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27 Sep, 2024 by Lauri miro
12 Sep, 2024 by Nathan k
They were very helpful and explained everything throughout the process of setting up our trust. They also assisted and answered other questions that came up after we set it up. Very responsive, professional and personable service. We highly recommend them!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Amy ruehlow
27 Sep, 2024 by Lauri miro
12 Sep, 2024 by Nathan k
They were very helpful and explained everything throughout the process of setting up our trust. They also assisted and answered other questions that came up after we set it up. Very responsive, professional and personable service. We highly recommend them!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Amy ruehlow
28 Jan, 2019 by Cory
I was confused and devastated with what my ex put me through regarding our son. I did my research and decided to go with Cordell and Cordell! Everyone I met at the firm was courteous, professional, and extremely helpful! Elisabeth was who I ended up going with from the firm, and I couldn’t have been any more satisfied! She is extremely knowledgeable! She is very down to earth. Being my first experience with attorneys, I had no clue what I was doing. She was very understanding and helpful throughout the entire process, and even after!! She(and my son) is worth every penny and more! Highly reccomended to any parent out there, but especially anyone who feels hopeless, as I did! Unfortuantly, I feel my battle won’t be over anytime soon, but I am a lot more comfortable and confident, that a great father and an amazing little boy will not be torn apart unnecessarily, as long as I have Elisabeth Fletcher representing me!
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26 Dec, 2017 by Nathan
Elisabeth worked nonstop to ensure my needs we're met. She was very responsive to my queries and provided amazing support throughout this process. I am lucky to have had someone who cares so much for her clients as my attorney.
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22 Dec, 2017 by Greg
In short, Elisabeth has been wonderful to work with. Her approach is to be a concerned listener first which puts both of us in a better position to negotiate without compromising on the issues I feel most strongly about. She is always thinking ahead on what will need to happen next in the legal process and is very diligent in keeping me posted on what is going on with my case.
Being such a good listener also has the advantage that she is often the 'calm' in my 'storm' when I am experiencing high levels of anxiety with what is happening between myself and the other party.
Making me feel like I am not alone in my fight for my rights as a Father is why I chose Cordell & Cordell and I also feel that, with Elisabeth, they have provided me with one of the best partners within their legal team to represent me.
Greg
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17 Feb, 2020 by Rob
Rhonda has represented me for quit some time in my family court battles. She is honest, detailed, compassionate and worked to minimize costs. I appreciate her and her team for the commitment of representation! Would highly recommend!
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26 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
I recently ended a long-term marriage and -in so doing- found myself slowly being pulled towards a contested divorce trial. My ex-spouse and I found difficulties in reaching a compromise and she was in no hurry to move the divorce forward. Further, I had little knowledge of the divorce laws, the legal processes of divorce or the court system in general as this was my first exposure to a trial. I was really out of my comfort zone in such matters.
I came to Rhonda not only for her AAML certification and extensive divorce experience but, in researching her background further, I found that she had a good record for moving cases forward. Her and her team did an absolutely outstanding job. They moved my case forward -and to its completion- expediently and with a good outcome. Further, they dealt with me with patience, understanding and great communication so that I came to a comfort level as the case progressed.
Divorce is clearly difficult and challenging for a number of reasons. I am very grateful that Rhonda was so adept at dealing with the legal aspects of my divorce so that I was able to deal with the other challenges that came with this process.
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06 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Attorney Hazen is highly professional, very knowledgeable about divorce law and I feel she always had my best interests at heart. I hired Attorney Hazen to help me during my post-divorce period. Attorney Hazen helped me deal with a custody battle. Sometimes it's difficult to know how knowledgeable an attorney is, unless you see your attorney in action. I had many opportunities to witness Attorney Hazen's knowledge, when she successfully argued my case in front of the judge. I highly recommend Attorney Haze for divorce and custody issues.
