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20 Sep, 2024 by Evey
I am very very very glad that I hired Mr. Brad Faber to work with me. I have to say Mr. Faber is one of the best in Palm Desert. If anybody would want a great lawyer call on Mr. Faber. He is very good and takes good care of his client, he is honest, trustworthy, morals, respectful, manners and has treated me very good and I came out very happy. I ask anybody who is looking for a great lawyer call Mr. Faber and he will take great care of you, no matter what. He is good man.
Evey
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13 Apr, 2022 by Kari
Mr. Faber is one of the greatest lawyers out there! He’s very kind, patient and doesn’t sugar coat anything! He gets straight to the point and you can rest assured he has your best interests at heart. I highly recommend him if you are looking for someone who demonstrates great communication, gives very thorough advice and will fight for you! Thanks Mr. Faber! You’re awesome!!!
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28 Nov, 2021 by Marta
Brad is more than a lawyer. He has been representing me in my divorce and child custody battle for the last 20 months and I can't say enough good things about him. He's kind, patient, extremely knowledgeable, responsive and will treat your case with empathy and always have your children's and your best interest in mind. He has a very calm demeanor in court and is very well respected by the judge in my case. A+
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5.0
20 Reviews
5.0
1 Reviews
14 Oct, 2022 by Timothy rosas
I hired Amy Lopez for a Divorce, Child Custody and
Ex Parte Orders. I needed a Temporary emergency (ex parte) order because my ex-wife was unstable and on drugs and left in the middle of the night with my two daughters to a different County 5 hours away. Amy Lopez immediately filed an ex parte order to the Court to get my daughters back and I received a hearing date within days. I went to my Court Hearing for the ex parte and Amy Lopez addressed the issue with a Firm Professionalism that moved the Court to get me FULL SOLE CUSTODY of my Daughters! There is no other Lawyer in the County that’s going to get your ex parte granted by a Judge. Her Court Room skills, knowledge and experience with the
ex parte is the best you’ll ever find. She knows exactly what needs to be done in order for you to win in Court. My daughters mean everything to me, now I have sole custody of them, and Amy Lopez made that happen!
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17 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
Amy is the one you want on your side! She is a great lawyer, she’s passionate about her job, great communication skills and is a good listener. Can’t express enough how compassionate she was with my case. She was never too busy for me, met with me immediately, not once did she make me feel rushed and always answered my questions. She’s worth every penny, especially when she made the petitioner and witness hesitate on their statements!
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29 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Amy Lopez is the best family law lawyer I could of ever asked !!!! Ms.Lopez did my case pro bono she fought hard in court and I got custody
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07 Oct, 2024 by Sarah krammen
High West Law is a professional, organized, and very friendly law firm. It is always a pleasure working with lawyers Keenan Hawkins and Grant Wiltshire.
In my experience, High West Law strives to create a positive relationship with its clients, providing thoughtful, well-researched legal advice. All responses to my questions about creating a small business and purchasing large equipment have been timely and thorough. And they are located in a beautiful and convenient location in Truckee, CA.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Zachary duksta
Keenan, Grant, and their entire team have been integral parts of my business from formation to permitting and beyond. They remind me of deadlines and clerical obligations that I would likely overlook. We are lucky to be located in the same business park and anytime I have a question they helpful, prompt, and professional.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Beth tanhoff
Keenan and his team at High West Law handled the formation of my corporation professionally and swiftly. They keep me informed and take care of my annual business requirements. Running a small business is not easy trying to keep track of everything. Trusting High West Law with the legal aspects of my new company was a good business decision for me. Their rates are reasonable and they are happy to help you develop cost effective strategies. Their support staff are friendly and knowledgable . At High West Law you are treated personally and aren't just another number.
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31 Mar, 2022 by Paige
I contacted Wade Law Group for assistance with a small claims suit. I have worked with Brett and Dave McGraw, both have been dedicated, helpful, and have gone above and beyond to meet my expectations. Dave has provided effective legal advice and detailed explanations about the process as well as developed a plan for my hearing. Dave has gave me confidence in my abilities and quelled my anxiety. If I ever need representation or consultations again in the future, Wade Law Group will always be my first and only choice.
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10 Jan, 2022 by Dave
A leader, innovator and most importantly, a terrific lawyer. No one wants to need an attorney, but when you do need one, Amiel Wade is the one to call.
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27 Jun, 2021 by Patricia cent
I hired Mr. Wade to expedite my divorce after being with an ill-prepared attorney for 1 1/2 years in which I didn't get past the discovery stage. I got quick results with Mr. Wade and my divorce was finalized after 4 months. His support staff quickly responded to all my emails and returned my calls. Mr. Wade is very experienced and knowledgeable and found an error in a filing by my ex-spouse's attorney and took immediate action on her behalf which saved me money and didn't prolong the divorce proceedings. He is involved in all the cases in his firm. Every Wednesday he conducts a meeting with his associate attorneys to consult and monitor their progress and provides them with his expert advice when necessary. Hopefully, I won't need Mr. Wade in the future but if I do, I would retain his services again because I was very pleased with his work and professionalism.
Patricia Cent
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05 Mar, 2023 by Michelle
Great experience! Very straightforward, and transparent. She represented me on my family law case. I appreciated her dedication. Thank you.
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04 Apr, 2022 by Mike
I've had the unfortunate need to use Ms. Etcheverry a handful of times over the last decade or so. My cases have ranged from Dissolution of Marriage to Custody and Abandonment. Ms. Etcheverry has exceeded my expectations every time. Her staff is friendly, compassionate and understand how to deal with a client who is going through some of the toughest situations in their life. Ms. Etcheverry is outstanding in Court and is not scared to take your case to Trial if necessary. I cannot recommend her enough! I would not waste time with another consultation, this is the Attorney you need.
