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31 Dec, 2024 by Joan wilson
This firm is the real deal. Michelle has built an amazingly dedicated and smart team of legal professionals who will work hard for you.
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24 Dec, 2024 by Allyson kitchel
I recently had a chance to work with Michelle and I highly recommend the firm. Michelle is thoughtful, smart, and not afraid to give you the advice that…. maybe you don’t want hear. Everything you want in a family lawyer!
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17 Dec, 2024 by Jp law
Part of being a great lawyer for your clients is also taking the time to focus on the business side of running an excellent law firm. There are so many law firms out there who are delivering sub-par service because they forget that law firms are in the customer service business and to flourish, you really need to have a well-run machine with established systems, protocols, and the right people in the right seats. I met Michelle Dellino recently at a conference for law firm owners. It was obvious to me after talking with Michelle and also from listening to her contributions to the conversation that she is serious and passionate about delivering stellar legal services to her community while also operating a well-run machine.
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31 Dec, 2024 by Joan wilson
This firm is the real deal. Michelle has built an amazingly dedicated and smart team of legal professionals who will work hard for you.
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24 Dec, 2024 by Allyson kitchel
I recently had a chance to work with Michelle and I highly recommend the firm. Michelle is thoughtful, smart, and not afraid to give you the advice that…. maybe you don’t want hear. Everything you want in a family lawyer!
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17 Dec, 2024 by Jp law
Part of being a great lawyer for your clients is also taking the time to focus on the business side of running an excellent law firm. There are so many law firms out there who are delivering sub-par service because they forget that law firms are in the customer service business and to flourish, you really need to have a well-run machine with established systems, protocols, and the right people in the right seats. I met Michelle Dellino recently at a conference for law firm owners. It was obvious to me after talking with Michelle and also from listening to her contributions to the conversation that she is serious and passionate about delivering stellar legal services to her community while also operating a well-run machine.
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14 May, 2024 by Joe
And I’ve had a few. Karma is super-smart, always thinking several moves ahead. She created a great outcome for me. She is hard-core in litigation, but gentle and wise in personal meetings. Huge fan.
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02 Nov, 2022 by Kevin
Any bad review you read here is obviously fake. Karma is about the kindest, caring, and loving lawyer we ever met. But she communicates well and is your champion. She gives a voice of power and respect to those who need it most. She is really top notch.
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12 May, 2022 by Anonymous
My experience working with Karma Zaike was negative. She did not communicate effectively, did not submit court documents in a timely manner, was not transparent regarding her fees and refused to return my complete case file. I do not recommend hiring Karma.
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18 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Very knowledgeable and easy to work with. Responsive. Supportive. Was flexible with my at times difficult nature.
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20 Apr, 2023 by Duncan
If you're looking for a lawyer for a difficult family law case, stop what you're doing and call Stacy now. I promise you won't regret it.
It is not an exaggeration to say that Stacy saved my life. I was in an abusive marriage. My children were also being abused. I was terrified that if I took any action that my ex would take the children and I'd be unable to see or protect them anymore. I felt hopeless, like there was no way to extricate myself while keeping the kids safe.
Eventually it got bad enough that I knew I had to act. I was lucky enough to find Stacy in late December, years ago. Stacy worked tirelessly through the holidays to help me rush to get an emergency restraining order -- an order we were successfully granted in early January.
Unfortunately, we were only just getting started. That was the beginning of an incredibly hard-fought and complicated legal struggle. My ex was smart and well-funded, and was not above using every means at her disposal to undermine the process. We had to deal with: spurious CPS escalations, failure to respond to discovery, hiding money in foreign bank accounts, concerns of flight risk to home country, spurious allegations of neglect, and much much more. I am 100% confident that my case could've imploded with a less skilled attorney.
Stacy did an unbelievable job in keeping all of these plates spinning. She is a gifted strategist, able to anticipate possible tactics and guard against them. One noteworthy example: Stacy had anticipated that my ex would attempt to make false allegations of neglect, and advised me to make regular well-child checkups with my son's PCP. As a result, when my ex attempted to claim long-running untreated illness, we were able to prove these allegations false. I was and am so grateful to have had an attorney that cared enough to prepare me for these practical considerations -- and wasn't simply content to file legal documents.
