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24 Feb, 2025 by Ceyzanne harrington
13 Dec, 2024 by Starlynn walker
Dennis and his team took on my case after I had encountered significant difficulties with less than ethical opposing counsel. It has been a long and challenging journey, marked by numerous obstacles including unethical tactics from opposing counsel and a lack of responsiveness, all compounded by my residing in a different state.
Despite these challenges, Dennis and his team remained steadfast and committed to my case. Their expertise and perseverance ultimately led to a successful outcome, and I am extremely grateful to have my daughter back. I appreciate the dedication and professionalism demonstrated throughout this process.
Thank you for your representation and unwavering commitment to my case.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Michael schueler
I've had the pleasure of working with Tim for over a decade now. He is a thoughtful, thorough, and aggressive advocate for all of this clients. He fights hard and is unflappable in the face of serious pressure. If you're facing serious charges, Tim will have your back.
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4.5
17 Reviews
4.6
388 Reviews
01 Mar, 2025 by Anonymous
September 12th, 2022 police arrived at my door to tell me they were investigating sexual claims made against me, outlandish as they were I immediately panicked because as everyone knows, once these rise against you, you’re pretty much screwed. I immediately reached out to any attorney and was recommended Vindicate law, I spoke to the receptionist and explained the case and was assigned Carrie Fulton Brown. She accepted my case. The path to freedom was long and arduous. After the arraignment they told me I was facing 60 years in prison. Many continuations later, my anxiety and stress were at an all time high. Me and Carrie never really talked to each other about the case itself except a few times as my case was entirely hearsay, but because of the fact that it was from a minor the case was stacked against me 10 fold. Communication with Carrie was very rough, as most people sitting in the hot seat just want a shred or a glimmer of positivity but Carrie did NOT deliver on that front in the slightest. But that was okay, because she was dedicated to working against the state in a screwed up system. Most of the beginning of my case I knew most people and even Carrie didn’t believe me when I say I didn’t do it. Later on I passed 3 polygraph tests trying to prove I didn’t do it, and only after the 3rd one when I passed it with the actual prosecutor / State did Carrie tell me she strongly believes I didn’t do it. She gave me the best options to follow forward and going to trial with a minors words against mine was bleak, Carrie fought for the best outcome, I served 0 days in jail, no fees or Fines, Didn’t have to sign a sexual registry, all 4 counts were dropped to a Class C Abuse of a child. And 1 year of DOC Probation in which I spent 3 weeks on before the DOC discharged me from probation saying my crime didn’t fit criteria of having probation as I was a zero risk person and this was the only thing I’ve ever gotten on my record.
All said and done, I’m glad Carrie pulled through for me and allowed me to stay out of prison and remain with my family and to continue working she’s a tough person to understand and rough around the edges when talking to her but she’s nothing but business which is what you want in an attorney. Thanks Carrie for giving me my life back! 60 years was a long time to be away.
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19 Feb, 2025 by Charles
I am absolutely appalled by the complete lack of professionalism and utter disregard for my situation shown by Carrie Fulton Brown from this Law Group. I entrusted her with my case, believing her promises of dedicated representation, and instead, I received nothing but empty words and an empty bank account. She happily accepted my retainer, and then proceeded to do absolutely nothing. During the 6 months period she was my attorney, before her withdrawal, phone calls went unanswered, meetings/appointments were canceled for no apparent reasons. No investigations were done on my case, she did not interview no witnesses, and the so called ”victim“. Furthermore, Carrie had the audacity to tell me I was borderline harassing her by calling her and her incompetent paralegal Lisa too much. She literally took my money and vanished into thin air. Carrie Fulton Brown is a trash of attorney. I suffered significantly due to her inaction, and I was left feeling completely abandoned and betrayed. I would strongly advise anyone considering hiring her to look elsewhere. Save your money, save your time, and save yourself the immense frustration and disappointment. She is a disgrace to the legal profession.
Read more
29 Jan, 2025 by David castro
Muy agradecido con su ayuda Marissa fue muy atenta con su trabajo.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Dominick andrezze
Katrina, Ashley, and Nancy are top-notch lawyers who undertook my case and won all aspects due to their attention to detail. Highly recommend law firm.
