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23 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Robert had a unique way of calming me and helping me take charge of my circumstances at a time when my nerves got the best of me. He listened to my concerns and addressed each and every one of them discussing possible outcomes and the law. I would recommend Robert to anyone looking for a trustworthy, knowledgable, and down to earth attorney who listens to your concerns and also seems to genuinely care about conserving your funds by addressing concerns quickly and clearly.
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07 Mar, 2013 by Brian
Mid 2011, I engaged Robert to resolve an intense family law matter that occurred subsequent to my divorce. Robert was able to not only efficiently solve the issues at hand, but he skillfully laid the groundwork for future boundaries and behaviors.
Robert's negotiation skills are exceptional, as well as his integrity. Not sure what I would have done without his professional guidance and problem solving abilities. I only wish I knew Robert before my divorce - he would have likely prevented the issues that occurred.
My (and my family's) quality of life is unquestionably better as a direct result of Robert's expertise.
I consider Robert a life-long trusted adviser and would highly recommend his services to anyone in need of a true professional for family law issues.
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28 Aug, 2012 by Sean a.
Robert is a highly skilled attorney who, not only knows the law inside and out, but has a spectacular understanding of the human and psychological nature of his work. His council is superb and his performance in court is nothing less than stellar.
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04 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
My case was in really bad shape, the other party secretly filed for sole everything! without my knowledge, then lived with me for 2 years and never mentioned a thing. When we split they claimed to the courts I was never involved in my childs' life and never responded to the paternity papers. They used every dirty trick you can think of, I had back to back Temporary Restraining Orders being thrown at me, at the same time finding out about another request in our case. The other side wanted to zero out all my time with a default judgement to lock it in. I had only days to reply and went with a family recommendation. This was a mistake! I didn't research the guy, I didn't feel comfortable with his laid back game plan. In fact, he had no plan, and did more harm than good. I wish I would have contacted a serious attorney like Jesse. But I didn't, instead I researched and contacted legal aid organizations. Another mistake. They did help me understand the legal process and really made me feel like I was part of the case, but in fact I see now after using them so many times, they are just lazy and wanted me to write my own case, while they polished it up with legal jargon. After wasting my time and money with those downtown organization and still getting hassled by the other parties unemployed boyfriend and the drunk step dad, the final straw came when they started punishing my daughter for not wanting to call the boyfriend dad. I FINALLY CALLED JESSE! I looked around, did my research. I knew what to look for in an attorney now, I wanted someone who knows the way around the courtroom, who's not afraid to square up in the hallways with other parties attorneys. Jesse didn't let us get pushed around, I immediately got results at custody court and quickly retained Jesse Verdin for my child support case. When I called him, I was a few weeks away from a serious court date. We met up at my conveniences near my house, I have a 5 inch thick case file over the last 4 years. Jesse let me explain everything I went through in the case file, I showed him the main points and he saw my side. Jesse quickly picked up on the lies and mistakes made in the case and new exactly what to do next. Like I said he got IMMEDIATE RESULTS! I couldn't be happier with the way my daughter and mine needs are being represented now. I recommend Jesse to everyone I know and meet. If your taking the time to read reviews like I did, then trust me and go with Jesse Verdin, make whatever sacrifices you need to for you and your family. From my own personal experiences the family legal system is completely flawed and bias towards the stigmatization with fathers in court. Don't get discouraged, your kids need you in their life, Call Jesse to help fight for you in court!
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12 Dec, 2015 by Elizabeth
I hired Jesse to represented me in my recent divorce, and I could not be more grateful. Having Jesse's knowledge and guidance made all the difference and removed the stress from a difficult situation. Jesse fought for me, cared about the outcome, and made sure I did not settle for less than what was mine. He was always honest with me in regards to what to expect, and no matter what we went through he was right every single time. My case was complicated, and the fact that he was never thrown a curve ball shows his years of experience with family law in Southern California court rooms. I am incredibly happy with his work, and would highly recommend him to anyone.
