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21 Dec, 2023 by Jd
I was the victim of parental alienation in a state that is known for automatically siding with the mother. By the time I reached out for a consultation, I was feeling quite hopeless. Mr. Miller gave me honest feedback and realistic expectations, making the decision to retain him easy.
Throughout my case, everything was handled promptly, thoroughly, and professionally. I was blown away with how well Mr. Miller presented in court at each hearing. He is direct, fact-based, and articulate with an incredible knack for saying the things that need to be said without being derogatory.
I cannot say enough good things about Mr. Miller. I realize good facts do more for one's case than the attorney, but I firmly believe I would not come away with what I did had I not been represented by him. He handles everything with a precision that leaves the opposing counsel fumbling and stumbling.
- JD
P.S. I have seen several reviews that point out how "little" he does versus how "much" is done by his paralegal. News flash: that's how it works and it's not a bad thing. I would be remiss if I did not mention the fact that his paralegal is an absolute rock star and just as much a part of my success as Mr. Miller.
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29 Dec, 2022 by Brenda
I hired Bob after having lackluster results with two other attorneys. He came up to speed quickly and jumped into a complex, long, and very litigious divorce. He brought a concrete strategy and a strong understanding of the law to my case that was lacking. Bob has an amazing courtroom presence and was able to adapt his strategy on the fly.
Most importantly, Bob listened to me, addressed my concerns, and got me the results I wanted. He delivered more that I hoped for, and I would recommend Bob to anyone that needs representation in a divorce.
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14 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
I would highly recommend Robert Miller "Bob" as a Divorce lawyer. He was very professional, yet personable. It was a very difficult and painful divorce to go thru, and having Bob on my side reassuring me and explaining my rights as a wife was extremely helpful. He's calm and polite, but will definitely go to bat for you when needed! He won't let your spouse intimidate or bully you. He'll call them out on their BS and make them be accountable. Bob's paralegal Abby was also extremely helpful. Not only was she kind and caring, but very informative and helped me understand all the terminology of the paperwork and the process of the divorce. They make a great team!
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27 Dec, 2023 by Justin
Never filed paperwork with the court that has keep me from seeing my kid in 4 years. She has blown me off many times and let my ex with get away with just about every thing stay away and find a diffrent atterny
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21 Apr, 2021 by Cary
Shannon has been my attorney for many years. Originally, she helped me with a divorce that was very contested. Shannon is always responsive and honest about the options and paths forward. With her years of experience, she understands the courts and knows what will work and what won't. I respect this.. she does not want to waste time or clients money. In the years since, Shannon has helped with child support modifications, and also wrote up my will. I can easily recommend Shannon.
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20 Apr, 2021 by Jeri
Started the process to modify my child support back in September 2020 almost 2 months later he was supposedly served. First month she had a lot of spelling errors so several emails went back and forth before I even signed! I did all the initial emails or calls just to see how things were going. I paid a months mortgage for what right now was for crap. What a waste of a single moms money. I would never recommend. April, late April I might add, she finally sent in the paperwork just so I could receive a call from Child Support department stating she didn't complete a section so he had to be served again causing even more delay. I'll be surprised if i don't lose what child support I'm currently getting. What a waste of my hard earned money. But guess if you're a lawyer money is nothing to her. I would never Ever recommend. Worse part she was recommended to me by a friend that used her to also modify her child support. Don't ever hire.
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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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09 Jan, 2020 by Fran
My overall experience with Attorney Mark Didrickson has been horrendous. If giving no stars for a rating was an option that is what I would give. I hired Mark over a year ago to take care of ONE very simple matter; Mark took my money but did absolutely nothing. Mark would constantly come up with some really preposterous excuse(s) not to work on my case, not to return my emails and phone calls. If by some miracle Mark did set up an appointment with me--Absolutely nothing ever got. accomplished at any of my appointments. Mark also constantly gave me court hearing dates that never ever happened; as he would always come up with some completely absurd excuse/reason that had absolutely positively
nothing to do with my case and would cancel whatever upcoming court hearing date I thought we had. Mark is a complete waste of money and time.
