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21 Nov, 2024 by Spencer doidge
I wish doing that business were always like this. After a few weeks preparing our documents derived from information they had obtained from us, they laid it all out as clearly as you could imagine. The information was new to us, and they led us by the hand, following a lucid presentation. Unhurried, they got us through it all in less than two hours. They're nice people and wish to help us, which they have done expertly.
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04 Nov, 2024 by Diana artemis
Joel Ford and his legal assistant Maggie are a pleasure to work with. I had lots of questions and Maggie answered them immediately by email. Maggie has experience and knowledge, she's a great resource. Joel is professional, personable and anticipated our needs. Very friendly and so knowledgeable. Joel provided us with great legal advice. They are so ready to help. They are experienced, affordable and a great legal resource.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Kastro
Super friendly and helpful. Answered all questions!!
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10 Jan, 2025 by Katheryn creighton
Multiple lawsuits in regards to myself that you have kept all of the revenue from how can you take a vulnerable person and Sue over half of the state on behalf of them and then keep them in the dark I didn't consult you you took it upon yourself to do this on behalf of me who you have been trying tokill
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07 Sep, 2024 by Mckenzie barckley
John is an incredible attorney. He is dedicated, punctual, professional, and aggressive. He is one of a kind. He told me to trust his process and I am so thankful for him. Not only for his work, but the reassurance and guidance. He genuinely cares and shows it. He will not give you false hope and lays everything out.
Two of the most precious things in my life were priority and he made sure my voice and problems were heard.
He is extremely well versed, direct, and no nonsense.
I highly recommend him!
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13 Aug, 2024 by Damon gathright
I was referred to John by a co-worker, and after my initial consultation I knew he was the attorney for the job. John is a fantastic lawyer who is extremely knowledgeable, and communicated every step of the process to keep myself prepared for what was ahead. I felt that my problems were now his problems. He was able to get my kids out of the awful living situation they were in while living in another state and into my custody when the services in that state failed to ensure my kid’s safety. He was relentless when the other party thought they could weasel their way out of the situation. He is no nonsense and to the point, and you will truly believe he is out for your best interest in both the situation and financially. I am so thankful for John, and would recommend him to anyone who is looking for an attorney to represent them.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Damion martin
Called in with questions about Advanced Directives. I was given incredibly helpful advice that allowed me to find resources regarding my situaiton; connect with an attorney that is an expert in the field I was searching for, and quickly resolve my issue. I would absolutely call Northwest Legal again.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Dani jackson
Caitlin Mitchell and her team did a phenomenal job handling my case, and I couldn't be more impressed with her professionalism and expertise. Caitlin always took the time to listen to my concerns and explain the process, keeping me informed at every stage. Her attention to detail and her dedication made all the difference. When I needed a voice, she provided it. The outcome exceeded my expectations, especially considering how challenging and complex the case was to navigate. Caitlin is compassionate, knowledgeable, and fully committed to her clients. She transformed an intimidating process into one where I felt valued and supported, protecting my rights every step of the way. I highly recommend Caitlin Mitchell and her team.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Mamascleaningful
We had a very bad experience with Mr. Hwang. This was the only appointment we had with him. I think he is impersonal, angry, self absorbed and not patient.
What do people need when they are going through the worst of their lives? -Patience, kindness and awareness of other people’s feelings, as death can be devastating for the family and friends.
Knowledge without these traits is like getting a big enciclopedia.
Please read all the reviews that have been written about him. I did not before setting an appointment, and regretted it.
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20 Feb, 2019 by Haley
Bradley Litchfield is extremely competent and did everything he could to get my husband and I custody of my stepson. He was confident and made us feel that he could do what he told us he would and we felt very comfortable using his judgment. He never promised anything and always told us the downside of every option we had. He and his assistant were always helpful and available to talk for you the most part when we had issues or just needed clarification. Without him, we would have been lost. He is the best lawyer we could have asked for.
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16 Nov, 2017 by Tami
If I could give 10 stars out of five, I would. I was involved in a civil case in which my 15 year old son was expected to testify. My son was very nervous about this and so was I. Brad Litchfield accepted the case and we feel so fortunate to have been in his care. I feel certain my case was not the most important matter in his caseload, but he always made me and my son feel as though it was. It was a great pleasure to meet him and to see how professionally and empathetically he handled our case. He is clearly a caring and compassionate person and was respectful to everyone involved. Importantly, I appreciate that he at all times made my son feel informed, at ease, safe, and cared for. And, of course, he won our case!
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25 Aug, 2017 by Ryan thompson
Brad helped me so much through my divorce and helped me keep my mind level while doing so. I had other charges that he wasn't related to but he took it on his own to help guide me through them as well by working with my other attorney. He is a real class act, and I would recommend him to anyone!
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06 Mar, 2020 by Richard
I am a retired businessman. Robert Scherzer is the worst employee ever. Robert Scherzer heads my list, as the most horrible person I can imagine hiring, to represent me in a legal matter. Early on, in my custody hearing, Robert complained that he doesn't sleep well at night. I figured out his problem. He doesn't sleep well at night because he sleeps all day in court. I also asked him if he would take my direction and ask the questions that I wanted him to ask. He agreed, but failed miserably. Despite his encouragement, that I had a 75 to 85% chance of victory, he lost. Then, he informed me that WE may have left ourselves open to some opposition attorney fees. I am thankful that I fired him and represented myself, in the attorney fee hearing. I think I was infinitely more convincing than he would have been and was able to limit my losses. After this debacle, I asked my 90 year old mother to describe Robert Scherzer's performance. Her one word response was "PANIC". I completely agree. I also sincerely accuse him of excessive billing, for his ridiculously poor services. No stars! Refund owed!