5 years later, when the divorce decree was signed, I felt confident that both Stacy and I had done everything in our power to work for the best result possible. I don't even walk to think what would have happened if I hadn't had Stacy in my corner. Having been out of this abusive relationship for years, free to rebuild my life, and having my kids' lives stabilized is a priceless gift. I'm very grateful for all Stacy has done.
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09 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired Stacy blindly because I was desperate and she was in my stepfather's networking group. I was charged over $4000 for her review of documents. I was then asked if I had questions and criticized. I was given no guidance and there was no plan at all. She had no understanding of domestic abuse, power dynamics, or the hell that is the family law system. When I terminated her, she emailed my stepfather telling him, which made no sense to me and which I felt was inappropriate. She sent me a long letter clearly trying to cover herself in the event I filed a Bar complaint. I then hired a recommended attorney. In the free consultation, he immediately identified the problem and how to address it. This would have been a $50k case with Stacy, and would have been very detrimental to me emotionally. I also would have lost. On the bright side, her assistant - who appears to do much of the work - is very nice and professional.
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22 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Understanding of the problems I wanted to solve, provided concrete advice on what I need to prepare to present my facts and logic, very responsive when I had questions. Helped me achieve my goal and resolve issues. Good advocate for me as a client.
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04 Mar, 2022 by Lindsay
My divorce was incredibly stressful and James took much of that away. I felt he really understood my goal of a dissolution with as little drama as possible. He was very kind and respectful, he seemed to be friends or at least friendly to all staff members at the court house. I could tell he was well respected. He’s funny and brings humor to help ease uncomfortable situations. He had great communication. I appreciated that he had a sensible approach as opposed to being cut throat. I highly recommend him anytime I hear someone may need an attorney for a family law issue.
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12 Jan, 2022 by Karen
I feel so honored to have been excepted and then hired Jim to handle my divorce back in 2007. I just picked him out of the phone book and hit the jack pot when I retained him. He was professional, sensitive , and extremely helpful. He has always left an enormous impression on me. I am a flight attendant who had two children and was now living out of the state. He arranged meetings with me at the airport because he knew I didn't live in town and I did not have a car. My ex- husband was a con man and I came with all the proof he needed to take my case and win my divorce. In thinking about him today, I googled him to see how he and his business is doing. I would like to thank him for his caring, friendly, and professional service. I would highly recommended him every day and all the time. 30+ years strong that is wonderful. Thank you, Jim
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08 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Nothing much really was resolved; we were in crisis mode. When we didn't not want to keep her on a retainer she dropped us. Then when we had no lawyer, the other parent took off to another state. We called her again and she was too busy. Referred us to MODERATE MEANS...and they are pretty useless right now.
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03 Nov, 2023 by Alicia
I had trouble finding a lawyer who's focus was to help parents get the best for their children in a divorce. Michelle has demonstrated that she has the experience and know-how to get children through a divorce with their interests at heart.
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23 May, 2023 by Mike
After going through a very high conflict divorce with an ex-wife who was willing to stop at nothing to destroy me including false abuse allegations and keeping my daughter from visiting me, Ms. Raiford, from the very beginning acted as a guardian and avenging angel throughout this very contentious legal process. From our intial consultation, where she offered me free 15-minute introductory consultation, unlike other attorneys I had contacted who had offered a similar introductory consultation, in that short 15 minutes she gave me real valuable insight as to what my ex-wife's motivations and possible next steps were with just that limited information I gave her about my case, I was immediately impressed and hired her the next day and retained her the day after. Her rates were reasonable, and she was usually very prompt in answering any questions I may have had throughout the process. The end result was as favorable and equitable of an outcome as a divorcing father could have expected in the State of Washington and had it not been for Ms. Raiford, I would have been so much worse off; I am guaranteed visitation with my daughter, I have support obligations that I can afford, and an equitable split of remaining marital assets despite my ex-wife's scorched earth plan of attempting to destroy me on her way out. I highly recommend her, especially for all of the fathers out there going through divorce with a contentious ex who is committed to destroying them out of spite and are willing to alienate your children from you or, make false abuse allegations to destroy your life, as mine had attempted to do. She worked very hard for me and obtained better results than I could have ever imagined.
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19 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
Charges through the nose ($300+) without the skill to back it up, misogynistic and highly inappropriate behavior. There are far more better lawyers in the Seattle area for a better rate and the high competition does not justify the price and entitled primma donna attitude Kenneth has with his clients.
