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20 Aug, 2024 by Christian garcia
14 Aug, 2024 by Shereda velasquez
06 Aug, 2024 by Karla chacon
20 Aug, 2024 by Christian garcia
14 Aug, 2024 by Shereda velasquez
06 Aug, 2024 by Karla chacon
20 Aug, 2024 by Christian garcia
14 Aug, 2024 by Shereda velasquez
06 Aug, 2024 by Karla chacon
25 Jun, 2024 by Miss jordan
Seems like a reputable law firm with good reviews, however the staff hired is a direct reflection of the company, and their current front desk receptionist Kayla Bates came to my place over the weekend in my parking lot smoking weed and threatening to fight me and asking me if I want to come downstairs and get beat up over a man. A woman she knows is pregnant. What type of professionalism is that? I called and spoke to the executive team Holly and Tammy and was assured they would address the issue with said staff.
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08 May, 2024 by Karen j nechville
03 May, 2024 by Michael navarro
Very helpful I'm so great full for all there help!
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05 Aug, 2024 by Raul moreno
Great place friendly staff and they will go all out for you!
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12 Oct, 2023 by Crystal allen
Working with Joel and his team has been such a great experience. During such a difficult time, Joel was there to support me and make sure I understood my rights. From beginning to end Joel and his team communicated and treated my case with respect. I would highly recommend Joel and his firm to represent someone who is looking for a dedicated attorney who really knows his stuff! Thank you Joel and Ronda!
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17 Sep, 2023 by Krissy isenberg
10 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
I spoke to Angela and Tabetha today for the first time. After our conversation, they put my mind at ease. I was told about Angela 2 years ago and was hesitant to retain her because of my finances. After going with another attorney and not getting the outcome, I decided to reach out to her. She and her team made excellent points that my attorney failed to address. She is honest and will fight for you and, most importantly, the best interest of your children.
Rosine
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05 Nov, 2018 by Ja'net oitzinger
Angie helped my daughter through a very stressful divorce.
She and her team were AMAZING. She is super sharp and strong-
gets right down to it; however, they were so comforting and empathetic! There aren't enough stars or accolades to describe how much I respect her/team. It removed a lot of stress for me, as a mother, knowing my daughter was in such experienced and capable hands.
She truly is the BEST! **********++
Do yourself a favor and go to Angie!
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15 Jun, 2017 by Mary
WOW Angie has a unique focus to keep you in the POSITIVE light. Her goal is to help you and your loved ones head off into your next best lives. She realizes that we maybe cannot always live with each other for an eternity, but we can acknowledge that reality and move on.
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22 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
Steven jumped right into the mess I had made after filing for child support and full custody by myself. The dad had never been around and wanted full custody now that I was making my full custody legal on paper. Steven picked up where I left off and really explained everything to me and made me feel alot more confident. We won our case in court thanks to him. I now sleep much better at night knowing that everything is legally set. Thanks a million!
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19 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
This attorney did not help me thoroughly with my battle against mother. Even tho mother was in contempt for many things and I wanted to obtain full decision making. Mr. Sufrin made me settle to agreements with opposing party when he could of potentially gone to trial and fight for what was right for this case. Now mother is back in contempt of other things when this could attorney could of performed better. I ended paying Mr. Sufrin more than 4 grand for a lousy settlement. DO NOT HIRE HIM.
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04 Jun, 2018 by Colette
Mr. Sufrin was knowledgeable, understanding, and patient in his handling of my divorce and related matters. Through every challenge my court case brought, he was always there for me. During what was surely the worse time of my life, Mr. Sufrin brought compassion and professionalism to the task at hand and I achieved the results that were best for my children and myself.
