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19 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Glenn patiently explains the law and gives sound legal advice, while also considering the costs and ethically billing for his time. Every divorce has different details to work out-some more difficult than others-so Glenn's experience and attention to detail were valuable to me. I would recommend hiring Glenn.
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22 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
I was provided with very useful information that helped in my situation greatly. I feel way more confident in my standing now and that boost to my morale alone has pivotal even in a short period of time. My deepest gratitude because this advice was done as volunteered time by Mr. Tanner.
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28 Aug, 2020 by Jj
I really appreciate the help received from Mr. Tanner and his assistant Kailee. Understanding and not pushy at all, professional and prompt response. The rate is very reasonable too.
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01 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
I recommend Mark Cassel highly. I hired Mark for a difficult divorce. Mark and his team did an outstanding job in a dedicated, and professional manner. Mark thinks and works very hard for his clients. Highly recommended.
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17 May, 2024 by Darren
I had the pleasure of working with Mark Cassell from Twyford Law Office. As soon as I started working with Mark he made sure everything I needed to get my life back was his priority. He got my apartment back within the first couple of weeks of working with him when prior to that I was out of my apartment for several months. He was very approachable and answered all my questions easily. His whole team communicated perfectly to me and sent me copies of everything. They responded to my emails and questions fast. they always made me feel like they had my back.
Mark is phenomenal when he is talking with prosecutor and Judge he holds himself in a very professional manner. I couldn't recommend him and his team enough.
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02 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Mark was very knowledgeable in a way that worked to my advantage. He was very empathic and calm, supportive, and swift in a difficult time. His paralegal and staff were helpful and courteous, too. Highly recommend.
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23 Dec, 2022 by Michael
I first came across Christine Gallagher when I started researching for the absolute best divorce attorney in town. Two different firms recommended her as the best. I'd have to say that they were right. Christine is articulate, intelligent, conducts herself with integrity, but most of all, she is a warrior at heart. She won a case for me that was far from being cut and dried. I feel like she really went over and above for us, and will always be appreciative of the supreme effort she put into this. Worth every penny of the money spent!
On a side note, I retained Christine ten years ago as well to represent me through a divorce that ended up being reconciled. (Should have followed through, all I did was prolong the inevitable as it turned out). Anyway, at the time of reconciliation, she returned a large sum of the retainer money to me. That was unexpected at the time, I thought we had likely burned through all of it by that point, and I never would have questioned it if she hadn't contacted me to return the remainder. That type of integrity is rare these days!
If you find yourself in this terrible situation of needing a family law attorney, I do not believe that anyone better is out there, for any sum on money. She is awesome.
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08 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
I found Christine Gallagher so wonderful to work with. I had full confidence in her knowledge and professionalism. She is very attentive to detail while always keeping the big picture and end goals in mind, all the while looking out for my best interests. She genuinely cares about her clients and was readily available to me when I had questions or concerns, even on a weekend. Christine gave me full confidence that the end resolution would be satisfactory (or better, in my case) and I never felt alone going through this difficult process of divorce. She is also a huge proponent of children and is always keeping their best interests in mind. A friend recommended Christine to me, and I will be recommending her without reservation to anyone who needs her services. Thank you Christine!
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05 Aug, 2021 by Sierra
I cannot say enough positive things about Christine Gallagher and Elenor White! They are both incredibly knowledgeable, caring, dedicated and passionate attorneys, who work tirelessly for their clients.
My case was extremely messy and challenging, but they dove in headfirst and never hesitated to do whatever was needed to support my case.
I chose to hire Christine after a negative experience with a prior attorney, and couldn’t be happier with my choice. I chose Christine because I needed someone who would be willing to fight for me and for my children, and that is exactly what she did. Little did I know at the time that I hired her, that I would have the extremely fortune of working with a team of TWO amazing attorneys who passionately advocated for me both in and outside of the courtroom.
They were excellent at communicating and kept me apprised of what was happening throughout the process. They answered all of my questions and took the time to really understand my situation and to decide how they could best support me in my case. They were honest and upfront about the realities of my situation, but were incredibly empathetic and kind as well. If you are looking for truly exceptional legal representation, Christine and Ellie are just that!
I am extremely grateful to have them in my corner and cannot recommend them enough!
