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06 May, 2023 by Cassie van gelder
I cannot recommend JC Patrascioiu more. He's calm while fighting harder for you than you can imagine.
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03 Oct, 2022 by Erin
Rissa was an invaluable asset during a less than ideal situation. She was clear in all steps needed to be taken by all parties, always available to consult on options, and realistic about expectations. I would certainly use her and her team's services again and would recommend them to anyone seeking counsel.
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16 Mar, 2022 by Elle
I cannot thank Mr. Curl more for his help with my questions, needs, and expertise! I'd spoken to multiple attorneys/firms regarding my case and nobody was as professional or knowledgeable as Mr. Curl. Thank you again!
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28 Jun, 2023 by Julie
Danielle was very helpful and very professional. She took the time to listen to me and helped me get the necessary paperwork that I needed for my case. She was very prompt in responding and let me know exactly what I needed to do.
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13 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
I was suggested Danielle’s practice by facebook and took a leap of faith. From the very start she listened to my situation, understood the urgency, and walked me through what to expect. She shows compassion and empathy which is something different than I have experienced with other lawyers. Danielle was very knowledgeable regarding the processes of the Department of Child Safety and Juvenile court system. She presented my position and all the evidence in a very thorough manner. She never gave up on me and thankfully my situation is resolved now. God must have knew I needed her help and suggested that ad for her services! Eternally thankful to Danielle!
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31 Oct, 2022 by Rudy
Danielle is an awesome attorney who is very knowledgeable in family law. She was a godsend to me! I will definitely recommend her with the highest regard to anyone experiencing family law issues.
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31 May, 2019 by Breanna
I was amazed at how fast Zelma handled my case! It was last minute and I was in contact and in a meeting with her mere days before my court hearing for disputed child support modification. She handled my case with such precision and made sure that my concerns were addressed. She was so very informative about expectations of both sides of this legal nightmare. She gave clear explanations of what to expect but fought for what I was deserved. I could not say enough nice things about her! I definitely recommend Zelma to anyone who is overwhelmed and in desperate need of legal help!
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18 Feb, 2018 by Eva
Zelma represented me in a very acrimonious divorce. I honestly don't know how she put up with all of my emotions for 2 years. She was always very calm when I wasn't, and would explain the law or strategy in layman's terms. Zelma was sincerely interested and caring about the outcome of my case. She explained circumstances matter of factly even if I didn't want to hear the outcome. Zelma is extremely knowledgeable in family law. I recommend Zelma Letarte 100% for an affordable and winning attorney. I can honestly state that after my divorce I learned how to move forward and not backward with bitterness because of her caring nature during and at the final decree of the divorce. I am a very strong personality and I learned a lot about empathy and fairness from Zelma.
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17 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Our case was not your typical Child Custody/Support case by any means. Zelma went above and beyond with handling our challenging case. I was so impressed how organized and professional she was. We call Zelma the " Bulldog" when it comes to being tough in the court room. Thank goodness she was on our side.
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11 Mar, 2022 by Michelle d
Attorney Lewis did a phenomenal job in my divorce representation. I was fully informed of every aspect during the process. He fought for my best interests, and his office/legal assistance was extremely efficient, and my questions and concerns were always immediately addressed.
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06 Mar, 2020 by Dusty
The amazing legal service he and his assistant provide is only rivaled by the level of genuine and sincere care that they have for their clients. After a horrible experience with my previous counsel, I hired Mr. Lewis for a messy custody relocation case, and I will trust and seek his advice for any legal matters that I may have in the future. I’ve recommended him to a couple close friends of mine, and told them they’d be crazy if they hired anyone else.
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06 Nov, 2019 by Debra
I was afraid that my divorce, just like most, was going to be long, arduous and painful. As a result I interviewed numerous divorce lawyers in Tucson and found each had a different take on my situation. Obviously I was frustrated, until someone recommended I look into retaining Mr. Lewis.
Mr. Lewis and his staff are amazing, to the point and get things accomplished. Period. They took the time to explain the process, what was Law and how it pertained to my situation. Mr. Lewis kept me informed and his staff walked me through it all. I would never have been able to get through this without Mr. Lewis and his exemplary staff. Honest, straight-forward and results that I approved of.
I highly recommend you contact his office for a consult and retain him. Without question the best decision I made was to go with Mr. Lewis and his staff!
