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13 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
We cannot recommend Ashley enough. She helped us navigate a complex and emotionally taxing divorce case. The opposing party was extremely erratic, difficult and clearly displayed narcissistic tendencies that made the process even more challenging. However, Ashley remained confident, calm and exceptionally professional throughout. She and her paralegal, Sally, ensured that our questions were always answered with clarity, and we felt well-informed at every step. Ultimately, Ashley helped us reach a settlement that was fair and in our best interest, preventing a very costly and unnecessary trial. Incredibly grateful for Ashley and her team's support during this difficult time.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Tyler
Ashley Raymond was absolutely amazing. No one enjoys going through a Separation but Ashley made it a much easier process. Stayed on top of it the whole way, working with the extremely difficult other side and truly cares about her clients. 10/10 Would recommend and plan of doing so!
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04 Feb, 2024 by Rheagan
Ashley helped me through a contentious divorce that required a lot of communication and responsiveness on her part. She gave me pragmatic advice and negotiated a good settlement. She made a very stressful situation much easier to navigate.
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05 Aug, 2024 by Kent
Anyone facing divorce knows the financial and emotional upheaval that is about to descend on your life. Finding a competent lawyer to guide you through the divorce process can be a daunting task and I found such a lawyer: Sarah Brandon from North Country Law Office.
Sarah's calm, empathetic demeanor was a great support during the entire divorce proceedings. She always consistently steered me in the right direction to ensure the best possible outcome. Sarah’s advice on two separate occasions prevented me from taking actions that would have further complicated resolving an already emotionally-charged divorce.
Sarah is a firm, tough negotiator and with her many years of practicing family law, she has acquired exceptional expertise in divorce law. Her superior understanding of the law resulted in a settlement that will enable me to live a financially-secure post-divorce life. What was impressive is she held down legal fees by avoiding expensive litigation.
Regarding Sarah's fees, her retainer and other expenses were reasonable. She called and emailed only when it was necessary. Sarah didn't play the all-to-common legal game of driving up legal expenses with unnecessary legal maneuvers. She is honest, ethical and I would highly recommend Sarah to handle any divorce, from the simple to the complex.
Sarah is the owner of the law firm. Her office staff of Liz, Tasha and Katie understand how difficult divorce can be and they more than once put me at ease with their lighthearted sense of humor and kindness. The professional and personable services this firm provided made the rocky road of divorce easier.
Finally, I had the utmost confidence in being represented by a law firm owned and staffed entirely with women. My confidence was not misplaced as my ability to live a financially-secure life is due entirely to this firm. Thank you, Sarah, Katie, Tasha and Liz for your hard work and dedication.
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16 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Sarah did an amazing job helping me with my divorce. And her team was very helpful.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Sarah and her team did an amazing job handling my case. I was happy with their service the whole time and would recommend them to others.
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21 Jul, 2024 by Justin
18 months after my divorce was settled, I was laid off. When I found work again, I took a significant pay cut, making it impossible to pay my original maintenance amount. Then my ex petitioned to relocate cross-country with our kids, while demanding I continue to pay well more than I could now afford. I consulted multiple lawyers, expressing my desire to oppose the relocation and request a decrease in support payment. Several said no immediately, one felt it would be an “easy win,” and one charged a fee just to meet with their “intake specialist.” In contrast, Scott was patient, empathetic, and balanced. He gave me a very candid and practical assessment of my situation, and his opinion on my chances to win.
After we mutually agreed to go forward, he was responsive, made himself available even when my schedule wasn’t convenient, and was very collaborative. When mediation failed, he demonstrated his intellect and deep knowledge of the law in court. My ex’s lawyer focused his efforts on attacking my character. We could have done the same, but Scott insisted we take the high-road instead. That, combined with the case law he cited, his handling of witnesses (mine and hers), and his sincere and respectful demeanor led the court to side in my favor on each motion, as well as their subsequent motions for reconsideration. I consider myself lucky to have found Scott. I hope I never have to go through this again, but if I do, it will be with him.
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02 Mar, 2020 by Robert
My ex-wife filed for divorce a year ago and her lawyer filed a restraining order against me immediately before a visit to see my son, despite the fact I did not reside in the state, and having no specific previous conflict that merited such an action. I had a free consultation with Scott who was very good at listening and sympathetic, and I decided to retain his services. He acted quickly to negotiate the withdrawal of the petition for a restraining order. Subsequently, a fair parenting plan was negotiated, which allowed me to see my son and contact him regularly while out of state, which was much better than the situation prior to my ex-wife filing for divorce, which depended on her whims. Child support was a concern, as my wife wanted an unreasonable amount of money, far beyond what I could afford. Scott was right in his interpretation of the facts and when he went to court the Commissioner favored his arguments, and the terms settled were fair. He was right on and did not waiver, which reflects his knowledge and many years of experience. Scott was always very aware of my concerns about costs, and he did initially give a very accurate prediction of final cost. In addition, he was always calm, polite, thoughtful, and empathetic with me, he built a rapport with my ex-wife's lawyer to negotiate, while being resolute in defending my interests. Getting divorced with Scott's representation was far less stressful than it might have been with another attorney.
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30 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
I retained Scott Semrau as my attorney to help with me deal with a recent family law situation involving a false allegation of domestic violence restraining order against me which was later dismissed in court thanks to the excellent legal work of Scott Semrau. In addition to the dismissal of the false restraining order against me, Scott Semrau also helped me safeguard my legal rights to be a parent and not be alienated from my children by helping set up regular court ordered time with my children and a reasonable child support order.
Scott Semrau's legal strategies in court worked very well in all of my court proceedings and I can attest that we have won all of our court hearings and I have attained my my desired legal outcome.
