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23 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
I had the honor of working with Ms. Olenko on my divorce. I felt very safe with her and was very pleased with her level of dedication. She is extremely hardworking and patient and I highly recommend hiring her if you’re also going through a difficult time.
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03 Apr, 2018 by James g.
Mariana recently helped me with my father’s estate. She was extremely thorough, always answered my calls/emails and took the time to properly explain each legal item in a way that I could understand. If you need Will, Estate, or Surrogate Court legal help, then you should absolutely contact Mariana.
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22 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Professional and knowledgeable
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14 Oct, 2020 by Brian greve
14 Dec, 2018 by David wyncoop
Excellent attorney! Attentive, empathetic and accomplished. Steven makes himself easily accessible and is proficient in family and real estate law. He has expertly handled both personal and professional matters for me. I would never seek legal counsel elsewhere.
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13 Dec, 2018 by Chris kasprzyk
I went to Stephen Nussbaum ten years ago to guide me through proceedings and he has never hesitated to help me with anything from the court room to just a phone call or an email. He is an easy recommendation for me to give to anyone looking for a person who cares and will give their best to help with whatever issues you may be having. Thank You Steve for everything you have ever done to help me.
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25 Oct, 2024 by Tanya g.farias
Very professional, extremely helpful lawyer I have ever found In regards to immigration lawyers.
And I’ve had a few.
Extremely knowledgeable, detail, oriented, and cares about his clients.
They are not enough ways for me to express my thanks.
I would highly recommend Mr. Stone to anyone that is dealing with immigration issues.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Aderly duval
I highly recommend Doug for anyone needing immigration services. He helped me get the conditions removed from my green card seamlessly and without any hassle. From start to finish, Doug was incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and professional. He kept me informed throughout the entire process and made what could have been a stressful situation feel easy and straightforward. If you’re looking for an immigration lawyer who genuinely cares and delivers results, Doug is your guy! Can’t thank him enough!
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17 Oct, 2024 by Johnel patiño
14 Jan, 2014 by Marlene
I cannot say enough good things about Maureen Dunn and my experience with her over the 2+ years I had the pleasure of having her as my attorney. She quickly became familiar with all the details of my case, kept in constant contact with me, was always professional and extremely efficient and has the respect of her peers.
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10 Jan, 2014 by Rich
Although licensed for just 4 years Ms. Dunn handled herself like a seasoned professional both in and out of the court room. She handled my case with the utmost attention to detail and was always very well prepared, knowledgeable, and articulate in my numerous one on one meetings with her and before the court.
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03 Jan, 2014 by Greg
Ms. Dunn was compassionate and friendly and sincerely cared about my family and our best interests. She was never just as an attorney collecting a fee and went above and beyond in her duties. She was always easy to contact, responded quickly and thoroughly and never made me feel like 'just another client.'
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26 Mar, 2019 by Vicki
I contacted Joseph needing help in dealing with changing my child support terms due to selling my home and my arrangement originally being related to the mortgage.
Joseph got me in to see him very quickly. He listened to everything I had to tell him, took copious notes, and went straight to work the day I walked in for my consultation. Joseph knows every nuance of the law, and is compassionate and cares deeply about making sure his clients are well taken care of. He has the utmost respect for his clients feelings and state of mind during high stress situations and is incredibly professional. I highly recommend Joseph for any part of divorce, separation, child support, adoption - whichever part of the process you're in. He got me through a very difficult time and I am very grateful to him.
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29 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Joseph represented me throughout my divorce. He is hard-working, thorough, and kind. He helped me obtain my desired outcome through litigation. He never missed a beat. I hope the worst is over, but I can rest assured knowing that-should the need arise-he will be there to assist with my legal needs.
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02 Oct, 2017 by Kenya
I've had the honors of being represented by Mack & Associates, PLLC. From my experience, this company strives to fully satisfy. I've had the pleasure of working with attorney, Joseph Williams. He is highly professional and more importantly trustworthy. He is patient and showed a high level of responsiveness and respect and made me feel very comfortable and at ease during that very difficult and stressful time. Mr. Williams has done an outstanding job and I would highly recommend his service to all.
