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08 Oct, 2024 by Robert felix
Great service, really listens and helps clients definitely would recommend
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02 Oct, 2024 by Jessbeingme
The best lawyer. The quickest process. Will recommend every time.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Dana benson
11 Jan, 2024 by Elvis
Irene and Andrew get things done. Made everything nice and smooth. Very professional and always available. Definitely settled the case quicker than i expected. Highly recommend them, Thank you Irene!
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14 Dec, 2023 by Lisa
I wish I could give Irene 100 stars! She took over my case after I fired a previous do nothing lawyer that sat on my case for 2 years. Irene got the ball rolling and had the case settled in my favor within six months. She is highly intelligent, organized and very ethical. She actually cares about her clients. Her assistant, Andrew, is also amazing. You can count on this lawyer to get things done. Thank you so much, Irene!!!
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14 Sep, 2023 by Kathi
I tried unsuccessfully to have my daughter legally adopted by my wife. We are all from South Africa which made everything very hard to arrange. Irene stepped in and managed to get everything done for me. I can't praise her and Andrew enough! They are a formidable team and I truly believe there is no-one else who could have solved this problem for me. My wife now has a legally adopted child and my world is complete.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Patrick
An awful lawyer and awful person. He sat back and allowed my ex-wife to go to trial and sucked virtually every penny we had from us. Charging you for virtually every second - this guy has zero conscience and is in it totally and only for the $$$$ Useless POS and one of the worst attorneys you could possibly hire.
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06 Jun, 2018 by Sam
June 6, 2018
Gordon represented me during my divorce. He is professional, direct and tough, someone you will want on your side during a contested or difficult divorce. Gordon is very knowledgeable and experienced in successfully managing both the legal and financial aspects as well as the different types of personalities involved in a difficult divorce case. Furthermore, he is supported by a very skilled staff who worked collectively and diligently to resolve my case.
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01 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I am thrilled with my decision to hire Gordon Brydger to represent me in my divorce case. I firmly believe the team at Brydger & Porras is, bar none, the BEST in the business. From my very first consultation, I knew I was in good hands. During one of the most challenging times in my life, they were attentive, caring, and compassionate. The attention to detail and responsiveness of the entire staff was impeccable. With Gordon's knowledge and legal prowess, I don't believe I could've hired a better attorney. It is clear to me why, for the past 9 years, he has been rated by his own peers as one of the best attorneys in the U.S. and I am grateful to have had him in my corner.
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17 Feb, 2021 by Corey graham
I thought I was going to be railroaded until I got Mark as my attorney. So if you want a straight forward, honest, and reasonable lawyer to get the job done with a divorce case for you to walk out as the victor in the final judgment ruling then Mark your guy! So I highly recommend him and his team!
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26 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Mark was a great lawyer. I used him for my divorce and I could not have had better representation. His staff was always available and friendly. A very good divorce lawyer. I highly reccomend.
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20 May, 2019 by Jonathan
I can tell you for sure that my case was about as intensely complicated as it was an international divorce with a young child involved. Mark and his team burned the midnight oil to do all of the research and find absolute facts....and nothing but facts and case precendent. If you don't hire him you are missing out on the best attorney in Florida. I am blown away by him.
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23 May, 2016 by Ar
Attorney Steven Blumenthal and his law firm were eager to help me settle a complicated child support case. Steven made every effort to keep me involved and informed of all the options available and the possible outcomes. He took my predicament seriously and made every effort to resolve it in the best interest of the children. I will recommend Steven to all my friends in South Florida looking for a family law attorney.
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09 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
Patric is a great attorney. He is trustworthy, and honest and cares about his clients.
