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08 Mar, 2022 by Jhon arias
Excelente
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10 Jun, 2018 by Gabriela
Very professional, expert in his field, and such a wonderful person. I felt extremly lucky to have Gary representing me. Highly respected attorney that has profound knogledge and experience. He guided me and was there for me in every step of my divorce. Highly recommended
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29 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Compassionate. Easy to talk to. Direct. Extremely well informed and connected. This is not the guy lawyer jokes are written about. This is an honest, calm, reasonable person who advocates tirelessly for the truth. A valuable member of our MA legal system.
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30 Jan, 2025 by Katrina hardy
Attorney Rayburn From the start of representing my son has been a great experience, Having her as his Court appointed attorney. Years ago I heard of her represented many of people that I know and her knowledge of the law speaks volumes. She is attentive and thorough. I appreciate all she has done. The case went into court every 2 months for almost 3 years and she never missed a beat.
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06 Nov, 2024 by Samuel milton
Susan Rayburn is a great attorney, I’ve had her on several cases. I always came out on top. Highly recommended.
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21 Jul, 2024 by Adam garcia (a brother's real estate)
Susan helped vindicate me against very serious allegations. She was very patient and efficient. She used her experience to devise a strategic and effective defense. She also has the ability to be stern and/or charismatic at the appropriate times, which I found to be a great attribute for a lawyer needing to get thier point crossed in a tense courtroom.
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20 Jan, 2025 by Lisa christensen
Great working with Ryan. Highly professional and responsive. Couldn’t say enough great things about them and their understanding of the law and ability to convey it in terms that I could understand clearly.
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08 Jan, 2025 by Kardana
I only have good things to say about this law firm. I was in a tough position and I reached out to HKM. I received a follow up call from Ryan Kenny who took my case. When I tell you Ryan Kenny is a becon to recon with trust me! He is selfless and worked tirelessly to ensure that I was rightfully compensated. Ryan understood the assignment! Because of Ryan Kenny my daughter and I are in a much better position than prior to him taking my case. I am forever grateful and would be deeply honored to recommend Ryan Kenny and HKM employment Law firm to anyone who needs legal help!
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01 Nov, 2024 by Darrius little
I had an excellent experience working with HKM Employment Lawyers. From our first consultation, Ryan K. was attentive and truly committed to understanding my case. He was not only knowledgeable about employment law but also compassionate, ensuring I felt supported throughout the process.
I highly recommend HKM Employment Lawyers to anyone needing skilled and reliable legal representation in employment matters.
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30 Jan, 2025 by G&v tv
Paul was very helpful to me in a situation involving my child who is a minor.
He made us both feel very comfortable and was extremely thorough.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Glen
Paul is absolutely the best at what he does. What makes him the best? He cares about your case, about you, and about your family. Every time I have called he always answers and if he doesn’t he calls me back the same day. He will keep you informed and fight for you. I would highly suggest appointing Paul as your lawyer
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16 Jan, 2025 by Tonisha allen
Attorney Paul Moraski is THE BEST criminal defense lawyer! When my son was falsely accused of a crime that he didnt commit and all the cards were stacked against him, we felt defeated. We called multiple lawyers and had multiple consultations and each lawyer agreed to take his case but they all wanted him to plead guilty. This would have meant my son pleading guilty for something he didn't do, having a permanent conviction record, possible jail time, license suspension, fines, and court fees. I understand that this was the fastest, easiest, and least costly way out but this would have had a huge negative effect on my sons life and his career. He would not being able to work in his profession and run his current business. He worked so hard to get where he is by going to college, his internships and now owning and running his own business. This entire ordeal was a devastating blow to my family and we were so blessed and grateful that we found Paul! ( He asked us to call him Paul during our first meeting) We knew from the first consultation that we needed to hire him! He was the first lawyer out of many that believed in my son and believed we had a strong case and didn't want him to just plead guilty. This entire thing was foreign territory for us. Paul was very knowledgeable through the entire process, he explained things to us in detail and kept my family in the loop the entire way during my sons case. We couldnt afford to retain a lawyer, but Paul worked with us on payment plans! Paul was very professional in and outside of court and is also a very sharp dresser! I would recommend Paul to anyone looking for a great defense lawyer!
