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04 Oct, 2024 by Bonnie mclean
I have known Jennifer personally and professionally for 12 plus years. I trust her honesty, integrity, and diligence, and expertise.
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12 Jun, 2024 by Morgan nahgonbe-heinze
Mrs. Bushnell was appointed as GAL for my custody case for my son. Jennifer truly takes her time in listening to what you have to say. She was very fair and had only the best interest of my child in mind. Her compassion for my son and her ability to gain his trust to advocate for him was astounding. This woman truly cares for the best interest and not a dollar sign. There are so many more words I wish I could say to show how amazing this woman has been, but words just don't cut it. Jennifer thank you for what you've done. Highly recommend this attorney. 10 Stars all the way.
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02 Feb, 2024 by John mills
She knows her stuff!! I would highly recommend to anyone needing legal advice.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Beata janowicz
Joan was the only attorney who agreed to help me sort out several things related to my divorce that had taken place 15 years ago. She did it in a very professional manner by setting clear expectations, talking with me through every step, as well as being transparent on the pricing which was super reasonable. In addition, she was always very supportive and understanding of my situation. She is a true expert in her field. Thank you, Joan!
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23 Jan, 2024 by Jeff hodge
Dealing with the stress of taking care of a wife with Alzheimer’s, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the professionalism and compassion that we have received
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16 May, 2023 by Scott hay
The most deceitful, dishonest, unethical human being I've ever met.
Not only will she outright lie, she will go so far as to attack the children involved!! My Bible tells me that there is a special punishment reserved for those who do harm to children. A millstone & being tossed into the sea is mentioned specifically. This type of abusive behavior most certainly qualifies.
She has no moral compass & will resort to the sleeziest methods just to win. Lying and manipulation are just part of who she truly is.
I am personally filing an ethics complaint with the Florida Bar.
If you value honesty & have an honest love of children and doing the right thing, avoid her at all costs.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Larry
I hired Bob to work on my case seeking legal action to be taken against several contempt instances, timesharing increase, child support reduction. The case lasted about a year and a half, during that time I provided evidence supporting contempt against a standing order as well as parental alienation which my ex even admitted to on the Talking Parents App. During the build, I was assured items such as attorney fees and legal actions against the contempt evidence would be a walk in the park. The day before the trial hearing, Bob informed me that neither of which were going to be obtainable, and the only items on the docket were timesharing and child support. I asked for one item to be put in place and that is a direct line of communication to my child, the topic was discussed and granted, however Bob allowed for the opposing attorney to write up the order where she deliberately not only left that part out but noted the complete opposite. When I approached Bob about this, he said that it was granted showing that he never even opened the filed order. Bob also allowed for the opposing attorney to factor in VA disability as income, while the legality of that is subjective, what is not is the fact it is federally protected and cannot be garnished (within the parameters of this case). As a result, my child support doubled, and my employer has noted that the legal limit for garnishment has been met.
Since the hearing I have reached out to Bob several times with no response. To fix this I somehow need to come up with thousands more while being the sole provider to a household of three to include a small child. I am writing this in hopes someone looking for an attorney does not make the same mistake I did in acquiring the services of Bob Stein as I assume you yourself will be piggybacking on this thread.
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11 Feb, 2024 by Mk
Stein is horrible. Sellout. He "represented" me on 31 Aug 23 only to find out he did NOT have a valid license.
He wouldn't prep me for the hearing. "Forgot" about the hearing. I think he "forgot" because he knew he didn't have a law license that day.
One of his best: Stein, "You married the wrong woman."
Stein, if I married the wrong woman, what do I need you for?
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22 Dec, 2022 by Daniel
Bob will focus on your case and your goals, and help you to keep your focus on your goals and outcome, and not get distracted by the things that don't matter. Bob understands the ups and downs and emotions that you are going through and will work to help you focus on the important aspects of the case and to try and get you the best result that you need. Bob cares about people, and that the right things is accomplished in the courtroom.
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12 Apr, 2024 by Bruno
I recently had the pleasure of working with Suzanne E. Williams and I cannot speak highly enough of the exceptional service and support I received.
From the moment I reached out for assistance with my daughter timesharing, Suzanne E. Williams demonstrated an unparalleled level of professionalism, expertise, and dedication. She took the time to thoroughly understand my situation, provided clear and insightful guidance, and advocated tirelessly on my behalf.
Throughout the entire process, Suzanne E. Williams kept me informed and involved, ensuring that I understood my options and empowering me to make informed decisions. Her attention to detail, strategic approach, and unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were truly impressive.
Thanks to Suzanne's expertise and diligence, we were able to win the case. I am immensely grateful for her guidance and support during what could have been a challenging and stressful time.
I wholeheartedly recommend Suzanne E. Williams to anyone in need of legal representation. Their professionalism, integrity, and dedication to their clients' success are truly commendable.
Thank you, Suzanne, for your outstanding service and for making a positive difference in my life.
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25 Mar, 2024 by Mona
Suzanne has helped me through one of the most difficult and challenging times in my life. She represented me through a difficult paternity case and she expressed genuine concerns and was very emphatic towards my situation. She advised me on how to navigate through all the confusing legal matters. It was so overwhelming but she assured me that we'll get through it. Suzanne is a very busy person and I wasn't always able to reach her at times but she always returned my calls, emails, and text messages on the same day including weekends. She's a good listener and will fight for what's best for you and your child. I look forward to working with her again if I should need legal services in the future.