Richard
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10 May, 2018 by Nicole
Robert is the best attorney you could possibly hire. He is compassionate, empathetic, a great listener, and very calm. My case was very complicated and there was only one case in the entire country that paralleled that of mine. He researched and consulted with many attorneys as well as constantly keeping me abroad of our circumstances. He is kind and knowledgeable and fought for me every single minute of every single day. I would not wish divorce on anyone, but if you find yourself in that situation, Robert is the one you want to go to. He is very well respected By his colleagues and even fellow divorce attorneys. And his assistant, Kelli is as equally kind and compassionate. If Robert were not my attorney, he would be my friend. Well, I will actually consider him my friend. Because he helped me turn the worst situation of my life into something I can cope with.
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04 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I retained Robert in January 2016 to help me win custody and as much parenting time possible of my young son. We've been working together over a year now, and I can't imagine having any other attorney on my team.
From the start Robert encouraged me to take the high road against my ex-husband. Our legal strategy focused on how I had always been and would continue to be the primary parent, and not on debasing my ex-husband. This felt good to me because it honored my ex-husband's role in my son's life and was consistent with my personal values.
We stayed the course over 12 months, through hearings and a deposition and finally 3 days of trial. Robert's calm and thoughtful legal advice never wavered from our initial strategy, and it was clear to me from the judge's response and verdict that it was the right strategy.
We did win everything we asked for, and I am eternally grateful that Robert was my attorney in this case. I still call him to talk through challenging situations with my ex-husband, and always feel better after I do.
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30 Jul, 2022 by Tammy
Louis did an excellent job helping me during a very difficult period in my life. He was prepared and knows the law. I would highly recommend him.
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15 Apr, 2020 by Adrion
Louis and I both put hard work into my case, and while much of the work was not needed, I still think he deserves a good review. Louis was easy to communicate with when it came down to the wire and helped set a lot of my anxieties at ease. No one likes dealing with the court system, but if you have to make sure you have someone like Louis by your side.
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05 Apr, 2020 by Gary
I have Louis as my attorney since 2006 . He dose great work for me .He is just a phone call away or a text. Text is usually best for Louis tho because he is always in court or on the phone fighting your case.I have always side this from the very first time i had Louis as my attorney for a parenting plane case. He negotiated on my behave. I was granted more parenting time thin the standard. Sincerely Thank you:
Louis for all of your hard work that you have done for me over the last 14 years on all of the variety of legal situations.
CALL LOUIS HE CAN HELP YOU!
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02 Apr, 2024 by Jason
Ryan is literally the worst Attorney I have ever delt with. He lied to me multiple times. He threatened to resign if I did not agree to the horrible stripped down parenting plan that he negtotiated behind my back. Anytime throughout the case If i did not do exactly what he "advised" me to do, he threatened to resign. He did this the day before my trial, which I have since learned is extremely unethical on his part. I didn't know 24 hours before my trial that I could dismiss him and seek new and effective Counsel. Ryan rushed through my case in Court and did nothing to adress all the false and nasty claims by my Ex and her Attorney. Ryan absoutley guaranteed me that I would not have to pay child support. He did this in his office the morning of the trial with my 28 year old Son standing right next to me. When I reminded Ryan of this he said that I was remembering things wrong. He made multiple excuses for his terrible performance and even blamed the result on me. I offered to provide him with my full medical file from my surgeon outlining and detailing the horrific back injury I suffered and the surgeries had to help me walk again. Multiple times (including emails from Ryan) he assured me that the Notes written by my Chiropractor were more than sufficiant and I quote Ryan here "He is a Medical Dr. His word absolutely checks the box". The damage Ryan caused me is lifelong. I was the stay at home parent to 6 children why I supported my Wifes Military career. I am now almost 51 years old and because Ryan only cared about goin on his vacation the day after my Trial, I get 1,100 a month transitional Support for 2 years only. This on my Ex Wife's $9000 a month income. Ryan was completely ineffective during the trial. He had zero rebuttle for countless false allegations and nasty remarks directed at me. Stay away from this guy. He is a terrible Attorney who does not care about you. I should have fired him before the trial but I honestly didn't know I had that option. I could sit here for hours and detail all the underhanded and false things Ryan said and did througought my Divorce and Trial. I can't wait to see the nonsense he responds here with. My name is Jason Nicholson. I live in Cornelius OR, I am on social media. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about this fraud of an Attorney. I saved every single email and took detailed notes during the many phone calls wherein he threatened to resign if I didn't do exactly what he said.
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23 Nov, 2023 by Graham
When you need a divorce lawyer that is in your corner, Ryan Wilkinson is the lawyer to go to!!!! I worked with Ryan for two years in my draw out divorce. He was always readily available through email. He was always looking out for my best interests. He would keep down the lawyer costs as best as he could. Divorces are not easy, and he was always there to support me in the realms of legal standings. Definitely a straight shooter and to the point lawyer which you need in a divorce trial. He has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to legal manners around divorces. Anyone going through divorce, I would like to say there's no winners or losers. Just have a strong lawyer on your side, RYAN Wilkinson
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14 Oct, 2021 by Elizabeth
So thankful that I got connected with Ryan. Extremely helpful, patient, knowledgeable and professional.
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20 Jul, 2017 by Daniel
Jon worked on multiple cases for me and my family over the course of three years and he consistently delivered top notch results and service. He was thorough, knowledgeable, responsive, trustworthy, and compassionate.
In my first experience with Jon’s expertise he crafted a 16 page memorandum for a hearing. The document deftly and accurately combined facts of the case with a solid argument supported by law, and helped to establish the successful trajectory of the custody case into the future. Over time Jon proved himself to be very knowledgeable about family law and highly resourceful. On numerous occasions he identified weaknesses in the work of other attorneys. He knows the law.