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27 Dec, 2024 by Empyrean
20 Dec, 2024 by Alicia woodberry
Jerry Fox is definitely a Great attorney! Responds in a timely manner! Very easy to talk to. He explained every steps of the process and put me at ease. Definitely a recommendation.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Francis kearney iii
Jerry Fox was an absolute pleasure to work with. His knowledge, follow up and understanding of my case made my experience with the law office seamless and a priority. I would strongly recommend Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers to anyone that is looking for positive results!
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29 Sep, 2024 by K p
Absurdly Expensive! I spent approx $30,000 in a few months with this firm and they did close to nothing. I just feel I needed to let others be warned because of how much money was wasted. I was assigned an attorney in the firm and none of my questions were answered but I surely was billed for them. There seemed to be a personal issue going on with the owner and I approached her about my concerns but instead of taking ownership and rectifying the issues, she blamed me. I just feel like if you can not perform the work you should just take a break from the job and not take someones money while putting their family at risk. I feel awful for even posting a negative review but I am in such financial strain now and I feel it is my duty to tell others.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Dya vald
I'm was going through a very difficult divorce and Maura's initial consultation showed me she was an excellent lawyer. After multiples lawyers and thousands of dollars spent before Maura, I was fortunate to have Maura Melcher Family Law representing me in my divorce and child custody case. Maura and her team helped me determine what was in the best interest for my son and consistently directed me in the right direction for the best possible outcome. Maura was a dedicated knowledgeable professional with a practical yet creative approach to family law negotiations. She made progress in all our challenging situations while protecting and caring for us. Maura and her team helped me stick to our plan, which in return allowed us to obtain custody of my son, I will always be grateful for the way she professionally managed to obtain the end result we were all hoping for. I’ll always refer the Melcher Family Law team to anyone who is looking for an educated, straightforward and honest family law group. Maura, I can’t thank you enough for helping me through this challenging situation. You are a Champion!! I would highly recommend Maura with any of your family law needs.
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24 Feb, 2024 by Vivian fang
Maura Melcher is a fantastic attorney. I would
recommend her without hesitation! Maura is very knowledgeable, creative and professional. She is also very compassionate and friendly. She really listened to me and worked to reach the outcome that I desired in my divorce case. Maura worked hard on my behalf and was very responsible and fair with her fees. She is the best lawyer!
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04 Jul, 2024 by Mrivera2516
attorney Estella Matta is very knowledgeable and dedicated to family law. She was very flexible with my needs and accommodated my schedule. She looked at every possible option to help my case and she let me know on just the first consultation all the possible outcomes for my case. I will truly recommend her to anyone .
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04 Dec, 2018 by Brian
Attorney Matta helped me draft a pretrial memorandum and has always provided me with excellent legal advice.
Attorney Matta is undoubtedly great at what she does. She is incredibly intelligent and will work hard to fight for her clients but the best part of working with her is she is extremely personable and understanding. She has an expansive resume and many years of experience as a family attorney so she’s seen it all. A lot of times she was able to finish my sentences when explaining my legal troubles.
Attorney Matta is also extremely fair when it comes to payment, and she worked with me which was nice. She also doesn’t forget about her clients, and her concern for the outcome of their case is genuine.
I will definitely continue to consult and potentially hire Attorney Matta in the future and would recommend her to anyone in need of legal representation.
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12 May, 2018 by Anonymous
After a long and difficult custody battle I reached out to Atty. Matta. I feel so blessed because I finally found an attorney who can guide me through my case while acting as an advocate. After speaking to numerous attorneys and hitting dead ends, I finally feel like I can make progress in my case because I am not just working with an attorney, I’m working with an expert.