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05 Aug, 2021 by Jaymie
After watching Ms. Etcheverry in court, I changed lawyers and hired her in the middle of my divorce. Best decision I ever made. She's worth every penny that I paid, plus more.
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30 Jan, 2024 by Ed
I interviewed dozens of lawyers, and I hired one who was soothing but turned out to be incompetent. She was not only a waste of money, she left me hanging with a trial date that was approaching fast. I had to scramble and thank God Sean was willing to take my case. He does not sugar coat anything. He's extremely professional, organized, competent and honest. He does his homework, talks through all aspects of your case, writes briefs well, prepares you thoroughly for trial, and speaks in court with authority. He takes his job seriously and gets it done on your behalf.
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12 Aug, 2023 by Crystal
My divorce started with a different attorney. A firm I will not name here who honestly took a great deal of my money with very little oversight. I received a referral to Sean and I'm so glad I made the switch. You can't prepare for divorce so I was blind sided and hadn't done my research. I wish I had started my divorce with Sean as my attorney. He listed to me and was able to see my side and advocate what was best for me and my daughter. I will forever be thankful to him in remembering all the details of my case. We didn't have to rehash everything every time we met. Sean was so efficient every time we met and also very sincere. He made himself available and he always gave me both sides of an argument and he prepared me every step of the way. I settled my divorce and child custody case with my ex-husband and I feel that it was fair. I wasted so much money in the beginning by not using an attorney such as Sean. I can't tell you how rare he is and I'm so grateful for the time and service he provided.
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06 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
I am an attorney and am familiar with litigation. I retained an attorney to file a divorce proceeding, and that attorney did nothing but bill me for work that did not move the case forward. Fed up, I was referred to Sean Patrick Joyce. What a breath of fresh air. Mr. Joyce took immediate action, was a great communicator, and effectively utilized his terrific paralegal. In a matter of weeks, Mr. Joyce resolved issues, moved the case forward and obtained a stipulated judgment for me. During the time period that I worked with Mr. Joyce, and his paralegal, all of my questions were quickly resolved with an eye towards resolution and cost effectiveness. Mr. Joyce is direct, honest and a real problem solver. I would highly recommend his firm.
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21 Dec, 2021 by Lau
i have nothing but amazing stuff to say about the professional service Ms Medina and her team provided. Every time I had a question either thru an email or a phone call I would always get a rapid answer. They made it so easy. I highly recommend their service.
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21 Dec, 2021 by Alfredo
My experience with The Law Office of Rebecca Medina was a very good one, I went in not knowing really what to expect as to how I would build my case in order to help me see and get custody/visitation with my son. Her office helped me tremendously in navigating through every step and always kept me up to date. Keep up the great work!
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21 Jul, 2021 by Jeanne
Rebecca and her team were amazing. Rebecca quickly reviewed my file and came back with a very honest plan. She listened to my goals and helped make them happen.
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14 Jun, 2023 by Crystal
I have been involved in a contentious custody dispute with my daughters father. We were never married. My daughter is 8 years old now. Several years ago the court awarded sole legal and physical custody to me based upon substantiated findings of domestic violence.
Recently, my daughters father filed a motion for change of custody. The court appointed Randi Susan Klein as minors counsel to represent the best interest of my daughter. Ms. Klein interviewed my daughter, myself and her father privately. She read through documents in the court file, as well as other pleadings my lawyer sent to her. When we arrived in court, I had no idea what her recommendation was going to be.
Ms. Klein recommended in my favor. She explained to the Judge, step by step, why my daughter should remain in my custody. While she was talking, the judge was carefully listening to her. He was shaking his head in agreement. As a result of Ms. Klein's hard work and presentation, the judge dismissed the fathers motion.
I was so relieved that I cried tears of joy. Ms. Klein was a very strong voice for my child and she was well prepared. I am so grateful that the court appointed her to be my daughters lawyer.
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14 Jun, 2023 by Marie
My daughter is involved in a contentious custody battle with her child's father. Her daughter, my grand-daughter, is 8 years old. There was a court hearing this morning. I went with my daughter to court this morning to support her.
When my grand daughter was very young, her father beat my daughter and threatened to take my grand daughter away from her. My grand daughter witnessed the beatings. My grand daughter is still in therapy sorting out how this affected her. The father also prevented me from seeing my grand daughter until she was 9 months old. Eventually my daughter got civil and criminal restraining orders against the father. Now he is only allowed supervised visits.
Recently the father filed a motion for change of custody. The court appointed Randi Susan Klein as minors counsel to represent my grand daughter. Today was the hearing for the court to rule on the father's motion. Ms. Klein was a very strong advocate for my grand daughter. She explained to the court, in a very logical and passionate way, why my granddaughter should remain in my daughter's custody.
Neither my daughter nor myself knew, ahead of time, what Ms. Klein would be recommending to the court. She was eloquent. She understood both the legal and the emotional issues and explained how that impacted our family. I cried when I listed to her in court.
The court dismissed the father's motion for a change of custody.
I am very relieved and very grateful to Ms. Klein. Because of her hard work and commitment, my granddaughter will continue to be safe and to get the professional help that she needs.
Ms. Klein was amazing & did a Great job, I Highly recommend her for anyone seeking Minors Counsel, she is the Best !!!