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25 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Curt represented me in a difficult and extraordinarily complex commercial case many years back. He's extremely patient, well-mannered and highly professional. His demeanor and temperament are of the highest quality and he is quite respectable. He did a great job and I highly recommend him.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Joshua crew
Greatest law firm EVER, Scott had my back through the whole process and his team works wonderfully. Gretchel the best with the expungement process very fast and very informative
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11 Oct, 2024 by Lindsay bernhardt
A good friend of mine recently had the pleasure of working with Rossen Law Firm, specifically with Attorney Susan Lawson, and cannot recommend them highly enough. From the very first consultation, the team was incredibly professional, attentive, and genuinely caring about the case. They took the time to explain every detail meticulously and remained extremely thorough throughout the process.
The attorneys are not only knowledgeable but also compassionate, making a challenging situation much more manageable. Their dedication to achieving the best outcome was evident and they value clients every step of the way.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Rana korkis
5.0
2 Reviews
26 Sep, 2024 by Jason
I found myself in a nightmare situation when an accidental 911 call led to the police showing up at my house and mistakenly assuming a domestic violence incident had occurred. Since my kids were in the home, DCFS got involved, and soon after, both my children's mothers filed emergency motions. In the blink of an eye, I lost custody of all three of my kids.
I was devastated and knew I needed someone who was not just diligent but obsessed with getting results. That’s where Michael came in. From the start, he was not only compassionate and informative but also incredibly strategic. The way he approached my case was exceptionally well-planned.
Both mothers argued that the police reports weren't available yet and that the DCF report wasn’t fully completed, which could have dragged the situation out for 60 days. However, Michael worked his magic to overcome these obstacles. What could have been a two-hour hearing set 45 days later, Michael was able to accomplish in just 15 minutes. On that very same day, despite an uphill battle against a heavily litigious ex, he proved that the facts and law were on my side. Thanks to his efforts, I got all three of my kids back without the need for protracted litigation.
If you’re looking for a lawyer who will fight tooth and nail for you, Michael is the one.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Katie
Im incredibly grateful to have had Michael Parisi as my family law attorney. From the very first consultation, it was clear that he is exceptionally knowledgeable about family law and genuinely passionate about helping his clients. Michael took the time to listen to my concerns and provided honest, straightforward advice that made navigating my situation much easier.
What truly sets Michael apart is his unwavering trustworthiness. I felt confident that he had my best interests at heart throughout the entire process. He worked diligently to ensure that we reached a healthy conclusion, always prioritizing what was best for my for my case.
Additionally, I appreciated his commitment to finding cost-effective solutions. Michael was transparent about fees and worked hard to keep costs manageable without compromising the quality of representation.
I highly recommend Michael Parisi to anyone in need of a family law attorney. His expertise, integrity, and dedication to his clients make him an invaluable ally during challenging times like family law.
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22 Oct, 2024 by Ba ku
Personally I had bad experience with this firm , initially I contacted the is firm because we need to resolve an issue with something we purchased and we got scammed for more than 5k with a company in Miami , this firm ask for every detail in this case and they took it but after 3 months I was trying to contact them and the person in charge of my case was no longer available and they didn’t tell us anything like an update or anything so I had to call Them and also write many messages via Instagram and after 3 weeks they finally responded just saying that they not gonna take my case without mentioning anything
Terrible customer service and I believe the lawyers or attorneys working there are really amateur and with zero professionalism
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29 Sep, 2024 by Jhennifer rossatto
Hey, I want to thank the team for their exceptional help in resolving an issue with my credit report. I was distressed when I discovered incorrect information on my report, but the team handled everything with professionalism. I’m relieved to see the issue with Equifax is finally resolved. I truly appreciate their expertise and support. Now I’m waiting for the Experian settlement agreement.
Highly recommend their services!:)
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10 Sep, 2024 by Russell jambro
Stephan Dobrinsky is exceptional—his dedication, expertise, and compassion turned my case around when others failed. From his relentless advocacy to clear, reassuring communication, he’s the attorney you want on your side. Trust Stephan with your future; he’s truly outstanding.