I would highly recommend this amazing attorney to anyone who asks.
I was so close to losing hope until I met with and consulted with Atty. Matta. My hope is restored and I feel confident that I made the right decision working with this brilliant woman.
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14 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Today in court I watched Mastery , Tanis is a skilled, brilliant, & powerful attorney. After I was falsely accused of domestic abuse in 2014 , and issued a restraining order and re issued again in 2015 , my prior lawyers basically told me to stay quiet and I did , I listened and listened to 100% false accusations my my ex , I hired attorney Yannetti in 2015 , she was confident right away she could have this restraining order terminated immediately , yet she she still made a wise decision to wait until today April 14, 2016 to finally " have my day in court " Tanis made this decision so she could get to work , pulling transcripts, having them transcribed , finding all inconsistent statements made by my ex Tanis found things that Nobody else saw , from big things like Purgery , to dates that just didn't or couldn't even be possible, all overlooked by my former council , she took on 4 lawers today , and stayed so cool , the plaintiff my ex , could not control herself and her lawyers and the judge had to constantly tell the plaintiff to stop , Tanis read every transcript and her knowledge on my case was outstanding, picking up immediate on any inaccuracies the opposing lawyers made and some were small that most attorneys would miss, her objections were timely and perfect and her asking of the relevance of certain items brought in or up kept the hearing in order not allowing anybody to divert the subject of why we were there and that was Justice , I was losing faith in our Justice system Tanis restored it! If anybody needs help with false accusations, and women being guided by V.A.W.A . Tanis is your best shot in a positive outcome . Her closing arguments, were powerful and strong , stating facts . Today Justice prevailed and it happened because Tanis Yannettis attention to detail! God Bless America
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14 Oct, 2015 by Jon
Attorney Tanis Yannetti was absolutely phenomenal. Tanis recently represented me in my restraining order case. I could not be happier. I was thinking of going in alone. That would have been the worst mistake. For what should have been an easy case soon proved to be an uphill battle. There were things that I would not have been prepared for without the help of Tanis. She is extremely knowledgeable on the laws. She was passionate about my case and fought tooth and nail to have my restraining order overturned. The judge was so ready to rule against me many times but Tanis never gave up. She won my case. On top of her talent in the courtroom she is a kind hearted person and a great listener .....not missing a single detail of my case. Thank You Tanis !
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08 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Attorney Tanis Yannetti is a professional and understanding counselor. She has a commanding presence in the courtroom, thorough mastery of the law, and knows how to apply the most effective methods and precedents to achieve a favorable outcome. If your rights needs defending, then you want attorney Tanis in your corner. Thank you for your help, for listening, explaining, and patience. JA
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06 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Brian is an exceptional attorney. He is thoughtful, considerate and is eager to find common ground. While many attorney's are eager to pick a fight, he works hard to help settle issues by highlighting what's important. That said he is both firm and forceful when necessary.
My divorce was particularly difficult and drawn out. It had a high degree of complexity involving a GAL and other child related issues. Brian was able to lay out a plan of attack and get to core issues quickly. He kept me well informed throughout the process and understood nuances of the legal system that other attorney's were not only unaware of but had no idea of how to use to their advantage.
On a personal note, he was phenomenal to work with. In the end we won and my children are thankful for it. I regularly recommend him to friends of mine that are in need of a good attorney and are going through divorce and especially those with complex child custody related issues.
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19 Jan, 2017 by Nick
Brian was/is my divorce attorney. I hired him on the advice of a friend who went through a messy divorce (mine was too), and it was the best thing I did during my divorce. He's helped with a couple of follow up issues in the years since.
The main thing I liked about Brian is that he was calm and measured. My ex would do something horrible, or make some outrageous legal claim, and I would start to respond with some of the same, and Brian would calmly explain why my I should not do so, and why her approach was probably going to be counter productive to her. This measured approach dialed down the intensity of the fight even though her attorney was a barracuda, which led to a fair divorce settlement out of court with less stress for everyone, and the kids in particular.
