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23 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
After he takes are of your case, he cannot seem to find a file on you. I asked a simple question. "Did you include a clause in my divorce decree that would allow me to change back to my maiden name?" He told me to ask the court. He doesn't keep files, evidently.
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26 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Gonzalo (aka Gonzo) Gomez is the greatest thing since sliced bread! The diversity and comptance of his applied knowledge of law and life has earned the trust and confidence from all those who know him. He continues to serve as an American Patriot, but he’s also an Army veteran, a retired public servant within the law enforcement community, a husband, father and professional friend who is not intimidated to apply those life experiences, with empathy, for those seeking justice and that’s what you’ll get...fair and equatable justice!
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12 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Month after month passed, and each time I met with him he would scribble on his notepad but not offer me legal advice. I felt like I was paying for a very expensive scribe rather than a divorce attorney. He did not show any compassion or consideration for my case, and at times I felt he was working on my wife's behalf with his advice. I had to fire him and seek another attorney which was like night and day.
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20 Dec, 2010 by Anonymous
I was very happy with Blake & Allen, P.C. They not only showed professionalism but made me feel "at ease" when discussing my legal matter. I found my needs to be handled appropriately. If and when I need a law firm again, Blake & Allen would be my choice. Thank you for everything.
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24 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Was referred by a friend upon retaining Vince never did he appear to court in place his daughter was there and communicating was through her only I felt she lacked the drive, assertiveness, knowledge, etc... that I was looking for when I retained Vince. I feel she came always with no fight to the table. Thousands of dollars later I was worse off after hiring this law firm. I feel upon initial consultation with Vince I was misled to believe I’d be represented by a strong, thorough attorney instead I came to court with an inexperienced young as if in training almost lawyer. My finances are not the best especially when going through divorce so when I took what I had and borrowed to hire someone to fight for me legally I had to trust I was in in good hands. Never felt reassured or confident with this firm.
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06 Jun, 2014 by Lisa
Vince Ruggiero is awesome! He has saved me money and saved me emotionally!! I got everything I was looking to get and more, much more... I highly recommend Vince and have given his name to every person going through a family legal issue.
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24 May, 2019 by David
Worked hard and fought for me personally unlike any i have had before. Got the case done quickly and went out of his way to help me. Great office and staff.
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11 Mar, 2014 by Peter
poor answer of calls. vague explanation of rights. did he really know? seemed like his work was guesswork the whole time. poor bluffer. but showed zeal in going after me for fees in the court system for incomplete and hopeless failed work, for little or no effort in MY representation.
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31 Aug, 2019 by Happy kids by three boys
06 Nov, 2018 by Berdo santana
Shady stay away waste of time and energy.
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13 Jan, 2023 by Michael abel
Persistent, will get the job done & friendly to deal with.
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06 Jan, 2023 by Amy lynn
16 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
If I could give zero or even negative stars I would. She ignored about 98% of my phone calls, emails & texts. She made agreements/arrangements with the opposing council, without my knowledge. Then signed an order on my behalf to an order I didn't agree to, nor did I have any say in.
I wish I could get my time & money back.
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13 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
After my initial consult I thought she seemed great and wanted to hire her for my case, but she never called or emailed me back for the retainer. I called several times, left messages and even talked to the paralegal who assured me every time that she would call me back. In the end, I'm very glad I never hired her. If she can't even manage to call me back to take my money, she probably couldn't handle anything else.
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03 May, 2023 by Rick jacobsen
We have used Meghan twice this year. She was awesome to work with. Highly recommended
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14 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Rebecca did an excellant jobfor my divorce. The judge was horrible and the other attorney kept filing for extensions otherwise this would have been done quickly. She was also very reasonable compared to what other attorneys quoted for a retainer and her services.