One of the most important legal victory in court Scott Semrau has attained for me is the dismissal of a false restraining order against me which could have led me to lose my job and adversely affect my future employment.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH
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02 Oct, 2024 by Rob a
I contacted Jack to ask for help with my Support Modification. After talking through the details and asks of the petition, Jack laid out the process in front of me to make sure I was prepared for all outcomes. The entire team quickly jumped on some immediate needs and scheduling to make sure I had the right support to put my best case in front of the judge. We had several hurdles to deal with as well as an impending trial date, but I felt like the entire team rallied around me to get me prepared. Josh and I worked together over several sessions to create a fair strategy and proactively address the key issues. In what was supposed to be my trial date, Josh quickly jumped on an issue that perhaps the judge had not reviewed key submissions and requested a continuance to make sure everything was considered. That instinct proved to be correct as the judge had not reviewed everything and while that pushed a decision out, it was the right move. I would use Jack, Josh and the entire Berner team in the future.
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05 Apr, 2023 by Karrie
I am very grateful for Jack Berner and his team. They were very professional, and thorough.
They knew exactly how to handle the case.
I will definately consult them, if I need legal services again!
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05 Oct, 2022 by Juan
My family came to Jack's Law office with quite a burden on our shoulders and a lot of confusion on how best to move forward. After a few consultations we decided to move forward with his services and I can tell anyone that it is 100% the best move we could have made. We ended up requiring his representation twice and came out on top both times. While I know, and it was clearly communicated to me that there are never any guarantees, I can confidently state that were it not for Jack's thoroughness, understanding of court procedure and strong ability to communicate evidence clearly, things may have gone very different for my family. He is an individual that will tell you how it really is and absolutely fight in your corner.
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21 Apr, 2024 by Surya
These are two things you are looking for in a lawyer when you are going through emotionally and financially exhausting processes like divorce, dvpo, custody and other family law matters. Court systems are hard to navigate when you have enough to take care as a single parent and while you are adjusting to your new reality. Brian helps take this burden off of you. He is highly knowledgeable and knows how to navigate these issues and address them appropriately. He is mindful of your finances and does a great job representing you, which is all you can ask for and expect. He listens, unlike a lot of other lawyers out there, he takes your input and advises on what the law dictates and advises accordingly. He is not brash but rather the kindest lawyer I've worked with, and I have worked with for almost 4 years. I must add that his para legal Jeff Welling has also been present to answer when Brian is attending to other clients; they are both highly responsive. I pray for continued success and well-being to Brian and his team and thank them for their time and efforts.
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22 Mar, 2023 by Mariko
I have worked with Brian P. Edwards and his team closely over the past 14 months. I am writing this fresh out of an arduous, complex circumstance and trial. While results are pending, I am compelled to share my experience.
What I needed:
Due to having several friends who are attorneys, I’m very discerning and had my own matrix for assessing potential counsel. I needed someone who could keep the things I most cared about center to their work. This person also needed to be highly competent in every facet of representation. Due to my circumstance, I needed someone who could tame conflict, not induce it. I found that person in Mr. Edwards.
My experience with Brian P. Edwards:
Brian’s vast experience in the court system makes him incredibly grounded. He has seen everything and cuts through the chaos, providing clarity. His approach is pragmatic and he’s highly intentional about how he works my case, saving me time and money. Through his actions, he demonstrates that my best interests are what he’s most interested in.
Highly insightful, he connected the dots in areas that I, myself, have professional experience in and didn’t notice. In the face of significant adversity, Brian demonstrated every effort to get my case settled. At trial, I had the opportunity to witness him effortlessly excavate the truth in ways that only someone who is an expert in the art and science of litigation could do.
Finally, it’s evident Mr. Edwards strives to enable families to live freely in peace. With over a year working together, I can say he’s a person of substantial character and a highly talented attorney. Brian is the real deal.
For those embarking on this journey:
I encourage you to get an understanding of the basic elements of the process - filings/motions, mediation etc. so you know what to expect. While I know Brian would happily detail out every step if asked, his time on your case will be best spent working your case. Create a support system around you, such as a therapist, other parents going through it, work out partners, etc. Engage the right people for the right things. Good luck.
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31 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
Brian helped through a very tough divorce with custody at stake. Throughout the difficult process Brian was always upfront and honest about what he thought in terms of key decisions and what I wanted. If he did not think it was a sound path, he would say so and explain why.
Brian was always professional in dealing with myself, the court, and opposing counsel. In dealing with opposing counsel he was balanced in advocating for me within the law with a difficult spouse that caused many problems.
I would not hesitate a second in hiring Brian.
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02 Sep, 2024 by Nicolas
Karina was the person took my case, she has represented me for 2 years and everything I need was accomplished. Couldn't ask for any better help.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Selina
They provide excellent service, attention and are thorough. I appreciate the detailed explanation of my case and how they take the time to make sure I understand the entirety of what is being filed. Highly recommend.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Brandon
My experience could not have been better. The firm was professional fast and very very competent. Very nice and knowledgeable staff.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Julia
Jason is honest and just person.
He helped me with my child custody and my son is now graduated from high school . He was 7yrs old when I had to go through divorce.
Thank you.
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04 Oct, 2020 by Dustin
Mr benjamin helped me tremendously.
My cases was different, my son was born and his mother married. I had to prove he was mine and get custody of him.
Mr benjamin was fast,smart, and fierce in the courtroom. My sons mom didnt know what hit her. He proved that she lied was on drugs and was unfit to have my son.
He got me non parental emergency custody until we got the paternity test and proved he was my son.