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11 Apr, 2016 by Brianne
I am mentally ill, and get easily overwhelmed. I could never have gotten my SSI on my own. My therapist referred me 4 years ago. My case was pretty obvious so I got my SSI after the first appeal. Regarding Social Security, Mark does an excellent job of finding the records. He changed my life.
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11 May, 2021 by Anonymous
Thank you Raymond! You helped me during the hardest time in my life and you always gave me full attention and kept all of the information regarding my case organized and in view.
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16 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired this man to represent me and he was very incompetent
Lost much of my information I gave home
Didn’t even respond to contempt’s on my behalf
I fired him and hired a real attorney
I’m still paying for his lack
Oh yes he still charge me full price
Don’t hire him!!!!!!
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14 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
I have waited five years to write this review. I hired Ruth Edlund halfway through my divorce to only concentrate on the parenting part of the case. I had received a less than favorable parent eval. and asked her to dispute the false accusations and lies as I had been a stay at home mom for 13 years and a teacher with a masters degree. I kept the former attorney on as well to work on the financial piece of the case. Ruth didn't listen to my concerns, wanted to create a new case which involved hiring a forensic psychiatrist and other expert witnesses that could testify in court. This not only drove the bill up, but instead of contesting false accusations she was agreeing to them and wanting me to be diagnosed with a mental illness that didn't exist in the first place. She ultimately didn't want to go to trial and in the end after mediation my ex husbands attorney filed an emergency hearing accusing me of more false accusations. Ruth failed to read the documents the morning of the hearing and we got killed because she didn't know how to fight back. She didn't object to the false testimony and we took a beating. I was then forced to sign a parenting plan and financial plan together which was to release a temp. restraining order the other party filed frivolously against me to see my children. I didn't know the dysfunction of family law at that time and agreed to sign my life away to see my three children. Five years later I do know the ins and out of family law and I know Ruth took advantage of me and did not represent me fairly or adequately. Documents were changed without my consent and agreements were changed without my approval. I tried for years to reach her to question and confront her regarding the malpractice situation. I was always directed to voicemail and she would deny any wrong doing via email. I recently heard she is no longer with Weschler Becker which is a step in the right direction. Ruth overcharged me and ultimately misrepresented me in a fairly straight forward contested divorce that the average attorney could have handled. Its a shame one person can do so much damage to the lives of others. Ruth should not be practicing law.
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29 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Ruth represented me in my divorce case but was unprepared and unorganized. She did not prepare me for trial, failed to object or challenge the opposing counsel during hearings for obvious misstatements. Ruth was lax in filing final orders and did not accurately highlight the mental illness and abuse of my former husband which ultimately caused trauma to my children and unnecessary delays and hardship. Then she over billed me and refused to complete my case so I was required to act alone until another attorney stepped in to represent my and my children's best interest. Ruth is only interested in self promotion and financial gain.
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20 Jun, 2014 by Suzanne
Ms Edlund represented me in a child custody case. Even with solid proof of my husbands mental illness and abusive nature she was unable to get me the custody i desired. She claims to be the most knowledgable and respected lawyer in the area but I saw nothing close to that in my interaction with her. The best thing about her is her strong relationship with several family court judges. Many of which are in "awe" of her high profile firm. This unfortunately didn't help me to get the sole custody I wanted with my "Little Boo"
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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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16 Nov, 2021 by Travis
I hired Matthew in February '21 to do my divorce paperwork and be a plan B if things went left with my Ex. Matt said he would try to get me on a $5k retainer but billing asked for $10k.
Matthew seemed empathetic at first. He had a calm demeanor and gave the impression he would be invested in getting me through the process.
I gave my Ex an initial offer. She counter-offered asking for 3x the amount. One that would never be held up in court but I didn't know that. Matt did not tell me that. He told me two things. I couldn't afford to have him negotiate on my behalf and she could make it much worse. My best bet was to stick with him and do the negotiations myself.
