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17 Feb, 2025 by Josh kirk
10 Jan, 2025 by Allison giese
Amazing people to work with!! Highly recommend!
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11 Jun, 2024 by Jeff hannan
Great experience! Made my speeding ticket disappear quickly and with very little effort from me. Highly recommend! 10/10
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17 Mar, 2021 by Kumar
Jeff was with me throughout the case and supported like a family member not just legally but also emotionally. His knowledge, experience and negotiation skills were amazing. when it comes to protecting His clients, He is the best. I am glad that I was in good hands.
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30 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Jeff protected me and my children throughout a complicated divorce. I wanted to be with my two kids at least half of their growth time. Jeff helped me secure my half-time physical custody to father by two kids. He explained my different options very clearly to me and helped me decide the best option (for both short and long terms) and the best approach drawn from his decades-long experience. He negotiated the best settlement I could hope for. Throughout the entire process, he always put my interests first instead of the billable hours. He was understanding, and showed he actually cared. Jeff had his sense of humor at times and ability to calm often tense situations, which was a savior at the heaviest time of my life.
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10 Jun, 2015 by Will
Jeffrey handled my divorce about 20 years ago. He would be my first choice if the need ever arises again.
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13 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired David for my family matters. I liked his communication style. No sugar coating, straight to the point, setting realistic expectations. I would gladly work with him again. - YS
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23 Mar, 2022 by Dave
getting a divorce, I asked another non legal professional for a a divorce attorney recommendations and he had very good things to David, so I hired him on the spot. He kept my cost down, was straight to point, returned my phones call in timely manner. explained all my options. He was very transparent with me. i was really impressed with how well he worked with opposing council. Plus, his retainer was alot less than what my ex wife had to pay, and I got better results. I never felt like David cared about billing hours just to get paid. he is not that type of lawyer. A+ i have not complaints. My divorce took 6 months start to finish, David kept us out of the court room, and we got resolution.
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28 Dec, 2020 by Rafael
David was great to have working on my family court case. He was consistently available and he worked very hard for me. He was very easy to trust as well. I would definitely recommend him to anyone.
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28 Jul, 2019 by Elena
Anthony is a great attorney . He is very knowledgeable and very easy to talk to. Having him by my side in court has made me feel so secure. I would recommend him to my family and friends with no doubt.
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14 Feb, 2019 by Chris
Tony is thoughtful and efficient. He's careful to let you know your options and doesn't take over.
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18 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Tony was concise, mindful of the fact that he charges hourly, and honest about what I could expect. Definitely recommend him.
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08 Mar, 2019 by David
Getting a divorce sucks. Yet, Ron and his team ensure you feel respected, heard, and well informed throughout the entire process.
Ron listens first, shares his insights second, and makes it feel like you're his only client. He will be honest, telling you what you may not want to hear, but what you need to hear if you're going to look objectively at the big picture and what is needful to move beyond a difficult moment in your life.
While I hope to never have to work with Ron again, I am very grateful he was at my side when I needed a qualified, experience professional.
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10 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
(I left the screen and lost my nearly complete review. Here's another attempt.)
I appreciated how Ron educated me on the dissolution process. I appreciated that he understood my desire to come up with the most fair, cost effective legal dissolution possible. He was accessible as a person. He has an excellent paralegal who is timely and attentive in her assistance.
Divorce is a very painful process. Ron was sensitive to that fact given his decades of experience. He provided the excellent legal services I needed which made it as easy as possible. I have recommended Ron to others and will continue to do so, if the opportunity presents itself. I was so grateful that a friend referred me to Ron. He was an excellent lawyer for what I needed at the time.
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06 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Ousky represented me as my divorce attorney using a collaborative approach. After 28 years of marriage I was faced with divorce which was a very stressful and mostly an "out of body" experience. Mr. Ousky worked closely with the financial neutral to determine my financial needs were identified. He calmly lead me through the divorce process answering all questions I had and representing me at all times. I felt confident that Mr. Ousky made sure every step of the process that I would be financially stable on my own. Mr. Ousky was able to respond appropriately to my X-husband who is use to conflict, is competitive and struggled with agreeing to the spousal support payment. I am thankful that I learned of Mr. Ousky through Daisy Camp.