I would highly recommend Mr. Sufrin for any and all family law matters. Should I require family law representation in the future, I would not hesitate to use his skills.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Ronald schreier
I have used the services of Rich Peters and his colleagues for approximately 18 years. He has (1) secured my legal separation and 18 years later the dissolution of the marriage; (2) successfully defended my stepdaughter in a child custody dispute; and (3) set up a legal guardianship for our granddaughter. In all of these cases, he delivered the results that I expected with professionalism and care. He is a good communicator who gave sound legal advice and explanations of what to expect in the execution of these cases. I hope I do not need any future family-related legal services, but if I do, I know who to contact.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Erica luhrs
you still have yet to return my emails - i guess that means you are guilty of being awful lawyers
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07 Nov, 2023 by Erica luhrs
rich peters and his team never fought for me or my family - in fact they were supposed to register a family court order in arizona and never did but still kept collecting my money while arizona NEVER had jurisdiction- a couple of attorneys failed to keep my family safe but the last one Sophia realllllly messed up by not adequately protecting my address from my abuser and stalker - an address that was never meant to be handed over to him - she allowed the judge to mistreat me and did not represent me at all. i even told her things were not being handled properly and she assured me she could do better - she did not. Rich peters has ignored my emails for MONTHS now but still has no problem demanding payment - a payment i will never send - i believe i am owed my money back in FULL - now that you are back in the country mr peters i do expect a reply
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02 Apr, 2024 by Holly bashaw
Carrie is an AMAZING family law attorney! She truly cares about her clients and their cases and she most importantly- she cares about the children that are involved. She and Allison both work extremely hard to fight for what is right. My husband and I very highly recommend Carrie Wilcox- even if your case is complicated. Carrie has excellent communication, consistently provided us her best advice, treated us with respect and always pointed us in the best direction. She’s fantastic!
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16 Jan, 2024 by Matt green
11 May, 2023 by Courtney green
Carrie listens to what your concerns are and helps with getting things done right. Everyone in the office is very helpful. I felt confident going to court with her and she had everything laid out for what needed to be said. She does an amazing job. I highly recommend her.
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14 Sep, 2017 by Lori
I don't have enough words to explain how wonderful she is. Naturally when you hire a lawyer for family court there's almost always hard feelings, contention and stress. Ms. Seidl was not only my lawyer but she was often my therapist. She's understanding, caring, she listens, and sometimes when you need it, tough love. She will be honest with you, sympathize with you, and will ALWAYS fight for you. Her understanding of family court is unmatched. I owe her my sanity!
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29 Mar, 2017 by Christine
My husband and I retained Carissa to represent us in the case against his ex-wife and while the retainer was on the expensive side, we do not regret it. Carissa is a fabulous attorney and she is amazing at what she does. You can tell she loves her job and really cares about her clients and their families. She was honest with us and told us the "not so ugly truth" sometimes but that is what makes a great attorney. She kept us in the loop and returned our calls and emails (but also did not waste attorney time on unnecessary phone time). Some may say that she (or her law office) is expensive but you get what you pay for. And it was money WELL spent. I would recommend her and Jaburg Wilk to everyone and I have recommended her to friends, just as she was recommended to us by a friend.
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23 Jan, 2017 by Ed
Carissa was recommended to me by a friend. I had never been in court before and the opposing Attorney was pretty vicious. Carissa told me not to get upset, that everything would work out ok for me and that I had a good case. Well she was right all along. Carissa was very fair and straightforward with me regarding all the issues and was very professional and courteous. I couldn't have picked a better attorney.
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02 Oct, 2020 by Melody
Tom saved my life and protected myself and my child. HE IS THE BEST! It was my first time fighting in court. I was scared and lost. Tom gave good support and straight forward directions. The only thing I had a problem with is his response time back to me sometimes. Later learning it was my impatience. Also to save me money and both of us from nonsense time. Due to me over asking questions stemming from fear and anxiety. Questions that were answered in dew time. We were up against another tough lawyer. Tom stood strong, tough, firm, honest and confident. When I thought Tom was quiet in his responses to me. He truly was hearing me. When it came to time in court. Those little concerns were blasted right back at apposing council. Ammo I didn't even expect due to my naiveness. He fought toughly for me 100%. I received everything I was asking for, with a few compromises. He worked with me on payments that I could afford. I would highly recommend Tom and would use him again! He truly saved mine and my child's life! Thank you Tom!
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09 Jul, 2019 by Jenny
I had Tom to represent my case during my complicated divorce and child custody. My case lasted longer than expected. He explained to me the family law clearly and he understood my situation. As I went through my divorce, I had tendencies to become subjective and wished the law could grant everything I desired. Tom was very objective in discussing to me what is possible and not possible according to the law. I went through with the process of my divorce not with a very clear understanding of what I can have and what I can not have and Tom was always there to explain to me whys of the process. He was very clear to explain to me that there was no guarantee that I will get what I wanted but the guarantee was he would do his best to get me and my son what is fair and he DID. My divorce and my child custody was done and I did not get what I wanted but I did have what is fair. I also had a clear understanding of why things work that way because Tom had educated me along the process. During the process, I also felt that I had somebody who truly care and would always be there to defend me and my son from the abuses. In the manner of communication, we did everything through email and only very minimal phone calls. However, I never felt that Tom and Tawsha missed to communicate with me. There was always an effective communication and when I was confused, I just sent an email and even if he was in vacation, I always got the answers from Tom or from his paralegal. I am forever grateful to Tom and Tawsha for guiding, educating and walking me through that very difficult and complicated process. I highly recommend Tom because he is the type of a lawyer who is very straight forward and realistic about his cases.