I did that, I negotiated a deal I should have never have entertained. I waited on Matthew to provide the final paperwork. This is where his apathy and incompetence saved me. It gave me time to double check and talk to other attorneys.
I didn't get my paperwork when Matthew said I would, so I fired him. Billing let me know that Matthew had spent my $10k in all two months. They hounded me for $500 more as I "overspent" on my services.
I let them know I would cover it if Matthew could explain how his initial estimate of < $5k ended up costing me over double that. Matthew never responded. I recently reached out to him and asked again. I asked for an explanation and a discussion on a refund of any amount.
Matthew does not care about you if he knows he's already sucked you dry. I have never been treated so inhumanly by someone I was paying.
I hired a different lawyer who cut my alimony in half. He did in less than 30 minutes with my exes lawyer and $3k.
If you have millions in property, then Matthew is your guy. If you're reading this and realizing you made a mistake, it is never too late to fire your lawyer.
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03 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Matthew represented me in a divorce case for several months until mediation was completed. Having worked with one attorney prior to Matthew (pro-se divorce consultation), and one attorney after (representing me in trial), I can comparatively say I had a very poor experience with Matthew. While Matthew is very warm, empathetic, and agreeable and works at a "big-name" firm (things that brought me to Matthew), I found that he was not a strong advocate for me, was challenging to work with, and was significantly more expensive compared to my other attorneys (even the one who prepared for and spent 3.5 days in trial with me).
Specific issues:
(1) I asked Matthew to simply argue the data - that I couldn't afford what the opposing party wanted. But he didn't share this data or even my budget with the opposing party, and I believe this hurt me. We simply weren't aligned on strategy - to use data and facts (like what I earned and could afford to give) to argue the case, vs using his preferred tactic to let other parties go first w/ no info, then countering lower and then seeing where you land. This strategy had very little effect at moving the opposing party towards realistic numbers.
(2) Matthew didn't advocate against a mediator becoming biased and actively inflating the opposing parties expenses and budget.
(3) Matthew often told me to take bad deals I literally couldn't afford because he thought a court might possibly make a more adverse decision. I really just wanted him to fight for something that even got me to a $0 end of month budget (vs. something that put me in the negative).
(4) Matthew was often not responsive to emails or phone calls for days to weeks at a time. Requests to improve this didn't change his behavior in a lasting way.
(5) I asked to hold meetings to discuss strategy and next steps, but often couldn't schedule these until the day or day before arguments/documents/proposals were due. We were ill-prepared and I was ill-prepared because I didn't know what was coming
(6) Matthew didn't provide clarity into upcoming bills (despite asking for this). I was surprised by how quickly large retainers were spent, and it was frustrating to see how much of the retainer was spent on printing huge binders never used, overhead costs you pre-agree to, and other firm employees I never met.
(7) I eventually let Matthew go (in writing and via voicemail), but was invoiced for activities completed after I let Matthew go. It took months to successfully get the firm to drop the charges.
I had none of these issues with my other attorneys. While I know Matthew couldn't control the outcome of my case, the process of working with him was very frustrating, and the cost was egregious when I compare the efficiency and pleasure I had of working with my other attorneys.
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22 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
This review is difficult for me to share, but I feel I have to do it so at least others might be able to benefit from it. Matt simply was not a zealous advocate for me in my divorce. I gave him the benefit of the doubt for a while because he had started out well. After a month or so, though, Matt became passive and barely did any work. For a while he wasn't really billing, so initially the expenses weren't very high, but by the end I was paying thousands and seeing little movement on my case.
My divorce was straightforward; no kids, just division of a handful of assets. It dragged on for well over a year though. Opposing counsel, on behalf of my ex, would deliberately obfuscate and stall, and when faced with this, Matt simply accepted it. He did not push for transparency, did not find ways to push opposing counsel toward an end, and also did very little work himself. Weeks would go by with no communication from Matt, and when I'd reach out to check in, he would often times not respond. One time he disappeared for almost a month. I reached out to him three times to check in and ask if there was anything I could do to help move things forward, and he only responded after I told him I'd have to find other representation since my case was obviously not a priority for him. Despite his assurances, his behavior did not change.
