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18 Dec, 2024 by Heath redman
Valeriya S. Kryvokolinska did an excellent job with my case! It was a lengthy process, but the end result was exactly what I wanted. Very pleased with this firm!
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03 Jul, 2024 by Bannerman associates
They get 1 star because they did do something, but honestly I’m upset with how they charged me for weird things all in attempt to drain my retainer. Be careful of places like this who will do a lot and get a very short distance.. I was cheated and yes I’ll pay, but hopefully this stops someone else from being done the same.. I suggest you get them to time stamp while they work or something, they’ll charge you for 24 hours even if it took 10 smh. I’m upset and I hope you learn from it. Best of luck
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25 Jun, 2024 by Cameron smith
Scott and his staff did a great job in my case. They had great communication and were able to solve everything without going to court.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Ed
Elizabeth helped us navigate extremely complicated issues surrounding custody of our adopted child who suffers from significant mental health struggles. Elizabeth is knowledgeable, compassionate, and a fierce defender of our family. She was the right person for the job!
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13 Jun, 2024 by Clay korner
The team at Nigh Law Group is unsurpassed as legal advocates.
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06 May, 2024 by Anthony
This firm has hired a monster named Rebecca J Stumler. She has a track record of abusing people. She is nasty and will get you on the wrong side of the judge! Check out her personal reviews!!!
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18 Oct, 2024 by Kim grosh
Need "the best lawyer in the world"? You just found him. Not only is Greg Smith a brilliant, efficient, and fully competent attorney, he (and his amazing legal team) are also beautiful, compassionate people. And Trust me, I NEVER thought I would ever say that about attorneys.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Captain dubeau
Horrible communication and were not able to help us like they said
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11 Oct, 2024 by Kelly kirkwood
I retained Jodi through a recommendation from a family friend. I was told she is the best and an absolute must in family law. I called within minutes of this referral, never researching other law firms or even looking into Grossman Law. It was the biggest leap of faith after being blindsided by my ex and I can tell you today, hands down, retaining Jodi was by far the best decision I made throughout this horrific and heartbreaking ordeal.
Jodi has stood by my side for the last two plus years; fighting for me, guiding me and explaining to me in detail for my understanding options and her expert advice as how to proceed in my highly contentious case. She laid everything out and was completely transparent from start to finish. She and her legal assistant, Tash, continuously showed compassion and grace for me and my situation.
Jodi never wavered throughout my case. I trusted her completely through the entire process. She was always meticulously prepared for anything and everything which was absolutely needed especially when dealing with multiple opposing counsels. Her unmatched expert knowledge and gift for family law, attention to detail, impeccable writing skills for court documents; strategic and creative thinking, organization and the support of everyone at Grossman Law was pivotal for the positive outcome I received.
I am incredibly blessed and grateful for Jodi and Grossman law representing me in my divorce. Even though my case is finally closed, I will continue to retain Jodi as I know I am in the best hands if anything were to arise.
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18 Oct, 2024 by Kim grosh
Need "the best lawyer in the world"? You just found him. Not only is Greg Smith a brilliant, efficient, and fully competent attorney, he (and his amazing legal team) are also beautiful, compassionate people. And Trust me, I NEVER thought I would ever say that about attorneys.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Captain dubeau
Horrible communication and were not able to help us like they said
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11 Oct, 2024 by Kelly kirkwood
I retained Jodi through a recommendation from a family friend. I was told she is the best and an absolute must in family law. I called within minutes of this referral, never researching other law firms or even looking into Grossman Law. It was the biggest leap of faith after being blindsided by my ex and I can tell you today, hands down, retaining Jodi was by far the best decision I made throughout this horrific and heartbreaking ordeal.
Jodi has stood by my side for the last two plus years; fighting for me, guiding me and explaining to me in detail for my understanding options and her expert advice as how to proceed in my highly contentious case. She laid everything out and was completely transparent from start to finish. She and her legal assistant, Tash, continuously showed compassion and grace for me and my situation.