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03 Sep, 2018 by Wendy
Thomas Alongi is a complete professional who is brilliant in his understanding and interpretation of family law. I came to him in a desperate state where a previous attorney had completely botched my case by untimely filings. My first encounter with Tom’s firm was a very compassionate and understanding conversation with his assistant/paralegal Tawsha.
My case was complicated . I hired The Alongi firm at the eleventh hour. Tom was able to dissect and reconstruct years of information and get positive results in a short week. He kept me and my children safe from domestic violence and completely turned my nightmare situation into the results I desired. He and his staff have a deep and profound understanding of domestic violence and the Law.
I could only say that my children’s lives and mine were protected through the courts only because of Tom Alongi’s just and fair way of dealing with a very complicated court system.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Ronald schreier
I have used the services of Rich Peters and his colleagues for approximately 18 years. He has (1) secured my legal separation and 18 years later the dissolution of the marriage; (2) successfully defended my stepdaughter in a child custody dispute; and (3) set up a legal guardianship for our granddaughter. In all of these cases, he delivered the results that I expected with professionalism and care. He is a good communicator who gave sound legal advice and explanations of what to expect in the execution of these cases. I hope I do not need any future family-related legal services, but if I do, I know who to contact.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Erica luhrs
you still have yet to return my emails - i guess that means you are guilty of being awful lawyers
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07 Nov, 2023 by Erica luhrs
rich peters and his team never fought for me or my family - in fact they were supposed to register a family court order in arizona and never did but still kept collecting my money while arizona NEVER had jurisdiction- a couple of attorneys failed to keep my family safe but the last one Sophia realllllly messed up by not adequately protecting my address from my abuser and stalker - an address that was never meant to be handed over to him - she allowed the judge to mistreat me and did not represent me at all. i even told her things were not being handled properly and she assured me she could do better - she did not. Rich peters has ignored my emails for MONTHS now but still has no problem demanding payment - a payment i will never send - i believe i am owed my money back in FULL - now that you are back in the country mr peters i do expect a reply
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09 Aug, 2024 by Amy richardson
I cannot begin to thank this firm enough for excellent representation in my divorce. They are caring, compassionate, capable, and professional, while not charging and arm and a leg for their services. We were able to work amicably with the attorney on the other Sid and get our divorce settled as painlessly as possible in this situation. It was very evident that they care very deeply about their clients. Thank you again!
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27 Jun, 2024 by Martha irimiciuc
Not a good lawyer.
My response: I understand what you are saying. I understand how the law works. My review is based on morals and common respect, in which I felt lacked from Dori. While her team was friendly, she could not act the least bit interested in anything not pertaining to her. The amount of money she “took” and how minimum she did, …..or rather didn’t do—-made it impossible to ignore the injustice. It also made me see how easy representing yourself is, which I did -& won. So for this is the sole reason, I stand with my review. Thank you for replying.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Craig laverdiere
Carrie Cravatta is unethical, lazy, will show up to appointments unprepared, cares more about discussing her vacations (European vacations, cruises) than discussing your case. She will take your money, tell you all the things she will do, ultimately not doing them leaving you wondering what it is she did. Run away, this woman is a wrecking ball and will make your life worse off.
Follow up. Per the request of Carrie’s partners I reached out to discuss my concerns and the basis for my negative review. We spoke for roughly an hour and a half (lots to discuss!) That was weeks ago we spoke, appears the call was nothing more than a dog and pony show, I have heard nothing further, this law group likely continues their unethical, lazy, criminal like activities. Carrie’s partners should fire her so they don’t wreck what the partners are building, it shows a lot about this group that she is still employed and a partner.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Amy richardson
I cannot begin to thank this firm enough for excellent representation in my divorce. They are caring, compassionate, capable, and professional, while not charging and arm and a leg for their services. We were able to work amicably with the attorney on the other Sid and get our divorce settled as painlessly as possible in this situation. It was very evident that they care very deeply about their clients. Thank you again!
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27 Jun, 2024 by Martha irimiciuc
Not a good lawyer.
