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18 Nov, 2024 by Corinne hauck
Very helpful with my traffic matter
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08 Nov, 2024 by Daisy hui
Matt handled my car accident in Durham a few years ago and made it as seamless as possible! I recommend him to everyone I know.
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08 Nov, 2024 by Cj a
The team at Constantinou & Burkert, PLLC have been nothing short of exemplary. No fuss, do what they say, and meet expectations. Highly recommended for your legal needs in the RTP.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Mark fossum
I am very grateful for Barri's (and her staff) help over more than a year working with her. My separation was not one I wanted, but worked with my wife’s management of our relationship. After talking to a few attorneys it was clear Barri was aligned with my goals of protecting the well-being of my children, and not getting emotionally involved in the process. I was crystal clear on my terms around what I would fight for, and she translated that into a separation agreement that benefited my kids and their futures. She is a thoughtful, caring, kind, and intelligent professional and person. She is highly respected in the Triangle and that was apparent during our mediations. I highly recommend consulting Barri if you need help.
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27 Nov, 2023 by Steve
Ms. Payne represented me in a Separation and Divorce proceeding. despite the process taking longer than expected I appreciate her attention to detail and professionalism during the course of it. her legal knowledge and expertise allowed me to retain enough of my financial assets that I could rebuild my life.
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28 Jul, 2022 by Rossy gutierrez
Ms Payne was the BEST!!
I’m so thankful for a stress-free divorce!
I was always up to date with everything that was going on and she talked me through it all. Windy was also so kind and helpful and positive through it all. I will forever be grateful.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Bill
Amanda Knight proved to be all I could hope for and more in obtaining an absolute divorce. With a selfless background in pro bono and legal aid services, she calmly and compassionately applied her expertise with sensitivity to all parties, keeping me informed every step of the way.
She has earned my gratitude and unqualified endorsement, clearly deserving of her multi-year Rising Stars rating by SuperLawyers.com.
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25 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Amanda Knight at Ellis Family Law handled my case with attention to detail, thoroughness, and good communication. I was given top notch legal advice and representation on how to navigate through a difficult divorce and custody battle. I recommend Ms. Knight to anyone seeking fair and legal representation from basic divorce settlements, mediation, to complicated litigation.
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29 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
If you are looking for a divorce attorney, I highly recommend Amanda Knight. She is knowledgeable, experienced and really efficient with her time. She made herself available to me whenever I had questions or wanted to discuss details about the divorce. She understands that divorce is challenging for those going through it and treated me with kindness and respect. There were also a couple of uncommon circumstances in my case, including possession of a dog, that she was able to easily handle. Again, I highly recommend her.
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31 Aug, 2023 by Emily
Autumn was referred to me by a friend who had been in legal action AGAINST a former spouse represented by Autumn. She knew Autumn was exactly who I needed to get my separation done efficiently and professionally, while helping me maintain an amicable relationship at home for us and our kids. Autumn upheld her reputation in my case and I will not hesitate to contact her for any legal needs in the future.
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21 Jul, 2021 by Brandi
Autumn was by my side the whole step of the way throughout getting my separation. She thought of things I never would have thought about during my process, so it saved me a lot of pain and aggravation down the road. You can really tell she does her job very thoroughly and cares about the wellbeing of her clients.
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16 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Autumn has helped me more than i can put it words. Autumn has gave me peace. Answered every question I had. She is on top of things. Responds back to me within minutes of asking her questions. Being a young mother, I wanted the best for me and my child and Autumn is the best you can find. I highly highly recommend her to anyone. She is by far the best lawyer. She doesn't make you feel intimidated knowing your talking to a lawyer, she helps you understand whats going on and keeps you updated every step of the way! She is caring and very competitive. If I every need anything in the future-Autumn will be my go to!
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02 Dec, 2019 by Justin
Barbara and Julie are total professionals and highly recommend them to anyone. They went above and beyond, totally affordable, and met my every need. Thank you so much Barbara for making this a comfortable experience in such a difficult situation.
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09 Sep, 2019 by Amanda
Barbara is fast, efficient, experienced, caring, and professional. She made sure I understood my options, she walked me through the thorny bits, she provided expert guidance along the away, and she did all of these with a candor and kindness I very much appreciated.
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12 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Barbara was wonderful throughout what could have been a very difficult time. I found her to be very knowledgeable, calming and level headed, and that was exactly what I needed. Everything went very smoothy. I highly recommend her.
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21 Apr, 2024 by Andrea
Eva did a great job for me during my divorce proceedings. She was prompt in getting documents together, all of her responses and in returning calls. She was very professional, and I always felt that she had my best interests at heart. Her billed time was very fair and efficient, and I never felt like she was just interested in running up my bill. Her suggestions for resolution of our settlement agreement were excellent and thorough. I consider myself lucky to have found her to represent me.