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24 Jun, 2019 by Cheryl ward
I have had the privilege of having Suzanne Williams as my Attorney in my child custody case. Suzanne's friendship, courtesy, knowledge and honesty have been very important to me during the last two years as she has represented me. Suzanne provided me with excellent legal advice and services. Far from ordinary and very conscientious, she performs her job with diligence and respect. I cannot say enough. Suzanne is a high performance lawyer. Without her advice, I am certain I would have been overwhelmed with the confusion of detail only lawyers can understand. When asked, Suzanne thoroughly described every minute detail with patience. Her knowledge and command of the material were impeccable. No-nonsense, straight to the point and very professional. I highly recommend Suzanne without any reservations.
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3.7
23 Reviews
3.3
12 Reviews
23 Jan, 2025 by Anonymous
What a disgrace! Karma will justice to all you have harmed using the legal system!
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03 Dec, 2024 by Sergio
STAY AWAY FROM THIS FIRM. My retainer was wasted, and no services were provided.
Please take the time to read ALL the negative reviews carefully, as the positive ones are likely fake. I contacted your firm in March 2024 and paid to speak with Felicia, explaining that I only needed a lawyer if a trial or motion was requested by the other party. I specifically asked that no action be taken and that no time or money be wasted otherwise. This was the agreement for me to pay the retainer.
However, once the retainer was received, your firm insisted on reaching out to the other party, promising results. One email was sent to the other party with zero results. Despite this, Darryl Block, the lawyer in charge, continued to contact me, claiming he was trying to understand and resolve the case. I was billed for every email and communication, even though they were not requested. No progress has been made, but my retainer continued to be depleted.
By July, Mr. Block stopped communicating with me, went on holiday, and, after returning in August, promised to prepare a request to send to the other party. I never seen it nor received it, but I was still billed around a thousand dollars for it. Shortly after, he told me he was leaving the firm. I was left without a lawyer, and the minimal knowledge Mr. Block had of my case was lost. No progress made, and the retainer continued to decrease.
The firm promised that another lawyer would take over the case and review it at no additional charge. I briefly spoke with Crystal Phillips, the second lawyer, who promised to review my case and call me back the following week. I never heard from her again. No progress made, and the retainer kept decreasing.
I repeatedly reached out to Felicia, the person responsible, but was never able to speak with her again. The money was in her pocket, and it seems her job was done. I kept submitting complaints through the portal, which was the only way to contact you, other than by phone where an operator would answer and say they would pass on the information. No progress made, and the retainer continued to go down.
Another lawyer, Neyza Guzman, was promised to me. I received one phone call from her saying she would review the case and get back to me. But the story was always the same, I never heard from anyone. I tried to complain again and requested that my case be escalated or that I speak with someone responsible. All I received were more charges for messages I sent, and I was billed for “We will escalate your case” or “we will respond,” when nothing ever came of it. No progress made, and the retainer kept being depleted.
In November 2024, I requested that the firm formally terminate our engagement and issue a refund. Now, in December, after thousands of dollars spent, I am still being charged more just for requesting a refund—$100, $30, $50—while my remaining retainer continues to be depleted with every excuse.
While waiting for my refund, I request to have all my money returned, $5,000, since no work was done and 9 months of my time was wasted. Time that could have been used to progress my case.
In the meantime, I will be filing a complaint with the Florida Bar in Tallahassee: https://www.floridabar.org/public/acap/filing-a-complaint/. I believe every customer who has had their money taken while no work was done, and only procrastination and excuses were made, should be aware of this and do the same.
Feel free to contact me at[email protected].
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01 Aug, 2024 by Coco palm
Would not recommend. Very confrontational
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26 Mar, 2024 by Cheryl
Meshelle Snyder was attorney for my son in a child custody dispute. After many weeks, many hours of collecting data, and a few thousand dollars, everything he had asked for became lost in the shuffle. In the end it was recommended that he not get the courts involved in his family affairs. If that were her viewpoint, it probably should have been thousands of dollars sooner. Many years later, my grandson’s life is a mess.
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13 Mar, 2020 by Rolanda
Meshelle Snyder represented me in my recent divorce proceedings which spanned several years. She and her staff are not only highly professional but good people.
Ms. Snyder is whip-smart, detailed-oriented, exhibits excellent judgment and will fight vigorously for her client. She listens and develops a sound strategy on how to proceed with a particular issue.
I always felt that I was in very capable hands.
She's a great attorney!
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05 Jun, 2019 by Gary
I had hired 6 attorneys all of them took my money, but left me with the problem. I hired Meshelle Snyder in hopes that she could help me. She did a GREAT job in my case and resolved 99.5% of the problems.
I would rate her the highest rating I can.
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25 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I hired Tayane Oliveira with the expectation that she would help mediate a family matter and simplify the process. Unfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory. Instead of streamlining the issues, Tayane's approach only made matters more complex and resulted in significant expenses. It felt as though her focus was more on benefiting financially rather than genuinely assisting her client. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend her for simple legal services. I was forced to file a motion to withdraw her legal expense at additional costs.
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03 Aug, 2020 by Simon
Tanane and the Lawyer Firm Of Brodzki Jacobs Did a Excellent Job and went through with me step by step in this very Stressful and emotional time.
Everything was taken care of and I couldn't be Happier
I would like to thank Tayane once again.
