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03 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
I was very fortunate to have Shivani represent me in connection with a prenuptial agreement, and I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of representation in a matrimonial/family law matter. Shivani made what could have been an awkward and uncomfortable process into a completely manageable, expeditious, and helpful experience. She displayed a comprehensive knowledge of the law at all times, and she was an exceptional listener throughout. This made her particularly effective because it meant that, at the outset, she was able to offer meaningful help to me as I defined my concerns and priorities, and then in drafting the substance of the agreement, she was able to be immediately responsive to the concerns and priorities I had identified, which made the process significantly less stressful and much more efficient overall. Shivani also did a wonderful job of addressing all of my questions in a clear, informed, and thorough manner, and I came away with a solid understanding of all of the nuances of the agreement and the applicable law as a result. In addition, Shivani always made sure to relay anything that I might need to refer back to in writing, and I was consequently left at the end of the process with a very clear record of everything that had transpired and all of the relevant background information, and this will certainly be very helpful in the future if any questions about the agreement arise. In sum, Shivani is a truly conscientious and skilled attorney, and it was an absolute pleasure to work with her.
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02 Mar, 2019 by Mandi
I am really glad to have worked with Shivani on my divorce because everything was made very easy for me. Shivani was available, clear, organised, communicative, warm and determined. Very professional and worked with ease during the complexity of this legal process which is admirable and intelligent. All of these things I needed at the time. Shivani took very good care of me. For example, personally attending an inspection for my protection. Shivani explained all of the information regarding my divorce concisely, comprehensibly and patiently and so the divorce jargon proved to not be complicated for me. The combination of expertise and confidence in Shivani was clear. I never felt any discomfort during this process. Although the opposing counsel were not as timely, Shivani was persistent and it felt so rewarding during a potentially stressful and overwhelming divorce. Shivani and the staff at Rower LLC were impeccable. I spoke to several lawyers prior to Rower LLC and I highly recommend Shivani and Rower LLC.
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12 Apr, 2015 by Anthony
Went through an international custody case, ex wife a successful attorney. I interviewed 4 other attorneys before choosing Harvey. He was so well prepared. The trail lasted almost 3 weeks and the result was that I became the custodial parent and my daughter who was living in Italy was returned to the US now lives with me lives with me. I highly recommend.
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07 Apr, 2015 by Steve
Harvey took over after my first Attorney refused to engage in an Appeal in my Divorce proceedings and
has done a very good job in difficult situation/client on the other side( MY EX). He has been responsive,knowledgeable and overall very helpful.
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07 Dec, 2022 by Michael christiano
Pat is the best and has helped me out with my case and is an absolute blessing . A must hire honest lawyer there for you always !
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08 Mar, 2013 by Carolynn
Mr.Mielo is an incredible lawyer! He will advise, make recommendations and tell you what the best course of action is always, good or bad. He really has a heart and will work with you every step of the way and is extremly detailed in his profession.
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04 Oct, 2023 by Li
Veronica was amazing! She answered my cold-call at 830pm on a Wednesday and walked me through a complicated process involving estate planning which I knew nothing about. She was very generous with her time and I greatly appreciate her help!
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22 Apr, 2021 by Karl
My divorce case took almost five years and was extremely difficult with the other side. Veronica and Angela's counsel certainly helped me get through it in the best way possible, even when I disagreed with some of the advice. I have arrived to the end with a better future and not bitter. That is a major accomplishment.
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21 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
kelly took my post divorce case and was excellent she was knowledgeable, and caring. Kelly is lawyer you would definitely want to hire, I am very grateful for her help in this legal matter.
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02 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Kelly went above and beyond to get the best outcome for my case. I switched to Kelly after working with an incompetent attorney who attempted to coerce me into settling. I had sole custody of my son (who has Asperger's) for 6 1/2 years. After I recently remarried, my son's father brought me back to court for joint custody and increased visitation. Kelly fought hard, and the end result is that I maintain sole custody of my son and my son's father was mandated to an alcohol and drug treatment program (which he failed to complete) with his visitation REDUCED to four hours per week in a public venue. It is extremely stressful when you are advocating for your child. Kelly is highly responsive, honest and hard working. She knows the law, the court system and the players. She gets the job done with excellence. I will always be grateful. I highly recommend her.
