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29 Dec, 2022 by Ralph alswang
Best Divorce/Family lawyers in the Washington DC area
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07 Oct, 2021 by Maria aurora obias
18 Jun, 2021 by Nina smith
I highly recommend Sheila Kadagathur of Hostetter Strent, who handled my divorce/custody case. The entire Hostetter team was extremely helpful and compassionate during a hectic period of my life. I always felt like I was their priority and could count on them at any time of day or even night. All of the staff I encountered at the firm were honest, reliable, and professional. Ms. Kadagathur's expertise and vast knowledge enabled them to handle various situations and whatever was thrown at us throughout my case. Even post divorce, Sheila is always a phone call or email away when needed, and has given me great advice along the way.
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22 Feb, 2024 by Kim dixon
Horrible
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20 Oct, 2023 by Ashely buxenstein
Mr Chiapelli was not just knowledgeable but also kind and I felt truly did his best to help me with my case. I would use him again in the future and absolutely would recommend him to anyone considering retaining him.
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25 Aug, 2023 by Chris woolford
Very helpful.
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03 May, 2024 by Jesse c
Tamara fowler is by far the best family law attorney in the DMV area. If you're looking for a aggressive attorney that will fight for you till the end... HIRE TAMARA!!!! THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DID FOR ME AND MY FAMILY....
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30 Nov, 2023 by Michelle johnson
I had the privilege of working with Tamara during an incredibly challenging family case where I was dealing with a highly clever and manipulative spouse who was legally abusive. Tamara's legal prowess shone brightly in this complex situation. She not only navigated through the legal intricacies with finesse but also exposed the manipulative tactics employed by my spouse. She possesses a remarkable ability to go toe to toe with even the toughest attorneys around. Tamara's extensive knowledge of family law and her dedication to her clients ensures that no one can intimidate her or her cause. She is not just a lawyer; she's a fighter who went over and beyond to protect my interests. I am incredibly grateful to have had Tamara by my side through this ordeal. She transformed what seemed like an insurmountable situation and helped me achieve a favorable outcome. She was truly my guardian angel !!!! I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone in need of a tough, knowledgeable and exceptional lawyer.
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23 Aug, 2023 by Mprez jaa
I came across Tammy from a neighbor; she had represented my neighbor's husband against my neighbor. I asked for a great lawyer to fight for me, and my neighbor pointed me to Tammy without hesitation.
And boy, was she right; Tammy was courageous and skilled. She represented me with an unwavering dedication and remarkable ability to navigate even the most complex legal battles.
I had been locked in a bitter divorce dispute with a narcissistic ex-spouse, known for his deceitful tactics and manipulative nature, but Tammy left no stone unturned to tip the scales in my favor. My ex tampered with evidence, fabricated stories, and spread false information throughout the proceedings. So, I needed a strong advocate to fight against his onslaught of lies.
Immediately recognizing the magnitude of the challenge before her, Tammy took on my case with determination and compassion. She built a solid case that would expose his web of lies.
Tammy meticulously prepared for each court appearance, empowering me with knowledge and confidence. She carefully presented evidence before the judge, disproving falsehoods and shedding light on his manipulative actions. The clarity and strength of my case was undeniable.
As the courtroom drama unfolded, Tammy’s legal prowess shone through. She skillfully dismantled every constructed web of deceit, exposing each lie and manipulation for what it was.
Due to Tammy’s tenacity, I emerged victorious in every aspect of the divorce settlement. My assets were protected, and custody arrangements were made in my favor. It was a resounding triumph against the odds.
Overwhelmed by Tammy’s exceptional representation, I couldn't help but express my gratitude. Filled with appreciation for her tireless efforts, I wanted to pay her more than our agreed-upon fee. I recognized that Tammy had gone above and beyond, not only ensuring success but also providing the empathy and support I needed during such a challenging time.
Today, I celebrate a triumph over deceit and will forever be grateful for Tammy's role in my newfound freedom and happiness.
