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15 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Mrs. Kissinger was an amazing attorney. She helped me through my divorce and with my child custody. She was very informative and lets you know what to expect. She was kind and caring and a good listener and very professional. I highly recommend her!
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17 Sep, 2018 by Vincent
As a father dealing with custody issues I could not be more pleased to have retained Jamie Kissinger on several occasions concerning my children. Jamie is extremely easy to work with and to communicate with. Her knowledge of family law and ability to explain complex issues has been a benefit to my family, especially my children. Ive experienced that being a father can be very difficult in any family law case. I always felt like my case was able to be heard fairly especially as a father in a California Family law case. She gave me great advice by helping me navigate the highly conflicted issues regarding child custody. I Would recommend Jamie to anyone Looking for a fair, ethical and professional attorney. She literally will go the extra mile. I originally retained her Sacramento during the early stages of my case. Despite moving to Walnut Creek she was willing to commute and was always on time for hearings at the courthouse in Sacramento. I want to leave this review by saying that family law cases are extremely difficult. Attorneys like Jamie Kissinger make this process so much easier fir their clients. I would definitely retain her again for any of my family law/custody issues.
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24 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Jaime is an excellent attorney. She is honest and works hard for her clients. I was referred to Jaime to handle my child custody and divorce cases. She diligently stated on top of my cases and because of this, I was granted a divorce through the bifurcation process. Im thankful that Jaime’s persistence paid off. Her hard work brought closure and has allowed me to move forward in my life.
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21 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
If I had listened to Iris when I first met with her, my divorce could have been quick, and very efficient. Instead, when we started less than 1 year later, we embarked on a 40 month, 29 hearing, and 2 canceled trials, that finally concluded with a 4 day trial, because my Ex refused to negotiate. Along the way Iris never mislead me, prepared me for all outcomes, and even spent her own time researching multiple complex issues. It's her preparation, legal smarts, and gut instincts you want only on your side. Iris found the way to present and prove the truth.
During this journey I got to know Iris on a personal level and she is a genuine, decent person, who cares about her clients, which I've learned is very important when dealing in family law. Iris is not just looking to cash your check.
I am extremely happy with the outcome. I don't think any of the other attorneys I interviewed, or the numerous ones my Ex hired, would have gotten me the same results.
Stop looking. You've found the best!
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12 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
The most vicious and evil people in the world are not just those who commit blatantly overt crimes, but also those who masquerade as do-gooders, for the purpose of deceiving and robbing others of their time, money, and peace of mind. On the outside they appear to say and do all the right things, as they pursue cover-up careers, and titles that make them look altruistic and charitable to those that don’t really know them. Sometimes they even pretend to be advocates for the bullied and less fortunate. These sorts of people are highly skilled in the deception game, and are extremely convincing actors because they live inside their own heads, and believe their own lies. They lack integrity and ruin lives. Our opponent was such a person; however, she was not able to fool Iris Finsilver, nor was she able to browbeat, or outwit her.
Iris immediately saw our opponent, for the con artist she was, and developed a strategy that exposed her falsified statements and web of lies. Iris uncovered and provided irrefutable evidence that verified that our antagonist committed perjury.
Truth won out because, Iris not only uncovered the lies, she substantiated the truth. We won our case and we were able to move forward with our lives, quite happily, and successfully, and unencumbered, despite the attempts of the most shrewd and crafty con artist we ever encountered.
Our opponent did not meet her match. She was OUTMATCHED by Iris Finsilver, our personal attorney for over ten years. We recommend Iris to anyone in need of a highly capable and fearless champion.
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20 Nov, 2015 by B
How fortunate I am to have been referred to Iris for my legal needs! Iris has been patient and professional while guiding me through my legal journey. I appreciate Iris' straight forward honesty and her effort to be sure I understand exactly how the law affects my situation. Iris' calm, cool manner and her extension of emotional care has been reassuring to me time and time, again. Whenever I find myself frustrated and feeling like I'm at an impasse I now, "Channel my inner Iris!"
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02 Nov, 2018 by Steve
I worked with Kathleen for several years and retained her services for my case. She was very involved and made my case a priority. I felt as though I was her most important client even though she has a number of others. I would highly recommend Kathleen a great attorney.
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05 Jul, 2017 by Brian green
Kathleen was empathetic to my complex case. She was very attentive and thorough with details of my case. Though i didn't always like hearing the possible outcomes, i appreciate that Kathleen was upfront and honest , which is a trait most lawyers don't practice. I would most definitely recommend Kathleen and more than likely will require her services again in the near future.
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08 Jun, 2017 by Andonios tridiimas
I have contacted, consulted with and hired a most excellent choice of attorney; Kathleen is intelligent, organized and thorough. I have never been so impressed with an attorney and I previously interviewed six. Kathleen has proven herself time and again in the battle field of court litigation and correspondence, she is professional, punctual, well spoken, sharply dressed and has my best interest at heart. I continue to work diligently to provide the necessary details needed for my case and she provides many up to date options for me to relay this information, including e-mail, text and person-to-person interaction. I can go on and on about her: she's classy, she is witty and polite, but I will end by stating that she is working to make my case the strongest it could possibly be and I am secure, confident and happy with her actions, honesty, personal mannerisms and a word of thanks.
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18 Aug, 2023 by Julia laplante
I had a good experience with Anton and his associate attorney Emilia. I would recommend this firm. Anton is very smart and fights for his clients. He came up with a very good strategy to defend me. The firm was financially reasonable but, most importantly, they took the time for me, took my case seriously, and treated me with kindness and respect. I have been through a terrible legal ordeal and Anton gave me peace of mind and advocated successfully for my rights throughout. I have had very disappointing experiences with other attorneys in the past. So I can truly say: When one finds a good attorney it is simply golden. Highly recommended.
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10 Aug, 2023 by Iryna bodrova
Professional, quick response and helpful for any questions. Nice and clean work with documents, mediation work just made the whole process simple and affordable. Highly recommend 😌
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10 Aug, 2023 by Timothy allen
Anton's office did a fantastic job handling my case, reaching out to both myself and the other party proactively and consistently throughout. He prioritized getting the divorce case handled without costly back and forth, and was able to come in significantly under budget. I will be recommending him to others without any reservations whatsoever. Thanks again Anton and Emilia!