The other thing Brian did was write an incredibly thorough legal separation document - so long that the judge remarked on its length, but it has been a god send. My ex is constantly trying to come up with some new interpretation of our agreement, some new way in which she does less, or pays less, and has more, but she cannot because all the terms are in the separation agreement.
If you are looking for a lawyer out of a court-room drama, Brian is not for you. He's not going to come up with convoluted legal arguments and claim that you will get everything you want (which is not going to happen anyway). If you are looking for an adult, a serious lawyer who is going to gently but firmly guide you to a more successful outcome for you (and your kids), then I think you'll be happy if you hire him.
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19 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Brian has been an excellent partner in helping me work through some very difficult issues. Brian has represented me in a case involving custody, removal, valuation of private business assets, and support. He is responsive and he is diligent and thoughtful in his approach. His experience negotiating and litigating in both Probate and the Appeals Courts has been very helpful to my case.
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04 Sep, 2015 by Kara
I have found that Rachel is always able to provide the service I need at the time I need it. Over the years she has helped with the following activities all at a very reasonable rate.
- Development of wills, power of attorney, medical proxy forms, etc. for a same sex couple
- Consultation around the dissolution of a same sex relationship
- Reviewing and restructuring of documents referenced above
Through it all, Rachel has been a pleasure to work with and extremely helpful in a variety of emotional situations.
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27 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Rachel was very kind, professional and took the time to explain and negotiate my pre nup which went back and forth for a couple of weeks. Outside of the stress of the pre nup not getting signed till the morning of the wedding Rachel was amazing to work with. I'd highly recommend her.
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27 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Rachel was very helpful with all my questions and always kept me informed. Super professional. Easy to communicate with. Would recommend 100 percent.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Alycia
Molly helped me so much during my divorce, and ultimately helped us avoid going to court. The custody issue was tricky, and I am so happy that she wrote the agreement so clearly and with so much detail. I recommend her to anyone who asks.
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24 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Molly handled a difficult subject for me and my family with empathy and skill. She was very thorough and patient in making sure I had a complete understanding of the legal processes and my options. Highly recommended.
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23 Nov, 2016 by Simonetta di scipio
I've been working with Molly for the past year. She has been my support throughout my divorce. She's responsive, sensible, and caring. I've never felt that she led me in the wrong direction. I would and have recommended Molly.
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21 Mar, 2017 by John
After paying another attorney from Worcester over $10,000.00 over a period of 8 months to amend my divorce decree and getting nowhere, I hired Jim to handle my case . He was easy to work with , quick on his feet, and expertly negotiated a fair agreement in no time at all . He was just plain fantastic. I would give 10 stars if it were allowed. Cant say enough good things. Wish I had met him the first time!
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21 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Jim was willing and capable of negotiating a settlement between myself, my now ex- wife, and her attorney. Jim steered me away from personal actions and communications that may have hurt the chances for a negotiated settlement. My particular situation could have been lucrative for him to litigate as it was complex and there was much discovery that would have accompanied a court battle. However he kept my best interest in mind , avoided litigation, protected my interest as well as possible, and treated my ex - wife with respect. He was bright and really understood the issues which really helped my case. We were able to settle in an very short time compared to stories I have heard from others.
I also believe that negotiation saved both my ex-wife and myself considerable costs. Most importantly it was easier emotionally for the entire family, including our adult children.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Donna green
My husband passed away this fall and I needed to update our existing trust documents. My financial advisor referred me to Long Hagan Huff-Harris and I’m so glad he did. From the first call they explained how they would set up not only my new trust documents, but my revised Will, Health Care Proxy and Power of Attorney. They made it easy to understand, set up Zoom meetings to finalize my wishes and I only went to their office to go over the documents and sign my approval. I would, without hesitation recommend Long, Hagan, Huff-Harris for your legal needs.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Oluwaseun olusanya
26 Nov, 2024 by Jack doubleday
I had an excellent experience working with Jeniffer B. and the rest of the team. I look forward to working with them again in the future.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Bryan rojas
Had a great experience with this firm, both Kim Shewchuck and Jessica Marcelino kept in constant communication through the process. Would definitely recommend.