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21 Mar, 2023 by Yuriy
Jennifer represented me in a complex case that had OWI (4th), Operating while Revoked(due to alcohol/refusal), Operating with Restricted Controlled substance (4th) and Felony Bail Jumping. I was facing a lifetime DL revocation and a lengthy jail term on OWI(4th) alone. Jennifer worked very hard on my case and went above and beyond to get the best possible outcome. OWI(4th), OAR, OWRCS(4th) and Felony Bail Jumping all got dropped! I am very happy that I chose Jennifer Miller as my attorney. I would recommend Jennifer as professional and hard working lawyer that will actually fight for you.
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21 Nov, 2021 by Cj
Jennifer gave me the best experience I could have with an attorney, given the circumstances. She always stayed in contact with me, even after the final court date to check in and make sure everything was going well for me. She fought for me to make sure I was not convicted of a felony I was wrongly accused of, and showed that she truly had my best interests in mind.
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30 Jul, 2021 by Stephanye
Jennifer is a great lawyer I’ve hired her twice and each time it was a good outcome I highly recommend hiring her she’s always on top of things and she gets down to business.
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03 Sep, 2014 by Brian
Stephen did a fantastic job for me with my divorce and has given me great legal advice. He was very helpful, understanding, and directed me on the best way to resolve our issues in a amicable manner. I have referred him and have heard great things from those people. I would highly recommend Stephen.
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03 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
I felt very comfortable with Stephen Bielke and my case was handled with a high degree of professionalism. He was informative , organized, and very timley with all the events that happened in my divorce case. I would highly recommend Mr. Bielke and would certainly use him again if I needed another attorney.
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07 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Attorney Beilke is very knowledgeable on Wisconsin family law, and so when I asked him questions, he had ready answers, which saves time. He was aware that I had a tight budget and so he let me know what I could do on my own vs. paying him to do, to help keep my costs down. He was also unflappable when the opposing party became contentious.
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23 Feb, 2021 by Beth a
I can’t say enough about Krekeler Strother PC and Attorney Driscoll! It was a very difficult period of my life and he made the process simple and easy to understand! He was very attentive to any questions that I had and was thorough in everything he did! I would recommend him to anyone!!
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17 Mar, 2020 by Anne
The attorneys and staff at Krekeler Strother were awesome in assisting my husband and me with our bankruptcy case. Besides being knowledgeable, efficient, and professional in handling our case, Atty. Krekeler, Atty. Driscoll, and Paralegal Heather Reasa Schank were also kind and compassionate in helping us through our difficult decision to file for bankruptcy and the complex process of filling out forms and submitting required documentation. They were a pleasure to work with, and both my husband and I would recommend them to anyone considering bankruptcy.
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07 Feb, 2020 by Michelle
I highly recommend this Attorney. I worked with Felice on creating a Will for myself and had a lot of questions about it. She was very patient with all of my questions and explained everything in a way that I could easily understand. She went above and beyond to make sure everything was as I wanted it to be. I definitely trust her with any future legal needs I may have.
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14 Oct, 2024 by Carlos lopez
Thank You Nina For Everything You Did in My Case and helping me get everything I requested.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Aaron nieuwenhuis
Attorney Adams has been my attorney and help my family and kids through a horrible divorce and post divorce procedures. If you need someone to help and fight for you she is the one.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Jinnie yoo
It was nice to work with a law office who was able to help me in transferring the case from IL to WI. They had my case in IL with attorney Jessica then once transferred to WI with Mike Kyrios. Both attorneys were truly supporting me through the process and the ease of the case being transferred and continuing in WI was very smooth. They fight for you and with you. I’ve had other attorneys and attorneys Jessica and Mike made me feel supported instead of making me feel like I was asking too much or bothering them.