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4.4
14 Reviews
4.9
207 Reviews
22 Aug, 2024 by Rolando suarez
Dr DMS and her staff were absolutely professional during the long process that I had to take to court..All the steps in the process were detailed explained and discussed with me. Dr DMS set the goals from the beginning and always worked hard to get there. In my case all the goals were achieved and the whole process was very satisfactory. I after years of being in a family court hardly recommend her services....thanks Dr Diksha
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16 Aug, 2024 by Yolanda gonzalez-claro
Diksha and her team were an intricate part in bringing our family together. We are so grateful and thankful for all the hard work, dedication, and integrity we experienced from everyone at her firm! "All things come together for good..." and we are thrilled to have her on our family team!
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07 Jun, 2024 by Jorge barreto
This was my first time using A criminal attorney, but I found a friend that just happens to be an attorney... Josh is.
Always available to you 24/7 great guy. Puts himself in your shoes always... I recommend him to everybody. Has empathy for your situation. I guarantee
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22 Aug, 2024 by Rolando suarez
Dr DMS and her staff were absolutely professional during the long process that I had to take to court..All the steps in the process were detailed explained and discussed with me. Dr DMS set the goals from the beginning and always worked hard to get there. In my case all the goals were achieved and the whole process was very satisfactory. I after years of being in a family court hardly recommend her services....thanks Dr Diksha
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16 Aug, 2024 by Yolanda gonzalez-claro
Diksha and her team were an intricate part in bringing our family together. We are so grateful and thankful for all the hard work, dedication, and integrity we experienced from everyone at her firm! "All things come together for good..." and we are thrilled to have her on our family team!
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07 Jun, 2024 by Jorge barreto
This was my first time using A criminal attorney, but I found a friend that just happens to be an attorney... Josh is.
Always available to you 24/7 great guy. Puts himself in your shoes always... I recommend him to everybody. Has empathy for your situation. I guarantee
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5.0
4 Reviews
4.9
207 Reviews
22 Aug, 2024 by Rolando suarez
Dr DMS and her staff were absolutely professional during the long process that I had to take to court..All the steps in the process were detailed explained and discussed with me. Dr DMS set the goals from the beginning and always worked hard to get there. In my case all the goals were achieved and the whole process was very satisfactory. I after years of being in a family court hardly recommend her services....thanks Dr Diksha
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16 Aug, 2024 by Yolanda gonzalez-claro
Diksha and her team were an intricate part in bringing our family together. We are so grateful and thankful for all the hard work, dedication, and integrity we experienced from everyone at her firm! "All things come together for good..." and we are thrilled to have her on our family team!
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07 Jun, 2024 by Jorge barreto
This was my first time using A criminal attorney, but I found a friend that just happens to be an attorney... Josh is.
Always available to you 24/7 great guy. Puts himself in your shoes always... I recommend him to everybody. Has empathy for your situation. I guarantee
Read more
22 Aug, 2024 by Rolando suarez
Dr DMS and her staff were absolutely professional during the long process that I had to take to court..All the steps in the process were detailed explained and discussed with me. Dr DMS set the goals from the beginning and always worked hard to get there. In my case all the goals were achieved and the whole process was very satisfactory. I after years of being in a family court hardly recommend her services....thanks Dr Diksha
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16 Aug, 2024 by Yolanda gonzalez-claro
Diksha and her team were an intricate part in bringing our family together. We are so grateful and thankful for all the hard work, dedication, and integrity we experienced from everyone at her firm! "All things come together for good..." and we are thrilled to have her on our family team!
Read more
07 Jun, 2024 by Jorge barreto
This was my first time using A criminal attorney, but I found a friend that just happens to be an attorney... Josh is.