Simon
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11 Jun, 2020 by Mariana
I went to Tayane with only problems to resolve. It’s very hard to go through a life disappointment and to find a lawyer that you can trust. It amazed me how professional she is, how she handled my case so well, even with topics that I was unaware about. I highly recommend her if you or anyone you know needs a lawyer.
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14 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
If you have a small-potatoes, run-of-the-mill divorce, go ahead and hire her. If you need someone on top of their game and aggressive, go elsewhere. She did not respond to e-mails, did not send me copies of correspondence, ignored deadlines, and became snarky and nasty when her methodology was questioned. Cost me thousands and reaped me hundreds.
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12 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Suzanne is an extraordinary attorney who helped me during one of the most difficult times in my life. Her professionalism and knowledge about family law was impressive and reassuring. She is warm and kind-hearted (traits most attorneys lack) and makes her clients a priority. I would highly recommend Suzanne to anyone looking for a strong, reputable attorney. She is priceless!
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25 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
Suzanne represented me in my divorce back in 2011 and she was excellent. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a divorce attorney.
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28 Sep, 2024 by Craig pinto
29 May, 2024 by Cat arnaez
If I could give less than one star, I would. Jamie is all too happy to take money, but not happy to be held accountable for the job for which you hire her. She and another lawyer screwed me and my kids, and when I begged and pleaded for her to fix it, make it right. She told me it wasn’t going to affect me and she didn’t know why I was worried about it (see attached email response). To this day, it does affect me, and my children, and she simply didn’t care to make it right after happily accepting thousands of dollars. I am still dealing with a case that she didn’t fix and reached out again to try to have her resolve but she doesn’t even bother to answer. I had to file a bar complaint for her to respond only for her to tell me she feels she did her job. If that were the case why doesn’t the state recognize the order she filed and why won’t she fix it? This lawyer has no integrity, so if you want someone who will take your money and offer no help, this is the lawyer you want. She is overpriced and doesn’t even do her job. It’s a wonder she hasn’t be disbarred.
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29 Jun, 2023 by Anikakat anikakat
10 Jul, 2024 by Santa maria auto sales
Stay away from this firm, I have spent 6 years in a divorce thanks to them. They are not doing good for either party involved. All they want to do is siphon off as much money as possible. Maribel Mendoza bar number 188700 is an incompetent lawyer that never gets anything done.
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09 Jul, 2024 by Crssanchez
Amazingly wonderful! Delightfully punctual!! Diligently compassionate!! There's so much I wish to say but am limited by the space provided to express my feelings. Mrs. Mendoza and ALL the ladies in this office are truly a blessings. May God bless you all eternally. Thank you kindly
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24 Jul, 2021 by Marie rodriguez
Thank you to the Hasbun and Mendoza staff for finalizing my divorce. I highly recommend Maribel Mendoza and Michelle Hasbun they the most professional and Responsive attorneys when it comes to family cases. I highly recommend them hands down. Love you all!! I’m Very happy with my settlement 😊😊😊😊
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05 Feb, 2025 by Timothy dunagan
When my divorce began, I consulted with a friend of mine who is a divorce attorney and he unequivocally said that Susannah was the best in town - he was not wrong. Susannah is the total package. She is an exceptionally smart and capable attorney as well as a skilled litigator in the courtroom. Every time we had a hearing, she was well prepared, knew the case throughly, and provided exceptional representation. She explains things well and does a fantastic job of keeping me informed. She worked hand in hand with me to reach the best end state we could in the divorce. She made recommendations but allowed me to provide the ultimate direction. She worked very efficiently to keep the costs manageable. Lastly, Susannah did a good job of managing expectations and providing counseling when it was needed, which is also part of the divorce attorney’s job. Overall, I give her my absolute highest recommendation. Furthermore, I know some of the other clients she has represented and they would all agree.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Gina b
Susannah Collins is a biased “investigator”. She will bully your witnesses if she is not on your side, which shouldn’t be possible as she is supposed to be an unbiased party, she is always late and she has incredibly poor judgement. She involves herself in parts of the divorce/litigation that has nothing to do with her work as an investigator. She sided with a person who owes more than 2 years of child support, and no they did not support their children in any way during that time . Who hit the car his children were riding in out of anger. Who stalked and harassed his children, ex-wife, and her family for years. He has been arrested multiple times and this is who her “social investigation” stated as being an amazing Dad.
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07 Apr, 2024 by Irene (e-re-né)
I employed Susannah Colins for a social investigation. Below is how it went:
-Susannah was late for my initial interview with her, our home visit and every witness interview on my side. Not 5 minutes, or 10 minutes, like 20 + every time. That’s how much respect she had for me, the people willing to vouch for me, and the fact that she had been entrusted with such a job for my children.
-Before she left my home she told my children they should love their dad, because a step dad would not be their REAL dad, they only have one real dad; and she shared her story of being orphaned through a car accident and how much she would’ve liked to have her dad growing up. Showing that she is unable to separate her feelings and personal experience from her work as an IMPARTIAL judge of character for the well-being of children.
-She collected information but did not investigate. My ex made whatever claims he wanted and it was added to the report without investigating. He claimed to over pay child support (two years later he still has paid none), that he was not given the kids’ SS numbers so he could make a savings account for the children directly (in the process of the divorce that information was available to him), that I was mentally unstable and unable to take care of my children because I had been in a mental health facility for a month (this never happened. It is a complete lie), among other lies. Lies that could have easily been disproven, which could have lead to a report informing the judge of his comfort in lying during a legal process.