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24 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Difficult divorce but Marc prevailed my case we got 50/50 custody after a long court battle
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25 Jun, 2015 by Walter
I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with Mr. Garelick as an opposing counsel in one of my cases. He is an honest, dedicated, hard working, prepared and talented attorney.
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20 Dec, 2012 by Anonymous
I was recently went through a difficult and trying custody dispute with my ex. Marc did an excellent job representing me and helped me obtain an outcome that was in my children's best interest. I cannot thank him enough. I would recommend him to anyone who is in a similiar situation.
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21 May, 2016 by Vanessa
Sana Abbasi was absolutely brilliant while representing me with my divorce. She assisted me through a very difficult and painful time in my life, keeping me informed every step of the way. She was extremely knowledgeable and confident about my particular situation. In addition, Sana addressed all of the issues with professionalism, vigor, and in a timely manner; while also demonstrating an immense amount of compassion towards me throughout the entire process. Trusting her enabled me to focus on picking up the pieces of my life and work on creating a new “Normal” for my children and myself. I highly recommend Ms. Sana Abbasi, as her expertise was invaluable and afforded me with the outcome that I desired.
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21 May, 2016 by Georgie
Attorney Sana Abbasi, member of the premier Southern California law firm, Holmes & Holmes, is who you need to represent you with your family law matters. She is exceptional. She is knowledgeable and understands current legal codes. She has access to a strong support team and technology allowing her to prepare cases efficiently and economically. She demonstrates her courtroom experience with confidence. I was fortunate and am thankful to have had Ms. Abbasi represent me. Her relentless concern for my interests and all of the aforementioned helped me achieve the best result for a successful outcome my case. I have recommended, and will continue to recommend, Ms. Abbasi to anyone in need of a professional, legal expert in family law.
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15 May, 2016 by Claude
After four years of court appearances and a trial due to a very difficult and cruel ex, I came out of this experience feeling like my Guardian Angels were helping me all along. First by stumbling into Holmes & Holmes office and second by having Sana represent me as my lawyer.
She explained reasons and outcomes of every legal step.
After 26 years of marriage, she dug and combed through all the information I gave her and told her. I was very impressed by her thoroughness, knowledge and precision. she worked full heartedly and her work paid off for me. I felt blessed having Sana work and protect my interest. She returned my calls always and in the chaos of the Courthouse she displayed professional mannerism and was always prepared and ready even for unexpected situations. I recommend her highly.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Krista
Rachel and Dana are the absolute best in the county. I interviewed several attorneys before deciding on Kruger Family Law. From the very start, the team was professional, organized, efficient, communicative, and really great to work with. Additionally, their billing practices are fair and transparent. Together they settled my matter within a month, and were always available to answer any question I had- even more impressive, they typically return emails or calls within an hour- I’ve never seen this with any other practice. They are truly a local gem and cars about the community they work for. 10/10 highly recommend.
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18 Jul, 2023 by Monica
Dana helped my family and I navigate a very complicated situation. She was very thorough and prepared with answers for every scenario. Without getting into specifics our custody issue was complex and the other side was known to not be cooperative and even manipulative. Dana handled it with extreme professionalism and compassion for me as a client. My experience was a very positive one with the outcome my family was really hoping for. Thank you, Dana!
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18 Oct, 2020 by Gilbert
Dana listens, prepared, proactive, thorough, knowledgeable, honest and great communication. My case has been progressively moving forward (even while Covid in place). She does her best to have both parties come to a settlement in a timely manner if possible.
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15 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Tecla and her team pay attention to detail. They send items back and forth to make sure it is correct and in a timely manner. The team is always easy to get ahold and an answer the same day. Business wth them has been great so far.
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30 Dec, 2015 by Kyle and mike
Tecla has represented us in an on-going custody issue for over a year. Throughout the time that Tecla has represented us her devotion and hard-work to our case has been unwavering. We would recommend Tecla to anyone looking for a family law attorney in the Valley. We live out of state and even despite this Tecla is extremely reachable and flexible. With her expertise and advice we were able to receive everything that we were hoping, including an out of state move away. Tecla and her firm answer emails and voicemails promptly, never leave any question unanswered and are extremely personable. Tecla went to court numerous times for us over the course and her organization and court experience is blatantly clear. She helped us decipher laws and codes and always made sure our questions were answered. She has gone above and beyond the call of duty for our family numerous times. She is very very good at what she does. Anyone that hires Tecla and her firm will not be disappointed in their choice. We cannot recommend her more highly. We never would have got as far as we have with our custody case without her.
Tecla works hard and dedicates her efforts to her cases. She really does not treat you as just another client, she truly cares about her cases. She is extremely easy to talk to and she is extremely diligent. She will also be honest about the case and realistic. She will give you all possible outcomes and she always gave us a clear idea of what to expect. She is not just an attorney that will tell you what you want to hear, she will tell you the truth.
If you are considering lawyers, we highly recommend Tecla.
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11 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
A friend of mine who was a client of Attorney Lunak referred me to her. The very first time I met her, I knew I had made the right decision in hiring Mrs. Lunak as my lawyer. Mrs. Lunak was very professional, pleasant, honest but most of all caring, which was huge factor in me hiring an attorney. Mrs. Lunak answer all my questions and trully helped me alot. I definitely recommend Attorney Lunak to everyone. Mrs. Lunak is a trusworthy attorney who will assist you with her experience and knowledge.
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15 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Dan is a tough minded litigator with a keen ability to settle cases in a light most favorable to his client. He has an ability to shift gears no matter the circumstance. I recommend him without reservation.
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31 Oct, 2011 by Alex brown
I used Daniel twice. He did a great job on my divorce, than about a year later did another outstanding job with my bankruptcy. He is very knowledgeable in Military matters, and a professional. I will continue to use Daniel for any future legal needs I may have.
