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30 Jun, 2020 by Jordan
Attorney Tim Fleming is someone who I would recommend to anyone. I ended up with an issue where the PA Dept of Transportation suspended my Drivers License in error. Attorney Fleming expertly helped me walk back a very complicated series of events and win the case. Thank you to him for a wonderful and caring experience throughout a very stressful situation.
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06 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Having no experience with the criminal justice system and being in our mid 60's we asked our Farming organization for a referral and hired an attorney in Harrisburg who did not communicate with us and did not know the law and certainly did not know the Centre County justice system. After being fed up we looked at reviews and Tim's stood out. We asked for a consultation and in minutes Tim understood the issue and formulated a strategy. Tim spent an entire hour with us and would not charge us. However, Tim did not take our case because we were in the process past the preliminary hearing stage. I wish we would have found Tim from the beginning. He offered great advise that our attorney would not take and he offered to talk to our attorney if he would call him for advise on the Centre County personalities. Hire Tim, he knows the system, has great strategies, returns calls and explains everything. We wish we would have known what to look for in an attorney but we were scared so we took a bad recommendation. Now my husband will be pleading guilty for raising animals in the wettest year on record in a natural way that face book people found offensive and we simply can't afford to go on with this criminal justice process that is anything but just and is unbelievably expensive and has put us under incredible stress, worry and fear that has harmed our health and well being.
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14 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Fleming demonstrated a thorough understanding of the relevant legal issues and achieved a successful resolution of all matters.
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26 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Initial consultation was the day after making a phone call. Barbara is passionate, engaged, thorough, and very knowledgeable. I then hired her and have been grateful for her services ever since. Highly recommended.
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25 Sep, 2016 by Heather
I came to Barbara with a custody matter that needed handled quickly. She was eager to help and listen to my specific situation. She came up with an action plan that I was happy with and stayed on top of communication when I had concerns/questions.
Barbara was very nice to work with and knows what she's doing. I would (and will) highly recommend her to others that are seeking legal help.
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18 Feb, 2016 by Annagayle
Very professional and kind. She makes herself available and cares about her clients. She is informative and discloses all options available. Barbara goes above and beyond what is required of her. I couldn't have asked for anyone better.
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22 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Marie handled our Child Custody Case. She was very attentive to our case and always available or returned emails/ phone calls efficiently . She was a tough lawyer in the court room and is a very highly respected attorney in the State College Area.
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26 Dec, 2014 by Frank
Marie is an excellent attorney who not only listens in the highest regard to her client but she is also an attorney who understands the needs of her client and fulfills them to the very best of her ability; her abilities as an attorney are flawless and relentless she is in fighting on your behalf for what is fair and what is right for the client's best interest. She will not put you on a shelf and get to you when the time is right for her because she understands the need for a quick but yet firm and just outcome. Marie also does not hesitate to call you personally to give to give to you any kind of advice or information about your case, you are not left out in the cold wondering what is going on or what is happening; it's like being face to face with your attorney at all times and you know in your heart that she is always there for you. I had already appointed two attorneys to my long enduring divorce case and it was very depressing listening to excuse after excuse for not moving forward, but when I finally reached out to Attorney Sullivan for help everything rapidly came to order and my case and life were finally moving forward. I'm very thankful that you were there for me Marie; my best to you and your family :) God bless
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22 Dec, 2014 by Rick
Marie Sullivan is lawyer of incredible professionalism and effectiveness who does her utmost to defend the interests of her clients. Anyone who has experienced a contentious custody or other legal dispute knows how stressful the situation is, and how ill at ease they feel with the entire process. As my own experience attests, Marie gave me comfort and confidence in the ultimate outcome in my case. She did this by exhibiting a deep grasp of the legal issues at hand, confidence and poise in the courtroom, and sensitivity to my own feelings regarding my case.
The custody dispute I was in was extremely contentious and there was a great deal of uncertainty regarding whether I could achieve the goals I had intended regarding how the relationship with my children would be structured. Marie never let my confidence in my goals being achieved waver. She kept me abreast of the legal issues at hand, was a skilled negotiator with my ex-wife and her lawyer. She was meticulously prepared, confident, and effective beyond my wildest expectations in the courtroom.
I highly recommend the services of Marie Sullivan in any case revolving around family law or issues regarding custody. She is exactly what you are looking for when life circumstances require the services of a lawyer.
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02 Apr, 2014 by Tom
John was extremely helpful during a stressful transition in my life and I'd highly recommend him as a very trustworthy and honest attorney. The quick, professional manner in which he conducted his practice helped reassure me I was in the right hands from day one. If you need trusted legal help with family law issues, I'd definitely recommend Mr. Bee.