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10 Feb, 2023 by Adam
I have had Thea for over 4 years now and the detail and depth of her work is outstanding. She has represented me many times with a favorable outcome. She always puts the child first and is as ethical as they come. Thea is thorough and is able represent you and your better than anyone else in the area. I will continue to use her and highly encourage you to give her the opportunity.
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02 Apr, 2018 by Monty
Thea was impressive from start to finish. The only credit I can take is in hiring her in the first place. Thea and her staff took it from there.
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21 Sep, 2017 by Tracy
Thea has represented me for my children and continues to do so. She exudes a passion for her work and gets to know her clients needs. She is articulate, knows how to get the job done and excels in her expertise of the law. I am lucky to have found her as I feel she has my family's best interest at heart. She fights for what is right and continues to do so, tirelessly.
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05 Mar, 2024 by Annette hasten
Awesome folks. So very helpful and very concerned for their customers. I will continue to use them until the day one of us is dead.
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21 Nov, 2023 by Robert
Natalie represented me through a very contentious situation. She was available when I needed her and responded to urgent issues almost always immediately. She knew exactly what to do when I didn’t. She is very knowledgeable and professional. She did very well representing me in court. I was able to settle my case with what I wanted.
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01 Jun, 2022 by Mike
Natalie made the best out of a bad situation. Divorce sometimes comes out of nowhere, and when children are involved the emotional toll that takes can be paralyzing. Natalie and her paralegal Diana did an amazing job walking me through the process with great communication and advise. Many times she had to ground me in the facts even when the outcome seemed to be unfair. Her knowledge of the law and the process made things turn out the best I could hope for. Sometimes the results aren't what you want, but she was able to explain how in the long run it would protect me. If you need someone on your side I can't recommend her enough. A+++
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10 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Ari was very caring and competent working on my case. She fought for me to have more time with my son. She clearly saw what the issues in my case were, and fought to make sure I got more parenting time. She is easy to talk to and her prices are fair.
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29 Oct, 2015 by Danielle
Ms. Kerr helped me with a pressing legal problem. She was friendly, direct, and genuine. She helped me solve my problem and I am very grateful. I highly recommend her services.
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28 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms. Kerr has this inherent ability to think about one's situation way beyond what one can explain in words. I really liked her "to the point and no BS" approach. Talking to her, i could feel that she genuinely cared about me and wanted the best for me -- that's a BIG plus for any attorney -- just being human -- and that's what i felt talking to Miss. Kerr .
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04 May, 2021 by Melissa
She made the process of divorce so easy. Due to the nature of the case(Domestic violence and children involved) her experience really reassured me. I appreciated that she was always just an email away and if I needed to schedule some time to actually talk over the phone about something she was usually able to get me in fairly quickly. She didn't use legal jargon, instead she made sure to explain the process in a way I was able to understand. I would not have been able to go through this process alone and Esther was the best choice in representation. If she was unable to assist personally, someone from the firm was able to step in and make sure I was taken care of. I highly recommend Esther!
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04 May, 2021 by Barbara
Esther is hands-down the absolute greatest! She has been a constant advocate for me and never backs down. She is reasonable and listens. She has navigated my divorce with grace and consistency. She is extremely knowledgeable and knows the ins-and-outs of it all. She is thorough and her expertise shows. I keep telling people that working with her is the best money I have ever spent. If you need someone to go to bat for you - choose Esther, every time!!
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20 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Ms. Brilliant took on my case as the Plaintiff in a contested Order of Protection. I am so appreciative of her management and care in my case. She went over the details as often as we needed to so she could understand the full scope, beginning to end, and her honesty, compassion and professionalism one-on-one and in court were a tremendous comfort. If you're in the unfortunate circumstance of heading to a hearing, get ahold of Esther. She's the best.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Amie
I was catapulted into divorce, and blindsided by my (then) husband. From the moment I walked into Matt’s office, I was welcomed with kindness, empathy, strength, lots of tissues and I left with a plan. Matt and Jen took their time to hear “my story” and really listened to my hopes for my marriage as well as my worries about divorce.
Matt and Jen were there EVERY STEP of the way from start to finish, 2.5 years of false accusations, malicious and fabricated statements that attacked my role as a mum, my integrity and could have significantly impacted my career. I genuinely thought I was going crazy.
Matt and Jen never wavered in their continued support and belief in me and the truth despite the oppositional fabrications. They never once believed I was what was being said.
They plowed through many ( and I mean many) emotional and some times erratic emails filled with 100’s of pictures, videos and screenshots of messages/emails, in response to receiving statements that were personal attacks and untrue.