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05 May, 2011 by Alisa
Sharon has competence, insight, and experience that made her an invaluable asset to us in our efforts to adopt our foster daughter. She knows child welfare laws in our state thoroughly and was able to point out the discrepancies within the actions of those who were opposing the adoption proceedings. She also has the respect of the court - which goes a very long way. In fact, today, as I am writing this review, she will be getting ready to attend the adoption of our friends' daughter as well!
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25 Apr, 2017 by Lindsay
Zach did a great job helping me with my case. He was patient, optimistic, and honesty. I would definitely hire him again!
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12 Jan, 2023 by Erin
Fantastic attorney and his paralegal is also amazing. I got exactly the outcome I wanted and the entire office was incredibly responsive no matter how insignificant or silly my question and worries were. Highly professional and responsive office.
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12 Jan, 2022 by Casie
Very detailed in working through my family law case. Explained over important information and answered all my questions in the processes of my case. Giving me breakdowns to what I needed to do and bring forward. Always responding in a timely manner and navigating the challenges of my case. Great presentation of what I wanted and my concerns. I would highly recommend!
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21 Oct, 2016 by Micheal
The man never let me down. He worked hard, answered my questions and did his best. Can't ask for much more.
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27 Jul, 2022 by Carolyn
I hired Ms. Sawyer back in January for a parenting plan modification. She completely exceeded my expectations with her hard work, and outstanding performance in the courtroom. Would highly recommend.
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22 Oct, 2024 by J p
Dewey Cheatem and Howe…
Worst law firm in the country not just the state. Convinced me to accept a deal (for significantly less than they had originally advised I settle for and well below their “do not accept less than” prep talk) in mediation assuring me I would not be billed further and opposing attorney would handle all closing paperwork. Hen billed me again saying he didn’t do it right, then when I objected and reminded them of what was said, they doubled the bill and sent it again. ANYONE BUT THIS LAW FIRM, I was warned about them but unfortunately was too far in to back out and hire someone else. Any time I confronted them about anything they just threaten to withdraw and keep your money.
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18 Oct, 2024 by Vasily rotari
Don’t recommend just collected my information saying will call back called back in a 5 days and said that they are busy and would not be available.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Ronnie uzeta (skip)
An outstanding team to work with! They are incredibly responsive. The staff is not only professional but also genuinely friendly, making every interaction pleasant. Highly recommend their services!
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22 Oct, 2024 by J p
Dewey Cheatem and Howe…
Worst law firm in the country not just the state. Convinced me to accept a deal (for significantly less than they had originally advised I settle for and well below their “do not accept less than” prep talk) in mediation assuring me I would not be billed further and opposing attorney would handle all closing paperwork. Hen billed me again saying he didn’t do it right, then when I objected and reminded them of what was said, they doubled the bill and sent it again. ANYONE BUT THIS LAW FIRM, I was warned about them but unfortunately was too far in to back out and hire someone else. Any time I confronted them about anything they just threaten to withdraw and keep your money.
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18 Oct, 2024 by Vasily rotari
Don’t recommend just collected my information saying will call back called back in a 5 days and said that they are busy and would not be available.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Ronnie uzeta (skip)
An outstanding team to work with! They are incredibly responsive. The staff is not only professional but also genuinely friendly, making every interaction pleasant. Highly recommend their services!
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23 Jun, 2024 by Savannah halsey
Zero stars. I don't know what makes him decide to do his job with clients but he definitely didn't do it with my wife and I. He emailed saying he failed at representing us after doing nothing but taking my money, Waist of 3000$. If you don't want to do your job every day then don't do this kind of work because your actions affects can ruin lives.
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20 Feb, 2024 by Joann waldo
Jamie represented me in a business boundary dispute. Jamie worked very hard and researched information about dispute. Jamie settled the problem without going to court. Jamie is very professional. I recommend Jamie as your attorney.
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05 Feb, 2024 by Danielle linneus
Didn’t represent me well. Made mistakes in my case that had to be fixed with another firm. Do NOT recommend. Caused me extra stress during a difficult time and financial burdens. I’d give them zero stars if that was an option.
