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11 Sep, 2024 by Brittany roberts
Mr. VanLoon was an absolute godsend and rescued me from the nightmare custody battle I had from out of state. Anyone in the Rochester area needs to reach out to his law firm and trust that he will take your case seriously and work towards what you need!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Jerry
I cannot explain how pleased I am with the services of Mr. Van Loon. I hired Mr. Van Loon in my custody case and I knew right after the consultation that he was the right person for the job. He made me feel at ease and he did everything that he said and more. I would recommend Mr. Van Loon 10 out of 10 times to anyone in need of a custody lawyer.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Austin
During what was undoubtedly the most unsettling and difficult time in my life, Nathan did a phenomenal job representing me as a father, and ultimately winning my case for primary-custody of my child. Nathan is very well-read and articulate, which was apparent whenever he had the opportunity to speak on my behalf or during cross-examinations. I perceived his calculated demeanor to be completely appropriate for my situation, which required some delicate handling. Should I need representation again somewhere down the line, Nathan Van Loon will be my first call. If you are a parent fighting for the best outcome for your children, I would highly recommend giving Nathan Van Loon a call.
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29 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
There was zero confusion as to what I needed to do. Jennifer and Anne both provided all the information that was required and was patient with me every step of the way
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28 Jul, 2024 by Mel
Jennifer was recommended to me by the mediation lawyer I'd worked with previously. I found Jennifer to be extremely clear in her responses, quick to respond to messages, and helpful in laying out all the alternatives with pros and cons of each. I have worked with her twice now and would definitely do so again if the need arose.
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17 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Jennifer was outstanding! She was very helpful and prompt in thoroughly responding to questions and concerns. My experience was excellent, and I would recommend her services. Although divorces can be costly, I never felt that she was after my money, and I believe we reached a resolution at a reasonable cost to me.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Brian
After getting off the phone with Michael Schmitt the first time we spoke, I knew he was top notch. Respectful, Composed, Experienced and Polite were my first thoughts.
He is solid in his approach, has it handled and knows how to negotiate any maze of difficult cases. His office staff are high class and professional. Prompt replies to calls and emails are the norm for the law office of Michael Schmitt. You will not be disappointed.
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31 Oct, 2022 by Robert
I'm so very thankful I found and retained Michael's services to represent me in my custody and child support case. Michael was extremely attentive, empathetic, knowledgeable, responsive and fought for me every step of the way.
From our very first meeting, he explained everything to me and what I could expect and answered all my questions no matter what time of day that I asked. This was one of the most stressful and traumatic times of my life and he was my biggest advocate and fought for me without ever letting up until I got the outcome that I deserved. I can't speak highly enough of Michael. If you're seeking a Family Law attorney, this is the person that you're going to want to go with.
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07 Jun, 2022 by Richard
From the first day I met Mr. Schmitt he was very welcoming and concerned for me and my situation. My father passed away and I took in my siblings which he had custody of so we can all stay together. I was having issues with a custody battle and the possibility of them getting split up which I didn’t want and he came to my rescue!! Mr. Schmitt is one of the best family lawyers and was able to keep me and siblings together thanks for all you have done for me and my family!!!
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12 Jul, 2019 by Larry
Mr. King just represented me in a very difficult and complex family court case, He was EXCELLENT !!! Came to court prepared and knew the facts of my case and the law cold. This showed as he did a great job arguing on my behalf in front of the Judge, He was honest, diligent, took my case and ran with it, zealously representing me. I would definitely use him again, although I hope I never have to :) :) Feel free to contact me, if thinking of retaining him.
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29 May, 2013 by Anonymous
I got charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd degree comm/alarm. I decided to hire this lawyer as a risk, and he was VERY forth coming with my case with honesty, integrity, and dignity. He was very honest about the outcome of the case although he doesn't promise anything, but can lessen the charge to a much lower degree.
I went to court and this fantastic was able to lower the charge from Misdemeanor Class A to ACD (Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal); I gladly took it and I was overjoyed!!! No fines, community service, and/or prison time! FANTASTIC LAWYER! HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR DISABLED PEOPLE!!!!!
Keep in mind, he doesn't make any promises but his guarantee is pretty much golden as stated.
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5.0
21 Reviews
4.8
256 Reviews
15 Sep, 2024 by Bradford strine
Professional, knowledgeable and personable with experience to help with legal needs.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Matt bosseler
Derrick took on a very unique case for our family knowing it would be a challenge. He walked my family and me through his approach step by step keeping us appraised of roadblocks and progress throughout the process. I would highly recommend Derrick Spatorico for his willingness to take on such an anomalous case, the resourcefulness displayed throughout the undertaking of our cause, regular status updates and communication, his strong attention to detail, and being results oriented. He is a very personable attorney who has his client’s best interests at heart.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Andrea reynolds
Chris is an excellent and knowledgeable lawyer!
He took on my case with a very difficult property manager who refused to return my security deposit without showing me the rental townhome first.