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23 Oct, 2011 by Veronica
Like many other people I had poor experiences with larger firms and attorneys who were more concerned with making money than getting to know the client and working toward positive results for the client. In my experience with Daniel, not only did he take the time to get to know me, my case and the results I was hoping for, he made valiant efforts to keep me updated and aware of what my options were at all times. Even though finances are a big part of how aggressive clients can be in attaining the results they hope to see, Daniel kept me aware of what my options were, what the pros and cons were to each and gave me the information I needed to make the best decision for me. I think that Daniel's compassion and genuine nature set him apart from other smooth talking attorneys who are more interested in your pocket than in you as a person.
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17 Feb, 2020 by Regina
When I walked into Cynthia's ofc she was kind considerate an genuine ots so hard to find an attorney who will be genuine and tell you the truth if your looking for an attorney I promise you cynthia Harris is amazing an will go that extra mile for you
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08 Nov, 2015 by Jessica
Ms. Harris was a God Sent. I was going through a tough time with my ex husband, and then i met Ms. Harris. She helped me out of my disaster and now I couldnt be happier. Ms. Harris was a wonderful attorney and kick butt in court. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND HER TO ANYONE THAT NEEDS LEGAL ADVICE OR REPRESENTATION. Thank you Ms. Harris for all your hard work and your staff were amazing too. Whenever i talk to someone needed helping, I WILL FOREVER GIVE THEM CYNTHIA ANN HARRIS'S NAME. Thank you.
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18 Aug, 2014 by Patricia
She is the best Attorney I have ever known ! , she went above and beyond and never stopped.
My daughter was going through a very rough divorce and had started with another well known law firm and they were so lax and had done a very poor job in representing her . , she was in tears and asking me to help her find a good attorney , I contacted many a discussed the case they all just said come in and we will talk . I then called Ms Harris and she talked for about an hour and was so reassuring , my daughter and I went in and it seemed like she was an angel sent to us by heaven , she took on this case that had already went to mediation and we thought was hopeless , she stepped in and took it all the way to trial , I thought I was watching a movie she took over and just had me in aw , her ex had hived a well known attorney and we thought we were beating a dead horse so to speak but she went in the court room as she did with us before and by the way she always was good in court , and she started off with penalizing the other attorney for not have filed and serving all the proper paper work , ( now remember this attorney was from a lg well known firm ) and that set the stage , they could not speak at all , she then proceeded to present her case for about three hours , it was amazing , it should of been filmed for a how to movie , at the end it was better than expected all of her demands were granted , I just have to say if you don't choose Ms Harris you would be making a big mistake , her daughter is her assistant and is just as good as her mother and together they are the best attorney team I ever ! , they pay attention to all details and it dose make a difference , they gave us peace in our home and saved my grand daughter from harms way , thank you again !!!!!
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22 Apr, 2022 by Janelle
Jason was so understanding and very knowledgeable.My case was unfortunately too far to take however he still took the time to provide me with some great information I would have definitely hired him if not!
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06 Jan, 2021 by Harvey gonzales
Jason was a spectacular attorney. I would recommend him to anyone who needs a criminal attorney. He solved my case like he said the outcome would be. I appreciate your help.
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01 Feb, 2020 by Robert
Jason Johnson provided me with legal representation on a recent civil traffic offense. Because of his determination to do everything possible to ensure I received a fair trial, I was ultimately found not guilty of all charges against me. Throughout the process, I was impressed with his experience and knowledge of the applicable laws affecting my case. I am incredibly grateful for everything he did for me and I would not hesitate to leverage his services again.
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16 Nov, 2021 by Katherine giusto
09 Mar, 2021 by Sandra
This is a smart guy..the best I have seen. They don't come like this anymore.
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07 Feb, 2020 by Esperimengay j
08 Sep, 2021 by Peggie
I came to Ms. Burgess with a difficult family law/custody situation. She took the time to listen and understand the complexity of the issues and we worked collaboratively to resolve the problem. Her knowledge and insight into the family law court system were invaluable. Her focus is the best interest of the child. I could not have achieved such a successful outcome without her!
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12 Mar, 2017 by Joey
It's very difficult to trump the first two reviews - they pretty much said it all about Caitlin. But here goes...
First of all, if you have never been through a divorce before, I pray that if you have to, your soon to be ex will not put you through a contentious battle, most especially if there are children involved. Because believe you me, if you think you have any idea of what lies ahead for you, think again. There is no amount of hyperbole that can describe how insane the family law court system is. The bottom line, it's all about making money off of vulnerable, despondent, and already stressed out people. These lawyers DO NOT care about you, or your children. They only care about running up their bill and making money. They will do whatever they can (often times in collusion with the opposing counsel) to add and/or create even more conflict in your divorce because more conflict means more money for them and their firms. Again, if you think I'm just bitter and exaggerating, go online (Google, YouTube, etc...) and do the research for yourself. An ugly divorce/custody battle often leads to suicide, bankruptcy, loss of job, depression, illness, etc... So please people - don't do this to yourself and most especially please don't do this to your kids! Part ways peacefully, because if you don't, you will regret it for the rest of your life.
This is why I am glad I used this angel of an attorney throughout the majority of my long divorce/custody battle. She cares about her clients and most especially their children (she's a LMFT to boot!). She is not in it for the money and will do everything she can to save you from a long, drawn out battle. She is honest, empathetic, compassionate and is a person with the utmost integrity. Caitlin will not allow her clients to debase themselves and play dirty no matter how vicious and perjurious the opposition gets. I'm so happy at day's end that I used her for the majority of my long, drawn out battle. For she helped me keep my soul and my own integrity and at day's end, I can look back and be proud someday that I never debased myself (most importantly for my child as well).
If you want a mean, nasty bulldog of an attorney (btw, they are really really really expensive!!!) than by all means do NOT hire Caitlin. However, if you are looking for a honest, compassionate HUMAN BEING to help you, then please give her a call. She will always do what's best for you her client. She will never gouge you with fees, and will fight opposing counsel with compassionate logic that sooner or later will break them down. I call her the Mahatma Gandhi of divorce attorneys!
