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21 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I felt Gail was more sympathetic to my ex-spouse's situation, and not as much as mine or my child's plight! During our support negotiation, she didn't "fight" for my son, and instead, advised me to settle for a payment BELOW the minimum recommended payment! I went back later on my own (after she charged me for a very expensive fee to let the court know she no longer represented me) and got more money. I did more on my own without paying her very expensive fees!
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10 Mar, 2013 by Jane
Gail was never able to really listen to me, nor did she advocate for me as I thought a true "Super" attorney would. At the end of my two year QDRO case, I wrote Gail, and her two partners, a letter outlining 5 areas in which I was dissatisfied with Gail's work. No one ever answered me. Gail and her firm are very expensive. I would never recommend her. Use someone else who may really listen to you, work for you, and not cost as much.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Angelyna
I had a conciliation lead by Ms. Kleinfelter, and the moment the zoom meeting started I felt she had already made her decision on the case, which she is supposed to not choose sides and just be there to help both parties come to a decision, she threatened me , brought up things that are not relevant to my case , was very rude and unprofessional this women should be disbarred , shouldn’t be in this line of work with the way she acts towards you, as I see all the other reviews it’s very correct on how she is.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
I concur with every review on this page. In a recent hearing, this person was a disgrace to the judicial system. She was rude, disrespectful, and lacked any patience for this position. I could barely speak without her brash interjections and demeaning comments. When I asked her questions or tried to clarify information, she had no tolerance. The order that was issued was excessively erroneous and will only cause a return to the system in an appeal, which will further backlog the process for all. Without question, she should be disbarred.
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02 Dec, 2022 by Robert hoffman
This dude is a joke, he doesn't answer phone calls or emails, he doesn't file motions, he doesn't stand behind his clients and reprimanded his client in front of the opposition, this dude is a joke and no-one should ever hire him
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08 Oct, 2021 by Karrie
Hired this Attourney to aid in termination of rights. The mother a vile abusive monster. Margaret abandoned her firm and cases without notification. She left many cases high and dry for a prestigious new position. We lost now exposing our children to the worst possible scenario. We are now expected to hand our children over to an abusive, high, disgusting person who fills their heads full of craziness and hate. They were thriving. Happy well adjusted kids who overcame so much trauma. She really should be reprimanded. She who professes to help children abandoned us. They will suffer greatly. There is no pain like having to hand your children over to the person who severely abused them.
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03 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired joe Spratt for a custody issue when moved from beaver county to Allegheny with my son that i had custody of 2 hearings were held in a week without me knowing he never called me the notice was sent to the wrong address. When I asked him what happened he said nothing Not to worry, the next week i found out they ordered me to move my son back to beaver and that i lost custody. He lied about everything tried to blame my old attorney and then shut me out, I wouldn't recommend him to anybody for anything when i went to the bar association about it they also shut me out and said he was a nice guy. He is the worst as far as i'm concerned
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03 Oct, 2022 by Jacob
Joseph Spratt does not work in the 20th century. He does not have a receptionist or legal aid. He refuses to use email or fax, return phone calls, or take payment in any form other than cash or check in person or by mail. He will ignore both your communications and wishes as a client. He actively worked against the interests of our case in closed-door sessions with the opposing counsel and the judge. His advice and judgement cannot be trusted.
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03 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
I had a consultation with this lawyer that lasted 30 minutes. I was charged the full fee and told within the first 10 minutes he would not represent me in a very clear cut case we could have easily won. He just seemed more interested in talking about local politics. My ex is in rehab and clearly a neglectful parent. He is a danger to our child. The delay in filing an emergency petition for custody exposed our child to even more abuse and neglect. I would avoid this lawyer at all costs.
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06 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
Another reviewer noted that Berg stumbles over his words in Court and I concur. Berg wouldn't know what a Motion was if it bite him in the you know what! Take his license please!!
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14 Feb, 2011 by Jennifer
Not only does he stumble over his words and thoughts in court but he does not know what motions to file and when, he does not seem to be organized. Each time he filed motions they were the wrong ones, contained incorrect information and were over-all sloppy. He was very unprofessional always bringing up money and telling us how much his bills were and what they were going towards. When he did the last incorrect motion he informed us that instead of bringing our star witness we should not leave her at home and use that 'money' to pay him AFTER he informed us to bring her!! He says one thing (in writting) and then does another. He is not in it to win it, just for the money.
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16 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Very unprofessional. Did not return calls & e-mails and (in other ways) ultimately contributed to this innocent parent losing custody of only child after spending thousands of dollars for nothing. I heard he was good. He was awful!!!
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16 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
Google search his DUI arrest on March 23, 2012. Read the negative comments from prior clients and his colleagues. Then ask yourself "do I really want him representing me as my attorney?" If you know what's good for yourself, you'll work with a respectful attorney who deserves to be paid your hard earned dollars. He's experienced but very self-serving and not trustworthy. I wish I knew then what I know now.
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19 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
He was on my husband case for about 1 year and when I say he did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING… only time he answer your phone calls or questions is if it’s money involved he has a nasty attitude along with a smart mouth you literally have too stalk this man just too get a simple reply..His office looks like a hole in the wall and it doesn’t have a pleasant smell I don’t see how this man was a lawyer for all this time he’s HORRIBLE I would not recommend hiring him oh he even was suspended for fake signatures of one of his clients bail Look it up if you don’t believe me…..
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07 Mar, 2015 by Pissed
Mr Chisholm
At first seem to be very good. That is until he showed up late to every court case . Atleast two of the Times my case was postponed was because of him then he charged me extra for the the case lasting so long. Long story short, he beat the case but i had 4000 confiscated from me.he told me to sign the money over to him because it made it easier to get back the money and insure that he would get paid his cut once he got it back.well it's been two years i have not received a dime of my money. I haven't received a court date and he will not return my calls. I read another review that he did this to another women .I going to get another lawyer and sew Mr Chisholm for my money if this had happened to you contact me
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14 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
Eileen was appointed to us by Montgomery County as a child advocate. When we spoke on the phone she seemed bothered by the fact that I wanted to speak about my sisters case with her. She barely asked any questions and I felt very rushed to get off the phone. The day of our hearing was the first time we met and we didn’t even talk in private about what was going to happen or our case. Before we went in front of the judge she told my sister she should just throw out the case because she wasn’t going to win. My sister, already terrified that she had to testify against her parents didn’t need to be put down like that. She needed someone with positivity and reassurance that she would not have to go back to an abusive home. When we finally got in front of the judge, Eileen did nothing to make a case for my sister. She asked the general questions but when my sister started to be attacked verbally by my parents, she sat there and did nothing to revert the questions about the abuse. She made it seem like my sister was the problem child and that it was okay that my parents abuse her the way that they do. My sister is terrified for her life and Eileen did nothing to protect her.
On a side note, I did seem like there was a similar case before us that ended up the same way and when the child came out crying she looked at him and with a demeaning face and voice asked him why he was crying.
Someone who is willing to allow children to go back to their abusive homes, is someone who should not be working with children. I strongly suggest that if you are looking for a custody lawyer to look elsewhere, and if she ends up being you appointed child advocate, contact the clerk of courts and ask for someone else. I would not want to see any other child go through what my sister had today.
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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.
