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13 Jan, 2025 by Dominick andrezze
Katrina, Ashley, and Nancy are top-notch lawyers who undertook my case and won all aspects due to their attention to detail. Highly recommend law firm.
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04 Nov, 2024 by Lauren sands
I used Bliss Law Group, specifically Riley Moos, to represent me in an especially contentious protection order against my husband (and father of my only child) after calling the police on him for the third time in 2 years. The night that I left was the final straw when he tried to break down the bedroom door to get to me. My ex was extremely upset when I filed for the protection order, vowing that by the time the hearing was finished, he would have full custody of our daughter....As you can imagine, I was quite scared!!!! A lot of people say that protection orders are easy to get but ours was much more complex. When I left my husband, the only place I could go, was back to him, or to a homeless/abused women's shelter. I would not allow my daughter to suffer either one of those situations and decided to take her out of state, to my hometown, where we could stay with family while we could pick up the pieces of our broken lives. The decision to leave the state was best for my daughter but it added greatly to the potential repercussions of leaving my husband. My attorney, Riley Moos, swooped in and saved the day. It's hard to describe, but from the moment I started talking to her, I knew we would win that protection order; I could tell when I talked to her that she had read all of the 25 page protection order I'd written recounting the treatment I'd endured over the years, and I knew that she was 100% invested in protecting myself and my daughter. She believed in my cause and she pursued it like a mother bear protecting her cubs. In the final protection order hearing, the Commissioner stated that there was a preponderance of evidence of coercive control. He ordered my husband undergo a substance abuse evaluation and domestic abuse evaluation. And here, I must applaud my ex-husband, because he allowed this feedback to change him. He's been going to AA 5x a week for the past year, has gotten sober, and has turned his life around. None of this would have been possible without Riley. I had previously talked to a pro-bono attorney and could tell that she had no interest in *fighting* for me, or even in reading the lengthy protection order I had written. If it hadn't been for my attorney, Riley Moos, my daughter and I wouldn't be safe in our new home, and my ex-husband wouldn't have turned his life around!!!
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30 Oct, 2024 by Nick wilson
Riley and Karissa are awesome to work with, I've been fortunate enough to work with Bliss Law for the past 9 years and each time has been professional and impressive. Highly recommend.
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19 Nov, 2024 by Tracy cramer
I’d recommend ensuring that your staff.. whether a secretary, paralegal, or receptionist... has a clear understanding of basic client-facing information. Prospective clients should be able to quickly obtain answers to foundational questions such as:
1. Consultation Fees: Whether the firm charges for an initial consultation and, if so, the amount.
2. Billing Structure: Whether services are billed on a flat fee, hourly rate, or incrementally
3. Retainer Amount: The cost to retain the attorney’s services and the terms of the retainer agreement.
Equipping your staff with this knowledge fosters efficiency, professionalism, and client trust. A well-prepared team ensures potential clients feel valued and confident in their initial interaction with your firm.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Logan davis
I had a very ugly and contested divorce/custody battle. Kathryn fought hard for me and would recommend her for anyone facing a highly contentious divorce.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Pk s.
THE Erik Bjornson is a straight-forward, intelligent, honest, and skilled family law attorney who balances the legal necessities along with all aspects of complicated family situations. Mr. Bjornson's expertise and understanding of law drove to a close what was a high-conflict and highly contentious case. He managed to accomplish this in the best manner possible with excellent results for my son and I. Although we avoided court, he has remained by my side as conflict unfortunately continues after the divorce. I trust him completely, have the utmost confidence in his abilities and recommend him for any and all cases, simple to complex. As he told me upon our introduction: you may be my 1,000th client but I've seen 10,000 cases. Thank you, Mr. Bjornson!
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19 Nov, 2024 by Tracy cramer
I’d recommend ensuring that your staff.. whether a secretary, paralegal, or receptionist... has a clear understanding of basic client-facing information. Prospective clients should be able to quickly obtain answers to foundational questions such as:
1. Consultation Fees: Whether the firm charges for an initial consultation and, if so, the amount.
2. Billing Structure: Whether services are billed on a flat fee, hourly rate, or incrementally
3. Retainer Amount: The cost to retain the attorney’s services and the terms of the retainer agreement.
Equipping your staff with this knowledge fosters efficiency, professionalism, and client trust. A well-prepared team ensures potential clients feel valued and confident in their initial interaction with your firm.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Logan davis
I had a very ugly and contested divorce/custody battle. Kathryn fought hard for me and would recommend her for anyone facing a highly contentious divorce.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Pk s.