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14 Oct, 2024 by Carlos lopez
Thank You Nina For Everything You Did in My Case and helping me get everything I requested.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Aaron nieuwenhuis
Attorney Adams has been my attorney and help my family and kids through a horrible divorce and post divorce procedures. If you need someone to help and fight for you she is the one.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Jinnie yoo
It was nice to work with a law office who was able to help me in transferring the case from IL to WI. They had my case in IL with attorney Jessica then once transferred to WI with Mike Kyrios. Both attorneys were truly supporting me through the process and the ease of the case being transferred and continuing in WI was very smooth. They fight for you and with you. I’ve had other attorneys and attorneys Jessica and Mike made me feel supported instead of making me feel like I was asking too much or bothering them.
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5.0
21 Reviews
4.9
108 Reviews
17 Sep, 2024 by Kayla dubois
We had a fantastic experience working with Lotfi Legal regarding our immigration process! I came to our initial consultation with a complex situation and many questions after having done my own extensive research. Atty Fuchs found a path through to meet our goals that we didn't realize was available to us, which ultimately saved us many years and thousands of dollars compared to paths other attorneys were recommending. We worked together to file our applications quickly and were lucky to have full resolution of our case in a short timeframe. We couldn't be more grateful! It can be difficult to know who to trust regarding immigrations concerns and I cannot recommend Lotfi enough.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Mozhdeh fallahazad
Shabnam Lotfi and her team appeared in our lives when all hope seemed lost for our Petition for Alien Relative case. They expertly guided us through a seemingly complex process, providing clear explanations and personalized attention. Their extensive knowledge, keen insight, and compassionate heart made all the difference. Thanks to their exceptional service, we now have high hopes of reuniting with our loved ones soon.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Anahid eht
All I could ask for. Thank you Shabnam and the amazing team. Highly recommended.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Kayla dubois
We had a fantastic experience working with Lotfi Legal regarding our immigration process! I came to our initial consultation with a complex situation and many questions after having done my own extensive research. Atty Fuchs found a path through to meet our goals that we didn't realize was available to us, which ultimately saved us many years and thousands of dollars compared to paths other attorneys were recommending. We worked together to file our applications quickly and were lucky to have full resolution of our case in a short timeframe. We couldn't be more grateful! It can be difficult to know who to trust regarding immigrations concerns and I cannot recommend Lotfi enough.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Mozhdeh fallahazad
Shabnam Lotfi and her team appeared in our lives when all hope seemed lost for our Petition for Alien Relative case. They expertly guided us through a seemingly complex process, providing clear explanations and personalized attention. Their extensive knowledge, keen insight, and compassionate heart made all the difference. Thanks to their exceptional service, we now have high hopes of reuniting with our loved ones soon.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Anahid eht
All I could ask for. Thank you Shabnam and the amazing team. Highly recommended.
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14 Oct, 2024 by Carlos lopez
Thank You Nina For Everything You Did in My Case and helping me get everything I requested.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Aaron nieuwenhuis
Attorney Adams has been my attorney and help my family and kids through a horrible divorce and post divorce procedures. If you need someone to help and fight for you she is the one.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Jinnie yoo
It was nice to work with a law office who was able to help me in transferring the case from IL to WI. They had my case in IL with attorney Jessica then once transferred to WI with Mike Kyrios. Both attorneys were truly supporting me through the process and the ease of the case being transferred and continuing in WI was very smooth. They fight for you and with you. I’ve had other attorneys and attorneys Jessica and Mike made me feel supported instead of making me feel like I was asking too much or bothering them.
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01 Feb, 2022 by Jim
Megan showed compassion when addressing my needs and also the needs of my children. She was also prompted in returning my calls. She cares for her clients and fights for them. I was very happy with the results. She was fantastic! Great attorney!
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01 Dec, 2017 by Abigail
Megan was an excellent attorney. She explained things and helped me so I was able to make good decisions. She understood what I wanted and helped me so I could take the best possible actions for my legal situation. She cares about her clients and she was very straightforward and honest. I got what I wanted, and she worked quickly and efficiently on my case.