Tammy, the exceptional divorce lawyer, reminds me of the incredible impact one person can have on another's life. Her dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to the truth brought justice and closure to a tumultuous journey, leaving me on a path to healing and a brighter future.
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14 Jul, 2024 by Jonathan rayner
This firm represented my former partner in a custody case. They repeatedly made basic errors - miscalculating support numbers and simply not understanding the application of law. Their errors significantly added to the conflict between myself and my former partner. I wished she would have had better representation - it would have saved everyone a great deal of heartache.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jeff flowers
I am writing to express my gratitude and to commend Mike Goecke and Hunter Daley. They were both professional, compassionate, generous and more than competent. Mr. Goecke did an excellent job presenting our case in court; he was clear, confident and on point. He thought both deeply and creatively about the issues in our case. The depth of Mr. Daley’s knowledge and research was impressive. They worked very well as a team, and brought complementary skills to the problem. They both inspired confidence and gave us thoughtful advice for our legal decisions. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing legal assistance.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Timothy hoffman
26 Apr, 2021 by Mark
During the court hearing, Michael F. Callahan said to me “we are in trouble. The judge asks us to prepare for detailed accounting of my bank transactions.” Apparently, he did not prepare the detailed accounting which she should have for the trial.
I ask him multiple times in the email and through multiple conversations to give me an estimate on how much the cost could be to settle the case. But he failed to give me an answer.
He charged me three times to review the same case including the initial review and two court appearing's.
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12 Apr, 2017 by David
I have been in business for twelve years and wrote several hundred contracts and I never seen or witnessed such a talented individual in several minutes negotiate and hand write a settlement agreement with many complexities. I felt Mike hit a home run right out of the ball park, and upon him interviewing me, I can tell he was very comprehensive in his thought process, I would certainly recommend him to anyone, he is a excellent divorce attorney.
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21 Oct, 2016 by Emily
I hired Mr. Callahan to handle my Will execution and found him very easy to work with. I would hire him again in an instant and recommend him highly.
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01 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
We had a custody case with Mr. Rolle in August of 2017 and we are so happy we hired him! We instantly felt at ease with him. Also, he must have an excellent paralegal on staff. She seems to have done most of our paperwork (under his supervision/direction) and that was great for us! The custody order and other stuff was very well written and because he used his paralegal so wisely the billing to us was far less than we were expecting it to be. It was a huge relief for us. We’d had another lawyer before him who did things badly and was gouging us with the billing, so our final bill from this firm was a huge relief. They deducted the bill from our retainer and returned it in a reasonable amount of time.
Also, when the other party was ready to settle (very much in our favor), because of life circumstances, Mr. Rolle’s Law firm was able to get the new custody order written up very quickly. I think it was only a couple of days and that included some revisions that we sent in after the fact. That was important because we were concerned the other party might change their mind.
We would definitely hire Mr. Rolle again.
Thank you!
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21 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Rolle does not take just any case. Even though he could easily do this to increase his billable hours, that is not his style. He is to the point, and cares about keeping legal costs down. I have recommended this firm to two of my friends and anticipate I will recommend them again if the opportunity arises. He was brilliant in how he drafted the complaint filed against my opponent and fiercely protected my legal interests.
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02 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Rolle is professional, kind, and did a fabulous job representing me in my divorce/custody case. He listened to me and worked effectively to get the best resolution for me and my children. Mr. Rolle is also very aware of not wasting time/money -- and thus my total attorneys' fees were not the extreme financial hit they could have been. Highly recommended!
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4.7
14 Reviews
3.9
38 Reviews
12 Jun, 2024 by Bruce culver
Not sure why it has taken me so long to write a review for Charlie. I've been a client for years. He's always knowledgeable, professional and available whenever I have a question or need a consultation. Highly recommended!
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14 Apr, 2024 by Josh “tattoos and piercings”
10 Apr, 2024 by Kathy davis
13 Dec, 2023 by Michael
This review has been way over due. Josephia Rouse helped me tremendously with my divorce on January 18, 2022. After my consultation with her I knew i was in good hands. She was very responsive and very professional as well and expediate. I would definitely recommend her to anyone needing assistance. Her law firm made me feel at ease. So again, thank you Team Rouse
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03 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
I paid for great service. It was a long road, but we were prepared and the other side wasn’t. That made the difference!