Jodi never wavered throughout my case. I trusted her completely through the entire process. She was always meticulously prepared for anything and everything which was absolutely needed especially when dealing with multiple opposing counsels. Her unmatched expert knowledge and gift for family law, attention to detail, impeccable writing skills for court documents; strategic and creative thinking, organization and the support of everyone at Grossman Law was pivotal for the positive outcome I received.
I am incredibly blessed and grateful for Jodi and Grossman law representing me in my divorce. Even though my case is finally closed, I will continue to retain Jodi as I know I am in the best hands if anything were to arise.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Tj clark
07 Mar, 2024 by James belknap
Let me tell you what a wonderful lawyer Amy Weis is. Amy helped navigate me and my two young sons (with the assistance of a wonderful guardian ad litem, Kerry McCormick) through an ugly custody battle and divorce in 2010. I credit Amy with my two now grown sons being happy and successful young men-she and Kerry kept those boys with their Dad. Fast forward over a decade later, and I needed some information from the divorce settlement for tax reasons. I left a voicemail for Amy, and had a response with all information I needed emailed to me with a nice note within an hour. Amy was so skilled throughout the entire process, and obviously keeps incredible records. And, most importantly, she cares. What a wonderful attorney.
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14 Aug, 2023 by Sheridan pollard
I usually do not write many reviews, but I was compelled to do so based on the great experience I had with Weis Law Group. I was going through a BAD custody battle (relocation case) involving my 2 year old son at the time and was initially recommend to Amy Weis by a family friend who is also an attorney. He told me Amy is one of the best in Ohio so I was excited to contact her about representing me. Once I reached out, I was told that Amy could not take my case (I do not remember the reason why, however I want to say it was because she was mainly handling divorce cases and my case did not involve a divorce) however I was told that her partner David could represent me. At first, I was extremely hesitant to work with David for many reasons. The first being that my family friend had highly recommended Amy, had no knowledge of David and his experience and lastly with me being a woman and a mother I was honestly unsure if David would be able to resonate with me, my situation and represent me the best way possible as the other Male Attorneys I had consultations with prior seemed to favor fathers.
With that, I had a consultation with both David and Amy, they were both very knowledgeable and I was told Amy would partner with David throughout the case and I felt good moving forward. I am absolutely thrilled with the exceptional legal representation provided by Attorney David in my relocation custody case and I could not be more thankful that Amy partnered me with him. From the very beginning, I spoke with many different attorneys both male and female and was informed by other attorneys that winning such a challenging case (relocation) would be difficult. I was told that the magistrate assigned to my case does not like relocations and hardly granted them and they expressed doubt in the outcome. However, David displayed unwavering confidence and expertise throughout the process. He went above and beyond to come up with creative ways to prove what would be in the best interest of my son.
One notable aspect of working with David and the Weis Group, was their understanding of my financial situation. They were incredibly flexible and accommodating, allowing me to make payments that suited my circumstances. This demonstrated their genuine commitment to helping me without adding additional stress.
Throughout the case, David displayed a deep understanding of family law and a strategic approach to litigation. They prepared every aspect of my case, ensuring that no stone was left unturned. Their attention to detail and thoroughness were truly impressive and David was always available to speak when needed. I was very anxious about the outcome of the case however David helped to calm me on our days of being in front of the magistrate.
Thanks to David’s dedication, knowledge, and skill, we achieved a favorable outcome in the relocation custody case. I was able to relocate with my son and remain the school placement parent. Their ability to present a compelling argument, backed by solid evidence, was instrumental in securing the best possible result for me and my family.
I cannot recommend Attorney David and Weis Law Group highly enough. Their professionalism, compassion, and expertise made a significant impact on the success of my case. If you are facing a difficult legal matter, particularly in family law, I wholeheartedly encourage you to seek the services of David and Wei’s Law Group. Their exceptional representation and unwavering commitment to their clients truly set them apart. David, I feel so fortunate to have had you representing me.