THE Erik Bjornson is a straight-forward, intelligent, honest, and skilled family law attorney who balances the legal necessities along with all aspects of complicated family situations. Mr. Bjornson's expertise and understanding of law drove to a close what was a high-conflict and highly contentious case. He managed to accomplish this in the best manner possible with excellent results for my son and I. Although we avoided court, he has remained by my side as conflict unfortunately continues after the divorce. I trust him completely, have the utmost confidence in his abilities and recommend him for any and all cases, simple to complex. As he told me upon our introduction: you may be my 1,000th client but I've seen 10,000 cases. Thank you, Mr. Bjornson!
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13 Dec, 2024 by R k
Majors law group was very knowledgeable and thorough. They knew exactly what needed to be done and made a very hard time in life more manageable. I was kept well informed throughout the entire process.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Maria feliz
Let’s Just say I was treated like Royalty today by Jessica and Attorney Dominic Major’s. The firm was HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO ME.
Little did I know that my life would change today… I was dreading the process. I’m still in awe of the great treatment I received.
Don’t go anywhere else you will not be disappointed here I feel I’m in great hands!!
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05 Dec, 2024 by David ries
He sent a few email and couldn’t get anything done if he knew this was not going any where on the few emails refund my money. Haven’t heard from him and dealing with the collection myself now. What a waste of 2000. Beware. I asked for a refund because nothing was getting done. He said he no refund I told him to also go ahead and take out whatever fees for the few emails he sent, but still didn’t wanna give me back any money. So he takes money from desperate people and desperate times and acts like he’s doing them a favor
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13 Dec, 2024 by R k
Majors law group was very knowledgeable and thorough. They knew exactly what needed to be done and made a very hard time in life more manageable. I was kept well informed throughout the entire process.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Maria feliz
Let’s Just say I was treated like Royalty today by Jessica and Attorney Dominic Major’s. The firm was HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO ME.
Little did I know that my life would change today… I was dreading the process. I’m still in awe of the great treatment I received.
Don’t go anywhere else you will not be disappointed here I feel I’m in great hands!!
Read more
05 Dec, 2024 by David ries
He sent a few email and couldn’t get anything done if he knew this was not going any where on the few emails refund my money. Haven’t heard from him and dealing with the collection myself now. What a waste of 2000. Beware. I asked for a refund because nothing was getting done. He said he no refund I told him to also go ahead and take out whatever fees for the few emails he sent, but still didn’t wanna give me back any money. So he takes money from desperate people and desperate times and acts like he’s doing them a favor
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05 Dec, 2024 by West coast auto group info
Starting from the kind staff and moving into a kind attorney, you don’t find that very often. Lance is professional, savvy and reliable. There is nowhere else you should look for counsel, we couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. Thank you Lance!!!!
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05 Dec, 2024 by Tyler bell
One of the best law firms I have ever been represented by. I have used Hester Law Group for multiple situations dating back over a decade and they've never let me down. There were times the outlook was grim, the prosecution was adamant and these guys postured themselves and defended justice with ease. I have never been disappointed with our final resolution and more times than not have received an outcome far greater than one would think possible. When looking for a solid attorney look no further, Lance Hester is a solid man and outstanding attorney.
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02 Jul, 2024 by Luca villalba
13 Jan, 2025 by Dominick andrezze
Katrina, Ashley, and Nancy are top-notch lawyers who undertook my case and won all aspects due to their attention to detail. Highly recommend law firm.
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04 Nov, 2024 by Lauren sands
I used Bliss Law Group, specifically Riley Moos, to represent me in an especially contentious protection order against my husband (and father of my only child) after calling the police on him for the third time in 2 years. The night that I left was the final straw when he tried to break down the bedroom door to get to me. My ex was extremely upset when I filed for the protection order, vowing that by the time the hearing was finished, he would have full custody of our daughter....As you can imagine, I was quite scared!!!! A lot of people say that protection orders are easy to get but ours was much more complex. When I left my husband, the only place I could go, was back to him, or to a homeless/abused women's shelter. I would not allow my daughter to suffer either one of those situations and decided to take her out of state, to my hometown, where we could stay with family while we could pick up the pieces of our broken lives. The decision to leave the state was best for my daughter but it added greatly to the potential repercussions of leaving my husband. My attorney, Riley Moos, swooped in and saved the day. It's hard to describe, but from the moment I started talking to her, I knew we would win that protection order; I could tell when I talked to her that she had read all of the 25 page protection order I'd written recounting the treatment I'd endured over the years, and I knew that she was 100% invested in protecting myself and my daughter. She believed in my cause and she pursued it like a mother bear protecting her cubs. In the final protection order hearing, the Commissioner stated that there was a preponderance of evidence of coercive control. He ordered my husband undergo a substance abuse evaluation and domestic abuse evaluation. And here, I must applaud my ex-husband, because he allowed this feedback to change him. He's been going to AA 5x a week for the past year, has gotten sober, and has turned his life around. None of this would have been possible without Riley. I had previously talked to a pro-bono attorney and could tell that she had no interest in *fighting* for me, or even in reading the lengthy protection order I had written. If it hadn't been for my attorney, Riley Moos, my daughter and I wouldn't be safe in our new home, and my ex-husband wouldn't have turned his life around!!!