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02 Feb, 2017 by Bridget k.
Caitlin Burgess represented me at a settlement conference and did a stellar job detailing the facts to a seasoned judge. Her mannerisms are of the utmost in professionalism and her knowledge of the family law system is vast. Her background in psychology as a licensed marriage and family therapist is an added bonus for there are many aggressive litigants who unfortunately have a pathology which the opposing side must deal with, sometimes in ongoing litigation which lasts for years. Ms. Burgess was able to formulate a tactical plan of approach to settlement, utilizing her expertise in several areas to bring the litigation to a close without causing me to have to shoulder the expensive and time consuming burden of a trial.
There is something to be said for representation that is so client-centered. If I could give someone new to divorce proceedings advice, I would caution them to stay away from the big firms and call Caitlin first. I was originally represented by one of the firms in San Jose. They felt a bit like a Mafia; only I, as their client, was the target!
I spent a large amount of money with very little result. I found I could do better with an attorney like Caitlin in my corner. The big firms are clearly after people's money in a very high-conflict time between former partners. They actually encourage the aggressive litigant and do as much as they can to pad up their bills.
Ms. Burgess is completely against this behavior and practices with honesty, integrity, and professionalism. Over the course of her representation, she fought hard and succeeded in winning me the best possible outcome.
I highly recommend Ms. Burgess for your legal needs. Call her and schedule a consultation. You will not be disappointed.
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11 Jul, 2016 by Karen
I hired Nate to negotiate and settle a joint home property in Marin with a former partner. His approach is straight-forward and honest. He sets clear goals and a reasonable timeline to get results. He was respectful and sensitive to my questions and needs at all times. He gave me his best shot at the cost and was mindful that he would do his best to keep my attorney fees to a minimum. He establishes good relationships with the people in his network and has earned the respect of his peers and the judge who we mediated with.
I enthusiastically recommend Nate James because he is experienced, smart, and a good guy.
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27 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Divorce is a very personal matter and I had very little knowledge about the legal process. I needed an attorney who understands what I wanted and be able to deliver. I wanted to keep my share of the assets. I wanted to have sole custody of my child. I wanted the divorce process to settle as quickly as possible. Nate came highly recommended and I was glad he was my attorney. He acted professionally with explanation that I can understand. He made recommendations on matters that I had not thought of such as child support. My divorce was settled in a reasonable time and I got what I had asked for.
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03 Dec, 2014 by Maria
I was going through an 'amicable' divorce with my husband and we agreed on how to split our assets. Being a paralegal, I was able to complete and file most of my own paperwork with the court. However, I needed the assistance of an attorney to draft a marital settlement agreement that would be acceptable to the courts and be in accordance with the law. I was referred to Nate by an attorney friend of mine. Nate and I met and I laid out the facts of my agreement with my husband. Nate accepted to work with me on the settlement agreement aspect of my divorce without asking to take over my entire divorce matter. Nate quickly grasped the issues at hand, and drafted a marital settlement agreement accordingly. He is very knowledgeable about all aspects of family law, including the laws governing retirement accounts and retirement funds which often become an issue in divorce matters. There were only minor changes to Nate's initial draft of the agreement and we were able to complete the process in a reasonable and timely manner. During the process, Nate was on vacation for some time, but despite being out of state, he would respond to my questions immediately and address any issues that came up during that time. Nate was also very mindful of keeping his legal fees within reason and he never wasted any time in meetings, phone calls or e-mails. I greatly value Nate's legal services, his professionalism, and his knowledge of the law and highly recommend Nate to anyone.
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10 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
I had a really bad situation come up involving my child and the spouse of their maternal aunt’s. It was an absolute emergency situation for them. I raised issues with their mother to try to come up with a game plan to keep our child safe only to have her and her entire family treat me as though this was a fabrication. It was obvious at that moment I needed a lawyer and I started making calls…one call actually to Hiba.
She gave me some advice over the phone and I hired her the next day. She moved very quickly, filed ex parte emergency change of custody and within the week my child was safe in my home.
We did proceed with a RFO for a custody change due to the fact my child’s mother and their family continued to protect the perpetrator, and after that hearing my child was in my primary physical custody.
This all happened very very quickly and I would have been at a complete loss without Hiba. She saved my child from a very bad situation and protected me along the way. She answered every question I had (even the ones that didn’t need to be addressed and stemmed from anxiety over the situation) and was kind courteous and a complete champion for us.
I would 100% hire her again and I cannot recommend her enough. Thank you Hiba!!
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17 Sep, 2020 by Ruth
I called Ms Benny’s office for the first time on a Thursday morning. Tom, the man that answered the phone was thorough and professional, took my information, confirmed my case was something the office could handle, and gave me instructions to get documentation to the office for the attorney to review and call me back for the free consultation. Ms Benny called promptly when she said she would and had clearly familiarized herself with the details of my case to make the best use of the free consultation hour. During the consultation she helped explain to us how things worked in court, that we had not been aware of before, and offered solutions for my case that I wasn’t even aware were possible. We decided to hire her.
The hearing in my case was only six days away, but Me Benny and her staff got to work immediately. They were able to negotiate a settlement with opposing counsel that I believe best protected all parties involved. She and her staff are caring, very knowledgeable, and very efficient. While they are not the least expensive attorneys in the area, they are worth every penny. She made one of the worst times in my life vastly less stressful and helped me reach an outcome I didn’t think was even possible. I will recommend Ms Benny to anybody I know looking for a family lawyer.
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17 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired Hiba last year to represent me during my divorce and child custody battle.
To be honest, none of that was good, especially for a single dad in the state of California. That being said, Hiba did a great job at keeping me accountable and ensuring I did what I needed to do on my end, which would allow her to do what she needed to in order to best help me while encouraging me throughout this difficult process.
There was a lot of really good communication, And I know Hiba mitigated a lot of potential negatives from happening to me with just how aggressive and thorough her approach was.