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31 Aug, 2023 by Emily
Eva was a welcomed addition to my case. She jumped in after it had already begun and immediately picked up on the important nuances to address. Not only was Eva confident, professional, firm, and astute, Eva listened to me with a thoughtful ear. Eva got my case wrapped up quickly, making sure that everything was completed correctly and that I knew exactly what I needed to do. I would not hesitate to contact her for my own needs in the future, and I highly recommend her for others.
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21 Jun, 2023 by Mike
Eva was an absolute pleasure to work with! She's attentive, friendly, pays attention to detail, and treats your case like it actually means something as opposed to another case to just get through. Eva was extremely responsive and listened closely to all of my concerns. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a divorce lawyer!
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01 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Nicole is a compassionate, kind, smart person who (almost literally) held my hand through my divorce. I didn't want to get divorced, but once that was decided, I knew I wanted it to be done with kindness, empathy, and without trying to best anyone. My former spouse and I were able to navigate the divorce process easily with help from Nicole. I have sent at least 6 friends to her and they were all pleased as well. In a world where there's this idea of family lawyers being sharks, Nicole is a breath of fresh air. She helps you through a sad, necessary time without making me feel exploited or like I was making things worse for my children and ex-spouse. I cannot say enough good things about her practice.
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01 May, 2020 by Rich
I hired Hugh Bailey to handle a case for me in Lee County, and I couldn’t have been more satisfied with his services and the result. Anytime that I contacted Hugh with a question about the case or the situation as a whole he either answered immediately or got back to me the same day. He was able to get my charges in Lee County dismissed, and also helped me find a good lawyer to handle separate charges that I had in a different county. I was 100% percent satisfied with his services, and I would recommend him to anyone in need of a lawyer!
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02 Feb, 2024 by Semir
STAY AWAY IF YOU DON'T WANT TO LOSE YOUR SURROGATE. It appears communication is not at the top of their list. Me and my wife hired Milan Phan to complete our Surrogacy agreement with our surrogate. Because of their lack of urgency we may have lost our surrogate. They have been working on it for 3 months, an agreement that we already had completed. Meaning they didn't need to negotiate anything. When I reached out to them to get guidance on things, they actually thought I had my own attorney. Something we never expressed and find extremely weird to be honest. Regardless, we cleared that matter up and I have now called 3 times to request a call back from our attorney over a 10 day mark with NO response.
My next step is contacting the North Carolina Bar and reporting them for lack of communication. Something an attorney can lose their license for. I just find it crazy that I have to threaten that to get a response from our attorney.
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11 Mar, 2021 by Joyce
Through a separation, divorce and new estate planning documents, I received primo legal services with a personal touch that made the difficult journey so much easier to navigate. Milan Pham, Meredith Nicholson and their staff feel like family to me. I give them my highest recommendation.
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06 Feb, 2019 by Sarah
Milan's wisdom, insights, and calm demeanor helped my partner and I feel confident and knowledgeable in navigating a new and tough process. She listened to our concerns and answered all of our questions thoroughly. We're so grateful to now have this trusted relationship for any future legal matters.
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06 Nov, 2015 by Charles
Not only did she believe in me, she actually understood my deteriorated situation and felt enough compassion to work with me on the terms of her retainer. Allowing me ample time and opportunity to pay her in installments up to the point of my court date.
I appreciated the fact that she was upfront with me as well as very informative in light of what to expect as my case progressed. I know that having a well-versed attorney surely can influence the outcome of ones case.
She maintained positive contact with me throughout and handled my case very professionally and to be quite honest, she even followed through with me on the aftermath of my case, although the term of the retainer had expired.
It is this--her heart-felt compassion for people and her work in her community, that led me to Mrs. Williams.
As I told her, it was truly a blessing to have met her; to bring about the process of total reconciliation of my legal affairs.
May I submit Attorney Nisha G. Williams, as highly favored and most highly recommended as a multi-faceted and extremely capable attorney for a myriad of general or even specialized concerns a person may have.
(services rendered July 2015 thru Oct. 2015)
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09 Dec, 2014 by Cam
Attorney Williams did an excellent job at handling my case. She was swift and provided me with the results that she said she would provide in the time frame she said she would. I'm extremely pleased with her.