You cant find someone better to represent you
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28 Aug, 2018 by Christina
I have hired Jason on multiple occasions to represent me over the past 8 years. My most recent case was supposed to be a simple child support modification filed with the state turned messy. I retained Mr. Benjamin to represent my children and I and get to the bottom of the discrepancies coming from the other party that the state did not seem to care about. No one has ever worked harder to get to the truth than Mr. Benjamin and his team. I received almost daily updates with every new discovery made within my case, phone calls from Mr. Benjamin personally to give me updates and to answer all my questions, and Melissa's accessibility and effectiveness is unmatched. Mr. Benjamin's passion and compassion come through in all aspects of his practice from consultations, depositions, hearings, and following up. He is calm, diligent, and the best lawyer I've every worked with. Every item that I needed addressed was handled and taken care of from start to finish and in a favorable manor. I am so glad that I had Mr. Benjamin on my side for this most recent case as well as my previous cases. I would rehire and recommend Mr. Benjamin to anyone that needed a family law attorney.
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25 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Kim was my attorney during my divorce. I was glad to have done my research because, in hiring Kim, I picked an atty with a strong background in difficult personalities, mental health issues and complicated proceedings. My case did end up with multiple difficult surprises that could have devastated me financially and socially, but Kim got me through it without a scratch. I am a decent writer myself and work with lawyers frequently in my work; but I could NEVER have produced the legal artifacts (letters) that Kim did. They were extremely effective and served to close a very difficult process relatively quickly with an emphasis on ethics. My case ended up being difficult enough that I don't think the average divorce lawyer would have done as well for me. I recommend Kim without reservation.
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04 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
I worked with Kim and her team on two separate but related cases involving divorce and child custody, the first containing rather unusual and complex international components. To her immense credit, Kim embraced this as a challenge and an opportunity to expand her legal expertise. I could hardly ask for a more hard-working, sensitive, and professional attorney with a strict attention to detail and organized, rational approach. Her knowledge of family law and the King county legal system seems to me unparalleled. Having Kim and her team on my side frankly provided the peace of mind that I could achieve the best possible outcome in the midst of what was a very stressful situation. I would recommend her services to anyone in need of similar legal assistance.
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28 Apr, 2023 by Sarah
Kim listened to my facts, and also my experience. I felt supported and guided through both processes, which was so important when moving through the big emotions and trying to do what's right for the kids. These things felt big and scary and confusing, and Kim helped me feel confident that I was making choices with good information and consistent communication.
I also valued her experience and awareness of all the other players in the process.
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27 Oct, 2022 by Christina a.
Hands down the best law firm out there! I contacted Attorney Scott Marlow last minute and he was by far, the friendliest, most helpful attorney in the area. Scott Marlow and his paralegal, Deborah Long, acted swiftly and effectively when preparing for my case. Perhaps the thing that impressed me most about Scott Marlow was that nothing was "sugar coated.” When you are in financial distress it is difficult to think clearly and make good decisions. He was very straight forward and told me what to expect each step of the way. There were no empty promises made just to keep the client happy, which I know sometimes occurs when seeking counsel.
Scott Marlow and his paralegal Deborah Long made the process so much easier and gave me peace of mind in a stressful but successful outcome. Scott Marlow and his paralegal were selected on a recommendation from a friend and was some of the "Best" advice I have ever received.
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06 Jan, 2021 by Mrs. ford
When this journey began, I knew I wanted the best representation possible. I did my research. I knew I wanted to be represented by someone ethical, tenacious, well-respected, and who would be a strong advocate for me! Bonus points for having good energy and a great sense of humor.
It only made sense then that I chose to work with attorney Scott Marlowe.
Fighting against a narcissist (ex) for my current husband to adopt my son was not going to be a fun or easy road, but Scott was ready to face the challenge and assured me that he would give it his all. He never gave me unrealistic expectations. I appreciated his honesty, diligence, and professionalism. He’s also super funny!
It was his sense of humor that sprinkled much-appreciated ease throughout one of the most emotionally exhausting experiences of my life.
It was a life-altering decision to hire Scott— one that I am and will forever be grateful for. It is because of Scott that we were able to win our trial rightfully, terminate the abandoner’s rights, and have my husband adopt my son.
Scott always made us feel like we were being taken care of and heard. Any concerns we had were addressed promptly. I never felt like I was in the dark. He and Royann Mercado Perez (his wonderful Paralegal) always kept us well informed. Scott’s presence in the courtroom is one that commands respect from both opposing attorneys and commissioners alike. I was proud to stand beside him and felt confident being represented by him!
Thanks to Scott, his knowledge of court processes, his knowledge of the law, and for him being an amazing human being, the deadbeat’s rights were terminated and my son is adopted by the one who has truly been the father to him that he has always deserved. Thank you, Scott, for fighting for our peace and justice.
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04 Jun, 2020 by Chris
Scott was super knowledgable and understanding of my simple but complicated divorce trial. Being very transparent of the court and my particular judge, he gave me the skills I needed in order to have an effective argument. Although the outcome wasn't what I hoped for, I felt that I was well prepared. Thank you, Scott!!
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18 Jun, 2024 by Alexis
Noelle goes above and beyond for her clients, and for the children. She does all that she can to help protect and defend her clients. She dives in, head first, in the most complicated of cases. I would recommend Noelle to any and all, if in need of a family law attorney. In addition, her staff is friendly and helpful. If you need an attorney to fight for you and listen to your needs, hire Noelle!
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16 May, 2024 by Tristan
Noelle and her team went above and beyond, the knowledge and advice throughout the whole experience was absolutely amazing and I felt like they truly cared. This is my second time using Noelle and each time I’m so impressed, she truly is one of a kind. Thank you Noelle and your team, we are forever grateful for all you did
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24 Apr, 2024 by Keith
I had gone to 10+ attorneys in the local area, and Noelle was the only one who accepted my case, as difficult as it was in the beginning. She was able to not only able to get me 50/50 custody of my kiddo, but was also able to get the DVPOs to be terminated sooner than they were going to be by the end of my divorce. Thank you for all your help!
