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30 Jun, 2024 by Zonny villazon
04 Dec, 2023 by Monkey business tree care specialists
This firm enjoys harassing local businesses. Mr. Adam Miller has been trying to enforce and invalid subpoena for the past 5 months. TRYING is the important word. His shortcomings with paperwork could mean the difference in your case. Use at your own risk!! I would not use an attorney who cant even force someone to produce the evidence needed to defend you or win your case.
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11 Sep, 2023 by Lisa vines
Gray Robinson of Gary Rabin Attny:
Have had only positive experience with every body at this Law Firm. They are always polite, quick to return my call & are always willing to work through any problem I might have. I would recommend them & have to many people.
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12 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr. Luther has consistently had not been truthful and to his benefit has left out facts that would benefit the case he is on.
No integrity! Mr. Luther does not promote the ethical standards that are held highly of all that practice law. Do not hire him!
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21 May, 2020 by William
Wade represented me in my divorce last year. He did a great job. We had to go to court a few times and he won each time. After that, my ex changed her tune and became a lot more reasonable. We ended being able to settle before the trial. I was very happy with the results. Wade did a great job for me and I would definitely recommend that you use him.
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17 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Luther represented me in my divorce case last year. He really did a great job for me. He has a very calm demeanor and really know his stuff. We had to go to court twice and both times he was outstanding. He was completely prepared and confident. He really related well to the judge and explained our position great. After a few fights in court, my spouse changed his tune and began looking for a settlement. Mr. Luther ultimately negotiated a great settlement for me and we never had to have a full trial. I highly recommend him as he is a great attorney!
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20 Feb, 2021 by Shanna
Sonica did the greatest disservice to myself and my children. Years out and the damage she did is still impacting my three children. Her interests lie in the in the fees she collects and men...without regard to what the situation truly is. She did not listen to my children regarding the abuse they were suffering at the hands of their father and to this day we are still learning more and more. I was charged thousands of dollars for her poor services and we are still paying in tears and pain.
Thank you SO much Sonica for the disaster you perpetuated in my children's lives. We will NEVER forget you.
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27 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I retained Sonica for a short lived marriage/divorce proceedings. From the moment I met her, she was honest and straight forward with me. Sonica cared about my case, returned all of my calls during my many long business travels all around the country, and answered every question and concern. All paperwork was handled in a very efficient manner, and I was assured not to worry. She even saved me money on my mediation process. I completely recommend Sonica Cinami to anyone who wants a bit bull in the courtroom and a divorce lawyer who actually cares about her clients’ well-being. Sonica will fight for you till the bitter end.
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05 Aug, 2015 by Jean
I retained Sonica mid way through a very difficult divorce and custody battle. After my last attorney, she was a breath of fresh air. Sonica cared about my case, the welfare of my children and about me. She even handled an emergency for me when she was on vacation.
Unlike my other attorney, she wasn't afraid to go to court to protect the children.
The results speak for themselves:
1. My children are with me 80% of the time
2. I no longer have to pay child support ( We could not prove that my ex-husband business makes more than $4,000/year, she was able to impute his income to minimum wage)
3. The children now have their own beds when they visit their father.
Before you obtain a lawyer, please ask yourself the following questions:
1. Do you want an attorney who is ethical?
2. Do you want an attorney that cares for your welfare and your children's welfare?
3. Do you want an attorney that isn't afraid of litigation?
4. Do you want an attorney that only charges your for services rendered and does not pad the bill?
5. Do you want an attorney who isn't afraid of hard work?
If you answered yes to these questions, then you should consider setting up a consult with Sonica.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Coco palm
Would not recommend. Very confrontational
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01 Aug, 2024 by Jack the buster
Unjust fees, i feel like I was told a lie
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01 Aug, 2024 by Savera team
Unfair. Questionable practice.