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03 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Whether it was a lie from my ex or a trick from her attorney my attorney was consistently on it. We were prepared for court every time. I paid for a lot of my ex’s none sense but it was worth it when I got primary custody.
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3.7
6 Reviews
5.0
3 Reviews
17 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
She would call me and leave a message for me than immediately send a letter to me so she could send a bill for both. She didn't give even 24hrs to return her call. She changed me over 30 thousand dollars for a non contested divorce. She is a money hungry lawyer who cares nothing for her client
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26 May, 2022 by Anonymous
She’s not worth a single penny, If you wanna wast your money hire her .
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06 Sep, 2020 by Robert valentine
Richard Winelander has to be the best post conviction attorney in the State of Maryland.
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17 Jan, 2018 by Kevin
Ms. Fleming was amazing from the beginning to the end of the entire process. Her experience and knowledge really showed while fighting for me to obtain fairness and she was successful in surpassing my expectations. Ms. Fleming was consistently prompt at returning my emails and phone calls and she demonstrated an outstanding amount of patience when discussing all of the legal aspects of my situation. When it came time to meet with the opposing lawyer Ms. Fleming was hard nosed, dominant, and all business while remaining very professional. There was never a doubt in my mind that Ms. Fleming was going to work hard for me and fight for me to achieve our goals. Within the first few minutes of meeting her I felt a rush of confidence and security which really served as a big “pick me up” and I knew from then on things would be okay. I highly and fully recommend Ms. Fleming to anyone in need of a solid, caring, and established attorney.
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12 Aug, 2015 by Nick
Mrs. Fleming is a solid professional that has a great work ethic. She listened to all of my concernes and structured a settlement that put the kids first. Although it was difficult time for me Mrs. Fleming guided me through the entire process. I would highly recommend her for any of your Family law needs.
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04 Jul, 2015 by Bridget
The part of me that was anxious and fearful of the child custody process, court system and laws significantly relaxed the day Becky took over my case from another attorney. I couldn’t have picked a more professional, committed and “all-heart” family law attorney. On day one, Becky immersed herself in the facts of my high-conflict case and put her knowledge, experience and passion for her work in action. I never doubted for one moment that the best interests of my children were her principle and guiding goal.
Becky has unique experience and comforting insight into the workings of the local court system, which proved exceptionally valuable to the results she achieved in my case. She navigated me through the complexities and emotions of the custody and child access evaluation process, patiently answering all my questions and educating me in words I could understand about family law and procedures.
Becky was always prepared, promptly returned phone calls and emails and consistently and strategically followed through with our discussions. Becky was confident when she spoke and communicated with the opposing attorney and my ex-husband in straightforward, effective and results-driven terms. She knew when to be assertive and when to reasonably compromise. Becky’s facilitation and negotiation skills and abilities are highly effective. Becky was a true and devoted advocate for me and my children.
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07 May, 2024 by Anonymous
The other reviewer captured Harry well. He will simply send emails back and forth on your behalf and ring up the bills. He charged me over $35,000 in billings and never once went to court with me. Greed is his middle name. You need an attorney to review Harry's legal engagement letter which stipulates in fine print that if you do not pay him all that you owe him, he gets to put a lien on any property you own. I have heard some Howard County attorneys call it something like the Siegel Principle because he is the only one who does it. He will gut you for all you have and then when you can't pay he simply slows down all of his work. Somehow he has also been successful in eliminating negative reviews of his work. I wrote a google review and he somehow had it eliminated. Simply put, look elsewhere. You will not regret it.
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03 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
My now ex wife hired Harry to review an amicable settlement agreement we had agreed to. Three years and $60K in her legal fees later, in court she got 27% of the original agreement. For three years Siegel sat in his Florida home, while letting an inexperienced junior attorney bumble the case. He didn't even show up for the trial!