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29 Mar, 2015 by Bill
I found David to understand my needs very quickly and to thoroughly pursue the best remedy to resolve those issues. He would always contact me to keep me informed on the latest developments in the case. it was a great relief to know David Levy represented me.
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26 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Levy and Obstarczyk handled my legal matter. They were very prompt, responsive, and honest with me throughout my case. I highly recommend this firm!
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12 Jul, 2019 by Larry
Mr. King just represented me in a very difficult and complex family court case, He was EXCELLENT !!! Came to court prepared and knew the facts of my case and the law cold. This showed as he did a great job arguing on my behalf in front of the Judge, He was honest, diligent, took my case and ran with it, zealously representing me. I would definitely use him again, although I hope I never have to :) :) Feel free to contact me, if thinking of retaining him.
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29 May, 2013 by Anonymous
I got charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd degree comm/alarm. I decided to hire this lawyer as a risk, and he was VERY forth coming with my case with honesty, integrity, and dignity. He was very honest about the outcome of the case although he doesn't promise anything, but can lessen the charge to a much lower degree.
I went to court and this fantastic was able to lower the charge from Misdemeanor Class A to ACD (Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal); I gladly took it and I was overjoyed!!! No fines, community service, and/or prison time! FANTASTIC LAWYER! HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR DISABLED PEOPLE!!!!!
Keep in mind, he doesn't make any promises but his guarantee is pretty much golden as stated.
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15 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
she handled my family law case excellent, I well definetly use her again thank you for your passion for the law
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15 Apr, 2014 by Robert
I live out of state and sold property from my father's estate. Jo handled the entire process professionally and efficiently. She kept me completely informed at every step in the process and resolved several problems quickly and completely. I never had to set a foot in her office.
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18 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Tatun won a very difficult case for me. He knows the law inside and out and is brilliant. His prices are fair and he gives so much of his time. Very knowledgeable.
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03 Oct, 2015 by Linda
I am so thankful for my lawyer jonathan tatun. my child who has special needs has a bright future now, and this lawyer is honest and will not over charge you, and has very great lawful skills.
-linda c mom of a precious child
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17 Aug, 2016 by Chad
Amy helped me and my ex-wife divorce by mediating. After we failed at trying to divorce with lawyers in court, we took a pause. Court was ridden with conflict and tremendous fees so we went to her. She was able to help us understand the process and accomplish what we needed. If we had gone to her first, we would not have wasted almost $50,000 in fighting in court with lawyers that only wanted to cause more disputes. Thank you!
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27 Jan, 2016 by D
Mrs. Slotnick was referred to me by a friend whose divorce she mediated. She came highly recommended from someone that I consider to be very meticulous. She helped me with a small business issue. She was my second lawyer after firing the first one for not knowing the facts of my case. Needless to say that Amy was awesome, saved me a ton of money by avoiding a court battle and she out negotiated the pants off of the other lawyer. I cannot recommend her high enough. She just gets it.
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17 Feb, 2015 by Alissa
There is no enjoyable pleasant court case, and Robin gave me so much support during this divorce that everything went smoothly till the end. She followed through with to the end even when theother side hired scum bag lawyers that tried to twist the truth. Robin Kantor's ethics and authenticity shined through out and the truth stood in the end. I do not believe another lawyer could have handled this complex and challenging case as well as she did. I am grateful to have met Robin.
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07 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
Robin was by far the most incredible lawyer I've ever dealt with. She was kind, thoughtful, and so comprehensive in her practice. Not only did she avoid litigation in most of my separation issues, she got me above and beyond anything I expected from my divorce. She worked incredibly diligently, and is on great terms with many of the judges and attorneys in the county. If you are going through a divorce, separation, or have problems with alimony, child support, or any of these family and divorce issues I would absolutely recommend Robin!
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25 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Hired for order of protection case and it was resolved quickly to my satisfaction. Would recommend to others
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11 Aug, 2014 by Jane
I had a wonderful experience when I obtained Ms. Nichols services, I found her to be very informative and patient when dealing with my unusual circumstances. I would highly recommend her legal advice.