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21 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
I hired this firm of rebecca souligne in October for my case I have not been kept informed on anything I was told emergency orders were gonna be filed 2 months for support relief low and behpld nothing has happened not worth time or money to waste with this firm no communication from them since they have hired I have been evicted out of house no car insurance no money cause of no help from firm I hired to take my caes thanks for wasting my money and time
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05 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Did what she said she would do. Other reviews obviously think their cases would get settled overnight. Unfortunately, their case is not the only one that this attorney or others have. No family law cases get settled quickly because the courts are backlogged with cases. This was the second time I have used Rebecca and she achieved our desired results. Also, she is reasonable and does not overcharge clients. These people below obviously don't realize that everytime an attorney has to call and talk to you some small detail, they charge you.
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18 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Hired this attorney for a child support/alimony case. Took a $2000 retainer telling me that should cover things. Later received a bill for an additional $1300. When I asked what the additional bill was for he quickly sent me a court document threatening a judgment if I didn’t pay. I’m still waiting on clarification from him regarding items that were poorly handled on his end during the case no return call in the last several months guess it’s time to get a new lawyer.
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12 Sep, 2017 by Kathy
Andy is very pleasant to speak and work with. I currently have an issue with a disclosure issue on a real estate transaction that he handled for me and he drafted the initial letter at no cost to me. Can't beat that!
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24 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
We have used Andy services for several different Marrero from family law to real estate transactions. Andy is a very friendly gentleman that will do right by his clients. He has handled every matter we have presented him with in a Professional manner. We have been clients for 7 years now, and feel we have made the right choice in an attorney to handle our sometimes complicated issues.
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01 Mar, 2024 by Morgan luca
Robert Steele has already sued me once for 7,000 of unpaid medical bills. He is now going after my boyfriend for a hospital bill from 2011. The hospital is closed and the bill is over 10 years old. On top of all this I was diagnosed with breast cancer so my boyfriend is the only one getting a paycheck right now. . He makes just over minimum wage. We can barely afford food and every cent goes to bills and medical coverage. This shark is garnishing his wage. Thanks steele
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13 Feb, 2024 by Nick van schaick
Greedy and soulless corporate scumbag.
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26 Jan, 2024 by Eric lucas
16 Nov, 2023 by Wendy
Melissa Fish is something most lawyers are not: Sincere. She really tried to help me. But after two years of terrible litigation, I was broke. I would recommend her. Especially if you are a woman with young children. She really gave it her best shot. I would hire her again.
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23 Jul, 2013 by Milan
Unfortunately for me I hired Ms Fish to handle my divorce. After 5 months and $7500 later nothing was done and she did not know what's next, so I decided to try another attorney. Also, she was not responsive at all. I would send her an email with two questions for example, and she would answer only one question. Stay away.
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14 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
We worked for a long period of time on a custody hearing. His advice often changed, he said, you can/should do this, then he said later, "You shouldn't have done that."
He does work with you, if you don't owe him too much money. If you have money to spend, he'll spend it and then some.
Could have done better cross examine.
Over all he got the job done as well as anyone.
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27 May, 2009 by Anonymous
He seems to be all talk that he will get things done and be on your side but he does the basics and really doesn't look out for what's best for the client. Poor appearance in front of the judge.
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19 Nov, 2021 by Betsy gilmore
Went to him about my elderly father. He gave me the wrong information! If you need Legal advice Don't waste your money! I went to another law office not in canton.They didn't charge me for the visit because I was given such poor information.
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18 Jun, 2018 by Nick wolford
Chris is amazing. He is very insightful, truthful, and quick on his feet. I have used him more than once and will continue to use him in the future.
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13 Jun, 2018 by Shawn siders
I worked with Mr. Walters and his staff for about 6 months, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Both Mr. Walters and his staff were very professional and helped me out when I needed it the most. Most importantly to me, they showed me compassion and explained every step of the process I was going through. I have recommended his services to both family and friends, and I plan on using his firm again. What a great team they have, and it was great having them on mine!
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12 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
This guy was hired to lead a divorce case by my wife and soon to be ex wife, my wife filed for divorce in march of 2020 and after 6 months of waiting to go to court neither his client or himself showed up and the case go bounced from court, now he is avoiding phone calls and doing nothing with the case and all we wanna do is setlle the case and move on with the next chapter of our lies, Rick you give the legal world a horrible name you should refund the retainer before you end up in court yourself.
