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25 May, 2024 by Nate dennison
I needed help with getting primary
custody of my daughter. I met with Nick Lancaster and immediately retained him. His knowledge of law and his attentiveness are unmatched. He genuinely cares about his clients and he showed it by how hard he fought for me and my daughter. Thanks to him I now have primary custody and my daughter is safe and happy! Nick made a very stressful situation much easier to navigate and was very personable and professional.
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11 Apr, 2024 by Joshua ratcliff
If you want a team that is tried and true, there is no better team. I avoided doing anything for a long time thinking that it was a going to be a losing custody battle; however, Mike gave great direction, advice, and support. If I could give 100 stars I would.
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03 Jan, 2024 by Samantha cottrell
Mike went over and beyond to help me through my divorce case. He offered insight and suggestions in areas I didn’t even think about and was a constant support throughout the entire process. He truly cares about the best interest of the client and their well being. Thankful for such a great experience!
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17 Jun, 2024 by Stephanie
Family cases involving children can be emotionally charged and stressful, but Emily's calm and professional demeanor helped ease the tension and anxiety. Her attention to detail and thoroughness in preparing for court hearings and negotiations was impressive. I felt confident that Emily had my best interest at heart and was committed to achieving the best possible outcome for me and my family. I highly recommend Emily Leininger to anyone in need of legal representation in family law matters. She is a skilled and compassionate attorney who truly cares about her clients. Thank you, Emily, for your exceptional service and dedication to my case.
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24 Jun, 2022 by Candice
Emily has been nothing short of amazing, my divorce has been drawn out for multiple reasons but Emily has been nothing but understanding and always willing to help me in any way she can. I would recommend her to anyone!
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23 Jun, 2021 by Shawn
I had recently divorced and my daughter's custody arrangement was not going well. She was back and forth way too much and she wasn't happy. I wanted to go back to court for a better parenting plan but my original attorney was on a leave of absence. I spoke with several attorneys but each one of them told me "it was too soon" to go back to court. Emily took my case and in the mean time, my daughter was falling apart with the current plan. We went back to court and we are currently working on a new plan. Emily was a blessing to me and my daughter. I highly recommend her. She is a fighter and she has become a friend to us.
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17 May, 2022 by Dee
Will Holloway and his team were amazing. They assisted me and fought for me through the process of my case. Not only did they work on my case and help me win even more than I expected, Will and his team showed genuine concern for my well-being through a very difficult and stressful time. The thing that stood out to me the most about Will was that he told me early on that he felt I had a very strong case with the honest truth and facts of my story, and he was right. Thank you Will and team for not only helping me win, but begin the process of putting my life back together again.
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09 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Divorce was not something I wanted. Of course, nothing I ever hoped or planned for. I was hurt, sad and scared of what was to come. And now I had to take the huge task of finding the best divorce attorney in Williamson County. When it was time, I took the recommendation of meeting Will Holloway from one of my dearest friends. Thank goodness she was on point.
I was very direct and organized with Will and he never once let me down. His communication skills were impeccable and timely. His willingness to get what I wanted done in my time frame was met at every way. I never doubted any information or advice he gave me. I always felt he had my best interests at hand with the utmost sincerity and efficiency.
At our final meeting, after the divorce was finalized, Will gave me his final “talk” and it was what I describe as a “pep talk”. His words were kind and insightful. I have to admit there was a small part of me that was sad that I would no longer be meeting with Will again. I found his services to be extremely professional, helpful and most importantly, genuine.
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21 Jul, 2020 by Mark
After 21 years of marriage, I found myself in an unwanted divorce. I interviewed a total of five local attorneys in the Franklin area, but knew after my first meeting with Will, he would be the attorney to represent me. You will not find a better attorney who will take the time to understand your individual circumstances and navigate you through potentially one of the most stressful and emotional events of your life, especially when there are children involved. He will give you sound advice and offer a common-sense strategy to get you through the divorce while you’re in the maelstrom of emotions that can cloud your judgement. Will was fully engaged from the beginning to the end. In my particular case, there was an affair involved but instead of making that the central theme, Will directed my focus on the best outcome for my children and me. He explained right from the start there are basically two paths to pursue in a divorce; one is contested and the other is uncontested. In the end, both yield the same results with a divorce decree but the emotional toll and cost would be dramatically different. He is very conscientious of your needs and will not frivolously spend your money. This is what sets Will apart from anyone else you’re considering for representation; he genuinely cares about your ability to move forward with your life post-divorce. Trust me when I tell you this will make a huge difference once the dust settles. I am so grateful for Will’s guidance throughout the entire process and completely satisfied with the outcome. I highly recommend his professional services without any hesitations.