Read more
04 Nov, 2024 by Lauren sands
I used Bliss Law Group, specifically Riley Moos, to represent me in an especially contentious protection order against my husband (and father of my only child) after calling the police on him for the third time in 2 years. The night that I left was the final straw when he tried to break down the bedroom door to get to me. My ex was extremely upset when I filed for the protection order, vowing that by the time the hearing was finished, he would have full custody of our daughter....As you can imagine, I was quite scared!!!! A lot of people say that protection orders are easy to get but ours was much more complex. When I left my husband, the only place I could go, was back to him, or to a homeless/abused women's shelter. I would not allow my daughter to suffer either one of those situations and decided to take her out of state, to my hometown, where we could stay with family while we could pick up the pieces of our broken lives. The decision to leave the state was best for my daughter but it added greatly to the potential repercussions of leaving my husband. My attorney, Riley Moos, swooped in and saved the day. It's hard to describe, but from the moment I started talking to her, I knew we would win that protection order; I could tell when I talked to her that she had read all of the 25 page protection order I'd written recounting the treatment I'd endured over the years, and I knew that she was 100% invested in protecting myself and my daughter. She believed in my cause and she pursued it like a mother bear protecting her cubs. In the final protection order hearing, the Commissioner stated that there was a preponderance of evidence of coercive control. He ordered my husband undergo a substance abuse evaluation and domestic abuse evaluation. And here, I must applaud my ex-husband, because he allowed this feedback to change him. He's been going to AA 5x a week for the past year, has gotten sober, and has turned his life around. None of this would have been possible without Riley. I had previously talked to a pro-bono attorney and could tell that she had no interest in *fighting* for me, or even in reading the lengthy protection order I had written. If it hadn't been for my attorney, Riley Moos, my daughter and I wouldn't be safe in our new home, and my ex-husband wouldn't have turned his life around!!!
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30 Oct, 2024 by Nick wilson
Riley and Karissa are awesome to work with, I've been fortunate enough to work with Bliss Law for the past 9 years and each time has been professional and impressive. Highly recommend.
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01 Mar, 2025 by Anonymous
September 12th, 2022 police arrived at my door to tell me they were investigating sexual claims made against me, outlandish as they were I immediately panicked because as everyone knows, once these rise against you, you’re pretty much screwed. I immediately reached out to any attorney and was recommended Vindicate law, I spoke to the receptionist and explained the case and was assigned Carrie Fulton Brown. She accepted my case. The path to freedom was long and arduous. After the arraignment they told me I was facing 60 years in prison. Many continuations later, my anxiety and stress were at an all time high. Me and Carrie never really talked to each other about the case itself except a few times as my case was entirely hearsay, but because of the fact that it was from a minor the case was stacked against me 10 fold. Communication with Carrie was very rough, as most people sitting in the hot seat just want a shred or a glimmer of positivity but Carrie did NOT deliver on that front in the slightest. But that was okay, because she was dedicated to working against the state in a screwed up system. Most of the beginning of my case I knew most people and even Carrie didn’t believe me when I say I didn’t do it. Later on I passed 3 polygraph tests trying to prove I didn’t do it, and only after the 3rd one when I passed it with the actual prosecutor / State did Carrie tell me she strongly believes I didn’t do it. She gave me the best options to follow forward and going to trial with a minors words against mine was bleak, Carrie fought for the best outcome, I served 0 days in jail, no fees or Fines, Didn’t have to sign a sexual registry, all 4 counts were dropped to a Class C Abuse of a child. And 1 year of DOC Probation in which I spent 3 weeks on before the DOC discharged me from probation saying my crime didn’t fit criteria of having probation as I was a zero risk person and this was the only thing I’ve ever gotten on my record.
All said and done, I’m glad Carrie pulled through for me and allowed me to stay out of prison and remain with my family and to continue working she’s a tough person to understand and rough around the edges when talking to her but she’s nothing but business which is what you want in an attorney. Thanks Carrie for giving me my life back! 60 years was a long time to be away.
Read more
19 Feb, 2025 by Charles
I am absolutely appalled by the complete lack of professionalism and utter disregard for my situation shown by Carrie Fulton Brown from this Law Group. I entrusted her with my case, believing her promises of dedicated representation, and instead, I received nothing but empty words and an empty bank account. She happily accepted my retainer, and then proceeded to do absolutely nothing. During the 6 months period she was my attorney, before her withdrawal, phone calls went unanswered, meetings/appointments were canceled for no apparent reasons. No investigations were done on my case, she did not interview no witnesses, and the so called ”victim“. Furthermore, Carrie had the audacity to tell me I was borderline harassing her by calling her and her incompetent paralegal Lisa too much. She literally took my money and vanished into thin air. Carrie Fulton Brown is a trash of attorney. I suffered significantly due to her inaction, and I was left feeling completely abandoned and betrayed. I would strongly advise anyone considering hiring her to look elsewhere. Save your money, save your time, and save yourself the immense frustration and disappointment. She is a disgrace to the legal profession.
Read more
29 Jan, 2025 by David castro
Muy agradecido con su ayuda Marissa fue muy atenta con su trabajo.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Dominick andrezze
Katrina, Ashley, and Nancy are top-notch lawyers who undertook my case and won all aspects due to their attention to detail. Highly recommend law firm.