My response: I understand what you are saying. I understand how the law works. My review is based on morals and common respect, in which I felt lacked from Dori. While her team was friendly, she could not act the least bit interested in anything not pertaining to her. The amount of money she “took” and how minimum she did, …..or rather didn’t do—-made it impossible to ignore the injustice. It also made me see how easy representing yourself is, which I did -& won. So for this is the sole reason, I stand with my review. Thank you for replying.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Craig laverdiere
Carrie Cravatta is unethical, lazy, will show up to appointments unprepared, cares more about discussing her vacations (European vacations, cruises) than discussing your case. She will take your money, tell you all the things she will do, ultimately not doing them leaving you wondering what it is she did. Run away, this woman is a wrecking ball and will make your life worse off.
Follow up. Per the request of Carrie’s partners I reached out to discuss my concerns and the basis for my negative review. We spoke for roughly an hour and a half (lots to discuss!) That was weeks ago we spoke, appears the call was nothing more than a dog and pony show, I have heard nothing further, this law group likely continues their unethical, lazy, criminal like activities. Carrie’s partners should fire her so they don’t wreck what the partners are building, it shows a lot about this group that she is still employed and a partner.
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18 Feb, 2016 by Justin
Do not know what else to say. Went through an approximately 3 year adoption/custody battle. Amy was not the only lawyer I met with prior to hiring her. Once I met her I knew she was the one to hire. At all times during this case, she was professional, expedient, and supportive. The opposing counsel tried everything possible with tons of motions. With each new motion a new plan devised and executed. My family and I could not be happier or more satisfied. I highly recommend her and would use her again. Thank you Amy Olthouse-Duenas.
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03 Aug, 2015 by Margaret
I hired Amy after my now ex-husband filed for divorce, based on a reference from a friend of mine who is also an attorney. My ex-husband was extremely difficult throughout the entire process, causing me great anxiety, but Amy exhibited a great deal of professionalism throughout the entire process. While many attorneys would get frustrated and prefer to tell you what to do, Amy was great at listening to my concerns & questions and even had feedback when I had suggestions in my case. She has been handling these types of cases for quite some time and her ability to understand idiosyncrasies in the other party was key in the settlement of my case, which was in my favor.
I highly recommend Terry Fong Law Group, but more specifically, Amy Olthouse Duenas. Her prices are fair and the quality of work was exceptional. Not only is she a great lawyer but she is truly a wonderful person.
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25 Jul, 2015 by Amy
I'm not sure what the negative reviews on this site are about, but I have had Mrs. Olthouse Duenas as a lawyer on my family law case for the last 2 years. My ex is constantly cooking up one excuse or another to drag us back to court, and Amy is always quickly prepared to counter his argument. I have recommended several friends to her, and will continue to do so. She has been equally as professional, prepared and exceptional for the work done for them.
Amy's fees are in line with any attorney worth your time. If you are looking for bargain basement representation, prepared to get bargain basement results. Anytime I have had a question or needed clarification about an upcoming hearing or document from the court, I have received a timely response from both Amy and her staff.
You will do well to hire her for any family law case.
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19 May, 2017 by Liane tomlinson
My ex and I agreed to use Annette Burns as a parenting coordinator in our family court case, so this review is limited to that role. In a nutshell, she was terrible! I found her judgment, dedication and thoroughness before making decisions to be lacking. The best testament I can give to the quality of her work is the fact that out of the four total recommendations she submitted in our case, THREE of them were overturned by the judge. Buyer beware: The rules in AZ have changed that give parenting coordinators the power to make decisions on behalf of your case without the ability to appeal to a judge. Having a judge that gave our case the appropriate attention and deliberation it deserved was the only saving grace for our family.
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09 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Annette appeared welcoming and kind at first meetings; however, as time went on it became more and more apparent that she had little interest in my case and more interest in making sure I paid my invoice on time. She did not return emails or phone calls in a timely manor unless it was related to billing. She rarely assisted me in my case but continued to charge me large amounts. I would definitely use caution when using Annette and recommend looking elsewhere.
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20 Jul, 2014 by Kidsfirst
I would recommend her. I believe she knows her stuff - she's been doing this for awhile and was able to help me and my ex-husband think outside the box for solutions.
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16 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
It was clear almost immediately that money was her primary focus. I do not feel she acted as my advocate at an incredibly vulnerable time in my life. She seemed to mediate during mediation rather than advocate for my best interests.