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20 Apr, 2018 by Nicholle
We contacted Thompson Burton Law to find an attorney to represent us in a Family Law matter. Our case was paired with Sarah Perky. Sarah did a great job helping us with a child visitation/support matter even though we reside in another state. Throughout the process, Sarah and her assistants were efficient, effective and kept the lines of communication flowing. I would highly recommend Sarah and or her office to provide legal assistance.
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18 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
The divorce process is hard enough. I can't imagine what it would be like without a great team to help with the incredible detail that it takes to ensure you are protected. By the time the divorce was final I felt that I had an extended family with Sarah and her team. I never doubted that they were looking out for the best interest of my kids, and they would fight to protect my time with them. The process was efficient, as painless as I can imagine the legal process can be, and I know that I've been well served in every aspect.
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13 Nov, 2017 by Michael
Sarah was extremely helpful in my litigation. She was able to communicate effectively and handled my case quickly. I would definitely recommend her.
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16 Jun, 2024 by Doug
Richard House is very intelligent but also knows how to make things happen; as well as making things go away
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08 May, 2024 by Tammy
My attorney, Richard House, is an excellent attorney and was a beacon of hope for me in resolving my divorce fearlessly and with exuded confidence. Richard House brings several years of solid experience in family law, as well as commitment to follow through on processes that brought me the outcome I purposed. I admire Richard's work ethic, ability to handle stressful situations with consistency, perseverance and professionalism. I can honestly say I am well pleased and grateful!
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02 May, 2024 by Lynnette
I hired Richard after our first conversation. He made me feel confident and comfortable in moving forward with one of the biggest decisions of my life. Richard is a great guy with a great heart and wants to best for his clients.
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27 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Stuart exhibited in-depth knowledge of family law and the local legal scene. He was thorough and thoughtful in his brainstorming and recommendations. Stuart cut around the fluff quickly and and was able to get to the crux of the matter deftly. He does not back down easily and was staunch when the occasion called for it.
Stuart's professionalism in the form of timely and succinct communications, coupled with his personable approach put us at ease and made a difficult time slightly more manageable.
We would certainly work with Stuart again should the need arise.
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13 Jan, 2022 by Martin
Stuart and the team at FHR simply crushed it. I came to him with a complex case and he simply delivered --- truly exceeded my expectations. So impressed with his professionalism, analytical skills, follow-up, and legal approach. Without a doubt, will recommend him to anyone that is need of world-class legal counsel.
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29 Nov, 2020 by Pamela
It is so difficult to find a trustworthy attorney. After meeting with several different ones, we were blessed to find Stuart. We hired him for a case of termination of parental rights and adoption of minors. It is needless to say the case resulted in our favor. There are two important sides of Stuart professionalism, on one hand there is the preparation, since the first meeting we realize he had an ample knowledge of the law, however what was more astonishing and made the difference, is the exceptional preparation he makes at every step of the case. Stuart was never improvising, he had calculated every step, he was always ahead of the game. On the other hand, Stuart will talk to you with honesty and will explain every step of the process, you will find him always available to talk and resolve all of your questions. He is indeed a good honest person with excellent skills and high competence.
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18 May, 2021 by Christopher
Neil and Shelby worked hard to achieve a very favorable outcome for me considering the lack of response from opposition. I could not recommend him enough.
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25 Jan, 2021 by Robert
Neil is a very good listener and explains things thoroughly. He and Shelby worked hard to achieve a good outcome for me in my difficult situation.
I could not recommend him enough!
