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10 Jan, 2025 by Devi
In such times like divorce having a trusted advocate Christopher Tamms by my side can make all the difference.
From the very first consultation, it was clear that Chris was not just knowledgeable about the law but also deeply compassionate about the people behind the cases. He took time to listen—truly listen—to our fears, hopes, and concerns. This ability to connect on a personal level is a rare and invaluable trait in any attorney, and it has undoubtedly provided comfort to me navigating the challenges of divorce.
Chris understands the importance of maintaining relationships, especially when children are involved, and works tirelessly to ensure that the process is as amicable as possible.
Thank you for being a beacon of hope during one of life’s most challenging journeys. We(Me and my kids) are truly fortunate to have you as our advocate.
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15 Oct, 2024 by Jeff gubernath
After an exhaustive search for a divorce attorney, I spoke with Christopher Tamms. He took nearly an hour of his time both on the phone and in person on three occasions before I hired him. If I had gone with another attorney, he would have been out any compensation. His demeanor was very approachable, and he seemed very competent. I appreciated his knowledge of financial matters related to my case. As the case moved on, I never felt like he was too busy to take my call or answer any questions I had. Ultimately, my case was mutually dismissed after a year. I expected that my retainer would have expended, but I was pleasantly surprised when Mr. Tamms advised me that I had a refund. Hopefully, I will not need Mr. Tamms services in the future, but he would be my first call if that situation arises.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Greg deel
I cannot recommend Jennifer enough! It is likely the most stressful time of your life when you need her services, but I can say that you will feel completely at ease almost immediately upon discussing your concerns with her. I know it happened in my case!
Do not overlook the CaJacob Law Group!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
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19 Sep, 2023 by Amit kumar
23 Jun, 2023 by Aaron anderson
11 Apr, 2022 by Cassandra newell
After a slow start with e-mail, we were able to converse with the paralegal who was extremely friendly and helpful.
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5.0
4 Reviews
4.8
112 Reviews
03 Dec, 2024 by David toney
The Law Office of Einstein and Gibson provided outstanding support and guidance during my custody case, offering excellent legal advice and exceptional customer service. Megan Gibson is, without a doubt, one of the best attorneys in Ohio for custody and family law cases. Her deep knowledge of the law and ability to clearly explain complex legal matters made the process much easier to navigate. The entire team at Einstein and Gibson demonstrated professionalism, care, and commitment throughout my experience. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking top-tier legal representation.
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26 Nov, 2024 by Jackson stotlar
I worked with Megan Gibson and was very pleased! She was expeditious, careful, and kind. I had the pleasure of meeting Dianne as well and equally impressed. If I ever needed family or business legal services in the future, I would return to Einstein & Gibson without hesitation.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Eric waite
I have worked with Dianne previously and more recently Sadie and they both were phenomenal. They both are very knowledgeable and helped me every step of the way to make sure I understood my options. Dealing with the divorce process or understanding how child support is calculated can be very tedious and frustrating so I would highly recommend them if you need any help.
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29 Jul, 2024 by Jonathon roullard
Transparent and excellent to work with
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08 Jul, 2024 by Rhonda hollis
08 Jul, 2024 by Paul semeraro
29 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Ive been married 33 years. I am 61 years old. This is a first marriage for both my husband and I. I have 7 children. Two are engineers, one is a professional Chef, one has his own business plus he just was promoted into supervision, one is deceased (he was 11, (traumatic accident), one is a high school junior, and one adult daughter who is a mess! Only 1 child lives at home. Five kids are independent.
I graduated from college with a BSN and graduate school in social services. I stopped working 7 years into the marriage. I was making 50K per year.
Twenty-six years ago I quit my job to stay home and homeschool (est 18 yrs) Since my sons death 10 years ago, Ive had numerous health problems. Some still affect me. Breast Cancer since Fall 2011 with sx, chemo, rad, and new medication protocol. I achieved stabilization going on 4 years. New medication protocol has inhibited progression. This is not remission, or cure. The tumors are numerous, still present, non growing or spreading. There is no pain or obvious physical abnormalities. I do have hideous under clothes scarring from r breast sx. Ive had 2 total knee sx (1, 3 mos. ago, 1, 4 yrs ago) with great relief (arthritis). I have mental illness starting at age 8 yo. (This mental illness waxed and waned until my late 20’s). Medication even at this time was poor at best. I began medication for this illness in my early 30’s. I had stabilization of my mental illness without any hospitalizations until my sons death (31+years) After his death I had several hospitalizations for depression and anxiety. I had not experienced depression until my son died.
My husband is an engineer at AEP with an est salary of 115k per year. By choice he spends 2 weeks per month with his aged father (94 years old) in Florida. No other family members participate in his fathers limited mobility and other age related difficulties. Several members live within 3 to 15 miles of my father in law. My mother in law is deceased.