Thank you❤️
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31 Mar, 2023 by Maria
Randi Klein wastes no time! I am truly grateful for all her help in our guardianship/custody case. She is direct and very helpful, even going out of her way to accommodate her clients. I really appreciated the attention and care to detail she gave to our case. If you are in a situation, she is definitely reliable and does not take any of the run-around. If you can get her to represent you, please do so, she is awesome!
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5.0
20 Reviews
27 Jan, 2024 by Sidney
After being with a nationally advertised law firm for a year, I was given a list of alternative litigators for my life event.
Kristine Cummings listened and followed up and within a month did more than the my previous attorneys could do in a year. In doing so, she saved my life. Kristine, along with her team treated me with dignity and respect.
You can search long and wide for an attorney but you’ll never find one better than Kristine. She is quite literally a life-saver!!!
Eternally grateful,
Sidney in Elk Grove, CA
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22 Nov, 2023 by Teresa
Kristine walked me through every step of the process of my divorce, ending a 34 year marriage. She always knew when to be direct and when to show patience and compassion. I was overwhelmed by the legal process, but she was savvy and always looking out for my best interests. The highest compliment I can give her is that I was able to relax during this difficult process, knowing she had everything in hand. I highly recommend Kristine to anyone looking for competence, expedience, professionalism and compassion.
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05 Jul, 2023 by Mary
Kristine is not just an amazing lawyer, she is patient, kind, and a truly wonderful human being. Going through the divorce process is not for the faint of heart, but Kristine is wicked smart, is well respected by her peers, and made the process bearable. She is patient with questions, quick to answer emails, and has a wonderful staff. She is a gem!
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09 Nov, 2022 by Kyle
I cant say enough good things about Steven Stolar and his team of lawyers. Steven always returned my calls and answered my questions. Mr. Stolar with the help from his associate was was able to negotiate a reasonable solution to my case. They did what other law firms could not do. I couldn't be happier with their services and I would recommend them to anyone.
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13 Aug, 2021 by Brandan
Stolar Law did an excellent job facilitating my asset mediation. Not only did Bill and Jenny meet my every need, they went above and beyond! Thank you for affording me peace of mind during this stressful time. I'm very happy with the results. 10/10
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13 Aug, 2021 by Amanda
I have to say that these guys are amazing and have gone above and beyond for me and my family. I can start with Jenny Barizian who has made this difficult time in my life so much easier. She is probably one of the smartest and sweetest woman I've ever met and she is on point with everything she does. Steven Stolar is a very professional man who I trust completely and last but not least is Bill Hinz who was my attorney and his performance exceeded my expectations. I can't thank him enough! If you need legal representation Steven Stolar Law is the way to go!!
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08 Jan, 2024 by Kelly
Mr. Zitney provided exceptional service as he represented me during my recent divorce proceedings. He provided exceptional representation and he was quick to respond to any questions and concerns I may have had during the process. He is truly concerned about his clients and he worked extremely hard to put me in the best possible financial positions after my case was over. Additionally, his staff provided prompt answers to all my questions and I felt the strong support of his team throughout the entire process - he his very highly recommended.
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27 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Mr. Zitney is highly knowledgeable, professional & advises on his clients' best interests from start to finish. My case was complex and draining, however he provided me with exceptional advisement and service that benefited not only myself, but also my children.
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23 Dec, 2022 by Claudia
No doubt divorce is disruptive, emotionally and financially draining. The last thing you need to worry about is if your attorney is honest and looking out for your best interests. Mr Zitney is both honest and skilled. He listened to and understood what was important to me in the settlement. He presented me best and worst case scenarios and he immediately went to work. He represented me with dignity. MT his legal assistant/paralegal doesn't ever sleep! She kept me updated on the status of my case. Its been said a good divorce is when both sides lose. Thanks to Mr Zitney I got the best possible outcome, I got what was most important to me.
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30 Nov, 2021 by J.d.
Divorce is a dark and lonely abyss. Anyone that’s ever journeyed through this perilous path to reach freedom and peace understands what I mean. Kim Ma was that beacon of hope to help me reach the destination in one piece.
There are many false presumptions and threats made during this time from both sides. There are those attorneys that promise but doesn’t deliver. Kim Ma is the gold standard. Kim provide the law and realistic expectations, not just what I wanted to hear.
In the court room, Kim was poised and established a clear respectful presence. She was factual and experienced with the process and people.
My divorce process was extremely long due to the unwillingness of the other party. During this time, I felt that my retainer and fee was reasonable and every dollar was worth it. I received a monthly statement showing where my charges were, received copies of every document, and they remembered my specific situation without me reiterating throughout the years of my case. Email and phone communication was timely and always followed through.
My only regret was not going to Kim sooner. She navigated me through the treacherous storm. Thank you.
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16 Aug, 2019 by Rocky
I am so incredibly grateful I found Kim at Cameron Fernandez. I was represented by Kim in my divorce case in the Sacramento judicial system. She is an absolutely consummate professional in every aspect of the word. She's incredibly knowledgeable, intelligent, kind, patient and courteous. Above all she knows law and she knows it very well. She's a solid communicator and was there for me every step of the way. She was available for me night/ weekends/ holidays -- it made no difference. She always made time for me and made me feel like my case was a priority for her. When I begun my search for an attorney I felt extremely overwhelmed. She was referred to me by another attorney in the Sacramento area; and like I said - so tremendously grateful I found her. She is a senior attorney at her firm and is certified in family law. Her credentials speak volumes.
Her office is clean, quiet, centrally located and plenty of free parking. Not like other firms in Sacramento requiring paid parking/ meters/ parking validation... which can make a difficult emotional situation even worse. I definitely can appreciate the accessibility, and also not far from the Courthouse.