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28 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
He is the best out there. Lots of experience and still very attentive to his clients. As a lady going through the most difficult time in my life, he was understanding, patient, and trustworthy with all my concerns. He was on top of my paperwork/concerns,, he was a team player, always out looking for my best interest and that of my son's life. I highly recommend him!
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30 May, 2019 by Anonymous
I recently reached out to Amy to advise me on my upcoming divorce. I am very impressed with her. She is kind, professional and on top of everything. She was a true advocate for my position. If I am ever asked for a recommendation, I have no hesitation sharing Amy's contact information.
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22 Aug, 2018 by Alesia
I was very happy with the results of working with Amy Spiering during that difficult time. I felt she listen to my situation and gave me honest information which I could make sound decisions for myself and my children. I would highly recommend her, 5 stars.
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26 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
We chose Amy Wicks after interviewing about a dozen attorneys for a move-away case. We were moving out of state and our daughters father was disputing. She handled everything quickly and efficiently. She made sure we understood all angles that could be taken by the opposing party and she was honest with us about the possibilities of what could happen. In court, she was by far the most prepared and hard-hitting attorney in the room. The opposing (and actually more experienced) attorney threw a fit and had to apologize to the Judge because he could not keep up with Amy in a professional manner. She had an immediate and valid response to every argument he brought up. In the end, she kept the move-away case from developing into a trial and we were able to settle, gaining more than what we had originally asked for because Amy is that good! We will use her for everything custody related moving forward and we only wish we had found her 6 years ago when this all began.
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25 Jun, 2019 by Adam
I consulted with Steve on some child custody stuff and he really helped to clear up a lot of confusion. I came out of the call with a much better understanding of my situation and my options as well as solid advice on my next step in the legal process.
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25 Jun, 2019 by Ken
I am an IP attorney assisting an employee obtaining a referral for his LA custody issues. Steve was certainly knowledgeable but really impressed me with his interaction with the client, asking important pertinent questions, and thoroughly presenting options in the clients best interest. I highly recommend Steve as a thirty year practicing attorney and former federal law clerk for those needing assistance in LA
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08 Mar, 2017 by Marc
STEVE MINDEL 'S EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE IN ANALYZING MY PROBLEM AND COMING UP WITH FAST(in my case time was important) AND EFFICIENT SOLUTIONS SURPRISED ME EVEN THOUGH I KNEW BEFORE HAND OF HIS TALENT. PRAISE ALSO FOR HIS STAFF : THOROUGH, FAST, DEPËNDABLE...
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04 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
My friend referred me to Arthur as I was struggling in my case. After my first phone call with Arthur, I decided to choose him as my second attorney immediately. My first attorney did not do good job that make me suffering and dragging my case. Instead, Arthur has very good knowledge that helped me a lot. He always explains in very efficient, patient, and clear way that I can understand what my next step is. My case is relatively complicated but Arthur is always responsive and supporting me fully. He is very practical and realistic and easy to communicate that really make my life easier especially in such complicated case. Even though my case is not easy to close and takes time, he is always patience and try to save my money. He is really a nice attorney so I would highly recommend him to my friends.
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26 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Arthur for an uncontested divorce. His fees were much lower than another attorney I interviewed. He is friendly and easy to talk to and at times would remind me that he would have to charge me for certain tasks that I could do myself and for other time spent not covered under the original quote. He is very responsive and checked up on me when things were stalled (with my spouse). I communicated with him via phone and mostly email which was very convenient. His advice was practical and realistic, not trying to get more money from my spouse for little things which would've costed me more in fees. I would definitely recommend him for an uncontested divorce.
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28 May, 2015 by Viv
Arthur handled my divorce which was very long and contentious. He was always available and patient to explain the law and provide helpful assessments as to my options. He guided me through this naturally emotional and frustrating process with in-depth legal analysis, sound and practical advice, and even friendship and support. I would highly recommend him to anyone who wants a competent family lawyer whom you can trust.