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28 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
I was referred to Goldberg-Jones and in particular Attorney Alan by a friend who has been children's rights advocate for over 30 years (and also, yes, political correctness be damned, father's rights advocate given the still pervasive anti-men bias in the family court system, especially here on the Left Coast and states such as WA where my ex filed for divorce). My divorce and battle for at least a sensible, not massively discriminatory and/or unworkable co-parenting plan where I as a father would not be systematically pushed out of my beloved child's life, was already in progress. Attorney Alan reviewed my existing documents and provided via email and telephone consultation several pivotal pieces of advice, incl. follow-up phone class clarifying certain crucially important matters, and did not charge my a dime. (He did make clear how much his firm charger per hr. should one retain them; in retrospect, I more than likely should have retained his law firm (or similar, competent and aggressive pro-equal rights in the courthouse father's advocate attorney(s)) much earlier in my divorce process -- and will certainly give them a call if/when I get to go back to the court, which given the history of my ex-wife's behavior during the marriage as well as since she has successfully destroyed it on a whim and to achieve some financial gains without much of thought for the long-term well-being of our daughter, is fairly likely. I only wished I was referred to Attorney Alan and his firm much earlier in the process. Yes their hourly rate is on the higher end, but from my limited experience they are knowledgeable, competent, and dedicated to disenfrenchised fathers in WA state getting the best parenting rights possible in a largely dysfunctional and anti-fathers oriented (anti-) family law and practice in places such as Seattle, WA.
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09 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I consulted with Ken on more than one occasion. In reflection, I realized that I asked him similar questions several times. Not only was he patient and thorough in his responses, but he was very consistent. I would introduce new details from the prior consultation to confirm whether his guidance would be different based on these new facts. He explained in detail, why the guidance was different or the same as prior. Ken proactively reached out to me as well, when new information crossed his desk. I asked what I thought were difficult questions as I "interviewed" him/his firm for evaluation. He welcomed the open dialogue. Ken is an encyclopedia of information and very concise in his delivery. Ken also did not hesitate to give me his opinion, even when it was obvious that it was something I did not want to hear. He was direct with this kind of information and immediately followed up with how his team would handle the scenario. I am very appreciative of the guidance that Ken has provided me thus far.
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30 Dec, 2023 by Cynthia kinne
Dylana is an amazing attorney. She helped me make decisions when I was unable to, guided me in the direction that would be most beneficial for myself and child, and always listened and acknowledged how I felt. I would recommend her to anyone!
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09 Nov, 2023 by N marin
Dylana Jones of Wakefield Legal was an excellent (and triumphant) advocate for me regarding a particularly challenging DVPO case involving a narcissistic abuser with a JD. She is kind, responsive, sympathetic and genuine beyond being highly skilled and capable in many areas. 10/10 Highly recommend.
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26 Jul, 2023 by T smith
Dylana is a true advocate of her clients. She was professional, candid, and still compassionate.
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08 Jun, 2023 by Anon
Justin assigned a paralegal to my case that did not perform well and after I repeatedly raised this he said “yeah we have had a lot of problems with that person.” He repeatedly gave advice that turned out to be wrong, which can happen but he always deflected. Overall he came across very caring but was not competent.
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02 Feb, 2022 by Janelle
This guy is INCREDIBLE! Our family was truly taken care of in our time of need! My divorce was a mess from previous lawyers…Justin came in and worked out everything for us. His attention to detail and his education in law is superb. He doesn’t miss a thing, and he truly fights for who he is representing. One phrase, I’ll never forget, “Sometimes you got to stick to your guns.” This man is for Real, and He does things Right! Big Thank you to superwoman Shelley Alexander, legal aid for Justin. All I can say, is What a Team!!
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05 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Justin was recommended to me by another attorney due to my case relocating to another county. Justin jumped right in and became a very strong advocate for me from the very beginning. He teamed together with a second attorney with the firm due to the complexity and volume of my case matters. The two worked together to come up with logical and ethical strategies that didn't always work out in my favor, but I appreciated them and felt good about what I was doing for everybody involved. My case was very contentious and far from ordinary. Justin encouraged me to take the high road every step of the way. I can look back at what I've done in court and know that I have nothing to be ashamed of. Unlike my ex, my legal team steered me away from abusing the legal system, and my ex throughout my several year divorce. Justin's strategy and work was strong and he did a great job. After relocating before my divorce was over, I needed to hire a new attorney to finish my case. Justin was nice enough to keep in touch to get updates on my case through the end. I'd hire him again and have recommended him to friends.