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01 Jan, 2020 by Claudia
Ezra did an excellent job at representing me. He was very professional, knowledgeable & patient. He did extensive research on my case and made sure he was educated on every angle, he also consulted other professionals who where familiar with cases like mine. He never seemed bothered by the plethora of questions I asked or the fact that I had him explain things several times. He made sure I understood the whole process. I'm so glad I chose Ezra as my attorney, he won our case. Thank you!!!!
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16 Jul, 2019 by Leah
I hired Ezra Glanzer to put an end to a personal property dispute I had been trying to address on my own for 5 years. He kept me updated on his progress, gave me choices how this situation could be addressed, and I am very happy to say that within 11 weeks, he successfully resolved the issue and my property was returned to me without a court battle. I am so pleased! His fees are reasonable, and he demonstrated integrity and honesty in his transactions with me. I highly recommend Ezra, and if I ever need assistance in the future, I will not hesitate to give him a call. Thanks Ezra! Leah Johnson, RN, CPC, CPC-P, CPMA
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09 Jul, 2019 by Jacob
Ezra helped us with a malpractice-type suit. In hearings as well as in our conversations, he never once said or suggested anything other than providing a completely honest report. Often in these cases things resolve to he said, she said, but Ezra was able to provide definitive evidence bolstering our case leading to the win. His MO is every situation was to uphold the truth regardless of whether or not it may have detracted from our case, which resulted in establishing our credibility and accuracy regarding the issue at hand. He also repeatedly gave us emotional support to continue forward with the trial even when we pushed to just be done with it all. Though there was obvious incentive for him, I knew that wasn't what was driving him to keep the case up. He saw an injustice and felt compelled to help us do something about it, though never in a pushy or off-putting way. So in summary, he's an honest, genuine and just lawyer.
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22 Oct, 2024 by J p
Dewey Cheatem and Howe…
Worst law firm in the country not just the state. Convinced me to accept a deal (for significantly less than they had originally advised I settle for and well below their “do not accept less than” prep talk) in mediation assuring me I would not be billed further and opposing attorney would handle all closing paperwork. Hen billed me again saying he didn’t do it right, then when I objected and reminded them of what was said, they doubled the bill and sent it again. ANYONE BUT THIS LAW FIRM, I was warned about them but unfortunately was too far in to back out and hire someone else. Any time I confronted them about anything they just threaten to withdraw and keep your money.
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18 Oct, 2024 by Vasily rotari
Don’t recommend just collected my information saying will call back called back in a 5 days and said that they are busy and would not be available.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Ronnie uzeta (skip)
An outstanding team to work with! They are incredibly responsive. The staff is not only professional but also genuinely friendly, making every interaction pleasant. Highly recommend their services!
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24 Apr, 2024 by Nunya
I would give 0 stars if I could. Stay away from Adrain at all cost. She acts like she knows what she is doing then knows nothing and fails in court. What a complete waste of money and she over charges to being with. Adrain, she is a joke, I would avoid her, don’t learn the hard way like we did!
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28 Mar, 2024 by C. d.
14 Feb, 2024 by Thetis s.s.
11 Aug, 2024 by Kyle osborn
Diane was professional and courteous, and quite expensive. But she is worth it. She helped me keep my cool through the divorce process. Explained everything in detail and made herself available for many phone calls, which a normal person would try to limit. 😆 My only regret was being Pro Se in the begging of my divorce and not hiring her sooner. I may not have “won” in court, but she did help me mediate instead of going through a potentially expensive trial, which would have irreparably damaged my business. Thank you Diane, for all your help. I’ll definitely use your services again in the future.
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27 Apr, 2023 by Jason cokley
Diane was absolutely outstanding from day one and gave me step by step what was going to happen and had a plan in case it didn’t go that way. Whenever I called she was always available and I was in a completely different state!! Money well spent and she’s a straight shooter which was the best thing about our attorney/client relationship
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09 Apr, 2023 by Sheila brown miller
Unprofessional. Don't waste your time. They made me wait two weeks for an appointment then cancelled at the last minute. Plenty of larger firms with more resources to choose from in Washington. You get what you pay for and this firm is cheap. Keep that in mind, that price comes at a cost like time wasted.