A few times, Matt told me he was going to start work on something, then never did it. For example, opposing counsel sent us a settlement proposal and Matt told me he would get working on a counter-proposal right away. After 3 months and several attempts on my part to push or ask if I could help, there was still no counter-proposal from Matt.
Finally, I requested mediation (an extra cost) in an effort to force an end myself. The mediation was a full day. Matt's representation was fair, and we were able to negotiate the high points, although I now wonder if another attorney would have done better for me on those. At the end there were some details still open, and I tried to ask about them. Matt was in a hurry to leave and was dismissive of my questions, packing up while I was talking to him. I was uncomfortable signing the agreement, but I decided to trust that Matt wouldn't leave anything important hanging. It turns out I misunderstood an essential piece that I would not have agreed to if Matt had explained it to me properly. He also left a loophole that my ex exploited, which left me in financial limbo for what turned out to be months after the settlement.
When weeks turned into months after the settlement and there was no end in sight, I had to let Matt go. I retained someone else to finish the divorce (several thousand additional dollars that I really couldn't spare), and my new attorney was able to wrap it up within a few weeks of coming on board, despite encountering the same difficulties with opposing counsel that Matt had. She was just more proactive and wouldn't accept their tactics.
To add insult to injury, Matt's firm charged me interest on my outstanding bill, which took a few months for me to be able to pay due to the loophole Matt had left in my agreement.
Unfortunately, my experience was so frustrating that I can't recommend Matt or McKinley Irvin. Divorce is already one of the worst times in people's lives, and my ordeal with them just compounded it. I hope they're able to offer a better experience to future clients.
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07 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Absolutely the worst. Terrible Attorney, Terrible communication, Terrible Service. I always felt sorry for his paralegal Anika, as she for sure carried the burden and brunt of his workload and kept him in business.....AWFUL ATTORNEY!!!!! Total Rip Off also - what a waste of money - Bradshaw was embarrassing in court. He always tried billing us for things in excess also of what he actually did. Disgusting.
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07 Oct, 2017 by Daniel
I was in bad vehicle accident! Mr.Bradshaw and his team were so great in handling all my bills. He was very true to his word and a very professional! Thank you so much Mr.Bradshaw for settling my case!!!
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18 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
The Slayer would not return any phone calls every time you would contact him every time it goes to voicemail then when I paid for him the $2,500 he told me he would let me know when he would go over that amount and never did and charging me extra money all this lawyer is he just wants money he did nothing for my case my divorce case and now I don't even get custody of my child and my ex has ruined my life I would never recommend this lawyer
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14 Mar, 2024 by Craig diviney
I was a trial lawyer for 30 years but never thought I would need one myself, until I was injured in a dog attack. After careful research I retained Bill Broughton to represent me. He and his legal assistant Kelly were terrific, and they procured a settlement well beyond what I thought was possible. Bill was diligent, tenacious, caring, and thoroughly professional, and the deft touch with which he negotiated with the insurance adjustor was a thing of beauty. He and Kelly are consummate professionals and kind, decent people. Highest possible recommendation.
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28 Feb, 2024 by Consumer reviews
As a business owner, consumer, politically and socially independent and non-partisan activist, I have hired many attorneys over a period of 50 years. I have sued but never been sued, and I have avoided many situations that could end in legal trouble, such as estate issues, divorce, guardianship, contracts, real estate, by being careful about the law and lawyers. Most lawyers stink, but I hold my nose and consult with them because seemingly everything has connections to law in one way or another. Here is my take on 50 years of damned lawyers:
1. 20% of attorneys are excellent, but most range from mediocre to bad. Most are not good case managers because they are detail-constipated; they pick through the legal wording and have chronic and serious trouble seeing the forest for the trees. One real estate attorney I hired spent months exchanging letters with another attorney, picking endlessly over every letter of every word, and at $500 per letter.
