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19 Mar, 2023 by Kiara baker
Attorney Simon-Tov was my most recent GAL for my 13 year old and 4 year old. I’ve been in and out of court for several years for my kids and dealt with different GAL’s. She was the first person to really collect the facts and be the most accurate in her report for court. She was the first to really be fair and honest. She definitely did everything a GAL supposed to, which I found amazing. Her being the GAL this time really made a positive impact for the better on my 13 year old. While I still wish differently for my 4 year old, unfortunately there are laws in place that prohibits certain changes to the custodial order. But over all she was great! She was approachable, really researched, professional, listens, and fair! The BEST GAL you could ask for!
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09 Feb, 2023 by Slmedic91
Hard working and trustworthy
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27 Jan, 2023 by Erika robart
"Legal Representation You Can Trust - Leslie A. Siman-Tov is a lawyer you can trust to handle your legal needs for all matters of family or criminal law.
Competent quality legal representation is hard to find, Siman-Tov Law, PLLC sets the standard for the Legal Industry. If you find that you need a family law attorney or criminal law lawyer, look no further then Leslie A. Siman-Tov @ Siman-Tov Law PLLC"
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20 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
Mr. Masterman will provide you with a small amount of his attention span and is more interested in story telling than learning your case. Be cautious of the advice he gives you as it is often incorrect and will lead you into legal pitfalls and traps.
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22 Sep, 2017 by Jeffrey
I met with Mr. Masterman yesterday to consult over a relatively simple divorce my wife and I have been pursuing. He was very knowledgeable of what steps I needed to take and how to go about them, including how often our witness needed to visit and how thorough the settlement agreement needed to be in terms of listing how we split things.
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28 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
I have only spoken with his scheduling receptionist. My appointment isn't until late September. He's a bit above my budget for consultations but his office's processing fees seems to be best for me as I expect document processing will the crux of the divorce.
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24 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms. Pope was retained for custody. Despite it being obvious that my ex didn't want to care for his kids, but wanted to lower support payments & control things, she didn't advocate for us. He filed first; the assigned GAL asked where my petitions were, so I asked her the same & was told I didn't need to file petitions of my own... So when his grounds were revealed & they were OUTRAGEOUS, I had no recourse to open my own "change in circumstance," so I was left ONLY fighting against my ex's stupid crap. Several "deals" were tossed back & forth but none were good for my kids. Ms. Pope kept telling me I could NOT take a single day of visitation from my ex but every deal he offered cost me 12+ days per year. When you know the other party is looking to open support, you don't change days for a loss on your behalf. When a GAL can say, even to your kids' therapist that it's obvious the dad doesn't really WANT his kids, you don't GIVE that dad more time. You FIGHT for the time the mom is asking for, the kids are asking for, & the time the kids' teachers say is better for the kids. There was a last ditch effort by my ex to dodge court, but 1) the deal gave away a HUGE piece that was what he initially filed on (so I was agreeing to something I whole-heartedly believe is a detriment to the kids), 2) placed a ridiculous NEW stipulation on my time w/ the kids, & 3) gave him 3 days for every 2 days that were "added" to my time, so I was losing days overall. She yelled at me over the phone when I tried having a frank discussion w/ her about how I felt she was poorly representing me/us. She repeatedly referred to me by a very specific, derogatory term. I asked her to stop using the word & she persisted. She repeatedly told me I would lose & didn't bring half of the evidence I compiled despite it being pretty solid in the way of shining light on my ex's habits. She told me not to call witnesses because he had dismissed his, so we would look silly. She told me that one of my children's therapists would be a HUGE detriment to my case when the therapist said EVERYTHING to the contrary (& this has been reaffirmed several times!), so this professional, my strongest witness was never called. When asked about it, the therapist couldn't understand how Ms. Pope got the impression that he would be a detriment to MY case. He showed me my son's chart where he logged the information & it was reviewed again when the case was continued (I retained new counsel), & nothing he said about me was negative; in fact, the therapist agreed that it was obvious my ex doesn't want the kids, but he wants control & that's not a parent you put in charge. Period. Regardless of the issue that brought us to court this time, she put her own bias about a parenting style/choice first. She decided that the issue my ex chose to bring to court this time was something she agreed w/ him on & therefore, didn't represent me/us well. There was a lot more she could have done, especially w/ every text, email, screenshot, & witness I gave her, that she just didn't do. Her entire strategy revolved around settling out of court despite me repeatedly telling her that was not going to work - if we could settle, we wouldn't be here for the 7-8th time in 3 years. If we could settle, I wouldn't have thrown away $6,000 for an "advocate" to help argue my side. At no point did she say, "Don't offer that," during negotiations, so when one of his deals came back seizing on something I offered, but w/ additional demands, she blamed ME for giving too much away! Her advice was always, "Give away this big huge thing that was agreed upon during the marriage, to the point of signing documents to the affect of the agreement, then take what scraps he will give you for added time w/ your kids... even if it means it's not really adding time & costs you in child support, peace of mind, and sanity." The best interest of the children was over-ridden by a singular issue when it shouldn't have been.