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03 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Mardi. She is an excellent Family law/Divorce attorney. She gives specific, concise advise and ensures that you understand all of your options. She also gives specific to dos which helps make the process less stressful. Mardi is incredibly compassionate and understanding which also helps one be able to navigate through very difficult situations.
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25 Oct, 2020 by Diane
Mardi appeared much more interested in making money off of me than helping me resolve my case. After failing to meet every deadline, and making mistakes, she withdrew from my case, leaving me in worse shape than had I’m not hired her at all. I would not recommend her.
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28 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Mardi is kind, compassionate and competent. I have recommended her to others, but my only concern is that she was often slow in responding. I'm not sure if the problem was my Type A personality or if this is normal for a solo practitioner. (I've only worked previously with non-solo attorneys on will/trust issues , but all responded more quickly on questions and tasks.)
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22 Dec, 2024 by Anonymous
I went the distance with Anne Wakefield, all the way to a multi-week trial in 2018 at the cost of $200,000 (yes, two hundred thousand dollars), and I regret having done so. We did not even show up with all the required documents, such as financial statements.
After trial, when it was clear the judge did not take our side, she disappeared. She did not respond to emails from me or opposing counsel, however urgent, for roughly 90 days.
In pre-trial hearings she consistently failed to do the extra work to set us up for success. I only know this because after the bad trial outcome I had to litigate for six further years on the appeal and post-trial hearings. We then prevailed because the facts of the case had always been in my favor.
By the time I was done having other legal teams fix her poor work I was another $200,000 in the hole. But I learned from those new teams what she had failed to do.
She also has a poor comprehension of domestic violence, and her client management skills leave something to be desired. For instance, she had constant crises on due dates but failed to warn me that she would need all my time on due date mornings. I eventually learned this and learned to take the day off work on due dates. For her, however, she seemed utterly surprised every time that she was once again behind schedule.
Disappointing. But at least cheaper than others.
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30 Dec, 2023 by Cynthia kinne
Dylana is an amazing attorney. She helped me make decisions when I was unable to, guided me in the direction that would be most beneficial for myself and child, and always listened and acknowledged how I felt. I would recommend her to anyone!
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09 Nov, 2023 by N marin
Dylana Jones of Wakefield Legal was an excellent (and triumphant) advocate for me regarding a particularly challenging DVPO case involving a narcissistic abuser with a JD. She is kind, responsive, sympathetic and genuine beyond being highly skilled and capable in many areas. 10/10 Highly recommend.
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2.6
5 Reviews
4.2
20 Reviews
17 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
She is money motivated ONLY ! I can’t express how she mishandled and fumbled my case. I spent 10’s ($48,000 to be exact) of thousands of dollars only to be in a worse place than before due to her lack of preparation and knowledge of a case. Despite being hired through multiple motions. She failed communicate on multiple times to a judge a clear cut and dry case of contempt. She wanted to settle the parenting plan which was not in my favor. It was like she worked for or knew the opposing council. She was outsmarted and out witted in all aspects against the opposing council.
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30 Dec, 2023 by Cynthia kinne
Dylana is an amazing attorney. She helped me make decisions when I was unable to, guided me in the direction that would be most beneficial for myself and child, and always listened and acknowledged how I felt. I would recommend her to anyone!
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09 Nov, 2023 by N marin
Dylana Jones of Wakefield Legal was an excellent (and triumphant) advocate for me regarding a particularly challenging DVPO case involving a narcissistic abuser with a JD. She is kind, responsive, sympathetic and genuine beyond being highly skilled and capable in many areas. 10/10 Highly recommend.
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29 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired this lawyer to prevent my ex wife from getting my daughter to moved to different country but I lost the case. Now I'm not going to see my daughter for a long long time. I made a deposit before starting the case but as soon as I lost the case he never returned the remaining of my deposit. He's saying that he used it for some paperwork. Do yourself a favor. Get yourself a different lawyer.
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01 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Robert Mar is a seasoned and motivated attorney that displayed genuine concern for my situation. He provided sound advise and direction that I may not have wanted to hear at the time, but proved to be the best course of action for my case. Rob has a very sharp legal mind and through his expertise and dedication, provided a very positive outcome for me.
Robert always had a positive attitude and was more than willing to talk when I needed to ask about any new developments. I would highly recommend Robert Mar.