His reputation amongst other Maryland attorneys is he is going to milk his clients for every cent they have and when that is gone, he may just drop the case, making sure he has enough time to legally do so before trial. Not sure how this guy sleeps at night.Hi
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31 Jan, 2018 by Angela
He gave me advice regarding my divorce. Because of this, I have been made aware of the tricky words that my husband's lawyer used in the property settlement agreement. I could have lost many many years of a share of his retirement benefits. Now, I'm happily off to see a lawyer in my area to rectify the agreement. Thank you very much, Atty. Siegel!
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03 Sep, 2024 by Olivia dotson
a polite girl named abigail was very attentive to my needs & overall extremely helpful
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03 Sep, 2024 by Joy hanrahan
Great experience with the firm!
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21 Aug, 2024 by George barr
I was extremely satisfied with the legal services provided by Davida Law. John was knowledgeable, professional, and always available to answer my questions. They guided me through the entire process and ensured I understood every step. I highly recommend Davida Law for anyone in need of legal assistance.
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11 Sep, 2019 by Gregory
Mr. Wescott was very professional, and efficient. His knowledge and preparation was excellent. I would highly recommend Mr. Wescott for freedom or satisfaction.
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14 Aug, 2019 by Ms. white
Mr. Wescott’s services were highly recommend to me by a close friend. I was facing several felony charges, which carried significant jail time. Mr. Wescott was extremely knowledgeable and efficient in assisting me with my legal troubles. He was successful in concluding the matter, and I didn’t have to do any jail time. I would recommend him to anyone. He’s fairly priced, keeps you informed, and fights hard for his clients; he’s an excellent attorney.
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07 Jul, 2017 by Chaundra
I hired Mr. Wescott to represent me in a criminal court case. He was very helpful when it came to making sure I had a clear understanding of my charges. He also made sure that all information involved was accurate. I would definitely recommend Mr. Wescott to anyone having legal trouble.
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12 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
The worst lawyer. We don’t recommend him at all. We heard he doesn’t win most cases. He is only good for easy divorce cases. Very rude and disrespectful.
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25 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
I got Mr. Kamrad help through working on my case he is super kind and professional,he finished my case without complication and waste of time.
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30 Jul, 2017 by Thomas
Very legitament and helpful. He has experience and he did win a very good trial for me.
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24 Apr, 2023 by Kris
I had never experienced divorce before, did not know what to expect and was relying on Jennifer to guide me through the process. The filing of paperwork was great but the legal guidance was lousy. She did not ask my witness the right questions. She just asked her if “there was anything she wanted to say”. Not familiar with what issues or questions that were important my witness didn’t give the right information that would have supported my case. Also, in a joint meeting with the defense attorney Jennifer gave out advice that cost me almost a thousand dollars and helped the defense’s client. After seeing other attorneys perform their job in court I would never hire her for any reason again.
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17 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
In 2011 I lost custody of my two children while being represented by Ms. Muskus and was ordered to pay child support to my abusive husband. I was in class at the time trying to make a job change I had inconsistent work hours the judge didn’t understand that this was a temporary situation and my lawyer didn’t really say what she needed to say to prove my case.Ms. Muskus lost the case I was devastated, but all Ms. Muskus could think about was getting her check. My faith in the legal system was shattered then and I still feel the same today.My children and I were victims of the legal system. Ms. Muskus ruined my life in one court case and I’m still trying to pick up the pieces.
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12 Feb, 2021 by Alvenia
My representation was not as adequate or thorough as the lawyer for the defendant. Since working with Jennifer I've seen how lawyers pled cases, the language they use, how they present the evidence. As my lawyer I expect her know what kind of questions that should be asked. She failed to provide sufficient guidance to my witness as far as questions to be asked that would reveal information that prove my case. She did not adequately challenge what the dependant said on followup nor challenge with followup questions. On appeal she helped the defendant by giving his attorney advice that helped his client. On appeal she was present in the courtroom but said nothing. She left my defense to an attorney I did not choose and his performance was a joke. I knew I had lost my case by the reaction of the three judges. I felt I paid her to just file court papers because the representation was totally insufficient and inadequate. We did not have a pre-appeal meeting to jointly prepare for the appeal court date which I asked for and was told we would talk before the court session. She arrived late and I did not like her approach to presenting my case but it was to late to change approach. I lost my case. Now that I have seen how good lawyers perform, I regret hiring Jennifer and would not recommend her to anyone else.