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14 Jul, 2017 by Gary huber
Lindsey how can I thank you for trusting me, and responding instantly to my dreadful situation ! After being attacked, and abused by officers of the law you made it right we persevered , and will overcome! My arrest , impoundment, verbal attacks on my character left me exhausted! You came into my case, and made things right how fortunate can I be
Thank you for being there
Gary
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06 Feb, 2017 by Dave
Lindsey was superb! I hired her to represent me on a traffic matter in which I was told from several other attorneys, I had a very slim chance of getting it reduced. Well, to everyone's surprise, Lindsey got it completely dismissed! Her prices were fair and her work was excellent; she stayed in contact and filled me in on the details every step of the way. Thank you, Lindsey!
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03 Feb, 2017 by Dalya
I hired Lindsey to represent me when a shady property management company tried to take advantage. She was great! She was very thorough and offered great suggestions on collecting the information that helped her win the case for me. Thanks Lindsey!
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24 Jan, 2025 by Sunshine rose
From my first phone call to GFF&F, all the way to reaching the settlement of my case, every individual in this firm has been professional, patient, kind, knowledgeable, and informative. This was my first ever (and hopefully last) claim against another party’s insurance company, due to an accident. Dealing with a physical injury and incapacitation was very overwhelming, and it would have been impossible for me to deal with the other party’s insurance company on my own. GFF&F gently guided me through this, and had me take important steps to get the care and information that I needed in support of my case. GFF&F won my case and obtained a fair settlement on my behalf. I highly recommend this firm to family, friends, and anyone in need.
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22 Jan, 2025 by L. eberhart
I came to work with Chantel and Justine at GFF&F after I was hit by a vehicle while walking my dog. My dog perished on scene and I was devastated afterwards. While I was healing from 4 broken bones I decided I could not deal with insurance companies and my grief at the same time. I am so glad I found GFF&F - Chantel and her team were so compassionate and understanding. They helped me understand what I needed to do and helped me resolve the case in record time. I recommend them very highly.
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30 Dec, 2024 by Ty seng
They handled everything involving the insurance claim which let me focus on getting better after my accident. I felt like they kept me updated on their progress and were very clear on how the case was developing. If Im ever unfortunate enough to be hit by a car again they'll be the first people I call!
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28 Jan, 2025 by Dana leopold
David and his law firm did an amazing job I was very traumatized by my accident and I called David and his team took care of me in the most amazing way great company the whole staff is amazing
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27 Nov, 2024 by Bushy penguin
05 Nov, 2024 by Sarah j
I was in an accident and was referred to this law firm by a family member who had a good experience with this office. I can happily say the same. Any time I had a question or needed medical advice or help, they answered promptly and made sure I was taken care of. For me, it was more about getting my injuries fixed and they provided excellent physicians. If there was one I didn’t like, they immediately switched them out until I was happy (only took 1x for that). Overall, David and his team were able to also advocate and get the maximum monetary value for me, as well, which was secondary to what I truly wanted, but a very good surprise. I’m very happy with David and hope I won’t need him again, but would happily be a return customer.
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17 Jul, 2017 by Kimberley
Grace was very flexible with my schedule (I work out of town) and kept me informed on the status of my case in a very unpleasant situation with my ex-husband.
Her willingness to go the extra mile helped me be able to have the situation addressed and settled in court with most of my requests being granted by the court.
Grace even worked on my case while she was on vacation with her family (this was WAY more than I had ever expected).
She is a lawyer with integrity and honesty that is not often heard of in her profession.
I would and have recommended Grace to other's in need of someone with her skills.