Read more
04 Nov, 2024 by Lauren sands
I used Bliss Law Group, specifically Riley Moos, to represent me in an especially contentious protection order against my husband (and father of my only child) after calling the police on him for the third time in 2 years. The night that I left was the final straw when he tried to break down the bedroom door to get to me. My ex was extremely upset when I filed for the protection order, vowing that by the time the hearing was finished, he would have full custody of our daughter....As you can imagine, I was quite scared!!!! A lot of people say that protection orders are easy to get but ours was much more complex. When I left my husband, the only place I could go, was back to him, or to a homeless/abused women's shelter. I would not allow my daughter to suffer either one of those situations and decided to take her out of state, to my hometown, where we could stay with family while we could pick up the pieces of our broken lives. The decision to leave the state was best for my daughter but it added greatly to the potential repercussions of leaving my husband. My attorney, Riley Moos, swooped in and saved the day. It's hard to describe, but from the moment I started talking to her, I knew we would win that protection order; I could tell when I talked to her that she had read all of the 25 page protection order I'd written recounting the treatment I'd endured over the years, and I knew that she was 100% invested in protecting myself and my daughter. She believed in my cause and she pursued it like a mother bear protecting her cubs. In the final protection order hearing, the Commissioner stated that there was a preponderance of evidence of coercive control. He ordered my husband undergo a substance abuse evaluation and domestic abuse evaluation. And here, I must applaud my ex-husband, because he allowed this feedback to change him. He's been going to AA 5x a week for the past year, has gotten sober, and has turned his life around. None of this would have been possible without Riley. I had previously talked to a pro-bono attorney and could tell that she had no interest in *fighting* for me, or even in reading the lengthy protection order I had written. If it hadn't been for my attorney, Riley Moos, my daughter and I wouldn't be safe in our new home, and my ex-husband wouldn't have turned his life around!!!
Read more
30 Oct, 2024 by Nick wilson
Riley and Karissa are awesome to work with, I've been fortunate enough to work with Bliss Law for the past 9 years and each time has been professional and impressive. Highly recommend.
Read more
28 Jan, 2025 by Tyler ball
19 Nov, 2024 by Tracy cramer
I’d recommend ensuring that your staff.. whether a secretary, paralegal, or receptionist... has a clear understanding of basic client-facing information. Prospective clients should be able to quickly obtain answers to foundational questions such as:
1. Consultation Fees: Whether the firm charges for an initial consultation and, if so, the amount.
2. Billing Structure: Whether services are billed on a flat fee, hourly rate, or incrementally
3. Retainer Amount: The cost to retain the attorney’s services and the terms of the retainer agreement.
Equipping your staff with this knowledge fosters efficiency, professionalism, and client trust. A well-prepared team ensures potential clients feel valued and confident in their initial interaction with your firm.
Read more
11 Oct, 2024 by Logan davis
I had a very ugly and contested divorce/custody battle. Kathryn fought hard for me and would recommend her for anyone facing a highly contentious divorce.
Read more
01 Mar, 2025 by Anonymous
September 12th, 2022 police arrived at my door to tell me they were investigating sexual claims made against me, outlandish as they were I immediately panicked because as everyone knows, once these rise against you, you’re pretty much screwed. I immediately reached out to any attorney and was recommended Vindicate law, I spoke to the receptionist and explained the case and was assigned Carrie Fulton Brown. She accepted my case. The path to freedom was long and arduous. After the arraignment they told me I was facing 60 years in prison. Many continuations later, my anxiety and stress were at an all time high. Me and Carrie never really talked to each other about the case itself except a few times as my case was entirely hearsay, but because of the fact that it was from a minor the case was stacked against me 10 fold. Communication with Carrie was very rough, as most people sitting in the hot seat just want a shred or a glimmer of positivity but Carrie did NOT deliver on that front in the slightest. But that was okay, because she was dedicated to working against the state in a screwed up system. Most of the beginning of my case I knew most people and even Carrie didn’t believe me when I say I didn’t do it. Later on I passed 3 polygraph tests trying to prove I didn’t do it, and only after the 3rd one when I passed it with the actual prosecutor / State did Carrie tell me she strongly believes I didn’t do it. She gave me the best options to follow forward and going to trial with a minors words against mine was bleak, Carrie fought for the best outcome, I served 0 days in jail, no fees or Fines, Didn’t have to sign a sexual registry, all 4 counts were dropped to a Class C Abuse of a child. And 1 year of DOC Probation in which I spent 3 weeks on before the DOC discharged me from probation saying my crime didn’t fit criteria of having probation as I was a zero risk person and this was the only thing I’ve ever gotten on my record.