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08 Feb, 2016 by Mike
Ashby is very informative, she stays in contact and answers your questions. She helped me win custody of my children and has helped me to keep them safe. I would recommend her to anyone.
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12 Aug, 2014 by Donald
Ashby Pope is an awesome attorney. She represented me very well with my divorce and she is a very tough lawyer. I would recommend Ashby Pope to anyone who needs a great attorney. Once again Ashby thank you for representing me.
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04 Sep, 2024 by 717 rider
Literally pays her assistant to respond to bad reviews 🤣 I have proof of all information I’m about to provide, feel free to reach out to me before wasting your money. I had a consult with Emily who basically went on about how things would go and all these thing the judge would do and so.. anyways I give her $3000 to retain her for a custody hearing. Tells me to be there 30min early so we can have a meeting before hand. Shows up 2 minutes before the hearing. Basically loses the case against an individual who didn’t even have a lawyer than proceeded to keep $1000 for doing absolutely nothing after I tell her she’s fired. Everyone I have spoken to has basically confirmed my suspicions about her. She’s afraid of the judge and ruffled feathers along with being messy and unprofessional in the court room. She doesn’t care about you or your children. Literally offered a 2/3 refund after doing no work. For 30 minutes in the courtroom where she looked scared to even stand up for her client and my child. Do yourself a favor and hire someone else. If you ever find yourself up against emily don’t worry just defend yourself.
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01 Jul, 2024 by Rob deel
Ms. Emily Sitzler and her staff were amazing to work with. Responses to both emails and phone calls, were all handled promptly.-In many cases, immediately.
Emily is an adept professional.
More importantly, she is a caring individual.
She was so very empathetic to our plight.-Going so far as to give some personal advice, about an adjacent matter, that we didn't realize was affecting our current situation.
She is not only an expert litigator, she is truly a good person.
The world needs more folks like her.
I highly recommend her office for any legal matter you may face.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Faith allen
24 Sep, 2024 by Autumn campbell
Very unprofessional kept rescheduling my court dates 4 times then it came to when I called the circuit court for my court date. I was never on the books. I would not recommend him to anybody. Better off calling ALLEN & Allen . Never q responses to phone or text messages girl up front is rude doesn’t do her job my advice your better off representing yourself before you ask for his representation
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01 Aug, 2024 by Cheyenne inman inman
Very patient and very helful
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27 Jul, 2024 by Elly kidd
I reached out to Mr. Shareff & since day one him & ladies in office super nice & responsive. I started my uncontested divorce end of Feb & divorce took a while but it was not his fault. He was so responsive & explained the whole process answered all my questions & I have no complaints! We emailed back and forth & finally we got divorce finalized. I recommend him & his staff have been awesome & very professional. He is an asset to this Louisa community & in my opinion they deserve a lot of credit for all the work & time they put in! Thanks to him & staff I’m divorced & can now move on with my life! There needs to be a 10 star option because they truly deserve it!!!
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10 Sep, 2024 by Jon and kris kent
I was represented by Mr. Strickler for a worker's comp case and was very pleased with his and his firm's professionalism, expertise and diligence. They were able to get a fair settlement for my family and I not to mention peace of mind. I would highly recommend this great firm to do the same for anyone.