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16 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
I was referred to Neil specifically because he is skilled in complex divorce litigation. My divorce case was lengthy, difficult, often frightening, and highly toxic. You don't want just any divorce attorney for such a case. Neil is tough when he needs to be, but in my case he also worked for the best interests of my children and made every effort to reduce conflict when he could. He's not simply an "attack dog" out to "win" your case. (So often, when that's the case, it's the children who lose.) Ultimately, his aim was to help reach a settlement and the best possible custody arrangement under extra difficult circumstances, and also to save me tens of thousands of dollars in potential trial costs. His job was not easy. In the midst of an out-of-control situation, I came to trust his counsel. If you need knowledgable, strong, and highly skilled representation, Neil should be at the top of your list to consider.
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07 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
I was on the search for a lawyer that I could not only trust but one that I knew understood my heart for the situation and would fight hard for me to get it. From the very beginning Dana spent time learning the whole backstory of my case as well as listening to what I wanted most out of the situation as well as my fears. He was very clear about what might/might not happen and what to expect. On the day of I was impressed with the way he quickly made sure that the other party knew what I would and wouldn’t stand for making the rest of the process easy. He maneuvered through every obstacle with ease while explaining everything to me along the way. I have no regrets and was able to leave feeling like I was represented perfectly. HIGHLY recommend.
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14 Feb, 2023 by Michael
I called Dana and hired him to represent a family member in a DUI case. Dana looked at all of the discovery materials and one thing didn’t quite feel right to him. He requested follow up documentation from the DA’s office, who stalled and deferred for close to a year, postponing court dates multiple times. Dana didn’t back off, and the DA finally admitted that he didn’t have the media Dana was requesting.
He negotiated a favorable plea agreement that was far better than what we thought was possible. I’d hire Dana again without hesitation.
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09 Dec, 2022 by Dan
If you need an attorney, Dana is the one you need to hire. Dana was referred to me from a friend and WOW, what a great choice. From the first time we spoke on the phone until my court date was over, he was top notch. I've used many attorneys throughout life and he is by far the best I've used. If you are in need of a great attorney that will put your mind at ease, look no further. I had a probation violation in Franklin and it couldn't have went better. The way he handled himself in the courtroom to the way he always responded to my texts/calls, I never felt alone in my case and always felt he was fighting for me. He never once judged me but only defended me. He is a straight shooter and will get to the point. Definitely look no further if you are in need of an attorney. I will be using and referring Dana from now on with any case. Just nice to have someone actually fight for you and your case. You will be so happy you made the choice to hire Dana for any legal needs.
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27 Sep, 2018 by Sue
Was very helpful in guiding me through the process in a relatively short period of time.
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16 May, 2017 by Josh
Paul has helped me out multiple times with my business and I couldn't be happier with the work he has done. He's not only a great lawyer but he's a great person, too.
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08 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Paul and his partner Barbara make a very good team. They have a very balanced yet aggressive approach. Paul welcomes all questions as he knows his client's concerns are important. He looks out for his client in more ways than the client even desires. He sees and capitalizes on parts of the client's case that could easily be forgotten. I felt comfortable trusting him to do the work for me and to take the stress, anxiety, and game off my shoulders.
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31 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
I can’t begin to express how grateful I am that Heather Piper represented me during my divorce. The amount of detail and care she took with my case was phenomenal. She was always available if I had a question or concern and made sure to fully explain the process and what I should expect. I could go on and on, but I’ll finish by saying if you need a family law attorney that is responsive and really cares about their clients then Piper Law is where u need to be.
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23 Nov, 2021 by Patrick
I retained Ms. Piper's services midway through divorce proceedings. During my initial consultation, Ms. Piper truly listened to my concerns & priorities. Not once did I feel like a number when dealing with Ms. Piper. Each conversation left me with a feeling of confidence that I was in the most competent representation imaginable.
Ms. Piper & her team developed a strategy that lead to an outcome that I was previously told would be impossible. Parenting time was the utmost importance to me & when we finally put pen to paper, I had more parenting time than what would have been granted in trial.
Ms. Piper respected my time & worked efficiently to provide an amazing outcome while avoiding unnecessary billable hours. I have and will continue to recommend her services to anyone going through the trying times that are divorce proceedings.