Matt and Jen took this all within their stride, they never once made me feel I was too much or a burden. They were my backbone at the most crushing time of my life. I felt that this wasn’t just a “job” for them they genuinely cared about what was best for me and my children.
My case was complex for many reasons but was further complicated by an international move, yet Matt and Jen continued to support me from afar continuing to validate my story and their belief in me never changed regardless of my geographical location.
This was evident in our recent trial, my then husband continued their fabrications on the stand, yet this did not phase Matt in the slightest, he was more than prepared and presented evidence after evidence to disprove my then husband right there on the stand. It was extremely hard and sad to witness, yet my story and my truth was finally being told and It finally hit me, I was not crazy!!
I cannot thank Matt and Jen enough. Whether you are scared, worried, an emotional mess, crushed and suffocating or not, Matt and Jen will be your backbone and hold that emotional weight until you can breathe again.
Matt and Jen, I can finally breathe and begin to heal so from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Ashley smith
Matt and his team helped me through my divorce. I appreciate all there hard work.
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11 Apr, 2024 by Matthew green
Uri Palmer has established himself as an absolutely gold standard family lawyer in Tucson. I've known Uri for many years, and as a fellow attorney in Tucson, I can attest that he enjoys a well-earned reputation in the legal community as being one of the most talented lawyers in his practice area. I wholeheartedly recommend Uri and his partners at Randle, Palmer and associates.
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5.0
21 Reviews
4.7
74 Reviews
08 Oct, 2024 by Brianna
Me and my husband hired Uri a while back but any time I can I recommend his law group because I know they are the best. He was very attentive and well prepared. I had a case involving termination of parental rights and he offered me the best services. He explained everything and understood my concerns and worries. And even though this all took place during Covid time he got everything done in a timely manner! The whole team was very caring and also kept me well informed throughout the whole process. Couldn’t be more pleased with them even after so many years!
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16 Apr, 2024 by Ashley smith
Matt and his team helped me through my divorce. I appreciate all there hard work.
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11 Apr, 2024 by Matthew green
Uri Palmer has established himself as an absolutely gold standard family lawyer in Tucson. I've known Uri for many years, and as a fellow attorney in Tucson, I can attest that he enjoys a well-earned reputation in the legal community as being one of the most talented lawyers in his practice area. I wholeheartedly recommend Uri and his partners at Randle, Palmer and associates.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Erik
My only regret was not being able to afford her services longer. Jennifer was very helpful in creating an in depth parenting plan and giving me legal advice when my vindictive, spiteful ex filed our child for taxes during my year and attempted to gain full decision making rights. Would recommend Jennifer to anyone dealing with emotionally draining family law litigation needs.
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27 May, 2024 by Kelly gorman
Very helpful and thoughtful with estate planning needs.
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16 May, 2024 by Cameron meyer
Jennifer is an amazing lawyer. She was supportive and informative throughout the whole process of relocating out of state with my son. She is a great litigator in court. The outcome we got was exactly what we wanted and was what was needed for my son's well-being. I recommend her and her team full-heartedly.
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4.8
16 Reviews
4.5
16 Reviews
27 Oct, 2023 by Melissa
I highly recommend Rolfe Family Law for those in need of help during a child custody case. Annie is knowledgeable and was supportive the whole way through my custody process. She was firm in getting what was fair for both my child, and myself and made sure my expectations were realistic. Annie was great at explaining all of my options and weighing the pros and cons of every situation. She was always patient and put my mind to ease during that stressful time.
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21 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Annie has been exceptional over nearly a decade in dealing with a very high conflict family situation. She has always given great guidance, successfully minimized our time in court, and has been a trusted advocate for my child and my family.
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28 May, 2023 by Rantz maxson
24 Jun, 2024 by G j
Didn't seem to care, did not look at my ex's financials, or compelled opposing counsel to provide them. Was willing to make financial arrangements without them. I had to raise my hand in pretrial to ask how someone who makes 32k a year has deposits for 50k in their bank account. Was 30 minutes late for meeting with the Judge because she went home to feed her dogs. billed me for a call to move an appointment around her schedule. I would highly recommend it for the price to go elsewhere.