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03 Aug, 2017 by Greg
Megan is a top notch attorney! She worked hard and accomplished everything we set out to do. The only thing I would say that could be improved on, at times she was hard to get a hold of to answer questions I had about the process or things my ex was doing that I had issue with.
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04 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
She cares a lot about her clients are has great service! I’d recommend her services to anyone in the area
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20 Oct, 2020 by Isaac
When I needed to get custody of my daughter quickly I was referred to Ginger at Your Family Law Center. She met with my wife and I promptly to discuss the situation we found our daughter in. Not only was she able to find information about my ex and her husband to properly paint the picture of horror my daughter was living in. But with her incredible work we were granted exactly what we needed to provide our daughter with a more stable and healthier home environment. I would highly recommend Ginger, so much so that I have already referred a family member to her services. Ginger was kind and understanding with my ex's situation but demanded no nonsense in the matter of our daughter's safety.
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23 Sep, 2020 by Michael
Attorney Murray has been doing an excellent job in handling my very difficult and miss know it all exwife
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24 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Excellent. Highly skilled and qualified. As the female in a very contentious divorce, I always felt cared for and protected through out the long ordeal. Highly Recommend Keith and his law firm.
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29 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
Do not recommend. Would not hire again. Poor experience. Underwhelmed throughout the case. Regret hiring this attorney
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20 Sep, 2017 by Gary
My only regret was not using Keith first. I had gone with another firm that had been recommended to me by a few different friends. After watching my original attorney sit silently as I was removed from my house, lost my kids, and had to pay the mortgage and ALL the bills, I knew I needed a new attorney. Enter Keith Wessel. Not only was he able to reverse the damage my original attorney had done, he was able to cut through the games and drama my ex wife's attorney had been using. He worked well with the Social Worker, the Court Commissioner, and Judge. He has the knowledge and experience to navigate any situation and is very personable and easy to work with through the difficult circumstance that is divorce. I trust him completely. Excellent communication and response to any questions I had. He is worth his rate and it was money well spent. I would not hesitate to recommend Keith to anyone. My experience with Keith Wessel can be described only as outstanding!
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29 Dec, 2023 by Lechelle jorgensen
Attorney Molly Fellenz and her team are amazing. I had a messy divorce and my ex's Attorney was extremely shady and diffucult to work with, but Molly worked tirelessly for me and ensured I got a fair settlement. The entire team was professional and respectful, and they worked hard for me. I can't recommend them enough!
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28 Nov, 2023 by Cristina trevino
I worked with Attorney Maria Sobrido and I cannot thank her enough for all the hard work she did this past year. I was faced with a very difficult divorce and Maria always made me feel important and heard.
My son and I are in a much safer and happier place in our lives and it wouldn't have been possible without Maria and her team.
she was truly a blessing.
Best Family Law practice in Dane County <3
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12 Sep, 2023 by Michael thieme
Their response speaks as to why you should go elsewhere. It's a genuine review regardless if they remember me or not.
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07 May, 2021 by Anonymous
She seems to be working for the other side and collecting the money from me for doing nothing for me, but for my ex. Communication is terrible....she has difficulty keeping dates & times strait....with no respect for my work schedule....shows up late to hearings and seems confused/lost on what to do in court. Documentation that would have supported me in court was ignored by her. So, if your ok with your divorce dragging on for years at her expensive rate~hire her! It was more stressful having her as my attorney and keeping up with her demands with no results!
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19 Dec, 2019 by Janette
I had one of the worst divorces ever. I know the State of Wisconsin would absolutely agree with me. Through it all, Katie was amazing, calm, organized, and a genuine advocate! I couldn’t imagine going through what my daughters and I did without her. I felt like a could make it, and amazingly, the three of us came out alive and grateful to have a life of peace. If you hire Katie, you too will be grateful you did. Best wishes to anyone reading.