2. Most attorneys slip easily into being rude, contentious, domineering and abrupt, and not infrequently abusive outright. They don't teach respect or courtesy in law school, and the field attracts many bullies, greedy, ill-mannered and argumentative misfits. Unless your case has a fat pay-day for them, like big accident/injury cases, your business won't motivate them to treat you even 1/10 as well as you are treated at a reputable retailer.
3. Law school costs a fortune so, even if they wanted to, they have to charge a lot of money. This is why only the well off can afford lawyers and pursue their interests. Aa for life for the majority, you are well advised to always carry a jar of K-Y, stay out of the big city, and stay home after dark.
4. Most lawyers are cynical and, behind your back or in your face, sneer, discount, or dismiss outright the average person's sense of fair play, integrity or justice.
3. Many lawyers are ignorant. The usual case is like this: Well, Mr. Smith, I will have to research this issue and it will take X-hours. Have another question for your lawyer and that means more hours on your bill. This is usually the case even when they specialize in the area of law your want guidance on. Imagine you go to a car mechanic and he says, well, I will have to study the problem, at $350 an hour for a number of hours--and then decide on a course of action to repair your car. An attorney who claimed to be a HOA expert, a Phil Havers of Silverdale, charged me hundreds of dollars to research whether it was legal for equal members of an HOA to pay different dues. Well, it was right there in the law, plain as day according to another attorney. Havers never did figure it out.
4. Many lawyers are foggy headed drunks who love drinking their lunches. In a law magazine I read, 18% of attorneys admitted to drinking too much. That is triple the rate in the general population.
5. Some attorneys are crooks. When my brother died, his attorney churned and milked his account for YEARS. He knew one of my brother's wills was not legal because it was not witnessed, but he went on robbing from it. His name was Bruce Gardiner of Kirkland. When we got on Bruce, he actually hired another crooked attorney to help him, an Eric Jeppesen of Bellevue.
In conclusion, I found this law firm to be the just more of the same rude, money-wasting, and ill-informed. I found its snooty representative to be as "pleasant" to talk with as I would some guy laying on a sidewalk in Seattle. Trust me, you can do better, although better as a rule means going to the high quality guys in the high-rises in Seattle.
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08 Feb, 2024 by Bryan
Constantly forgets to send you paperwork, puts you behind on all proceedings. He always said "My paralegal never sent that to you?" when asked and than would get the documents 2-3 days later still. He was always on "travel", hard to reach. Simply by the book and willing to give as much to the other person and will do bare bones to support you.
Overall wish I would of hired one that actually cared and would inform me of things.
I had to wait 30 days to even get paperwork that the court case was done and that is cause I asked for them. I was never going to be told or sent any documents on it otherwise.
EDIT: Before he comments. Please take note. I am not the first person to complain about it. It is a business he will claim it doesn't represent fair review. Others said same as i did above.
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22 Mar, 2023 by Brad
I met with Rob in early 2020 , paid a $2000.00 retainer for his help with a legal matter. I received a letter when Covid started saying there would be delays for all clients. This was the last I ever heard from him or his office. I have since called dozens of times for a refund of the remainder of my retainer as the matter I hired him for has become irrelevant in the 3 years that have passed. I have never received a call back. I would just like the retainer returned. I cannot fathom taking money from someone and never providing the service or a return of the money paid. Looking at other reviews, I see I am not alone there are plenty of others who describe similar experiences.
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15 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Doing what's best for his pocketbook, not the client. Would not recommend this attorney.
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18 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
This man will take your money and disappear. Don't expect to ever hear from him again after you've paid his retainer. In any other line of work he'd be a criminal.