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30 Oct, 2024 by Nick wilson
Riley and Karissa are awesome to work with, I've been fortunate enough to work with Bliss Law for the past 9 years and each time has been professional and impressive. Highly recommend.
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13 Dec, 2024 by R k
Majors law group was very knowledgeable and thorough. They knew exactly what needed to be done and made a very hard time in life more manageable. I was kept well informed throughout the entire process.
Read more
05 Dec, 2024 by Maria feliz
Let’s Just say I was treated like Royalty today by Jessica and Attorney Dominic Major’s. The firm was HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO ME.
Little did I know that my life would change today… I was dreading the process. I’m still in awe of the great treatment I received.
Don’t go anywhere else you will not be disappointed here I feel I’m in great hands!!
Read more
05 Dec, 2024 by David ries
He sent a few email and couldn’t get anything done if he knew this was not going any where on the few emails refund my money. Haven’t heard from him and dealing with the collection myself now. What a waste of 2000. Beware. I asked for a refund because nothing was getting done. He said he no refund I told him to also go ahead and take out whatever fees for the few emails he sent, but still didn’t wanna give me back any money. So he takes money from desperate people and desperate times and acts like he’s doing them a favor
Read more
07 Jan, 2023 by Brian
I hired Mark in the summer of 2019 to work my case after firing another law firm in Port Orchard. With the other firm, the lawyers were just in it for the fees. They admitted they had no expectation that I would be successful in court and were simply pushing to go to mediation. They and their paralegals, being polite, were subpar. I fired them for either negligence or incompetence, hard to tell what the situation was.
When I was interviewing for a new lawyer, I talked to several other Kitsap County and Seattle lawyers, but as soon as I started talking to Mark, I knew he got it. Without going into details, my case was fairly complicated both in storyline and legally. I had really gotten myself into a pickle, but Mark got it immediately, understood what had happened and knew what needed to be done.
In the first few months, I was actually worried that I was getting played with used car salesman skills because he seemed to agree with and understand everything I was trying to convey, but once I saw the first artifacts he drafted outlining the case, I realized he really understood and was truly advocating for me.
Then COVID hit, and I am not going to lie, there were many times in 2020 and 2021 that I was getting very frustrated with the pace. COVID obviously delayed things in an unprecedented manner, but there were also other cases that Mark was waiting on that were being litigated at the same time that he wanted to see the decision on before proceeding with mine. This period was painful mainly because of the portion of my income that I was not paying as alimony left me essentially penny-less at the end of every month. These changes in circumstance were part of the reason for the court case to being with, but Mark recommended I make sure I pay 100% if I could.
Once we got into court proceedings, Mark continued to be a superior advocate for me, while at the same time being the aggressive lawyer that I needed him to be against my ex-spouse and her attorney. Mark was able to take my situation and explain it in terms that the judge clearly understood the deceptions executed by my ex-spouse and her lawyer.
In the end, the judge ruled very favorably in early 2022, overturning “lifetime” maintenance and granting that it would only continue for 3 additional years at very reduced terms. One of the things the judge noted in my favor was that I had made every required payment and more, taking the children into account, despite sometimes having negative cash flow for months in a row. Mark’s early intuition on this matter proved critical.
My case involved active duty military considerations, military retirement considerations, older minor children, college age children, dependent parents and revolved around termination of deceptively worded lifetime spousal support at $4000/m that was cleverly inserted in the divorce decree contrary to verbal agreement and understanding. There is quite a bit of additional nuance, but regardless, Mark was able to overturn essentially the entire decree.
So here’s the bottom line. If you are looking for a lawyer that will listen, understand, and advocate for your story (not just mechanically process your situation), then I have not found anyone better than Mark. And this is after having talked to at least a dozen lawyers, some free consultations but mostly in paid consultations. He is not afraid to be unconventional when required and not afraid of a hard fight. I don’t want to speak about all family law matters, because I think that is a very broad field and I don’t want to over-project my experience, but in matters of divorce-related litigation, I recommend Mark over any other lawyer.