Always available to you 24/7 great guy. Puts himself in your shoes always... I recommend him to everybody. Has empathy for your situation. I guarantee
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08 Oct, 2024 by Yosmerly albarado
I can’t express how grateful I am to Smith & Eulo Law Firm for their exceptional service during my case. From the very beginning, they were professional, attentive, and genuinely cared about my situation. Their team worked tirelessly to ensure I received the best possible outcome. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal assistance
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02 Oct, 2024 by Euclides jose peraza marin
I had a great experience working with Smith & Eulo Law Firm. The attorneys were professional and really took the time to understand my situation. Their dedication and expertise helped me achieve a favorable outcome
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09 Aug, 2024 by Virginia navas
Es acá, en Smith & Eulo law firm qué hay Abogados que recomiendo, pero no son cualquier abogados, son de esos qué! te digo!se las traen para defenderte Legalmente,
si necesitas uno, ve y comprueba que no te equivocarás, yo no dude y comprobé que son muy calificados y van ayudarte en tú caso.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Anthony rodriguez
Amazing team and work so hard to make sure sure justice is served. Adam and Deedee are so helpful and supportive. I thank them for everything.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Tiffany springer
DeeDee Scheller was AMAZING! She was always there for me for both the criminal and civil suite. I was a complete mess there were so many times I never thought I would make it through this. She was always encouraging and even allowed me to have her cell number to call when I needed. She went above and beyond to make me feel like I was prepared for everything and was extremely compassionate. I’m so grateful I had her as an advocate as well as the whole team of lawyers, paralegals and secretaries.
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12 Apr, 2024 by T k
Great attorney it's all a waiting process I have alot of patience
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29 Aug, 2024 by Kaitlyn
22 Apr, 2024 by Sebastian ordonez
Gregg and the Hollander Law team were compassionate, diligent, and effective in handling my recent case. Their expertise and dedication truly made a difference during a challenging time. Highly recommend for anyone in need of legal assistance.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Denise joint
I was lucky to meet Mr Quinn through my stressful case( Family Law) He was available to answer my questions and my concerns directly on phone ( no secretary). He is an accessible and compassionate lawyer. He is really care for his clients. Money not comes first for him. He is affordable. I hardly recommend him for his excellent service.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Jessica jorge
Allison was amazing, attentive, and patient, and extremely supportive. Everything went so smoothly for me because of her!
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13 Sep, 2024 by Rosalind rice
100% would use them again!
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12 Sep, 2024 by Jessica hernandez
Entire staff was amazing from the initial consultation to the final steps! Great communication! very timely on matters! The best family attorney!
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20 Sep, 2024 by Megan paranzino
Rock Title helped me with the purchase my property back in 2014. I reached out to them earlier this week (one month shy of 10 YEARS later) because I needed a copy of the 2014 survey and was hoping they still had a file for my transaction. I truly thought it was a long shot and half expected to be brushed off. Not the case at all. Fabio and the team worked expeditiously to find my survey and provided me with updates along the way. The client communication and dedication was truly exceptional. And I am happy to report, they found the survey! Highly recommend.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Ale isa
25 Aug, 2024 by Simon butler
Having engaged The Mayersohn Law Group last year the positive change in proceedings has been considerable.
As a victim of violent crime and fraud I was left feeling like I didn't matter and courts missing so much. That was before I met Leah Mayersohn.
My case was assigned to Mario who has been excellent and attentive to detail.
When proceedings required involving the Miami District Sate Attorney, Leah Mayersohn came to the court offices herself with me to make sure the case was going to be dealt with appropriately.
After a personnel departure at Mayersohn law and a change of lawyers in my case, Leah Mayersohn continued to honour my prior agreement and continued to work on my case at what was a very difficult time for me.
The professionalism and detailed knowledge of how to move forward and deal with my case exceeded anything I experienced before.
I can not thank Leah and Mayersohn Law group enough.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Megan paranzino
Rock Title helped me with the purchase my property back in 2014. I reached out to them earlier this week (one month shy of 10 YEARS later) because I needed a copy of the 2014 survey and was hoping they still had a file for my transaction. I truly thought it was a long shot and half expected to be brushed off. Not the case at all. Fabio and the team worked expeditiously to find my survey and provided me with updates along the way. The client communication and dedication was truly exceptional. And I am happy to report, they found the survey! Highly recommend.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Ale isa
25 Aug, 2024 by Simon butler
Having engaged The Mayersohn Law Group last year the positive change in proceedings has been considerable.