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27 Apr, 2017 by Denny sargent
Robert Mar has been very helpful in my difficult divorce, telling me what to do and what to avoid in a very sticky situation. He has consistently responded quickly and accurately and let me know the realistic situations as they advise. He has also been cheerful, helpful and counseled me wisely at every turn- I recommend him highly.
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13 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
He's a sweaty fat liar. Charges $400hr & blames you for losing a case. Typos, contradicting my declarations in court, being ill frequently, charging the $400 hour rate for the paralegal to do the crappy work.
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29 Aug, 2019 by Paul
After a long a protracted separation and multiple attempts to get a divorce Greg was able to deal with issues that came up and move the ball downfield with the odds stacked against me. I can not say enough about his skill in these matters.
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13 Jun, 2019 by Charlie
I really appreciated Gregg's ability to maneuver in my complex divorce and custody case. He was direct, professional, and absolutely caring throughout the process. He made certain that I understood all the choices and processes during the almost year-long case. Through his persistence and patience, I am now able to see my kids far more often than I thought I'd be able to, and I've been able to work with my ex on a well-structured long-distance parenting plan. I am truly grateful for not only what he did for me, but how he has helped my two young children get the resources they need too.
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22 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Picking Dakota was the worst decision I made in regards to my divorce. Completely unprofessional. He literally was writing down what he was going to say while waiting for my hearing to begin. Even though I had ample evidence against my ex-spouse, Dakota didn't use any of it, and recommended that I try to avoid going to trial, even if it meant less custody. I honestly think I could have done a better job myself. Ended up paying over $20,000 for essentially some basic filing and filling out of paperwork. I hope this review can save someone else from making the same mistake I did in hiring Dakota.
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13 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Dakota was assigned to my divorce case a few years ago by Stella Pitts. As this was a very complicated (20 year marriage) and emotional time for me, he was patient with me and my family through the entire process. He kept a reasonable time track so I wasn't spending un-necessary costs. He is a good lawyer and one who I was able to trust. I recommend him!
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28 Feb, 2019 by Ann
Dakota helped me during a very dark time in my life. He was clear, supportive, and provided me with valuable tools to proceed on my own. When the appointment concluded, I wrote a check for the fee. Dakota returned the check to me. It really meant a lot ... a gesture of kindness and generosity that is rarely seen these days.
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17 Sep, 2018 by Luke
Greg Esau represented me in a custody case almost 10 years ago.
Greg would constantly provide me with conflicting advise about what would be a reasonable outcome of my case. Multiple times when preparing for mediation sessions, he would tell me that a reasonable outcome and our goal for the mediation was X, only to tell me that I would be lucky to get Y shortly after the mediation session began. He would then tell me that I was unreasonable to expect X in a way that came across as condescending and gave the impression that the opposing party and their counsel was more reasonable than me or what we had agreed was our desired outcome. This left me feeling off-balance and confused throughout the mediation sessions. Additionally, now being more knowledgeable about family law in Washington state and working with other (better) representation, I recognize that Greg advised me to accept a deal that fell far short of what would have been a reasonable outcome given the circumstances of my case.
He was also severely lacking in motivation. While the opposing representation kept detailed notes and spent considerable time and effort to develop and adjust offers, Greg literally sat back in his chair and let the opposing counsel completely take the lead in all of our mediation sessions.
I only found out years later that Greg had been disciplined multiple times in WA and CA, and ultimately was disbarred in CA.
Selecting excellent representation for your family law case is one of the most important decisions of your life. Please, please, please do what is best for yourself, your children, and your family and steer clear of Greg.
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27 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Esau and he did an amazing job. The best part about him is that he is a good person who actually cares about the children that his case involves. After dealing with other corrupt lawyers and professionals who were less then moral, Greg was a breathe of fresh air. I hired him in 2013 and he was very knowledgeable and efficient.
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04 Dec, 2016 by Berhane
He fought hard though he didn't get fair time to present my case. Very knowledgeable though more on defending his client than disclosing opponent's mischief. He goes extra miles and is passionate about practice. In brief I found him very generous in his counsel.