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09 Apr, 2019 by Emery
I hired her in 2017 about July for a standard parenting plan, who then proceeded to do nothing until i knocked on her door that november, furious gonna fire the lady. They assured me they would hop on it and get things done. the following summer around august nothing still has happened except my daughter being taken out of the country. They charged ME to do their job. In which i looked up applicable laws wrote a letter and got my resolution, christmas after spamming her garbage answering service 27 calls i finally got her to answer to which i give her 30 days to do something. Nothing of course was done, by the time March 2019 is over she is fired and i find she charged me $2400+ to do nothing. In addition she thought it necessary to contact my mother to plead for her status as my lawyer. A person she was not authorized to communicate with about my case or her dealings with me. Yes I filed a grievance and no I am not at all done.
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25 Sep, 2018 by Jacqueline
Connie fought for me even when I was not fighting for myself. She kept the emotions out of the proceedings, but was compassionate when I needed it. Would recommend her and her staff for anyone going through this turmoil.
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28 May, 2018 by Mark
I thought long and hard about how I wanted to have redress from this attorney, who I believe overcharges. I tried reaching out to her after my matter finished in court, but she ignored me. I had a family court matter that I needed to be adjudicated in Washington. It was mutually agreed between my ex-spouse and me, a straightforward case. The case was initially in New York State, but since no party no longer lives there, I thought it would be wise to have registered in the jurisdiction in which the children live, as they will be graduating high school soon. My ex and I came up with an agreement, just needed a lawyer to handle the mechanics and file it. Neither of us had to appear in court; there were no hearings, no trial. Connie charged me 7500 dollars for what was a routine matter. Stay away from this attorney; you will be asked to sign a ‘minimum fee’ agreement, not a ‘retainer’; I wish I had paid closer attention, my mistake can be your learning experience. If she works 1 hour or 50, you pay the same. I think she violates Washington statutes about excessive fees, but I have a life and decided to move on. Learn from my experience, find another attorney, this one had the paralegal draw everything up, using forms that anyone can download from the state (fill-in forms). I only talked to Connie for about 20 minutes during the entire process, is that worth $7500? For a routine matter? No, it is not. Find another attorney that has reasonable fees. I speak as someone that has had lawyers in the NY metro area were the rates are much higher and have represented myself in court on both child support and custody. There is no way she earned that $7500, I specifically asked for an accounting (along with my complaint about the fee) of all the time spent, both by email and in writing. I was ignored, so now I take to the forums.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Cary rux
We recently asked Robert to review a contract. His advice and approval was exactly what we needed. Robert was prompt, professional and extremely helpful. We have enjoyed working with him so far and this latest experience has only further extended our confidence in him and his work. He is a trusted advisor and a key part of our team. We would highly recommend Robert.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Brenda fowler
Called to ask if this attorney handled the type of issue we needed him for. What a joke. He interrupted me and hung up before I had a chance to even say good bye at the end of the call. A very sad little man.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Katelyn fowler
Called to ask him about his services and if they applied to an issue I was having so I could potentially hire him, and he wouldn’t even say what his services were for and he hung up on me. Extremely rude. Don’t do business with him. Look somewhere else.
Edit: You didn’t even give us the time to ask what your services were. From the information I’ve gathered it sounds like they would’ve applied to our problem but you just lost a potential client. Have the day you deserve.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
If you're looking for a lawyer to speak to you with compassion and understanding during what is likely a very stressful time in your life, I strongly advise you to look elsewhere.
If you're looking for aggressive representation and an advocate who genuinely has your best interests at heart, this is not the place for you.
You deserve a lawyer who will treat you with respect and fight for your interests.
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17 Feb, 2024 by Scott
Mark was informative and helpful throughout the process. He always returned my calls and emails promptly. He made sure things were done correctly and efficiently and did not waste my time or overcharge me. He knows how to get to the heart of the matter. I also felt he treated my ex with respect. His staff was kind and professional, especially Rosalind his paralegal that was involved. Mark has a toughness and expertise combined with empathy that make me want to tell you that he is an excellent choice to represent you.