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19 Jul, 2024 by Playtonic
Very happy with this law firm. They made everything very easy, I Worked with them for 2 years and never once had to see them in person. They doubled my expectations and saved me over $10000 in medical bills. Highly recommend!
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16 Jul, 2024 by Shane shorter
BEWARE! FIND ANOTHER ATTORNEY!
I hired Tom for a child custody case. To start, I rarely spoke with him, and each conversation I was able to have with Tom left me more confused.
Everything was through his paralegal, never speaking to Tom, which left a lot of questions unanswered.
Couldn't understand Tom when he spoke, lots of mumbling and unfinished sentences, which is not what you want when working with an attorney.
Every time we lost a motion/hearing, he would say, "It's very odd, peculiar, or the judge made an error..." (happened 5 times), and that was it. Never offered any recourse or anything.
Throughout the case, Tom explained how I had a high probability of winning full custody, but things could potentially stay the same (50/50 custody). I ended up losing all custody (which was never explained as a possible outcome).
During final statements, Tom started to give my final statement, was challenged by the judge, and then immediately gave up in the middle of his ending argument.
After case is closed, I reached out to Tom for the final order, which I'm still unsure if Tom has it, to which he answered, was very disrespectful towards me, told me not to call anymore, he would not be handling my appeal (which he told me he would 3-5 days prior) and hung up on me.
Stay clear of this firm. There are plenty of other well equipped attorneys out there that'll do what you ask.
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29 Nov, 2023 by B t
I’d give zero stars if I could. I could have represented myself better. And could have delt without the private sly remarks about my personal business.
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17 Dec, 2023 by Kim
The worst experience! I filed for divorce in August of 2022 before the divorce laws changed even though the law changes went into effect on October 1,2023 and did not apply to cases filed prior to that she enforced the changes which only benefited my ex. As my counsel Amanda Schmidt never made me aware of the changes or how they would affect my case and just took it upon herself to make the changes without notifying me until it was to late. Sadly my ex husband could have won this case without an attorney representing him with the new law changes.
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06 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
This lawyer literally is the worst at communicating with people. She threatens and demeans opposing parties. She doesnt know the law shes practicing and continues to threaten filing contempt and other things all while opposing parties are in the legal parameters of agreement. She uses scare tactics and fluff language in her emails to get what she wants. She is awful
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28 Dec, 2017 by Bonnie
From start to finish my experience with Amanda was flawless. She was always quick to return my calls and emails. If she was not available she would have someone in her office call me. She was knowledgeable and compassionate. I have nothing but positive things to say about her. I don't live close to her office, but she was worth the drive. Thank you for being you, YOU ROCK!
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22 Oct, 2018 by Alicia
I hired her in March of 2017, and she did NOTHING until the week before, we settled outside of the courtroom in July because she procrastinated for so long, did nothing, wouldn't respond to emails or calls, but then said on the day of the hearing I'd have to give her $5000 if I don't agree to the settlement...I still didn't get the fact that she totally screwed me so I again asked her to help me with an appeal and she didn't respond for 5 weeks of continuous emails, missed deadlines, had to postpone my hearing and still missed deadlines...the WORST!
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07 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Annemarie is a very professional lawyer. She is very knowledgeable, courteous, and professional. She answers questions and responds to requests as quickly and thoroughly as she is able. I would recommend her to anyone requiring legal assistance in family law.