I know I wasn’t the easiest client...there was a lot of pressure and stress that came along with the circumstances... but I think what separates Hiba from other attorneys, is the level of customer service, honesty and empathy that I saw from her while going through all of that.
Divorce can be a total pain, but Your attorney doesn’t have to be!
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16 Oct, 2020 by Christine
I am so grateful and appreciative of Mr. Castagno's hard work, knowledge, experience, and calm, reassuring attitude, it really made a difference for me personally. I would not have made it through all of this without him!
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14 May, 2017 by Bo
I have known and worked with Joseph for the past 8 years. In those years I have very briefly used two other attorneys, but I have regretted that decision both times.
I have found no one who can provide the level of service and professionalism that Mr. Castagno provides.
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06 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
Mr. Castagno is an excellent Attorney! He always returned my phone calls in a timely manner and always kept me in the loop. He is a true professional! He is a very bright and sharp guy, and will always treat you like you are his most important client!
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30 Aug, 2023 by Helen bashoura
I hired Fernando to complete a premarital agreement for me. He is so personable and pleasant to work with. He is very patient and transparent with all questions that you have. His assistant Darla was also on top of everything. I would highly recommend Fernando for your family law needs
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29 Oct, 2021 by Douglas birns
06 May, 2018 by Justin bennett
07 Jan, 2010 by Ms. sullivan
I retained Gina Castillo to handle my divorce proceedings several months ago. Ms. Castillo is an amazing attorney who is professional and is compassionate towards her clients. Ms. Castillo's practice in law is based on ethics and morals. Thank-you for your true support and dedication.
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19 Dec, 2009 by Daniella
She is an amazing attorney. she really cares about her client security and happiness. she is an amazing person and the best lawyer l ever had. thank you Gina for everything you did for me. LOVE. LUV.
Daniella [last name removed].
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16 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
I retained Gina Castillo's services for issues pertaining to my divorce. She kept me well informed and at ease throughout the process. During my divorce, she maintained my interests at the forefront and developed a strategy accordingly.
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04 Apr, 2019 by John
Hired this attorney and was exceedingly pleased with her patience and ability to communicate both with the opposition and myself. Her staff was both friendly and efficient.
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03 Apr, 2019 by Colleen
I wanted to take a moment and thank Ms. Schaffer for all that she did for me. She made a very difficult time so much easier. I was in a highly contentious, high income divorce. While Sarah was very level headed and down to business, she took great care of me. We ended up using mediation. Sarah was so professional and it worked out really well. She is kind and caring but she has that military background, so she will absolutely not be intimidated by opposing counsel. Thank you for everything you have done and I have/would highly recommend her to anyone who is considering divorce.
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06 Jul, 2015 by Nina
Extremely knowledgeable about financial support when it comes to militay retirement and bonus money. Secure in standing up to former military men who are used to running the show and getting their way. Thick skinned.
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23 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
I noticed the trolls on his reviews who remain anonymous but it’s simply the competition seeking to drive down his ratings. Simply the best attorney! I guess when you sue attorneys for a clinging, there are going to be haters!
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31 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
Michael was able to guide me through the legal process that led to joint custody, 50/50 timeshare, and a zero child support order. Over the course of this journey, Michael was responsive, professional, and went above and beyond to accommodate my needs. I highly recommend his services and counsel.
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29 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Labrum was very professional and gave me great results in a timely manner. I was very pleased to have him by my side. I would hire him again in a heart beat.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Stephanie
I am not Ms. Neumann’s client. But I can say she did a great job for her own client. Because she fought for a guy to win in DVTRO and get the shared custody. This is a guy who touched his 9 year old daughter during/after the shower and videotaped her while she was changing her clothes, and who withheld medication and night-guard from his 8 year old son, who developed migraine/headache and grinding teeth after DVTRO was filed. This does not even include what he did to his ex-spouse.
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28 Sep, 2015 by Tanya
When I came to Sara I had hired and consulted another lawyer to handle a paternity suit that was sprung on me while I was visiting the USA after residing in another country. This was very difficult, as I could not leave the country with my child and go home to my husband and my child's stepdad (whom she views as her dad). I was very scared because I had single-handedly raised my child and I knew no one else should have the right to keep me from traveling anywhere, as this person had not even contributed to my child's birth or upbringing in any significant way.
But, that being said, the reality was such that I was being advised by my first lawyer that I should respond to the paternity suit with a move-away trial as I had barely missed dismissing the case with a jurisdictional claim.
I felt something was off though, because this case was so clear and cut (my ex was not on the birth certificate, he had not emotionally or financially supported me/the child in any significant way).
**I saw the light when I spoke to Sara. She confirmed my intuition with her expertise, immediately confirming that I indeed could file for a termination of parental rights. She lay my fears to rest. We met and I presented her with the facts of my case. After assuring me she would not take my case if she did not believe she could help me, I released my other lawyer from duty and hired her.
What a great decision!! She lived up to her reassurances: it took perhaps longer than the move away trial, which was inconvenient only due to my particular case of being in a country we no longer reside in, away from my husband and our new life abroad, yet so worth it so that, a) my husband could adopt my son; and, b) to get the ex out of our hair so that he could no longer make our lives difficult.
I had faced a lot of disempowering conversations amongst not only people, acquaintances, etc. but also lawyers: people discouraging me from doing the termination of parental rights just because it sounded "mean" and so "final" to them. I knew inside of me, however, that the way my ex was handling this was unhealthy and selfish towards my child, with a paternity suit (after I had tried SO many times to civilly settle for some kind of visitation, yet he disappeared whenever he wanted, was inconsistent, and really only looked after his own interests and not my son's, who needs consistency in his life) and not being agreeable to reaching some kind of settlement (other than keeping my child after he had NEVER had custody, ever, or even seen him more than a handful of times/hours in his years of life).
The point is--Sara empowered me. She never once questioned me, she backed me up 100% and was a strong ally. She understand completely what I wanted, why I wanted it, has a child herself and understood my protective feelings toward my child, that I was 100% committed to her best interest.