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08 Sep, 2024 by Robert ayers
Stephen Strickler represented me on my worker's compensation case, and he was very professional and knowledgeable with the worker's compensation laws. I appreciate everything that he and his paralegals did on my case. Thank you Mr. Strickler for all the hard work.
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11 May, 2024 by Keith p
This law firm is exceptional. I have had the pleasure of working with several of their attorneys, including Matthew Weinberg, who has been incredibly impressive, providing meticulous and caring representation. I have also spoken with Thomas Snyder, who is kind, patient, and informative. This law firm truly cares about its clients and goes above and beyond, and I highly recommend them.
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30 Apr, 2024 by Ta ta
They failed so many clients and people. Also, why does Martin Schubert of this firm have to be such a crook and creepy?
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21 Nov, 2023 by Brian
Soo's team was very helpful, professional, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend Keithley
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26 Oct, 2023 by Shelley bonneau
07 Jan, 2024 by Nathan philype
10 Oct, 2023 by Summer layton
This firm is filled with knowledgeable and attentive attorneys. I highly recommend.
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12 Jun, 2022 by Marvin greene
Highly unprofessional in all seriousness…
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30 Jul, 2024 by Krista rhoades-vasquez
11 Jul, 2024 by Ardert guevara
This lawyer don’t really does anything , charge and don’t fight for what really is, the mother of my child’s it’s still doing what ever she wants I been trying to get in touch with this lawyer and the office say we’ll call you back but they never do. Don’t wast your time I am really disappointed I’m going through lot making everting complicated .
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18 Jun, 2024 by Victor garrett
Mr. Freeman was beyond knowledgeable helpful and there for my case and me. Against all odds my case went well and he made sure I got the best results. Thank you sir!
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10 Jun, 2024 by Joseph pulk
18 Jan, 2024 by Stacia lupyan
We appreciated their professional and compassion during a difficult time.
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10 Jan, 2024 by Kayla jernigan
Mrs. Wooten was great. I felt like my best interest was always considered. The staff was extremely helpful and professional. They went above and beyond to accommodate my case and its nature as it unfolded.
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10 Apr, 2017 by Rebekah
Mr. Garrett failed as an attorney for me as he did not respond in a timely manner to many of my emails and phone calls. He called me petty and vindictive when I asked for clarification and refused to sign something until he explained what he was asking for. He refused to answer many of my questions and was not timely in his delivery of any of my documents. I was forced to pay for a next day signed copy of my documents myself due to the fact that he didn't get them to me in time, and then he texted me that they were returned to him. Do not hire him if it's anything other than a traffic violation.
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25 Jun, 2016 by Justin page
I had retained Mr. Garrett as my attorney at a tune of $2500 to only go to preliminaries. After I was charged with a felony I bonded out. After I bonded out the DA added a charge due to Mr. Garretts poor oral skills at preliminaries. I was then locked up for the 2nd charge and left in Va Beach correctional for 9 days because Mr. Garrett blew off 3 people i had calling him plus myself in the cell block. Needless to say I fired him after he finally got me a bond hearing on day 9 of being in jail. Meet my new attorney in the parking lot and hired him with no problems.
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22 Apr, 2016 by Jared
A couple years back Mr. Garrett got me out of some serious domestic charges, I cannot thank him enough for his help. A family disagreement ended up with me going to jail with charges no one wanted filed, but since it was a domestic case Virginia Beach stepped in. Most everything was dropped thanks to Mr. Garrett, again I cannot thank him enough. I will, without a doubt, go to him if I need legal help again.
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02 Sep, 2023 by Jeremy
I retained Ms. Pease for a personal injury case in July of 2022. Ms. Pease was very difficult if not impossible to get in touch with. She never responds to emails (As a lesson never use an attorney with a Gmail address). When I was able to get in touch with Ms. Pease or her ever-changing staff they informed me that the case was moving forward and they were waiting on medical bills. Finally, in August Ms. Pease informed me that after wasting a year she would no longer be pursuing the matter. I asked her to please mail me all documents related to the case so that I could pursue the matter with another attorney. Up to this point Ms. Pease has yet to send those documents (I strongly suspect there are no documents, because she did no work). Overall, I found Ms. Pease to be extremely unprofessional and I certainly wouldn't recommend trusting her with legal matters.