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18 Nov, 2022 by Michael
It was so relieving having Raj handle my divorce. Two days after I told my ex I wanted a divorce she went into a court and filed a protection order, kicked me out of the house, and proceeded to hold my dogs hostage. Raj got the protection order dropped and helped reach a settlement outside of court that I feel was fair. My ex was very aggressive and vindictive, but Raj completely dismantled her in court and helped me have a successful divorce.
If you're going to be sitting in front of a judge, you can't afford not to have Raj on your side!
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15 Mar, 2022 by Michaela
After years of litigation back and forth, trying to go into court on my own and with a few other lawyers, I finally decided to hire Raj Bains. Mr. Bains is a no-nonsense kind of lawyer. He gives it to you straight and doesn't waste your time, money or resources. Finally after nearly 10 YEARS of trying to achieve a result in my custody battle, Mr. Bains was able to achieve this for me. He was the most on top of it, communicative, consistent, and reliable lawyer. I am BEYOND sure I hired the right attorney to represent me in such an important time in my life.
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26 Feb, 2021 by Alysha & alexander bossinas
Proffessionalism 100%
Family Custody Law knowledge\skill 100%
Bains law firm was such a blessing to our family.
Raj and his team helped us with the most overwhelming case immensely!! Not only did they successfully help us avoid trial, but we had multiple victories in court. Simply put, without his help & guidance we wouldn't have the custody visitation that we do. His experience knowledge and expertise in the law made a true miracle happen. He was the best lawyer we have ever used! We highly reccomend him as our case was too hard or difficult for any typical lawyer. Some of his best qualities are that he takes his job very seriously and is honest & forthcoming he keeps his word and gets the job done. Even his positive sense of humor lightened the stress of it all. Thank You Raj Bains & team for all your hard work!!!
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19 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Glenn patiently explains the law and gives sound legal advice, while also considering the costs and ethically billing for his time. Every divorce has different details to work out-some more difficult than others-so Glenn's experience and attention to detail were valuable to me. I would recommend hiring Glenn.
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22 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
I was provided with very useful information that helped in my situation greatly. I feel way more confident in my standing now and that boost to my morale alone has pivotal even in a short period of time. My deepest gratitude because this advice was done as volunteered time by Mr. Tanner.
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28 Aug, 2020 by Jj
I really appreciate the help received from Mr. Tanner and his assistant Kailee. Understanding and not pushy at all, professional and prompt response. The rate is very reasonable too.
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01 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
I recommend Mark Cassel highly. I hired Mark for a difficult divorce. Mark and his team did an outstanding job in a dedicated, and professional manner. Mark thinks and works very hard for his clients. Highly recommended.
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17 May, 2024 by Darren
I had the pleasure of working with Mark Cassell from Twyford Law Office. As soon as I started working with Mark he made sure everything I needed to get my life back was his priority. He got my apartment back within the first couple of weeks of working with him when prior to that I was out of my apartment for several months. He was very approachable and answered all my questions easily. His whole team communicated perfectly to me and sent me copies of everything. They responded to my emails and questions fast. they always made me feel like they had my back.
Mark is phenomenal when he is talking with prosecutor and Judge he holds himself in a very professional manner. I couldn't recommend him and his team enough.
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02 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Mark was very knowledgeable in a way that worked to my advantage. He was very empathic and calm, supportive, and swift in a difficult time. His paralegal and staff were helpful and courteous, too. Highly recommend.
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04 Oct, 2023 by Candi
Deanna was very thorough and professional and compassionate. She really listened and asked questions to get all the details needed. She worked hard to help me as a client.
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30 Jul, 2023 by Sean
Deanna and her team of professionals worked to resolve a complicated separation and custody case. Dealing with numerous issues as the other party made times extremely difficult, Deanna and her team were there for me every step of the way during a terrible time in my life. I'd highly recommend Deanna Rusch and her team, they worked hard to protect my best interest for my son and I.
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13 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Deanna came highly recommend to me by a friend that went through a messy divorce. From the consultation on, I felt at ease and supported by her and her amazing team. Deanna kept me informed and up to speed every step of the process. We were able to put together a plan that worked for all parties involved, I appreciated her recommendations and expertise.
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01 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
your team is super awsome , This law firm is like a big family, warming the heart, helping the helpless, gaining a sense of security and happiness. You can solve any family and marriage problem, which is conducive to social stability and spiritual consciousness.
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16 Jan, 2023 by Stephanie
After 6 years of struggling to finalize a horrific divorce, I turned to Georgia Petrie and the team at Heritage Law Firm. There were difficult challenges to face. I was states away from home in a area I was unfamiliar with 2 children. Finances were tough. There was a long military family life history. Many lawyers in this area did not understand military life challenges, laws, and rights. Georgia did. I was also harassed, given wrong information to try to scare me into making unwise decisions. Georgia provided facts to ease my fears and make educated choices. She worked efficiently and wisely with the team there to make sure it was as affordable as possible. Finalizing my divorce after all those years, and all the trauma associated with it, was the best Christmas present I have ever received. I’m incredibly grateful for Georgia and everyone at Heritage Law Firm.
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06 Jul, 2021 by Casey
I had some serious difficulties with another firm and went to see Glenn for a consultation . He offered me some reassurance and encouraged me to finish my case with the firm I already hired and paid. He told me that if I still felt unsatisfied that he would be happy to take on my case, but that he didn't want me to waste money unnecessarily. He spent the remainder of the hour talking to me and explained how the legal system worked and by the end of our meeting I felt like a weight was lifted from my shoulders.
This was not my only consultation with Glenn, I met him on another occasion and again he offered me sound advice that would save me time and money when I wanted some documents modified.
He really is an honorable and honest guy. For any legal matters, I will only be going to him and his firm from here on out.