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04 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired him for a family case and he did not show up to court. The judge called him from the bench asking him where he was. He claimed to be in another state in a court appearance there. He was not even licensed to practice law in the other state. He was reprimanded by the judge and made to step down from the case.
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17 Sep, 2015 by Rob
Incompetent is an understatement. Rick didn't show for court. I had to call and remind him of court in progress. Rick failed to submit an order, causing me to hire another attorney to clean up his mess. Buyer beware on this guy!
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07 Apr, 2020 by Amanda
Mr. Hellyer agreed to take a difficult employment case against a former employer which was an extremely awkward situation and pleasantly surprised me with a good result. He also handled my mother in law's house estate sale and did an excellent job.
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10 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
During the sale of our property the secretary addressed me by two other names which aren't my name- I asked if I was getting e-mails meant for someone else several times. Very unorganized- I asked for documents and saw that info was incorrect from our specific communications. Instruction to pick up the closing check from Crystal Lake ended up getting mailed which we specifically did not want and told them not to do. Calls not returned to explain themselves. Careless. Quote for closing was given by someone else in the office initially and ended up being 2.5 times higher and ended up in a different attorney's case load. This attorney's office was referred to us. Will never use either again.
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14 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Outrageous prices and was late to almost every one of my court appearances and still charged me the times he was 15 to 20 mins late. Charged me for a half hour appt. Which was basically him telling stories of other cases he is dealing with and little advice for me. So I pay you to tell stories!? He kept pushing my court date back to try to get the best deal and after 6 months came I got nailed for my dui. All the deals he said he would get ..nothing except for I had to pay hisa ton of money on top of court fees. On top of that he said he could get some wiggle room on the 100 hours of community service I had. I talked to him following when my case was done he said would call right back. Never did and I even left a Voicemail a week later and still no response. He sucks! Biggest waste of money ever, I would have been better off with public defender
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07 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Won't fight for you. she destroyed my case moving it form will county to DuPage county because it was close to her office. I fired her after she ruined my case. my ex was arrested for battery case in will county and she sided with my ex-attorney. I am still suffering because of her decision. she likes to take easy cases where she can make easy money without helping your case. she is okay for small useless cases but not for serious ones
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03 Nov, 2018 by Anne
I retained Terry for some modifications on my Divorce and parenting agreements. After having dealt with other attorneys who gave me little to no results, I was pleasantly surprised when meeting with Terry. She was respectful and compassionate all while providing the results that I hoped for. From my 1st court date, I received the representation that my children and I deserved. My only regret is that I hadn't found her initially. Terry and Joanne, her assistant were very attentive to detail and always willing to discuss any issues at hand. I have/will recommended Fawell & Fawell to many people looking for representation in family court.
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24 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Terry was very direct and matter of fact, as well as compassionate and understanding. She explained what was happening in a calm, rational manner, so even when my ex and his lawyer were posturing in a threatening manner, she was able to de-escalate the situation. I also felt her fees were very reasonable. I was very pleased with her services!
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01 Feb, 2024 by Cory clark
This law office should be investigated and fined to the highest extent of the law. Know your rights when they call you, because they will try to pressure and violate you out of them. Stand your ground and report to the state. EVERYONE should be held accountable, especially attorneys.
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25 Jan, 2024 by D. l.
C. Martin gouged me for my money out of my deposit i paid. It was a simple case, i just asked him to look over the proposal and then help me mediate the terms. It was a short process but yet used all of my deposit. Straightup gouged me. Do not go to this guy. I dunno who shaw is, but i would completely avoid hiring any lawyers from this office.
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25 Jan, 2024 by Magnus “admin” blickensturfer
Martin will rip you off and try to get as much money out of you as they can. I put a deposit down for family law dispute. He kept asking me the same questions over and over amd then worked on it longer than i told him too. He was supposed to mainly mediate it and check things over for me. Straightup ripped me off.