-The relationship between his witnesses and my children was never shared in the report. One of my ex’s witnesses had been around him and our children maybe 5 times for a couple of hours each time, in the entire 10 years we had children. This witness’ minimal exposure to my children and him as a parent was never even mentioned in the report. The second witness my ex had was a family friend that moved out of the state of Florida about 8 years before this investigation took place. This man has never even met our youngest child which was 6 years old at the time of the investigation. This witness’ minimal exposure to my children and him as a parent was not taken into account either. His third witness was my best friend. When I shared with my friend what Susannah wrote up for her interview, my friend told me that a lot of what she said was left out, that she felt bullied during the interview, and that a lot of what she shared Susannah would call hear say and disregard.
-I mentioned to her his racially insensitive comments and my concern about this for my children. A few days later my ex emailed me telling me he was not racist. I only shared this with Susannah.
-At some point in this investigation I had to consider stopping the divorce process because of financial constraints. I told her about it. Days later my ex emailed me telling me he heard about me considering stopping the divorce process and if I was having a hard time, I should've reached out to him for help. I only shared this with Susannah.
-Susannah completely overstepped her realm of expertise as an attorney and investigator by labeling my children as having the mental health condition of parental alienation. She is not a mental health professional.
-My ex who represented himself in court (pro se) kept submitting his pleadings to Susannah. Susannah is/has been a board member of the Missing Link of Jacksonville. An organization helping people complete pro se divorce paperwork. Impartiality?
-Save yourself the 5 thousand+ it costs to get a social investigation done and collect your evidence for your attorney.
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30 Oct, 2024 by Maria elena carbajal
Great human being and very professional and knowledgeable.
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26 Oct, 2024 by Ben acosta
11 Apr, 2024 by Roro diaz
One star is way too much for this incompetent Individual. I came for an easy divorce and left paying 2x more then what we agreed and still not divorced, and that’s being a friend of her family.i wouldn’t recommend her to my worse enemy. If you’re looking to waste money and time please do give her a call!
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12 Jan, 2023 by Miranda martin
In April of 2022, I lost two sons in a car accident.
July of 2022 after being harassed since April, 3 days after two of my son's died April 16th my four and two years old, dcf decided to begin to harass me. Immediately I start contacting mr cartelli, before the boys were taken in July I had informed him by hysterical emails documenting everything going on before even retaining him, I retained him a few days after their removal. I have listened to each word he's suggested and I am trusting him to keep his word so far he has.
He is very caring, a very good person to retain as an attorney because he doesn't do this for the money he does this mostly because he wants to help and he cares.
He does email back, he does call back. He's very welcoming to surprise drop ins, he always finds time to talk with me. Unlike a big law firm he's one person, against an entire court room. Trust him, what he says. If you retain him in the end youll be happy.
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03 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr Cartelli will no fight for you. He didn't care about my case, didn't answer my calls, and didn't discuss with me what i really need and finally didn't respect my desire, favor the other part. He only get the divorce over with. I do not recommend him at all. He even sent proposals to the judge that I strictly disagreed with.
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22 Jan, 2019 by Sandra
After 16 years of marriage, my Husband abandoned me. I am Hispanic, and I still have a little problem wit the language. Mr Cartelli Very professionally helped me understand and know my rights. It was a Blessing to find him!!
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05 Apr, 2023 by Rebeca
I would highly recommend Cynthia Zuñiga to anyone in need of legal assistance, guidance or representation. I have known Cynthia for several years and have only ever known her to be an advocate, fiercely dedicated to seeking the best possible outcomes. Being the second person in my family to have relied on and benefited from Cynthia’s expertise in law, I would wholeheartedly love to take this time to thank her and leave this long overdue 5-star review.
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06 Feb, 2023 by Kristal
As a client of Cynthia Zuñiga Hernandez, it has been difficult to leave what you would consider negative feedback given the importance and weight these reviews have on a small private practice but my reflection is solely based on my personal experience as I hope to help any recent divorced mothers looking to receive competent representation. I engaged the services of a family law attorney with the expectation of receiving adequate representation throughout the intricate and emotionally taxing process of divorce. Regrettably, my choice of Cynthia Zuñiga Hernandez as legal counsel was a disastrous one. This attorney, who was hired to provide support and guidance, was instead unprofessional and overall left me feeling deserted. Cynthia Zuñiga, Esq negligence in her duties resulted in critical errors during the divorce proceedings. She lost contact with me after we accomplished to remove my Ex from my Health insurance, nearly 8 weeks trying to communicate with her about a mediation timeline. Cynthia continuously blamed the negligence on her co-worker who I assume is now her partner from Law Center of South Florida, P.A. She apologized profusely and mentioned she's shifting her area of law to probate and bankruptcy. What does her shift in a different area of law have to do with my case. The additional stress imposed proved to be insupportable and prompted me to caution others to avoid making a similar mistake in their choice of legal representation. This divorce continues since 2021 and has yet to be finalized. I would stay away from Cynthia Zuñiga Hernandez who goes by Cynthia Zuñiga, P.A. from Law Center of South Florida, P.A. and everyone who associates with her, you will be disappointed.
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16 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
While Cynthia is kind, the neglect & delay I have experienced with her is extremely unprofessional & improper. I do not recommend her services to parties seeking representation for issues of any kind.