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29 Jul, 2017 by Justin
I had a one hour consultation with Obi Chukwu to have him review a joint petition for divorce that my wife and I had drafted. He had a lot of great suggestions as to how I could improve the language in the joint petition. He knew that this would be a one-time session, but he was committed to making sure that all my questions got answered to the best of his ability, even though that meant going 15 minutes over the scheduled time. To Obi Chukwu, I was more than a client; I was a human being. If I ever need a lawyer again in the future, Obi Chukwu is going to be the first person I turn to.
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21 Sep, 2015 by Kings
Mr Chukwu is an excellent Lawyer, very smart and knows his stuff, attentive to clients and goes the extra mile of making sure that the client understands the policies and procedures. He went above and beyond for me and my wife. 10 stars if possible
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12 Jun, 2015 by Sj
I called A LOT of different lawyers, law offices and law organizations to try to find the best lawyer to help with the I-130 immigration process I was going to begin. Obi was by far the most responsive, accessible and honest attorney I found. His price was also fair. I scheduled a one-on-one consultation with him and he was friendly and knew the material very well. He also offered to help me without charge if other questions come up in the future in relation to my situation. I strongly recommend Obi to anyone.
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23 Mar, 2023 by Nick
Brian was so great to work with! He spent time going over my situation and became very familiar with my case and the needs of our family. Brian went above and beyond to ensure that we had the best possible outcome. I highly recommend Brian!
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10 May, 2017 by Ashley
Brian has been a Godsend to us! Dealing with a perplex and difficult custody battle & child relocation for our little one, Brian has gone above & beyond. He is extremely knowledgeable & knows all the laws. He has won our cases & when other attorneys threw out opinionated statements he was quick to state the facts. He has always been quick to reply to my concerns & questions when I've emailed or called. In court he is aggressive and honest. Brian was great at calming my nerves when I was worked up from all of the stress and the unknown. He is affordable, cares about your situation, and has a great heart. I would never pick a different person to represent me in the future or the well-being of my children. I would recommend Brian Chmielewski to everyone if you want the best outcome for your situation and a great attorney!
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10 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Working with Attorney Chmielewski was a complexly positive experience for me, especially after getting off course with the first attorney that represented me. I found myself behind the eight ball on two legal fronts or cases when Brian stepped in. He clearly knows how to navigate the legal system and he cut through a lot of nonsense raised by opposing attorneys. He focused on the desired outcome. The depth of understanding Brian showed about my case or situation impressed me, as hundreds of details were dealt with in a span of weeks. I also found Chmielewski Law legal rates of value as four tier pricing was used to represent me in preparation work or in court. I would and will recommend Chmielewski Law to my friends who may face legal challenges. Quality, value and integrity with a smile come to mind.
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27 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Kyle represented me in my high-conflict child custody case. From the first time I met with him I instantly felt like he understood my unique situation and genuinely cared about the wellbeing and stability of my children. I was very pleased with his prompt response to my needs and was very diligent and hardworking throughout.
Due to the high conflict, contentiousness of my case, we ended up going to trial. Kyle was incredibly prepared, very smart, and cost efficient. He truly cares about his clients and fights for what is important to them. I would highly recommend Kyle to anyone looking for an aggressive attorney in the courtroom but also compassionate and dedicated to pursuing the best outcome possible.
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14 Jun, 2016 by Kim
When I was served with divorce papers, I needed to find a lawyer who could not only protect me legally, but also help me make decisions that would preserve my young daughter's happiness as much as possible. A trusted coworker referred me to Kyle, and I was relieved to find that he had much knowledge and professional experience in handling cases similar to mine.
Kyle demonstrated a sincere interest in helping me with my case. He explained the pros and cons of various ideas I had, and answered my questions completely in terms that I could understand. He embraced and encouraged a mediation process, led me to an incredible mediator. He was there every step of the way during a process that would have been daunting without him. I felt protected, relieved and prepared because of the work and effort Kyle put towards the drafting and documentation before the mediation and after the mediation took place.