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01 Nov, 2023 by Tammy
I needed to get custody of my grandkids asap to get them out of a bad situation. My grandson was homeless and his sister was just in a horrible home situation. Nicole Beran explained what would happen and it definitely did. She fought for custody and stood her ground. She told me many times to ignore the threats from my son n law and his Atty, we were gon a get my grandkids and she was right. Nicole was always direct and to the point. She didn't let court drag out or get messy. It was done and over with in a good time manner.
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25 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
DO NOT USE HER!! She is a thief. Takes your money and does not follow through with your required service. Never returns calls or is always out of the office when you try to get ahold of her.
Stole my money in 2018 and has never submitted my case to the courts. ABSOLUTELY USELESS!!!
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11 Apr, 2022 by Nicole you are fired!
Nicole and the Epstein office were nothing but disappointing. The biggest waste of time and money and in the end, I had to find a new attorney. Nicole would take weeks to months to return emails and calls. I was never informed of upcoming court dates or what happened at each court date that she attended. I was completely clueless about my case. The few occasions I did get in contact with Nicole, she used excuses such as “sorry for the delay in communication, I am extremely busy” or “ I am really working hard on a game plan for your case and will contact you soon”. Nicole has completely failed in serving as an attorney and should have her license in the state of Illinois banned. I have read several reviews now and all seem to be similar to my god awful experience. For the sake of avoiding crippling depression, do not hire this law firm to represent you in any legal matter.
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15 Dec, 2021 by Jane meginnes
I still have a open adoption case and not getting anywhere. I have paid the money and wont return my calls or texts.
Jane Meginnes
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07 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
I have met this attorney once with my daughter who has been in an abusive marriage for some time now. He was payed a retainer, but it seems my daughter has done the work. She has had a lot go on since this attorney has been hired and it just seems like nothing can get done. She has called, messaged him and I have also messaged him with no reply back. It seems to me that if it was his daughter he would want something done as I do. This needs to be over. I would not recommend hiring Saleem unless you have the time to wait forever.
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04 Jan, 2018 by Susan
Salem simply stopped working on my case because it was going to involve doing some research in another state. He stopped returning emails or calls.
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16 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Brian Gabor and his secretary are very unprofessional!!! I hate that I even hired him as a lawyer!!! Brian never return calls and he’s not on top of his game. Brian doesn’t even deserve one star I was better off representing myself . I would never recommend him for lawyer Ever!!!! I’m highly disappointed
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24 Nov, 2016 by James
I am working with Mr. Gabor on a divorce case and I am extremely pleased with what he is doing. Yes Mr. Gabor is very busy but he always gets back with me and let's me know what is going on. Would highly recommend Mr. Gabor
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18 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr Gabor started out with the best interest of the estate, but that quickly changed. He was never available when he said he would be. He didn't return our calls in a timely matter...more so ... not at all. When the house in the estate was finally sold, the signing of those papers had to wait until after Mr. Gabor returned from vacation. Things didn't happen when he said they would. When everything was done with the estate and all papers were turned into him on Dec 28th, for closing of the estate, it took many phone calls from us and three months for a court date to be set and that only got done when it did because his secretary took charge and set up the court date only after talking to her and telling her that we looked into hiring another attorney to get the estate closed. I informed her that on the Friday before presidents day, Mr. Gabor told my husband that the court house was closed on Monday because of the holiday and so Tuesday would be the earliest he could get something set up. He gave us plenty of excuses! Going into the third month of waiting and talking to his secretary about our frustrations and concerns... all his secretary would say is " well, im not the attorney". She was nice about the whole deal, and understood how frustrated we were at closing this estate. Once the court date was set, and all reports were completed and sent out...we discovered, from my accountant, that mothers 2014 taxes should have been filed and that our attorney should have told us that. when asked mr gabor about it...all he could says was "well...." . ALSO, when I was going through the final report, I noticed that part of the will was missing. Section two that stated an entitlement of an item was left out. I asked Mr. Gabor about that section and how that was to play out. He responsed... " oh, I guess I didn't pay attention to that. I must have overlooked that." I HAD TO HIRE ANOTHER LAWYER TO GET THIS SECTION OF THE WILL COMPLETED!! MR GABOR SEEMED TO NOT CARE OR NOT UNDERSTAND HOW TO DO WHAT NEEDED TO BE DONE ....I THINK BOTH!! we had to hire another attorney!!! we were told by this other attorney that if this issue was not addressed before closing, things would have been a big mess and potentially caused legal problems down the road. Fair warning to all who need things done in a timely manner, without excuses, and done COMPLETELY...THE RIGHT WAY! IF it wasn't for all my questions and inquiries....my husband and I would be out MORE than the $600, out of our own pocket, it cost us to fix things and get them done like they should have been!