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14 Jun, 2022 by Melissa
I would highly recommend Steven Grocott to anyone looking to hire a divorce attorney. He is extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of the law concerning divorce. He is very good about educating the client regarding all of the options to be considered and presents them in such a way that you can make the best decisions in regards to your own situation. He does all of this very professionally with compassion and the space to thoroughly think through your decisions. Divorce is not easy, but Steven walked me through the process feeling as though he always had my best interest at heart and I would walk away with a fair outcome which I did.
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07 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
If you are looking for an attorney who puts 100% of his time and effort into your case look no further. Mr. Grocott was able to untangle one the most complicated custody cases in history that involved multiple jurisdictions in four different states. In addition to being trustworthy and knowledgeable he is compassionate, which is a rare quality for the legal profession these days. I highly recommend Mr. Grocott's services.
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18 May, 2012 by Shanel
Wendy represented my children in a recent custody battle with my ex husband and she was so amazing! She saw the truth and went for it. She looked into things that I had no idea she did and it proved very beneficial. I couldnt have been more satisfied with Wendy Tuttle. She went beyond words can express. My children felt comfortable speaking to her also. She helped me to protect my children and let the truth be known. Thank you Wendy!
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26 Feb, 2010 by Angel
Wendy is an excellent lawyer, she represented me on more than one custody case and also on my divorce, she went above my expectations on everything. I would use her again if the need for a lawyer came.
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28 Feb, 2014 by Rabi
Mr. Feldman was the consummate professional. He provided invaluable guidance in a very complicated real estate transaction that took over a year to complete! Needless to say, not all parties involved were aboveboard. He was always available, extremely responsive and highly trustworthy -- I would recommend him to anyone.
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18 Feb, 2014 by Dr. ben
Mark Feldman was my divorce attorney from 2001-2002. He takes cases personal and he is a very compassionate and understanding attorney.
He was able to negotiate a joint custody arrangement for me and by being in my children's lives have helped them emotionally, socially and academically.I highly recommend him to anyone looking an excellent attorney.
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17 Jul, 2019 by Frank
I was refer to Ms Puleo from a different lawyer.
When I talk to Ms Puleo on the phone she understood and hear me.
She took my case. I did everything she requested of me.
She kept an eye on the court date.
The court date change and she was on top of it and notified me. I change my plan to the new date. - I read of nightmare when lawyers don't know if the court date change - it was not the case with me.
The case got dismiss ( yes you read correctly)
I still pay child support voluntarily. I believe a child should be taking care of with a fair amount.
If the child mother decide to take me to family court again, I will hire Ms Puleo again.
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08 Dec, 2013 by Jonathan
my presumption on the legal profession has always been that of Charles Dickens (read his first chapter of Bleak House) but I am pleased to report that Andreea has changed this impression dramatically. she gave me the opportunity to work collaboratively, working as a team to meet court deadlines systematically and effectively. Her approach is combative (when needed) yet compassionate to her client's situation -- wholeheartedly recommended.
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10 Jun, 2016 by David
I needed a lawyer for my divorce, and a few years later to file a custody suit. I found Ms Weaderhorn very compassionate and caring about the situation I was in and the stresses I was feeling. She always responded promptly to my emails or questions, and with answers that indicated to me that she had really listened, thought about and considered her response. She guidede me through the sticky processes I mentioned above with professionalism and savvy. However, Ms Weaderhorn also would listen to my suggestions for alternate plans or solutions and was open to working with me even if it was a different direction than she had suggested. I liked the fact that Ms Weaderhorn was willing and able to go to bat for me, toe to toe with opposing attorneys, and in the courtroom. I always felt confident that she was doing all she could to protect my interests. I also liked that when we encountered some resistance, she asked for my opinion about what I wanted her to do, so our professional relationship was clearly based on mutual respect. I felt that she was not just my attorney, but a valued member of my team.
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08 Jun, 2016 by Rk
Ali is a dedicated, knowledgeable and hard- working attorney. She has the ability to look at a situation from multiple angles and to assess the best strategy to implement. While these are extremely important qualities for an attorney, Ali brings much more to the table. She is kind, empathetic and is blessed with an inhuman amount of patience. I hired Ali to deal with one of the worst situations I've had to go through. Her professional and inter-personal skills allowed me to have complete trust and confidence in her getting the job done.