Kyle conducted himself in a professional, courteous, and intelligent manner in and out of the courtroom. During the court proceeding he articulated points and articles with excellent command, and demonstrated a thorough understanding of procedure and protocol.
The outcome was excellent for both parties, and in turn, ensured the best possible outcome for my daughter's happiness and future.
I have come to trust Kyle explicitly, and I highly recommend him to anyone needing sound legal advice and representation.
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25 Apr, 2014 by Ben
I really don't think I could have picked a better lawyer to help me with my child custody case. Kyle was just amazing. His knowledge of child custody cases and procedures is unmatched in my opinion. He was able to put all of my concerns to rest and again, his expertise in child custody cases made me feel so confident in how we addressed my case which also made for no surprises throughout the process. He was always very response and available almost anytime when things came up and was very easy to get a hold of, promptly returning calls and emails. If it wasn't for Kyle I wouldn't be enjoying and getting the time I have with my 10 year old son. I cannot thank Kyle enough for all he has done for my family!! I very highly recommend Kyle!!
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03 Feb, 2015 by Bunny
Maria is one to trust to get the job done! Very good at what she does and gives you a sense a relief that you can rely on her to take care of it. I would recommend her to anyone that wants to win!
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02 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Maria handled my messy divorce and 5 years of residual issues in a concise manner with knowledge, fairness (to all parties involved) and with a calmness that help me get though those difficult years. I never felt in the dark, Maria always took the time to explain the why's, how's and possible outcomes. No matter what curve ball my ex threw, Maria had already laid the ground work or was able develop a plan that prevailed in the end. Maria's method of maintaining the highroad, sticking to the facts, made my divorce much less ugly. You can't go wrong retaining Maria Maier as your attorney.
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20 Oct, 2010 by Tim
I can't begin to express how amazing Maria was in handling my case. I filed for divorce in August of 2009 and my ex-wife immediately began an unimaginable mud-slinging campaign in an effort to gain sole custody of our children. I wanted to reply in kind and engage in that battle to refute all the lies my ex was putting forth. But, Maria had a great game plan which she came up with after our first court appearance. We would simply stick to the facts. At first, it was difficult to sit back and let my character be assassinated time and time again. However, it was very easy to trust the strategy that Maria had in place.
There were several times during my case that the outlook seemed bleak. I would get uptight, panicked or nervous. Maria was always there to explain the divorce process and tell me why we need to maintain our strategy. She was always available to answer any question, no matter how trivial it might have been. She would explain in detail why things were relevant to the court. Even if I had naïve questions like as why they were relevant, Maria explained how my course of action be in my best interests (and the best interests of my children) and how my actions would work in my favor in the long run. To say she has a firm grasp on divorce law and the entire divorce process would be a vast understatement.
It is now October of 2010 and my case has just concluded. I’m absolutely convinced Maria is part soothsayer. Her strategy played out exactly as we had discussed back in 2009. The custody evaluation worked out in my favor, just as Maria said it would. The judge saw through the mudslinging of my ex and focused on the facts, just as Maria said she would. While there are no winners in a divorce, I feel truly vindicated that I stuck to my convictions (thanks to Maria’s guidance) and the judge ruled very heavily in my favor.
This was the first instance I needed a lawyer for more than one day. I am absolutely elated that I chose Maria Maier to be that lawyer. Her expertise and guidance helped me through a very difficult transition in my life. I wouldn’t wish a divorce on anybody, but I would highly recommend Maria to anyone who needs an expert lawyer on their side should they find themselves facing a divorce.
Thanks Maria!!
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06 Feb, 2021 by Autumn
Eileen Krenner represented me in two situations after my divorce. I was somewhat disappointed with my prior attorney, and learned about Eileen through a colleague. What we appreciate so much about her approach is that she was always able to clearly explain the law and my rights and the rights of my children, but also able to calibrate based on my desire to try and maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship with my ex-husband. Always a kind and compassionate ear and sounding board. I highly recommend her and have recommended her to many friends.