This is the dilemma. My husband is requesting a separation in 2 years when my daughter graduates from High School. Should our home be sold now, he would relinquish all proceeds to me.
Although our marriage is far from enjoyable, this has shaken my world! His demands for a separation are questionable at best.
Unfortunately my husbands extended family had and still has many secrets. In brief, this family was the “armpit” of both sides.
My husband was not as well cared for as was and is his brother and his friends. His parents all but ignored our children. They preferred extra marital liaisons, verbal ugliness, stealing, lying, excessive alcohol use and cheating. Sadly, I am well aware of way, way too, too much! It is all but ridiculous!
After marrying him I became aware of how much my husband has always relished any and all attention he could receive from them. Our family has not received monetary gifts, cars, etc, like his brother. Sadly his parents relinquished much of their income to his brother and had limited retirement resources from this, and recently have.
Moving out of Florida almost 20 years ago has suppressed our knowledge of the many things they have done. His parents are cynical of individuals who have good retirement assets.
Recent time spent with his aging father has reprised my husbands longing for attention. My husband has also become cynical of others retirement. He is using monetary resources reserved for updating our house to put it on the market
I have limited income from him at this time. He has verbally threatened to “ cut me off financially”. He identifies this as joking. His comments are not unlike the verbage of his Dad. It is truly annoying. Rude name calling is also common.
My parents were not “terrific”. They had difficulties also. To my knowledge there was no extra marital relationships, stealing, etc. or alcohol use. They were frugal with their financial resources.
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20 Sep, 2018 by Rhonda
Alison represented me in my divorce.She is an excellent attorney.Very good at what she does.She is trustworthy and really cares about her clients.I would highly recommend her to anyone.
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21 Jun, 2013 by Kris
Alison is the most trustworthy and knowledgeable lawyer I know. I trust her with my most valuable assets being my children. She went way above and beyond the call of duty with my case and it was just a pleasure to watch her work.
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18 May, 2018 by J foster
I was represented by Anna Bates in my very sticky divorce and she represented me flawlessly. I had a Tentative Order issued from Magistrate Sanford which was about 95% of what I wanted and only issues the Magistrate could not decided on where left. Anna said that this is the best Tentative Order in a contested divorce case she had ever seen (and she was not tooting her own horn); it was the best and I was awarded sole custody and $2,500/month child support and my ex husband was placed on visitation. I was managing my child with ADHD and it was very difficult with a husband who left me for another woman and wanted to take every thing and our precious child and move his new girlfriend of two months into the house. Anna is an outstanding attorney and I have referred her many cases as well as her husband also (Bankruptcy lawyer). Go get 'em Anna. You are a GEM!
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13 Jul, 2012 by Sable
If not for Anna and her staff I wouldn't be able to see my kids, let alone have custody. Thanks to her willingness to fight for me, my kids and I are able to be together.
Thanks Anna!
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08 Jul, 2012 by Paul
Hired Anna Bates to administer a trust for my ailing grandmother. Anna led me along the process, and seemed very knowledgable. However, when we arrived in court, Anna Bates showed up looking as though she had not slept in 3 days. Her attire was grungy, stained and no pressed. She seemed confused when the magistrate asked questions pertaining to the case, and struggled with some questions. It was later determined by the courts that Annas representation of the trust was questionable at best, and put me in a position to explain some very difficult questions. Sent an itemized bill (after I secured other representation after our first court debacle), and bill included various services which didn't even PERTAIN to the case. I'm not sure if she was trying to pull a fast one, or if she got my case confused with another. Could not reach anyone at Annas office (which I believe she runs from home) to discuss. Ended up paying entire bill.
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What a Child Custody Lawyer Can Do for You
A child custody lawyer specializes in helping parents navigate legal matters related to the custody and care of their children, particularly in the context of divorce, separation, or other family disputes. These lawyers assist with determining custody arrangements, drafting parenting plans, and advocating for your rights in court. They also help resolve disputes over physical custody (where the child lives), legal custody (who makes decisions for the child), visitation rights, and modifications to existing custody orders.
Whether you're going through a divorce or need to change an existing custody arrangement, a child custody lawyer can help you understand your rights and protect your child's best interests throughout the legal process.
When Should I Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a child custody lawyer in several situations, especially when disputes arise or complex legal issues affect your parental rights. Some common reasons to hire a child custody lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: If you're going through a divorce or separation and need to establish custody and visitation arrangements, a lawyer can help ensure the custody order reflects your child's best interests.
- Disputed custody cases: If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody or visitation terms, a lawyer can advocate for your rights in court and help you develop a strong case.