All said and done, I’m glad Carrie pulled through for me and allowed me to stay out of prison and remain with my family and to continue working she’s a tough person to understand and rough around the edges when talking to her but she’s nothing but business which is what you want in an attorney. Thanks Carrie for giving me my life back! 60 years was a long time to be away.
Read more
19 Feb, 2025 by Charles
I am absolutely appalled by the complete lack of professionalism and utter disregard for my situation shown by Carrie Fulton Brown from this Law Group. I entrusted her with my case, believing her promises of dedicated representation, and instead, I received nothing but empty words and an empty bank account. She happily accepted my retainer, and then proceeded to do absolutely nothing. During the 6 months period she was my attorney, before her withdrawal, phone calls went unanswered, meetings/appointments were canceled for no apparent reasons. No investigations were done on my case, she did not interview no witnesses, and the so called ”victim“. Furthermore, Carrie had the audacity to tell me I was borderline harassing her by calling her and her incompetent paralegal Lisa too much. She literally took my money and vanished into thin air. Carrie Fulton Brown is a trash of attorney. I suffered significantly due to her inaction, and I was left feeling completely abandoned and betrayed. I would strongly advise anyone considering hiring her to look elsewhere. Save your money, save your time, and save yourself the immense frustration and disappointment. She is a disgrace to the legal profession.
Read more
29 Jan, 2025 by David castro
Muy agradecido con su ayuda Marissa fue muy atenta con su trabajo.
Read more
01 Mar, 2025 by Anonymous
September 12th, 2022 police arrived at my door to tell me they were investigating sexual claims made against me, outlandish as they were I immediately panicked because as everyone knows, once these rise against you, you’re pretty much screwed. I immediately reached out to any attorney and was recommended Vindicate law, I spoke to the receptionist and explained the case and was assigned Carrie Fulton Brown. She accepted my case. The path to freedom was long and arduous. After the arraignment they told me I was facing 60 years in prison. Many continuations later, my anxiety and stress were at an all time high. Me and Carrie never really talked to each other about the case itself except a few times as my case was entirely hearsay, but because of the fact that it was from a minor the case was stacked against me 10 fold. Communication with Carrie was very rough, as most people sitting in the hot seat just want a shred or a glimmer of positivity but Carrie did NOT deliver on that front in the slightest. But that was okay, because she was dedicated to working against the state in a screwed up system. Most of the beginning of my case I knew most people and even Carrie didn’t believe me when I say I didn’t do it. Later on I passed 3 polygraph tests trying to prove I didn’t do it, and only after the 3rd one when I passed it with the actual prosecutor / State did Carrie tell me she strongly believes I didn’t do it. She gave me the best options to follow forward and going to trial with a minors words against mine was bleak, Carrie fought for the best outcome, I served 0 days in jail, no fees or Fines, Didn’t have to sign a sexual registry, all 4 counts were dropped to a Class C Abuse of a child. And 1 year of DOC Probation in which I spent 3 weeks on before the DOC discharged me from probation saying my crime didn’t fit criteria of having probation as I was a zero risk person and this was the only thing I’ve ever gotten on my record.
All said and done, I’m glad Carrie pulled through for me and allowed me to stay out of prison and remain with my family and to continue working she’s a tough person to understand and rough around the edges when talking to her but she’s nothing but business which is what you want in an attorney. Thanks Carrie for giving me my life back! 60 years was a long time to be away.
Read more
19 Feb, 2025 by Charles
I am absolutely appalled by the complete lack of professionalism and utter disregard for my situation shown by Carrie Fulton Brown from this Law Group. I entrusted her with my case, believing her promises of dedicated representation, and instead, I received nothing but empty words and an empty bank account. She happily accepted my retainer, and then proceeded to do absolutely nothing. During the 6 months period she was my attorney, before her withdrawal, phone calls went unanswered, meetings/appointments were canceled for no apparent reasons. No investigations were done on my case, she did not interview no witnesses, and the so called ”victim“. Furthermore, Carrie had the audacity to tell me I was borderline harassing her by calling her and her incompetent paralegal Lisa too much. She literally took my money and vanished into thin air. Carrie Fulton Brown is a trash of attorney. I suffered significantly due to her inaction, and I was left feeling completely abandoned and betrayed. I would strongly advise anyone considering hiring her to look elsewhere. Save your money, save your time, and save yourself the immense frustration and disappointment. She is a disgrace to the legal profession.
Read more
29 Jan, 2025 by David castro
Muy agradecido con su ayuda Marissa fue muy atenta con su trabajo.