She did her job diligently. I knew I could count on her to show up at the court appearances, and made an uncomfortable situation even pleasant. She wrote the briefs in such a way that made complete sense to me. She has ample expertise on the topic of stepparent adoption and termination of parental rights. She knew a lot of the staff in the courts/ offices we were in, and they knew her. She was personable, kind, compassionate, prepared, in communication, easy to get a hold of. Her offices made it easy and pleasant to pick up/drop off documents.
Also, when I told her that I was looking to get budget-oriented towards the middle of the whole legal situation, she was so cooperative and helpful with this.
We won our case and just got word the appeal was dismissed as well.
Cannot recommend her enough if you are in this sort of situation. She certainly seems like *THE* lawyer to hire in any kind of similar situation. I recommend her fully.
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20 Jun, 2011 by Aldo
Mrs. Neumann understood the most important aspect of my case. She demonstrated lots of compassion and treated me and family with the utmost respect you could not possibly imagine.
All the times I have found Mrs. Neumann to be dependable, reliable, hard-working, conscientious, honest, and very courteous.
Mrs.Neumann is helpful. She satisfied all my concerns and skilfully took control of all my case as if it were her case
Thank you Sara for all your help. You gave me my life back.
To anyone who is seeking a lawyer that cares...
I'd contact Mrs.Sara Neumann she'll get the job done. Don't waist your time with anyone else.
All the Best!
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07 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Jim is not only very intelligent but compassionate. He protected my family and I in a very difficult case. I very much respect him as a lawyer but also a trusted friend. He went beyond what other lawyers can do... Simply the BEST!
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12 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
I worked briefly with Jim who gave me good advice and was responsive to questions and to concerns. I found Jim more adept at interpersonal skills than the two attorneys I had retained prior to deciding to handle my case on my own. I was grateful that he assisted me in a limited capacity when I felt I needed representation in the courtroom.
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23 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
This is such an amazing attorney at law. He will ensure you are represented adequately in the court of law and your sincere desire for your family will be granted. Don't worry about financial concerns, talk to him and your outlook about divorce, separation etc will positive changed.
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07 Aug, 2021 by Debra callahan
I had a protracted 7 year long divorce which may seem impossible given the laws in California but if one party has money and decides rules are not for them you find yourself in court. If I had not found Rosanne at the beginning I would not be where I am today. At age 56 you can't just walk away with noting and say I can start over. The reason I am whole now is because she not only knows the law, she makes it her business to research new case law and as a result of her diligence it made all the difference in what the court awarded to me. Her briefs are so well written many judges used her text in there judgements. I was in front of 4 different judges on my journey. I couldn't have done it without her. The first thing she did was try to settle out of court and ironically if my ex had accepted the offer which based on what California law said I was entitled to nothing more, he would have saved hundreds of thousand of dollars. She makes every effort to keep you out of the courts but if you find yourself in my position she is the one you would want representing and advising you.
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02 Aug, 2021 by John
I wanted a lawyer who listened, counseled in a way that I understood (this being my first time dealing with a legal representative), and was a fair and honest advocate for my legal needs, and I found that in Rosanne. She helped make a difficult time in my life a little bit easier, while getting a result I feel was both acceptable and fair. I didn't want a win-at-all-costs lawyer, but I wanted someone who had my back, was easy to communicate with, and who I felt comfortable with. We avoided court, which was important for my child's emotional well-being, and worked with a sometimes challenging ex-partner to achieve as amicable a result as was feasible. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Rosanne to anyone I knew who was seeking similar legal support.
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31 Jul, 2021 by Leo
Rosanne represented me during my divorce case as well as through a child custody trial, and I was highly satisfied with her work on both cases. Despite my ex-wife being an incredibly difficult person to deal with, Rosanne did an exceptional job maintaining her professionalism while at the same time standing very firm so that my parental rights would be upheld. She was very attentive to my needs and also was very proactive in making sure I was always prepared for hearings. She is easy to work with, very knowledgeable of the court system, flexible, and just a good person to the core. I was extremely satisfied with her work and highly recommend her services!
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09 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Erik assisted one of my parents in a case that we didn’t think had the capability of ending in a positive outcome. However, through his tenacity and drive to help his clients, he ended up obtaining a result that was better than we could have imagined. He’s a very excellent and caring Attorney. I couldn’t imagine hiring anyone else. Thank you again, Erik!
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08 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
As a father committed to my daughters, I was disheartened with attorneys who seem to lack interest in fighting for me. After almost giving up, I gave Real Fathers Rights a try, and boy, o boy, I did not regret it. Erik, fought for me. Thanks to Erik, I was able to be part of my daughters life! Fight for your kids, and this guy has your back!!!
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01 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Erik is a great advocate for men going through divorce. He is knowledgeable and empathetic. He is also an extremely skilled litigator. I would highly recommend any man in family court speak with Erik
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09 Nov, 2015 by Arillyn
I contacted Kelly and Mark Irwin, after going to court alone without representation, regarding an assault case and abandoned mediation. Both Kelly and Mark are very familiar with Family Law and how it works. I felt secure that they would do a very good job for me and they did. I was most impressed with their professional and knowledgeable approach on how to negotiate a successful end to a very disturbing case.
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21 Apr, 2014 by Mark
I couldn't be happier with the way Mark handled my divorce. He kept me informed the entire way and I always felt Mark was working in my best interests. Mark was very understanding during the difficult times of the case and was empathetic to my situation. In the end Mark achieved everything he (we) set out to accomplish and I couldn't be happier with the results. He is truly a person of good moral character and a professional who always worked hard for his client. Thanks Mark.
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13 Aug, 2012 by Peter
I don't see how our recent case could have gone any better, or relieved me of so many details I do not enjoy. It was a wonderful experience having Mark's guidance and assistance. Mark was right on target with the decisions he left to me, and those he took by himself in our behalf, and he is clearly an enterprising person with a good ability to press his case without seeming aggressive.
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27 Aug, 2011 by Jeff
Kennedy helped me with my legal issue and was just amazing throughout the whole process. He was always available to explain everything to me and really put my mind at ease. I am not an easy person to work with and Kennedy really helped me calm down and guided me through my issue. I could not have obtained the result I did without Kennedy's expert assistance. His command of the law is truly impressive.