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4.0
21 Reviews
3.3
12 Reviews
01 Aug, 2024 by Coco palm
Would not recommend. Very confrontational
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01 Aug, 2024 by Jack the buster
Unjust fees, i feel like I was told a lie
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01 Aug, 2024 by Savera team
Unfair. Questionable practice.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
One of the biggest mistakes of my life was hiring her. All she cared about was money. If you are a woman stay away! She was so intimidated by my ex-husbands attorney out of her league. Needless to say we parted ways when I got her famous letter she needed $50,000 to continue to represent me. I walked away.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Coco palm
Would not recommend. Very confrontational
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01 Aug, 2024 by Jack the buster
Unjust fees, i feel like I was told a lie
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21 Apr, 2015 by Isabel
Do not waste your money on this attorney. She is going through a lot of personal and medical issues and will only take your retainer for personal gain. I was referred to her by another attorney office, whom supposed to collect part of the retainer in case Ms. Mangan was not available. It is even mentioned on the initial contract, but such referral law firm NEVER received that part of the retainer paid. So for starters she gave me a false contract, which tells you a lot of what kind of attorney she is. She wil NEVER answer texts, phone calls, or voicemails, the only way she will answer is if you call her or text her from an unknown number, and when she does she gives you a million medical and personal excuses of why she couldn't answer. Also, just days after giving her a $3,000 retainer she moved out of her office to work from home without giving me any heads up. I think that moving from an office to work from home is a very important fact to tell a client that is handing $3,000 at once, but no, she did not. Again, it says a lot about her ethical behavior. She will never keep you updated on the billing and the retainer magically dissapears without any details on what it was spent on. She will deliberately ask for another retainer without explanation, or detail invoicing, of what happened to the first one. I read the previous review and it is exactly the same situation, every time is an excuse of why things were not done and she is always at the hospital some how. Also, do not expect for her to return any papers from your case file, I am still waiting for months now for her to return my file, even though she knows I am expecting to go to a trial soon. In conclusion, this lawyer uses the retainer just for her personal benefit and will give you a thousand excuses on why things are not being done. I worked with her for about two years and nothing got achieved, zero, my case was still standing in the same place it was since I hired her. She also text to request information on the same mornings that hearings were held, and worst of all, information that was already previously given to her. A complete lack of organization in something as important as a divorce. She will continuesly talks about her personal divorce proceeding which threw me off guard every time, making comments like "my ex-husband told me to take a Xanax," completely unprofessional. I decided to represent myself and in only one single hearing half of the issues were resolved without the need of her services. Again, do not waste your money in this lawyer and unfortunately these kind of scammers is what give the lawyer community a bad rep. Will report her to the Bar Association because she has broken every ethical rule in existence. Again, be ware and do not give any money to this scammer.
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18 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Gladys is a awful lawyer! Do not take your time, money and legal issues with her. She was a BIG waste of time and money I have ever spent on an attorney. I hired her to represent me for a divorce and she was unresponsive, hard to get a hold of ( takes weeks to get back to you) and on top of it did absolutely NO work on my case. I wasted $3500 and I'm in the process of hiring a new attorney due to her negligence. She didn't even know how to set up mediation properly. She told me she scheduled it but then gave me multiple excuses as why it wasn't scheduled. I even had to put in my own financial information in her system that I previously gave her multiple times. She always had an excuse as to why something/nothing was happening involving my case ( her own divorce, health problems and etc...) Awful customer service skills and would NOT recommend her to anyone.
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21 Nov, 2013 by Lisa
Before I hired Gladys, I worked with several attorneys in two different counties. I thought they were great attorneys until I hired Gladys. She has made maneuvering through the legal system understandable and a lot less painful to deal with. She spoke to me in terms I could understand and helped me make informed decisions in my case. She even told me that some of the things I asked for needed to be fair to both sides and even some of the suggestions were not exactly how I would have moved foward with, she explained the most ethical paths and, taking her advice, both sides of the case ended up pleased with the outcome. If you want an excellent attorney, you must hire her. I didn't regret it and I know you wont either.
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01 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
This is one of the worst attorneys you can hire. So unorganized and unprepared it’s ridiculous! She’s been working as an attorney for a long time and might have the experience but she definitely needs to retire. When she represents you in court she often stumbles over her words and isn’t prepared in any way for your fight. If your willing to waste your money go right ahead but if your looking for someone to actually fight your battle, find another attorney!
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16 Jan, 2020 by Jessica
I was referred to this attorney and qualified for a free phone consultation. Maybe that is why I was treated the way I was treated. This woman would not let me finish a sentence, kept rushing me, wouldn't let me explain my entire situation, and spoke to me as if I were dirt on the ground. When I asked her if I could finish what I was saying, after being interrupted for literally an entire 10 min conversation (I was entitled to 30 minutes), she replied with, "I don't think this is going to be a good fit". I completely agreed. I have never been spoken to in such a way by a "professional" before. I have never gone out of my way to give a bad review, but I was in tears by the end of the call due to how cruel she was. All I wanted was some advice. Please, do not bother with this attorney, unless you want to be made to feel terrible. I get the feeling that if I had a lot of money, I may have been treated quite differently.
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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.