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28 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
She barely handled my case. At one point, she admitted that she did not complete what she was supposed to in the time promised and had the nerve to say, “in my defense, I was in court last week.” That translates to “ you are not important.” Very lackadaisical approach to representing a client.
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05 Jul, 2024 by Sksmith62
This attorney rarely returned my calls or answered my email correspondence. I had a child support order reduced by the court in October, and as of the first of February, I am still paying the previous amount of support because the required paperwork has yet to be filed with my employer. When I questioned her correspondence practices and asked for reassurance in her ability to effectively represent me, she withdrew as my council - 2 days before court.
Attorney made me feel as if me, and my case, were unimportant.
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23 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
Sami Anderson handled my complicated matter better than most would have. She was attentive and detailed orientated, while at the same time, not losing the personal touch that she is known for. She is one of the busiest offices in town, but her turn around time is better than my previous attorney!
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11 May, 2014 by Anonymous
Watch your bill. She over charges on just about everything! I also compared her fees to other attorney's for doing the same things. Her bill was 4 times more then 3 other attorney's I talked to. That is including a law firm in Chicago!! They were all in shock when I told them her what she charged. I agree with the last poster, watch your bill!
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02 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
I had Karla as my lawyer for less than 5 months and she was charging me travel cost to Winnebago court (from her office in Belvedere) without my knowledge. Bills were not itemized in details (as other lawyers were) and she is not available on most Fridays (or weekends). When I challenged her about the bill she signed off the case and sent me a HUGE bill! I have seen charges for 4 more lawyers after Karla (2 of mine, 2 of my ex and GAL). When I became aware that she is overcharging in comparison to other 4 lawyers, it was too late. Her charges were 2 times, in some cases 3 times higher than other lawyers involved in my case. Even higher than a lawyer with highest hourly rate. I compared charges for same court appearances (with charges from opposing lawyer) and was in shock with my discovery. All I can say is-watch your bill VERY closely with Karla.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Darrell
This case is from 2009. I’ve been trying to get a hold of you years ago. I had a case and hired you. I know it’s 15 years later. I’ve been trying to get in contact with you. I been trying hard no way to get in contact with you well we Got Court, October 10th 2024 in Saint Charles Illinois DA is going to email you so you can come to court for me. I’m trying to get this case over with is 15 years old. They won’t let me proceed without you if you could contact me at 513-609 8267 thank you October 10 we got court
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09 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Wes Cowell is a liar, plain and simple. He is an immoral, manipulative person who works only for his own self-interest and will abandon his responsibilities with shocking ease. Hire at your own serious risk.
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06 Jul, 2024 by Rian marquez
My experience with Attorney Curtis Ross was nothing short of a nightmare. From the outset, he displayed a level of rudeness and disrespect that was utterly appalling. When I sought clarification on certain legal matters, he dismissed my concerns with the utmost arrogance, labeling my questions as "idiotic."
Instead of fulfilling his role as a legal advocate, he left me to fend for myself in court, all the while painting a false picture of me as argumentative. His complete lack of support and guidance was both shocking and deeply disappointing.
Save yourself the headache and avoid hiring Curtis Ross at all costs. He is an utter disgrace to the legal profession and will leave you high and dry when you need support the most.