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30 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
Ms. Pease goes above and beyond to ensure the best results possible. She has represented me on 2 different occasions and I could not be more satisfied.
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30 Jul, 2018 by Mallory
I was a client of Stephanie’s for a few smaller charges, but she was so wonderful to work with. She took care of everything without me even having to set foot in the court room. If you want someone who not only cares about her work but cares about her clients, I highly recommend you going to her.
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28 Jan, 2022 by Jennifer
I had my first DUI 2013/ 2014. I met him through a really good friend mine. As soon as I called him he was explaining what I needed to do and what not to do; too protect my rights. He was very prompt about detailing me about court dates and what his and the court’s expectations might be. Matthew is so easy to talk too and will help in anyway possible. Definitely recommend him for anyone who unfortunately gets in a unlikable situation. You will also learn a lot from him in the meantime! 100% reliable.
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04 Feb, 2020 by Amber
He is very thorough and knowledgeable and got my DUI dismissed! Does not waste time and to the point.
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10 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired this lawyer to represent me in a tenant landlord case appeal. The judge added up what he felt I owed the plaintiff and my lawyer forgot to make sure my 2400 security deposit was credited from this amount. I repeatedly requested that my attorney correct this. It was his error and he did not even offer me the opportunity to pay him to fix the error. He said that the plaintiff's attorney assured him it had been credited. The whole point of having an attorney is to be defended against the charges/plaintiff. It cost me a 2500 retainer and then an extra 2400 for the loss of proper crediting of my security deposit. This was an error that could have been corrected he just did not care enough to do so. I could not afford to hire another attorney to correct his mistake. I would avoid this attorney. I am still stunned that he could not be bothered to fix his own error.
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04 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
I would not recommend her to anyone. She was not very interested in telling us what she could do with our case but was clear on telling us her hourly and retainer fee and had the nerve to add we could pay her more money to file a simple change order. Why would I hire you if I have to do all the work myself?!
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19 Sep, 2017 by Tom mckeen
Alison is an amazing attorney. She was prompt to respond to emails. She really cared about the case and most importantly her skills won my case. I would highly recommended her.
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16 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Allison is the best! Dealing with custody matters can be nerve-racking. When you are coping with a high conflict custody dispute on top of all it can become overwhelming. Allison took care of everything. We would not have kept our sanity without her. Allison kept us up to date and eased our anxiety. We hope we are never in this situation again but if we are, we know Allison is just a phone call away. It has been a positive experience working with Allison. She makes it easy for us to understand all the procedures that are involved, we appreciate all the work and effort she put in on working on our case. Weal enjoyed working with her. Thank you again for everything you are truly a part of our family!
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26 Oct, 2023 by Amanda
Julie has been extremely successful at helping me file for my divorce after I had her as my atty for a domestic assault case that she had dismissed for me! I would 10/10 recommend to anyone in the area!! Thanks JULIE!!
A. Hamil
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14 Jul, 2023 by Suzanne
My son got his 2nd reckless driving ticket. She went above and beyond not just get reduced but had him take the right driver improvement class.. she asked him questions she had him explain what he learned from that and from the community service.. it wasn't about getting him out of a ticket but to teach him what he did wrong and what could’ve happened..I would definitely use her services again if needed.
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15 Mar, 2023 by Lindsay
We originally retained Ms Churchill in 2018 for my husbands custody of his son, she does an amazing job at researching and organizing your documents, and advising you how to keep organized. You can tell she truly cares! My husband has sole legal and physical custody of his son.
In 2022 we retained her for my own custody (shared physical and joint legal) of my stepson and I won!
Her extensive hard work truly pays off. I trust her completely and cannot recommend her enough!
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08 Jun, 2021 by Tahira
My name is Tahira. We had family case for my sister in law. Wow she is super Atternoy for us to make us win and found justice for my sister in law. May God bless her and keep her safe.
Again she is trustworthy in every single way.
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20 Sep, 2018 by Joanne
Ilona was an absolute Godsend to me at the most miserable point in my life.