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28 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Our family hired Ms. Wall for the handling of our mother's estate. But once hired she fails to reply to letters concerning mom's will. Even phone calls she will not return. And still do not know why. She won't reply to any inquiries. So if you want a lawyer that will not inform families of their mother's estate, this is the one to hire. $2,500 later and no one in the family knows what is going on. The executor knows, but shouldn't the rest of our family know, after all it was our mother? Both this attorney and the executor are hiding information so they both can be "sneaky" so the executor gets to share the funds with Ms. Wall and keep the rest for herself. Now we are pursuing another attorney to find information about our mother's will. Guess the only way this lawyer divulges information is to hire another attorney to find information for our family. Another loss for our family...
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23 Oct, 2023 by Leah
Ms. Wiseman did not do anything at the court besides notify the majesty her introduction to the case. After the case was changed to another day, she demanded more money and informed me that she didn't want to continue the case because it was too complicated for her. The case was only to receive the dates for hearings. Very unprofessional and rude.
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06 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
6/6/2022
I just had court today with Rihanna and she is by far the best attorney I have ever had and I will always use her if I ever need her thank you so much Rihanna.
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28 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Unprofessional on every level! Acts like the courtroom is an episode of law and order on TV! Sour grapes is a term she uses, I believe she is the sour grape!
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29 May, 2024 by Dave
They are fine for an uncontested low-conflict divorce. However, shop around for a contested high-conflict matter. Sara Gable's litigation skills are suboptimal for a high conflict contested case with aggressive opposing counsel. I had to hire a more experienced litigator to step in on an ad hoc basis to argue more complex motions and hearings.
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17 Jul, 2023 by S drake
Chris has been representing my case since I hired him as my WC attorney. I can truly say if WC tries not to work in your favor or slow with your payments; Chris jump right on the matter and get fast positive results. When calling his office I get to speak with my attorney and not an office personnel. He is always willing to talk without rushing through the conversation. I would highly recommend Attorney Christopher Marts.
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19 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
A family member used her for a divorce and I tried to talk to several times. I called and left a message for her to call me, which she never returned my call. She also charge for every phone conversation every email and every thing her paralegal does. When you ask her to get records from the school where the child goes to she gets them and charges you for getting them and them never uses them. Right before the trial she want to be paid up front for the trial. Her reasons is if you are not happy with the results you won't pay her. Needless to say we did not want to pay her more money after what we paid her for doing nothing but paper work.
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24 Aug, 2017 by Antoniopagan
I had a good experience with Dan and his firm. He helped me with visitation issues. As a family law practitioner in Florida, I understand that family law cases can be costly. Dan worked diligently on my case. Unfortunately, my son's mother was extremely unreasonable and refused to agree with our reasonable requests, which forced us to go to a very expensive trial. In the end, Dan and I obtained the agreement at trial that we had been requesting all along, i.e., we won on all issues. I am happy with the outcome. I am still consistently paying my monthly bill to the firm, but they have not pressured me. My biggest advice to anyone seeking to hire their firm is make sure you can afford it. The firm was probably a bit outside my price range, but in the end they got the job done and I have a good schedule with my son. You can't put price tag on your relationship with your child.
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11 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Owel was a competent attorney and he provided me
with the legal service I needed.
I would use Mr. Owels services again.
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28 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
I retained this firm with high expectations. I was assigned to this attorney and he seemed more interested in running up his billable hours than anything else. Despite my repeated instructions to him to curtail his billable time, he wound up charging me over $120,000 for a divorce; far more than twice the amount that opposing counsel charged the other party. I would not recommend him or this firm.
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02 Apr, 2013 by Sandra
After handling my divorce for me.... I lost everything. She took my money and made a deal with my spouse's attorney to take the home I raised my children in. I am in the process finding a new attorney, and seeking counseling for the stress she placed on me.
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09 Mar, 2011 by Earl
After being seated in her office, the moment Ms. Wyles began reading the materials I presented to her regarding my legal situation, her body language and my background alerted me to the fact she reads for deep comprehension. After pondering thought my papers and asking a few questions before returning to the papers for quick references, Ms. Wyles verbalized the structure of my situation from the practical to the bazaar. She articulated the nuances of my legal position and outlined the positive and negative consequences of any action I choose to take. I was breathless!