I met with Chris on a Wednesday and on the next day Thursday, Chris said that the property manager agreed to return my security deposit. Chris was extremely efficient and prompt with handling my case! I highly recommend Chris who is a very professional and understanding lawyer!
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15 Sep, 2024 by Bradford strine
Professional, knowledgeable and personable with experience to help with legal needs.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Matt bosseler
Derrick took on a very unique case for our family knowing it would be a challenge. He walked my family and me through his approach step by step keeping us appraised of roadblocks and progress throughout the process. I would highly recommend Derrick Spatorico for his willingness to take on such an anomalous case, the resourcefulness displayed throughout the undertaking of our cause, regular status updates and communication, his strong attention to detail, and being results oriented. He is a very personable attorney who has his client’s best interests at heart.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Andrea reynolds
Chris is an excellent and knowledgeable lawyer!
He took on my case with a very difficult property manager who refused to return my security deposit without showing me the rental townhome first.
I met with Chris on a Wednesday and on the next day Thursday, Chris said that the property manager agreed to return my security deposit. Chris was extremely efficient and prompt with handling my case! I highly recommend Chris who is a very professional and understanding lawyer!
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09 Sep, 2024 by Ryan deangelis
Not a very good law firm you speak to a very knowledgeable very intelligent person at first and then you get stuck with another attorney that does not fully handle the situation properly. Then adds fees can't show up on time and does not do exactly what you asked from the first point of contact before the retainer was even placed. They ask for more money much like trying to hire a contractor you hire I'm thinking they're going to do the work and then when they get to start the work they claim they need more money. Even though it was claimed in the beginning exactly what was needed.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Ash cat
I recently had the pleasure of working with Matthew Winchell who was incredibly helpful and kind! Thank you so much again for everything!
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21 Aug, 2024 by Toni stein
The staff is very professional and listens to your needs. The response time for your questions and concerns are in an appropriate time manner. I would recommend this firm to anyone.
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21 Jun, 2024 by Michelle r
16 Apr, 2024 by Deborah larue
Kindness
Patience
Professional
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13 Mar, 2024 by Christine sexton
So far very helpful and professional. Debra Hild the paralegal excellent.
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13 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr Martin handles some simple legal documents for me in a complicated case, but he did let me know he was not proficient in the other areas and recommended I seek the assistance of an attorney in the specific area of my dispute. My case has multiple areas and beyond complicated, the legal documents he provided, I was able to reference later, paper trails are important.
He send me regular updates on billing, there was not any dispute, I think there were a fair assessment. He did not do "extra things" like I believe another attorney did NOT 'pad the bill.'
His area is clear 'divorce and separation, child Custody, child support. I would be interested in the outcome of the other review.
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22 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Andrew Martin through the MCBA Lawyer Referral Service and it was one of the worst mistakes I made in my life. When he told me he was a comedian my radar went up but because he was recommended through the MCBA (Monroe County Bar Association) I thought he would handle my case like a professional because if you can't trust A Bar Association recommended attorney who can you trust right? Well my situation was a business dispute with a former partner. I can't go into full detail because the case is still open but I hired him to do a civil case. I explained to him my situation and let him know an attorney had already had recommended a few other attorneys. After speaking with a few they were talking very expensive and Mr. Martin told me he would handle my whole case for set amount. Needless to say when I agreed with him he sent me a contract that didn't say the same thing as we agreed upon but I figured it was just his standard contract so I asked him to remove the line about paying extra money and he did.
Once the money cleared we met and went over the case and I explained the story to him. Mr. Martin and his paralegal (who I later figured out does his damage control.) Had me doing everything but the actual things that was pertinent to my case. While showing me what he was billing me for until we were almost half way through with my money. He told me he was going to get the case over with quickly and try to get me some of my money back. Did he ever pull a fast one on me?! He had me going to the Family courts instead of the Civil Courts and he kept lying to me telling me he was going to write up a motion to file in the Civil Courts. The people I were suing had dragged my name in the mud and stole my money and my business. I literally begged this guy to put my case through the civil courts. Originally he said he would handle my whole case for a set amount but it didn't dawn on me that he was doing all these little things and making up charges to avoid the civil courts and go the cheaper route and misappropriate my funds so he could justify ripping me off . Which is what he ultimately did. My business got sold and he filed a poorly rushed legal motion two months later without it including everybody's name and left it sitting without serving anybody.
I hired this man In July 2018. It took him until November to file the Civil Case. He ignored me for awhile that. He lied to me and said he would try to get the defendant served so he had me come in to pay for a skip tracer in January 2019. He proceeded to lie and act like the defendant could not be found for about 2 and half months until a friend of mind told me the defendant was at the same address and still doing business at the same location with the same people. He had me under the impression that the defendant moved out of state! I was going to just fire him at that point and try to do the case myself but because there were more defendants involved now because of his in action on my case it was going to be too complicated for me to handle. I didn't have much money left because I had been out of work recuperating from surgery all the way until towards the end of 2018. Instead of Andrew Martin helping my case he made it more complicated and literally destroyed any chance I have of winning. It wasn't until I filed a Grievance on him in May that he finally had two of three defendants served towards the end of June 2019. He wanted me to remove the grievance but he wouldn't show proof everybody was served. He then made up a extra bill and gave me a week to respond. I emailed him trying to settle our dispute and he proceeded to send me all the people he served and withdrawing himself from representing me. He still has my files and the money he billed me for should be up for dispute. Depending on what the Grievance office will say should let you know how much protection we as citizens have against these lawyers that pray on the innocent.