Jon always responded quickly to phone calls and emails. His responsiveness and unwavering attention were reassuring and supportive. His impeccable attention to detail was a result of sincere compassion. I can say with 100% certainty that he truly cared about me and my family. At times he even provided information, resources, and advice on how to handle some matters on my own in order to save money. With his help I was able to handle many aspects of making changes to child support.
I cannot overstate how grateful I will always be to Jon for his dedication and his work. Time after time Jon proved himself to be not only a highly effective and dependable attorney, but also an advocate for me and my family’s best interests. I would not hesitate to hire Jon again in the future and I highly recommend him.
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21 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
Jon went above and beyond to answer our questions and empower us to do our own research. He was receptive to the evidence we put forward in our very emotionally trying case. He reassured us through some very difficult experiences, always with a balanced approach and considering the safety of our daughter. Given the high cost of our case, he utilized his assistant as much as possible for a lessor hourly fee and was careful to not charge for any errors on his part or short email responses. We won and protected our child. He made good choices that lead to our success and legal protection.
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15 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Jonathan to consult me with a pending child custody battle. He was very quick to respond and was always ready to accommodate me. His advice was legally sound and he was very careful to suggest ways I could research some topics on my own in order to save money by requiring less time to be charged. I really appreciated that.
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03 Jan, 2021 by Daniel
Both Kyle and his assistant have been difficult to reach, at best. I pay for advice which also appears to change depending on his whim of the day. I paid for advice A for what would happen should X come true. X came true, and his advice A changed to B contingent on Y happening. Y happened, and now his advice has changed to C.
I had already expressed my dissatisfaction about him being hard to reach, and last time he asked me for additional information based on responses from the other party. When I sent him the information, I still got no response. I feel like I"m constantly ghosted.
I'm not sure what I'm paying for, but it's clear I'm not getting my moneys worth. I've paid almost $2,000 for getting yanked around. I'd like my money back, but ... lawyers.
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30 Aug, 2019 by Julie
I appreciated Kyle's help, advice and expertise with my recent divorce. It was imperative to me that my divorce be completed as quickly as possible. It is a truly painful experience, and I wanted it over. Kyle listened to me and truly worked fast and efficient so that I could have the rapid closure that I needed. I am grateful for his service.
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14 Aug, 2019 by Carla
I knew my divorce was going to be difficult and drag out. I interviewed 4 lawyers and knew I would be in good hands with Joel Kent. Kyle was the other lawyer put on my team. I liked him immediately. I liked his calm manner, his organization, his creative and out of the box thinking, his staff's organization.......they are a well oiled machine. When going through divorce for the first time....you don't know what you don't know and it's critical to have representation that can guide you through this process and obtain the best results possible. Kyle has the knowledge, expertise and confidence that you want in a lawyer to maneuver through this unchartered, emotional territory. His calm and collect manner is so refreshing during such an emotionally charged time. Also, when you spend so much time with someone, you really get to know them. Kyle is ethical and a good person. He is excellent at setting expectations of the process and potential outcome - this comes with his experience. Kyle was accessible, knowledgeable and quick turn around on strategy or moving in a different direction. Unfortunately, my divorce ended up in a private trail after 3 failed mediations. The amount of preparation Kyle and his team did to prepare for trail was very impressive and the organization was more impressive. I was so proud to have him as my lawyer. All credit goes to Kyle and team for the results of my final judgement and his top notch representation. Thank you Kyle!
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05 Apr, 2023 by Fridah
Extremely intelligent and professional. He paid attention to every little detail. My case was very complex with my ex trying to hide assets in an llc and a corporation. Marc was incredible, he was able to disentangle and simplify things. I am sure the judge thanked him as he made a very intricate case clearer for him. Mr Perrin has a lot of integrity and was very careful not to waste my time or money.
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05 Feb, 2023 by Mckenzie gibson
23 Sep, 2022 by Magnificent man
My Go-To for legal issues especially concerning real estate and landlord concerns
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22 Aug, 2023 by Jordan
David covered more ground in 1 hour than I have experienced with other attorneys. He was real, and told me clearly what is realistic. He set me on a good course and I will be grateful.
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06 Nov, 2020 by James
David provided me with the knowledge and advice I needed to successfully navigate my divorce. His assistant Tarrah was fantastic to work with as well. I was charged a reasonable fee to prepare, edit and file all of the documentation. Meetings via Zoom were set up in a timely fashion and my questions and concerns were answered promptly. Although this was a difficult experience, I believe David helped to make it as smooth as possible for me. I would highly recommend hiring David if the need arises.
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15 May, 2020 by Lucy
David I Bean has helped me with renewing my Restraining Order against my aggressive and dishonest ex during COVID-19.
David takes my case seriously. He approached me and try to sort out my issues although he could ask his assistant to do intake on behalf of him and let me have a longer wait. However he didn't.
David let me have time and space so that I can bring the most useful resources related to the issues. He listens very well.
David can react to a new situation and transition it smoothly. We went to the Court for a in-person hearing, but it turned out to be a phone hearing. David was able to fast response how to deliver certain tasks to proper person/Judge to get things going seamlessly.
David cares about community. He donates his time and knowledge and help me to become a better person.
In a word, David is a lawyer with good heart. It was a great experience to learn from this excellent human being, Lawyer David I Bean.
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08 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Honest and Dependable Loyer gets the job done Very satisfied Never want to go through divorce again but definitely hire her again
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08 Mar, 2022 by Kellie
I found Tanzosh Family Law after multiple calls to other attorney's in the area. Brenna was personable, answered my questions, and was very sympathetic and understanding during my consultation (divorce - mostly amicable). Her billing was accurate in time devoted to my case and I never felt she 'added on or made things longer' than they needed to be. Very fair in price and represented me very well. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing assistance in Family Law.