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1.0
1 Reviews
5.0
1 Reviews
06 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
I can't imagine being more disappointed in an attorney, or any other service provider. This guy smiled and took my (and my family's) money, promised things to be included in my divorce settlement that somehow never made it in, placated me with things like "we can go back to the judge in a couple years and revisit the custody arrangement," which he only said to keep me quiet. When that time came, he would not even respond to messages or phone calls. My ex violated every premise of the divorce decree, over and over, caused enormous harm to my children, and this "attorney," once paid, never lifted a finger on their (or my) behalf again, even to answer a phone call or email. Literally ANY attorney is a better choice.
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15 Feb, 2017 by Mahdi molla
06 Feb, 2012 by Anonymous
I used this attorney 3 times. The first time was a hands down case that could've been won without lawyers. The 2nd was a bankruptcy that he continued to tell me to ignore the bills coming in. Turns out, he not only was wrong... he didn't bother to look. I got sued after the bankruptcy for over $7000 (from an original $2500) because of his advice and he never took one ounce of responsibility for telling me it was included in the bankruptcy and to continue to ignore it, even after the other party filed in court. I used him again (before I realized all this mess was happening with the bankruptcy for family court issues. All I wanted was a SIMPLE custody order, child support amount, and any other tiny simple things that must be included in such an order. There was NOTHING at all somplicated in the case. He was non-attentive, missed over all the important details, and although I did get a bit more time with my children, all of the time he spent (eating up the retainer and more) supposedly coming to an agreement with the other party, it turns out that it was written up and signed by attorneys completely different than what we had agreed upon in the first place. My child support is higher than it legally should be. My visitation is less than it legally could have been. I owed him over $1000 more once it was all said and done and I left there with more questionable legal holes than I had before I had gone to court in the first place. So, now, the family court coordinator has suggested that we take this back to court for resolution. This attorney doesn't care about your case. He just wants to take your money, not even look at the documents (or at least barely brief them) that you send him, go to court, wisp you in and out and leave you with whatever you come back with. He does not HELP you He doesn't REPRESENT YOU. Not all court orders come out the way you want them to, but the attorney is supposed to REPRESENT their client. He DOES NOT@!!!!! BEWARE!!! If you use this attorney, don't expect representation!!
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27 Nov, 2009 by Anonymous
Bill did an excellent job of guiding me through the divorce process, explaining what I could/should expect, without trying to push me to "hold out for more." He was very respectful of my financial situation and my uncontested divorce was relatively inexpensive.
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17 Feb, 2024 by Jason
My issues with the corrupt Frederick County State's Attorney Office and the thieves employed by the Frederick Police Department Narcotics Unit began when a federal agency was at my home searching for business records and found $150,000 in cash I kept at home. The feds wanted to seize the money but didn't have paperwork to do that so they contacted Frederick Police and showed them some marijuana I had in the house. Frederick Police, drunk on greed, fell over themselves drafting an unlawful search warrant and took my marijuana and steal my money from the house.
Within 20 minutes of first meeting Jake he turned to his partner Mr. Poffenbarger while reviewing my documents and said, "this warrant they used is no good." I knew I was in good hands. When the Frederick police timed my arrest to occur over the Memorial Day holiday Jake was in court having me released on bail first thing on Tuesday morning.
Jake is extremely personal, professional and caring. Even though his son was born during this time he always gave my case his full attention, was well prepared and presented an commanding presence in the courtroom. He stuck with me through the whole case even after I brought on a Baltimore attorney because I was convinced all of Frederick was in on the corruption. The Baltimore lawyer never showed up at any of my court hearings, but Jake was there with me without fail every other month for a year. He would have to present me the ridiculous offer, made every time to just let Frederick keep the $150k they stole and all the phony charges against my wife and I would be dismissed.
Thankfully, we stood strong with Jake on our side. One of the happiest days of my life was standing with Jake in Court as he made the fat, smelly, money-grubbing prosecutor Colleen enter a Nolle Prosse on every charge in her bogus indictment. The very next week he forced the city to return all of the money they had stolen and my prescription Xanax. This was amazing because these corrupt government agencies can mount a civil case against the money even after they lose in criminal court. They just didn't have any fight left in them after the year Jake spent embarrassing them in Court. I'm happy to report those crooks didn't see a dime from their disgusting escapades.