Her Administrator, Sherri is also so incredibly kind and knowledgeable as well. They make such a great team and I also appreciate her as well.
Should you find yourself in need of a very good family law attorney, I would not hesitate to recommend Kim in a heartbeat.
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11 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
In 2016, I filed for custody and won by default. Shortly after, my ex filed to dispute custody, and filed a pretentious emergency ex parte hearing. I only had 24 hours, and knew I needed an attorney. I spoke to Kim and several others, but Kim seemed more significantly competent, assertive, clearly understood the urgency of my situation and made herself available to represent me at my hearing at which she convinced the judge not to send my daughter out of state to live with her mother.
She continued to help me navigate a difficult and contested custody fight, during which I was simultaneously fighting a criminal case that led to CPS involvement. On top of this, my ex made many false claims against me in court. Despite these major hurtles, Kim expertly represented me, and was able to get me full physical and legal custody.
In court, she was conspicuously more composed and experienced than my ex's attorney. Seeing Kim in court leaves me feeling very confident knowing that she represents me. Kim knows the law inside and out, and understands what steps and direction need to be taken.
Just recently in 2019, my daughter had to travel out of state for summer visitation. During this time, she was subjected to major emotional trauma, and placed maliciously into a psyche ward by her mother who would not let my daughter speak with her family. Her mother filed for custody in a state other than in which she lives who was not aware of the existing order and lied to the judge about existing court orders which resulted in her being awarded full custody under false pretenses. Again she made numerous wild accusations and had filed fake CPS allegations against my family members.
Once again I called Kim. Kim knew exactly what to do, and what to avoid. She communicates extremely well, making sure that I knew what I needed to be doing and what the next steps were. She emailed me even at 6 AM on the weekend, working around the clock to help me get my daughter back, which again made me feel better knowing I had Kim with me.
For this case I hired an attorney in the other state as well, and Kim coordinated perfectly with them, demonstrating a strong capability to handle even more difficult cases. She very quickly won return of custody and I was able to bring my daughter home.
I can't express strongly enough how grateful I am to have Kim as my attorney. I absolutely recommend that you give her a call if you are dealing with family law issues.
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24 Jun, 2024 by Nicole dorning
Ken and his team were wonderful from start to finish! Always looking out for my needs and best interest! Highly recommend.
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28 Nov, 2023 by Ehsan mostaghni
If you are looking for an ethical, knowledgable, passionate and well-posed attorney who treats you professionally during your hard times of your life, you should go to Mr. Burgi.
His team also is so professional and helpful.
You are never treated as “ another client” at Mr. Burgi’s office.
I highly recommend Kenneth Burgi.
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05 Apr, 2022 by Amanda
I was referred to The Law Offices of Kenneth Burgi through a friend who had previously worked with him. She had nothing but praises and raves about her experience with him. When faced with the termination of my abusive and violent marriage, I wanted to make sure I chose the right lawyer to represent me. From the first moment I sat down with Mr. Burgi, his gentle soft spoken demeanor was very comforting. Mr. Burgi and his staff were all extremely professional. They handled my case with such delicacy, empathy and care. Mr Burgi went to bat for me. He fought my case with integrity, such determination and went in for the kil when they least expected it. He knew when to press forward and when to sit back and let the other party hang themselves. Mr. Burgi is a fountain of knowledge, a true professional and an all around wonderful family man. Throughout my case, he talked to me, not at me. He made me feel as comfortable as possible in all aspects of the case. Mr. Burgi is an extremely talented, professional lawyer built upon a foundation of years of experience. Mr. Burgi gave me my life back when it had been stolen from me by an evil monster. I highly recommend Mr Burgi and would not hesitate to use him again if needed.
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06 May, 2021 by Shammy
Best lawyer ever known in town. Few Years back she did an excellent job on my very difficult divorce she was brilliant ethical very knowledgeable and right to the point I would recommend her to anybody and everybody she’s the best you can get and the best part about her that she’s truthful that is what I loved about Cindy
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27 Apr, 2021 by Michael
Cindy knows what she’s doing. A true fighter, Extremely smart, caring. I have been with six lawyers through my divorce I have found one that I will keep
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09 Oct, 2019 by B. b.
Cindy Lee Cannon is thorough, responsive and compassionate. I was extremely overwhelmed due to the unique circumstances of my divorce and my anxiety level at times was unbearable for me. Ms. Cannon always was able to listen to me and help me work through my concerns whether real or imagined. She is the Best of the Best!
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11 Apr, 2022 by Kate
We were very happy to have Chris represent our family. He's sharp, no-nonsense, and helped us navigate through the slow legal process. Chris is very diligent, he does quality work, and he made us feel comfortable and confident throughout the whole process.
Chris is very professional, informative, and knowledgeable about family matters. He was patient and spent a lot of time answering all our questions.
We highly recommend Chris to anyone who needs a competent and efficient family law attorney.
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24 Dec, 2021 by Helen
I hired Christopher to finalize my divorce. He worked with me to make sure everything was done right regarding my paperwork. I hired him after reading so many positive reviews from other clients. I can say I had a positive experience as well.
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10 Dec, 2021 by Adam
I hired Christopher to do my prenuptial agreement. He took my information, explained the process and did things timely without delay. Good work and I would hire him again.
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03 Apr, 2024 by Stacey laub
Our family has been dealing with a very contentious, complex, divorce and custody situation. Shannon doesn’t practice in our geographic area but she agreed to consult with our lawyer. Shannon Stein was professional, knowledgeable, kind, and thorough. She was available to answer questions and was always quick with her responses. She shared successful strategies with our lawyer and helped us find a resolution where we thought there was no good outcome possible. We highly recommend her services and the way in which she delivers them.