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05 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
Lynn is an excellent lawyer! I met her after I was divorced. My ex wanted to pay less child support. She got me more than I imagined and even got my portion of my kids college deceased, my ex is paying most of it.
I was terrified going into this, but Lynn and her staff were always available to listen to my fears and calm me down. I am so grateful that I found her. She really cared about me, my children and made sure we got what I needed for them. I highly recommend her!
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16 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Lynn was wonderful to work with. She is compassionate and warm and really took the time to understand my needs. She allowed me to be a partner in the process listening to me. I felt like Lynn truly cared about me and doing the right thing for me and my family .Lynn was tough when she needed to be. She made a painful experience bearable helping to ensure the process did not extend longer than it needed to. I would highly recommend her.
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16 Nov, 2016 by Riva
Lynn served as my attorney and made the stressful and agonizing process of divorce much easier. Her warmth, caring and compassion (not to mention humor which saved me) was only surpassed by her knowledge and creativity in settling the matter as quickly and painless as possible. Great attorney!
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31 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
I'm not sure I can ever express how grateful I am for what Marti Stine did for me in resolving my custody battle. I think of her a lot, she is a fierce gentle warrior...talented, brilliant, beautiful and wise.
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03 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Ms. Stine guided me every step of the way as my marriage broke down during the coronavirus pandemic. She suggested a mediator and kept me out of court. Her kind and compassionate advice was a life saver.
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29 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Ms. Stine represented me in my divorce 5 years ago. She persuaded me to stay out of litigation and work out a settlement, which we did....she saved me thousands of dollars by preventing court intervention, as well as helping my ex-husband and I move on with minimal trauma. Highly recommended.
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07 Feb, 2021 by Marcella
MR Shapiro represented me in a slip and fall case,
I was extremely satisfied!! with my settlement.
Of high 6 figures!!
Not only was it about the money,
MR SHAPIRO was on top of every document,
And laws, anytime I called his office
I always either spoke to him then, if not, I definitely received a call back the following day.
MR SHAPIRO And his Law clerk Joann Ortiz
Were extremely ATTENTIVE, and professional.
MR SHAPIRO is extremely sharp with laws, a walking law journal
very Personable, and will not leaving you wondering what's going on with my case!!
ON TOP OF IT!!!!!
I highly highly recommend his services!!
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23 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous
This lawyer is excellent. He went to a top law schoold, and wrote a textbook for lawyers on how to handle each type of accident case. I had a construction accident where I fell off a scaffold, and he got me millions of dollars. He is hardworking, very intelligent, knows his way around the court / courtroom, and seems to know all of the judges. I was extremely happy with his representation. Highly recommended!
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01 Sep, 2010 by Roger
I got best legal service from Shapiro law offices and he is the nice person.
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24 Aug, 2021 by Erik
Very professional. Very savvy. Understands her clients well. Highly recommend!
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02 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Brittney starts with a huge advantage as she is very smart, strong and secure. This permits Brittney to offer thoughtful and wise counsel which she was then able to follow through on fully. While I felt that she was fully committed to my case, Brittney is a fair and decent person who had the confidence to disagree where I was wrong. That worked to my advantage. Brittney is unusually perceptive about finance and has a feel for the numbers. I am not signing up to do it again but would unreservedly recommend Brittney.
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19 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Brittney was always available during my entire divorce proceeding. Not only was she a strong advocate for my rights ,she was very compassionate during this very difficult time in my life. She achieved results that were way beyond what I expected.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Parker sundby
Cassandra has been incredible with her knowledge and expertise with touring/production agreements. She is a very valued contact for me!
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23 Jan, 2025 by Roma morozov
Cassandra is very reliable, knowledgable and easy to work with. She responded quickly and thoroughly to all my inquiries.
She helped me with contract drafting/copywriting and the whole process was really simple.
I look forward to working with her again soon. Highly recommend!
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09 Jan, 2025 by Charlie martinez
I have had several wonderful experiences with Cassandra Spangler. She has worked with me to get me the best deals possible and has perfectly attended to my needs as a working musician and producer. Cassandra has increased my worth and value and protected me in this competitive business.