Read more
23 Jan, 2025 by Roe jogan
A couple months in and I am getting conflicting information about the status of my case depending on who I talk to. I really hope this doesn't continue down the wrong track. Reserving judgement for now on whether or not I chose the correct firm.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Angela victoria ramos ardila
Excelente 👌 Atención y servicio de Andres Medina
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22 Nov, 2024 by Laurie penny
28 Jan, 2025 by Tyler ball
19 Nov, 2024 by Tracy cramer
I’d recommend ensuring that your staff.. whether a secretary, paralegal, or receptionist... has a clear understanding of basic client-facing information. Prospective clients should be able to quickly obtain answers to foundational questions such as:
1. Consultation Fees: Whether the firm charges for an initial consultation and, if so, the amount.
2. Billing Structure: Whether services are billed on a flat fee, hourly rate, or incrementally
3. Retainer Amount: The cost to retain the attorney’s services and the terms of the retainer agreement.
Equipping your staff with this knowledge fosters efficiency, professionalism, and client trust. A well-prepared team ensures potential clients feel valued and confident in their initial interaction with your firm.
Read more
11 Oct, 2024 by Logan davis
I had a very ugly and contested divorce/custody battle. Kathryn fought hard for me and would recommend her for anyone facing a highly contentious divorce.
Read more
05 Dec, 2024 by West coast auto group info
Starting from the kind staff and moving into a kind attorney, you don’t find that very often. Lance is professional, savvy and reliable. There is nowhere else you should look for counsel, we couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. Thank you Lance!!!!
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05 Dec, 2024 by Tyler bell
One of the best law firms I have ever been represented by. I have used Hester Law Group for multiple situations dating back over a decade and they've never let me down. There were times the outlook was grim, the prosecution was adamant and these guys postured themselves and defended justice with ease. I have never been disappointed with our final resolution and more times than not have received an outcome far greater than one would think possible. When looking for a solid attorney look no further, Lance Hester is a solid man and outstanding attorney.
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02 Jul, 2024 by Luca villalba
13 Jan, 2025 by Dominick andrezze
Katrina, Ashley, and Nancy are top-notch lawyers who undertook my case and won all aspects due to their attention to detail. Highly recommend law firm.
Read more
04 Nov, 2024 by Lauren sands
I used Bliss Law Group, specifically Riley Moos, to represent me in an especially contentious protection order against my husband (and father of my only child) after calling the police on him for the third time in 2 years. The night that I left was the final straw when he tried to break down the bedroom door to get to me. My ex was extremely upset when I filed for the protection order, vowing that by the time the hearing was finished, he would have full custody of our daughter....As you can imagine, I was quite scared!!!! A lot of people say that protection orders are easy to get but ours was much more complex. When I left my husband, the only place I could go, was back to him, or to a homeless/abused women's shelter. I would not allow my daughter to suffer either one of those situations and decided to take her out of state, to my hometown, where we could stay with family while we could pick up the pieces of our broken lives. The decision to leave the state was best for my daughter but it added greatly to the potential repercussions of leaving my husband. My attorney, Riley Moos, swooped in and saved the day. It's hard to describe, but from the moment I started talking to her, I knew we would win that protection order; I could tell when I talked to her that she had read all of the 25 page protection order I'd written recounting the treatment I'd endured over the years, and I knew that she was 100% invested in protecting myself and my daughter. She believed in my cause and she pursued it like a mother bear protecting her cubs. In the final protection order hearing, the Commissioner stated that there was a preponderance of evidence of coercive control. He ordered my husband undergo a substance abuse evaluation and domestic abuse evaluation. And here, I must applaud my ex-husband, because he allowed this feedback to change him. He's been going to AA 5x a week for the past year, has gotten sober, and has turned his life around. None of this would have been possible without Riley. I had previously talked to a pro-bono attorney and could tell that she had no interest in *fighting* for me, or even in reading the lengthy protection order I had written. If it hadn't been for my attorney, Riley Moos, my daughter and I wouldn't be safe in our new home, and my ex-husband wouldn't have turned his life around!!!
Read more
30 Oct, 2024 by Nick wilson
Riley and Karissa are awesome to work with, I've been fortunate enough to work with Bliss Law for the past 9 years and each time has been professional and impressive. Highly recommend.
Read more
06 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
We retained Laura due to her extensive glowing reviews on avvo. Unfortunately, the service provided by her and her team did not meet the standards illustrated herein. Laura failed to make a presence in our case and retain any vital case details as well as failing to respond on our behalf. The documents she submitted us for review each listed minor and major oversights illustrating a lack of investment from her team. After utilizing over half of the retainer paid "reviewing case details" she failed to recall any information regarding our requests or specific details of our case. Each document we received had a different jurisdiction heading including Kitsap, Pierce and King counties while our case was taking place solely in Kitsap county. These details are important but clearly illustrated a "cut and paste" investment in preparing court documents. I have never received such poor efficiency in utilization of a legal retainer. After notifying client services of our concerns, they failed to address our concerns nor request for alternate legal representation nor respond as promised. The majority of our retainer was consumed at a rapid rate thereafter. It appears we were billed for a performance review and for clerical errors to be updated throughout the case. I have never seen such a high retainer be consumed before even appearing in court. After 8 years of practice, I would have expected a better performance from our representation.