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25 Sep, 2023 by John
I had the privilege of working with Shannon for legal advice during my divorce proceedings, and I couldn't be more pleased with her services. While I didn't require full representation in court, I leaned on her expertise and guidance heavily, and I was consistently impressed.
Shannon demonstrated a remarkable level of professionalism and efficiency throughout our interactions. One thing that stood out was her responsiveness; she was always quick to address my questions and concerns, providing clarity and peace of mind during a challenging time. It was evident that she had a deep understanding of family law, and her ability to explain complex legal matters in a way that was easy to comprehend was greatly appreciated.
What truly set Shannon apart was her impeccable organization and attention to detail. She had her act together from the start, ensuring that every document and piece of advice was on point. This level of diligence not only saved me time but also instilled confidence in her abilities.
I wholeheartedly recommend Shannon to anyone seeking legal counsel during divorce or family law matters. Her expertise, responsiveness, and professionalism made a significant difference in my experience, and I am grateful for her support during this challenging period in my life. Thank you, Shannon, for your outstanding service and guidance.
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11 Apr, 2023 by Homaira
My case it not over yet, but Shannon is working very hard for my case (an abused women with 3 sons) to get justice and not beings through out of house with my 3 kids.
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15 Aug, 2021 by Reuben
Christine was the attorney I wish I had from the beginning. She is everything you would expect from a great attorney: professional, respectful, responsive, informative, and direct. She also really cared, and invested herself in the case, which is not something I can say about previous attorneys I’ve had.
After getting nowhere for years, I finally got a huge win in parenting time thanks to Christine. She really helped navigate the messiness of the case and made sure I understood everything she presented. She helped keep me focused on the big picture despite the emotional roller coaster the whole process can be. I highly recommend her and will absolutely hire her again if necessary.
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07 Mar, 2021 by Diana
If I could give her 10 stars I would. She is the best lawyer you would ever hire. She knows how to get things done and get you the best settlement you can get. She helped me thru a two year divorce (because of ex) and kept me calm thru it all. If you want a great attorney hire Christine she will not steer you wrong.
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21 Jun, 2019 by Sarena
Christine Thielo is not only an amazing attorney but an amazing person as well. I felt as though she genuinely cared for my situation and worked hard to get me the best possible outcome, which she did! She represented me in my DV and child custody case and I couldn’t have asked for better. I came to her with quite a bit of history and just one month prior to my next court date. She put the time and effort to review and become completely familiar with my entire case in order to adequately represent me, which she did a great job doing. She explains very thoroughly every option that is available to you and is very honest with each outcome. She is experienced, knowledgeable, professional, and tough! She stands her ground and is not intimidated by anyone or anything. She, or her assistant Linda who is also amazing, gets back to you almost immediately. She went above and beyond my expectations, I can’t describe how grateful and thankful I am for her hard work and dedication.
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10 Feb, 2021 by Seth
When I first called this law office and set up my initial consultation with Michael Peterson for my pending divorce, I was impressed with how professional and straight-to-the-point he was. He asked all of the necessary questions and summarized my situation very quickly. His assistant, Jordyn, was also very efficient with scheduling and ensuring they got me in quickly whenever it was needed. I then hired Michael to help me draft a divorce agreement (i.e. settlement offer). We worked together, in person, to think through all of the angles and ensure that my interests were protected. Michael was very realistic, reasonable, articulate, and easy to work with. As much as I thought working with a lawyer might be a miserable experience, I actually enjoyed hanging out in Michael's office and working with him. In the end, I felt that I received solid guidance from Michael throughout the entire process of the divorce and felt confident, despite all of the uncertainties and "what ifs", that he had helped me get through the divorce as quickly and smoothly as possible. He also made phone calls to other experts / consultants / lawyers for advice related to real estate law, since my divorce involved some complicated issues regarding a home my ex wife and I owned together. Compared with other local attorneys - some of whom wanted over $7,000 right at the start - this law office was extremely reasonable with their rates, billing by the hour with full transparency and printed breakdowns along the way. Even after the divorce paperwork has been all signed off and completed, Michael has continued to help answer my questions as they arise. I am extremely grateful to have found Michael and Jordyn, since they saved me a lot of money and made my divorce as painless as possible. I would highly recommend them!
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04 Mar, 2019 by E veritas
I’m pro per and needed a second opinion on my complex court filing. Mr Arnold gave me exceptional advice, highlighting the weaknesses and strengths in my arguments ( immediately targeting and prioritizing the critical aspects, and then backing up his review with an impressive knowledge of the law) I was genuinely impressed, not only with his expertise, but his compassion and kindness in dealing with my difficult circumstances. He took time to make sure I understood, gave exemplary advice and saw the case from all angles. Don’t hesitate to contact him for a second opinion, you won’t regret it.
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04 Jan, 2019 by Dennis
Thank You
The advice I received 01/04/19 form Mr. Arnold on my legal endeavors, as one quoted is "as good as it gets."
Mr. Arnold gratuitously assisted me with the next direction to re-file my request to reduce or terminate a prior award of spousal support with great optimism. Patient to listen.
Second Opinion Client.
Northern, Ca.
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01 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
I had the privilege of working with Ralph Santoro at the office of Goldberg Jones over the course of the last year and a half. Ralph was simply outstanding, if I could recommend an attorney to anyone going through the same divorce and custody struggles that I went through, I would recommend Ralph any day of the week.