Side note: She also decided to hire an assistant during the time I was utilizing Brenna's services. She is also knowledgeable, timely and efficient. Great team.
Thank you for all you have done for me. I was so appreciated.
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11 Jan, 2022 by Jeff
Brenna & Michael took my case a couple of years ago and it was complicated, and at the time very emotional with the circumstances and challenges. They got me in the right mental frame of mind with their support. Then we meticulously went through our options, and devised a plan. We reached a settlement that was fair and equitable for both sides which is all I could have asked. It didn’t get messy because Brenna & Michael were empathetic to the factors in our case. I’m forever grateful for the outcome. They are top shelf professionals that know the law and the reality. I highly recommend them to the serious person that desires a fair shake, and is willing to put in the time to get there.
Sincerely,
Jeff Johnson
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05 Jan, 2021 by Stephen
DO NOT HIRE HIM, YOU WILL REGRET IT! Lee is in it for the money, not your best interests. Somehow my situation got worse with Lee's representation. I fired him, represented myself, and regained custody that I lost when Lee was representing me.
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29 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Tyler was very personable and provided great representation without adding unnecessary hours and charges. A great attorney I would and will hire again.
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18 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Through one of the hardest experiences I've been through, yet my confidence grew quickly with Lee and the very capable team.
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15 Jul, 2019 by Bonnie
I recently contacted Sonia Ickes to represent my daughter, who has been fighting Glioblastoma Multiforma, Stage 4 brain cancer since 2016. My daughter also had a stroke (caused by the past radiation treatments of her brain cancer) in December 2018 which caused her to become legally blind. My daughter needed to be on disability through the Social Security Administration so that she could also obtain Medicare for her treatments. Sonia had represented clients in the past on Social Security disability and did such an amazing job that I wanted to hire her to represent my daughter. I was wise in my choice of Sonia Ickes. Sonia agreed to take the case. She was very thorough, kind, and competent. She was always available to take questions (we had many), and she got the claim into the Social Security Administration quickly. My daughter received her Social Security Disability in just a few weeks. We could not have done this without Sonia. Sonia is a really intelligent, caring, and highly competent attorney. I can't say enough good about Sonia and her professionalism.
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11 Jul, 2019 by Lynne
Ms. Ickes did a terrible job during the time I hired her to represent me. She chose her own course; never kept me informed; did not prepare me for hearing; instead of doing her job in the courtroom, she chit chatted with the opposing attorney. When the hearing had a negative outcome, she did not counsel or advise me of next steps. Shoddy paperwork. Be forewarned.
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06 Jun, 2017 by Hope
At difficult times in our lives we need someone we can trust to help protect the things most dear to us. We need someone who knows our rights, someone who cares, someone who is respected and admired in her field. Sonia is all of these things and so much more!
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18 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
I have hired Mr. James for a couple of different cases regarding child custody. I cannot thank him enough for resolving everything for me the way my family and I wanted. If you want an honest answer and a lawyer that will work for you and your interests, you won't be disappointed with Mr. James. He is honest, hard working and he will tell you if what you want to accomplish is possible and what the beat course.of action will be.
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12 Nov, 2020 by Evan
Please ignore the 1 star review, written by my daughters mom or grandmother. I won custody of my daughter at age 2, Anthony was instrumental in that every step of the way. The only court room antics were mom crying on que, her lying dirtbag attorneys ridiculous accusations and crazy witnesses. This case has continued through a state appeal, Oregon Supreme Court writ and an additional 9 years of litigation. Anthony has stood by me the entire time, won every battle and never let me down. Truly the last honest attorney around. My 11 year old(now) daughter thanks him every time she sees him for saving her from mom.
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07 Jul, 2017 by Ilene
James was hired by a narcissistic father, who went for custody of his daughter. He won. However, how the case was won was a different matter. Truth does not hold up as the basis of arguement. Mr. James was theatrical in his antics, not truthful, deceptive as he did not comply in a timely manner the orders given by the court. He did not write up the order with the judges specific rulings. Adding more than what the judge ruled on and leaving out specific wording that was used in the judge's ruling, Giving a different references to the rulings. So a court action is taking place to force Mr. James to do his job correctly. He wastes court time by his antics, which will cost you more! Only if you are untruthful and descriptive would I go with this attorney.
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01 Jul, 2024 by Kevin milo collins
31 May, 2024 by Missjunesellsoregon
Scott was the best Attorney I've ever worked with. Great Divorce Attorney. He was also very affordable! He was efficient, got the job done. Most importantly he was very good with communications. Kind. Friendly. Strong. He also has an awsome aid/team member. Thank you guys for all your help, guidance and support.
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27 Dec, 2023 by Shalynn budden
Mr. Carter was an invaluable source of peace at a very stressful time. He confidently helped us navigate the legal system and resolve a difficult situation.. He was straightforward, kind and patient with all our questions. We are incredibly grateful for our association with this wonderful attorney!
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28 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
I retained Mr. Ivers to represent me in my divorce. The whole process took almost a year. Mr. Ivers was mediocre at best. I dealt with his assistant Jodie most of the time (who was awesome). When we went to trial, Mr. Ivers left out many key pieces. I was very dissatisfied with his performance in court and should’ve fired him months ago.