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14 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
I have waited five years to write this review. I hired Ruth Edlund halfway through my divorce to only concentrate on the parenting part of the case. I had received a less than favorable parent eval. and asked her to dispute the false accusations and lies as I had been a stay at home mom for 13 years and a teacher with a masters degree. I kept the former attorney on as well to work on the financial piece of the case. Ruth didn't listen to my concerns, wanted to create a new case which involved hiring a forensic psychiatrist and other expert witnesses that could testify in court. This not only drove the bill up, but instead of contesting false accusations she was agreeing to them and wanting me to be diagnosed with a mental illness that didn't exist in the first place. She ultimately didn't want to go to trial and in the end after mediation my ex husbands attorney filed an emergency hearing accusing me of more false accusations. Ruth failed to read the documents the morning of the hearing and we got killed because she didn't know how to fight back. She didn't object to the false testimony and we took a beating. I was then forced to sign a parenting plan and financial plan together which was to release a temp. restraining order the other party filed frivolously against me to see my children. I didn't know the dysfunction of family law at that time and agreed to sign my life away to see my three children. Five years later I do know the ins and out of family law and I know Ruth took advantage of me and did not represent me fairly or adequately. Documents were changed without my consent and agreements were changed without my approval. I tried for years to reach her to question and confront her regarding the malpractice situation. I was always directed to voicemail and she would deny any wrong doing via email. I recently heard she is no longer with Weschler Becker which is a step in the right direction. Ruth overcharged me and ultimately misrepresented me in a fairly straight forward contested divorce that the average attorney could have handled. Its a shame one person can do so much damage to the lives of others. Ruth should not be practicing law.
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29 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Ruth represented me in my divorce case but was unprepared and unorganized. She did not prepare me for trial, failed to object or challenge the opposing counsel during hearings for obvious misstatements. Ruth was lax in filing final orders and did not accurately highlight the mental illness and abuse of my former husband which ultimately caused trauma to my children and unnecessary delays and hardship. Then she over billed me and refused to complete my case so I was required to act alone until another attorney stepped in to represent my and my children's best interest. Ruth is only interested in self promotion and financial gain.
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20 Jun, 2014 by Suzanne
Ms Edlund represented me in a child custody case. Even with solid proof of my husbands mental illness and abusive nature she was unable to get me the custody i desired. She claims to be the most knowledgable and respected lawyer in the area but I saw nothing close to that in my interaction with her. The best thing about her is her strong relationship with several family court judges. Many of which are in "awe" of her high profile firm. This unfortunately didn't help me to get the sole custody I wanted with my "Little Boo"
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16 Nov, 2021 by Travis
I hired Matthew in February '21 to do my divorce paperwork and be a plan B if things went left with my Ex. Matt said he would try to get me on a $5k retainer but billing asked for $10k.
Matthew seemed empathetic at first. He had a calm demeanor and gave the impression he would be invested in getting me through the process.
I gave my Ex an initial offer. She counter-offered asking for 3x the amount. One that would never be held up in court but I didn't know that. Matt did not tell me that. He told me two things. I couldn't afford to have him negotiate on my behalf and she could make it much worse. My best bet was to stick with him and do the negotiations myself.
I did that, I negotiated a deal I should have never have entertained. I waited on Matthew to provide the final paperwork. This is where his apathy and incompetence saved me. It gave me time to double check and talk to other attorneys.
I didn't get my paperwork when Matthew said I would, so I fired him. Billing let me know that Matthew had spent my $10k in all two months. They hounded me for $500 more as I "overspent" on my services.
I let them know I would cover it if Matthew could explain how his initial estimate of < $5k ended up costing me over double that. Matthew never responded. I recently reached out to him and asked again. I asked for an explanation and a discussion on a refund of any amount.
Matthew does not care about you if he knows he's already sucked you dry. I have never been treated so inhumanly by someone I was paying.
I hired a different lawyer who cut my alimony in half. He did in less than 30 minutes with my exes lawyer and $3k.
If you have millions in property, then Matthew is your guy. If you're reading this and realizing you made a mistake, it is never too late to fire your lawyer.
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03 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Matthew represented me in a divorce case for several months until mediation was completed. Having worked with one attorney prior to Matthew (pro-se divorce consultation), and one attorney after (representing me in trial), I can comparatively say I had a very poor experience with Matthew. While Matthew is very warm, empathetic, and agreeable and works at a "big-name" firm (things that brought me to Matthew), I found that he was not a strong advocate for me, was challenging to work with, and was significantly more expensive compared to my other attorneys (even the one who prepared for and spent 3.5 days in trial with me).