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24 Feb, 2019 by Stacy
Eileen Krenner was recommended to me by a friend after I mentioned I was looking to hire an attorney for a third party custody issue. Eileen was honest and fair and I was never disappointed in the decision to hire her. She kept us well informed, was extremely professional and most importantly to me, showed compassion for our situation. I would highly recommend Eileen.
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16 Jul, 2015 by Lyle
I recommend Eileen Krenner very highly for family law services. She is very professional, prepares very well, communicates very well, is very thorough, is very pleasant to work with, and has done a great job with my case.
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22 Feb, 2018 by Lori
Because of Amanda Porter I had a good divorce! Divorce can be confusing, I appreciated her patience, explaining each step until I understood.
I also enjoyed her sense of humor.
At the completion of my divorce I had her do my will and several other documents.
I'm a very satisfied client!
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29 Jan, 2018 by Ashley
I ave used Amanda for several custody issues. She is phenomenal. She provides clear and factual advice, easily taking out the emotion out of the situation and getting you to focus on the long term best result. I have passed her name onto others all with glowing reviews. Even with a good co-parenting relationship, I keep Amanda's info handy as questions or conflicts still arise over time.
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22 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Amanda was so great! She was so responsive, patient, and courteous. She is knowledgeable, has passion, and very easy to work with. I would work with her again in the future.
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23 Sep, 2021 by Yeats family
Megan has been amazing to work with! She has made us feel like her only client and been great at walking us through the process. We highly recommend for any family type of law, you will not be disappointed!
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18 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Hands down the best decision was to hire Megan. She is not only friendly and easy to work with, but upfront and transparent, leaving out any guesswork and not stringing me along. Responses and actions were prompt and accurate. I felt confident working with her in the past and she'll be my first call if needed in the future.
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16 Nov, 2016 by Dan
Megan assisted me in perhaps the hardest time of my life regarding my divorce and specifically my child custody battle. She was honest with me regarding my position in the case and what results I could expect. Her knowledge of child custody laws was vast and I felt that I was represented by a professional who could safely guide me through emotional muddy waters. I would recommend her to anyone who has to suffer thru a divorce, especially if there are children involved.
Megan listened to my questions, calmed my fears and stayed in constant communication with me throughout the process. Rarely was I left wondering "what's next?".
I consider my choice of her as my legal representation and council the correct one and feel that she truly cared about me and my case.
On a lighter note.... I was impressed with her "yanking of the reigns" at times during my case. Most divorces are messy and emotional. There were times I had "fight" in me that would have cost me both financially and emotionally. This fight would have likely yielded unwanted results in the end. Megan was knowledgeable to see that and direct enough to stop me from proceeding down those paths. Thanks for saving me the stress (and the money) Megan.
- Dan
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28 Nov, 2016 by Sarah
James is a kind and caring lawyer. He helped me with a long divorce that involved getting custody of my daughter. It took a couple years to finally get it finalized. After the divorce James has been there for me anytime I need him when trying to go after my ex for child support. He always has your best interest at heart and truly cares about his clients. I highly recommend James
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04 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Capra was my Attorney throughout a very long and complicated 3 year divorce proceeding He argued on my behalf all the way to the Appeals Court with the final decision in my favor. He is professional and at times overly busy however does have your best interests at heart. I was referred to him on a Pro Bono request through SMRLS. He is ultimately the best out there. He will never be forgotten in my book.
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28 Jan, 2015 by Lyndon
James Capra is not just a lawyer, he's a hero to me. When you have a family issue that involves a child it's really tough, one of the hardest things that you will ever do.
So it's great to feel that you have someone on your side that is both competent and caring - James Capra is....... competent and caring.
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09 Oct, 2023 by Jade
Lisa was great to work with. She was raw and also empathetic and showed great care and compassion. I felt supported in what I thought was best for me and my family and she advocated for me when so many others wanted to see the not so best outcome for all 3 of my children/case. I can never thank Lisa enough for the time she put into my families cases.