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22 May, 2010 by Anonymous
Grace Ogburn represented me in my divorce 9 months ago. It was a very hard thing for me to go through. Grace was very helpful, and super informative. She put my mind at ease. She was very knowledgeable, caring, and SHE LISTENED to me. I truly believed that Grace made it easier for me to get through this. Of course, going through the divorce was still painful, but Grace helped cushion he blow. I recommended a friend to Grace. I know she is in good hands!
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19 May, 2010 by Anonymous
Grace Ogburn was professional, caring, understanding and awsome! She listened to me, did not judge, did all she could to help me in my situation, was very honest, fair, up to date with the laws. Let me tell you, she did a GREAT job! I couldn't have been happier with the outcome of my case. Grace stepped up to the plate and hit it out of the park! I have recomended her to everyone who I know who needs legal advice or a GREAT attorney. I was so amazed by her great attitude, willingness to help and her compassion. She loves her job and helping people and it truely shows. She responded to ALL my calls, emails, text messages. Her ability to do the job accurate without error or questions was amazing. She knew what she was doing every step of the way. She let me know the progress of my case every step of the way. She went over in length what was going to be done, how it was going to be done and made sure I was comfortable with it, agreed and approved it. She was so honest when she billed me. Shes fair, honest, kind, smart, very kind and a wonderful person to have on your side! I highly recomend her if you want your case to go YOUR way, the fair, honest and descent way.
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26 Jul, 2020 by Felecia
Gina took on my custody case with my newborn son, which was already scary enough. She made the process go smoothly and ensured my concerns were heard. She was terrific at discering the situation and knowing the best course of action. I recommend her to everyone I know when asked for a family law or custody attorney.
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29 Oct, 2018 by Mark
Gina provided an excellent service. Anyone who engages her won’t be disappointed.
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22 Nov, 2017 by Chuck
Gina helped with getting everything filled out correctly and in the right order so we only had to file paperwork one time.
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19 Aug, 2018 by Ben
I hired Laura after interviewing a few lawyers and I have not regretted my decision to hire her. Laura helped me with a difficult custody case and was very knowledgeable not only in family law but understood the financial issues very well and she also advised me about custody violations. I will not hesitate to recommend Laura to anyone in a divorce. She was focused in the trials and didn't waste time on the irrelevant information, that my wife's attorney raised again and again.
All along, Laura helped me focus on the main and relevant issues in the case. She was empathetic and understood well the financial issues and co-parenting issues I faced. She thought through every question that I raised and answered in clear English. I trusted her to guide me through the most difficult and challenging time in my life. Laura knows what she is doing and I am happy with the settlement she negotiated for me.
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13 Oct, 2016 by Andrew
Laura has helped me with several matters, covering a wide range of legal issues, over the past decade. She is very knowledgeable, skilled, and most importantly she is very responsive - she always returns my calls and emails promptly. She handles matters professionally and has excellent morals but is a "fighter" when she needs to be, and always has good advice on the right strategy to take.
My job has had me work with several attorneys over the years, and that experience has shown me how exceptional Laura is compared to the rest. I can't recommend her highly enough.
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16 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
I was really pleased by Atty Laura Furniss for fighting and taking the extra mile to help with my divorce case with great results.
She is very knowledgeable, competent and compassionate.
A very good lawyer and would recommend her to anyone.
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27 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
When you need a lawyer, choose wisely. Mr. Carbone and his staff were fantastic!
My case was handled efficiently, and effectively. Mr. Carbone and his staff Reina and Bobby took all the stress out of the entire process. Thank you all so much!!!
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02 May, 2014 by Amber
Robert carbone is a very good lawyer who helped with a move away case. He is trustworthy and very knowledgable. His staff is helpful and friendly. They always helped me with any of my concerns and always returned my phone calls.