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23 Dec, 2022 by Michael
I first came across Christine Gallagher when I started researching for the absolute best divorce attorney in town. Two different firms recommended her as the best. I'd have to say that they were right. Christine is articulate, intelligent, conducts herself with integrity, but most of all, she is a warrior at heart. She won a case for me that was far from being cut and dried. I feel like she really went over and above for us, and will always be appreciative of the supreme effort she put into this. Worth every penny of the money spent!
On a side note, I retained Christine ten years ago as well to represent me through a divorce that ended up being reconciled. (Should have followed through, all I did was prolong the inevitable as it turned out). Anyway, at the time of reconciliation, she returned a large sum of the retainer money to me. That was unexpected at the time, I thought we had likely burned through all of it by that point, and I never would have questioned it if she hadn't contacted me to return the remainder. That type of integrity is rare these days!
If you find yourself in this terrible situation of needing a family law attorney, I do not believe that anyone better is out there, for any sum on money. She is awesome.
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08 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
I found Christine Gallagher so wonderful to work with. I had full confidence in her knowledge and professionalism. She is very attentive to detail while always keeping the big picture and end goals in mind, all the while looking out for my best interests. She genuinely cares about her clients and was readily available to me when I had questions or concerns, even on a weekend. Christine gave me full confidence that the end resolution would be satisfactory (or better, in my case) and I never felt alone going through this difficult process of divorce. She is also a huge proponent of children and is always keeping their best interests in mind. A friend recommended Christine to me, and I will be recommending her without reservation to anyone who needs her services. Thank you Christine!
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05 Aug, 2021 by Sierra
I cannot say enough positive things about Christine Gallagher and Elenor White! They are both incredibly knowledgeable, caring, dedicated and passionate attorneys, who work tirelessly for their clients.
My case was extremely messy and challenging, but they dove in headfirst and never hesitated to do whatever was needed to support my case.
I chose to hire Christine after a negative experience with a prior attorney, and couldn’t be happier with my choice. I chose Christine because I needed someone who would be willing to fight for me and for my children, and that is exactly what she did. Little did I know at the time that I hired her, that I would have the extremely fortune of working with a team of TWO amazing attorneys who passionately advocated for me both in and outside of the courtroom.
They were excellent at communicating and kept me apprised of what was happening throughout the process. They answered all of my questions and took the time to really understand my situation and to decide how they could best support me in my case. They were honest and upfront about the realities of my situation, but were incredibly empathetic and kind as well. If you are looking for truly exceptional legal representation, Christine and Ellie are just that!
I am extremely grateful to have them in my corner and cannot recommend them enough!
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19 Apr, 2023 by Nicole
Before I've even started to type this, I have tears of thanks running down my face.
From our very first conversation, Kristen assured me and reassured me over and over again that we would get through this nightmare together and that my daughter and I would be happy and safe. Despite my extreme anxiety and stressful breakdowns through the 2+ year case, she was patient, understanding and supportive.
Being in a marriage where I was degraded and abused for years, left me with zero self esteem and no conidence at all. I believed every awful thing the ex told me...( he'd get full custody, I'd never see my daughter again, he'd put me in jail for kidnapping etc..)
I can't even tell you how many terrified tears I cried in the beginning. Step by step, with Kristen in my corner, I started to feel more secure and confident that I had finally made the right choice by leaving.
While my ex made this a LONG drawn out process, Kristen kept me in the loop and as calm as possible.
Two years later, I'm back to the strong, confident, independent woman I was before my miserable marriage. I know that I am a great mom and I've made the best choices for my daughter and I.
I went from daily anxiety/panic attacks in fear of losing my baby girl, to laughing at the absolute ridiculous nonsense that my ex used to terrify me with. The first great choice I'd made in years was hiring Kristen.
Even when I wanted to give up, she wouldn't let me. Even when I was willing to settle for less than my daughter and I deserved, she wouldn't let me. She fought harder for me than I would've even fought for myself. And everything she encouraged me to fight for was absolutely correct.
My daughter and I are living our best lives and are protected and worry free.
My simple words of thanks will never be enough.
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17 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
I lost custody of my then 5 year old daughter to her abusive father for 2 years. I appealed and won, but during those two years I had to do everything I could to fight for her safety and freedom. It was grueling and relentless. I reached out to many lawyers and professionals trying to find people to help but was often re-traumatized when they minimized or dismissed the abuse. When I had my first call with Kristen, I finally felt seen and heard. She listened to me with empathy and understanding, and I knew she would be in our corner the whole way. She knew the laws inside and out, made it very accessible for me to understand, and she was so smart in how she approached my very complex case. She helped secured better outcomes than I could've even imagined after such horrific experiences in family court. She was always responsive, prepared, and was an advocate for me and my daughter's safety first and foremost. I can't thank her enough for taking our case when many other's wouldn't or would've tried to downplay our experiences. She saved our lives. She helped give my daughter a second chance to regain her childhood. We have a final DVPO until her 18th birthday thanks to Kristen's advocacy for our safety. Getting referred to her was a complete turning point, and I will forever be grateful. I HIGHLY recommend her!
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01 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Hiring Kristen to represent me was the best choice I made during the difficult first days of separation, and now that my divorce is final I'm even happier with my decision. Through the whole process I had someone on my side who is smart and capable, and who I also liked talking to as a human being. She knows the ins and outs of WA family law. She gave me thorough and realistic advice. She respected that I wanted a low-conflict divorce, although if we'd gone to court I have no doubt she would have been a tough fighter. Her billing is honest and transparent so it actually worked out (relatively) affordable. I hope this is the last time I get divorced, but I'll be happy to work with Kristen for my future family law needs.
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17 Jul, 2023 by Damon
Molly is an excellent, experienced attorney who worked on my very long, drawn-out case. I felt like her only client the entire time. I highly recommend her.