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04 Feb, 2024 by Doran
I missed a court date that his office never notified me about. He was unprepared for hearings and said he had other cases going. That cost me $1,500 In her attorney fees. He never sent the $23,000 check back. That cost me another $1,500 in attorney fees. I had to search the court docket and notify him of this court date. He apologized for not sending the check back and said he’d make it right. When I told him he could cover the fees and not charge me his, he filed to remove himself as counsel. Gave the wrong email address so I was not notified. I had to see it searching to see if I had anymore court dates.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Cary rux
We recently asked Robert to review a contract. His advice and approval was exactly what we needed. Robert was prompt, professional and extremely helpful. We have enjoyed working with him so far and this latest experience has only further extended our confidence in him and his work. He is a trusted advisor and a key part of our team. We would highly recommend Robert.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Brenda fowler
Called to ask if this attorney handled the type of issue we needed him for. What a joke. He interrupted me and hung up before I had a chance to even say good bye at the end of the call. A very sad little man.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Katelyn fowler
Called to ask him about his services and if they applied to an issue I was having so I could potentially hire him, and he wouldn’t even say what his services were for and he hung up on me. Extremely rude. Don’t do business with him. Look somewhere else.
Edit: You didn’t even give us the time to ask what your services were. From the information I’ve gathered it sounds like they would’ve applied to our problem but you just lost a potential client. Have the day you deserve.
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14 Aug, 2023 by Nicole
The case that I had was a difficult and unfortunate one for any parent to have to go through. It was a continual roller coaster of emotions as a parent, and Jacob was empathetic the entire way with no judgment. There were multiple twists and turns along the way and he was able to be a creative flexible thinker throughout. Jacob was very responsive and efficient with his time and mine. The conversations were very candid and he ensured I understood all possible outcomes so nothing would be of surprise. In the end, the case went in my favor and he made sure it was buttoned up neat and tight. I would recommend Jacob and his team to any individual seeking counsel in family matters!
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14 Mar, 2023 by Ryan
Mr. Allen represented me as a very professional and knowledgeable attorney during my family law case. I highly recommend Mr. Allen to anyone whom may find themselves in the unfortunate situation of needing a family law attorney.
Mr. Allen's communication skills are impeccable, keeping me informed every step of the way while giving me sound legal advice.
Although Mr. Allen and myself maintained a professional relationship during my case I feel as though we are parting ways as feiends. Mr. Allen is extremely personable and a very good listener. My case was quite complex yet Mr. Allen was well-informed of even the smallest details.
I highly recommend Mr. Allen!!!
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20 Jan, 2023 by Alicia
Hiring Jacob Allen as my attorney for my recent divorce and child custody case was the best decision I could have made. He was prompt and encouraging every step of the way. He was always available and patient with me to explain the process and provide reassurance when needed. He is very knowledgeable and always ensured that I was aware of all of my options prior to making decisions. Going through a divorce is extremely stressful but it was wonderful to have such a strong and competent attorney in my corner. Should I require family law counsel in the future, Jacob Allen will be my first call. I would recommend him to any of my family or friends.
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28 Apr, 2023 by Jocelyn
Me gustan los servicios son muy eficientes tienen paciencia al cliente muchas gracias.
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09 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
This lawyer is not proactive at all. I have an ex that is very deceitful and asked him from the beginning to seek definitive proof on all her statements. I’ve predicted every move she’s made. We’ve been to court three times and not once has he asked for pay stubs or anything to prove her needs. He doesn’t listen to concerns and is lazy. Does not do good research to prepare for court and allows opposing counsel a competitive advantage by allowing them more time than I was allowed to prepare statements. He gets outplayed in strategy by lawyers less experienced and can’t conduct himself in a confident manner before the authority of court. He does not raise concerns about damaging judgements at the end of arguments when asked by the authority of the court. I spend one third of my time and money arguing with him on trying to get him to do what I want him to do and he has all kinds of excuses for his failures. Don’t waste your time or money. He has not protected me or represented me at all. I’ve asked for specific language to he included in a mediation judgement and it was not. I was misrepresented by him and the mediator in mediation and am not happy about it at all.
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09 Aug, 2019 by Gavrayell
I hired Olaf to help me get my child back from her father who took her away and I ended up with a year of three hour visits with my child. Olaf never asked for me to have more time, he would tell the judge that my child’s father worked to much, being an attorney he should have known that the court does not care about parents work schedules and argued something else but he never did. Anytime I would ask him to do something he would tell me no, like he would not get me a guardian ad litem, would not put what I wanted in my declarations, would not come up with a customized parenting plan at mediation, he would wait months before scheduling court dates or sending the opposing counsel things and when I sent him information he wouldn’t look it over. I switched attorneys and within two weeks had an agreement with my ex and signed our parenting plan.