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05 Jul, 2024 by Violet kinuthia
I worked with Alexa, she was very professional in how she handled my case. I would 100% recommend this firm, they have got unbelievable results in my accident case.
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27 Jun, 2024 by Truth is business
We all witnessing craziness on roads on daily basis! Accidents happen and one happened to me! Unfortunately Police report wasn't favorite to me! But despite that my Lawyer fought for my case on the end I was extremely satisfied with outcome!
Alexis Thank you for prompt answers for all of my questions!
Communication with office-10. Layers spoke to me in legal language I understand everything was really top noch!
From moment I ended up in Emergency till final deal, Team from Mark E Salomon was brightest point I felt like Million Dollar Customer and I am thankful for that guys!
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19 Nov, 2024 by Naomie gelin
Dan Harrington and his paralegal gave my family and I the best services .. with the help of Dan I was able to become a US citizen and when no other lawyer as able to help my husband , Harrington took us in and helped him get his green card and now will be helping him become a citizen,
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30 Sep, 2024 by Armin erović
16 Aug, 2024 by Geovany teixeira (geo)
27 Mar, 2023 by Seth
Chelsea was fair and worked very hard to affect a fair outcome. She is compassionate and helps to guide her client to gain reasonable and fair outcomes. She thoroughly explains laws, procedures and the impacts of both so that decisions are well thought out. She effects great outcomes for her client and her firm. Being part of a very successful firm, she is the touchstone for that firm.
I am extremely happy to give her this glowing review
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17 Nov, 2024 by M m
29 Oct, 2024 by Marnie botelho
I 100% agree with Mel. I gave my banking account number and was told they'd be a deduction on the 1st and the 15th of each month. (which I agreed) The problem is I was never told how much those withdrawals would be. My husband is a disabled veteran and only gets a check once a month. We never even appeared in court. The opposing attorney was not contacting my attorney for 4+ months, yet my balance was never known by me and was growing somehow. It wasn't until I requested a statement that I received a few through email. I have never once spoken to Peter on the phone. Although the attorney who was working with me was very nice, he told me he had no part in the billing. He told me it was Peter. Basically, I gave a $4500 retainer in case we needed to go to court, which we never did, and I never received regular monthly statements from Mr. Calabrese. Due to my experience with the billing of this attorney, I would NEVER recommend them. This morning I see an email saying he will not represent me any longer because of my large outstanding balance (which I knew nothing about). As soon as I emailed him, all of a sudden I receive all these statements. Lol! And a balance that was insane.
I agree with Mel. Do not sign any contract that involves giving your banking info out.
This is not ethical and I intend on reporting to the Bar. These are examples of bad practices. People are already hurting in bad land situations, and the last thing anyone needs is to be taken advantage of. Beware people! Read Mel's review, and others on several sites before you use this firm. If you don't believe me, read others.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Meredith chambers
I've had a positive experience dealing with Peter and associates. All have been very responsive, honest and timely with findings. I highly recommend and am pleased with their service.