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06 Aug, 2021 by Kevin english
When I contacted Heather, my situation seemed trying and very difficult to work through alone. She gave me the best advise I needed at the time, which was stay calm and keep things simple. She handled everything with great care and professionalism, walking me through the process with ease of mind. Words cannot describe my level of satisfaction. Thanks so much!!!!
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22 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Donna was my attorney through a two year fight with a very contentious ex wife and her equally contentious attorney.
Everything from 50/50 custody to every financial decision (including the realtor chosen to sell the marital home) was fought for or had to be decided by the court because of my ex and her attorney.
After a long and drawn out process I got the 50/50 custody that I wanted and am much better off financially than I could have ever imagined at the start of this process.
Furthermore, Donna was very good at talking me through the process and calming me when I felt overwhelmed or just wanted to cave to their scare tactics. This saved me thousands of dollars and helped me through this emotionally.
I couldn't have asked for anything more from an attorney than what I received by hiring Donna.
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04 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Donna Green was very helpful in my divorce case and acted with constant professionalism. She advised me on court proceedings that were necessary for me to receive an equal distribution of an asset and temporary support in my divorce case. Donna was always mindful of my comfort zone in making decisions concerning the case and showed a great amount of expertise when dealing with opposing counsel. I feel pleased with the outcome of my divorce and feel that Donna's experience in the courtroom as well as reputation within the legal community contributed to my positive outcome.
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28 Dec, 2015 by Grateful mom
A year and a half into my case, with two other attorney's behind me who botched up my case and basically set my case up for failure, Donna Green was willing to take on my child custody and divorce case. From the minute Donna took over my case I felt like I had someone who actually listened to me and cared and was ready and willing to "fight for my rights". I wasn't just a number and a paycheck.
Donna has a brilliant mind. She was able to make things happen that my two previous attorneys told me "would not happen".
I know Donna will be "Judge Green" someday. Donna's knowledge, wisdom, patience, gusto, respect, perseverance, and sense of humor in the midst of very stressful situations make her stand out.
Thank you Donna for caring about me and my son and willing to fight for us.
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23 Feb, 2018 by Holly
Kay represented me during a very long divorce process as well as in multiple post-divorce hearings that arose. She is extremely competent, and took time to explain how things worked and prepared me for what to expect throughout the entire process. I could always count on her to respond quickly when I had urgent questions or needed direction and had 100% confidence in her counsel. She was forthcoming in what to expect and I was very pleased with the outcomes in multiple cases. The thing that really stood out to me in the five years we worked together was how much she genuinely cared about my case and my children and how she worked very hard to represent our best interest at every turn. I highly recommend her and can't imagine going through those 5 years without her being my voice and representing me.
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26 Jan, 2018 by Wanda
Ms. Church has handled several matters for me, my family and some of my friends. I've seen her in court in a child custody case (she won), in a child support case (she won), and in a collections case (she won). She is always professional and clearly explains your options and her plan of attack. I've seen her during negotiations where she was firm, aggressive, and took the lead. I've used other attorneys, but Ms. Church is heads and shoulders above any other. I've referred her to friends who have also had great experiences with her. She is THE BEST!
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25 Jan, 2018 by Rae
“In my time of heartache, Kay was compassionate towards my situation and aggressive in pursuing what was best for me and my child. She consulted with me on every decision and handled every situation with confidence and poise. I felt very privileged to have her represent my case.”
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03 Oct, 2020 by Laura rose
I want to tell everyone how awesome Raquel Abel is. I was going to lose my daughter but Raquel came in and helped me gain full custody of my daughter. Not only she helped me gain full custody she also helped me keep my parents away from my daughter. She also was there for me through everything my mom's verbal abuse and my dad's Conservatorship that he had on me and she helped me get rid of the conservatorship. Raquel is the reason that I am a mother to my daughter. I am now back with my daughter's father. I am very appreciative of Raquel. She will fight for you like she did for me and my daughter. I would not be a mother right now if I did not have Raquel Abel. Thank you Raquel for fighting for me.
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06 Sep, 2018 by Natalie
Looking for a great lawyer I highly recommend Raquel.