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23 Aug, 2013 by Todd
My review of Mr. John Bee is that he provided excellent legal service. He is knowledgable in his field and very professional. His work was thorough and he was able to communicate his ideas effectively. He does quality work and responds to questions in a timely matter. I was very happy with his legal service.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Laura is professional, organized and absolutely has calls returned in a reasonable amount of time . She listens and can be compassionate at times. With that being said I would not recommend her if you are a male dealing with a PFA being filed. I never abused my wife in 11 yrs of marriage. I did not abuse her physically, emotionally, verbally or financially. I had a PFA filed and when it was served to me it was of a denied PFA because the judge saw right through it. However, due to persistence by outside pressures and the coaching by counselors at the Women's Resource Center , another one was filed with a couple of blatant and obvious lies and was granted. I hired Attorney Robbins to fight the PFA. The agreement was to fight it. I was devastated to even have my name in the same sentence with abuser or wife beater. When we got to court, Laura cowered to pressure from the Women's Resource Center and Assistant Prosecutor. I had only been to court a few time and never for a charge of abuse. Laura decided I should plead guilty. Her explanation was that if they can convince or prove of even one incident of abuse and I plead not guilty that it would be bad. I admit I forget the exact consequences. This happened several years ago and I have learned a lot since then. In the county in Pennsylvania that I live in now, my wife would not even have been granted a PFA or her PFA would have quickly been denied. Yet, due to inexperience in life and law I listed to Laura and plead guilty. She convinced me by asked Ng if I had ever raised my voice at my wife, now ex....I said well yes, but rarely and I did not yell or step or call her names. Laura said something like but you raised your voice and that's enough. Now, in Laura's defense, when this happened, abuse by men was a hot topic in Centre County. A retired State Trooper had around that time gone into a Weis Market in Philipsburg and shot his estranged wife. In a custody exchange a man shot and killed his ex wife at a Sheetz on Buffalo Run Road. As you can see I'm being honest and explaining the whole story. But the thing is, I really did not abuse my ex. In fact a couple times she abused me and even got a summons from a state Trooper for smacking, hitting and scratching me up. We should of fought it, she should of fought it. Does anyone understand the consequences of a PFA being granted by a judge during a separation, custody and divorce. I'm not even going to describe or explain how bad pleading guilty to that PFA did that day, I could write a small book about all the consequences that followed. A couple of quick highlights...In the very beginning of this s mess it became a major issue to even see my kids. I also could not work certain community service events that I like doing and lost many job opportunities. It got worse from there. I cannot speak to how well she does with custody and alimony, I did not use her for that. As for tough cases, fighting false PDA's, no way. Also if I could go back in time I would file for malpractice.
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25 Feb, 2020 by Sandy
I must say how much I appreciate Laura and her attentiveness to her clients. She was the fourth attorney I saw in State college and the one that got my divorce finalized. I did some of the work to eliminate cost, but she made this happen.
I knew after our first consultation that she had empathy and understanding of my situation. She has amazing knowledge and efficiency.
I highly recommend her to anyone and honestly, truly like her as a person.
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14 Apr, 2019 by Patsy
Laura Robbins is an excellent child custody attorney. She was always prepared, responded promptly to any and all questions, and extremely knowledgeable about the 16 points that are addressed in custody cases. With her help in my daughter's custody case we received the outcome we hoped for. We recommend her services very highly!
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24 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired Lance for my DUI case. He was very helpful, and got me the result that I needed to keep my license. I have no problem recommending Lance Marshall
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14 May, 2022 by Anon
If one does homework on Mr Marshall he stepped down as Asst D.A in 09. Mr Marshall mishandled my case badly and spoke to me very badly in my opinion. I have to live with the repercussions of his mishandling and lack of advocacy on my case. You hire a lawyer to argue and advocate for you and it was said that things were not argued. I was harmed in my case, in the mishandling of it and in I feel how I was spoken to as well. My case was very sloppily and incorrectly handled and lost. I also felt intimidated as a client which is not something one wants to feel from an attorney hired and paid well to represent your interests. He did not argue on my behalf in my opinion and I feel pretty much written into the decision. The opposing counsels statements about me were practically complimentary in comparison to his "representation" of me. I have no criminal record and was a victim with circumstances flipped on me. Empathy and passionate advocacy would have been nice, but I wonder where one can find that with attorneys in this area. I feel it's often mostly about money and whether they like their clients or find them important. I've found that if attorneys don't like their clients they speak down to them argue with them and screw up their case. Mine was lost either on purpose or because of such a poor job. I would not recommend this attorney to anyone given my experience. Attorneys are in a position of power and with that should come kindness towards their clients and professionalism ideally.
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06 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
We sought Lance’s help on a very difficult situation for our daughter which included domestic violence and issues that could have affected her career in the long run due to false allegations being made in retaliation for finally having her husband arrested. Lance was responsive, fair and extremely knowledgeable about the laws. We found him to be honest and never gave us false hope but was able to always paint a clear picture of what the next steps would be. My daughter is finally free and can move on happily with her life thanks to Lance. We would absolutely recommend him to anyone that needs an experienced attorney.
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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.