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28 Feb, 2022 by James
this lawyer guided me with good advice with a parental interference case, and got me to be able to see my son again after not seeing son for 4 mo from ex wife issues, of which i will forever be grateful to the lawyer. he was helpful but was constantly busy, and indicated he didn't have a lot of time. i honestly feel he was trying to make time, but in the end i was called by his secretary and told that in the time frame i needed help, i would be better off finding another lawyer service, they did provide me a list and a contact number to find lawyers. this was when i was getting ready for a hearing that was coming up in 1 week. but for the time that i was getting advice from this lawyer it was better than i could have done on my own. the one piece of feedback i would like to give to him is if they new they would not be able to help me further then dont take money from me to put into trust fund. of course it is possible that they didn't realize the time involved, or that i would require more than an hour consulting a month until a few days after i made the deposit. it seems like i will get most of it back, but it might be some time. we will see, it seems more like a staffing competence rather than lawyers.... i'm used to professional lawyers from the past but from a larger organized firm. this lawyer is more affordable and i would use him again if i would have assurances for how much help they can and can not do, what they are willing to accept as a consultant, and how often i can contact them, and when i would get a response. even though i think this lawyer has good advice, and is affordable it is really just one or two people that run the show, and they need to learn to organize better, or get better help to organize and i hope they take this feedback and i wish them success. i feel this lawyer would do better working at a larger firm than deal with all the hustle and logistics of a business.
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17 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
When I was served with a divorce I thought I would handle it by myself even though my soon to be ex had a lawyer. I learned very quickly that was a bad idea. There are way too many laws, rules, procedures, etc that have to be followed. Doing it myself went downhill pretty quickly so I wanted to get a lawyer. I asked some people for help finding a lawyer, and several of them gave me Andy's name.
He is great at explaining things so that you understand them even when there are a whole lot of moving parts. I was amazed at how well he understands people and can predict what will happen or people will do. After he got involved we eventually came to a settlement that basically gave me what I asked for to start with.
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08 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Bret was incredibly helpful in providing counsel on a legal issues that arose as part of a high conflict co-parenting relationship. He listened, he was patient, he was knowledgeable, and provide clear and straight forward advice.
If you are looking for someone who is going to tell it how it is, and enjoyable to work with I highly recommend him.
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12 Sep, 2023 by Robin
Highly recommend Bret! He is very knowledgeable, kind, genuine, patient and helpful to name a few. He has helped me with a unique family matter and already gone above and beyond the standard to assist me. Family matters are very emotionally straining and he has done an excellent job of navigating both the legal and emotional side of things and has taken a genuine interest in helping. He has really raised then bar, (pun intended : ) Feel very fortunate to have Bret in my corner. 5 stars is not enough!
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23 Jul, 2022 by Drew
Paid him a large sum to prep for the hearing. <He estimated it would be $5k in the Consultation-way way off.> I had already paid filing fee and submitted all Documents but felt that I wanted Attorney Representation in the hearing. My most recent Statement showed $1900 left in the trust. The hearing was in a few weeks. It was a very simple straitforward modification & projected to be 5 hrs. No witnesses. Unexpectedly out of nowhere he demands $12500 within 2 days or threatened to quit.It was unjustified & I felt taken advantage of by his "good Ole boy" routine.So needless to say he withdrew last minute. I had no time to replace him & he ignored my request to at least send over the <Court Prep work>-documents-notes-exhibits...or at least something that he did to use in the hearing since I suddenly found myself unrepresented. I knew I was in trouble from the beginning when my adversaries attorney had him eating out of her hand right from the start! However, nobody wants to start over with someone new. I should have followed my gut.
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19 Sep, 2023 by Daniel
I strongly recommend finding a different attorney.
Alex is a super nice guy, but he is not a very good attorney. It would have been impossible to achieve a worse result then Alex achieved. He continuously demonstrated a lack of interest in the case and was unresponsive and/or distracted. His high price was also a concern given the lack of interest/effort. My gut was screaming at me to replace him through the whole process. I had no choice but to move forward with him despite wanting to find someone else, due to spending most of my time out of the United States.
Alex did NOT represent my interests in court. During the trial, Alex seemed unprepared. He was continuously fumbling through his notes like he didn’t know what to ask. The topics that I had asked him to focus on, the previous day, were not even mentioned (by Alex) during the trial (including the many times that my ex-wife broke the previous court order). Some of the questions that Alex asked me during the case made me look bad in front of the judge, as if Alex was also working for opposing party. I am unsure if Alex was intentionally trying to damage my case for if he is really just that bad of an attorney. I strongly believe that this case would have gone differently if I had halfway decent attorney.
The Judge consented fully to the position of my ex-wife, considered my position to be “[unreasonable],” and ordered that I pay my ex-wife’s attorney fees ($23,000). Alex’s response was “I am your attorney, not an oracle,” meaning Alex cannot predict court outcomes. How useful is an attorney who can’t predict court outcomes? How useful is a physicist who can predict motion, a meteorologist who can’t predict the weather, or a surgeon who can predict survival rates? If Alex was my surgeon, I would have been dead on the table.
Now I only get supervised visitation with my son, as if I am an ex-convict, despite never actually doing anything wrong.
Please learn from my mistake and find an attorney who knows what they are doing and who is motivated to bring you the best outcome.
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12 Aug, 2021 by Sam
Alex was incredibly friendly and understanding of my situation. We hired him on Thursday and by Tuesday we were already divorced, much quicker than anticipated. Would highly recommend Alex to anybody.
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25 Feb, 2021 by Lisa
Alex was very responsive to all of our needs. Anytime that we had any questions or wonderings, he got back to us very quickly and answered all of our questions. He made a delicate situation less stressful. I would recommend him to anyone!
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23 Sep, 2024 by Blake nonweiler
Joel Kent practices domestic relations law with an exquisite degree of skill, thoughtfulness and intellect. Joel is often credited as the leading family law attorney in Oregon, but I wonder if the breadth of that label should not be far more widespread. If you are fortunate enough to retain him, you'll have an advocate who not only possesses finely tuned trial skills, but also engages in tireless preparation and incredible professionalism. My mantra quickly became, "Whatever you think, Joel." and I was not once disappointed.