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07 Nov, 2019 by Nali
I met her at SCSU Student Legal Services. I have no words to thank her for your wonderful support. She was very empathetic and fair. She will go out of her way to help you. Amazing and very lucky to have had her consultation which helped me resolve my issues in a timely manner
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11 May, 2011 by Anonymous
Stacy is an even-keeled person who is calm and seeks to find ways to avoid conflict if possible. She is open with her opinion and communicates clearly to you as her client. I found her to be very honest in her assessment of other attorneys, custody evaluators, and judges. She will provide you with advice and allow you to stay in control of your case. I highly recommend her!
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12 Nov, 2010 by Brent
Stacy Morgan should be #1 on your list to contact for Family Law.
Her knowledge and advice in Family Law situations are nothing short of amazing. When you work with Stacy, she gives you all of the tools to help you feel in control of the decision making process and leads you through the court process with professionalism and authority.
Stacy's fair but firm approach will lead you to a resolution that you can be proud of.
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11 Oct, 2022 by Leann
Assistance provided was with Restraining order and Custody concerns.
I had made several calls and consulted with many attorneys before asking Emily to represent me. I have been working with Emily for almost a year if not more. It was very difficult for me to hire an attorney because there is much to consider like communication, price, availability, experience, etc.
I must say, I am pleased that Emily Peterson was able to pick me up as a client.
She helped me with obtaining a restraining order and dealing with a custody issue. The restraining order was incredibly nerve wracking yet, Emily made the process better and gave me other resources to use in addition to her. She maintained a quick turnaround to answer my questions and calls. She was encouraging and provided me with honest feedback. I knew what my choices were and what could happen by selecting those choices.
I was incredibly impressed and satisfied with our interaction. We did everything electronically, this helped me tremendously. I have already recommended her to others. I am especially happy that I didn’t have the stress of dealing with attorney who was not communicating back with me. She was organized, diligent, and responsive.
I will continue to recommend her and will absolutely use Emily again if I should need to.
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25 Oct, 2021 by Eileen
I would not have made it through what was undoubtedly the most difficult year of my life, without Emily. I am sure there isn’t a short supply of competent attorneys in the Twin Cities, but I am not sure many are as compassionate and committed as Emily. Her expertise and legal acumen were critical in the process in reaching the best possible outcome. But, it was her kindness and unending support that also got me through. She is very hardworking. Emily was incredibly responsive. Getting back to me quickly and at all hours of the day. She always made me feel like a top priority. There were days I would call or email 20 plus times, she never made me feel like an inconvenience, the opposite I always felt valued. There were no dumb questions. Emily walked me through every step of the way. She made a daunting and scary process so much easier for me. In the end, I walked away with the most optimal agreement possible. I highly recommend Emily Peterson, she is an excellent attorney and wonderful person.
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08 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
I would highly recommend Amy. She is efficient, practical and easy to work with.
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22 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Amy, she has been my lawyer for years (long process divorce & custody).
She is available for her clients above and beyond.
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11 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
I can't thank these ladies enough! They went above and beyond to help me and my son.
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11 Aug, 2013 by Yvonne
This is one of very few lawyers who is actually interested in the good outcome for a client and not in her own income.
I was very satisfied, she is very pleasant, hard working and willing to enter new territory.
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01 May, 2015 by Jim
I worked with Jessica on my divorce and custody. It was an emotional time for me, and she helped me objectively take a look at my goals, stabilize and was an advocate for me throughout the process. Jessica is an excellent communicator and was always quick to respond to my inquiries and keep me informed as to the progress of my case.
Jessica held her ground with the opposing counsel, but I felt like her ability to establish a professional report with them helped my case resolve quickly and fairly. I highly recommend Jessica.
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13 Aug, 2015 by John
Boyle has represented me for many years an attorney and specifically both in a matter of franchise law and a potential land taking by the federal government.
A company which i previously owned distributed a product protected by a franchise. When an attempt to terminate the franchise was initiated, Boyle was able to reach a satisfactory settlement.
In the other instance. the federal government was purchasing property for a national park. Boyle assisted in the negotiations and provided a great value for his service.