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02 Sep, 2020 by Luke
Molly represented me in a relocation case about 8 years ago. It is not easy to win a relocation case as the non-custodial parent, but thanks to Molly's incredible talent and skill, she won my case and my son and I get to continue to spend meaningful amounts of time together on a regular basis. As she built my case leading up to trial, Molly would identify issues that had real bearing on the best interests of my son and would then build a case by coaching me through the process of developing the facts related to these issues. I use the term "coaching" very intentionally, as Molly really helped to ground me on what were reasonable requests and expectations as a co-parent with my son and encouraged me to engage with my son's mother on the relevant issues despite the inevitable conflict that would ensue. Then, when the trial started, Molly's experience as a litigation attorney on complex corporate cases really showed through. Molly was absolutely brilliant as she clearly articulated our case on each relevant issue. If you are dealing with a fairly straightforward family law issue, you would benefit from working with Molly. If you are dealing with a difficult or complex family law issue (e.g. high conflict co-parent or an issue that could go to trial), it is hard for me to imagine that you could find better representation than Molly.
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06 Jan, 2020 by Dave
Molly is an amazing person and an outstanding lawyer. From my first call for help, Molly and her whole staff treated me with respect and dignity and then worked diligently to represent me through one of the most challenging periods of my life. Molly is compassionate and also honest. She won't make promises about things she can't guarantee, but she is reassuring, practical, and smart. I am so thankful that I had Molly and her team on my side, and I highly recommend her!
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20 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Phil Tsai is highly competent. I am a domestic violence survivor and Phil navigated my case with expertise and care. I couldn’t have asked for a better result. His fee is worth every penny. The other reviews here are spot on. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him.
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04 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
Philip helped me battle a stressful and messy divorce, he constantly reminded me of our end goal and the plan to get to it, he was very prompt on returning emails and phone calls. Thank you Philip! *HIGHLY RECOMMEND*
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26 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
I can’t thank Phil enough for taking my divorce case. Before I hired Phil, I had interviewed and consulted with numerous attorneys and was glad that Phil was able to represent me on my divorce case where significant assets and child custody are involved. This was a major life changing event for me and every move and turn of events will impact me for many years to come. My ex-wife had hired a local prominent law firm known for its aggressive and intimidating tactics. They serve me with multiple motions and discovery demands. Phil was not intimidated by all that. He was calm, collected and composed. He coached me and guided me through many of the dark days during the divorce with our own interrogatories and legal maneuvers. Phil is thoughtful, compassionate yet can seize the opportunity to be aggressive if it means to achieve our goals. Having an extensive legal experience over the years and connected to his own network of legal experts, CPAs, Psychologists, Phil will prevail in a favorable outcome for your case. I fully trust Phil's judgement and will use him again without hesitation. Phil deserves a 10 star rating!
- Deeply grateful in Seattle -
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11 Oct, 2022 by Alejandra
I wanna thank both Mathew Kaminski and Nina Rodriguez for restoring my life and helping me regain full custody of my children. I had been struggling for 2 years with different law firms who misguided me and took my money. Not Mathew as soon as I hired him within 2 months Nina and him were very responsive and immediately took very good care of me. I really recommend anyone out there, especially single mothers please go with Mathew Kaminski and Nina Rodriguez. They will change you life!!! Can't thank them enough.
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24 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
This has been my second time that I have hired this lawyer Matt Kaminski along with his paralegal Nina Rodriguez. My experience with them has truly been a blessing and I can honestly say they are loyal and really care for their customers. Matt and Nina go beyond expectations and truly try to be honest as they can on situations and reply as fast as they can when something unexpected happens. I have not had one bad experience with them and my outcomes have been amazing and I will continue coming back for any other needs. Thanks Matt and Nina for loving what you do and being a big help for one such as myself.
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30 Jan, 2022 by Sierra
Matthew and Nina made my son's adoption so much easier!! I waited 2 years to get it finalized with a different lawyers office. But with them within six months they made it happen! Nina helped make it easy for me to understand what my steps were. I highly recommend Matthew and Nina! Thank you guys so much.
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20 Mar, 2023 by Thomas
Heather and her team were amazing. Heather knows how to diffuse difficult situations and keeps the kids and your wallet in mind. Heidi and Taneisha kept me up to date on all the proceedings. I really can't say enough. Heather stepped in quickly and changed the tone of my case. She came highly recommend and I interviewed a few lawyers and I am not disappointed, I fear I would have been with other lawyers. Heather is extremely professional and honest there was a few times she told me the truth that I didn't want to hear but needed. I would not hesitate to reach out to her again if any issues arise.
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20 Oct, 2021 by Rebekah
I hired Heather to represent me when I was in the middle of an emotional and contested separation. My case involved many moving parts, including a spouse in the military, a military deployment and subsequent relocation, a long distance child custody agreement, and my own personal out of state relocation - all happening mid-divorce. My spouse would continue to throw scare tactics my way in an effort to stop divorce proceedings. Heather would quickly remind me to focus on the facts and not worry about all the extra stuff. My favorite quote from Heather was "I will tell you when you need to worry, and now is not the time." I used that phrase as my guiding principle the whole way through the process.
Heather is factual, confident, to the point, responsive, and she knows her stuff. I always felt that Heather had my best interest in mind, and appreciated that she would focus on the best path forward while respecting my own personal desires. I highly recommend Heather for any family law issues you may need assistance with. She and her legal team are great!
Thank you, Heather!
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19 Mar, 2021 by Carl
Heather is an amazing attorney. I'm military and my daughters mother is also which increases the difficulty of the case in my opinion. I was trying to keep my daughter in Washington where she attends school while my ex-wife was set on returning from overseas and moving out of state with her. The original divorce case was occurred out of state which further complicated things. Heather was able to get everything I was asking which ultimately benefited my daughter the most. I will always recommend Heather as an attorney to anyone I know dealing family law issues.