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03 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
I was very fortunate to have Shivani represent me in connection with a prenuptial agreement, and I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of representation in a matrimonial/family law matter. Shivani made what could have been an awkward and uncomfortable process into a completely manageable, expeditious, and helpful experience. She displayed a comprehensive knowledge of the law at all times, and she was an exceptional listener throughout. This made her particularly effective because it meant that, at the outset, she was able to offer meaningful help to me as I defined my concerns and priorities, and then in drafting the substance of the agreement, she was able to be immediately responsive to the concerns and priorities I had identified, which made the process significantly less stressful and much more efficient overall. Shivani also did a wonderful job of addressing all of my questions in a clear, informed, and thorough manner, and I came away with a solid understanding of all of the nuances of the agreement and the applicable law as a result. In addition, Shivani always made sure to relay anything that I might need to refer back to in writing, and I was consequently left at the end of the process with a very clear record of everything that had transpired and all of the relevant background information, and this will certainly be very helpful in the future if any questions about the agreement arise. In sum, Shivani is a truly conscientious and skilled attorney, and it was an absolute pleasure to work with her.
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02 Mar, 2019 by Mandi
I am really glad to have worked with Shivani on my divorce because everything was made very easy for me. Shivani was available, clear, organised, communicative, warm and determined. Very professional and worked with ease during the complexity of this legal process which is admirable and intelligent. All of these things I needed at the time. Shivani took very good care of me. For example, personally attending an inspection for my protection. Shivani explained all of the information regarding my divorce concisely, comprehensibly and patiently and so the divorce jargon proved to not be complicated for me. The combination of expertise and confidence in Shivani was clear. I never felt any discomfort during this process. Although the opposing counsel were not as timely, Shivani was persistent and it felt so rewarding during a potentially stressful and overwhelming divorce. Shivani and the staff at Rower LLC were impeccable. I spoke to several lawyers prior to Rower LLC and I highly recommend Shivani and Rower LLC.
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06 May, 2014 by Marty
Mr. Feliccia handled my divorce case,he was very knowledgeable of the facts, and at the same time made me feel very comfortable and at ease. He was always readily available and his honesty and loyalty is something very rare in this proffession. He's a fighter, and always protected my interests. I highly recommend Mr Feliccia.
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07 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
My divorce / custody case was dragging on for many years. A divorce case is a civil case, unless it turns criminal. Mr. Fileccia and his legal team uncovered criminal behavior on behalf of a former attorney, and other attorney’s that were actively involved in the case. His quick action brought this case to a screeching halt in my favor. He is an honest and trustworthy attorney; his integrity can not be compromised. I highly recommend Robert Fileccia to protect you in a civil or criminal action, state and federal
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29 Mar, 2015 by Bill
I found David to understand my needs very quickly and to thoroughly pursue the best remedy to resolve those issues. He would always contact me to keep me informed on the latest developments in the case. it was a great relief to know David Levy represented me.
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26 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Levy and Obstarczyk handled my legal matter. They were very prompt, responsive, and honest with me throughout my case. I highly recommend this firm!
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15 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
she handled my family law case excellent, I well definetly use her again thank you for your passion for the law
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15 Apr, 2014 by Robert
I live out of state and sold property from my father's estate. Jo handled the entire process professionally and efficiently. She kept me completely informed at every step in the process and resolved several problems quickly and completely. I never had to set a foot in her office.
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17 Feb, 2015 by Alissa
There is no enjoyable pleasant court case, and Robin gave me so much support during this divorce that everything went smoothly till the end. She followed through with to the end even when theother side hired scum bag lawyers that tried to twist the truth. Robin Kantor's ethics and authenticity shined through out and the truth stood in the end. I do not believe another lawyer could have handled this complex and challenging case as well as she did. I am grateful to have met Robin.
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07 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
Robin was by far the most incredible lawyer I've ever dealt with. She was kind, thoughtful, and so comprehensive in her practice. Not only did she avoid litigation in most of my separation issues, she got me above and beyond anything I expected from my divorce. She worked incredibly diligently, and is on great terms with many of the judges and attorneys in the county. If you are going through a divorce, separation, or have problems with alimony, child support, or any of these family and divorce issues I would absolutely recommend Robin!