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17 Jul, 2023 by Robert
Highly recommend! Chanda gave it to me straight; deciphered the law in words I could understand, explained the divorce process, formulated a customized contingency plan, and made appropriate adjustments along the way. i was in a state of turmoil and needed help. She righted my ship, made me feel optimistic, even confident. Then she dismantled the opposing counsel. Impressive, powerful, seriously the best.
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10 Apr, 2023 by Jennifer lackowski
Hands down the best divorce attorney in Florida. She was amazing in every way. I had a very difficult divorce and she walked me through the entire process without any hiccups. I would highly recommend her. I would never use anyone else.
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11 Feb, 2022 by Carl scott amos
A very nice lady. I'd hate to be on the wrong side of her in court.
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28 Dec, 2023 by Ashley
My sister hired this firm to represent her to help her get a Final Judgment Set Aside among other issues in her case with the help our family that was well communicated with Greg. He proclaimed that he would help with all of her matters. I even spoke with him and his support staff too about my sister’s case but now refuse to speak with me to inquire as to why they have now filed a Motion to Withdraw from her matter and he has left numerous issues unresolved as I find it disgusting and disturbing of their lack of professionalism. Again, this firm was suppose to help her on numerous of matters. He waited nearly 3 months to file the “Motion” that he now claims he was “only” hired to do on her matter with the court after getting paid in advance. He received a letter from opposing counsel proclaiming they took too much money from my sister’s 401k account and has sat on it too admitting it has gone unanswered. This issue too was another reason why he was hired. The office never answers the phone and they use their caseload as an excuse as to their poor performance. “Often citing that my sister is not their only client”. How would that statement make you feel if you were a client of theirs? A deadline was missed in her case by 4 days and the excuse of a security breach was used that nearly happened weeks prior to the Judge asking for a Briefing Order to be submitted, which was not disclosed in their Motion for Extension of Time after they missed the Judge’s deadline. One would think that if a security breach caused your firm to miss a deadline, it would have been well noted in their Motion for Extension of Time to the Judge. Luckily, the Judge granted his extension; however, the brief submitted wasn’t in support to set a Final Judgment aside as the case cited was in opposition to their claim to set aside. It seems excuses is all this firm has and unwilling to refund my sister’s money for their lack of being prepared. They claim they’ve used up all of her funds too. No invoice was ever given upon employment. They also failed to submit a document that the Judge asked to accompany the briefing order, part (b) an Amended Final Judgment to include computations that was not included with their brief. They repeatedly asked for documents that was supplied numerous of times to them! I’d strongly encourage you to get my sister’s Motion to Set Aside Final Judgment, their Brief to that Motion and opposing counsel’s response to their Brief from the Court in Escambia County (Brock Kennedy v. Amy Kennedy) as it should be a guiding light for anyone in need of an Attorney. This attorney will talk a big game to get hired it seems to me. He should have been very transparent about his “big” caseload as this excuse was given multiple of times to my sister and to me by Jennifer and Greg. Jennifer asked that I help with the writing of the Motion to Set Aside as their paralegal was out of the office due to an illness and they were short staffed, then blatantly lied about it. I have legal experience, so I drafted and submitted a Motion to them to help them with “their big caseload”. I actually cited a great case in my Motion to Set Aside that wasn’t even used in their brief. This firm cited a case that wasn’t in even in support to set aside and opposing counsel noted that in his response
and the Judge sided with opposing counsel. I’d actually have to agree with the Judge’s ruling for their failure to submit cases that supported their position to set aside. All public record. It is an attorney’s job to keep clients apprised of their case status, which is their fiduciary duty. An attorney shouldn’t half attempt to handle legal matters and wait months to get a result! Do your research and carefully read reviews of other clients as my comments and opinions are of the same of others. Unfortunately, the legal profession in Florida is saturated with Attorneys that talk a big game prior to being hired and do less than mediocre work once hired.
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05 May, 2022 by Anonymous
Terrible at responding to questions or concerns. Will only seem to fight for mothers in court. Dad's, beware.
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29 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Concerned. I am currently going through a divorce with Mr Farrar as my attorney. Communication is bad. Weeks often go by without answers to my questions. He and his team often lack essential knowledge regarding my case. Hopefully things will turn around. I will update this review once the case is over.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
One of the biggest mistakes of my life was hiring her. All she cared about was money. If you are a woman stay away! She was so intimidated by my ex-husbands attorney out of her league. Needless to say we parted ways when I got her famous letter she needed $50,000 to continue to represent me. I walked away.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Coco palm
Would not recommend. Very confrontational
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01 Aug, 2024 by Jack the buster
Unjust fees, i feel like I was told a lie
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21 Aug, 2024 by Chris zill
Boyes, Farina & Matwiczyk has very knowledgeable attorneys who want the best for their clients, whether it is estate planning, probate or litigation. Would highly recommend for anyone seeking skilled professionals.
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28 Jun, 2023 by Zeely z.
I don't live in this county but called for general info and spoke with a lady by the name of Marina. Her professionalism was impressive her demeanor cool, calm an collective. She didn't rush me off the phone, but instead kindly listened to my concern and pointed me in the right direction. I remember when every professional law office conducted business on this level not, anymore. This is what amazed me by this employee...her kindness and great people skills!