All throughout my divorce Ilona was not only professionally superb, she was compassionate and supportive.
Her knowledge of family/divorce law and her breadth of experience are impeccable. Her negotiation skills are unparalleled. I always trusted that she was truly committed to obtaining the best outcome for my children and myself.
I highly recommended Ilona without reservation.
She is outstanding.
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18 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
I had to transition attorneys because my divorce case went beyond contentious. Ilona Grenadier's firm took the case and handled it with professionalism. In very difficult situations, I would strongly recommend Ilona go with you to court to ensure the case is closed quickly so everyone can move forward.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Katrina c.
I had very unique circumstances including 1) being referred by another lawyer for him to take my case and 2) being afraid of men due to domestic disputes. However, I had no issues working with Dirk or his team towards feeling safe and represented. He was fair, honest and affordable which meant a lot in my circumstances. I thank him personally and to Laken for her follow ups and understanding with me throughout my case and for Ginger for her follow ups and scheduling due to my out of state travels and appearances. The team kept up with all of it! Grateful.
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05 Aug, 2024 by J
Dirk and his staff have been amazing for my daughter would definitely recommend!
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12 Jul, 2024 by Kk sheffield
Awesome lawyer, works hard for you and the staff is exceptional!
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4.2
11 Reviews
4.0
1 Reviews
18 Nov, 2021 by Heba
Ms. Williams is so professional, knoledgeable, understanding and supportive.
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20 Dec, 2019 by Jeff sisk
03 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
I was very disappointed about the outcome of my child custody case. Ms. Alanna was not prepared, didn't know key facts of my case, and did a horrible job presenting to the judge. She was an amateur in the court room. She dismissed a key witness in my case without my approval, didn’t respond to my emails and was unorganized. I’m sure if you're going through a child custody case it’s a very tough time in your life. Mrs. Williams did not provide sound advice, dedication, or adequate representation. I would not recommend this lawyer to anyone.
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5.0
6 Reviews
4.0
60 Reviews
06 Jul, 2024 by Anna cromis
Hopefully the Chevron will stop lawyers like Mr. Thibault. My situation was a nightmare. I constantly owed him money for nothing. He’ll probably come up with an another bogus bill after this review.
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21 May, 2024 by Eddie albright
I regret to inform that my experience with The Coastal Virginia Law Firm Of Brook M. Thibault P.C. was profoundly disappointing and lacked the professional rigor one would expect. Engaging Mr. Thibault as my attorney, I anticipated a robust advocacy for my interests. Unfortunately, the reality was a hurried and disjointed process that led to a custodial agreement deeply unsatisfactory to my needs—one that was not only settled without my prior consent but also executed without my signature.
The lack of communication was a significant issue throughout the process, exacerbated by the non-cooperation of the opposing party. Despite these challenges, the expectation was that my legal representation would navigate these complexities with professional diligence. Instead, there was a premature rush to resolution, evidenced by Mr. Thibault’s unilateral decisions to sign off on agreements and letters without my input.
This approach not only compromised my legal standing but also resulted in substantial financial loss without achieving the desired legal outcomes. To those considering this firm’s services, I urge thorough research and consideration of other testimonials. The experience served as a stark reminder of the critical importance of selecting a legal representative who is thoroughly committed to their client’s interests and communicative every step of the way.
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03 May, 2024 by Shelly doire
Brook was always very attentive and understanding. Helped me with my custody case and with drawing up my will after my husband passed away. Stacy, his paralegal, is always so kind and responds lightning fast. Great law firm, great team, and great lawyer.
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12 Jun, 2023 by Cynthia richardson
Mr. Comfort has helped me with various issues the past few year. He always has a solution, no matter the issue. He is my go to for any legal advice, and wouldn't want any one else in the court room with me.
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04 Jan, 2023 by Janelle geroche
19 Aug, 2022 by Jamie
I used Kimberly for my custody and she told me everything I needed to do, was there every step of the way and super helpful.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Tyler
Sup
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18 Mar, 2024 by Lisa eaton
Teresa Cole achieved for me a fulfilling life post divorce by ensuring my financial stability in negotiations with my ex husband and his attorney. She was conscientious of how we spent our time so that I wasn’t wasting my funds on unnecessary talk and issues. She was professional, effective, and completed my complicated federal employee divorce in just 18 months. She knew the best mediators who helped get the job done. She helped in advising me for my future life plans. I highly recommend Teresa.