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28 Oct, 2022 by Susan dotson
He's 76 years old and very forgetful. If you're lucky, Curtis Ross will remember to provide zoom information. If he has a bad day he may forget and you could miss court or be very late. He loves to celebrate every holiday and disappear days before court. Do you want him to prepare before court? Do you want to be prepped before court? If the answer is "no" pay his $5,000 retainer and $375.00 an hour.
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13 Apr, 2023 by Kelita 0027
03 Aug, 2021 by Axelle touchard
#justiceforariel !!!
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03 Aug, 2021 by Cael low
#JUSTICEFORARIEL
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16 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
I have nothing good to say about this attorney. Could not argue his way out of a paper bag.
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16 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
I have nothing good to say about this attorney. Could not argue his way out of a paper bag.
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29 May, 2022 by Anonymous
Poor communication skills about my case. I wouldn't recommend him to anyone. He doesn't return calls, and he doesn't stand up for my child in court either.
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19 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Attorney Dorsam some years ago for a new paternity/child support case. As other reviewers have noted, I chose attorney Dorsam because of her credentials as a guardian ad litem and because I wanted a smaller office vs a larger firm. When I hired attorney Dorsam I believe the office consisted of Attorney Dorsam, her legal secretary, and her paralegal. She was fine during the consultation and the initial filing seemed fair. Once she got in contact with the opposing attorney she became completely unresponsive. I would call her office and she or her paralegal would not return call the call. She would forward documents to me from opposing counsel with no guidance and in some cases unopened. While her hourly rate was reasonable she will grossly overbill as other reviewers have stated. My ex told me that the opposing counsel and Rhea Dorsam were good friends so I just assumed that was the reason but it appears that other reviewers have also had the same experience. My experience with every attorney reviewed on Avvo so far has been excellent. Unfortunately, Avvo reviews were not prevalent when I hired her. Her rate may seem attractive but I would not recommend hiring Attorney Dorsam.
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17 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Rhea was my attorney. She was outrageously expensive. She ruined my family. She picked sides in my divorce and did all She could to distance my children from me. Rhea makes judgement calls that are not grounded in evidence. If you use Rhea Dorsam as your attorney you will end up poor and heartbroken. I really wish I could rate her the zero rating she deserves.
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15 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Rhea was my attorney for almost an entire year. It was the most frustrating year on my life. Rhea never informed me that I could ask for a 215 evaluation for my prescription drug addicted spouse. She did not put in an order for child support. Rhea never attempted to obtain my ex's mandatory financial disclosure statement. She had me waiving my right to financial disclosure and would not change it even though I asked her repeatedly. She had the wrong addresses and cars in the initial agreement as well. Rhea rarely would return calls and when she did, she would bill me $75 for a three minute conversation. The final straw came when she made changes to the marital settlement agreement without my consent or knowledge. I retained another attorney that finalized the divorce in only 10 weeks. I choose Rhea because she is a guardian ad litem and thought she would have our best interests at heart. I'm posting this review as a public service. I wish Ms. Dorsam the best, but I can not recommend her as a divorce attorney.
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06 Mar, 2021 by Randy
I paid this man to review my documents to see if I could achieve my goals. He told me that I could, so I paid him an additional retainer fee. I called him a month after he cashed my check, and he neglected to return my call. I finally reached him by phone and he said there was a problem, some clause, that might prevent the attainment of my goal. He said he would look into it. Why didn’t this come up when I first paid him to review my documents? I spoke with him once more, and he told me that he was still looking into it. From that time on, he never returned my calls or letters, nor did I receive any refund of my retainer. Purely unprofessional behavior. If someone makes a mistake, they should own up to it.