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09 Jun, 2024 by Ryan levasseur
Reagan was the attorney for my ex-husband. While I understand her job is to fight for her client, it was concerning how little she seemed to care about the children involved. The battles were all about securing money, and more money for her client with almost no regard for the children and putting their financial, physical and emotional needs first. She fought for her client to get child support, which I agreed to for a year, yet he exercised his parenting only three times in almost a year, by his choice. We are now three years out from this horrific process and though we have healed and moved on, I felt it best to review my experience for others in the throws of this process. Of course, the client she was fighting for has not seen his children in three years by his choice, and not paid child support, sent a birthday gift, Christmas gift, attended any single school function, or done anything, but that was clearly was not a shock to anyone involved. We all have a job to do, yes, but defending and fighting for money for a person who does not even want to see or be involved with their children is concerning to me. She may fight hard for her clients, but the real concern should be fighting for what is right for the children as well, not just your client. The children’s needs should always come first, so to ignore your clients blatant behaviors disregarding the safety, care and well being of his own children and continue to push for him to get more money was, in my opinion, not showing a level of integrity that should come with this area of law when children are involved. Arguing endlessly to get more money out of me to fund his lifestyle while knowing I was the only parent who financially provided for the children 100% was disturbing. Additionally, wasting attorneys fees and time going back and forth over a parenting plan and holiday schedule etc. when you knew your clients was not seeing his children, calling them, or providing any financial support was mind boggling and obviously a complete waste of resources. In these emotional times it is easy to be preyed upon, if I could give any advice it’s to use a mediator. The only one who wins in a divorce is the attorney, we all know this. Some fuel the fire more than others and when that happens everyone loses.
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30 Apr, 2024 by Mj jensen
If I could give 10 Stars to Reagan Kulseth and her Team, I would! We were facing a very stressful and horrific divorce situation with a family member. Reagan not only took us under her wing, but she was extremely generous with her time and knowledge. We feel like we can breathe again and Reagan has given us hope that this will be resolved.
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04 Apr, 2024 by Maria
Sean simply didn’t care.. Their office never contacted me to prepare me for court asked me question on the stand I had no idea what to answer and only give the answers he wanted me to say. He argues with his clients.
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11 Aug, 2023 by Link webber
Always Very Nice , Very Helpful Knowledgeable Folks.
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27 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
I had the absolute best experience with Sean, I had a pretty tough case on my hands, from the beginning he mentioned it would be a tough ride. After countless of outrageous review hearings Mr Thrush followed through each of my needs and was very respondent to my wants in the case. The patience and accordance was fantastic. I would recommend 100%. He has big plans as a continuous outstanding lawyer.
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07 Jul, 2019 by Sherman
Trueblood is a great child support lawyer. She explained everything to me after I came in to see her and explained to her, in detail, my situation. She had multiple options after hearing me out. Which helped me decide on something that was best for BOTH parties.
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28 Jan, 2019 by Caridad
I am extremely satisfied with the legal service I received from Mrs. Trueblood. My divorce was complicated because my ex-husband and I moved to separate states during the divorce process. She continued to keep me informed, gave me expert advice, and explained all the options available to me. I felt she represented me and my best interest when she drafted proposals to me and my ex-husband. She works in a timely manner; she is an experienced lawyer and is willing to work with you. I would highly recommend her to my family and friends.
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26 Feb, 2018 by Ari
I reached out to Christine Trueblood in a very emotional and down segment of my life. Mrs. Trueblood had explained and stood by me every step of the way until I achieved what I wanted. Not only she is knowledgeable and professional, but she is a human who relates to your emotional side of matters. I highly recommend Mrs. Trueblood.
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27 May, 2024 by Kelly gorman
Very helpful and thoughtful with estate planning needs.
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16 May, 2024 by Cameron meyer
Jennifer is an amazing lawyer. She was supportive and informative throughout the whole process of relocating out of state with my son. She is a great litigator in court. The outcome we got was exactly what we wanted and was what was needed for my son's well-being. I recommend her and her team full-heartedly.
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02 May, 2024 by Bill martin
Jennifer Schroader is very competent attorney and cares about her clients. I had been putting off making a will for a long time.
She made going through the details painless and gently prodded me when I let correspondence/decisions lapse. It was easy to make decisions with her. I'm glad I picked Ms. Schroader and got it done!
Bill in Tucson
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15 Apr, 2024 by Jay gupta
She could care less about anything but collecting money. She comes to court completely unprepared and will just sit in the Court and not defend you at all. She forget to bring important document to the hearing. She will not listen to her client, difficult to work with and refused to do what she was paid to do. She has her own opinions about you and make her own judgments. She does not represent her clients as an attorney should. She just like to sit in her office and too old to defend you specially when it comes to defending against younger attorney. PLEASE DO YOURSELF A FAVOR. Go elsewhere.