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23 May, 2021 by Anonymous
Terrible attorney who lacks communication skills and due diligence, waste of & buyer beware, cost me time with my child…
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22 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
I reached out to Mark to inquire about my options for a legal issue in my family’s life. He was very understanding and caring in his thoughts and recommendations for us. He took the time to talk to me the moment I called and helped me to understand what my next steps should be. He also followed up with a kind email to remind me of my options, offer his sympathy towards my situation, and offer his service if ever needed in the future. I highly recommend Mark for your legal needs.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Kevin noah
Straightforward, helpful, did the necessary research to help me with my case. Always nice to have peace of mind. I’ve got a law firm in my back pocket if I ever need help again
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19 Jun, 2024 by Elizabeth turnbow
Torrone has worked with us and brought their best to the table. We really appreciate their ability and thoughtfulness. We are grateful we have them to present our case. They listen, understand and bring their A game everytime.
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28 Mar, 2024 by T w
Absolutely amazing law firm!!! The care and love they showed toward my family and I was unsurpassed. Chris was very responsive and was very straight forward and got things settled very quickly. He and his staff are very knowledgeable and personal when it comes to your case!!
If you need a law firm for CPS or family matters, THIS IS THE PLACE!
-Tarek Williams and Family
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22 May, 2024 by Katie ashcraft
It was an absolute pleasure working with Heather Young. From the first meeting to the conclusion of my case she was professional, considerate and truly advocated for me in every detail. She was very responsive in returning phone calls and emails and filed all appropriate paperwork in a timely manner. She really showed her true value at the end of a 12 hour, very challenging mediation. We were all exhausted from the very long day and she took the time to go line by line through all of the documents to be sure that what I was about to sign was what I had agreed to. This attention to detail in that moment was absolutely wonderful.
She is not only incredible at her job, she is also just a pleasure to know as a person. If you are in need of a family law attorney who is assertive, detail-oriented, strategic, and resilient, with excellent communication skills, I would encourage you to call Heather Young.
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21 May, 2024 by Josh frink
I would like to thank Tuell& Young's firm for excellence. Heather Young represented me with a family law case for my daughter. I found Heather's EXTENSIVE knowledge invaluable. She was able to help me navigate a 7 year ongoing problem and keep my cool. I have never been more pleased with my Counselor and I have had many represent me in Pierce County. There staff is polite and does communicate rather efficiently I thought. I would Highly recommend them to anyone needing help in Pierce County.
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21 Mar, 2024 by Jessica barison
Amazing staff! Heather is thorough, pays attention to details and is easy to communicate with.
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01 May, 2016 by Bill
After my wife died, I was left with $400,000 in debts, plus collection agency letters and phone calls. I was convinced that I had to pay these debts or lose everything. I contacted several lawyers in my state that turned down my case. While visiting Washington, Attorney Stanton briefly reviewed my case, and assured me that there was a way to handle my situation. Since I don't live in Washington, she referred me to an attorney in my home state who was an expert in my type of situation and who settled my case for about ten cents on the dollar. I was very impressed that Attorney Stanton helped me out of this situation that seemed like I would lose all my retirement funds, and recommend her to anyone who needs legal assistance.
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31 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
I found Attorney Stanton to be very knowledgeable and she provided sound advice. I hired her for one matter and after helping achieve the results I was after (maintaining pension benefits) I hired her again for another matter. In both matters, her service was excellent, and she was always quick to return my calls and answer my questions. She was prepared and did everything that she said that she would in a timely manner. I would highly recommend Holly as a trustworthy, aggressive, smart, motivated, and savvy attorney. She saved my career and protected my future employment. She made it possible for me to prevail in a situation against a very aggressive attempt to ruin my life.
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06 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
I chose Holly Stanton after a brief discussion. She appeared to have a solid understanding and approach to dealing with divorce. I must say it has been an extremely frustrating two (2) years settling a divorce which was relatively close to agreement by both parties. These are some of the situations I encountered. I had a difficult time reaching Holly by phone and messages left rarely generated a response. When we met in person, most of the meeting was spent “refreshing” her memory. Meetings were always cut short due to Ms Stanton’s child care issues yet I was charged a full hour each time. Meetings were cancelled after arriving because needed information was not available. Filling for Child support was never completed after multiple requests to do so. This caused a major financial hardship as my former spouse twice arbitrarily chose to reduce child support by hundreds of dollars we had agreed upon. The divorce was finally concluded after contacting the opposing side’s attorney and speaking directly. I would definitely not suggest hiring Holly Stanton as counsel.
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23 Dec, 2023 by Christopher
She charged me $5000 for some email exchanges and when we went to court she didn't fight for or even request any of the requests I had hired her to fight for in my custody case. Her facebook is very unprofessional and she bragged about drinking the night before my case. Bad lawyer bad person.