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09 Dec, 2024 by Jerimy bell
Been my law firm for 6 years now and they are the best and care the most
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06 Dec, 2024 by Monica barnes
I did not have a great experience with Gregory Williams. Just finalized my probate case after 3 years after the the loss of my mom. He was not a good legal counsel and the only thing he did on my behalf was file the paperwork and set up zoom calls. I could have done all this on my own. My sister and I had our own attorney's because we could not agree on things but when it came to Gregory fighting for me he was never able to come through there was always an excuse. My sister took everything out of our mom's house and never did he discuss with me because I was also co-executor I could remove things as well it was excuse after excuse. In the end my sister's attorney was the winner. I felt like Gregory was only concerned about the $$$ and definitely did not look out for my best interest. With that being said I ended up with nothing BUT attorney fee's. I had to pay for his attorney fee's and his new law firm which he moved there toward end of 2023 and their expenses were more than Gregory and had never spoke with anyone there or agreed to their fees since initially started out with Gregory. What I received from my experience is that moving forward this will NEVER happen to my two daughters. Attorney's care nothing about your loss or your grief. At least this law firm. He never had my back for me! Every request I asked for never honored always dismissed. Gregory ended up being more expensive than my sister's attorney and he did more on this probate than Gregory!! Just a joke overall!
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24 May, 2024 by Tgvs corcoran
Would highly recommend! Quick and painless process, communicative, and highly professional. Would use again.
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23 Jun, 2016 by Theodore p pennington
I first came to know Melissa Gast in August of 2013 when first confronted with the reality that I was getting divorced. Initially electing to represent myself, I found that I could handle everything coming at me just fine, and really benefitted from being a thorough, reasonable, logical, and analytical person. Then, my soon-to-be ex-wife made a series of adversarial decisions that resulted in false accusations, extensive private and police investigations, open-court lies, and everything one could imagine facing in a worst-case scenario. I selected 10 attorneys to interview within the Columbus area, each one of them highly referred by friends, family, and/or legal professionals. I found Melissa Gast on Avvo and she became #9 on my list - with #10 being a stalwart in the field. MY thoughts were that if none of the first nine made the cut, attorney #10 would have to be the one for me. Covering allot of ground in just two days of my search - I came to the conclusion that none of the first eight attorneys were well-suited for the job.
On the way to Ms. Gast's office, I was enveloped with a sense of foregone defeat, and I even dialed the number of attorney #10 on the way and told her I would be to her office in the next hour. I almost cancelled my appointment with Ms. Gast, but decided to see it through as she was the only attorney on the list that I had picked myself.
Meeting me at the door of her small office, Ms. Gast exuded confidence and compassion. I quickly realized that I did not like the used-car sales floor feel I felt meeting with each of the first eight attorneys. Ms. Gast warmly and efficiently moved through a series of inquiries to gain an appreciation for my situation, my life, my family, my personality, and my goals for this term of my life. Taking close and attentive notes on paper as we spoke, she not once lost track of our conversation and I never felt as though I was "just another client". After about 30-minutes of emotional dumping and factual offloading of information, Ms. Gast demonstrated one of her key strengths as she brilliantly recapped our conversation in perfect form and with emphasis in every correct place, demonstrating her ability to listen, think, feel, and work at the same moment.
Cutting to the chase - Ms. Gast stood at my side and represented me with heart, skill, and diligence throughout the entirety of what turned out to be a 33-month divorce and custody war fraught with a multitude of false allegations involving child abuse in what was termed to be a relentless string of allegations of the worst kind that was brightly capped with nearly 12 days of trial. I asked for one thing - for Ms. Gast to protect me and my relationship with my son. Ms. Gast delivered in EVERY regard with poise, and now that the dust has cleared, I find myself with full custody of my little boy (he was 2.5 yrs. old at the outset and 5.5 yrs. old now) and a bright and safe path ahead of us. Not once did I feel like a number or a case or a job. Rather, I was intimately involved and encouraged to participate and contribute to my own defense as Ms. Gast tailored her approach to meet my expectations and stomach for the war... cookie-cutter is not what this attorney offers her clients.