For starters, Ralph has never been one to shy away from conflict with the opposing party, a lot of attorneys will often times take the path of least resistance when it comes to fighting for their client. However, this was not the case with Ralph, he secured the custody agreement I wanted and got favorable terms for my divorce. It was an absolute pleasure getting to know Ralph on a personal level as well. He is truly an amazing guy all the way around.
He is very knowledgeable on current case literature and knows how to make the process as smooth as possible.
Thank you Ralph!
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02 Jan, 2024 by Eric
Ralph helped me get through what was supposed to be an amicable divorce but turned out to be very nasty. He was extremely knowledgeable, always on time with requests, and quick to get back to me anytime I contacted him. He made me comfortable knowing that his goal was not to make as much work as possible in order to gain more hours from me. He often discussed various options in terms of the amount of work necessary and what it would cost me, but did not push me to do anything I wasn't comfortable with. I highly recommend Ralph for any divorce/family law needs.
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04 Dec, 2021 by Tyler
Having Mr. Santoro advocating for me was the right choice. He is a strong advocate and it makes all the difference. As a father, navigating the family court is tricky and can be perilous, Mr Santoro's experience and tact was indispensable when I needed it most. Thank you Ralph!
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06 Feb, 2024 by David
I simply cannot say enough good things about David Goldberg and his incredible team. They were amazing to work with. The kindness and devotion they demonstrated during my divorce has had an enormous impact on me and changed the entire trajectory of my life. David and his team were my compass while I was lost and trying to navigate my way through the most challenging time of my life. The Goldberg Legal Group was a bold light even on my darkest days. He and his team are some of the kindest, thoughtful, and most loyal people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting in my life. (Just wish it had been under other circumstances) I would highly recommend David for anyone going through a divorce, particularly with a narcissistic ex. He is an equal part of being aggressive when merited and being a friendly confidant when needed making for the perfect combination while going through a very painful and emotionally draining time in mine and my children's life. I feel so incredibly blessed that he was in my corner while I went through this rather long, drawn out process. (no fault on our end) I interviewed over a dozen attorneys before ultimately hiring him; best decision I have ever made! Do yourself a favor and make sure he is in your corner, you will NOT regret it!!
David R.
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09 Aug, 2023 by Deeann
The Goldberg legal group represented me in my divorce. I was more than cared for legally. They helped me navigate the most difficult challenge of my life and were competent and compassionate at every turn, and there were many turns.
I have no reservations about recommending this firm. I remain grateful for the representation and care I received while a client and my case was favorably resolved.
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31 Aug, 2021 by Robert
David is definitely the one that you want on your side. He is very detailed and gets things done and finds the right solution for your case.
If you want good results, you should put David at your side. He is definitely good at what he does and gets you what you need.
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09 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Alexa is very patient and empathetic of ones situation.
She takes her time to listen and advise you appropriately. She’s just helped me with my case and I’m very happy with the end result, I will definitely return to her in the future, I highly recommend her services, she’s not money hungry too, I must say!
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13 Jan, 2024 by Elizabeth
I would very highly recommend Attorney Alexa Tibshraeny. She was referred to me by a mediator who sang her praises. Fortunately for me, I hired Ms. Tibshraeny. She handled my divorce (after a 25 year marriage) in the most efficient, commanding, attentive and highly intuitive way. Her communication skills are excellent, on both sides of the coin. Lastly, her drive and ambition to reach the very end of this divorce process were truly amazing.
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23 Oct, 2023 by Lusine
From our initial consultation, I noticed what a compassionate person Alexa was. She is very knowledgeable and quick to respond to emails. She keeps things short and sweet and always steers you in the right direction. She has gone above and beyond to make sure that my kids and I are protected and somehow found a way to get my ex to stop harassing me. In a few months, she got this high conflict case settled after having no progress for a year and half with my previous attorney. I highly recommend Alexa!
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01 May, 2024 by Anonymous
These attorneys at this firm are beyond incredible!! They are efficient and respectful and really take the time to make sure you are represented at the highest level. They did everything right in my case and couldn't have asked for better. These attorneys are top notch!
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27 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Kevin is an excellent family law attorney. I had a complex child support case and Kevin, Akylah and their team helped me maneuver through difficult legal situations and huge mess of documents submitted by opposition party. Kevin and his team were professional, patient with me and very thorough with their work. They prepped well leading to the trial and I won the trial thanks to them. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a family law attorney.
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28 Dec, 2023 by Kayla
Kevin is an amazing lawyer. He represented me in a Juvenile Dependency cases and won, getting it dismissed. He found outstanding medical experts to testify for my case. He was super responsive whenever I reached out and answered all of my questions. He is super easy to work with, knowledgeable, and very personable. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a lawyer.
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15 Apr, 2024 by C wilson
The Family Law Matters team handled my divorce professionally and with care during a very difficult time. I felt like I was always in good hands by the entire team and I was fully supported through the whole divorce process.
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11 Jan, 2024 by Brandi
I would highly recommend this firm. They are very Professional and will get the job done. They treat you like family, Call back or even email right away. with the stress of the case, they Heald my hand and went right in to work. Thank you so much for all your support. If needed i will definitely be using them again.
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30 Aug, 2023 by Raymundo
Beshoy and the entire staff are simply amazing, very detailed and professional. They made everything simple and understandable, I highly recommend using Family Law.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
I had the privilege of working with Elisabeth Donovan on my case, and I couldn't be more impressed. Her expertise, attention to detail, and dedication to my legal needs were truly exceptional. She communicated clearly throughout the process, ensuring I understood every step. Thanks to her diligent work, we achieved a successful outcome. I highly recommend Elisabeth Donovan to anyone in need of legal representation.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Grace
Elisabeth was my saving grace in this broken Family Court system. What 2 other attorneys were unable to accomplish in 18 months she resolved and settled in 2 weeks. I would highly recommend her. She is fair, honest and simply the best!!