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17 Nov, 2024 by M m
29 Oct, 2024 by Marnie botelho
I 100% agree with Mel. I gave my banking account number and was told they'd be a deduction on the 1st and the 15th of each month. (which I agreed) The problem is I was never told how much those withdrawals would be. My husband is a disabled veteran and only gets a check once a month. We never even appeared in court. The opposing attorney was not contacting my attorney for 4+ months, yet my balance was never known by me and was growing somehow. It wasn't until I requested a statement that I received a few through email. I have never once spoken to Peter on the phone. Although the attorney who was working with me was very nice, he told me he had no part in the billing. He told me it was Peter. Basically, I gave a $4500 retainer in case we needed to go to court, which we never did, and I never received regular monthly statements from Mr. Calabrese. Due to my experience with the billing of this attorney, I would NEVER recommend them. This morning I see an email saying he will not represent me any longer because of my large outstanding balance (which I knew nothing about). As soon as I emailed him, all of a sudden I receive all these statements. Lol! And a balance that was insane.
I agree with Mel. Do not sign any contract that involves giving your banking info out.
This is not ethical and I intend on reporting to the Bar. These are examples of bad practices. People are already hurting in bad land situations, and the last thing anyone needs is to be taken advantage of. Beware people! Read Mel's review, and others on several sites before you use this firm. If you don't believe me, read others.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Meredith chambers
I've had a positive experience dealing with Peter and associates. All have been very responsive, honest and timely with findings. I highly recommend and am pleased with their service.
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04 Feb, 2024 by Jack p
13 Jun, 2023 by Gugga dugga
Oldest, not best.
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18 Jan, 2023 by Geraldo hodge
21 Sep, 2018 by Pallavi k
I was referred to Pollack Law Group by CLC Legal Program for divorce and child custody. When I spoke to McKenzie, she persuaded me to immediately meet her in the office and sign papers as the first step. She was very kind until I completed signing off papers and then it all stopped. I felt a woman lawyer would provide better representation and understand my situation. But, this attorney lacks basic human attributes. All she cares about is the money.
When I withdrew her representation, I was charged 1200$ for a 1 hr meeting and because I had to break commitment.
I had a terrible experience and I warn others to stay away.
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20 Jan, 2016 by Michael
McKenzie was very professional and confident. She did an amazing job representing me in my very difficult case and got me through it with no issues or hiccups. She continuously made me feel at ease and under her advisement, I never felt rushed nor pressured into making decisions. I will most definitely use her and PLG's services in the future.
Thank you McKenzie,
Michael
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23 Jun, 2015 by Barbara
Mckenzie and her team were wonderful in getting my divorce taken care of quickly. They were ready and kept me informed. Everyone was professinal. They all made me feel important. Thank you Mckenzie and Andy Miller!
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Child Support Lawyer Can Do for You
A child support lawyer specializes in legal issues related to the financial support that one parent provides to another for the upbringing of their children. These lawyers assist with establishing, enforcing, and modifying child support orders, ensuring that the financial needs of the child are met, including housing, food, healthcare, education, and other essentials. A child support lawyer can also represent parents in disputes over the amount of support, ensure fair calculations based on income, and handle legal proceedings if one parent fails to meet their obligations.
Whether you're seeking to establish child support, modify an existing order, or enforce payments, a child support lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights and the well-being of your child.
When Should I Hire a Child Support Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a child support lawyer when you need assistance with any of the following child support matters:
- Establishing child support: If you are going through a divorce or separation and need to establish a child support order, a lawyer can help ensure that the support amount is fair and accurately calculated.
- Modifying child support orders: If there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a job loss, income change, or a child's financial needs, a lawyer can help you request a modification to the existing child support order.
- Enforcing child support payments: If the other parent has failed to make court-ordered child support payments, a lawyer can help enforce the order through legal means such as wage garnishment, property liens, or even legal action.
- Disputing child support calculations: If you believe the child support amount has been incorrectly calculated based on your income or expenses, a lawyer can help you challenge the calculation and seek a fair adjustment.
- Paternity disputes: If paternity needs to be established before child support can be ordered, a lawyer can assist with DNA testing and legal proceedings.
- Interstate child support cases: If the parents live in different states, navigating child support laws can be complex. A lawyer can help ensure the proper jurisdiction is established and that child support is enforced across state lines.