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10 Aug, 2024 by Mellisa johnson
Gina and her associates know well what they’re doing. Trust them and trust the process, they know the way. Personally, I entered into the divorce process lost, scared, and intimidated, and at the end of my process felt supported, empowered, and relieved. I felt that my child’s and my best interest was always at the forefront thru the entire process, my gratitude is immeasurable for their considerations. Divorce sucks, and with the right support network, it sucks a little less. Thank you, Gina, you will always have a special place in my heart!
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19 Jun, 2024 by Kyle amonson
I was served with an outlandish protection order making very wild claims months after my ex-wife and I had divorced. The news was shocking to me and I only had 10 days to find an attorney to represent me. The original temporary order held little information. Gina agreed to represent me, was upfront about cost and options. She allowed me to mail bomb her office with all the potential texts, communication and support documents I had. She was able to sift through the piles of information and to suss out what was useful and not useful in my defense.
More than that she was able to identify the true cause of the problem, a desire to change the parenting plan for support money. I was the primary parent and my ex tried a desperate act.
Gina worked with my ex-wife's attorney to find a new balance to find a solution to make the time lost with the kids and the financial balance my ex-wife was seeking. She had a heart to make the case less difficult on the children and me. My ex-wife did not agree to any of the terms. And still wanted her day in court.
Gina danced circles around the plaintiff, expertly wielding the information and the understanding of a reasonable person's standards. The case was ultimately thrown out. Gina even followed up with me personally to ensure that I was ok.
I recommend Gina, especially to anyone who really is in a place where they know they are being wronged, and are willing to let their attorney be the expert on what is reasonable.
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11 Feb, 2024 by Pj troxell
Miss Castello was able to help us out on very short notice. She cares. We would definitely use her again and recommend.
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08 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
I used Wendy for a short period of time during my divorce case, she did not file paperwork on time, was very hard to get ahold of, and advised me to take the first settlement offer my ex proposed which gave him the house, cars, bank accts basically everything and she told me this was the best we could get. I quickly determined she DOES NOT have my best interests in mind and hired another attorney who represented me well and came to a fair settlement splitting everything 50/50
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21 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
I gave her five thousand dollars for my son's case, which she never did her job. She did not file any paper work with the court, and she is really terrible about returning phone calls. This attorney has moved up to three times without contacting her clients. My advice is not to hire this attorney at all.
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22 Jan, 2016 by Alan
Wendy helped me through the divorce process and was very responsive, attentive and in the end she was able to help me negotiate a settlement that both myself and my X wife could agree to. Wendy was always timely in responses and in filing documents which helped the process move quickly for me. I would recommend Wendy to anyone looking for an attorney they can trust.
Thank you Wendy!
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What a Child Support Lawyer Can Do for You
A child support lawyer specializes in legal issues related to the financial support that one parent provides to another for the upbringing of their children. These lawyers assist with establishing, enforcing, and modifying child support orders, ensuring that the financial needs of the child are met, including housing, food, healthcare, education, and other essentials. A child support lawyer can also represent parents in disputes over the amount of support, ensure fair calculations based on income, and handle legal proceedings if one parent fails to meet their obligations.
Whether you're seeking to establish child support, modify an existing order, or enforce payments, a child support lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights and the well-being of your child.
When Should I Hire a Child Support Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a child support lawyer when you need assistance with any of the following child support matters:
- Establishing child support: If you are going through a divorce or separation and need to establish a child support order, a lawyer can help ensure that the support amount is fair and accurately calculated.
- Modifying child support orders: If there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a job loss, income change, or a child's financial needs, a lawyer can help you request a modification to the existing child support order.
- Enforcing child support payments: If the other parent has failed to make court-ordered child support payments, a lawyer can help enforce the order through legal means such as wage garnishment, property liens, or even legal action.
- Disputing child support calculations: If you believe the child support amount has been incorrectly calculated based on your income or expenses, a lawyer can help you challenge the calculation and seek a fair adjustment.
- Paternity disputes: If paternity needs to be established before child support can be ordered, a lawyer can assist with DNA testing and legal proceedings.