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20 Sep, 2023 by Kristine f
Excellent Lawyer! Laurel Hook will definitely take care of you during a very difficult time in your life along with your family dynamics changing. - She along with her team are absolutely amazing! She definitely knows the intricacies of the divorce laws and is there to represent you to the fullest. She talked me off of ledges on many occasions, I came into her office terrified of filing for divorce but knew I had to and she walked me thru a very complicated process paying attention to so many details, I had no clue about. She explained her strategies to me in ways I completely understood and felt comfortable with. I finalized my divorce with confidence due to her support and knowledge. Her team is there to come beside you which I was very thankful for. If you want the best lawyer, go with Laurel Hook esp if you divorce is complicated with a business or other stuff. She truly cared about me and my kids thru this entire process! I highly recommend Laurel Hook!
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12 Apr, 2023 by Ashley k.
17 Jan, 2023 by Mike
He is lazy, cost me custody of my daughter. He keeps paying to have my review removed. He refused to call witnesses and halfway through my case he basically told me we lost and there was no point in continuing.
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02 Feb, 2016 by Taylor
Sean was recently appointed to me by crook county. He not only resolved my case in a timely manner he kept contact with me 24/7. Every time I called he either answered or called me back in short time. Very impressed with his communication skills as well as his kindness on answering all my legal questions as a friend, not as a paid attorney trying to squeeze a dollar out of me. He not only got me the best deal possible but they wanted minimum 14 days in jail and he got me 2!!! If you want a friend or a understanding lawyer that simplifies the language of lawyer get a hold of Sean. Any future legal problems that I run into this is my lawyer.
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11 Aug, 2015 by Mandy
Sean was incredibly compassionate and clear in helping me understand the process. He communicated with me regularly and also provided resources to find support and healing after this traumatic experience.
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14 Oct, 2021 by William
Jacy Arnold is the type of lawyer every client wants, and all other lawyers strive to be. Jacy Arnold has the utmost respect and admiration for her clients. I highly recommend her to others based on my experience as a client. Jacy has proven herself to be a vigorous defender of her client's rights with a passion for justice.
Additionally, Jacy displayed excellent negotiation skills in my divorce case and was a beacon of hope to me. Jacy is highly knowledgeable on the law and was very strategic with my case, which allowed me to relax and put all of my trust into her and her firm throughout my case. I was amazed at the results. She and her staff genuinely care about their clients and fight for what is important to them. Every day she is a living example of what all attorneys should be and helped instill hope within my disparaging situation. I am glad and blessed to have found such a fantastic attorney. I am eternally grateful for her service, and I strongly recommend Jacy Arnold at Arnold law.
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08 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
We hired Jacy for what we would consider to be a complex case (unmarried, one night stand, father seeking custody, we had the bare minimum parenting time, etc.).
We intervierviewed several lawyers. Then we talked to Jacy. We knew within the first three minutes of our conversation, she was the one. She was thorough, honest, professional, and instantly made us feel like not only were we doing the right thing, but she was going to stand by our side start to finish. She absolutely did just that. Never were we uninformed. She returned every call, every email (even the ones where I was truly just babbling because I was scared); she was there. Her entire team was there. We felt like we were family. Her partners helped us, her assistant was nothing short of a hero. We met her husband/partner Mike. He assured us we were in the best hands, and that he would be there cheering us on. They are the epitome of Family Law in their treatment of clients, knowledge, staff. We felt like, and still do, family.
Jacy is a mom; kind, gentle, protective. And that's excacty what we felt from her. She was kind, gentle and when I say protective, I mean just that. She is fierce! She doesn't lose. She doesn't fold. She does what is right. And she protects her clients as she protects her young.
Jacy Arnold and her team (shout out to Jessica!) changed our lives. She did what we needed, and what was right. We knew she stood by us and never faltered. She told us what would happen from start to finish- and she was spot on.
She wins the battles. She wins the wars. She does this with competence, professionalism, strategy, fearlessness, and most importantly- love.
First we went for 50/50 and won. At that time Jacy thought we should have been fighting for full custody. We didn't listen. We were just too scared. Eight months later we came back. We won an emergency custody order, then we won full custody. I could tell you all the details in the case, but who cares? We won. It wasn't always easy, it wasn't fun. But we can't imagine being able to make it through this whole thing without Jacy and her team.
There's no doubt that Jacy Arnold and her team are the best you can find. She changed our lives. She can change yours.
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11 Oct, 2015 by Laura
Before I learned about Jacy Arnold I discreetly started my divorce proceedings w/ an incompetent attorney who provided dreadful advice and attempted to represent me inadequately. I quickly realized this and after further inquiring, Jacy Arnold came HIGHLY recommended. She represented me reverently throughout an extremely complex & unique case that lasted nearly a year. In conclusion, Jacy surpassed my greatest expectations.
My case initially involved a standard divorce and child custody, but shortly after acquiring Jacy as my attorney criminal charges evolved with my ex-husband. He was in a heinous car accident, in a rural area, while intoxicated with our 7 year old. He never notified me and deliberately delayed seeking medical treatment for hours. My ex-husband didn't have a scratch on him but my son sustained a deep contusion down to his skull with 15 stitches internally and externally which I saw personally when I finally arrived to the ER. He was under investigation by the district attorney & child protective services, yet somehow the DA's office recently determined they didn't have sufficient cause to prosecute him, despite not having a valid license for 8+ years, (due to multiple DUIs, including a hit and run) child endangerment charges, compelling evidence, witnesses and testimonies. Furthermore, our divorce was postponed three times due to unusual circumstances and by no fault of our own, during which Jacy ensured only supervised visits for his dad until we were finally able to go to court. She then presented my case to the judge as a fearless prosecutor and provided irrefutable evidence and testimonies, perjuring my ex-husband and those who testified on his behalf. Even more awe-inspiring was witnessing her prove what the DA's office neglected to even investigate, which I personally presented to them on a silver platter. My son and I have endured such unfathomable atrocities and would not have been able to survive this horrific nightmare without having Jacy on our side. She was available when I needed her, day and night, throughout my entire case, including weekends when necessary. Jacy was extremely personable, yet professional and kept me apprised continually.