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28 Sep, 2021 by Jessica dennis
I worked with Terry during a seemingly impossible divorce and custody case. My ex was impossible to work with, missed required court dates, threatened her and her staff frequently, refused to be cooperative or even decent and ultimately made a tough situation near impossible. Terry worked on this case for 8 months, provided both legal advise and emotional support and ended up getting me full custody of daughter. She dealt with my ex- a malignant narcissist with professionalism and was able to see through his scary façade. She understands the law and fights for what is right. I would have been lost without Terry.
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20 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
As a working father going up against a stay-at-home mom who wanted sole custody, a difficult attorney representing my ex, and a bad GAL report, things looked hopeless. Terry gave me options and hope when I was ready to give up, dealt with a very difficult opposing counsel, and argued a fantastic case. At closing arguments, it was clear how emotionally and professionally invested she was in my case. After trial, I was satisfied that, win or lose, we did our best. And we won!
I cannot recommend Terry highly enough, especially for professional working fathers who are fighting an uphill battle to keep involved in their kids' lives. She's the best!
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18 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
I spoke to Terry regarding my legal matter, she was attentive and showed great compassion and empathy during our brief phone call. I was completely lost and confused, she helped me understand my situation more clearly. I ultimately ended up retaining her for services and she has been the best to work with. I'm surprised to see the review giving her 1 star, that certainly was not my experience but I also know that some people have extremely excessive expectations. I would definitely recommend her to help anyone with family law matters. Terry has been in the business 25 years plus and it shows! Thanks Terry for being an awesome attorney and a great person in general!!
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01 Feb, 2024 by Michael
I worked with Brent Bohan and Lindsey Matter who were a great team in helping me get a fair outcome at trial. They were effective, thorough, and communicative over the lengthy process and I was glad to have them supporting me throughout.
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30 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Great service, advice, and all around team to work with! I had a wonderful experience in working with Brent!
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30 May, 2023 by Matt
Appreciated the attention to detail of the work, Brent and team helped to get to a positive outcome.
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21 Feb, 2023 by Milinda
When choosing a lawyer for a divorce and custody case, it’s extremely important you pick the best. My divorce was made so much more difficult by my ex, who refused to cooperate at almost every step of the way. The Best decision I made was hiring Virginia Monica Onu to represent me. You definitely want her on your side! Because she will fight for you harder, then you would or could fight for yourself. She is Armed with in-depth legal knowledge and has the skill to know how to apply it in your case. She is professional, articulate, responsive, patient and listens to what you want. She is Assertive when needed and has tenacity. She helped me through a long and grueling mediation that resulted in our success. We avoided going to trial. And she got me everything I wanted in the parenting plan and more than I expected Financially in the Final Divorce Decree. I appreciate all her hard work and success in my case. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a great quality divorce attorney.
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25 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
She is too busy to help me for my divorce case.
However, I have worked with two other attorneys, and talked to 7/8 other attorneys. I believe she is the BEST divorce attorney, based on the free consultation with her and her email responses.
I wish I had found Ms. Onu earlier.
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13 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I am so happy I found Monica Onu. She got all my questions answered and I feel so confident after leaving her office. I came in for a consultation, she spends over an hour with me without charge. She is strong and is extremely knowledgeable. She is sincere and seem passionate about her work . I would definitely have her as my lawyer and would recommend her in a heart beat. Thank you so much for your time.
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13 Sep, 2023 by Drue
Veronica is an exceptional family law attorney who helped me win a high-conflict custody case. She was always available to answer my questions and concerns, and she provided me with the support I needed throughout the entire process. Veronica’s knowledge of family law is extensive, and she was able to use her expertise to help me navigate the complexities of my case. Despite the fact that we continually had to go back to court due to conflict, Veronica remained professional, compassionate, and always kept my best interests in mind. I would highly recommend Veronica to anyone who needs a family law attorney.
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18 Aug, 2023 by Thomas
Veronica Freitas played an invaluable role in my child custody case. Her expertise in navigating the complexities of family law was evident from the start. With Veronica's guidance, I felt supported and well-represented throughout the process. Her attention to detail and strategic approach were instrumental in achieving a favorable outcome. I'm genuinely grateful for her dedication and professionalism, and I highly recommend Veronica to anyone seeking legal assistance in sensitive matters like child custody.
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16 Aug, 2023 by Todd
Veronica Freitas is an exemplary attorney who operates with the utmost professionalism and commitment. Her legal prowess is truly impressive, and it's evident that she puts her clients' best interests at the forefront. Throughout my experience, Veronica's attention to detail and clear communication stood out, providing a sense of confidence and security during a complex legal process. I wholeheartedly recommend Veronica to anyone seeking a dedicated and proficient attorney for their legal needs.
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08 Jan, 2022 by Jeremy
Great lawyer. Got everything I wanted at trial in my custody battle. Highly recommend.
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21 Dec, 2021 by John
Tonilynn and her team spends additional time understanding complex situations during the divorce proceedings. She is inventive and have excellent strategies for going forward. I look forward for her assistance in the future.
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13 Jul, 2021 by Kaleen
We had a consult with Tonilynn 2 years ago and absolutely LOVED her..We laughed, had things in common, and she understood our situation and was ready to help. THEN COVID CAME. Courts were at a stand-still and we didn't retain her, thinking we could just pick up now. I called today and was told that Tonilynn wasn't taking any new clients. :( I guess that is what I get for waiting too long. I missed getting the best attorney for us.
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29 Nov, 2021 by Almadelia
Pnw family law me ayudo con el caso de mis hijos en el condado de Franklin. Me gustó que me pudieron ayudar rápido con resultados rápido. Me siento contenta con mi caso.