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25 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Hired for order of protection case and it was resolved quickly to my satisfaction. Would recommend to others
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11 Aug, 2014 by Jane
I had a wonderful experience when I obtained Ms. Nichols services, I found her to be very informative and patient when dealing with my unusual circumstances. I would highly recommend her legal advice.
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28 Feb, 2014 by Rabi
Mr. Feldman was the consummate professional. He provided invaluable guidance in a very complicated real estate transaction that took over a year to complete! Needless to say, not all parties involved were aboveboard. He was always available, extremely responsive and highly trustworthy -- I would recommend him to anyone.
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18 Feb, 2014 by Dr. ben
Mark Feldman was my divorce attorney from 2001-2002. He takes cases personal and he is a very compassionate and understanding attorney.
He was able to negotiate a joint custody arrangement for me and by being in my children's lives have helped them emotionally, socially and academically.I highly recommend him to anyone looking an excellent attorney.
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10 Jun, 2016 by David
I needed a lawyer for my divorce, and a few years later to file a custody suit. I found Ms Weaderhorn very compassionate and caring about the situation I was in and the stresses I was feeling. She always responded promptly to my emails or questions, and with answers that indicated to me that she had really listened, thought about and considered her response. She guidede me through the sticky processes I mentioned above with professionalism and savvy. However, Ms Weaderhorn also would listen to my suggestions for alternate plans or solutions and was open to working with me even if it was a different direction than she had suggested. I liked the fact that Ms Weaderhorn was willing and able to go to bat for me, toe to toe with opposing attorneys, and in the courtroom. I always felt confident that she was doing all she could to protect my interests. I also liked that when we encountered some resistance, she asked for my opinion about what I wanted her to do, so our professional relationship was clearly based on mutual respect. I felt that she was not just my attorney, but a valued member of my team.
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08 Jun, 2016 by Rk
Ali is a dedicated, knowledgeable and hard- working attorney. She has the ability to look at a situation from multiple angles and to assess the best strategy to implement. While these are extremely important qualities for an attorney, Ali brings much more to the table. She is kind, empathetic and is blessed with an inhuman amount of patience. I hired Ali to deal with one of the worst situations I've had to go through. Her professional and inter-personal skills allowed me to have complete trust and confidence in her getting the job done.
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06 Mar, 2011 by Pascale
Cindy took over my divorce case from my former lawyer and she quickly learned all the details of the case. My divorce was not amicable or simple. We owned several properties together and our finances were very complicated. Cindy's knowledge, professionalism and efficiency kept my ex and I focused on the negotiations. She skillfully mediated difficult, touchy topics and she kept the process moving. She is well-versed in handling divorces and clearly explained my options each step of the way. My ex didn't have a lawyer so Cindy had to deal with him directly, as he was pro se (representing himself). She's great with people and summed up my situation with him pretty quickly. She dealt with him perfectly. We were able to sign a fair agreement that I was happy with and we avoid a costly trial. I am incredibly grateful to Cindy for her advice, understanding and diligence, especially for being persistent with the judge's office in getting the divorce paperwork filed.
I am divorced. I am happy. I am thankful to Cindy for helping me through a difficult period in my life. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for a competent, effective divorce lawyer. She gets the job done.
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29 Dec, 2010 by Hq, new york
Cindy Sanchez has been my lawyer since 2005. She was referred to me through a legal plan I had at my job. I hired Cindy to help me obtain a shared physical and legal custody of my children. My case was fairly complicated since my children's mother took them to another state with the intention of relocating to that state just before the beginning of the school year. My children were supposed to go back to school in September 2005 in New York City. However, their mother enrolled them in a school in another state, 700 miles away from New York City. Cindy was able to convince the judge to schedule a court hearing early in September 2005. This was extremely important because the longer my children stayed in the school out-of-state, the smaller the chance that the judge would order to bring my children back in their school in New York was. Cindy was extremely helpful to ensure that my children's mother could be served with the order to appear in court. My children's mother was very difficult to find. I first try the local police to serve her but it did not work. Cindy advised me to hire a local professional to do the serving. In a matter of minutes, she was able to identify this professional. It was critical to do the serving during the appropriate time window. Otherwise, the court date would have been postponed to October 2005. As I mentioned before, this would have tremendously reduced the chance of having my children back in their school in New York for the year 2005-2006. During the court hearing in September 2005, the judge ordered that my children had to return to their school in New York. I was relieved by this decision. I can say that without the expertise and responsiveness of Cindy, my children would not have returned to New York.