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27 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
Wow!! Mr. Carbone and his team has helped put my family back in order with his unbelievable talents in the court room. I was paying out the wazoo to my ex and barely seeing my child and Mr.Carbone assured me at the consultation that he could fix it for me. We went to court and after he started i thought to myself "This guy is out of his league, he needs to be in a big city with big shot attorneys". Thank god he was in bakersfield to help me and my daughter or i dont know what could of happened to our relationship.All is great now and we couldnt be happier with our outcome. THANK YOU MR. CARBONE AND YOUR STAFF!!!!
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23 Mar, 2020 by Brandi
First and foremost, my deepest appologies to post my review of my complete "gratefulness" to my attorney Karen Suri ESQ is long over due. It does takes me quite a while to bounce back, speak or think about court and my Child Custody situation each time. If any parent out there is like me and values there children to the fullest and wants only the best outcome for there children, then you should retain attorney Karen Suri! She is absolutely very professional, knowledgable in her scope of practice, skillfull with different types of people and personalities, understanding, personable and comforting to you as a client to understand everything your up against in your case as a whole. Karen is a very strong and knowledgeable attorney to have by your side and you can be confident that she will do her "absolute best to fight for you" for the best outcome for your case!! Karen Suri goes the extra mile to help you and I cannot be more thankful for having such a GREAT attorney help fighting for my children and setting matters straight. I am a single parent and I would definitely recommend her to anyone!
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01 Dec, 2019 by Meghan
Karen Suri is an incredibly empathetic and patient guide through the difficult, complex, and confusing world of family law. She helped me tremendously during a very trying time with a mountain of paperwork that seemed insurmountable. Truly, I'm not sure that I could have gotten everything done and filed, even in twice the time, that Karen helped me to get everything submitted and finalized.
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25 Mar, 2019 by Magaly
So I hired the lawyer Karen Suri this year for a modification of a restraining order/ visitation for my son. In this case I was the respondent for the case. Honestly, she was great, she answered all my questions in a timely manner and assisted me with those tough and private questions I had. Since this isn't my scope of practice I had a lot of questions :). She arrived promptly the day of the hearing and has kept me up to date with what is still left pending on my case. She even went above and beyond to contact the opposing party to explain the the details of the case. She was great and I would definitely recommend her!
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08 Jul, 2022 by Erik
As a fellow family attorney in the industry, I appreciate the several interactions I have had with Ms. John as opposing counsel. She has great integrity, amazing knowledge of the law, and negotiates very well for her clients. I look forward to having many more cases against her.
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29 Jul, 2021 by Pauline
I contacted Law Office of Shelly Jean John after regarding child support and custody . I picked this firm over all the other firms in the area because they offered a free consultation . I enjoyed working with Law Office of Shelly Jean John because of the staff was really responsive and answered my questions quickly. they were easy to communicate with and didn't delay on replies . The outcome after all of the work put in by the firm was shelly got me exactly what i wanted!!. Now that we’ve received this outcome, i feel safe and secure with my children.
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18 Jul, 2016 by Mm
Amazing results!! I am so thankful for the team of Shelly Jean John and Stephen John and their excellent partnership as they managed my case to end the alimony payments to the ex-spouse. Stephen’s paralegal writing was excellent as he created the Request for Order for my case and took the time to ask me the detailed questions needed to present the facts needed by the courts. Shelly’s partnership with me was appreciated, her team’s timely communications kept me up to date as the case progressed through the courts, and the judge for my case worked well with Shelly also-always a plus! After 7 long years of paying alimony Shelly’s team was able to get it reduced to half the original amount for 1 more year and then ZERO after that. I’m done, no more alimony payments!! I recommend Shelly’s team because of the amazing results!!
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27 Nov, 2023 by Jason
Like most, I never expected that I would find myself going through a divorce. This, however, was not the worst part of it. I was served with a temporary DVRO from my ex-wife that was full of the most slanderous statements that I ever could have imagined and an expressed desire to move out-of-state with our 6-year old daughter. I was feeling scared, desperate, and nearly without hope.
I was referred to Mr. Burton by a dear friend of mine and I wasn't sure what to expect. However, within a short period of time, he and I found our way to craft what we believed to be a winning strategy.