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03 Oct, 2019 by Scott
Katie was so very responsive to my case, she made me feel like I was her only client! The outcome was quick, intelligent and was very pleased. Pleasant to work with with humor and getting down to business.
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29 Dec, 2023 by Lechelle jorgensen
Attorney Molly Fellenz and her team are amazing. I had a messy divorce and my ex's Attorney was extremely shady and diffucult to work with, but Molly worked tirelessly for me and ensured I got a fair settlement. The entire team was professional and respectful, and they worked hard for me. I can't recommend them enough!
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28 Nov, 2023 by Cristina trevino
I worked with Attorney Maria Sobrido and I cannot thank her enough for all the hard work she did this past year. I was faced with a very difficult divorce and Maria always made me feel important and heard.
My son and I are in a much safer and happier place in our lives and it wouldn't have been possible without Maria and her team.
she was truly a blessing.
Best Family Law practice in Dane County <3
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12 Sep, 2023 by Michael thieme
Their response speaks as to why you should go elsewhere. It's a genuine review regardless if they remember me or not.
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09 Jan, 2024 by Stephanie chang
From the moment I reached out for a consultation I was treated respectfully and kindly by everyone at Richter & Philips LLP. I hired Ashley to help with my pre-nuptial agreement and I have to say, Ashley did an amazing job looking out for my best interest. She was very thorough and detail-oriented. She helped me understand the entire process and ensured that I completely understood all verbiage, potential future scenarios, and documents.
Overall, I'm very happy Ashley was my lawyer. She's friendly, intelligent, and I felt safe in her hands.
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28 Dec, 2023 by Norman dahl
19 Aug, 2023 by Dan cole
High quality work at a reasonable cost. Showed compassion, intelligence, perceptiveness, and fortitude.
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27 Jun, 2023 by Carsten quinlan
Pam helped me in my divorce case. She was fair, hardworking, and honest, and reliable. Highly recommend her.
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03 Feb, 2023 by Ms. never another me only1
I can say my experience w/this attorney was great very successful!! She's patient, caring & very understanding!! You deal directly w/her no third party. If you're having issues Pam Baumgartner is the go to lady!!!💯 😊
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28 Nov, 2022 by Sarah grant
She was my free public defender. I asked for a different lawyer as she wasn't interested in really helping me in my case. Pam then told me how I could end up with an even worse lawyer. And when I lost, she showed not an ounce of compassion during the whole process.
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28 Sep, 2024 by Clayton and jennifer
Both my husband and myself have both hired Attorney Annabelle Vang for our family case as well as civil disputes, her and her firm are by far the best choice we could have made. She and her team are professional, respectful, prompt and have gotten us only positive outcomes. We will continue to work with her for any and all of our needs. If you are looking for a family lawyer who fights hard for you, and has your best interest in mind, look no further!