As a victim of violent crime and fraud I was left feeling like I didn't matter and courts missing so much. That was before I met Leah Mayersohn.
My case was assigned to Mario who has been excellent and attentive to detail.
When proceedings required involving the Miami District Sate Attorney, Leah Mayersohn came to the court offices herself with me to make sure the case was going to be dealt with appropriately.
After a personnel departure at Mayersohn law and a change of lawyers in my case, Leah Mayersohn continued to honour my prior agreement and continued to work on my case at what was a very difficult time for me.
The professionalism and detailed knowledge of how to move forward and deal with my case exceeded anything I experienced before.
I can not thank Leah and Mayersohn Law group enough.
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24 Mar, 2022 by Andreza
Debra help me to get the things right! She embrace my case and fight with me! Thank you to you!
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20 Mar, 2022 by Stacey
Debra was my divorce attorney. She was very attentive to detail, provided support and education throughout the process, and helped me to get a fair settlement. Strongly recommend.
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19 Mar, 2022 by Ellen
Debra Rochlin is easy to work with, attentive to the important details, and quick to get the job completed.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Zacharias cohen
24 Jun, 2024 by Gennnybravo
Would avoid working with this firm if at all possible. They are extremely slow to respond, completely disregard emails, and show a complete lack of empathy or understanding. If you are not consistently following up, you will be hard pressed to receive any type of response. If you do receive a response, it will be short and often times not even answer your questions. It consistently felt like we had to chase them down for the most simple requests. Go elsewhere if you have the option.
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14 Jun, 2024 by Zetar0b0t
Angela was super professional and helped me with my questions. I met her at an event and recommended the establishment.
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12 Apr, 2024 by Bruno
I recently had the pleasure of working with Suzanne E. Williams and I cannot speak highly enough of the exceptional service and support I received.
From the moment I reached out for assistance with my daughter timesharing, Suzanne E. Williams demonstrated an unparalleled level of professionalism, expertise, and dedication. She took the time to thoroughly understand my situation, provided clear and insightful guidance, and advocated tirelessly on my behalf.
Throughout the entire process, Suzanne E. Williams kept me informed and involved, ensuring that I understood my options and empowering me to make informed decisions. Her attention to detail, strategic approach, and unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were truly impressive.
Thanks to Suzanne's expertise and diligence, we were able to win the case. I am immensely grateful for her guidance and support during what could have been a challenging and stressful time.
I wholeheartedly recommend Suzanne E. Williams to anyone in need of legal representation. Their professionalism, integrity, and dedication to their clients' success are truly commendable.
Thank you, Suzanne, for your outstanding service and for making a positive difference in my life.
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25 Mar, 2024 by Mona
Suzanne has helped me through one of the most difficult and challenging times in my life. She represented me through a difficult paternity case and she expressed genuine concerns and was very emphatic towards my situation. She advised me on how to navigate through all the confusing legal matters. It was so overwhelming but she assured me that we'll get through it. Suzanne is a very busy person and I wasn't always able to reach her at times but she always returned my calls, emails, and text messages on the same day including weekends. She's a good listener and will fight for what's best for you and your child. I look forward to working with her again if I should need legal services in the future.
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24 Jun, 2019 by Cheryl ward
I have had the privilege of having Suzanne Williams as my Attorney in my child custody case. Suzanne's friendship, courtesy, knowledge and honesty have been very important to me during the last two years as she has represented me. Suzanne provided me with excellent legal advice and services. Far from ordinary and very conscientious, she performs her job with diligence and respect. I cannot say enough. Suzanne is a high performance lawyer. Without her advice, I am certain I would have been overwhelmed with the confusion of detail only lawyers can understand. When asked, Suzanne thoroughly described every minute detail with patience. Her knowledge and command of the material were impeccable. No-nonsense, straight to the point and very professional. I highly recommend Suzanne without any reservations.