I appreciate her candor and genuine concern and compassion for my family, which also reflected from her entire team of professionals. I trust Jacy implicitly and respect her immensely. I have and will continue to refer friends and patients to her. She has changed my outlook regarding a negative preconceived notion many of us have regarding attorneys. She is NOT an attorney practicing family law for the purpose of monetary gain or fame. She genuinely cares about her clients and fought incessantly for the rights of my family and safety of my son. I trusted Jacy with what I value most in this world, my son's life and his well being. I know with his alcoholic father she will be someone we will turn to throughout his life and find great comfort knowing this. Jacy Arnold is an extraordinary attorney and her resolve to help people in need is a quality that everyone should emulate. I am confident she will fight relentlessly and valiantly for you and your family as well.
(If you'd like to contact me personally I give Jacy permission to provide potential clients w/ my contact information upon request.)
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08 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
Like the comment below, he was not worth what I paid. He often required that I wait way too long for responses to emails and calls and clearly was always preoccupied by somethings. Divorcing my wife cost way more than it should have.
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25 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Look. If you want to spend top dollar for mediocre results then this is your guy. I found him incredibly disengaged with the process.
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02 Oct, 2017 by Allison
No one wants to get divorced, and certainly no one wants to have a contentious divorce and custody battle. Walking into court, I never felt more confident thanks to Alex's hard work, preparation and caring communication throughout the whole process.
Alex is incredibly smart, measured, thoughtful and has a personal nature that will make you feel at ease. But it's also his tenacity and doggedness that makes you feel confident you're in the right hands.
I interviewed numerous lawyers before final landing on Alex and I am very thankful to have him on my team.
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04 Feb, 2021 by Kimberly
RYAN IS AWESOME and worked diligently on my case. I would highly recommend Ryan
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26 Apr, 2017 by Brian stroud
25 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
I was so impressed and thankful for Mr. Kirchoff's advice work on my behalf. He was extremely bright, knowledgable and dedicated to reaching the result I wanted and even helped guided me into position for my future financial affairs and ventures. Honest and effective, highly recommended!
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30 Jun, 2023 by Violetta aderikhina
Mr. Norris is an absolute marvel of an Attorney, and it was an honor to have him as my defense. Would recommend him 10/10.
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12 Oct, 2022 by Nicholas foust
Has forgotten to give me a court date twice. With two warrants as a result. Does not care about the public.
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08 Apr, 2014 by Tawnya
Debra Dority, is a very determined lady. She worked extremely hard with my custody case. My family has come so far along since our last, and final hearing. Thanks so much for the compassion that you had:)
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25 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
I started my divorce in 2018 while the divorce was finalized there were many ups and down with my ex. Kristin was ideal with helping my navigate through this as well as keeping our children out of it. Through the years she has dealt with my multiple emails, phone calls, counselors, PC, reunification therapists, the ex, his attorney with SO many people involved in this case you would think she could possibly “drop the ball”. Well she didn’t. She does her best to point out when you yourself may be wrong. (Which makes a good attorney) She tells you to always “take the high road”. Which we all know is difficult when dealing with a divorce. If it weren’t for her guidance, honesty, expertise, years of experience, excellent staff to assist her. My children and I wouldn’t have got the outcome we got. Come court date she had ALL things in order, super organized and went down a checklist of facts. I knew then the other side should be worried that she came prepared to win! I would highly recommend her to anyone. And would use her again if needed.
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14 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
Kristin was hired in my divorce case with an abusive husband and father. I’m not entirely sure what she did on her part as I’m the one who did all paperwork and gathering of discovery. She was routinely rude and unbelievably unorganized and did not address extremely crucial issues that affected my 3 kids IMO.
I could share a whole lot more but I won’t , needless to say I wholeheartedly DO NOT recommend this attorney.
Be wary.
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23 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
I use lawyers for my businesses every year so I am familiar with many of the industry norms.
I am 5 years into a challenging co-parenting situation and another issue arose recently. I contacted Kristin Eaton via her firms website and scheduled a meeting after hearing back from her paralegal. Great I thought.
The day of the consult, the paralegal email to say, "Can't do a 1/2 hour free consult - you have to pay for 1 hour" - I said, ok. I value my time and understand she wants to be compensated for hers.
I drove 40 minutes to her office for the 1 pm appointment. When I arrived, the paralegal came out and said Kristin can't meet me today, she is too busy - I need to schedule out in 2 weeks.
Ouch - what a waste of my time.
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28 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
i WAS GIVEN A REFERRAL TO GOLDBERG AND JONES. I DECIDED TO GO DESPITE KNOWING THAT ANY FIRM THAT POURS AD MONEY INTO A PRODUCT LIKE THEY DO TYPICALLY IS BECAUSE THEY HAVE A POOR PRODUCT,
I PAID MY 200 DOLLARS FOR CHANCE TO MAKE JOKES REPEATEDLY ABOUT MY BEING DUMB ENOUGH TO MARRY THE SAME PERSON TWICE..
I HAD DONE A FAIR AMOUNT OF DUE DILLIGENCE PRIOR TO VISITING HIM,, HE WAS MORE CONCERNED WITH MAKING FUN OF ME AND TELLING ME THAT I SHOULD JUST SETTLE MY CASE FOR HALF..
HIS PARTING COMMENT WAS TO HAND ME A CARD AND TO LET ME KNOW WHEN I WAS GOING TO RETAIN HIM.. AND A FINAL JOKE ABOUT MARRYING THE SAME PERSON TWICE..