You can spend a great deal more by hiring a marquee name or an attorney with a scorched earth approach to your life if that sort of thing makes you feel good and you can still sleep at night. You can file all kinds and sorts of motions and replies and challenge every micro-nuance of every nuance and
even believe that mythical story about recouping the legal fees when it is all over via some type of award or judgment. But, if you want to preserve your assets and dignity while protecting your family - and especially if you value honesty, integrity, loyalty, compassion, diligence, truth, skill, professionalism, and legal acumen - skip the marquee names and the egos and schedule a consult with Ms. Gast as soon as possible.
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28 Mar, 2016 by G=craig
My 11 yo son was living with his mother in a mentally abusive environment; very unhealthy and dysfunctional. Melissa was able to not only win permanent sole custody for me after a three day trial (over a year after our motion), she recommended based on this situation to try for an immediate Emergency Custody Order. Although that almost never is granted, we won it thereby saving my son from over a year of incredible stress that would have surely occurred had he stayed with his mom while permanent custody and residence was decided. She is very thorough, knows the law well, thinks of the details that wind up making a difference, writes compelling arguments in her motions, know how to create a line of questioning that gets intended results in a succinct way, is quick in a trial situation to exploit opportunities with pointed questions and is very easy to work with. She came recommended to me from another prominent lawyer in a different field and she couldn't have done a better job. For my money, I wouldn't use anyone else.
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30 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Melissa Gast was hired into my child custody case with myself and husband. Him and I were still married but separated and seeing other people. I know that sounds strange but we were married two more years because of selling our home and etc and all he did was fight me in court. My ex took my son from my mother's one day while I was on a job interview he took my son to his then girlfriends home it took me forever to locate him I was devasted. He then moved again with his girlfriend and the address was given through the court system. He would say I was on drugs and I had to take a hair test and I passed it. He then had Melissa Gast appointed to the case through his attorney. Since she came in later hearing all the horrible stories she first ordered my son have supervised visits at my mother's house and he couldn't stay with me at my boyfriends. Then it went to unsupervised visits but my son would have to spend the night at my mom's during overnights then Melissa would call my mom and ask questions about how I was doing and random weird questions about my boyfriend. But it was OK for my son to stay with my ex and his then girlfriend at their second place of residence. She even told me i needed to stay at my moms with my son on the overnight visits and not have my mom watching him my attorney advised i did not have to stay there because this was causing alot of conflict with myself and my mother. Custody arrangements and days were changed multiple times through both our attorneys and Melissa Gast doing nothing but confuse my son. I finally got my own place in hilltop west side area thats all I could afford because my ex destroyed my credit. I could tell she didn't find it as appealing as where my ex lived in hilliard. My son told her he was afraid to live there because gang bangers and drug dealers lived there and over a window that was cracked. I had the whole house remodeled painted floor redone new furniture etc I was so upset because he just came out and said these things when I know he was told by his dad to say these things about my house because he doesn't even know what that stuff is. Over the course of time my ex and his girlfriend would deny my phone calls to my son lie about days and times of sporting events then make a mockery to other parents spreading lies about me when I would go to pratices. Then I actually was able to go to games when I got a schedule from another coach because my ex was the football couch. These people constantly harassed myself, my family, my employer, slandered me on social media. The girlfriend even showed up to my divorce and within a month they were married tells you how crazy this other woman really was. They made up lies about myself and boyfriend posting sexual ads on Craigslist to make us look like horrible people and we didn't. I ask Melissa Gast to show me the proof she never did. She upset my boyfriend in phone call interview by asking about the Craigslist post and ask about his sexual orientation and etc then when he told her she was out of line she apologize 3 times. After all said and done she granted him more custody school placement and etc. Then he would never follow the child custody agreement we had in place. At the divorce hearing my retainer was completed with Melissa and I was going to eventually owe her more money that my attorney was going to have my ex pay. I guess I had a bill but she never sent it to me and the judge at the divorce asked her have you been paid she responds yes so it was closed. Melissa Gast then emails me a 600 dollar balance I said what are you talking about I had paid her about 1300 dollars in about 6 months plus I was paying my attorney. She sent me the bill in an email 6 times in a row. I turned her into the bar association with no help from them. She thought my son was in the best interest if his dad. He now has moved to Florida with his wife for a new job he put in a request no judges signature and just moves! More court. Beware of this lawyer!