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02 Feb, 2024 by Jay
Not happy as of now but hopefully that changes..if it does, the review will change . Hopefully this goes better then it is soo far
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What a Child Support Lawyer Can Do for You
A child support lawyer specializes in legal issues related to the financial support that one parent provides to another for the upbringing of their children. These lawyers assist with establishing, enforcing, and modifying child support orders, ensuring that the financial needs of the child are met, including housing, food, healthcare, education, and other essentials. A child support lawyer can also represent parents in disputes over the amount of support, ensure fair calculations based on income, and handle legal proceedings if one parent fails to meet their obligations.
Whether you're seeking to establish child support, modify an existing order, or enforce payments, a child support lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights and the well-being of your child.
When Should I Hire a Child Support Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a child support lawyer when you need assistance with any of the following child support matters:
- Establishing child support: If you are going through a divorce or separation and need to establish a child support order, a lawyer can help ensure that the support amount is fair and accurately calculated.
- Modifying child support orders: If there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a job loss, income change, or a child's financial needs, a lawyer can help you request a modification to the existing child support order.
- Enforcing child support payments: If the other parent has failed to make court-ordered child support payments, a lawyer can help enforce the order through legal means such as wage garnishment, property liens, or even legal action.
- Disputing child support calculations: If you believe the child support amount has been incorrectly calculated based on your income or expenses, a lawyer can help you challenge the calculation and seek a fair adjustment.
- Paternity disputes: If paternity needs to be established before child support can be ordered, a lawyer can assist with DNA testing and legal proceedings.
- Interstate child support cases: If the parents live in different states, navigating child support laws can be complex. A lawyer can help ensure the proper jurisdiction is established and that child support is enforced across state lines.
- Child support during custody disputes: If child custody and child support are being determined simultaneously, a lawyer can help ensure that both issues are resolved fairly and in the best interest of the child.
Hiring a lawyer early can help ensure that your child support case is handled effectively and that your child's financial needs are met.
What Does a Child Support Lawyer Do?
A child support lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help parents secure, modify, and enforce child support arrangements. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing for child support: A lawyer can help you initiate the legal process to obtain a child support order, ensuring that all necessary documentation is submitted and deadlines are met.
- Calculating child support: A lawyer can help ensure that child support is calculated fairly based on both parents' incomes, the needs of the child, and other factors such as healthcare and education costs.
- Negotiating child support agreements: If both parents are willing to negotiate, a lawyer can help facilitate an agreement on child support outside of court, which can then be approved by a judge.
- Representing you in court: If negotiations fail or the other parent contests the child support amount, a lawyer will represent you in family court, presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
- Modifying support orders: A lawyer can help you file a request for modification if circumstances change, such as a loss of income or an increase in the child’s financial needs.
- Enforcing child support: If the other parent is not making court-ordered payments, a lawyer can take legal steps to enforce the order through wage garnishment, property liens, or other measures.
- Handling complex cases: In cases involving high incomes, self-employment, or complicated financial situations, a lawyer can help ensure that all relevant factors are considered in determining child support.
How Are Child Support Lawyers Paid?
Child support lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work required. Common payment methods include:
- Hourly rate: Most child support lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location. The total cost will depend on how much time the lawyer spends on your case, including preparation, negotiations, and court appearances.
- Flat fee: For more straightforward cases, such as uncontested child support agreements or basic modifications, some lawyers may offer a flat fee that covers all services related to the case.
- Retainer: Many lawyers require a retainer, which is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on your case. The amount of the retainer depends on the expected complexity of the case.
- Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some lawyers offer sliding scale fees based on income or provide pro bono (free) services in cases where clients cannot afford to pay full legal fees, especially when children’s needs are at stake.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how much you will be charged and what services are covered.
How Much Does a Child Support Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a child support lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, whether it's contested or uncontested, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:
- Uncontested child support cases: Legal fees may range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the paperwork and the lawyer’s fees.
- Contested child support cases: Legal fees can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, especially if the case involves significant court time.
- Hourly rates: Lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour for child support cases, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or cases that involve complex financial issues.
- Modification or enforcement: Fees for modifying or enforcing a child support order may range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity and the need for court intervention.
Always ask for a detailed cost estimate during your consultation so you can plan your budget accordingly.
Top Questions to Ask a Child Support Lawyer
Before hiring a child support lawyer, it’s important to ask questions to ensure they are the right fit for your case. Key questions to ask include:
-
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.