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10 Mar, 2024 by Christopher bennett
I highly recommend Bob Cox and the Team at Briglia Hundley. Bob went above and beyond every step of the way, in a case that went on for several years. His professionalism, attention to detail, kindness and support throughout the process was top-notch. I couldn't be more grateful to have been introduced by an attorney I trust to Bob Cox and Briglia Hundley.
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18 Aug, 2024 by Derek moores
I've been calling for four weeks now and it rings busy, off the hook
I have etonfet this accomplished.
How am I to navigate this system when the system is broken?
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13 Jan, 2024 by J s
Great office! Blossom is a pleasure to work with
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25 May, 2022 by Keith nuce
Plain and simple,the best attorney I have ever had in my lifetime.Mr.Jankell did exactly what he said he would do,actually he did better then I expected.I was privileged to have him represent me.
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09 Apr, 2024 by Charles blount
Had her for most my child support case she is fair but honest
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02 Nov, 2021 by Manfred
Not even aggresive or listened to what i wanted.
I lost everything and got charged like crazy.
Wouldnt hire her anymore
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17 Apr, 2021 by Rick blair
hands down an amazing Judge ✨
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08 Nov, 2022 by Clayton gray
03 Nov, 2022 by Julie blake
I would highly recommend Randy Raines. He is a stellar attorney. He is responsive and knowledgeable.
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28 Oct, 2022 by Imani
Mr. Raines was knowledgeable of the law and was able to assist in winning my case. He has experience with working with the courts and judges. I was satisfied with the results.
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10 May, 2024 by Mahdi norozi
I had the pleasure of working with Maddox & Gerock on a recent legal matter, and I couldn't have been more impressed. Their expertise and professionalism shone through in every interaction we had. Not only were they highly knowledgeable in their field, but they also took the time to explain complex legal jargon in a way that was easy for me to understand. Moreover, their dedication to my case and timely communication made the entire process smooth and stress-free. I am grateful for their exceptional legal representation and would highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal assistance. Special thanks to Tashina Gorgone as she stood by my side till the end of the case and we achieved amazing results due to her hard work and proficiency.
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16 Sep, 2023 by Christine washam
I worked with Katharine Maddox, with Karrie Dodson as support. Katharine is absolutely brilliant and insanely strategic. She speaks internationally at various conferences and is an established expert, to say nothing of the fact that she’s a total delight to work with. I had a complex case with grim prospects and she KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK. Karrie was equally lovely to work with, is sharp as a tack, and ensured that all bases were covered. Superb communication—I was NEVER left wondering what the status of my matter was or what direction we were going in.
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01 Aug, 2023 by Erin jewell
Julie Gerock is my go-to choice for family law referrals in Northern Virginia. Julie is a skilled family lawyer who is used to handling complex cases, including spousal and child support, child custody, visitation, relocation, and international family law cases. She is also a sought after speaker at continuing legal education seminars and a leader in her field. I would not hesitate contacting Julie and her firm for your needs.
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21 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
I was a father who had originally agreed to share custody with my ex. The arrangement was in place, but I had not signed. My ex had moved, had the kids in new schools, but was making decisions that I believed were not in the kids' best interests. I had retained one attorney at the cost of several thousand dollars but was dissatisfied with the progress. I met with Mrs. VanZile, and within minutes she had an understanding of my situation and the type of person (my ex) I was dealing with. I always felt like I had someone fighting in my corner. At trial, she was able to expose my ex's motives and ultimately I was awarded a change of custody. My coworkers, who came to the hearing for support, witnessed Mrs. VanZile's performance and a couple have reached out to me in the years that followed for her name and contact info. I gladly share. My kids are young adults now, and the conflicts have long since settled. Your experience may vary, but as for me, I am grateful for the help I received.
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05 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Melissa did a great job representing me during my difficult divorce and took the steps necessary to avoid having to go to court. She was always very prompt in responding to me and laid out various options in a way I could understand so I could make an informed decision.