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24 Aug, 2011 by Robert
Kennedy is one of the finest Family Law attorney's in the San Francisco Bay Area. I have had the privilege of working with Kennedy during a very challenging time in my life. He explained the complexity of the law in a manner I could understand. He also advocated diligently on my behalf with an excellent court presence. The Judges would often agree with Kennedy and take his side on crucial issues.
Kennedy also helped me relax as much as possible. The emotional cost in such cases is extremely high. Kennedy would help manage this and understood the struggle I faced. He acted with great professionalism and with compassion to help me work through the case. Without his strong counsel, I would never have succeeded. I am forever in his debt.
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21 Apr, 2011 by William
Even though Kennedy looks like a 17 year old, he is impressive in his knowledge of law, his intuition of the case and his strategies for settlement. He seems equally capable and comfortable in the courtroom or at the settlement table. He helped me weigh the facts, consider the emotions and evaluate the cost of my case. He leans towards the collaborative style of divorce and I believe wants the best for his clients. In partnership, with Cristin Lowe they make an impressive team.
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21 Jun, 2020 by Cj
Joanne was amazing in helping me through one of the roughest times you’ll ever hope to go through. It’s a difficult balance of upheaval and tough reality. Joanne helped me navigate it as best as one could hope for. She’s tough, yet kind. She’s very good at what she does.
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20 Sep, 2018 by Brian
I can give no higher recommendation.
I found myself in a difficult divorce case at long distance (Texas-California) and numerous complicating personal and financial issues. Honestly, it was overwhelming but Joann was a rock with a personal touch.
She was always available for questions despite time differences. Always worked with me to craft the outcome I wanted to have happen, guiding me as to consequneces and possible responses.
She went above and beyond with counseling and calming when things seemed most overwhelming. Explaining how I and my kids would come through this time of difficulty not just legally but personally.
She gave me the perspective to both legally find the best outcome but personally feel empowered in the system.
Joann was both a strong advocate and a generous counselor. She truly cares about her clients. I will always be grateful to Joann for being there when we needed her most, she is simply the best.
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04 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
I had a child custody case that I consulted with Ms. Babiak about. She listened attentively while we discussed my story, then explained all my options and the potential ramifications. Her fees were quite reasonable and she spent some extra time with me that she didn't even bill for. I have not (as yet) needed to litigate my case, but I can tell she will be an excellent advocate should I ever need to.
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12 Nov, 2014 by Robert
She's kept me well informed .Has-been there every step of the way for me fighting hard for me . Sticking to principles and ethics at the same time which are very important to me . And the ladies at the office Jody and Rihanna and the rest of the girls will be there to help you every step of the way also. Truly a team effort !
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27 Aug, 2014 by Jp - san diego
My spouse and I did a mediated divorce with another attorney. A year later, my ex-spouse hauled me back to court for what was essentially a divorce "do-over". Julie and another attorney (at a different firm) were recommended to me by someone in the legal profession. I interviewed the other attorney and Julie Mack. For my situation, Julie Mack was a better fit. She provided me with excellent advice and guidance on how to move forward in a stressful, and contested situation, while being rational with a long range view. She was also efficient, and did not bill me for excessive hours.
In the first consult with Julie, I was very clear in stating I did not have significant $$$ to spend on this round two litigation as I was still paying off the mediation attorney fees. As result, she was clear that I needed to as much work as possible, and it was my job to provide her with clearly organized and concise information about my case, so that she did not need to spend excess time doing research, or doing back and forth questons/phone calls, emails with me, and bill me at lawyer rates. She put ME to work with clear directives as to what she needed. As result, this kept the billings down, and I feel I got my $$$ worth from her.
My over-all impression is that she is a rational lawyer, not a shark out to rake your spouse over the coals, or milk your bank-account. Her advise was spot-on, and her knowledge of California divorce law, and the bias of the local court, excellent. Most important, she helped to lower my stress levels throughout the process, and helped to craft an agreement that I was happy with, and remain happy with years later.
In my divorce I worked with 4 attorneys. In this round two, I interviewed Julie and one other attorney. If I had it all to do over again, I would have hired Julie outright in round one. In contrast to the negative review here, the crafted round two agreement is water-tight, clear, and correct. If you are not out for blood, but want to craft an agreement you can live with for the rest of your life and look yourself in the mirror (and your children in the eye), I highly recommend Julie Mack.
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04 Dec, 2013 by Andrew
Julie has been our lawyer for nearly a decade after we had a bad first-time experience with another family law attorney. She is very fair and very understanding. She takes her clients' matters to heart as does her staff. Her goal is in the best interest of the children, which is what a GOOD family law attorney strives for. After we moved up to Riverside County, we were going to transfer the child custody case up there but decided against it just so we could retain her services in San Diego.
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09 Feb, 2017 by Sean
I worked with Sarah and she was amazing. She responds to questions quickly and clearly. She is pragmatic in her advice and is great at explaining options and alternatives. She made a tough situation way better. She's calming, supporting and all around great to work with. Can't recommend her enough.
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02 Feb, 2016 by Rennee
Sarah Weddle is a dedicated and hard-working attorney. She will take the time to figure out what is best for her clients and will devote all resources available to her in order to ensure that she is well-prepared, her clients are kept informed and she obtains a favorable outcome for them. She has been a pleasure to work with and I know that anyone in need of a family law attorney is in good hands with her.
