021 by Anonymous
He's great at harassing grieving families and helping criminals exploit the elderly. He's happy to accept money from people other than his actual client so people without standing can harass family members using this person's expertise. He gives advice that can cost you upwards of $14000, but why should he care? He bills by the hour, so whatever happens to vulnerable, elderly clients doesn't matter at all to him. Run. Just run the other way.
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22 Jul, 2015 by Cyrus
Phil is extremely thorough, using layman's terms, in explaining what needs to be done , why it needs to be done, and how it should be done. The service is very friendly and the results excellent. My wife and i beleive that Phil substantially iimproved our estate planning/preparation. I highly recommend his services.
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18 Jun, 2012 by Willie
As the Successor Trustee of a trust having real estate co-owned by the trust and the son (who died intestate in Arkansas) of the initial trustee, I needed expert legal advice and assistance. From Alabama, I contacted Philip Schmidt by email and provided information for him to review. Based on other legal sources, I was anticipating large legal fees and Probate Court costs with the process taking considerable time
Phil reviewed the information and determined the least costly and most rapid approach to getting the son’s interest in the property transferred to his spouse followed by her deeding it to the trust. Phil kept me up-to-date on the developments throughout. Four weeks following our initial contact, he represented the trust's interests at the property sale closing. The qualities that I wanted and needed in a lawyer I found in Philip Schmidt: sound legal knowledge and expertise, integrity, patience, and an excellent communicator.
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07 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Our double adoption went flawlessly. Our family couldn't be happier. He also handled our Will's and trusts. We are very grateful to have found him.
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14 Aug, 2018 by Rhiannon
Mark is a fantastic lawyer and person. He spent a lot of his own time (free of charge) talking with us and going over details! He also gave it to us straight forward and didn’t sugar coat anything. He isn’t in it for the money but instead to be there to be the best lawyer he can be for tour situation! We are now currently working another lawyer (a friend of his) due to conflict of interest due to prosecution duties but he has and will continue to be there through the entire process as a friend now!
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13 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired mark for a small custody matter. I thought my situation would be complex because I lived in a state of than the jurisdiction state. He explained my circumstances and options very well and helped me get exactly what I was looking for! Mark is great!
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17 Jan, 2025 by Jason s
Dan did an amazing job. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking legal representation!
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30 Jun, 2024 by Wenceslav gyamfi
I am excited to work with an experienced lawyer(Brandabur). You work diligently. You helped me pull all the evidences to defend my case. I really appreciate your work. I will recommend you on any day to other clients. Thanks a lot
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19 Jun, 2024 by Lawson martin
Mr. Brandabur went above and beyond to resolve my case! He provided expert legal counsel, and he found a solution that always kept my personal and financial well-being at the forefront. He is an excellent lawyer and truly cares about helping others.
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03 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Kruse was always straight with me on my options. I first met with him when considering divorce and I didn’t follow his advice and failed to file sooner. So I hired him when I needed to fix things. He understood my case and my concerns and continued answering questions after our case was closed. He took ownership when his paralegal made a mistake (her replacement was great!) and he dealt with abuse and drama from my ex’s attorney with complete professionalism. I hope I don’t need to, but I’ll hire him again if I need further action on our latest decision.
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09 Jul, 2022 by Eric b.
Brian started out strong for the first month... talked a big game. He then stopped replying to emails and phone calls for several weeks. He was supposed to file two motions but never did.... didn't care that my wife was not allowing me to see my son. Was also charged for work and time that wasn't done.