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20 Feb, 2024 by Maria
Actually I met Mrs Donovan in my hardest time ever when my ex husband kid napped my two little children and lost all my rights, it seemed impossible to get them back specially my ex husband took an advantage of me not knowing any of my rights but Mrs Donovan was supportive and fully equipped to help me and with her help I was able to get my kids back.
I highly recommend Elisabeth when it comes to family law she is the best attorney ever.
Thank you Mrs Donovan
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13 Mar, 2024 by Nicky
Ben Aguilar is a talented, whip-smart, and thorough attorney. He is all business in his interactions but he was very thoughtful and sensitive about my situation as a divorced Dad with a child whom I miss dearly. He writes impeccable correspondence. He brought a strategy to the table but he didn’t impose it on me. He is not overly aggressive; he is sensible. It was obvious to me how much he is respected by the judges at Family Court in Vista. Ben was recommended to me by a supervisor who had interacted with him in court. She said he was among the best family court lawyers she’d worked with and that he was hard-working and affordable. He is all that and more. I recommend him 100%.
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25 May, 2023 by Gustavo
Ben was recommended to me by family, and I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the exceptional consultation, professionalism, and valuable time you dedicated to me. I genuinely appreciate the time you dedicated to our discussions and the efforts you made to accommodate my schedule. Your responsiveness and availability made it easier for me to navigate through this legal process. Thank you again.
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13 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
Having watched this Attorney as a public Observer, I was impressed by him and his due diligence toward his clients, primarily when he is representing them in Court. My observations were that the opposing Respondent was a Family Law Attorney whom he had the pleasure of filleting.
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27 Oct, 2022 by Jason
Kate provided superior representation in my divorce proceeding. She was effective in facilitating the best result for our children and the equitable distribution of our assets and business. Kate is a class act. It was apparent from my experience that judges and opposing lawyers show tremendous respect to Kate and the Gillespie Law Firm.
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03 Nov, 2020 by Jay
Ms. Gillespie is an excellent attorney who excels in difficult and complicated family law matters. Having dealt with attorneys my entire adult life, I was particularly impressed with her ability to match legal theory to applicable law. Furthermore she has an uncanny ability to analyze purported facts by opposing counsel and rip them apart. Through a very difficult divorce, Ms. Gillespie was always prepared and “outworked” opposing counsel. She leaves no stone unturned in preparing for court. I would recommend Kate to anyone seeking highly competent counsel in family law matters. She’s the best!
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21 Jul, 2019 by Xiao
I hired Kate after much frustration with my first lawyer, who is a terrible human being, knows nothing about your case, has no strategy in place and wants nothing but your money. Kate is the exact opposite: she knows your case, cares about you, responds in time to answer your questions, advises you on all aspects related to navigating your life during a nasty divorce. When you find yourself in the unfortunate position to have to fight for your life and fend off the constant attacks in court, Kate is there, as a great human being and friend first and then a very competent lawyer, to hold your hands and escort you to safety. Forever grateful!
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27 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
If you ever find yourself in the situation of needing a family/DV law attorney, Asha is second to none. She is a rare combination of kindness and razor sharp smart. Always prepared very methodical in her arguments, and at our last court appearance the judge went out of her way to compliment Asha about her brief. Sitting next to her in court, I was so calm because she was. Without going into the details of my case, she got me out of a dark place and I am forever thankful.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Rob
Asha is incredibly smart, insightful, caring and most importantly someone who can grab a very complex and emotionally charged situation and bring great calm and direction.
Asha's case studies and ability to bring all available perennate law to bear is second to none!
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13 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
If you are reading the review here, then may be you are in search of an attorney who could represent you, is professional and the best. So, Stop your search, reach out to Asha ASAP!
Why do i recommend her so strongly? My Divorce case started in August 2017, and at that time I was represented by another attorney, but within one month I switched on to another attorney (Not Asha). Why?
My previous attorney was totally unprofessional, and would be on time with invoice but no progress in the case. So, I chose another lawyer and that lawyer just made a mess of my case by making delay in submitting document, and moreover the stipulation which we made were a dark web to ensure that my case runs for a long time and the attorney can keep running the invoices. Moving further 1 year into my case with no progress, I reached out to Asha again, and lucky me, she accepted the case. That was the first best step in my case which i took..
I myself give 100% in work and i feel actions are better than words. But the other attorney's were primarily words and gave only 5-10% of effort what i would expect. I am not a lawyer, but as you go with your case, you start seeing the positive / negative of the strategy which your lawyer recommends / adopts. I was getting impatient and my anxiety of what should be done was increasing and taking a toll on me. So, with the hope that may be Asha is the right attorney, i decided to talk to her. Also, I got recommendation of her from one of my colleague where Asha was the opposing counsel. She is awesome, that's why someone recommended the opposing counsel!.
Oh man, believe me, Since the day Asha took over my case, I never had to worry about my case at all. I am not exaggerating but her professionalism, timeliness and ethics would make it easy for you to worry less / none about the case. I am fan, and in awe of Asha's professionalism, she is the best attorney one could get.
What I got?
- All the documentation was thorough, thought through and ON TIME.