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26 May, 2017 by Patti
Melissa was very professional, courteous and helped me through the process. She was there every step of the way, answered every question I had, and supported me. I would gladly recommend her.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Mathew
Ms Maiden was hired to represent me in a child custody case. Not only did she get me what I was asking, but got me more. She called and checked in on me, was very personable, and eager to fight any battle opposing counsel threw at her. She was always willing to go to bat for me.
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31 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired Ms. Maiden because she promised me that she did more "hand-holding" through a contentious divorce than the typical lawyer. The exact opposite was true. She ignored my case to the extent she even failed to present an offer that was made by the opposing party; when I finally had to hire another lawyer, I was too burned out to file a bar complaint for what is very much a breach of duties. In short, she was non-responsive, allowed my case to drag out, caused me unbelievable stress and ultimately cost me thousands of dollars when she abdicated my bargaining power by pissing off and ignoring my ex-spouse and his attorney as well. If I could give her a negative rating, I would as she had a complete negative impact on me, my family and my case.
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29 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Besianne is the most honest, professional, and transparent attorney I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She not once made promises to me about the outcome of my child’s case. She consulted with us and I felt the sincerity in her voice, mannerisms and character! She didn’t promise us the moon. She consulted with us and at the end of our consultation I felt like she would fight for us as if we were her own family. A decision that I am so glad that we made.
She’s honest, decent, caring and transparent. A testament of what lawyers should pride themselves on being. Besianne has not just become our attorney but also has become our friend. Her unmatched knowledge of the law is secondary to none! As a mother fighting for your child and fighting for the truth I highly recommend Besianne because she’s a fighter and her knowledge of the law is AAA+!! The office and its workers are welcoming, professional and courteous! We not only procured an excellent outstanding attorney but also a lifelong friend. Hats off to Tavss Fletcher for having an awesome, amazing, second to none attorney in their firm that will fight to the bitter end! The BEST ATTORNEY EVER! Besianne Tavss Maiden you are in my opinion the most honest, brilliant, caring and professional attorney EVER! Thank you thank you thank you for representing our family and your honesty and knowledge of the law is absolutely phenomenal!
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30 Apr, 2024 by Ta ta
They failed so many clients and people. Also, why does Martin Schubert of this firm have to be such a crook and creepy?
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26 Oct, 2023 by Shelley bonneau
25 Oct, 2023 by Brittany prather
13 Aug, 2024 by Tara card
15 May, 2024 by Alexis mcloughlin
Mr. Dansby is amazing at what he does. If he's assigned to you as a public defender and you give him something to work with ,you'll be ok. Highly recommend.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Stephanie hall
Ivan is the best attorney literally EVER! Would recommend him to anyone! Listens, works hard for you, and communicates directly with you. Hands down 10/10.
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19 Jun, 2024 by David bagheri
Great firm, great people.
Mr. Hartsoe is a wonderful person and an expert.
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10 Feb, 2024 by Ms
I have had the privilege of working with Mehagen McRae as my attorney for the last five years and I cannot express enough how grateful I am for her exceptional services. Mehagen represented me in my protective order trial, divorce, and custody trial. All of the outcomes were in my favor and I will definitely hire her again if needed. She is the attorney who fights for you and your child(ren). She understands you and has a beautiful soul. Even when faced with unreasonable and unprofessional opposing counsels who represented my ex-husband during the above processes, Mehagen maintained her composure and integrity. There were late-night emails/calls and weekend in-person meetings, which took her away from her family. Mehagen was truly an advocate for me and reduced the stress and pressure during the processes. If you are looking for a caring, competent and trustworthy attorney, I highly recommend you contact Mehagen.
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02 Aug, 2023 by Jillian
The 1st family lawyer I got was horrible and cost me about $10k. I hired Mehagen back in 2013 and she was empathetic, honest and great in the courtroom when fighting for you and your case. I definitely recommend this lawyer and would use her again if I need to return to court. I have almost given up faith in the justice system but Mehagen and one other lawyer have given me hope that there are lawyers will truly care and will fight for you and your child.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Child Custody Lawyer Can Do for You
A child custody lawyer specializes in helping parents navigate legal matters related to the custody and care of their children, particularly in the context of divorce, separation, or other family disputes. These lawyers assist with determining custody arrangements, drafting parenting plans, and advocating for your rights in court. They also help resolve disputes over physical custody (where the child lives), legal custody (who makes decisions for the child), visitation rights, and modifications to existing custody orders.