- Interstate child support cases: If the parents live in different states, navigating child support laws can be complex. A lawyer can help ensure the proper jurisdiction is established and that child support is enforced across state lines.
- Child support during custody disputes: If child custody and child support are being determined simultaneously, a lawyer can help ensure that both issues are resolved fairly and in the best interest of the child.
Hiring a lawyer early can help ensure that your child support case is handled effectively and that your child's financial needs are met.
What Does a Child Support Lawyer Do?
A child support lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help parents secure, modify, and enforce child support arrangements. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing for child support: A lawyer can help you initiate the legal process to obtain a child support order, ensuring that all necessary documentation is submitted and deadlines are met.
- Calculating child support: A lawyer can help ensure that child support is calculated fairly based on both parents' incomes, the needs of the child, and other factors such as healthcare and education costs.
- Negotiating child support agreements: If both parents are willing to negotiate, a lawyer can help facilitate an agreement on child support outside of court, which can then be approved by a judge.
- Representing you in court: If negotiations fail or the other parent contests the child support amount, a lawyer will represent you in family court, presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
- Modifying support orders: A lawyer can help you file a request for modification if circumstances change, such as a loss of income or an increase in the child’s financial needs.
- Enforcing child support: If the other parent is not making court-ordered payments, a lawyer can take legal steps to enforce the order through wage garnishment, property liens, or other measures.
- Handling complex cases: In cases involving high incomes, self-employment, or complicated financial situations, a lawyer can help ensure that all relevant factors are considered in determining child support.
How Are Child Support Lawyers Paid?
Child support lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work required. Common payment methods include:
- Hourly rate: Most child support lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location. The total cost will depend on how much time the lawyer spends on your case, including preparation, negotiations, and court appearances.
- Flat fee: For more straightforward cases, such as uncontested child support agreements or basic modifications, some lawyers may offer a flat fee that covers all services related to the case.
- Retainer: Many lawyers require a retainer, which is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on your case. The amount of the retainer depends on the expected complexity of the case.
- Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some lawyers offer sliding scale fees based on income or provide pro bono (free) services in cases where clients cannot afford to pay full legal fees, especially when children’s needs are at stake.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how much you will be charged and what services are covered.
How Much Does a Child Support Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a child support lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, whether it's contested or uncontested, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:
- Uncontested child support cases: Legal fees may range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the paperwork and the lawyer’s fees.
- Contested child support cases: Legal fees can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, especially if the case involves significant court time.
- Hourly rates: Lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour for child support cases, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or cases that involve complex financial issues.
- Modification or enforcement: Fees for modifying or enforcing a child support order may range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity and the need for court intervention.
Always ask for a detailed cost estimate during your consultation so you can plan your budget accordingly.
Top Questions to Ask a Child Support Lawyer
Before hiring a child support lawyer, it’s important to ask questions to ensure they are the right fit for your case. Key questions to ask include:
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What experience do you have with child support cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it’s establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support orders. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, offers flat fees, or requires a retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case and any potential challenges you may face. -
How long will the process take?
Child support cases can take time, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to last and what factors may cause delays. -
Will you personally handle my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of the case. Make sure you know who will be managing your case and representing you in court. -
What documents should I prepare?
Ask the lawyer what financial documents and other information you should bring to help them calculate child support and build your case.
How to Check the Credibility of a Child Support Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable child support lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for family law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in family law and have successfully handled child support cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on child support matters.
- Check for certifications: Some lawyers may have certifications in family law or membership in organizations like the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), which can indicate their expertise in child support and family law issues.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most out of your first consultation with a child support lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Income documents: Bring pay stubs, tax returns, W-2s, or any other documentation of your income and the other parent’s income, as this will be used to calculate child support.
- Existing child support orders: If there are any existing child support or custody orders, bring copies for the lawyer to review.
- Child-related expenses: Provide documentation of your child’s medical bills, education expenses, daycare costs, and any other expenses that should be factored into the child support calculation.
- Communication with the other parent: Bring any communication between you and the other parent regarding child support, whether through emails, text messages, or written agreements.
- List of questions: Prepare a list of questions about your case, the legal process, and the lawyer’s fees.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your case more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice on how to proceed.