- She reviewed the existing case documents, sat with me and explained how we are going to tackle the existing issues. (Some of them created by previous attorney's)
- She is very transparent and will keep me looped (in bcc) with the emails to opposing counsel. This instils huge trust as you believe / see what is going on vs Oh i spoke and this is what the other counsel said.
- Every email I sent, i got a quick and satisfactory response. This reduces the number of emails which you send and keeps your brain content. She might respond, that I will get to you by xxx day, but that will keep you content and she will definitely respond. (No bluffs from her side at all on timelines)
- We prepared for trial thoroughly and since that day, my communication to her is very little, because she has already covered everything, now for our hearings there is little or nothing to discuss. Our preparation is well in advance.
- Proper billing, Every penny is worth. 100%.
- Results: In my case, there were couple of things
1. 50% Child Custody - Before i filed divorce, my wife didn't let me see my daughter at all, for one year she was away and gave me no access to our kid. When she came back to US, i had to fight to get the custody.
2. Date of Separation was contested - We got the DOS which we wanted. This has huge impact in support / alimony calculation.
3. Property - This is on-going, I am fully satisfied with the strategy.. Let's see how the Judge rules it.
4. Bifurcation - My previous lawyer got me into a serious mess, and since I am an immigrant, there were immigration issues because of which Bifurcation became a challenge. Asha's persistent approach has brought bifurcation on the table now, Judge agreed to grant bifurcation. That is a great win! Because my wife, wants to extend the case forever..
4. Anti-Injunction granted
- Lastly - PEACE. Most Important.
"THE" Best Attorney! Believe me.
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29 Aug, 2022 by Paul
Nadine is incredibly thorough. She knows my case better than I do. She knows the system, knows the right steps at the right times so that she will win your case with minimal charging and stress to her client.
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20 Aug, 2020 by Sabrina
Nadine is very good! She’s so sweet and very busy! She takes time to discuss things with you and go through everything so you aren’t confused. If your case is anything like mine it’s lots of paperwork because your ex husband won’t stop taking you to court for every little thing. She is trying to help make that stop. Her office manager Candice is very helpful. She knows her stuff and very to the point. I love her for that! I feel confident Nadine going to advocate for everything she can for me.
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21 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
I just wanted to take a minute to say how amazing Nadine was when we dealt with her. She was meant to be an Advocate for the child’s best interest, and she truly dug deep to really see and understand both parties while keeping in mind what was best for the child.
She changed her court order when she saw that one party clearly did not have respect for the court. Because of that action- she recommended reunification counseling. Anyone who has been separated from a child knows that isolation from one parent can have a huge affect on a child and whether or not they want to see the other parent, even if the other parent has done nothing wrong. The counseling allows the child to reconnect with the other parent with no barriers or influence. I feel it’s key in a custody battle especially when most law enforcement jurisdictions don’t force visitation. We spent a year in court trying every possible way to see her even-though we already had 50/50 custody . She listened to our pain and struggle when no one had before. As the Wife of a husband who has tried dearly to be part of his daughters life for over a decade with very little success, and no obvious allies, she stepped in and quickly saw the situation for what it was, someone finally to see the injustices that we had been experiencing for years, she did what was in the child’s best interest, she didn’t take sides she just went on the evidence that was presented before her, and I thank God for that, she was an angel to us. She is the only one who we ever felt cared, and really wanted to repair the situation for the child sake, she didn’t favor the mother, she didn’t favor the father.
She went with what they revealed to her in there many meetings and Conversations. She is truly a public servant who really cares about reunifying families whenever ever possible. I feel she went above and beyond the call of duty, and I will be eternally grateful.
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24 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Great lawyers. Very professional. The lawyers at this firm are very knowledgeable.
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20 Dec, 2022 by Elissa
I am very satisfied with the lawyer hat helped me throughout this difficult process. Karina was extremely knowledgeable and kind. Knowing that she would be at my side the day of court helped to relieve a lot of my anxiety. I am very thankful to her for all that she did.
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17 Nov, 2021 by Eva
I was in need of a divorce attorney and a friend referred me to Dianne Butler‘s firm. She has been amazing to work with because when I first filed, I was living in California. Then, I moved out of state and she was able to handle my case through emails and phone calls all the while, I was 3,000 miles away. She was very clear as to what I needed and what the outcome could be. She was smooth and effective in court and I was able to attend through a telephone call. She helped me attain the goals of what I wanted…..She was worth my money!
Her office staff was always friendly, pleasant and would redirected my calls to someone who could possibly answer my questions if she wasn’t available.
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03 May, 2022 by Lawrence
Jeffrey is straight to the point and we were able to settle my divorce in less than 10 months which included assets and child custody. He was available every step of the way to help me through this difficult time for my kids and myself.
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27 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
I came across Jeffrey after our "candidate" lawyer retired, and he suggested we contact Jeffrey. We met with him, discussed the case and he laid out the process and the pros and cons of the entire process very well.
The divorce case took about 10 months to solve the divorce and the child custody. The whole time Jeffrey was always available and kept us up to date with everything.
At the trial, Jeffrey presented bank records and income statements showing the Respondent was hiding income, and the award in the case was very fair and more than expected! Great job.
I appreciated the fact that as the case went along, we worked together to gather facts and he did all the lawyer stuff- and did a great job.
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22 Sep, 2021 by Iren
Mr. Graff was FANTASTIC!!! At the first meeting he was very knowledgeable as to my case details and clearly described the necessary procedures that I should expect. He was available anytime I had a question and always responded right away. When the court date arrived, he was absolutely the most professional in his presentation to the judge (compared to the other attorney who mumbled her way through) and I won my case. You can not go wrong with Jeffrey!!
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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.