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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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26 Mar, 2024 by Hayley hanna
If you want a lawyer who does shady business practice and works with direct conflict of interest then here’s your guy. If you want someone who’s going to try to take advantage of you after the death of your loved one then look no further. BUT … if you want a real lawyer who’s going to be a shark and go to battle for you and actually knows how probates and estates work- then go to Seattle and hire a big dog attorney. Sometimes you just need to leave the island to find quality service.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Chantal firman
Save your money. If you want a lawyer who Is condescending, rude, hard to reach, and constantly out of the office then this is your guy. Made my fathers probate a nightmare.
He’s knowledgeable but that’s about it. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else on island
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24 Apr, 2023 by Innocentlee young
Do not waste your time and money. An experienced only in it for the money do not fight for you. They drag things out and don't know what they're doing.
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20 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
My ex and I did not consult these reviews, and hired Lynn in a high-conflict divorce. Lynn produced a sloppy report that included outdated information. She wrote a very one-sided report favoring the mother and recommending sole custody. She charged over $10K, plus more to appear at trial (and she made a billing mistake, overcharging me!). We went to trial, where the judge disregarded almost everything she said and ordered 50-50 custody. I dodged a bullet there, but pay attention to the above reviews and avoid Lynn Tuttle at all costs!
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27 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Lynn Tuttle lied all over our final report. She mixed up who said what, lied to make their favored parent look more involved in the children's lives than even they said they were, reported false evidence as fact without verifying, lead the children with yes or no to answer questions to contradict their original answers, and totally disregarded pivotal family testimony of the children living in a hostile home environment, which was the direction the children's answers were revealing, and Lynn's own transcript clearly steered the interview a different direction.
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19 Mar, 2017 by Svetlana
I have seen some very unethical law professionals, but Lynn Tuttle is the worst. She unethically engaged with one party, who immediately convinced her that the other party was the worst parent ever. The bias was felt by me from the very first email from Lynn. He is very haughty, privileged, and treated me like I was an immigrant trash. She rescheduled appointments repeatedly, including on the day of the appointment, while the children's activities had to be canceled to accommodate her shifting schedules. She ignored the witnesses from my side, and kept regurgitating the other party's witness lies, provided by that family's worst representatives. Many of them refused to participate in the mud slinging, including my mother-in-law. Lynn interviewed the kids, and anything they said about the other party, she blamed on me - I was not even there when the kids experienced all of this!!! She completely ignored the kids' wishes - and she is supposedly there to protect their interests?! She sure was not! She made the kids so uncomfortable with her interrogation, that they dreaded the very name. One of them eventually just shut her off during her multi-hour questioning, because she kept asking the questions to trip him, to get him to say what she wanted to hear - that is a direct quote from the child. She was there to support the lies the other party fed her. She made up her mind on the case before she even met me or the kids. She is the worst and DANGEROUS! PLEASE SAVE YOUR KIDS A LOT OF ANXIETY, AND KEEP THEM AWAY FROM THIS HORRIBLE INDIVIDUAL, WHO SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO TOUCH HUMANS, FORGET DEALING WITH CHILDREN!!!
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30 Aug, 2022 by King
Asking a monkey to take care of your case would be better than this individual. No responses to any form of communication while hiding behind the receptionist. Don't waste time. money or your effort on this tool.
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07 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
I hired Angela L Olsen to do my Divorce. It has been a year, and I had to get another attorney to take the case. She did nothing on my case, except collect money from me. She did not keep me inform, she charged for my emails, but would not reply to them. While the case was in her hands it almost got dismissed from the county due to inactivity! She is not on top of her game! If you hire this lawyer you might as well walk into your bathroom and flush your money down the toilet!!
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11 Jul, 2011 by Jeff
Angela Olsen mishandled our case so badly that we were compelled to file a complaint with the Washington State Bar. She was uncaring and unprepared and, as a result, served a contempt motion on the wrong party, and then failed to insist that a waiver be granted because the opposing attorney asked for service on behalf of her client. Any experienced attorney should have known better. In addition she was unable, because of her lack of preparation, to argue the case with the opposing attorney or direct the judge. She bungled the facts badly, and had no case law to support her limited attempts at rebuttal.