- Very professional
- very experienced
- Was able to tackle my case with short notice
- Very hard working
- Walked with me through every step and made it easy to understand
- Very smart and Educated in what she does
I could go on how awesome she is. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
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04 Nov, 2016 by Emily
Raquel has represented me for several cases. Child custody and an order of protection. She is fabulous and very professional. She does a EXCELLENT job of cross examining. All of my cases have gone in my favor thanks to her! Would hire again without a doubt.
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14 Oct, 2019 by Richard
We couldn't be more pleased with Sean and his Staff. We had to acquire Conservatorship over our Father and his Estate as he transitioned from assisted living into memory care. Very professional, well respected within the legal community, he and his Staff respond quickly and their use of time on our case was efficient and productive.
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30 May, 2019 by Polly
Sean Aiello worked with our attorney Brad Carter in representing my son.
Sean has a very pleasant way about him and it is easy to feel comfortable in his presence.
Their diligence and dedication to represent my son is what we received from their team. We never saw the hours spent preparing for court appearances nor the times spent speaking with the plaintiff’s attorneys; yet, we know all this was instrumental in negotiating the favorable outcome in the Civil Lawsuit against my son.
It took two years for the case to be settled in our favor.
Sean’s assistance in this case for my son was due to his and Brad’s expertise in law, research, skilled collaboration and attention to detail were sure components to him being able to deliver the best solution possible for my son. He was not the lead attorney but whenever we met with them, it was obvious he was an intricate part of the process in turning this in my son’s favor. They were prompt in relaying information regarding any new developments and any court related issues.
The day we met to retain Brad Carter and Sean was a very dark day for us. It was like walking in the dark; groping for a glimmer of light and direction out of this deep hole my son had fallen in. In his sympathetic way, we got that glimmer of light we had hoped for; though he laid out the worst case scenario, we felt confident that we had been led to the right place. We were not made any promises, but that they team would represent my son with the goal of getting the best result.
When people come to an attorney seeking counsel, the response of that attorney should be as reassuring as possible that he/she is on their team. We were not given false hope. Yet, we felt some relieve knowing that Sean Aiello and Brad Carter would be doing everything they could to represent my son well.
I close adding, they not only represented my son in such an excellent way that leaves us feeling forever grateful , but they also represented their profession and their law firm to a high level of honor. I admire and think highly of these two men knowing that though they may have had some personal reservations regarding some of the details in the case, it never hindered their acts of professionalism.
I pray that, I nor any of my family will ever have a need to be represented in a court of law again; but should I ever know of someone who does, I think I could honestly refer them to Sean Aiello.
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05 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Aiello was great. He listened to everything I had to say when I spoke. He then explained and suggested the legal way do accomplish our goal. He put himself in my place and was awesome. Very professional and intelligent. Always contacted me when I needed him. His paralegal was terrific and I got a copy of everything. Got the job done. I will call on him if I ever need anything more. I highly recommend him.
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24 Aug, 2024 by Charisse
If you got a week to wait for any type of response in back-and-forth communication with her, she your girl. If you're looking to be treated with any level of respect in regards to timely communication, I would look elsewhere
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12 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
The divorce process has been a new and stressful experience for me, as it also involves my children. I did my due diligence, as a first time candidate, and interviewed 3-4 attorneys to familiarize myself with the process, understand the expectations and see which attorney best met my expectations on knowledge, partnership and engagement. After meeting and speaking with Marissa on a couple of introductory/exploratory meetings, I was convinced that she will be a great lead and I can confidently state that she has been that and more. Marissa has been a sounding board and strong proponent of me throughout the process and her passion/compassion and knowledge has been on full display. I do highly recommend anyone going through such an unfortunate and stressful time to find the right legal partner - Marissa is that person!
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01 Mar, 2022 by Trey
Marissa is compassionate, vigilant, knowledgeable, and precise... I highly recommend Mrs Walters for legal representation...
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04 Jul, 2024 by Erodick3
Michele, Is simply awesome. She always has her clients best interest at heart and treats our cases like they are her own. She listens to our concerns and also knows exactly how to guide us to the best outcomes. She is highly recommended!