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23 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Timothy Ryan is an excellent lawyer to have in your corner during the legal process. His performance at trial was spot on! He was extremely responsive to any question or concerns I had. If I couldn't reach him all I had to do was leave a voicemail which he regularly checks throughout the day, and he would be quick to respond. Never even a 24 hour wait on a question, which was an issue that arose with a past attorney.
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24 Oct, 2017 by Kim
Chad has been my attorney for several years. He is an outstanding attorney. He is always responsive and genuinely supportive. While going through a troubling and emotional time in my life having Chad there for me with guidance and support was priceless.
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09 May, 2012 by Marsden
Joel helped my wife and I with the purchase of our business and also with our estate planning. I can truly tell you he cares about all of his clients and will go that extra step for you.
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15 Sep, 2018 by Caroline
Last week, I was in a real estate home-buying panic. Without disclosing the details now, my husband and I were involved in a complicated and convoluted house closing situation. After an unexpected hiccup, I needed legal advice and guidance immediately. Time was of the essence! Ryan answered the phone and walked me through my options, explaining the entire process. His calm demeanor was so reassuring and his responsiveness and willingness to jump in to help was remarkable. I felt like I was his number one priority. He was just what I needed...a listening ear, genuine care and prompt guidance and feedback. Thank you McLaughlin Law!
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23 Oct, 2013 by Jay
I would strongly recommend Greg Bittle to anyone seeking a legal 'champion'. Extremely thankful for his guidance and professionalism. It was a real gift above and beyond his legal acumen how Greg was able to keep me even-keeled, ethical, and focused during an extremely emotional time / case.
Professionals often come in 'as needed', do their jobs & at the end of the day take home pay for the work - but they don't always know the lasting benefits they've left behind. That motivates me to post this review - as this is a lawyer who went above and beyond in the care he took with my case. The grounding Greg wisely coached me into set the stage for a solid long-term future after the case was over. He was prescient enough to guide me in a way that he knew would last long after our legal case. I have engaged several business and personal lawyers in years past, but never experienced personal attention like this. And I don't just share this because he won a complicated interstate case for me!
I cannot say enough about my appreciation for his knowledge counsel and compassion.
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23 Mar, 2012 by Abbie
Richelle will fight for you to the end. She will not let you make decisions she knows will harm you at the end. She fought my divorce for 3 years and kicked butt. From getting all my attorney fees paid by my ex which was over $300,000. She is fair and knows how the system works. She battled with one of the corrupt attorneys known in Minnesota, Christine Stroemer and she kicked her ass calling her out on all her lies and she made the judge see that too.
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19 May, 2015 by Pamela
Karen was an excellent divorce attorney, and provided great guidance and support throughout the process. This divorce case was extremely long and drawn out, and required a lot of patience on her part as far as dealing with the opposition. My case required an abundance of paperwork, numerous orders and I continued to require her services for several years, dealing with contempt orders, child and medical support obligations, affidavits, and required court appearances. She was very thorough with my case, and always went through every possible scenario with me so that I understood exactly what was happening. I would very strongly recommend Karen Ives; I had a very positive experiece and valued her organization, diligence and attention to detail. I also appreciated her thoughtfulness, kind words and understanding nature. She was very helpful and I continue to use her services to this day.
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02 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Received fair advice from Mr. Rosso involving a child custody case in Wright County. Straight forward, common sense approach and I appreciated his willingness to talk me through my case.
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20 Mar, 2012 by Jamie
Amanda did a great job keeping me informed about my case and it's progress. She was very helpful and knowlegeble and helped me understand everything I needed to know to help my divorce proceedings go as smoothly as possible. She was quick to respond to any questions I had. Amanda really pays attention to detail and shows she cares about the case. Amanda is very personable and realistic. Amanda is an exceptional lawyer with an extreme level of expertise and exceeded my expectations in all aspects of my case. I would recommend her to anyone looking for an excellent lawyer.