We were outspent 5 to 1 and went through a grueling six day trial. But, at the end, we kept my daughter with me and I feel a tremendous amount of gratitude to the work and dedication to the truth that Mr. Burton demonstrated during our shared ordeal.
With my divorce final and my daughter near me, I can, without hesitation, state that if I had any other attorney, I doubt my life would be the same.
Thank you, Randall.
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17 May, 2010 by Rheau cramsey
Mr. Burton demonstrated all of the qualities that you expect and HOPE that you will find in a lawyer. During an extremely difficult time in my life, I experienced his knowledge and professionalism as my lawyer and yet found it very easy to converse and explain to him my feelings and emotions. He gave me encouragement and a sense of value as a person. I would not hesitate to call on him again or recommend him to my friends.
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05 Apr, 2010 by Edwin
I was referred to Mr. Burton by a friend who chose him based on his low Bar number, which indicates a high number of years in practice.
Besides (or rather in spite of) his many years of experience, Randall Burton offers some of the most competitive rates for comparable services of anyone practicing in the state.
Communication between the client and his lawyer and any persons in opposition is key to the succesful resolution of any litigation and Randall's skill in this area, along with his ability to focus his attention on my areas of concern, resulted in a more than satisfactory outcome to my divorce proceedings.
From the outset of the action Randall was able to manage my expectations by educating me about the proccess and keeping me fully informed throughout the ordeal.
Because of his even temperment and innate grasp of the principles of advocacy, Mr. Randall Burton has a life-long fan in me; I continue to utilize his services for my legal needs.
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11 Feb, 2023 by Carol l
I highly recommend Jagar Family Law. Chelsea was very responsive and listened to all my concerns. She didn't push for litigation and was a successful advocate for me in settlement discussions. She helped me close this chapter of my life and months later, I'm still convinced this was the right decision. Couldn't have gotten here without her competent advice. She's fair, realistic and doesn't play games with opposing counsel.
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06 May, 2020 by Jackie
I can’t say enough positive things about Chelsea. I was the party of a nasty divorce with a narcissist; which is the worst divorce to encounter. After having two previous attorneys that wanted to play games, I hired Chelsea to complete remaining items. She was thorough and direct on completing the issues and knows the law better than any other. I also compliment her on her integrity and class, both in and out of the courtroom. She has a positive reputation with judges. I am also available for talking via the phone if you have more detailed questions in choosing an attorney as choosing the wrong attorney could be very costly.
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21 Apr, 2020 by Cp
Chelsea is knowledgeable and competent, and she has an excellent attitude. Her reasoned approach to my divorce made a big difference. In one of the more difficult moments for me, Chelsea was able to keep me focused - which is no easy matter. I am very grateful that I was able to work with Chelsea. Highly recommend.
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19 Aug, 2020 by Ty
I couldn't have asked for a better lawyer. Ms. Harman was very kind and understanding of the situation I was in. Not only did she look out for my best interest, but also my child's as well. If I wasn't able to speak directly to her at times, her office staff listened and got back to me in a timely manner with appropriate advice. Never did I feel like my questions were disregarded or overlooked, everything was always considered and open for discussion. While going to court is nerve racking her calm professional demeanor and years of experience always helped guide me in the right direction. They have always been more than fair with me and I will continue to use them and refer them going forward. Thank you for all your help!
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06 Jun, 2017 by Meav
Tisha is very knowledgeable. But what I adore most about her is that she is unbiased and I am not her client. My son is. She is a dedicated an impartial advocate of the child's best interest.
Her responses are timely and empathetic but fair and she dashes in the harsh reality in a gentle manner. Sometimes she is the bearer of bad news but at least you know she's acting from sincerity and years of dedicated service to parents and children in distress.
I can not put into words how grateful I am to have Tisha represent and advocate for me.