If I were ever accused or investigated for a crime, served a peace order or had a divorce or custody issue I know the first and only thing I need to do is call Jake Craven, Esquire.
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07 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
He didnt care to listen to anything I said he was more interested in making the states attorneys happy! Tried to get me to pled out for 3 years behide bars, went againt what he advised ended up with 1 year probation. F**k that dude.
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23 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
This guy is not professional and cannot be trusted to diligently do his job correctly. My first conversation with him was normal so to speak. I got off the phone feeling like I had hired a great attorney, but those feelings were short lived. He is rude, passive aggressive, and not equipped to handle complicated cases. He has poor communication skills, and if he gets frustrated enough, he will hang up on you!!
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30 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Baumohl, "assisted" me in my divorce case. My divorce should have been a simple case since my ex-wife, and I did not have assets to distribute. He milked me for money when this type of situation could have been handled for cheap. I paid $5,000 for his services and had to pay an extra $2,000 when the escrow ran out. Again, for a case simple and not complex. Additionally, when creating the settlement agreement, he put the wording vague and ambiguous to have me contact him in regards to the agreement. Doing this requires me to call/ email him for clarification. In return, I get billed for correspondences. He is brilliant....so brilliant; he knows ways to get money from you. From what I can determine, Mr. Baumohl is more worried about his bank account than the client. He will prolong a case to milk more money out of you. If I knew what I know now, I would have avoided this attorney from the beginning. Please, by all means, avoid using this attorney. Unless you like to spend your money with minimal results.
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07 Jul, 2018 by Steve
Represented me in a divorce case several years ago. Despite meeting with me three times for a total of six hours AND billing me another three hours for "preparation," he fumbled extensively in the courtroom. Asked me just before hearing to write him a sheet of notes of my issues. Didn't present properly labeled exhibits. Couldn't remember which questions to ask me or my ex-wife while on the stand. A horrible attorney whose focus is billing and receiving payment for inept services.
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24 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Did not respond to discovery requests in my case, gave other side extension without informing me and did not act in my best interests. When awarded funds, had attorney from other side send funds to him even though was no longer representing me.
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22 Jun, 2022 by Ales
This lawyer is supposed to be representing me ..hes been on my case for 2 years and has literally filed nothing on my behalf ..in 2 years ..not one filing ..I did not request a lawyer ..i wanted to proceed Pro Se.in the first convo ..he was told to turn over all my filings i was not giving him any authorization to view them or do anything else .which he did . then..he forced himself on my case against my will despite having zero info on the case because they had been turned over . Mr Bookhard still went to court and stood in like he was my lawyer ..against my will ... As a result i have lost all rights to my daughter whom ive never met along with other things . ..ive asked him to resign several times ...he has refused ..and continue to obstruct justice . he lied last week told me he filed things and did not . i have the emails to prove it . .. DO NOT HIRE THIS CROOK he has the govt kidnap children to help his lawyer friends ... Report this man immediately he needs to be disbarred.
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17 May, 2013 by Anonymous
I totally agree with the other review. This guy was appointed as public defender in my case. Nothing he said as to the outcome or my sentence was the ending result. In fact, the ending result was NOWHERE in the ballpark of what Bookhard had been saying. I could have received a much harsher sentence but I actually think that the judge and the Prosecutor felt sorry for me because he was totally inept. Even stumbled over his words in court. I would NEVER recommend this lawyer for any legal matter.
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23 Feb, 2013 by Dave
I lost full custody of my child based on this lawyer doing absolutely nothing !!. It was as if he did not know ANY legal strategies. This lawyer should consider switching careers.
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20 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Hides court orders and files case indicating non-receipt of court orders, lies to judge about making filings and says oops later.
Gets away with weak opposing parties.
She was represented by opposing party.
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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.