Specific issues:
(1) I asked Matthew to simply argue the data - that I couldn't afford what the opposing party wanted. But he didn't share this data or even my budget with the opposing party, and I believe this hurt me. We simply weren't aligned on strategy - to use data and facts (like what I earned and could afford to give) to argue the case, vs using his preferred tactic to let other parties go first w/ no info, then countering lower and then seeing where you land. This strategy had very little effect at moving the opposing party towards realistic numbers.
(2) Matthew didn't advocate against a mediator becoming biased and actively inflating the opposing parties expenses and budget.
(3) Matthew often told me to take bad deals I literally couldn't afford because he thought a court might possibly make a more adverse decision. I really just wanted him to fight for something that even got me to a $0 end of month budget (vs. something that put me in the negative).
(4) Matthew was often not responsive to emails or phone calls for days to weeks at a time. Requests to improve this didn't change his behavior in a lasting way.
(5) I asked to hold meetings to discuss strategy and next steps, but often couldn't schedule these until the day or day before arguments/documents/proposals were due. We were ill-prepared and I was ill-prepared because I didn't know what was coming
(6) Matthew didn't provide clarity into upcoming bills (despite asking for this). I was surprised by how quickly large retainers were spent, and it was frustrating to see how much of the retainer was spent on printing huge binders never used, overhead costs you pre-agree to, and other firm employees I never met.
(7) I eventually let Matthew go (in writing and via voicemail), but was invoiced for activities completed after I let Matthew go. It took months to successfully get the firm to drop the charges.
I had none of these issues with my other attorneys. While I know Matthew couldn't control the outcome of my case, the process of working with him was very frustrating, and the cost was egregious when I compare the efficiency and pleasure I had of working with my other attorneys.
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22 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
This review is difficult for me to share, but I feel I have to do it so at least others might be able to benefit from it. Matt simply was not a zealous advocate for me in my divorce. I gave him the benefit of the doubt for a while because he had started out well. After a month or so, though, Matt became passive and barely did any work. For a while he wasn't really billing, so initially the expenses weren't very high, but by the end I was paying thousands and seeing little movement on my case.
My divorce was straightforward; no kids, just division of a handful of assets. It dragged on for well over a year though. Opposing counsel, on behalf of my ex, would deliberately obfuscate and stall, and when faced with this, Matt simply accepted it. He did not push for transparency, did not find ways to push opposing counsel toward an end, and also did very little work himself. Weeks would go by with no communication from Matt, and when I'd reach out to check in, he would often times not respond. One time he disappeared for almost a month. I reached out to him three times to check in and ask if there was anything I could do to help move things forward, and he only responded after I told him I'd have to find other representation since my case was obviously not a priority for him. Despite his assurances, his behavior did not change.
A few times, Matt told me he was going to start work on something, then never did it. For example, opposing counsel sent us a settlement proposal and Matt told me he would get working on a counter-proposal right away. After 3 months and several attempts on my part to push or ask if I could help, there was still no counter-proposal from Matt.
Finally, I requested mediation (an extra cost) in an effort to force an end myself. The mediation was a full day. Matt's representation was fair, and we were able to negotiate the high points, although I now wonder if another attorney would have done better for me on those. At the end there were some details still open, and I tried to ask about them. Matt was in a hurry to leave and was dismissive of my questions, packing up while I was talking to him. I was uncomfortable signing the agreement, but I decided to trust that Matt wouldn't leave anything important hanging. It turns out I misunderstood an essential piece that I would not have agreed to if Matt had explained it to me properly. He also left a loophole that my ex exploited, which left me in financial limbo for what turned out to be months after the settlement.
When weeks turned into months after the settlement and there was no end in sight, I had to let Matt go. I retained someone else to finish the divorce (several thousand additional dollars that I really couldn't spare), and my new attorney was able to wrap it up within a few weeks of coming on board, despite encountering the same difficulties with opposing counsel that Matt had. She was just more proactive and wouldn't accept their tactics.
To add insult to injury, Matt's firm charged me interest on my outstanding bill, which took a few months for me to be able to pay due to the loophole Matt had left in my agreement.
Unfortunately, my experience was so frustrating that I can't recommend Matt or McKinley Irvin. Divorce is already one of the worst times in people's lives, and my ordeal with them just compounded it. I hope they're able to offer a better experience to future clients.