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02 Nov, 2015 by Jill
Laura Carlsen was our second attorney. Our case was a unique custody case involving same sex partners. After doing some research, we thankfully found Laura Carlsen. As soon as we hired Ms Carlsen, she immediately got right to the issues at stake and took action.
Ms. Carlsen is intelligent and professional. She does not mince words; she will tell you exactly where your case stands and then go to bat for you. She is not afraid to go to court and will do so when warranted. However, she did whatever she could to save us money and worked hard to keep our custody case from going to trial. At the end our case did go to trial and Laura Carlsen did a remarkable job and we were granted custody
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22 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Laura represented me in a child support modification case. I couldn't have asked for better representation. Not only did Laura always look out for my best interests, but she was always very prompt in getting back to me if I had any questions. If you want an attorney that will fight for your interest's with understanding and compassion hire Laura!
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07 Jan, 2023 by Brian
I hired Mark in the summer of 2019 to work my case after firing another law firm in Port Orchard. With the other firm, the lawyers were just in it for the fees. They admitted they had no expectation that I would be successful in court and were simply pushing to go to mediation. They and their paralegals, being polite, were subpar. I fired them for either negligence or incompetence, hard to tell what the situation was.
When I was interviewing for a new lawyer, I talked to several other Kitsap County and Seattle lawyers, but as soon as I started talking to Mark, I knew he got it. Without going into details, my case was fairly complicated both in storyline and legally. I had really gotten myself into a pickle, but Mark got it immediately, understood what had happened and knew what needed to be done.
In the first few months, I was actually worried that I was getting played with used car salesman skills because he seemed to agree with and understand everything I was trying to convey, but once I saw the first artifacts he drafted outlining the case, I realized he really understood and was truly advocating for me.
Then COVID hit, and I am not going to lie, there were many times in 2020 and 2021 that I was getting very frustrated with the pace. COVID obviously delayed things in an unprecedented manner, but there were also other cases that Mark was waiting on that were being litigated at the same time that he wanted to see the decision on before proceeding with mine. This period was painful mainly because of the portion of my income that I was not paying as alimony left me essentially penny-less at the end of every month. These changes in circumstance were part of the reason for the court case to being with, but Mark recommended I make sure I pay 100% if I could.
Once we got into court proceedings, Mark continued to be a superior advocate for me, while at the same time being the aggressive lawyer that I needed him to be against my ex-spouse and her attorney. Mark was able to take my situation and explain it in terms that the judge clearly understood the deceptions executed by my ex-spouse and her lawyer.
In the end, the judge ruled very favorably in early 2022, overturning “lifetime” maintenance and granting that it would only continue for 3 additional years at very reduced terms. One of the things the judge noted in my favor was that I had made every required payment and more, taking the children into account, despite sometimes having negative cash flow for months in a row. Mark’s early intuition on this matter proved critical.
My case involved active duty military considerations, military retirement considerations, older minor children, college age children, dependent parents and revolved around termination of deceptively worded lifetime spousal support at $4000/m that was cleverly inserted in the divorce decree contrary to verbal agreement and understanding. There is quite a bit of additional nuance, but regardless, Mark was able to overturn essentially the entire decree.
So here’s the bottom line. If you are looking for a lawyer that will listen, understand, and advocate for your story (not just mechanically process your situation), then I have not found anyone better than Mark. And this is after having talked to at least a dozen lawyers, some free consultations but mostly in paid consultations. He is not afraid to be unconventional when required and not afraid of a hard fight. I don’t want to speak about all family law matters, because I think that is a very broad field and I don’t want to over-project my experience, but in matters of divorce-related litigation, I recommend Mark over any other lawyer.
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23 May, 2021 by Anonymous
Terrible attorney who lacks communication skills and due diligence, waste of & buyer beware, cost me time with my child…
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22 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
I reached out to Mark to inquire about my options for a legal issue in my family’s life. He was very understanding and caring in his thoughts and recommendations for us. He took the time to talk to me the moment I called and helped me to understand what my next steps should be. He also followed up with a kind email to remind me of my options, offer his sympathy towards my situation, and offer his service if ever needed in the future. I highly recommend Mark for your legal needs.