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26 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Paid 200 for consultation and she would not take the case. Too high conflict for her . She wouldn't even refer another attorney "they will take your money and do nothing so I won't refer." Waste of 200 dollars that could of been towards hiring lawyer. To me this is unethical
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18 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Lisa was my champion when I went through a divorce. She fought for me and guided me through a difficult time in my life when I needed her expertise, professionalism, and knowledge about family law.
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10 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Upon my initial meeting I found Sarah competent in my divorce and financial divorce struggles. It wasn’t long after that she was intimated by me ex-husbands counsel and no longer represented me as I paid thousands and thousands for. I overheard her with opposing counsel belittling me while I was waiting for a scheduled meeting, that I paid for. Sarah then failed to show up to hearings as a competent attorney. She never raised when the Judge spoke etc. I had evidence in my case that she should have submitted and she never did even after asking her to. I was a victim of extreme domestic abuse that she discounted. My ex husband was jailed as a fugitive from justice in Columbus, Georgia. She never brought gun t any of that into the courtroom. Instead, I had to pay my abuser fees on his false claims. She told me that she specialized in getting children back…then told me that financial divorces were not her specialty. Being upfront and 25k later. Also, she referred me to another financial attorney that required a 10 k retainer.
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13 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Sarah was fantastic! She was prompt in her services and had my best interest in all things.
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04 Oct, 2023 by Lisa
Sarah was compassionate while being straight forward and to the point. She doesn’t mince words and gets the job done! She handled our parental termination case quickly and very efficiently, I had a court date before friends of mine doing the same thing, even when they started months before me! I highly recommend her to everyone, and would never hesitate to retain her as my lawyer again. Her legal secretary is just as helpful, honestly the experience couldn’t have been any better!
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16 Jan, 2014 by Wm.
Ms. Tsakanikas handled my matter which was years old with a file size that was ridiculous. Thousand of dollars I spent over a decade past in legal fees with NO results the matter went into a holding pattern till my son was becoming age 18. Now with the matter having been moved to Pima county from Gila by the other party and seeking FINAL closure Ms. Tsakanikas took on something that is more unbelievable than a fiction novel. Anyhow in standard fashion from years before the selected opposing councel (Guy Keenan esq) was anything but cooperative. This I had become use to as any attorney the other party retained it was with instruction to NOT GIVE and INCH.
Anyhow the final outcome was something I am satisfied with as I was not over billed (as has happened with other attorneys). Ms. Tsakanikas KNEW the family law pertinent to my matter which was a BIG plus compared to what opposing counsel was attempting. Thus final score I win, they loose. The only one really paying the absolute price here was my son, Mom kept him away from me and that time can never be replaced.
Life is not fair......................................
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07 Mar, 2024 by Dan
Over a protracted and difficult period of time, Danette proved to provide rock solid advice, advance legal strategy, and valuable and fair feedback. After researching the majority of lawyers available that practiced family law in Tucson, I selected Danette based on numerous factors. She had case specific experience in areas involving behaviors of questionable legal standing by opposing counsel and their client, as well as complex support through a religious organization geared solely towards extracting monies for the benefit of their group. Essentially, Danette had odds stacked against her. She successfully maneuvered the case through the system, with patience and care, all while managing expectations in a clear and concise manner. The outcome was favorable. I’m grateful for her help, and very satisfied with her capabilities and professionalism.
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18 May, 2023 by Mollie
Ms. Pahl was my opposing attorney. I initially consulted her on my ex husbands behalf. Eventually I hired my own attorney. She frequently came to court unprepared and requested numerous continuances causing the divorce to run nearly five years. What was most disconcerting is that she lied three times to the Judge while the evidence countering her claims were part of the exhibits. She has a knack for changing course which led to more new pleas, continuances and then later she would remove said requests. Her peers describe her tactics as "throwing everything against the wall, right or wrong, then seeing what sticks". Her services will cost a lot of money with very little results.
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27 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
I have worked with Danette for many years (sadly), first for my divorce, and then for ongoing child custody issues with a difficult Ex. Danette has been extraordinarily professional and has guided me through the maze of family law. My case was complicated and it was clear from the beginning that Danette had the best interests of my children in mind. I felt confident working with Danette, despite the emotional trauma of divorce.
I have recommended her to several friends and would not hesitate to recommend her services again. If you are involved in a divorce situation, with kids and don't know where to go, call Danette.
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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.