Cindy was resourceful, insightful, and supportive at every stage of the divorce process. She helped me obtain a shared physical and legal custody of my children. She has also successfully helped me with a few custody issues since the divorce. Cindy is a very intelligent and knowlegdeable lawyer who has the ability to listen to the client and fully understand his/her needs, concerns, and fears. I have also appreciated her very pleasant and balanced personality. I highly recommend Cindy.
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10 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Ms Jorgensen made the whole divorce process bearable. She understood all of my issues and made sure that my decree was fair. Highly recommend.
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26 Jan, 2017 by Elaine
Thank you for all you did to make a bad situation a little bit better. You made me laugh and let me cry. For that I am so grateful.
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24 Nov, 2015 by Don
Henry is extremely intelligent. He served as our arbitrator. He heard both sides clearly and streamlined the process. Kept us all focused and, proved a fair and balanced decision.
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15 Apr, 2015 by Linda
Henry Berman is a straight forward, tough negotiator and compassionate attorney. He negotiated a settlement that enabled me to move forward with my life, and my children's life, with sound financial compensation and insight into all of our needs. Nothing was missed, every detail addressed. I have recommended him since, and will continue to do so.
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22 Mar, 2018 by Elizabeth faif
When I had to fire my prior divorce attorney, I didn't know where to start. I completely lost faith in all lawyers, but Richard Feinberg managed to rebuild my trust and helped me to navigate through my complicated divorce. Finding a reliable, honest and dedicated attorney is not an easy task. The process itself can be as tiresome, complicated and confusing. Richard Feinberg put my mind at ease by clearly explaining my options and providing sound legal advice on how to proceed—always mindful that my son was involved. He proved to me that he wanted to protect me as his client and defend my rights, not by words but by his actions. He took the time to listen to all my concerns and provided honest, straightforward answers. Richard did everything in his power to complete my case with the sole purpose of trying to get me as much money as possible and making sure I would be happy with the outcome. I trust him as I would trust my own father.
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28 Apr, 2016 by Andres
Donald is a great counselor, who knows how to fight for you.
his customer service is like no other.
while I waited to be called by the judge, he actually sat with me and let me know we were in this together. unlike other lawyers who sit apart from their clients and only speak to them as needed. that right there will have me request his services again, as well as recommend him to anyone else.
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03 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
My experience with Mr. Noe has been nothing short of excellent, through these difficult times. He was a calming and confident presence during various divorce and custody proceedings and trials. I very much appreciate the knowledge and support I received through his guidance and experience.
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14 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Richard has represented me on multiple occasions for divorce and support hearings. He is a knowledgable, personable, and tough attorney. His fees are clear-cut and we have been on the same page every time he has represented me.
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15 Sep, 2017 by Vernon
I hired him twice for Chapter 7 bankruptcy very honest very professional would recommend just give him a call and once you sit down with them you'll see how nice and wonderful he is.
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17 Sep, 2019 by Zuleyka
Very professional! Very good experience with the service she and her team provides!
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22 Apr, 2016 by Eric
I have nothing but good things to say about Rai. She was straightforward, concise, and knowledgeable about my difficult (and quite complicated ) situation. Also extremely empathetic and responsive, and would respond quickly and positively to my questions. Highly recommended
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14 Oct, 2021 by Rizwan
I had pleasure getting some work done from mr lee. One of the fats responding and really helpful laywer I have work with. One of the best out there
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07 Oct, 2013 by J
Ralph provided me with several concise and solid answers. He hit the nail on head when he answered questions while other lawyers tap danced around the question, simply answered them in legal jargon or completely missed the point.
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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:
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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.