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What a Child Custody Lawyer Can Do for You
A child custody lawyer specializes in helping parents navigate legal matters related to the custody and care of their children, particularly in the context of divorce, separation, or other family disputes. These lawyers assist with determining custody arrangements, drafting parenting plans, and advocating for your rights in court. They also help resolve disputes over physical custody (where the child lives), legal custody (who makes decisions for the child), visitation rights, and modifications to existing custody orders.
Whether you're going through a divorce or need to change an existing custody arrangement, a child custody lawyer can help you understand your rights and protect your child's best interests throughout the legal process.
When Should I Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a child custody lawyer in several situations, especially when disputes arise or complex legal issues affect your parental rights. Some common reasons to hire a child custody lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: If you're going through a divorce or separation and need to establish custody and visitation arrangements, a lawyer can help ensure the custody order reflects your child's best interests.
- Disputed custody cases: If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody or visitation terms, a lawyer can advocate for your rights in court and help you develop a strong case.
- Modification of custody orders: If you need to change an existing custody arrangement due to changes in circumstances (e.g., relocation, changes in the child’s needs), a lawyer can help file a modification request.
- Parental alienation: If the other parent is interfering with your relationship with your child, a lawyer can help address these issues through legal action.
- Domestic violence or abuse: If there is a history of domestic violence or abuse, a lawyer can help protect you and your child by requesting restraining orders and advocating for appropriate custody arrangements.
- Grandparent or third-party custody: If you are a grandparent or another relative seeking custody or visitation rights, a lawyer can guide you through the legal process.
- Paternity disputes: In cases where paternity is in question, a lawyer can assist with establishing or challenging paternity, which may affect custody and visitation rights.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help protect your parental rights and ensure that the custody arrangement is in your child's best interests.
What Does a Child Custody Lawyer Do?
A child custody lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help parents resolve custody disputes and secure favorable custody arrangements for their children. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing custody petitions: Helping you file the necessary paperwork to request custody or visitation rights and ensuring all legal procedures are followed.
- Negotiating custody agreements: Assisting in negotiating custody and visitation arrangements, often working toward a mutually beneficial parenting plan without going to court.
- Representing you in court: If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody terms, representing you in court by presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
- Drafting parenting plans: Helping you draft a comprehensive parenting plan that outlines the schedule for physical custody, decision-making responsibilities, and visitation.
- Handling child support issues: Assisting with related issues such as child support, ensuring that financial obligations are properly calculated and enforced.
- Modifying custody orders: Helping you request a modification from the court if you need to change an existing custody arrangement due to significant life changes.
- Mediating custody disputes: Acting as a mediator to help both parents reach an agreement on custody and visitation without the need for litigation.
How Are Child Custody Lawyers Paid?
Child custody lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case, the time involved, and the nature of the legal work. Common payment methods include:
- Hourly rate: Most child custody lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer's experience and location. The total cost depends on the time spent preparing documents, negotiating, and representing you in court.
- Flat fee: For simple custody matters or uncontested custody agreements, some lawyers may offer a flat fee for specific services, such as drafting a parenting plan or filing a custody petition.
- Retainer: Many lawyers require an upfront retainer fee, which is billed against as the lawyer works on your case. The amount varies based on the expected complexity and duration of the case.
- Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some lawyers may offer reduced fees or pro bono (free) services for clients with limited financial means, particularly in cases involving domestic violence or other serious issues.
It’s important to discuss fees and payment arrangements with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how much you will be charged and what services are included.
How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a child custody lawyer depends on various factors, including the complexity of the case, whether it’s contested or uncontested, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:
- Uncontested custody cases: Legal fees may range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the paperwork and any negotiations.
- Contested custody cases: Legal fees can range from $5,000 to $40,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the issues, the need for expert testimony, and the time spent in litigation.
- Hourly rates: Lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or complex custody disputes.
- Mediation services: If both parents agree to work through mediation, costs typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more for the mediation process.
Always ask for a clear cost estimate during your consultation to ensure that you understand the total legal fees and payment structure.
Top Questions to Ask a Child Custody Lawyer
Before hiring a child custody lawyer, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure they are the best fit for your case. Some key questions to ask include:
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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.