I was confused and vulnerable and found her compassion to be lacking. I was not adequately prepared by her for the very important mediation, and was required to correct many gross errors myself on mediation documents at the last minute under rushed circumstances.
Bonnie did not request a much-needed appraisal that cost me a lot of money.
The language in the final agreement was not clearly defined and resulted in additional arbitration or attorney effort and fees to clarify the provisions. I was ultimately required to hire another lawyer at much expense to try to fix some of the problems created. Essentially I felt "thrown under the bus" by this attorney.
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30 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
I consulted with Bonnie about a child support case when I had lost my job and was trying to get an adjustment. She suggested I not pay until the court date that had been set for the adjustment. Following that advice cost me tens of thousands of dollars mostly due to a thrashing of my credit report, but also due to fees and interest the DES began charging. Do not trust Bonnie with anything related to child support.
She also brought up the fact that she wanted to be paid before I left the office more than three times throughout the one hour consultation. Once would have sufficed. If that's the sort of experience you want, definitely call Bonnie.
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25 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
When you first enter into divorce proceedings the whole process can be intimidating and trust me YOU DO NOT KNOW THE LAWS (even if you think that you do)! We all think about money. I can tell you don't shop for a lawyer based on the cheapest as it will cost you more in the long run if you are not represented well. Bonnie is not the cheapest, but she is the BEST! I had been married over 30 years and my children are all adults. Bonnie worked with me for almost a year (yes mine was MESSY!) and in the end we were able to get a binding agreement with my Ex. You may say "So what?" It kept me from a judge deciding my fate which could have been much worse because they look at your last 5 years of annual income (they were very good years).
In divorce there are NO winners, however I can say that I wasn't a loser either and I am enjoying my life now! After you get through your divorce Bonnie will tell you one more thing..."Do not get married again without a PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT"! Words of wisdom! I HIGHLY recommend Bonnie Booden!
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29 Nov, 2021 by David
This attorney was hired by my wife after we had an investigation by CPS. This Attorney Brad Tenbrook was assigned to her case. After 9 months of incurring legal fees this attorney made no communication with my wife regarding the investigation by CPS even though she inquired several times about the status and placed a 20,000 dollar with the firm. It wasn't till my case with Scottsdale Court was resolved that they finally disclosed the CPS case was closed after 10 months of representation. This attorney was very condescending to her and extremely Rude. I would not recommend hiring this firm under no circumstances. They charged us over 10,000 for nothing. Made her worry for almost a year about CPS possibly making a big deal about this situation.
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09 Oct, 2018 by Leticia
I was ignored when I asked for motions to be filed. Brad was not well informed on my case before walking in the court room. Unless you are forking over 20 grand or more you will not see any work that can be done cheaper by someone more experienced.
I asked why a motion for contempt was not filed when my child went missing for 6 months AFTER I hired brad. His response was that it was not necessary. The ultimate issue. During trial because he did not file the motions I asked for I was denied custody of my child. I filed a bar complaint against him for not doing what I paid him for and he responded with a bill for having to explain himself to the bar. Disgusting right? If you are a victim of domestic violence, have dependency issues look elsewhere. They just want money.
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04 Mar, 2015 by Stella
Brad is an excellent attorney and handled my CPS case. He was knowledgeable, aggressive and creative In working a plan to quickly get through the convoluted CPS/juvenile court system. Not only did he quickly advocate for us, he had the utmost patience and compassion during the emotional roller coaster. He truly cares and is passionate about what he does. His staff is courteous, responsive and prompt. He has such a respected stance by all parties in the courtroom. I would highly recommend hiring Brad if CPS ever comes and knocks on your door. It was the best decision and he saved our family and most importantly, our children.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
He always looked out for the best Interestfor my child and I . Always get truthful and honest . Being in a mother leaning state he fought that as a father have equal and fair rights. Always looking for the truth . To the point I asked once if I’m doing wrong please tell me . He helped me grow as a man and how to handle situations better with my child mother. I would always recommend but come as prepared as possible . He is very detailed and honest . The more info the better I felt things went . He always went above and beyond . Worth every dollar invested.
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04 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Unfortunately this lawyer was extremely disorganized and inadequate. Mr Lowen Jones neglected to bring in reports during court and did not represent and fight my case. Due to his lack of efficiency as a lawyer to represent me, my life for the past several years has been changed for the worst. He did not fight for my rights as a mother. It’s a very sad disheartening experience that I don’t wish upon any mother. I would not recommend this lawyer.
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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.