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31 Jul, 2019 by Chris
I met Brian last year, and the circumstances of my case were very hard and difficult to deal with. Let me say this, Brian was easy to work with, felt like he had my back from the day I retained his services. Let me give you a piece of advice when dealing with Brian, always tell the truth no matter what. If you give this man and his firm the truth and information he will fight for you and do the best job he can! I never lied to Brian i told him the truth about everything. He assured me over and over to trust him and while sometimes it was hard, Brian and his firm knew what they were doing. He assured me it was a marathon and not a sprint but to stay the course. It was the longest 12 months of my life but being a religious man and having Faith in God and in Brian I knew that I would be okay. As opposing counsel and my ex tried to use false restraining orders to gain the upperhand over and over, Brian tore them up and showed the truth! The thing that I admired about Brian that you don't see hardly anymore is that he would never take a shortcut or lie to gain the upperhand. He did it the old fashion way, hardwork and using the truth! He never once tried to take a fast shortcut to gain the upperhand, he just assured me that we needed to trust the system, and show the truth and put the work in and everything would be okay! Again easy to work with him and to set a plan. As time went out and Brian and I were able to show the truth to the court and the parties involved appointed by the court it was deemed that I should be awarded full custody and that I had the best interest for the children. That's my story in a nutshell, and to tell you where I came from and where I ended up Brian and his firm worked their tails off and got me custody of my kids! Their was times I spoke to Brian at 11 pm at night to have my mind put at ease or to go over my case, sometimes on the weekends, he always returned calls and emails. As a matter of fact my mother just passed away and after the custody and divorce was over he still reached out to me to let me know that he was sorry for my loss. I haven't had a lot of dealings with lawyers but I assure you of this he cares about his clients and he fights for them! I went from only being able to see my children based off lies from my ex to getting full custody as he fought hard for me. While I may sound like a broken record here, I am trying to show you the reader who may be looking for a lawyer that will fight for you, Brian is the man that you need to use! Thank you so much for your help, your partnership in walking with me as it was the hardest time of my life, but thank you! I am very thankful and when I looked you in the eyes and shook your hand I meant what I said! You took care of me like family, I won't forget that! I hope you nothing but the best, and hopefully I won't need you again but if I do, I know that I got the truth on my side and a lawyer and firm who will fight to win for my children and myself!
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14 Jul, 2021 by Ahd united
05 Aug, 2020 by Dirty cheese chunk
Mr. Sharma settled my car accident injuries very quickly. Thank you.
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19 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Jackie represented me in my divorce. It was a very hard time in my life and I just wanted to give up and give in. She did not allow that to happen. She stood up for my rights and helped me get I rightfully deserved all the while helping me to learn to stand up for myself as well. A few years late and I am a different person living a great life thanks to all she helped me through and all she taught me.
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03 Jul, 2024 by Bannerman associates
I don’t usually posts review in anger, but this company took me for a loop. They will bill you for work they don’t even complete. Overall I had a bad experience with them and I hope you learn from my mistake.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Shy synful
23 Dec, 2023 by Jaymie mitchell
Very professional and informative of all our options and possible outcomes related to my son's custody case. They were able to get him full custody. Very happy we chose them to represent him.
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24 May, 2024 by Xllfullx
22 Apr, 2024 by Albert (albert11317)
He is an honest lawyer that has amazing communication skills and gets things done. He picks up the phone and he emails information every step of the way, keeping you in the loop at all times. He understands the customer, understands the court system in the area, takes care of ALL parts of the law process, provides a competitive price, and has a good repertoire with judges and prosecutors. Finally, he provided me with a very clear explanation about the entire process. From the minute I called him, it went exactly how he said (it shows his experience in dealing with my case). He also seemed to have a higher level of knowledge regarding court cases than other lawyers in the area.
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07 Jun, 2023 by Danielle washington
Mark's counsel has been invaluable for the last 5 years. He is very knowledgeable, helpful, punctual, reliable, and truthful. He helped me set up the guardianship for my disabled son and has offered continued support since. He is a great resource for all of my legal needs and reasonably priced.
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14 Nov, 2024 by Mellany mcleod
22 Aug, 2024 by Arsenio solomon
Anthony Rich made a huge impact on my future and has restored my faith in the Judicial system. From the bottom of my heart I thank you Mr Rich.
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15 Aug, 2024 by F older
Attorney Pitinni was consistently responsive and attentive. He helped me navigate a difficult legal matter, while helping to set appropriate expectations and outcomes. He will not sugar coat your situation, but he will provide you with solid legal advice and experience. I would highly recommend his services.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Michael himelrick
From the moment you walk into her office you know you are speaking with someone who cares about her clients needs. Very friendly and knowledgeable about the law. She put my mind at ease by explaining and handling my affairs when my wife passed away last year. I highly recommend Attorney Ater.
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22 Aug, 2021 by Merissa cruse
02 Dec, 2019 by Wes williams
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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.