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13 Jan, 2011 by Happy father
At the beginning, he let me know that it would be an uphill battle, due to custody change from mother to father, but he was on my side and would do his best to represent me. Hari studied all the information I had presented to him. He worked hard to find out more information through CPS, doctors, and courts. He also went above and beyond to keep me informed on the case, and he brought in others, whom are professionals in their field, to find out any other information that may have been needed. He treated me with respect at all times, and answered any questions that I had within a proper amount of time. I was expecting him to keep in contact with me by e-mail, but he called me and we talked face to face numerous times, I liked this the most. Hari won the case. I was granted custody of my daughter, whom had lived with her mother for seven years. I truly thank Hari for representing me when others thought it to be too hard.
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06 Jan, 2011 by Steve
He's there 100%, and doesn't keep you out of the loop at all. He comes prepared and does his homework.
Even though the case was dropped (it was a traffic infraction, and the officer didn't show up), it would have been a slam-dunk.
Hari is at all times a professional
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20 Jul, 2010 by Mary
I hired this guy to get my share of my ex-husbands USAF retirement, that I was legally entitled to. After I paid him, I had to move to Phoenix for a job and he "forgot" about me. Wouldn't respond to my letters, wouldn't call me back (I left 4 messages for him in a 7 day period). After I threatened to go to the bar association, he did call me. Since I was out of state we agreed to correspond via e-mails. I had to draft my own letters to my ex-husband so he could put them on his letterhead and "lawyer" them up so it didn't look like it was written by a non-attorney. Not only did he not edit them, he mailed them out on plain paper (not his letterhead). Obviously, my ex-husband didn't pay much attention to him. I wasted over 18 months trying to get this "lawyer" to do the job that I paid him to do. I finally gave up and I am moving back to Washinton in a few weeks and plan to hire another attorney. I also plan to file a complaint with the bar association as I kept every letter and e-mail from him. I found out later that he had been reprimanded and suspended for not representing his client. I would have never hired him if I would have known that. Stay way from this guy and don't give him any money as you will never see results from him.
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01 May, 2016 by Bill
After my wife died, I was left with $400,000 in debts, plus collection agency letters and phone calls. I was convinced that I had to pay these debts or lose everything. I contacted several lawyers in my state that turned down my case. While visiting Washington, Attorney Stanton briefly reviewed my case, and assured me that there was a way to handle my situation. Since I don't live in Washington, she referred me to an attorney in my home state who was an expert in my type of situation and who settled my case for about ten cents on the dollar. I was very impressed that Attorney Stanton helped me out of this situation that seemed like I would lose all my retirement funds, and recommend her to anyone who needs legal assistance.
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31 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
I found Attorney Stanton to be very knowledgeable and she provided sound advice. I hired her for one matter and after helping achieve the results I was after (maintaining pension benefits) I hired her again for another matter. In both matters, her service was excellent, and she was always quick to return my calls and answer my questions. She was prepared and did everything that she said that she would in a timely manner. I would highly recommend Holly as a trustworthy, aggressive, smart, motivated, and savvy attorney. She saved my career and protected my future employment. She made it possible for me to prevail in a situation against a very aggressive attempt to ruin my life.
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06 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
I chose Holly Stanton after a brief discussion. She appeared to have a solid understanding and approach to dealing with divorce. I must say it has been an extremely frustrating two (2) years settling a divorce which was relatively close to agreement by both parties. These are some of the situations I encountered. I had a difficult time reaching Holly by phone and messages left rarely generated a response. When we met in person, most of the meeting was spent “refreshing” her memory. Meetings were always cut short due to Ms Stanton’s child care issues yet I was charged a full hour each time. Meetings were cancelled after arriving because needed information was not available. Filling for Child support was never completed after multiple requests to do so. This caused a major financial hardship as my former spouse twice arbitrarily chose to reduce child support by hundreds of dollars we had agreed upon. The divorce was finally concluded after contacting the opposing side’s attorney and speaking directly. I would definitely not suggest hiring Holly Stanton as counsel.
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23 Dec, 2023 by Christopher
She charged me $5000 for some email exchanges and when we went to court she didn't fight for or even request any of the requests I had hired her to fight for in my custody case. Her facebook is very unprofessional and she bragged about drinking the night before my case. Bad lawyer bad person.
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20 Aug, 2023 by Kassi
Tarah was assigned to me for a contempt motion but I ended up hiring her to fight an unethical opposing lawyer. Without her I would have been railroaded by opposing council from a big name firm. Tarah knew all the laywer's tricks and fought for me and my kids. It's taken almost 2 years but there's an end in sight and Tarah has been worth EVERY penny!!
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07 Feb, 2023 by Jason
I have been around some bad people throughout my lifetime, but Tara Wagner is the most atrocious human we have ever associated with. She treated my wife like a dog and made her feel awful about herself. She would yell at her and degrade her for asking simple questions. It reminded my wife of the abusive relationship she was in prior to me with her daughters father. Tara has major anger issues and extreme bouts of rage when she doesn't get her way or you annoy her. I am not surprised at all by her negative reviews on here stating that she is a narcissist and that she is being investigated. I do find it astonishing that she has not had her license revoked yet, but I have no doubt in my mind especially with all of these horrendous reviews that she will. Narcissistic people make great attorneys. The one review states that she is a "master of deception". That's exactly why narcissists make great attorney's. Do yourself and your mental health a big favor by avoiding this very horrible human.