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17 Sep, 2013 by Frank
Mrs. Harman was used as minor's counsel for my two daughters in a child custody case. She was excellent with my daughters, but most important, she was fair and impartial. She has a lot of experience and it shows in her professionalism. I would definitely recommend Ms. Harman.
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29 Apr, 2016 by Diana
When my wayward nephew had robbed us and I needed to be sure he couldn't come back in Sara stayed with me throughout the process. She also did our estate trust. She makes it fast and easy. We have recommended Sara to many of our friends.
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22 Apr, 2016 by Karen
My husband and I hired Sara to create a Will and Trust for our family. We were completely happy with the experience and great customer service we received. Sara helped us through the tough decisions we needed to make to be sure our estate will be in order when we need it. She answered our questions thoughtfully and thoroughly. We highly recommend Sara!
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21 Apr, 2016 by Abhijit
Very reliable and high integrity quotient. Involvement level is very high. Easy to work with. Computer saavy, very efficient with all kinds of paperwork. Readies motions, pleadings in 30% time of what most attorneys do, thus bringing a lot of savings. Energetic. Can multi-task very well. Also adjusted my rates when I lost my income. She remained very passionate about my case. Easy to contact. Well versed with all areas of Family Law.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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15 Oct, 2024 by Mahshid ramezani
When searching for a trust attorney I came across Maya Pinchman at Ratners & Pinchman. What an amazing experience after an arduous search for a trust attorney! She gave me all the time on the phone to hear my case and offered great options without an initial hourly fee. I knew I had found the right person to help me with setting up my trust. She offered excellent solutions for my situation and was great with the execution of my trust. Maya is kind, understanding and professional. She has always been available to promptly answer my questions. I would highly recommend her to anyone that would like to acquire an honest and competent attorney.
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14 Oct, 2024 by Mari gilbert
My husband is in sub acute, and I needed an attorney to help me set up a way to pay for the care. Maya Pinchman set up a trust for me to achieve this. She was calm, and confident in all aspects of this process. She was always available for my calls, and questions. I would recommend her.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Majdi joseph
great service very smooth and give you the knowledge to understand the processes
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15 Oct, 2024 by Mahshid ramezani
When searching for a trust attorney I came across Maya Pinchman at Ratners & Pinchman. What an amazing experience after an arduous search for a trust attorney! She gave me all the time on the phone to hear my case and offered great options without an initial hourly fee. I knew I had found the right person to help me with setting up my trust. She offered excellent solutions for my situation and was great with the execution of my trust. Maya is kind, understanding and professional. She has always been available to promptly answer my questions. I would highly recommend her to anyone that would like to acquire an honest and competent attorney.
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14 Oct, 2024 by Mari gilbert
My husband is in sub acute, and I needed an attorney to help me set up a way to pay for the care. Maya Pinchman set up a trust for me to achieve this. She was calm, and confident in all aspects of this process. She was always available for my calls, and questions. I would recommend her.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Majdi joseph
great service very smooth and give you the knowledge to understand the processes
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15 Oct, 2024 by Mahshid ramezani
When searching for a trust attorney I came across Maya Pinchman at Ratners & Pinchman. What an amazing experience after an arduous search for a trust attorney! She gave me all the time on the phone to hear my case and offered great options without an initial hourly fee. I knew I had found the right person to help me with setting up my trust. She offered excellent solutions for my situation and was great with the execution of my trust. Maya is kind, understanding and professional. She has always been available to promptly answer my questions. I would highly recommend her to anyone that would like to acquire an honest and competent attorney.
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14 Oct, 2024 by Mari gilbert
My husband is in sub acute, and I needed an attorney to help me set up a way to pay for the care. Maya Pinchman set up a trust for me to achieve this. She was calm, and confident in all aspects of this process. She was always available for my calls, and questions. I would recommend her.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Majdi joseph
great service very smooth and give you the knowledge to understand the processes
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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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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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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.