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29 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Kevin is an amazing lawyer. Very compassionate and understanding. Going through a divorce is an extremely stressful situation to begin with and he helped alleviate some of that stress by listening to my concerns as well as explaining exactly what will happen. After the divorce he has still been accessible and responsive to any questions or concerns! Highly recommend!
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29 Jun, 2019 by Megan
I used Kevin for my divorce. In fact I called him when ever I was in need of being consulted. He is amazing. I would recommend him to anyone who was in need of an attorney. He's the best!
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09 Jun, 2021 by Christy
Look no further. If you can get her, hire her immediately! Jamie Walker was my second attorney in a complicated divorce/annulment case. After wasting money on an attorney initially, I didn't intend to hire Jamie, only consult her, because I didn't think I could afford her. She impressed me so much with her knowledge, even keeled and pragmatic approach, that I knew I had to hire her no matter the cost. She went right to work, immediately springing into action filing motions and advocating for me. She went above and beyond my expectations. Not once did she waste my time with back and forth emails that could have been quick phones calls. She only communicated and billed when necessary.
This was my first time ever needing an attorney and here is the lesson I learned: When you actually do need an attorney, you cannot afford to choose the "cheaper" option. It will cost you.
Jamie bills higher than most attorneys because she is by far the best, sharpest, most proactive, effective, organized, and brilliant attorney you will find. Her experience and working knowledge impressed me beyond belief. Without Jamie, I do not even want to think about the kind of settlement I would be paying. She has an impressive legal team surrounding her who are equally responsive, proactive, organized, and smart.
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12 Sep, 2019 by Richg
Jamie and her team are total experts with family law. I've dealt with a lot of family law attorneys over the past year and a half, so I have some perspective on this. Frankly, the majority I've worked with were incredibly unethical, super untrustworthy and just disinterested in actually following the law, but not Jamie and her team. I do not state this lightly.
She doesn't back down even under a lot of stress on tough cases, her fees were very reasonable, and she's unbiased. She's the real deal, and she works in nearby counties. Don't waste time hiring someone you will just need to fire after they mess up your case and cost you a bunch of money. Go for the real thing.
Also remember, you get what you pay for with family law attorneys. It's not cheap to hire the best. I feel that I got every dime of value from the money I spent hiring her.
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07 Aug, 2019 by Bridget
We highly recommend Jamie Walker and Kendra Lytle. We had a unique case related to the custody of our niece who was a party to a dependency action. Jamie and Kendra were creative in their approach and skilled in execution. Their hard work resulted in the court granting our motion to intervene in the dependency.
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06 Oct, 2022 by Jesus
Mrs, Barnes is someone you can trust to represent you to her fullest potential, she genuinely cares for her clients and doesn’t intimidate easily, she’s firm and confident in her profession. After personally consulting with several attorney’s, Mrs, Barnes won my trust within minutes to represent me in my case. I instantly felt how devoted Mrs, Barnes and her team is to family legal rights! Without hesitating I retained her immediately, and within two weeks my case was closed! All cases are different however I recommend you get a consultation and see if she can be a blessing like she was in my case. Thank you Brook Barnes and her team for bringing my daughter back!!!
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23 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
No only was she kind and made sure I knew what was going on at all times . She got the job done in a timely manner.
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31 Jul, 2022 by Cathy
Brooke did a great job as my attorney! She took the time to understand the complex details of my court case where the evidence spanned over 6 years. I commented to several of my friends that Stephanie was quick and responsive with all my inquiries. Brooke asked detailed questions and took notes to ensure accuracy. In court, she demonstrated knowledge of the law and court proceedings. I felt confident and in good hands during court. Through her professionalism and expertise, she successfully had my case dismissed. I highly recommend Yakima Law.
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01 May, 2024 by Brittany
I hired Hillary and she is the exact lawyer I needed and will use in the future. Hillary is definitely experienced and knows what she is doing. When in the court room she is very prepared and professional and knows exactly what to say. Hillary and Renee (her assistant) are very good at communicating. You will not be disappointed I have had a very difficult case but Hillary is very experienced and she knew how to deal with it. I will definitely use her in the future!
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20 Feb, 2023 by Kera
Hillary was recommended to me when my divorce became too complex and high conflict. Hillary was professional, understanding and amazing at all of our hearings and then at our trial. She is incredibly smart and knows the ins and outs of the law, is always prepared, and pays great attention to details. She is a warrior who fought hard for me and my kids and I would highly recommend her as being the best and was able to work miracles for us!
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06 Feb, 2022 by Janette
Hillary did an amazing job for me. My ex and his lawyer were throwing every curveball imaginable to disrupt, disarm and cause harm to my fragile state of emotional and financial ruin of a left over marriage. Hillary took over after I had to fire my previous lawyer who ran up the bill by responding to every outrageous thing my ex and his lawyer could dream up. I was living in a nightmare and Hillary came to the rescue. She picked up the pieces quickly and supported me as best as she could. She did not overcharge and indeed helped me to save money by letting me know that we didn't have to respond to every little crisis the other team was dreaming up. In the end I was lucky to have walked away with some of things from my nineteen year marriage. I should have hired Hillary from the beginning. She is incredibly smart, thinks on her feet and is supportive of her clients. We had a hard time at court and Hillary admitted it but it was through no fault of her own. She worked wonders at having my best friend and mother dismissed as his witnesses on the stand and I am forever grateful to her that she fought for my right to return to school to continue an education so that I could support myself after 19 years as a stay at home parent. From what I know now my case was very hard and messy but Hillary championed me through it with ongoing optimism. Thank you Hillary. Anyone who reads this needs to know that she and Renee her assistant really will have your best interest at heart and will work hard to help you no matter what gets thrown their way.
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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.