Angela Olsen failed/refused to maintain communications with us, claiming that her caseload and personal matters, such as a field trip with her daughter, and a vacation, were more important than the lives and future of our grandchildren, which hung in the balance.
Angela never disclosed to us that her caseload was such that she could not competently handle the case, which was brought before the court as an urgent matter. As a family law attorney she has a moral imperative to protect innocent children who are helpless, and have no other advocate, which was the reason she and her firm were retained.
Further, Angela Olsen failed to file a motion for reconsideration, when the judge refused to appoint a guardian ad litem. This was negligent
and irresponsible, given that there are health issues and child molestation involved. Ms. Olsen also ignored the urgency of the matter to go on vacation and then had the audacity to tell us more than 10 days later that she was too busy to respond to our telephone calls and
e-mail inquiries because "we were not her only client." When I criticized her handling of the case by e-mail her partner responded within 5 minutes, advising us that his firm was withdrawing -- never addressing the issues. As matters now stand Angela Olsen may have completely destroyed our son-in-law's only remaining chance to get his children and our grandchildren out of harm's way.
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02 Nov, 2022 by Marissaa
This attorney was too afraid to go to trial, after being hired and paid decided it was too much for her and said she didn’t want to go to trial! Like ok?? Who does? As an attorney you have an obligation to serve your clients not screw them over because your too old and can’t handle a touch case! She shouldn’t have took me on as a client if she knew she couldn’t handle it! After taking my money and putting me in a worse situation not thinking once how parents go through so much during this whole situation just to be taken advantage of! I would not recommend her ever, she might as well retire at this point!
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14 Apr, 2016 by Jordan
I was faced with a parenting plan case and Kolleen was the first attorney I consulted. She told me if I was to get an attorney, that I would have to pay for an attorney for my ex and that I didn't need legal representation for my case. Both of those claims were undoubtedly false. I felt like she just pocketed my consultation fee and rushed me out her door. I would not advise anyone to consult with this attorney. I hired a much better attorney and my case went well.
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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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30 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Unfortunately Denise Hansen is not very effective lawyer compare to what her profile would say, also once she gets the charge she would not follow up on the case and would leave you halfway. At the beginning though before the get their charge the communicate on email only and hard to get them follow up with your case
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Child Custody Lawyer Can Do for You
A child custody lawyer specializes in helping parents navigate legal matters related to the custody and care of their children, particularly in the context of divorce, separation, or other family disputes. These lawyers assist with determining custody arrangements, drafting parenting plans, and advocating for your rights in court. They also help resolve disputes over physical custody (where the child lives), legal custody (who makes decisions for the child), visitation rights, and modifications to existing custody orders.
Whether you're going through a divorce or need to change an existing custody arrangement, a child custody lawyer can help you understand your rights and protect your child's best interests throughout the legal process.
When Should I Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a child custody lawyer in several situations, especially when disputes arise or complex legal issues affect your parental rights. Some common reasons to hire a child custody lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: If you're going through a divorce or separation and need to establish custody and visitation arrangements, a lawyer can help ensure the custody order reflects your child's best interests.
- Disputed custody cases: If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody or visitation terms, a lawyer can advocate for your rights in court and help you develop a strong case.
- Modification of custody orders: If you need to change an existing custody arrangement due to changes in circumstances (e.g., relocation, changes in the child’s needs), a lawyer can help file a modification request.
- Parental alienation: If the other parent is interfering with your relationship with your child, a lawyer can help address these issues through legal action.
- Domestic violence or abuse: If there is a history of domestic violence or abuse, a lawyer can help protect you and your child by requesting restraining orders and advocating for appropriate custody arrangements.
- Grandparent or third-party custody: If you are a grandparent or another relative seeking custody or visitation rights, a lawyer can guide you through the legal process.
- Paternity disputes: In cases where paternity is in question, a lawyer can assist with establishing or challenging paternity, which may affect custody and visitation rights.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help protect your parental rights and ensure that the custody arrangement is in your child's best interests.