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30 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Unfortunately Denise Hansen is not very effective lawyer compare to what her profile would say, also once she gets the charge she would not follow up on the case and would leave you halfway. At the beginning though before the get their charge the communicate on email only and hard to get them follow up with your case
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What a Child Custody Lawyer Can Do for You
A child custody lawyer specializes in helping parents navigate legal matters related to the custody and care of their children, particularly in the context of divorce, separation, or other family disputes. These lawyers assist with determining custody arrangements, drafting parenting plans, and advocating for your rights in court. They also help resolve disputes over physical custody (where the child lives), legal custody (who makes decisions for the child), visitation rights, and modifications to existing custody orders.
Whether you're going through a divorce or need to change an existing custody arrangement, a child custody lawyer can help you understand your rights and protect your child's best interests throughout the legal process.
When Should I Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a child custody lawyer in several situations, especially when disputes arise or complex legal issues affect your parental rights. Some common reasons to hire a child custody lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: If you're going through a divorce or separation and need to establish custody and visitation arrangements, a lawyer can help ensure the custody order reflects your child's best interests.
- Disputed custody cases: If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody or visitation terms, a lawyer can advocate for your rights in court and help you develop a strong case.
- Modification of custody orders: If you need to change an existing custody arrangement due to changes in circumstances (e.g., relocation, changes in the child’s needs), a lawyer can help file a modification request.
- Parental alienation: If the other parent is interfering with your relationship with your child, a lawyer can help address these issues through legal action.
- Domestic violence or abuse: If there is a history of domestic violence or abuse, a lawyer can help protect you and your child by requesting restraining orders and advocating for appropriate custody arrangements.
- Grandparent or third-party custody: If you are a grandparent or another relative seeking custody or visitation rights, a lawyer can guide you through the legal process.
- Paternity disputes: In cases where paternity is in question, a lawyer can assist with establishing or challenging paternity, which may affect custody and visitation rights.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help protect your parental rights and ensure that the custody arrangement is in your child's best interests.
What Does a Child Custody Lawyer Do?
A child custody lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help parents resolve custody disputes and secure favorable custody arrangements for their children. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing custody petitions: Helping you file the necessary paperwork to request custody or visitation rights and ensuring all legal procedures are followed.
- Negotiating custody agreements: Assisting in negotiating custody and visitation arrangements, often working toward a mutually beneficial parenting plan without going to court.
- Representing you in court: If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody terms, representing you in court by presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
- Drafting parenting plans: Helping you draft a comprehensive parenting plan that outlines the schedule for physical custody, decision-making responsibilities, and visitation.
- Handling child support issues: Assisting with related issues such as child support, ensuring that financial obligations are properly calculated and enforced.
- Modifying custody orders: Helping you request a modification from the court if you need to change an existing custody arrangement due to significant life changes.
- Mediating custody disputes: Acting as a mediator to help both parents reach an agreement on custody and visitation without the need for litigation.
How Are Child Custody Lawyers Paid?
Child custody lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case, the time involved, and the nature of the legal work. Common payment methods include:
- Hourly rate: Most child custody lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer's experience and location. The total cost depends on the time spent preparing documents, negotiating, and representing you in court.
- Flat fee: For simple custody matters or uncontested custody agreements, some lawyers may offer a flat fee for specific services, such as drafting a parenting plan or filing a custody petition.
- Retainer: Many lawyers require an upfront retainer fee, which is billed against as the lawyer works on your case. The amount varies based on the expected complexity and duration of the case.
- Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some lawyers may offer reduced fees or pro bono (free) services for clients with limited financial means, particularly in cases involving domestic violence or other serious issues.
It’s important to discuss fees and payment arrangements with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how much you will be charged and what services are included.
How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a child custody lawyer depends on various factors, including the complexity of the case, whether it’s contested or uncontested, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:
- Uncontested custody cases: Legal fees may range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the paperwork and any negotiations.
- Contested custody cases: Legal fees can range from $5,000 to $40,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the issues, the need for expert testimony, and the time spent in litigation.
- Hourly rates: Lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or complex custody disputes.
- Mediation services: If both parents agree to work through mediation, costs typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more for the mediation process.
Always ask for a clear cost estimate during your consultation to ensure that you understand the total legal fees and payment structure.
Top Questions to Ask a Child Custody Lawyer
Before hiring a child custody lawyer, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure they are the best fit for your case. Some key questions to ask include:
-
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.