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02 Jul, 2024 by Ufoc prez
I have consulted McGill Law several times over the past years. My consultations always helped manage my expectations and provide me with the information I needed to make the best decisions I could. Quite often, I realized that I had a misunderstanding of the law based on my own research which ultimately led me to accept that my legal considerations should be handled by a licensed and experienced attorney. Moving forward, I will be consulting McGill law prior to making certain life decisions in an effort to best protect myself.
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02 Jul, 2024 by C. david lindley
Having a need for an attorney I choose McGill law because of their reputation as being fair and knowledgeable. I found this firm to be aggressive and having the appropriate strategy.
Call their office and discuss your needs. They have my recommendation.
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04 Jul, 2024 by Erodick3
Michele, Is simply awesome. She always has her clients best interest at heart and treats our cases like they are her own. She listens to our concerns and also knows exactly how to guide us to the best outcomes. She is highly recommended!
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02 Jul, 2024 by Ufoc prez
I have consulted McGill Law several times over the past years. My consultations always helped manage my expectations and provide me with the information I needed to make the best decisions I could. Quite often, I realized that I had a misunderstanding of the law based on my own research which ultimately led me to accept that my legal considerations should be handled by a licensed and experienced attorney. Moving forward, I will be consulting McGill law prior to making certain life decisions in an effort to best protect myself.
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02 Jul, 2024 by C. david lindley
Having a need for an attorney I choose McGill law because of their reputation as being fair and knowledgeable. I found this firm to be aggressive and having the appropriate strategy.
Call their office and discuss your needs. They have my recommendation.
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04 Aug, 2023 by Michelle
With her advice, I felt confident moving forward and less scared. I wish Judy was closer to where I live. She has been more helpful to me than anyone local. She is a good person, honest, ethical, and knows how to move quickly when the situation calls for it.
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15 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Judy represented my sister in a divorce and I had to be very involved due to my sister's medical condition. Judy patiently listened, asked excellent questions, knew my sister's rights, and was compassionate about my sister's cognitive issues. Her advice and representation was excellent. My sister's divorce was final this week and we are pleased with the terms. If you hire Judy and are honest with her, just follow her advice and you can't go wrong.
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22 Apr, 2020 by Timothy
Building a successful family is challenging. When everything is going well in the household unit life is at it's most fulfilling moments. I have found just the opposite to also be true. After the wheels fall off of the bus a catastrophic crash seems to be the inevitable result. In the middle of all the chaos and pain, all I had to offer was a prayer. The answer to my prayer was Mrs. Judy Oxford. She has represented me on three different occasions. Two in regard to my children and once for a divorce.
Her integrity is impeccable. Mrs. Oxford's work ethic and professionalism is outstanding; head and shoulders above. The experience, wisdom, and legal knowledge that she brings to the table is unmatched. Thank you Mrs. Oxford for the compassion and support that you have shown my family. My God bless you for being a gift to our community.
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31 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Promised to help with back pay from ex and never did anything he promised and double charged the agreed upon amount.
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02 Dec, 2021 by Chris
My brother and I who both live out of state needed an attorney to handle a rather complicated estate for our father and step mother in the state of Tennessee. Bobby was referred to me by a local friend in Franklin and we could not have been happier with the choice.
Bobby and his lovely mother were incredibly responsive to our needs, budget and the difficulty of having clients who reside out of state. Bobby was able to handle the matter to our ultimate satisfaction and was able to navigate successfully the complicated state of affairs our parents had left upon their passing.
Once Bobby sorted out the estates he was able to refer us to another local attorney to deal with the real estate sale portion which was also fairly complicated.
My brother and I greatly appreciated the services Bobby provided, as well as the piece of mind that this matter was being handled professionally and in a timely manner without us having to fly back and forth from out of state.
I would highly recommend this firm to anyone needing a quality lawyer with excellent values, and experience in the state of Tennessee, especially for matters in Williamson County.
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15 Jun, 2020 by Brian
Robert is an excellent lawyer and would recommend him to everyone! He is very professional but also personable. He was available any time that i needed him or had questions.
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03 Jan, 2024 by Kaitlyn osborne
My son’s dad recently used this company to change our current parenting plan. We went to mediation and settled on a new plan but I never got a copy. My son’s father recently passed away and I called to ask for a copy to see if it got finalized because like I said we went to mediation and I never heard anything after that.