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02 Aug, 2018 by Kevin
Extremely competent lawyer who knows the legal system very well. I hired Anne for a family law case that took a sharp turn into dependency court. For those of you who do not know, dependency court is grueling, complicated, and requires someone with poise, confidence, as well as, physical and emotional stamina. Anne went over and above the necessary lawyer/client relationship. Anne was my lawyer, but most importantly my rock during this difficult climb. I would not wish fighting for your child in dependency on anyone, but if you do, Anne is the one you want on your side. Anne has become my dear friend, and indoctrinated into our family. I do not know where I would be without Anne Alper.
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10 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms. Anne V Alper has mishandled my case from the beginning. I have documentation from the signing her contract to every back and forth email consisting of her excuses. She focuses on doing the right thing for her clients, as she claims, but Point and fact, she does not. As Jackie posted her dealings with Ms. Alper, I must do the same as this is horrible that a lawyer can repeatedly take advantage of clients. It is unfair immoral, and this repeated activity from a lawyer needs to be evaluated accordingly.
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17 Apr, 2017 by Jackie
Anne appeared to be knowledgeable in child custody cases and appeared to be concerned about my issues and need to get things moving in a timely manner. I paid a 4,000.00 retainer and got absolutely NOTHING accomplished: no custody agreement signed; Anne did not respond the the other parties last submission and as a result I am in default; when I brought this to her attention she filed a motion but it was too late. I lost $4000.00 and Anne was indifferent at best. Buyer beware. I have all documentation to substantiate these allegations so feel free to email me if you would like the details I would hate for anybody to go thru what I Went. I had to hire another attorney to start from fresh.
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28 Dec, 2023 by Roberto
I honestly was very disappointed with this experience. On the time we worked, she was very distracted with various cases, returning very disoriented, forgetting things we already discussed and not really focus on my case but charging premium money. She missed a few deadlines, made several mistakes on
simple paperwork and charge for work that she did not do. At the end, she refused to give the documents that she created for me, really bad lawyer, but karma is there for all of us, so all the best Lisa.
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25 Jun, 2018 by Luis
I was very happy with the services provided to me. I would recommend anyone to hire her
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08 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Stephan Lange about 2 years back and I have never encountered a more rude, unprofessional lawyer in my 44 years of life. If you are looking for a lawyer who will be petty and cruel on top of actively trying to rip your family to shreds without the slightest bit of professionalism intact then Stephan Peter Lange is your guy!!! I cannot even call him a man!
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02 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Stay away from this woman! She only cares about her retainer fee. I hired her for a very serious matter. I temporarily lost custody of my 3 year old son, and was only given a 5 min phone call per day. I was supposed to have another hearing in 30 days which Hollis never bothered to set up. I asked for supervised visitation, and again Hollis did nothing. I really did not speak to Hollis very much. I mainly spoke to her paralegal Donna who was rude and made me feel like I was bothering her. I did not feel that Hollis gave me any direction, or really cared if I got custody of my son. My family said we were going nowhere with Hollis, and we fired her. My new attorney is excellent. He got me an emergency hearing and I was able to get visitation, and I am confident I will get custody back. Hollis was useless, and a waste of money. Do not use her.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Amber
I had an extremely disappointing experience with this law office. Over the course of 8 months, there was no clear strategy or meaningful advice provided by the attorney. It felt like my case was being dragged on unnecessarily, with no real effort to reach a settlement or move things forward. Instead of receiving proactive legal guidance, the case seemed to be left to 'go with the flow,' which left me feeling misrepresented and frustrated. I would not recommend this office to anyone seeking effective family law representation.
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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.