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06 Oct, 2014 by Cyril
Sarah is a very knowledgeable and thorough family law attorney. She has been very responsive from day one, and has been doing a fantastic job at educating me with all the traps and pitfalls to avoid in the complex family code, for us to build the best defense possible in my case. Indeed, I can tell I was very lucky to find her only one day before my first hearing and she handled for me all of the scary paperwork overnight. Ever since, I could appreciate how much her representing me has spared me what would have been otherwise a disaster if I had decided instead to represent myself before the court and all the petitioner's claims. I am very glad to be able to recommend Sarah to defend you with everything related to child custody, child and spousal support, separation settlements, and the like.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Kathleen sampson
I approached Ms. Ghianni to prepare our Living Trust. We have some unique issues that needed to be addressed and Lena gave us alternatives to consider to make that process easier. Her advice and instruction were sound and so helpful. I highly recommend her legal counsel!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Eddie russell
08 Jul, 2024 by Stephen poirier
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Child Custody Lawyer Can Do for You
A child custody lawyer specializes in helping parents navigate legal matters related to the custody and care of their children, particularly in the context of divorce, separation, or other family disputes. These lawyers assist with determining custody arrangements, drafting parenting plans, and advocating for your rights in court. They also help resolve disputes over physical custody (where the child lives), legal custody (who makes decisions for the child), visitation rights, and modifications to existing custody orders.
Whether you're going through a divorce or need to change an existing custody arrangement, a child custody lawyer can help you understand your rights and protect your child's best interests throughout the legal process.
When Should I Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a child custody lawyer in several situations, especially when disputes arise or complex legal issues affect your parental rights. Some common reasons to hire a child custody lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: If you're going through a divorce or separation and need to establish custody and visitation arrangements, a lawyer can help ensure the custody order reflects your child's best interests.
- Disputed custody cases: If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody or visitation terms, a lawyer can advocate for your rights in court and help you develop a strong case.
- Modification of custody orders: If you need to change an existing custody arrangement due to changes in circumstances (e.g., relocation, changes in the child’s needs), a lawyer can help file a modification request.
- Parental alienation: If the other parent is interfering with your relationship with your child, a lawyer can help address these issues through legal action.
- Domestic violence or abuse: If there is a history of domestic violence or abuse, a lawyer can help protect you and your child by requesting restraining orders and advocating for appropriate custody arrangements.
- Grandparent or third-party custody: If you are a grandparent or another relative seeking custody or visitation rights, a lawyer can guide you through the legal process.
- Paternity disputes: In cases where paternity is in question, a lawyer can assist with establishing or challenging paternity, which may affect custody and visitation rights.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help protect your parental rights and ensure that the custody arrangement is in your child's best interests.
What Does a Child Custody Lawyer Do?
A child custody lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help parents resolve custody disputes and secure favorable custody arrangements for their children. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing custody petitions: Helping you file the necessary paperwork to request custody or visitation rights and ensuring all legal procedures are followed.
- Negotiating custody agreements: Assisting in negotiating custody and visitation arrangements, often working toward a mutually beneficial parenting plan without going to court.
- Representing you in court: If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody terms, representing you in court by presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
- Drafting parenting plans: Helping you draft a comprehensive parenting plan that outlines the schedule for physical custody, decision-making responsibilities, and visitation.
- Handling child support issues: Assisting with related issues such as child support, ensuring that financial obligations are properly calculated and enforced.
- Modifying custody orders: Helping you request a modification from the court if you need to change an existing custody arrangement due to significant life changes.
- Mediating custody disputes: Acting as a mediator to help both parents reach an agreement on custody and visitation without the need for litigation.
How Are Child Custody Lawyers Paid?
Child custody lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case, the time involved, and the nature of the legal work. Common payment methods include:
- Hourly rate: Most child custody lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer's experience and location. The total cost depends on the time spent preparing documents, negotiating, and representing you in court.
- Flat fee: For simple custody matters or uncontested custody agreements, some lawyers may offer a flat fee for specific services, such as drafting a parenting plan or filing a custody petition.
- Retainer: Many lawyers require an upfront retainer fee, which is billed against as the lawyer works on your case. The amount varies based on the expected complexity and duration of the case.
- Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some lawyers may offer reduced fees or pro bono (free) services for clients with limited financial means, particularly in cases involving domestic violence or other serious issues.
It’s important to discuss fees and payment arrangements with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how much you will be charged and what services are included.
How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a child custody lawyer depends on various factors, including the complexity of the case, whether it’s contested or uncontested, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:
- Uncontested custody cases: Legal fees may range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the paperwork and any negotiations.
- Contested custody cases: Legal fees can range from $5,000 to $40,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the issues, the need for expert testimony, and the time spent in litigation.
- Hourly rates: Lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or complex custody disputes.
- Mediation services: If both parents agree to work through mediation, costs typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more for the mediation process.
Always ask for a clear cost estimate during your consultation to ensure that you understand the total legal fees and payment structure.
Top Questions to Ask a Child Custody Lawyer
Before hiring a child custody lawyer, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure they are the best fit for your case. Some key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with child custody cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, especially if your case involves complex issues like domestic violence, relocation, or paternity disputes. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, offers flat fees for certain services, or requires a retainer, and ask for an estimate of the total cost. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your case, including potential challenges and expected outcomes. -
How long will the process take?
Inquire about the expected timeline from filing the petition to reaching an agreement or going to trial. -
Will you personally handle my case?
Ensure you know who will be managing your case and representing you in court. -
Can we pursue mediation or alternative dispute resolution?
Ask whether the lawyer recommends mediation or other forms of dispute resolution to avoid a lengthy court battle.
How to Check the Credibility of a Child Custody Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable child custody lawyer, follow these 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 and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for family law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in family law and child custody cases.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to gauge the lawyer’s professionalism and success in child custody matters.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on custody cases.
- Check for certifications: Look for lawyers who are board-certified in family law or have memberships in organizations like the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) or local family law sections.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a child custody lawyer, come prepared with relevant documents and information:
- Court orders or existing custody agreements: Bring copies of any existing custody or visitation orders for the lawyer to review.
- Communication with the other parent: Provide copies of emails, texts, or letters regarding custody, visitation, or disputes.
- List of your child’s needs: Prepare a list of your child’s specific needs, such as medical care, education, and extracurricular activities.
- Timeline of the case: Outline key events related to your custody case, including changes in living situations or parental involvement.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions about the custody process, legal fees, and the lawyer’s strategy for your case.
By being well-prepared, you can help the lawyer assess your situation effectively and receive the best possible advice for protecting your rights and your child’s well-being.