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22 Jun, 2023 by Jolene' herndon
Strange email response. Dismissive and without explanation. We have a trust we need amended, and instead of calling me, they had a secretary take information and then sent a refusal letter. You cannot write a trust? Very odd. No worries, we found counsel 2 blocks from you that already started on it. Bizarre!
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23 Apr, 2016 by Placa
he assisted with my foreclosure and probate. Helped my family greatly with a very stressful time. Was very good in court my only complaint was he is hard to just get in touch with didn’t like calling to get a time to call him but the staff did always take my calls.
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06 Apr, 2016 by Paul
Joe Heintz and his staff helped us to get the time we needed to sell our house. He is terriffic.
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17 Mar, 2014 by Perri giafaglione
Epic bad experience/waste of money, time and energy. To be succinct his staff couldn't be more rude and unhelpful which is actually the highlight of his practice. I made at least 13 unreturned phone calls to his office. With an impending hearing I felt desperate and disconnected from my case which involved my home. As my court date drew near I had no recourse but to call the Florida Bar. They were extremely professional and helpful and explained that they would send him a letter (which would take about 10 days). When I explained that my hearing was in less time than that they asked me to hold and called his office immediately. They returned to the line and indicated that he would be calling me. Surprisingly, he did. He was very agitated that I had the gaul to call the Bar. It was obvious that the only reason he called was because he was being exposed for the unprofessional he is. I wouldn't hire this guy to detail my car, much less do important legal work. You are the reason people group lawyers in with used car salesmen.
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21 Apr, 2015 by Isabel
Do not waste your money on this attorney. She is going through a lot of personal and medical issues and will only take your retainer for personal gain. I was referred to her by another attorney office, whom supposed to collect part of the retainer in case Ms. Mangan was not available. It is even mentioned on the initial contract, but such referral law firm NEVER received that part of the retainer paid. So for starters she gave me a false contract, which tells you a lot of what kind of attorney she is. She wil NEVER answer texts, phone calls, or voicemails, the only way she will answer is if you call her or text her from an unknown number, and when she does she gives you a million medical and personal excuses of why she couldn't answer. Also, just days after giving her a $3,000 retainer she moved out of her office to work from home without giving me any heads up. I think that moving from an office to work from home is a very important fact to tell a client that is handing $3,000 at once, but no, she did not. Again, it says a lot about her ethical behavior. She will never keep you updated on the billing and the retainer magically dissapears without any details on what it was spent on. She will deliberately ask for another retainer without explanation, or detail invoicing, of what happened to the first one. I read the previous review and it is exactly the same situation, every time is an excuse of why things were not done and she is always at the hospital some how. Also, do not expect for her to return any papers from your case file, I am still waiting for months now for her to return my file, even though she knows I am expecting to go to a trial soon. In conclusion, this lawyer uses the retainer just for her personal benefit and will give you a thousand excuses on why things are not being done. I worked with her for about two years and nothing got achieved, zero, my case was still standing in the same place it was since I hired her. She also text to request information on the same mornings that hearings were held, and worst of all, information that was already previously given to her. A complete lack of organization in something as important as a divorce. She will continuesly talks about her personal divorce proceeding which threw me off guard every time, making comments like "my ex-husband told me to take a Xanax," completely unprofessional. I decided to represent myself and in only one single hearing half of the issues were resolved without the need of her services. Again, do not waste your money in this lawyer and unfortunately these kind of scammers is what give the lawyer community a bad rep. Will report her to the Bar Association because she has broken every ethical rule in existence. Again, be ware and do not give any money to this scammer.
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18 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Gladys is a awful lawyer! Do not take your time, money and legal issues with her. She was a BIG waste of time and money I have ever spent on an attorney. I hired her to represent me for a divorce and she was unresponsive, hard to get a hold of ( takes weeks to get back to you) and on top of it did absolutely NO work on my case. I wasted $3500 and I'm in the process of hiring a new attorney due to her negligence. She didn't even know how to set up mediation properly. She told me she scheduled it but then gave me multiple excuses as why it wasn't scheduled. I even had to put in my own financial information in her system that I previously gave her multiple times. She always had an excuse as to why something/nothing was happening involving my case ( her own divorce, health problems and etc...) Awful customer service skills and would NOT recommend her to anyone.
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21 Nov, 2013 by Lisa
Before I hired Gladys, I worked with several attorneys in two different counties. I thought they were great attorneys until I hired Gladys. She has made maneuvering through the legal system understandable and a lot less painful to deal with. She spoke to me in terms I could understand and helped me make informed decisions in my case. She even told me that some of the things I asked for needed to be fair to both sides and even some of the suggestions were not exactly how I would have moved foward with, she explained the most ethical paths and, taking her advice, both sides of the case ended up pleased with the outcome. If you want an excellent attorney, you must hire her. I didn't regret it and I know you wont either.