Whether you're going through a divorce or need to change an existing custody arrangement, a child custody lawyer can help you understand your rights and protect your child's best interests throughout the legal process.
When Should I Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a child custody lawyer in several situations, especially when disputes arise or complex legal issues affect your parental rights. Some common reasons to hire a child custody lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: If you're going through a divorce or separation and need to establish custody and visitation arrangements, a lawyer can help ensure the custody order reflects your child's best interests.
- Disputed custody cases: If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody or visitation terms, a lawyer can advocate for your rights in court and help you develop a strong case.
- Modification of custody orders: If you need to change an existing custody arrangement due to changes in circumstances (e.g., relocation, changes in the child’s needs), a lawyer can help file a modification request.
- Parental alienation: If the other parent is interfering with your relationship with your child, a lawyer can help address these issues through legal action.
- Domestic violence or abuse: If there is a history of domestic violence or abuse, a lawyer can help protect you and your child by requesting restraining orders and advocating for appropriate custody arrangements.
- Grandparent or third-party custody: If you are a grandparent or another relative seeking custody or visitation rights, a lawyer can guide you through the legal process.
- Paternity disputes: In cases where paternity is in question, a lawyer can assist with establishing or challenging paternity, which may affect custody and visitation rights.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help protect your parental rights and ensure that the custody arrangement is in your child's best interests.
What Does a Child Custody Lawyer Do?
A child custody lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help parents resolve custody disputes and secure favorable custody arrangements for their children. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing custody petitions: Helping you file the necessary paperwork to request custody or visitation rights and ensuring all legal procedures are followed.
- Negotiating custody agreements: Assisting in negotiating custody and visitation arrangements, often working toward a mutually beneficial parenting plan without going to court.
- Representing you in court: If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody terms, representing you in court by presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
- Drafting parenting plans: Helping you draft a comprehensive parenting plan that outlines the schedule for physical custody, decision-making responsibilities, and visitation.
- Handling child support issues: Assisting with related issues such as child support, ensuring that financial obligations are properly calculated and enforced.
- Modifying custody orders: Helping you request a modification from the court if you need to change an existing custody arrangement due to significant life changes.
- Mediating custody disputes: Acting as a mediator to help both parents reach an agreement on custody and visitation without the need for litigation.
How Are Child Custody Lawyers Paid?
Child custody lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case, the time involved, and the nature of the legal work. Common payment methods include:
- Hourly rate: Most child custody lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer's experience and location. The total cost depends on the time spent preparing documents, negotiating, and representing you in court.
- Flat fee: For simple custody matters or uncontested custody agreements, some lawyers may offer a flat fee for specific services, such as drafting a parenting plan or filing a custody petition.
- Retainer: Many lawyers require an upfront retainer fee, which is billed against as the lawyer works on your case. The amount varies based on the expected complexity and duration of the case.
- Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some lawyers may offer reduced fees or pro bono (free) services for clients with limited financial means, particularly in cases involving domestic violence or other serious issues.
It’s important to discuss fees and payment arrangements with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how much you will be charged and what services are included.
How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a child custody lawyer depends on various factors, including the complexity of the case, whether it’s contested or uncontested, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:
- Uncontested custody cases: Legal fees may range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the paperwork and any negotiations.
- Contested custody cases: Legal fees can range from $5,000 to $40,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the issues, the need for expert testimony, and the time spent in litigation.
- Hourly rates: Lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or complex custody disputes.
- Mediation services: If both parents agree to work through mediation, costs typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more for the mediation process.
Always ask for a clear cost estimate during your consultation to ensure that you understand the total legal fees and payment structure.
Top Questions to Ask a Child Custody Lawyer
Before hiring a child custody lawyer, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure they are the best fit for your case. Some key questions to ask include:
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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.