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20 Aug, 2023 by Kassi
Tarah was assigned to me for a contempt motion but I ended up hiring her to fight an unethical opposing lawyer. Without her I would have been railroaded by opposing council from a big name firm. Tarah knew all the laywer's tricks and fought for me and my kids. It's taken almost 2 years but there's an end in sight and Tarah has been worth EVERY penny!!
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07 Feb, 2023 by Jason
I have been around some bad people throughout my lifetime, but Tara Wagner is the most atrocious human we have ever associated with. She treated my wife like a dog and made her feel awful about herself. She would yell at her and degrade her for asking simple questions. It reminded my wife of the abusive relationship she was in prior to me with her daughters father. Tara has major anger issues and extreme bouts of rage when she doesn't get her way or you annoy her. I am not surprised at all by her negative reviews on here stating that she is a narcissist and that she is being investigated. I do find it astonishing that she has not had her license revoked yet, but I have no doubt in my mind especially with all of these horrendous reviews that she will. Narcissistic people make great attorneys. The one review states that she is a "master of deception". That's exactly why narcissists make great attorney's. Do yourself and your mental health a big favor by avoiding this very horrible human.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Debben pettie
Doesn't actually do pro bono cases for clients with lawsuits depending on ethnic background.
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20 Jul, 2024 by Janel
I really don't know what to say. I went there once, was told to come in. Wasn't able to be seen. Come back maybe a month later with an appointment that I had to confirm over the phone, and they tell me I didn't confirm via text, when there was nothing to confirm in their texts. Waste of gas, they would not see me. Was given an appointment over the phone, and just now was told they had to cancel me. This is ridiculous!!
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03 Jul, 2024 by Matthew mattson
tacoma probono is the best law firm in the N.W.
i have been to court 4 times in the last year, as the defendant , against a slumlord , the attourneys that was assigned to me , where professional and straight to the point , all 4 complaints have been dismissed, and i am confident the 5th one will as well , i would recommend tacomaprobono to all the people that need a high priced attorney and cannot afford one , thank you tacoma probono ,
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29 Aug, 2024 by Debben pettie
Doesn't actually do pro bono cases for clients with lawsuits depending on ethnic background.
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20 Jul, 2024 by Janel
I really don't know what to say. I went there once, was told to come in. Wasn't able to be seen. Come back maybe a month later with an appointment that I had to confirm over the phone, and they tell me I didn't confirm via text, when there was nothing to confirm in their texts. Waste of gas, they would not see me. Was given an appointment over the phone, and just now was told they had to cancel me. This is ridiculous!!
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03 Jul, 2024 by Matthew mattson
tacoma probono is the best law firm in the N.W.
i have been to court 4 times in the last year, as the defendant , against a slumlord , the attourneys that was assigned to me , where professional and straight to the point , all 4 complaints have been dismissed, and i am confident the 5th one will as well , i would recommend tacomaprobono to all the people that need a high priced attorney and cannot afford one , thank you tacoma probono ,
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31 May, 2020 by Anonymous
My divorce was over 10 years ago. when I met him he looked at our assets and stated "there is not much money here". Very arrogant. I spoke mostly to his assistant, I would call her and tell her what i wanted from the divorce, I expected her to relay that to margullis but when we got to court she or he had nothing with them. Norman was friends with the ex's attorney and didn't fight for me.
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18 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Very condescending remarks throughout divorce process, told me to stop acting like a victim.
Did not represent me, sided with my ex's attorney during the process.
Was not knowledgeable about my case at all, only interested in charging fees.
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19 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
when I first consulted Mr. Margullis I was inclined to think he would do a good job but after he got my money I was handed over to his assistant. He seemed disinterested and didn't fight for me in the divorce and was very friendly with the opposing attorney. I really felt betrayed. Do not hire this guy.
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05 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
This "attorney" is suppose to work for the state in the child custody/support division. So to be fair to both clients is critical. As it involves childrens well being. But Ms. Vincent is very lazy and will not review information pretaining to the case until the hearing dates. Then she arrives late, (after court has started) which makes it impossible to even discuss anything with her. She follows her opinions and feelings that she wants done, not by the law. So never, never make her mad. She will bad mouth and degrade you at court. No matter how it will affect the child. She plays "dumb" when the court asks her knowledge of facts that have been addressed. "What, I don't recall and not to my knowledge" are her favorites. I would ask to be reassigned to a different lawyer to handle your case, but the Proscuters office will NOT do this. So I'm sorry but you are at her mercy when going to child support hearings when she is assigned your case in Tacoma Washington.
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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.