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28 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Robert Wallack was the second divorce lawyer I hired after spending a full year with another lawyer. He is one of the most passionate, knowledgeable and adept lawyers I have ever encountered (and I know many). And he's particularly good in the court room which is where my case ended up.
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29 Jul, 2011 by Anonymous
Robert Wallack is not only a shark in the courtroom, but he's a fierce negotiator and he handled my case with great care and compassion. My ex and I were involved in a long and draining litigation and Rob was with me every step of the way, acting as my advocate and champion. He really helped me through the most difficult time in my life.
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06 Mar, 2011 by Pascale
Cindy took over my divorce case from my former lawyer and she quickly learned all the details of the case. My divorce was not amicable or simple. We owned several properties together and our finances were very complicated. Cindy's knowledge, professionalism and efficiency kept my ex and I focused on the negotiations. She skillfully mediated difficult, touchy topics and she kept the process moving. She is well-versed in handling divorces and clearly explained my options each step of the way. My ex didn't have a lawyer so Cindy had to deal with him directly, as he was pro se (representing himself). She's great with people and summed up my situation with him pretty quickly. She dealt with him perfectly. We were able to sign a fair agreement that I was happy with and we avoid a costly trial. I am incredibly grateful to Cindy for her advice, understanding and diligence, especially for being persistent with the judge's office in getting the divorce paperwork filed.
I am divorced. I am happy. I am thankful to Cindy for helping me through a difficult period in my life. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for a competent, effective divorce lawyer. She gets the job done.
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29 Dec, 2010 by Hq, new york
Cindy Sanchez has been my lawyer since 2005. She was referred to me through a legal plan I had at my job. I hired Cindy to help me obtain a shared physical and legal custody of my children. My case was fairly complicated since my children's mother took them to another state with the intention of relocating to that state just before the beginning of the school year. My children were supposed to go back to school in September 2005 in New York City. However, their mother enrolled them in a school in another state, 700 miles away from New York City. Cindy was able to convince the judge to schedule a court hearing early in September 2005. This was extremely important because the longer my children stayed in the school out-of-state, the smaller the chance that the judge would order to bring my children back in their school in New York was. Cindy was extremely helpful to ensure that my children's mother could be served with the order to appear in court. My children's mother was very difficult to find. I first try the local police to serve her but it did not work. Cindy advised me to hire a local professional to do the serving. In a matter of minutes, she was able to identify this professional. It was critical to do the serving during the appropriate time window. Otherwise, the court date would have been postponed to October 2005. As I mentioned before, this would have tremendously reduced the chance of having my children back in their school in New York for the year 2005-2006. During the court hearing in September 2005, the judge ordered that my children had to return to their school in New York. I was relieved by this decision. I can say that without the expertise and responsiveness of Cindy, my children would not have returned to New York.
Cindy was resourceful, insightful, and supportive at every stage of the divorce process. She helped me obtain a shared physical and legal custody of my children. She has also successfully helped me with a few custody issues since the divorce. Cindy is a very intelligent and knowlegdeable lawyer who has the ability to listen to the client and fully understand his/her needs, concerns, and fears. I have also appreciated her very pleasant and balanced personality. I highly recommend Cindy.
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08 Nov, 2023 by Peter
When my ex wife hired a top Madison Ave lawyer to represent her interests in a very poorly drawn out divorce/property settlement with a lot of loose ends, (Mediator shall remain anonymous) - it threw me and my current wife into turmoil.
I felt fear.
We were so fortunate to have found Lauren to represent us.
Lauren grounded us and explained the situation and its various outcomes. Lauren worked tirelessly and expertly and responded to our questions.
Lauren argued our points elegantly and directly against a very aggressive and established opposition team. Lauren acted patiently with us when we asked the same questions more than once and answered messages that were time sensitive at one point at 2;30am so that we could respond on time.
We finished with a decent buyout with satisfaction and closure. At the very end the frustration of the opposition councils unexpected shortcoming was obvious. Kudos to you Lauren! And thank you for doing a thoroughly great job. I am sure that the future holds great success for you. Thank you, Peter L. Joan P.