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02 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
My review of Brad Ball would be a 0 out of 5 if it were possible. I wish I had considered that the few reviews out there are dated. Recently, I retained him. He was my lawyer for two months, one of which he did not charge me because he ignored my case for one whole month. I have given him $2000, not including the filing and serving fees. During the second month, his unresponsiveness caused me even greater stress. It is ridiculous that I had to beg him for almost 30 days to follow through with what took no time on his part. As a teacher working two to three jobs all year, losing that amount of money for that little work and that much added stress is a huge hit. That being said, after talking to others including getting objective legal advice, I was urged to cut my losses, which is what I did. I have finally secured an established, forthright, and competent female attorney. It has now come to my attention that he did not file many of the documents needed nor was he open and honest about the process I would face. So, I paid him $2000 for what looks like less than an hour’s work. Not to mention, everything he filed will now have to be amended because it is incomplete. Furthermore, he continued to send incredibly sensitive documents including my full social over email without so much as a confidentiality notice at the end of his email. Not only has he taken my money but he has cost me invaluable months and put my financial information at risk. I have never written a negative review. I am only doing so because I want to protect people like me, who truly need someone to care about their case and see it to an efficient and quick resolution. At least for me, he was the antithesis of that. Please beware. I will be reporting him to the Florida Bar.
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03 Oct, 2022 by Matthew
He did not return calls once paid then gave up my case the worst lawyer I've ever had.
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15 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Ball is a fantastic attorney. He is extremely knowledgeable and very honest. He will not lead you in the wrong direction. He is timely in returning phone calls and answering e-mails. He makes sure that you know that you are important to him. I have utilized his expertise on more than one occasion.
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27 Mar, 2020 by Fahad
Hired him for my divorce case had to withdraw him due to his milky way of charging fees. He's been doing practicing for long in family law he couldn't figure out in 2 months how much will be the child support which i have to pay very poor performance. I understand child support numbers can be up and down he should have given me some hint and every lawyer does that to their client and for that he charged me for the work in the billing statement mentioning my paralegal Lauren did work on child support calculation what a big LIE. If you are looking for a milky lawyer he is the right choice.
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07 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
This opportunity to review Knellinger Law is too short a space to provide all the accolades I can easily attribute to the entire team. My litigation stretched out for years, so I am especially qualified to share my lengthy, ongoing, month-after-month experiences with anyone seeking methodical, competent, thorough, dedicated, and exceptionally professional representation. My experience with Knellinger Law is simply beyond reproach. If possible to prevail, they will.
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02 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Richard Knellinger, the entire team at Knellinger Law, are incredibly effective. I am very pleased with how responsive they are to my needs, and truly listen to my concerns. Mr. Knellinger provides keen insight and easily communicates the complexity of law. He exemplifies true focus and determination; standing with me as zealous advocate, prevailing in every instance before the Court. Richard Knellinger is one of the most ethical lawyers I have ever known; his commitment and attention to his clients is unparalleled.
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05 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Neil Weinreb was my attorney and did an amazing job. He is a wonderful person with compassion who will fight for your cause with all he has. Such a blessing to have him on our side.
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27 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
This attorney has been very impressive. Honestly, im glad he is on our side. It took him only moments to digest 100s of pages of discovery. He is not intimidated easily.
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15 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Don’t waste your time with this attorney, he is unorganized and mismanages his work load. He responds late to emails, phone calls and will not represent you correctly. This attorney has costed us more in attorney fees than I originally expected to pay. Now i have to hire a new attorney and i am out of 8 thousands dollars due to his negligence.
Please be aware
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12 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr Jubran cost myself and my family an exuberant amount of money with little to no resolution to my child custody case. Him and opposing council kept getting the case continued for over a year, but they didn’t care, because they were getting paid. Mr Jubran made many legal mistakes and refused to admit them in court. He filed a motion that had incorrect information on it, and never sent it to me, before filing it. This made me look like a liar in court. All he had to do was stand up and admit that was his mistake. He refused to do so. Mr Jubran assured me that it did not hurt my case, yet every time we were in court, opposing council would use it against me! He also assured me that I would not have to keep paying him while my case was being appealed, because all other motions would be put on hold. That was a lie and he continued to send me a bill every month. Mr Jubran would act like he cared but he doesn’t care about you or your kids, he only cares about the money!
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23 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Sam was very helpful, easy to talk to ,and extremely knowledgable! I had a very difficult situation to deal with and I felt like stuck in between a rock and a hard place. He help me figure out how to handle things and keep me calm during the entire case. I would highly recommend Sam if you need someone to fight for you and WIN!
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08 Feb, 2017 by Bobby
Very professional and knowledgeable. Mr. Jubran did a great job. I really appreciate his enthusiasm towards family law.
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10 Nov, 2018 by Matthew
This review is exclusively for Casey Thompson. I'm not living in Florida anymore, but he was able to handle a relatively "messy" divorce. With kids from multiple fathers. (Which if you didn't know, all are considered yours if you are married!) I never had to step foot on a plane or anything like that. I happened to be on a somewhat fixed income, and he made sure to not go over what I could afford (hourly). I'm pretty sure he didn't charge me for some of it. And best of all is whenever I needed to talk to him, he either picked up right away or got back to me promptly. We also had a good email relationship. He definitely made a bad situation seem effortless. I strongly recommend him. Casey, if you're reading this.... thanks again!!
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09 Nov, 2018 by C.m.
This might be a bit too personal, but I feel that it is a story worth sharing. I chose to get a divorce at the end of 2017. I lost everything and gained a bunch of debt in the process. I was also court ordered to pay an unjustifiably exorbitant amount alimony to my ex. I couldn't keep up with the new debt and the alimony. I fell into a deep depression. I called the suicide hotline as I didn't know where to turn. They lent me an ear and helped me find a lawyer.
I was quickly referred to Casey Thompson. I explained my situation to him and he agreed to take me on as a client. With the help of Casey and a few weeks of solid effort, she agreed to terminate the alimony. I will forever be grateful for to him for this, he literally helped save my life.