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08 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Ms. Williams took on our custody case and although she was "affordable", she lacked experience in custody, domestic violence and abuse issues. After we hired her, she did not speak in our hearing and allowed another lawyer, unfamiliar with our case, to take the lead in court, resulting in evidence and information that we had gathered not being presented to the judge on our behalf. Subsequently, we lost custody of our child. We sent numerous documents to Ms. Williams that we felt supported our case, and even though she acknowledged receipt of those items in a timely manner, we felt that she did not properly review them to set our case up in court. Ms. Williams gave us advice about child-support that we later found was inaccurate; and did not inform us entirely of our rights as we asked her to do. Her last-minute, night-before the hearing phone call about "how we were going to approach this" (our case) left us uneasy, very disturbed and completely anxious all night and though the court hearing. We felt very unrepresented and that she did the least possible for the money given to her (which was a lot for our family). We were very disappointed with her "services."
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03 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
To start, let me say shame on me for not doing enough research to protect my family from getting taken advantage of. I thought that researching lawyers in the area, checking online reviews and following up with a call to speak with someone at this firm about my estate planning needs would have sufficed, but after the experience I had, I’ve learned that I need to educate myself (and others) much more about what to expect.
I called their office to learn more about the firm's estate planning process, fees, etc. I spoke with William. He was very nice and informative (so I thought). He told me to set up an initial consultation for which there would be a charge ($150 for up to 30 minutes, $250 for 60 minutes). When I asked what the fees were for the creation of a will, POA, etc., he didn’t know specifically. I asked if the consultation fee would be rolled up into the cost of the estate planning. He didn’t know, but asked Tiffany. He came back and said yes, that’s often the case.
My wife and I adjusted our work schedules and picked up our 10 month old daughter early from daycare to come to the consultation. It lasted no more than 20 minutes. Frankly, everything that was shared was stuff we could have read about online for free. During this chat, we learned that the firm charges a flat fee of $1,000/person for the will and two power of attorney documents. And that the $150 consultation fee doesn’t apply to flat fee scenarios.
For us personally, the consultation didn’t add value for the price we paid. We didn’t have to have it in person. They could have easily shared those basics via the firm's website or we could have read about them elsewhere online. That would have saved us $150. All possible if the person that answers the phone is equipped to answer questions from potential clients about what they’re actually going to get out of the in-person consultation. In posting this review, my hope is that you're able to better educate yourself on the topic/process so that you can better spend your hard earned dollars.
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21 Oct, 2016 by Sharon
Mr. Ellis represented me in a very unusual and tense custody case. From the moment I walked into his office, I was treated with respect and consideration from the entire staff. There was not a single moment during the process of preparing for court or in court that I was not confident in our strategy or Mr. Ellis' capability to represent my interests.
Mr. Ellis was also a consummate professional even in response those who were not. It was very apparent that he was well respected by both the judge and other attorneys. And the outcome was exactly what I'd hoped for.
Considering Mr. Ellis is one of the best attorneys for custody and divorce matters in North Carolina, his fees are incredibly reasonable. The way his office handles and bills cases is precise, conscientious and designed to benefit the client.
The only thing I wish I'd done differently is be a better listener. Do everything Gray tells you to do!
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29 Sep, 2015 by Michael
In 2012 I hired Gray Ellis as my family lawyer in a child custody case. He was able to get me more time that I had originally agreed too. Throughout the case, Gray kept in contact with me. If I called and Gray wasn't able to answer me at that moment, contact was made within 2 hours during regular business hours. If it was after business hours, I was contacted within 3 to 4 hours. While all this is great, the thing that impressed upon me most was that Gray was more about giving me the best outcome for my money rather than the most money for the best outcome.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Darian askew
Just called with very serious issues and was brushed off. Steven talked to me condescendingly as if I didn’t understand. I’m a doctor….
Will be giving my money to another law firm idc what it costs to be respected
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06 Jun, 2024 by Umbrella investments llc
Was consulting with them about a matter I was wronged in. And was continually cut off and brushed off. They don't work they don't listen! As I'm now seeing this is the same complaint in many other reviews. I was just yelled at by an attorney because I was asking questions. Find another law firm! Trust me I've dealt with many attorneys this is not the one you want to do business with. Have tried to work with multiple lawyers in this firm. They all give the same nonchalant vibe!
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09 May, 2024 by Jeanette hendricks
I was given info on LegalShield through a representative who came to my job. I signed up and had a matter that I needed legal assistance with. I called and spoke with an attorney who was extremely unprofessional, he kept cutting across me, jumped to conclusions and offered me no options to help resolve the matter, stated that the representative who spoke to the employees lied and gave misinformation, was NOT empathetic to my situation, very cold and lacked decorum. I called back to report it to a customer service representative and she never apologized for my bad experience or encounter, she too was non empathetic. This law firm has individuals who lack social and emotional awareness for people who call and are just trying to get some direction and insight. And even if you can't help, it's a way to do and say things. From the other reviews I'm seeing, I'm not shocked at the experience I had today. LegalShield certainly needs other attorney options for NC!
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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.