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26 Feb, 2015 by Brian dolan
I am amazed on his professionalism an dedication to go the extra mile . My specific case had a lot of hurdles to leap over and I am embarrassed for my commit above . However Paul Banken and I fought a very hard battle and we didn't always see eye to eye but even when I was my own worst enemy he stood by me an never backed down. I am extremely happy to say this . Paul is a wonderful lawyer and is great at what he does . He treated me not as a number but as a client an I believe not a lot of people always listen in situations like this but he listened an was truthful even when it wasn't always what I wanted to hear. Paul Banken is in my thoughts every time I hug my children . Without his dedication I know it wouldn't have been the same outcome regardless of the situation . That being said Paul thank you for your hard work an I appreciate it everyday . I know I wasn't the easiest person to work with but you helped me more than I can ever say thanks again for everything
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10 Feb, 2014 by Dolamite
Mr. Paul Banken did not help me in my case. He was quick to comply with any an all services that C.P.S. had asked with an when asked to stand up on court an ask the judge to the right thing. He will Decline an not do as you are asking. I would not hire this attorney. at all. However he is a nice but watch out for the hidden factors. Now I am not saying he is all bad but I am saying he didn't work for me. Maybe he was over worked over booked? Who knows. But no he is not good be careful is all I am saying here
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13 Oct, 2018 by Rachel
We hired Pauline Conradi from Tacoma area for our custody dispute. She would arrive late to court. She looked like a deer in head lights in the courtroom. She said she filed paperwork that had NOT been filed, but instead handed to the other attorney past the deadline so it was thrown out. She took forever gathering information. We decided to gather the paperwork ourselves that was our proof and paid her MORE money for an appeal and we never heard from her again. We Called, emailed, text asking her to call us back she didn’t respond we asked for our paperwork back she never returned it or responded. She is a thief and a terrible lawyer and should definitely be reported.
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24 Apr, 2014 by Melissa
she took my money four years ago for a simple case too have the judge reconsider her decision I had all the paperwork ready to go and all she had to do was file it and ask the judge to reconsider her decision as a judge did not hear my side. She was also supposed to help me redo my parenting plan for the money that I gave her I only had 5 days to file the claim I contacted her immediately and paid her the same day and no contact or response after that every time I called her she said she was working on it and that we would get to court soon and day by day week by week month by month she had pneumonia she was on vacation she was working on other cases then my ex husband finally sued me so she had to go to court she said she ask for a continuance we got to court and she said she ask for a continuance the judge said she did not see one so my attorney was unprepared and I was found to have to return money to my ex husband that was not doin she was supposed to read and file a new case with my previousrequest for reconsideration of a contempt charge which I was not guilty and had very much proof of and then I was out child support because she did not represent me properly this is going on for 4 years and she is at an excuse for 4 years to not file my case you only time she's going to court is when my ex has been sued me and she was unprepared she will not return phone calls she will not return your money no matter how many times you requested she is the worst attorney ever save your money she procrastinates and waits till the last minute the day paperwork is due I would never hire her or recommender to my worst enemy 4 years later I still don't get child support in June or July she will not return any of my paperwork to me that I like her previously from a different attorney and she will not provide me with any of my paperwork I've offered to pick it up she will not return my money or my phone calls I would never hire this person ever
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25 Feb, 2011 by Anonymous
AN ANGEL SHE IS...
SHE STOOD BY ME WHEN NO ONE ELSE WOULD!!!
MY CASE WAS NOT ONLY VERY INTENSE BUT ALSO IN THE COURTS FOR YEARS. THE DEDICATION AND HER TANACITY FOR VERBAGE IS AMAZING TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE I DID NOT HAVE LEGAL HELP FOR THE FIRST FEW YEARS AND I HAVE NO LEGAL EXPERIENCE .WHAT SO EVER
SHE COMITTED HERSELF TO MY SITUATION NIGHT AND DAY I CAN'T THANK HER ENOUGH FOR ALL HER HELP AND SUPPORT.
PAULINE YOU'RE THE BEST MISS YOU BUNCHES
SHELLY & ASHLEY
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09 Jan, 2018 by Irina
I do not recomend William, I payd him a retainer and he was going to help me with divorse. He stoped responding to my messages and phone calles. He has done nothing in the prossess. Originaly he was giving free advises on the phone and sounded very smart but unfortunatly not relyable lower. I do not recommend him to anybody.
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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.