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13 Jun, 2024 by Clay korner
The team at Nigh Law Group is unsurpassed as legal advocates.
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06 May, 2024 by Anthony
This firm has hired a monster named Rebecca J Stumler. She has a track record of abusing people. She is nasty and will get you on the wrong side of the judge! Check out her personal reviews!!!
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25 Jan, 2024 by Quad billy
Excellent attorneys. Successful on all fronts
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01 Jan, 2025 by Bb pp
From day one, he was sharp, professional, and absolutely no-nonsense about getting the best possible outcome. He didn’t sugarcoat anything but somehow made the legal process feel less daunting. His stern demeanor in the courtroom was matched only by his personable nature outside of it, which made me feel like I was not just a client, but a priority.
If you’re looking for a family attorney who’s equal parts pit bull and people person, look no further than Attorney Hank Sonderman. He helped me win sole custody of my daughter, and I couldn’t be more grateful—or impressed. Thank you, again!
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28 Dec, 2024 by Wanda hudson
Attorney Hank provided exceptional representation for my son in his custody case. He understands the law and has a strong presence in the courtroom. He is very professional and knowledgeable and was genuinely committed to reaching a favorable outcome for my son. He was always available to answer questions and he fought for what was best for my granddaughter. We LOVE Hank Sonderman and HIGHLY recommend him.
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24 Dec, 2024 by Bailey mackey
04 May, 2023 by Doug burkheimer
26 Mar, 2023 by C s
Retained Mary in mid-2021 for a divorce (without children), easily the worst decision I made. Not only was she completely uncommunicative with me (we had scheduled a specific date to file, once that date came, I heard absolutely nothing from her), came to find out she completely ghosted my ex’s attorney and the attempts he made to reach out. I ended up having to retain other representation which created unnecessary delay. When I emailed Mary to tell her I would no longer be needing her services, she sent a bill with trumped up charges for emails and communications that never actually happened. She’s lucky I didn’t report any of professional misconduct to the board (despite my new attorney advising me to do so).
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26 Aug, 2021 by Kee holliday
16 Nov, 2024 by Kevin goodman
21 Oct, 2024 by Warren meade
In my opinion Attorney Samuel H Shamansky is the best Attorney in Ohio and I thank him every day for what he did for me and saved me a lot of money also if anything ever happens again I will hire him back and his staff was very helpful too and I was able to call them anytime. Thank you all again for everything you all did!!!
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04 Oct, 2024 by Shawn lafferty
First, I want to give a big thank you to Sam for always being there and being straight with me. He’s a pro’s pro. I know he has a lot of other ways could spend his time but the man’s ALWAYS working! When you need him he’s there! It’s awesome and more so comforting! Coming from a small business owner I truly respect and appreciate his dedication. He’s a super star in this world but he treats and makes you feel like you’re his only client. He doesn’t need these reviews but I’ll leave one anyway. I’m naturally a worrisome personality type so I know I can be a pain in the arse. If you’re looking for the best attorney around who doesn’t have to pay for fake google ads or 500 5 star reviews it’s Sam!!. Sam is Sam even if you don’t always wanna hear it he speaks in reality not fantasy. Thanks for putting up with me!!
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26 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Hired them for my divorce. They seem to purposely drag things out to rack up a huge bill. I ended up losing much more than half of my assets, pay an extraordinary amount of support, and barely see my kids. I would have done far better with any other firm. They are an absolute joke.
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15 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Looses documents and failure to appear on a Zoom call? The firm has an operational mode of loosing info, repeat billing and discord to financially benefit them. Don't be stupid read the tebiews
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12 Oct, 2020 by Bruce
Only interest was in running up bills. Had no interest in settling and struggled to understand financial statements.