- Child support during custody disputes: If child custody and child support are being determined simultaneously, a lawyer can help ensure that both issues are resolved fairly and in the best interest of the child.
Hiring a lawyer early can help ensure that your child support case is handled effectively and that your child's financial needs are met.
What Does a Child Support Lawyer Do?
A child support lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help parents secure, modify, and enforce child support arrangements. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing for child support: A lawyer can help you initiate the legal process to obtain a child support order, ensuring that all necessary documentation is submitted and deadlines are met.
- Calculating child support: A lawyer can help ensure that child support is calculated fairly based on both parents' incomes, the needs of the child, and other factors such as healthcare and education costs.
- Negotiating child support agreements: If both parents are willing to negotiate, a lawyer can help facilitate an agreement on child support outside of court, which can then be approved by a judge.
- Representing you in court: If negotiations fail or the other parent contests the child support amount, a lawyer will represent you in family court, presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
- Modifying support orders: A lawyer can help you file a request for modification if circumstances change, such as a loss of income or an increase in the child’s financial needs.
- Enforcing child support: If the other parent is not making court-ordered payments, a lawyer can take legal steps to enforce the order through wage garnishment, property liens, or other measures.
- Handling complex cases: In cases involving high incomes, self-employment, or complicated financial situations, a lawyer can help ensure that all relevant factors are considered in determining child support.
How Are Child Support Lawyers Paid?
Child support lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work required. Common payment methods include:
- Hourly rate: Most child support 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 will depend on how much time the lawyer spends on your case, including preparation, negotiations, and court appearances.
- Flat fee: For more straightforward cases, such as uncontested child support agreements or basic modifications, some lawyers may offer a flat fee that covers all services related to the case.
- Retainer: Many lawyers require a retainer, which is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on your case. The amount of the retainer depends on the expected complexity of the case.
- Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some lawyers offer sliding scale fees based on income or provide pro bono (free) services in cases where clients cannot afford to pay full legal fees, especially when children’s needs are at stake.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how much you will be charged and what services are covered.
How Much Does a Child Support Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a child support lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, whether it's contested or uncontested, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:
- Uncontested child support cases: Legal fees may range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the paperwork and the lawyer’s fees.
- Contested child support cases: Legal fees can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, especially if the case involves significant court time.
- Hourly rates: Lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour for child support cases, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or cases that involve complex financial issues.
- Modification or enforcement: Fees for modifying or enforcing a child support order may range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity and the need for court intervention.
Always ask for a detailed cost estimate during your consultation so you can plan your budget accordingly.
Top Questions to Ask a Child Support Lawyer
Before hiring a child support lawyer, it’s important to ask questions to ensure they are the right fit for your case. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with child support cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it’s establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support orders. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, offers flat fees, or requires a retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case and any potential challenges you may face. -
How long will the process take?
Child support cases can take time, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to last and what factors may cause delays. -
Will you personally handle my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of the case. Make sure you know who will be managing your case and representing you in court. -
What documents should I prepare?
Ask the lawyer what financial documents and other information you should bring to help them calculate child support and build your case.
How to Check the Credibility of a Child Support Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable child support lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:
- 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 have successfully handled child support cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on child support matters.
- Check for certifications: Some lawyers may have certifications in family law or membership in organizations like the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), which can indicate their expertise in child support and family law issues.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most out of your first consultation with a child support lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Income documents: Bring pay stubs, tax returns, W-2s, or any other documentation of your income and the other parent’s income, as this will be used to calculate child support.
- Existing child support orders: If there are any existing child support or custody orders, bring copies for the lawyer to review.
- Child-related expenses: Provide documentation of your child’s medical bills, education expenses, daycare costs, and any other expenses that should be factored into the child support calculation.
- Communication with the other parent: Bring any communication between you and the other parent regarding child support, whether through emails, text messages, or written agreements.
- List of questions: Prepare a list of questions about your case, the legal process, and the lawyer’s fees.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your case more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice on how to proceed.