What Does a Child Custody Lawyer Do?
A child custody lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help parents resolve custody disputes and secure favorable custody arrangements for their children. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing custody petitions: Helping you file the necessary paperwork to request custody or visitation rights and ensuring all legal procedures are followed.
- Negotiating custody agreements: Assisting in negotiating custody and visitation arrangements, often working toward a mutually beneficial parenting plan without going to court.
- Representing you in court: If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody terms, representing you in court by presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
- Drafting parenting plans: Helping you draft a comprehensive parenting plan that outlines the schedule for physical custody, decision-making responsibilities, and visitation.
- Handling child support issues: Assisting with related issues such as child support, ensuring that financial obligations are properly calculated and enforced.
- Modifying custody orders: Helping you request a modification from the court if you need to change an existing custody arrangement due to significant life changes.
- Mediating custody disputes: Acting as a mediator to help both parents reach an agreement on custody and visitation without the need for litigation.
How Are Child Custody Lawyers Paid?
Child custody lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case, the time involved, and the nature of the legal work. Common payment methods include:
- Hourly rate: Most child custody lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer's experience and location. The total cost depends on the time spent preparing documents, negotiating, and representing you in court.
- Flat fee: For simple custody matters or uncontested custody agreements, some lawyers may offer a flat fee for specific services, such as drafting a parenting plan or filing a custody petition.
- Retainer: Many lawyers require an upfront retainer fee, which is billed against as the lawyer works on your case. The amount varies based on the expected complexity and duration of the case.
- Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some lawyers may offer reduced fees or pro bono (free) services for clients with limited financial means, particularly in cases involving domestic violence or other serious issues.
It’s important to discuss fees and payment arrangements with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how much you will be charged and what services are included.
How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a child custody lawyer depends on various factors, including the complexity of the case, whether it’s contested or uncontested, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:
- Uncontested custody cases: Legal fees may range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the paperwork and any negotiations.
- Contested custody cases: Legal fees can range from $5,000 to $40,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the issues, the need for expert testimony, and the time spent in litigation.
- Hourly rates: Lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or complex custody disputes.
- Mediation services: If both parents agree to work through mediation, costs typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more for the mediation process.
Always ask for a clear cost estimate during your consultation to ensure that you understand the total legal fees and payment structure.
Top Questions to Ask a Child Custody Lawyer
Before hiring a child custody lawyer, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure they are the best fit for your case. Some key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with child custody cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, especially if your case involves complex issues like domestic violence, relocation, or paternity disputes. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, offers flat fees for certain services, or requires a retainer, and ask for an estimate of the total cost. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your case, including potential challenges and expected outcomes. -
How long will the process take?
Inquire about the expected timeline from filing the petition to reaching an agreement or going to trial. -
Will you personally handle my case?
Ensure you know who will be managing your case and representing you in court. -
Can we pursue mediation or alternative dispute resolution?
Ask whether the lawyer recommends mediation or other forms of dispute resolution to avoid a lengthy court battle.
How to Check the Credibility of a Child Custody Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable child custody lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for family law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in family law and child custody cases.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to gauge the lawyer’s professionalism and success in child custody matters.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on custody cases.
- Check for certifications: Look for lawyers who are board-certified in family law or have memberships in organizations like the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) or local family law sections.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a child custody lawyer, come prepared with relevant documents and information:
- Court orders or existing custody agreements: Bring copies of any existing custody or visitation orders for the lawyer to review.
- Communication with the other parent: Provide copies of emails, texts, or letters regarding custody, visitation, or disputes.
- List of your child’s needs: Prepare a list of your child’s specific needs, such as medical care, education, and extracurricular activities.
- Timeline of the case: Outline key events related to your custody case, including changes in living situations or parental involvement.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions about the custody process, legal fees, and the lawyer’s strategy for your case.
By being well-prepared, you can help the lawyer assess your situation effectively and receive the best possible advice for protecting your rights and your child’s well-being.