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26 Sep, 2024 by Marcus rockiett
My brother hired this firm to handle his divorce. From the very beginning it was a bad decision. The first hearing was handled by an attorney in their office he had never even spoken to before, the guy showed up minutes before the hearing unprepared causing the need for another hearing. He then showed up at this hearing with all of the documentation needed to fix his original blunder, which by the way my brother paid for by needing to have another hearing which they charged him for. He proceeded thru this hearing and totally forgot to speak on one of the reasons he was there and the judge made her judgement leaving an order in place that should’ve never been. So another hearing was needed which again they charged him for. Time after time throughout the divorce they have dropped the ball, too many to list in this review. Long story shorter he ended up paying them over $30k and had a balance of $4k with an agreement he was paying. They decided to drop him as a client with less than a month to go before the final trial leaving him without an attorney knowing it would cost no less than $10k to get another. I’ve never been around a bigger group of blood sucking vultures in my life.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Brad canard
I hired attorney Kathleen Hessel to help me with a contempt hearing. From the start, Ms. Hessel was not looking out for my best interests. She did not offer concrete steps I could take. I had to require her to take my offers to the other side. I was able to do that myself. It was a complete waste of money for me to hire this law firm.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Marcus rockiett
My brother hired this firm to handle his divorce. From the very beginning it was a bad decision. The first hearing was handled by an attorney in their office he had never even spoken to before, the guy showed up minutes before the hearing unprepared causing the need for another hearing. He then showed up at this hearing with all of the documentation needed to fix his original blunder, which by the way my brother paid for by needing to have another hearing which they charged him for. He proceeded thru this hearing and totally forgot to speak on one of the reasons he was there and the judge made her judgement leaving an order in place that should’ve never been. So another hearing was needed which again they charged him for. Time after time throughout the divorce they have dropped the ball, too many to list in this review. Long story shorter he ended up paying them over $30k and had a balance of $4k with an agreement he was paying. They decided to drop him as a client with less than a month to go before the final trial leaving him without an attorney knowing it would cost no less than $10k to get another. I’ve never been around a bigger group of blood sucking vultures in my life.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Brad canard
I hired attorney Kathleen Hessel to help me with a contempt hearing. From the start, Ms. Hessel was not looking out for my best interests. She did not offer concrete steps I could take. I had to require her to take my offers to the other side. I was able to do that myself. It was a complete waste of money for me to hire this law firm.
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30 Apr, 2024 by Bored vet
26 Sep, 2024 by Marcus rockiett
My brother hired this firm to handle his divorce. From the very beginning it was a bad decision. The first hearing was handled by an attorney in their office he had never even spoken to before, the guy showed up minutes before the hearing unprepared causing the need for another hearing. He then showed up at this hearing with all of the documentation needed to fix his original blunder, which by the way my brother paid for by needing to have another hearing which they charged him for. He proceeded thru this hearing and totally forgot to speak on one of the reasons he was there and the judge made her judgement leaving an order in place that should’ve never been. So another hearing was needed which again they charged him for. Time after time throughout the divorce they have dropped the ball, too many to list in this review. Long story shorter he ended up paying them over $30k and had a balance of $4k with an agreement he was paying. They decided to drop him as a client with less than a month to go before the final trial leaving him without an attorney knowing it would cost no less than $10k to get another. I’ve never been around a bigger group of blood sucking vultures in my life.
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Brad canard
I hired attorney Kathleen Hessel to help me with a contempt hearing. From the start, Ms. Hessel was not looking out for my best interests. She did not offer concrete steps I could take. I had to require her to take my offers to the other side. I was able to do that myself. It was a complete waste of money for me to hire this law firm.
Read more
30 Apr, 2024 by Bored vet
26 Sep, 2024 by Marcus rockiett
My brother hired this firm to handle his divorce. From the very beginning it was a bad decision. The first hearing was handled by an attorney in their office he had never even spoken to before, the guy showed up minutes before the hearing unprepared causing the need for another hearing. He then showed up at this hearing with all of the documentation needed to fix his original blunder, which by the way my brother paid for by needing to have another hearing which they charged him for. He proceeded thru this hearing and totally forgot to speak on one of the reasons he was there and the judge made her judgement leaving an order in place that should’ve never been. So another hearing was needed which again they charged him for. Time after time throughout the divorce they have dropped the ball, too many to list in this review. Long story shorter he ended up paying them over $30k and had a balance of $4k with an agreement he was paying. They decided to drop him as a client with less than a month to go before the final trial leaving him without an attorney knowing it would cost no less than $10k to get another. I’ve never been around a bigger group of blood sucking vultures in my life.
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Brad canard
I hired attorney Kathleen Hessel to help me with a contempt hearing. From the start, Ms. Hessel was not looking out for my best interests. She did not offer concrete steps I could take. I had to require her to take my offers to the other side. I was able to do that myself. It was a complete waste of money for me to hire this law firm.
Read more
30 Apr, 2024 by Bored vet
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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.