I HAVE SUBSEQUENTLY RETAINED A COMPETENT ATTORNEY AND AM HEADED FOR TRIAL..
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05 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
It has been several years since I dealt with Chance but he appears to still be with Goldberg and Jones. Coming in the door Colin Amos promised me the moon, then passed me off to Chance. Most of my funds were spent sitting around chatting it up with Chance. He never developed a legal strategy to move forward with my case, even refusing to even attempt to research the value of narital assets. Valuable time was lost and, consequently, money. I wasn't sure if Fewel's failure to perform his duties,as my attorney were more due to professional incompetence, ineperience or a lack of passion for the job -- perhaps all three? Anyway after re-uping their retainer once too often and expending thousands of my dollars for legal services of questionable value I cut hi m loose and hired another lawyer who as she said "cleaned up the mess" he had made of my divorce. Lesson learned,even if a little late.
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22 Aug, 2017 by Matthew
Super honest and helpful- got my case settled!
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21 Jun, 2021 by Heather
I hired Elaine for custody/parenting plan. She called my daughter the wrong name twice. She failed to communicate in a timely manner, with me and the opposing attorney. She seemed to be unconcerned or forgetful about my daughter's safety and mine as well. Overall experience was very unsatisfactory.
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12 Apr, 2019 by Tony
After an emotional decision I offered to my wife am uncontested divorce. After an Internet research for a local attorney to facilitate this I discover Ms. Smith-Koop. Unfortunately my wife took her own action and filed. I kept my appointment with Ms. Smith-Koop. I will attest that I was completely distraught. Not only did she walk me throught all my options she kind and presented me the facts.
My position was to be fair and reasonable to my wife. Ms. Smith-Koop provided all the resources necessary to accomplish this goal.
During the process I discovered her knowledge of not only all the laws but also of the system, attorneys, judges and courts.
I would highly recommend her to represent anyone for a fair and satisfactory result.
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12 Feb, 2014 by John
Elaine represented me in a difficult paternity case. My case was challenging to say the least and I was fairly doubtful of my chances at winning. Most of the feedback/opinion I received from other attorneys in Elaine's area of expertise (paternity) wasn't too optimistic. Elaine was the only one who truly gave me hope and her feedback/opinion on my case was more knowledgeable of the law than some of the other attorney's feedback whose rates were much higher than Elaine's.
Elaine is a skilled professional who is highly knowledgeable and very competent in the area of paternity and family law. Elaine and her legal staff helped me win a very difficult paternity case and both their experience and competence are admirable. I am very happy with the outcome of my case and the services provided. Given my overall experience with Elaine, I would highly recommend Elaine and her staff to represent you if are looking for an attorney that truly knows and skillfully practices the law!!
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18 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Arrogant A-hole. Exactly what we all fear a bad lawyer is. Not prompt or thorough, but will charge you like he is. Crams like a college frat boy. Essentially is still is one, with a law degree. Not experienced with high conflict cases. Do Not Use if: you are female, have experienced trauma or are divorcing a narcissist. Blamed me for his uncontrolled temper in front of the judge. Reported he "tricked" me into having a settlement conference and therefore he waived the cost of it, including his legal fees. Not a good feel. Especially when expressing sympathy for the OP and how they got "the shaft" in my divorce. Made recommendations that my ex and I split time with our child 50/50 (which isn't even possible when parents live in 2 different counties) after my ex absconded with my child for 4 months and it took me 5 months to get him to file parenting time enforcement on my behalf. I should have cut my losses in the first month. It would have saved me lost time with my children and about 25K.
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08 Feb, 2023 by Rick
After my wife passed away I had a custody claim put against me by a family member from my wife’s side. I met with Mr. Weyer and he walked me through everything that could happen and what the possible outcomes were. I had never been into trouble before or been a bad parent to my son, Mr Weyer was really good at assuring me that we were going to be alright. He spent countless hours on my case and would check in frequently telling me where we were at. The thing I liked about him was that he didn’t tell you what you wanted to hear, he always advised on what he believed was best. He is really good at representing his clients in the court room. I had never testified before and he did a really good job at keeping me calm before and after I testified. All of Mr Weyer’s hard work paid off because we won our case entirely and I was able to move on with my life reassured that I had 100% custody of my son. I would definitely hire Mr Weyer again. He has incredible knowledge about Family Law.
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13 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
Had a nasty Break up with my ex and had lost contact with my son. My ex slapped me with a restraining order, and i jumped the gun in responding to it before consulting with Brad, Asked for an extension in court to try to secure a lawyer, extension was denied by judge, I ended up with an RO. After consulting Brad he wanted to take my case. With months of negotiations He ended up getting me a parenting plan that my ex finally agreed too.
All in all Brad was a great lawyer, he is a lawyer that doesn't tell you what you want to hear, he tells you what you need to hear. Always answered all my questions and gave me great advise. He handled my case very well and professionally. I would hire him again in the future.
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29 Oct, 2024 by Katy nevinsky
Angela represented a friend of mine (who I’m a witness for) and gave horrible legal advice, including telling her to not have witnesses (which would have included myself). These actions put a child in harm’s way.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Angel weatherly
Amazing staff!!!! Angela took so much weight off my shoulders along with Jesse!!!!! Amazing caring team!!!!! I'll be forever grateful to the both of them!!!!
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17 May, 2024 by Aaron tracy
The individuals at Angela Lee's law firm have consistently demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the entire process.
The communication with everyone involved, especially paralegals and receptionists, has been exemplary.
From the moment Angela Lee's law firm took on my son's custody case, they have dedicated themselves tirelessly and professionally to the matter.
Their billing practices have been transparent and accurate. If they indicated that something would be done, it was completed WITHOUT fail.
I am deeply appreciative of everyone's assistance there and will gladly recommend them to others!
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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.