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08 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
We hired Mr. Thompson for a family issue. He suggested a plan A and charged us for that saying that it will be enough and he know what needs to be done. After a couple of months, he proposed another plan B with some additional cost. We asked him to follow the previous plan, but all he did was to schedule a hearing with the judge. It took him almost 4 months to file for a hearing! He didn't try to find any supporting document/evidence for the judge. He was hoping that the judge would make a decision in our favor based on nothing essentially.
Anyway, in the court he was not even prepared to present our case correctly such that the judge stopped him and started asking questions to understand the case. Then judge told him what he needs to do for the next session. As a lawyer you are supposed to know them! I wouldn't recommend him.
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3.0
2 Reviews
19 Oct, 2022 by Claudia a.
I hired Chris W. Rumbold seven months into my divorce, as little had been accomplished by my previous attorney, which made me frustrated and scared. Chris turned my case around and delivered my divorce in only four months. I am so grateful to Chris for his professionalism, legal acumen, and empathy. Chris and his legal assistant Yami genuinely care for their clients. I will forever be grateful to Chris for helping me through one of the toughest times of my life. His staff, Yami and Kim, are professional, helpful, and always available to answer any questions I had. Chris took time to explain the caselaw to me, so that I could make informed decisions. His calm and friendly demeanor always helped reduce stress before a hearing. He is always prepared in court and went the extra mile to deliver the results I hoped for. I wholeheartedly recommend Chris W. Rumbold and his office.
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24 Oct, 2020 by Michael
I hired Mr. Rumbold to represent me for post-divorce actions. After completing the first hearing, he dragged his feet and delayed, avoiding brining any other issues to a hearing for two years until I switched attorneys. He was very rude at times and was more focused on the billing than on moving my issues forward.
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02 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
I could not have made it through my divorce without Jonathan Root. His professionalism and tenacity helped me accomplish the impossible. He is able to drill down the most complicated situation and drive it forward to a resolution. He is a force to be reckoned with despite also being kind and empathic. I highly recommend Jonathan Root and am forever grateful to this gentleman!
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24 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
I called in to get help with a child custody case and was unable to make progress with the Root law firm. They really dropped the ball on my case and I had to hire a different lawyer to get this sussed out.
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13 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
I HIGHLY recommend Mr. Root! He is focused on WINNING your case! If you are looking for an attorney who will zealously represent you and protect your interests, Mr. Root is the one!
Mr. Root handled a custody dispute for me - he was excellent and got me the results that he told me at the onset he would. I only wish I knew of him and hired him at the time of my divorce.
Besides Mr. Root fighting aggressively and smartly in the court, he was always available to me for calls, conferences, and even reviewing my planned emails to my ex, which I found very helpful.
His guidance throughout the entire process was invaluable. Mr. Root is very experienced and knowledgeable in the family law matters, and the results of my case reflect that. He was my true advocate.
In addition, Mr. Root is very professional and so is every single member of his staff. It was truly a pleasure to deal with the entire office.
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13 Jan, 2022 by Marcus
Gracias por ayudarme con el caso de familia y inmigracion. Yo se que el proceso fue un poco complicado , pero al fin se pudo finalizar.
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06 Oct, 2020 by Olumide
The law office of Melissa Dacunha recently represented me on a small claim suit. Melissa conduct and communication before, during and after the case was professional and exceptional. She equally provided me information on how to make recovery without demanding for payment. Thank you so much. I am grateful.
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22 Sep, 2020 by Janet
The law office of Melissa Dacunha recently provided me with legal advice & direction during a challenging situation. I found her to be competent, skilled, responsive, and authentic. While working with Dacunha I felt that I was in expert and trustworthy hands. I would decidedly recommend Dacunha to anyone pursuing legal representation that is rational & truthful. Rest assured that she will keep your best interest and needs at the forefront.
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22 Jul, 2024 by Tammy starkey
Wish I could leave 0 stars. Felt totally disrespected.
He wouldn't let me speak whole sentences.
So sad.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Andrea dion
Michael is a wonderful,caring attorney.
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27 Jun, 2024 by Avalonair inc
A man of few words,but got the job done, very satisfied.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Rhonda schwing
I gave money to my daughter Amber, for her to give to John Kvartek, because she really thought he would help her, but after he got the money, he didn't do anything for her, he had no intention to help her and didn;t even return her money, please be weary of thi lawyer he is not out to help people down on their luck,
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15 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
John Kavartek is wolf in sheep’s clothing. Please save yourself from this man that pretends to be an attorney. I paid him in total 10,000 dollars for my divorce. First meeting with him I was promised the moon. At the end of the divorce I have nothing. I was awarded a small amount and still haven’t received it. In order for John Kavartek to file contempt charge against my ex husband I would have to pay him another 2500 dollars. My advice is represent yourself instead of hiring him. Anyone with a first grade education could do better than john Kavartek
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06 Aug, 2021 by Michelle l
John is the most ethical, understand and compassionate lawyer I have yet to meet. And I've been through many unfortunately. He takes the time to really understand each and every clients needs and knows how royally painful and frustrating the divorce process is. He TRULY has you and even better- your children's best interests at heart. His experience with quasi criminal cases is outstanding. You wont find a better lawyer in the panhandle that will go to bat for you. He will not fail you. I couldn't have asked for any better representation. Call him. You won't regret it.
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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.