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07 May, 2019 by Alisa roever
Very smart, strong, caring lawyer. Always quick answer and respond and quick problem solving advise. Very hard working and motivating. Helped a lot to settle and look out for me. Highly recommend this lawyer!
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17 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
I had the privilege of working with Ankit Kapoor whose exceptional qualities deserve recognition. This attorney combines honesty, responsiveness, and an unwavering dedication to their clients.
Honesty: His transparent and forthright approach is a breath of fresh air in the legal world. He provided a clear and honest assessment of my case, making it easier to navigate complex family law issues.
Responsiveness: Timely communication is their forte. Whenever I had questions or concerns, he responded promptly, ensuring I felt supported and informed throughout the legal process.
Spending Time: Unlike lawyers who rush through cases, Ankit invested the necessary time to truly understand my situation, needs, and goals. I never felt hurried or overlooked, highlighting their genuine commitment to achieving the best possible results for me and our child.
In conclusion, if you seek a family lawyer who embodies honesty, responsiveness, and dedication, I wholeheartedly recommend this attorney. Their qualities make them a standout choice in the legal profession.
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21 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Kapoor fought hard for me in court in a difficult divorce case. His hard work and determination and brilliant strategy paid off, and I have regained my freedom and peace of mind. I cannot recommend him highly enough!
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27 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
I recently retained Mr. Marnell to assist with a prenuptial agreement. He was patient in making sure I understood every detail of the agreement. He was honest, communicative, and made the process painless. Highly recommend. Thank you!
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29 May, 2018 by Thomas
Mr. Marnell represented our family in a complex divorce for my elderly father. He was professional, honest, communicative and highly effective throughout the entire process. He was a fierce advocate that had our best interests at heart from beginning to end. Highly recommend
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10 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Ms Jorgensen made the whole divorce process bearable. She understood all of my issues and made sure that my decree was fair. Highly recommend.
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26 Jan, 2017 by Elaine
Thank you for all you did to make a bad situation a little bit better. You made me laugh and let me cry. For that I am so grateful.
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28 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Excellent service rendered!!
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28 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
I first contacted Mishael Pine, after I began having serious problems with noises in my condo. During my consultation, she provided the level of confidence I was expecting.
Excellent service from start to finish and very knowledgable and very kind.
Always keep you updated with progress of the case.
Highly recommend
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24 Nov, 2015 by Don
Henry is extremely intelligent. He served as our arbitrator. He heard both sides clearly and streamlined the process. Kept us all focused and, proved a fair and balanced decision.
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15 Apr, 2015 by Linda
Henry Berman is a straight forward, tough negotiator and compassionate attorney. He negotiated a settlement that enabled me to move forward with my life, and my children's life, with sound financial compensation and insight into all of our needs. Nothing was missed, every detail addressed. I have recommended him since, and will continue to do so.
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23 Dec, 2016 by Evelyn
I had the pleasure of hiring this lawyer a few years ago to handle my deceased mother's estate. Prior to her death, he assisted me with the purchase of her house and created a will for her at her request. He was also extremely instrumental in helping me with a Class Action suit that my mother had been participating in before her death; ensuring that I as her next of kin received the residual benefits yielded fro that suit. He also assisted me with becoming her Power of Attorney when she was no longer able to handle business on her own (as per her request).
I highly recommend Mr. Sorote to anyone needing an attorney who bends over backwards in an effort to make positive things happen and see justice served in any scenario. He masters all components of his field and gets results.
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24 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
She was kind undstanding honest , She fixed my legal problem in a timely matter . I would only use her in future and would recommend to everyone I know .
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20 Feb, 2020 by Kathleen granchelli
11 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
Brad did a great job with very short notice and in a tough situation. I would recommend him to anyone in need of a family law attorney
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10 Jul, 2014 by Chrisitna
Garfield was my husbands court appointed lawyer for family court... now going back to court and we are hiring him. That's all I can say is he did a great job as a court appointed lawyer, you can't say that about to many court appointed lawyers. I have and will again recommended Garfield to family and friends.
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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:
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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.