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18 Oct, 2024 by Kim grosh
Need "the best lawyer in the world"? You just found him. Not only is Greg Smith a brilliant, efficient, and fully competent attorney, he (and his amazing legal team) are also beautiful, compassionate people. And Trust me, I NEVER thought I would ever say that about attorneys.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Captain dubeau
Horrible communication and were not able to help us like they said
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11 Oct, 2024 by Kelly kirkwood
I retained Jodi through a recommendation from a family friend. I was told she is the best and an absolute must in family law. I called within minutes of this referral, never researching other law firms or even looking into Grossman Law. It was the biggest leap of faith after being blindsided by my ex and I can tell you today, hands down, retaining Jodi was by far the best decision I made throughout this horrific and heartbreaking ordeal.
Jodi has stood by my side for the last two plus years; fighting for me, guiding me and explaining to me in detail for my understanding options and her expert advice as how to proceed in my highly contentious case. She laid everything out and was completely transparent from start to finish. She and her legal assistant, Tash, continuously showed compassion and grace for me and my situation.
Jodi never wavered throughout my case. I trusted her completely through the entire process. She was always meticulously prepared for anything and everything which was absolutely needed especially when dealing with multiple opposing counsels. Her unmatched expert knowledge and gift for family law, attention to detail, impeccable writing skills for court documents; strategic and creative thinking, organization and the support of everyone at Grossman Law was pivotal for the positive outcome I received.
I am incredibly blessed and grateful for Jodi and Grossman law representing me in my divorce. Even though my case is finally closed, I will continue to retain Jodi as I know I am in the best hands if anything were to arise.
Read more
05 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Do not get her she's horrible she portrays herself as something that she's not
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06 Dec, 2019 by Betsy
My case was unique in Ohio. As a WA state grandma I was seeking visitation for my granddaughter. I chose Virginia through the internet. Always Virginia was very professional and very thorough. She mostly answered the phone herself and kept me on track; she was always available and sometimes with the three hour difference in time it was difficult for both of us. If she couldn't reach me then she would email promptly. I ended up stepping down from the case; knowing that we would most likely win; however the situation itself became a no-win situation. As in the beginning so was the ending, an honest, forthright attorney. I was never sorry that I chose Virginia to guide me through this journey. Thank you.
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29 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Worst experience I have ever had with an attorney. I wish others had warned me. Was just trying to get child support and settled because I couldn't deal with her anymore.
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17 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: a strong city
The results of discriminatory refusal to prosecute which allowed multiple attempted murders to go unpunished and the attacker to remain at large.
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13 May, 2024 by In lord jesus' name: rev. dr. andrew d. wenmoth
Prosecuting Attorney G. Gary Tyack is allowing his staff to deliberately disregard clear risks to public safety, playing a "pass the buck" game to ignore indisputable evidence of major violent felonies, discriminating in cases involving the LGBTQ+ community.
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07 Apr, 2024 by Franco castro
Back on 2022, my car was vandalized. As a victim, I've never hear back from anyone, even though I called , left messages, and sent emails. The prosecutor went to a different area, and from the contacts provided that were handling the case, a request for status and restraining order was never acknowledge. As victim on case 22-ju-06267 and 22-ju-06254, I can attest that the Constitutional rights for Victims of Crime, was never followed.
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19 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
After 5 years, 2other attorneys and 2private investigators, Ray was finally able to help me break free from an incarcerated drug addicted husband.
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30 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Ray, to support Gahanna, where his office is located. He was the worse mistake I ever made. He was the joke of the courthouse, We were in court over a year, maybe 10 or 11 times, in court. He wore the same suit every time. The other lawyers on at least 4 other occasions, were laughing at him. The judge was disgusted. She told him 3 times he was not professional. He never filed the paperwork on time. He was not professional. I don't know how he has a license. I paid him between $7 and $8,000 total. And he lost the easy case, because he filed the wrong paperwork. So, I had to get another lawyer and start over. Buyer Beware!!!
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29 Apr, 2016 by Leslie
Mr. King left me in the worst possible position. He kept demanding money so he could "file" motions in my case. It turns out after paying him a few thousand dollars he filed nothing and left me and my son in a dangerous position. He was late to court and seemed to forget things, a lot. I attempted to get my files but no calls were returned by his staff and when I stopped by the office was cleared out. I believe that he should have to pay back the funds he took from his clients to fund his lifestyle.
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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:
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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.