- Modification of custody orders: If you need to change an existing custody arrangement due to changes in circumstances (e.g., relocation, changes in the child’s needs), a lawyer can help file a modification request.
- Parental alienation: If the other parent is interfering with your relationship with your child, a lawyer can help address these issues through legal action.
- Domestic violence or abuse: If there is a history of domestic violence or abuse, a lawyer can help protect you and your child by requesting restraining orders and advocating for appropriate custody arrangements.
- Grandparent or third-party custody: If you are a grandparent or another relative seeking custody or visitation rights, a lawyer can guide you through the legal process.
- Paternity disputes: In cases where paternity is in question, a lawyer can assist with establishing or challenging paternity, which may affect custody and visitation rights.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help protect your parental rights and ensure that the custody arrangement is in your child's best interests.
What Does a Child Custody Lawyer Do?
A child custody lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help parents resolve custody disputes and secure favorable custody arrangements for their children. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing custody petitions: Helping you file the necessary paperwork to request custody or visitation rights and ensuring all legal procedures are followed.
- Negotiating custody agreements: Assisting in negotiating custody and visitation arrangements, often working toward a mutually beneficial parenting plan without going to court.
- Representing you in court: If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody terms, representing you in court by presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
- Drafting parenting plans: Helping you draft a comprehensive parenting plan that outlines the schedule for physical custody, decision-making responsibilities, and visitation.
- Handling child support issues: Assisting with related issues such as child support, ensuring that financial obligations are properly calculated and enforced.
- Modifying custody orders: Helping you request a modification from the court if you need to change an existing custody arrangement due to significant life changes.
- Mediating custody disputes: Acting as a mediator to help both parents reach an agreement on custody and visitation without the need for litigation.
How Are Child Custody Lawyers Paid?
Child custody lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case, the time involved, and the nature of the legal work. Common payment methods include:
- Hourly rate: Most child custody lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer's experience and location. The total cost depends on the time spent preparing documents, negotiating, and representing you in court.
- Flat fee: For simple custody matters or uncontested custody agreements, some lawyers may offer a flat fee for specific services, such as drafting a parenting plan or filing a custody petition.
- Retainer: Many lawyers require an upfront retainer fee, which is billed against as the lawyer works on your case. The amount varies based on the expected complexity and duration of the case.
- Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some lawyers may offer reduced fees or pro bono (free) services for clients with limited financial means, particularly in cases involving domestic violence or other serious issues.
It’s important to discuss fees and payment arrangements with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how much you will be charged and what services are included.
How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a child custody lawyer depends on various factors, including the complexity of the case, whether it’s contested or uncontested, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:
- Uncontested custody cases: Legal fees may range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the paperwork and any negotiations.
- Contested custody cases: Legal fees can range from $5,000 to $40,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the issues, the need for expert testimony, and the time spent in litigation.
- Hourly rates: Lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or complex custody disputes.
- Mediation services: If both parents agree to work through mediation, costs typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more for the mediation process.
Always ask for a clear cost estimate during your consultation to ensure that you understand the total legal fees and payment structure.
Top Questions to Ask a Child Custody Lawyer
Before hiring a child custody lawyer, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure they are the best fit for your case. Some key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with child custody cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, especially if your case involves complex issues like domestic violence, relocation, or paternity disputes. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, offers flat fees for certain services, or requires a retainer, and ask for an estimate of the total cost. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your case, including potential challenges and expected outcomes. -
How long will the process take?
Inquire about the expected timeline from filing the petition to reaching an agreement or going to trial. -
Will you personally handle my case?
Ensure you know who will be managing your case and representing you in court. -
Can we pursue mediation or alternative dispute resolution?
Ask whether the lawyer recommends mediation or other forms of dispute resolution to avoid a lengthy court battle.
How to Check the Credibility of a Child Custody Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable child custody lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for family law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in family law and child custody cases.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to gauge the lawyer’s professionalism and success in child custody matters.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on custody cases.
- Check for certifications: Look for lawyers who are board-certified in family law or have memberships in organizations like the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) or local family law sections.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a child custody lawyer, come prepared with relevant documents and information:
- Court orders or existing custody agreements: Bring copies of any existing custody or visitation orders for the lawyer to review.
- Communication with the other parent: Provide copies of emails, texts, or letters regarding custody, visitation, or disputes.
- List of your child’s needs: Prepare a list of your child’s specific needs, such as medical care, education, and extracurricular activities.
- Timeline of the case: Outline key events related to your custody case, including changes in living situations or parental involvement.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions about the custody process, legal fees, and the lawyer’s strategy for your case.
By being well-prepared, you can help the lawyer assess your situation effectively and receive the best possible advice for protecting your rights and your child’s well-being.