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23 Jul, 2020 by Tony
When I initially went into Joe's office I was taken back by his confidence and charisma, and though I was skeptical of hiring a lawyer, he put my mind at ease telling me that my case should be easy. I explained to him that the last time I hired an attorney, it cost me close to 14k and he reassured me that it shouldn't be close. Well my horror began after receiving my first billing statement, He had somehow blown through my entire $2500 retainer and an additional $850 without even setting foot in a court room. His fee agreement clearly outlines, that the costs for paralegal services at $125 an hour, but not once during the ten months I had him hired as counsel did I see a charge on my bill to reflect this. He wrote motions that were never addressed as promised, He charged me repeatedly for sending and reviewing similar and same documents. He told me twice, once on the phone, and once via email that this would be the final bill, and neither time was it. I eventually had to give up on my original reason for entering his office because the costs of modifying my child support, which he assured me would be a no brainer, became staggering. I started to feel like him and the other attorney were working together to run up our bills. I would have rather given that money to my ex. At the end of the day, it cost me $15,000 to save about $4,000 in child support. So I feel like I threw a staggering $11,000 into a paper shredder. Oh, but unlike other attorneys he'll return your calls.
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07 Jul, 2013 by Sue
He returned about 10% of my calls, he asked me for numerous documents that I spent countless hours on providing and he basically did nothing with them. I feel he did not inform me on my options and did what he felt. I am the one paying the bills, so I certainly wanted to make the calls after being properly informed, which didn't happen. He did not follow my directions as I plainly indicated via email or directly handing them to him. I document everything! So, if you hire this guy......save all your emails. But, at that point....when you realize he is just stringing you along for the long haul.....it will be too late :( Mine was a simple divorce that took over 2 years, I was strung along thinking it was about over till I finally got smart and got another attorney and we had a trial withing 2-3 months. She was very good and listened and acted to my concerns.
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15 Nov, 2023 by Andrea defalco
In my opinion, Gail is a threat to the safety of children. Based on the overwhelming number of reviews saying the same, I am sharing how to report her conduct. It is easy to file a report with both regulatory boards/commissions.
Use the link below if you have used her in the capacity as a Psychologist:
https://idfpr.illinois.gov/admin/dpr/complaint.html
Select “Professional Regulation” and fill out the information in the form.
Use the link below if you have used her in the capacity as an Attorney:
https://www.iardc.org/Files/Request_For__Investigation.pdf
In my opinion Gail is a danger to children and families. In my opinion, she puts children at risk of serious harm. In my opinion she must be stopped.
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14 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
We used Gail for divorce mediation. She was late for every appointment. She clearly hadn't ever review anything prior to our meetings and then never sent us our final documents. She was supposed to connect us with a lawyer at the end who 'she works with' to finalize and file our case, she did not do that, she completely disappeared once our last payment was sent. I called and emailed many times and no one responded. She was slow during meetings and wasn't much help with any questions we had. If it hadn't been during a pandemic we would have changed mediator. Ours was a simple divorce, I would hate someone in the middle of a stressful divorce to have to deal with this unprofessionalism on top of that.
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16 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
This women will continue to try to convince you that abuse of your children is okay. She as a mandated reporter will hide abuse in order to assure she will receive a paycheck from you as long as possible. She will make excuses for the abuser and lie to Judges/Child representatives/DCFS, because if the children get removed from the abusive home she loses you as a client. Please make sure to report this woman to the state of Illinois if anything like this has happened to you. A hospital Doctor that had to care for our children said that Dr. Gail Petrich’s actions are “disgusting and she should be ashamed of herself”. We cannot let people like Dr. Gail Petrich continue to practice.
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23 Apr, 2015 by Bill
She was fairly knowledgeable on divorce law, but did not send opposing counsel our settlement offers. She was not very well organized and became harder and harder to contact and get a response from her. Did not receive my first bill until about 45 days after I retained her and I was way over my retainer at that point.
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18 Jul, 2011 by Anonymous
Did not communicate, rarely answered calls , did not have details of my case correct when we were before the judge, very rude, accepted payments then said she never agreed to them and wanted to be paid in full or she would not go to court for me. Court was in 5 days. When I did manage to meet with her she didn't know why I was there and said I needed to spoon feed her. Overall do not hire her , you will end up in debt and wondering if she presented your case or someone elses to the judge.
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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.