I called to ask to speak to someone so I could get a copy to prove my son’s father did have partial custody of our son.
They refused to speak to me and told me they couldn’t since I was the other party even though the other party is passed away. Very unprofessional on their end.
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03 Feb, 2023 by David crawley
I am not happy with this firm at all. Settled divorce, however there was 120 days for the other party to pay what was due, and the file was to stay open.
days passed no money and called - they will not even talk to me unless I start the process from the beginning etc.
Very unprofessional and I will be filing a complaint with the Board of Professional Responsibility. I doubt it will do much good, but other than this what can one do.
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30 Dec, 2022 by Nathan downing
Awesome firm with awesome attorneys!! Really made a very difficult time in life, a lot simpler!
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21 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
I want to start by saying Mr. Milazo is a great conversationalist. He was easy to speak with and encouraging when I felt rather distraught over my situation. However, Mr. Milazo was just that, "all talk." He charged for services never rendered and continued to drive my bill up until I finally dismiss him. I eventually hired another attorney that did a fantastic job.
Sadly, Mr. Milazo is, like most, a small fish in a large pond trying to make a name for himself. If he does not show you results early on in your case, move on to someone that can genuinely help you.
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08 Dec, 2020 by Mary
John is a great attorney. He gets the job done and gets you the best possible outcome. I would highly recommend him to my friends and family.
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11 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
I was in a crisis and trying to get a restraining order against my boyfriend and he agreed to meet with me at the spur of the moment the same day, which was much appreciated. But first thing i noticed walking in was that he had his assistant and then one other girl just lingering around the door listening to everything i had to say about my very private and high profile case. I didnt appreciate extra ears being in the room doing nothing but wanting to hear all the details of my horrible situation for her own curiosity. I was very distraught and didnt have the mind to tell this chick to get lost.
Secondly, as i started to talk about obtaining palimony, this lawyer starts letting out sarcastic "ha's" and then saying, "i hate to break it to you but there is no law that will give you palimony." I already know this, but palimony IS recognized in the courts of california even though it is not a law there either. I was trying to ask him if it was recognized in court system here in TN, but he kept repetitively saying the same thing as though I was "missinformed." He obviously didn't understand what I was asking and kept on with his know-it-all, "youve been missinformed" and "somebodys been pullin your leg" attitude when he is completely ignorant to the way CA courts work. I was only asking if the system is the same in TN; I wasn't trying to have a debate about "the law."
Then, he starts urging me to go to a battered womens shelter where they will "help me." I was upset, i wasnt beat up so wtf? The only help i wanted was a preventative restraining order and turned out That since I didnt have a black eye, my story of past abuse wasnt really enough to warrent a restraining order.
I was insulted when he kept pushing the womens shelter pamphlet to me saying i should probably go there. For what? Thats not what i came to his office for. I have money, why would i go to a womems shelter and sleep on a cott when I can get a hotel room?
Anyways thats my opinion. The extra ears in the room was very unprofessional, not to mention that they all three stepped out of the doorway to proceed to loudly wisper as though i cant here what they are saying. Idiots. This is a private matter Milazo, extra ears should not be in the room. If you have something to say u say it in front of me. You dont take the details of my case and proceed to gossip in the doorway. I really feel like I should not have gone there and should have made them sign a privacy contract before telling them my case. All felt very elementary and gossipy... Which my case was very juicy i admit, but i wish i didnt tell these people anything.
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19 Nov, 2014 by Perry
Miss Ward settled my case for pennies on the dollar. After the settlement I learned that the insurance company was authorized to pay $25,000.00 without representation and without going to court to settle the case. I know this to be true because my co worker, who was also injured, accepted the settlement and declined Miss Ward's offer to represent her.
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30 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
Ashley was a great lawyer. She represented my divorce cases in div 9 and after the judge made his ruling we found a mistake that needed to be immediatedly corrected. Ashley stayed in the courthouse with me until we were able to see the judge again so that he could make the corrections on the divorce decree. I thank her for being patient, especially when one doesn't know in's & out's about the law.
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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.
