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16 Mar, 2022 by Stephen
After hiring an attorney I had known for a very long time who almost immediately became ill after taking my case, and then being passed along to another attorney in the same firm who was not providing me with the level of representation I was seeking, I decided to research family law attorney bios and their reviews. I then decided to hire Dale as my advocate after dismissing my former attorney. Dale immediately demonstrated a level of knowledge, capability, and empathy that was unsurpassed. When I first called her office to set up an initial consultation, I was even surprised that she answered her own phone directly. She immediately demonstrated compassion for my situation and moved quickly to take on my high conflict child custody case. She informed me of integral information that I had not received from my previous attorney and she also kept me informed of every action that I had to take, as well as every action she was going to take. She also gave me homework to do, so that she would not have to charge me as much for doing some of the work between herself and her staff, but then she still provided me discounts on my bills. Every time I met with Dale, it was evident to me that she was doing everything within her power to advocate for me. Her understanding of both family law and psychology made her an outstanding attorney who is like no other in her field. Dale is extremely professional, as she is attentive, kind, considerate, and a great listener with amazing ideas. While we unfortunately did not win our case, it was through no fault of hers because I was in a situation where many “cards” were stacked against me from beginning to end, especially a very non-responsive, biased, and unprofessional court appointed Guardian Ad Litem (GAL). While we knew it was going to be an uphill battle all the way, Dale never stopped trying to do her best for me. In summary, I don't believe I could have found a more caring advocate and attorney than Dale and those who worked with and for her at her law firm. If you want the best family law attorney, she is the best.
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30 Aug, 2020 by Marian
Dale Berrett navigated my family through a very complex situation involving a legal battle to protect my deceased brother’s estate for his children. I am thankful we had Dale and her team on our side. Dale is sharp, organized, professional and gave us 100% of her attention. I would absolutely recommend her for your legal needs.
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18 Aug, 2020 by J.linton
Mrs. Berrett, is by far the best lawyer to seek with any type of child custody, divorce or other related matters. I hired Mrs. Berrett from a personal friend referral, for my divorce and custody battle. Mrs. Berretts attention to detail and care and compassion for her job and the well being of her client far exceeds any other lawyer i have had the pleasure of working with. While she is nicknamed the Barracuda is because Mrs. Berrett is well known for being aggressive in and out of the courtroom representing the law! No doubt she is a bulldog and when she knows the law is not being adhered too she will fight extra hard to prove her point. I will say my case was a complex one with many moving parts, but together with her team at her practice we were able to prevail. You want the job done right the first time, then i highly recommend you give Mrs. Berrett a call ASAP
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30 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
Caitlin (and the whole team really) gave me great advice. While my divorce wasn't ugly per se, no divorce is fun, and after over 20 years of marriage, we had a lot to sort out. She and the team were there every step of the way offering guidance and support.
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20 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
I have only consulted one time with Caitlin Walters, but the hour consultation was very informative regarding what to look at when modifying a custody arrangement and navigating through the system.
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19 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Caitlin was well prepared for our first consultation. She packed our one hour meeting with valuable information specific to my situation. She understood the intricacies of military issues as well as those for a disabled child. She explained my options in every situation I engaged her on. I would definitely recommend her to anyone just starting the process.
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02 Oct, 2023 by Jeffrey
When I began the search for representation in my divorce case my goal was to hire the very best.I found her in Allison Anders.She has the highest ethical and professional standards and I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking the very best in legal representation.I’m not saying it happens in every case,but in mine we got everything we asked for.
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25 Nov, 2018 by Judy
Allison Anders was referred to me from a fellow attorney in the area. She was a perfect fit for my case. It was a particularly tough case but she took it on like the pro she is and we ended up winning. I would recommend her to anyone in the area.
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21 Nov, 2018 by Sam
Phenomenal experience! Consultation was initially with Brandon and then Allison was designated primary. Not enough kind words for the entire organization. Professional, courteous, extremely knowledgeable and diligent. Allison and her staff were there with me every step of the way through a particularly difficult divorce and never once did I feel alone. Incredible attention to detail and always available to answer questions or provide reassurance. Allison made an otherwise miserable situation easily bearable.
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08 Sep, 2021 by Jason
TJ was informative and detail oriented. He always gave solid suggestions and advice, and also accommodated my specific requests. He was personable and empathetic. He worked hard for me.
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30 Jul, 2019 by Ronnie
T. J. was great to work with. He explained everything in detail and took his time to help me out. All around great guy.
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26 Jul, 2019 by Nikita
Attorney Wight did an awesome job on my divorce case. I would highly recommend him!
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08 Sep, 2020 by Mike
Mr. Basnight brings a wealth of experience to the court room. His calm and leveled demeanor helped immensely during what would otherwise be a very difficult time. His presence in front of the judge and his sage advise will be very much appreciated going forward with our case. The judge deferred to him and really listened to what he had to say.
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29 Dec, 2019 by Eddie
Over the last 30 years Mr. Basnight has been my attorney and has advised me on a number of legal issues and has represented me on a number of legal issues throughout the past 30 years.
He is currently my attorney for my divorce and has advise me on this issue on this matters. He thinks outside the box and try to find a way to pull a rabbit out of the hat. He’s very fair and has advised me on many issues as well and current issue whether or not I’d like what he has to say. He works very hard to achieve what the client wishes are.
I would definitely recommend Mr. Basnight to others for legal issues.
Sincerely,
Eddie Zapata
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20 Dec, 2019 by Guillermo
Mr. Basnight is more than a lawyer, he is my friend. He readily available at a moment's notice. I am in constant communication with with Mr. Basnight and that is extremely comforting. He is superbly skilled and a distinguished professional.
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02 Mar, 2022 by David
This lady is serious about winning your case! My case took almost five years but she was focused and determined.
I would recommend her to anyone and everyone that I know that is in need of an attorney.
Thank you so much for all of the hard work from you and your staff.
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28 Jan, 2021 by Matthew
I have hired Michelle twice now for child custody matters. She was able to have custody of my children awarded to me, then she was able to prevent my children from ending up in an unsafe situation. I have the deepest respect for her, her staff and I have the upmost confidence that she will go the extra mile for her clients. Thank you Michelle!
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28 Jan, 2021 by Nicholas
Michelle came highly recommended and rightfully so. After our first meeting I was confident in Michelle's ability to handle my divorce case. Michelle was attentive to my needs and always kept me well informed. It was a contentious divorce from the start and Michelle did a tremendous job with the many "curve balls" throughout the case. In the end, I was satisfied with the result and would definitely hire Michelle in any of her specialties.
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01 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Jennifer Oram-Smith is one of the most delightful and personable people I have ever had the privilege of working with. Even though, what put me in the position of having to hire a lawyer in the first place was not a good thing.... Jennifer's positive attitude and fearless fighting for my case helped make my experience that much better.
When you search for a lawyer, you often look for credentials - experience - size of the firm etc.... but what often isn't described is how diligent they are with their clients and their cases.
Jennifer was so tireless in her efforts to ensure I got what I was looking for, that each time I sent her an email she was quick to respond that very same day. Communication was key for me as I live in California and needed representation in Virginia.
My case was a complex one, with ALOT of history and paperwork to go through, and given the distance and how often I was able to actually meet with Jennifer in person - I can say I am very impressed with the way she conducts business.
As far as price goes, it should be no surprise to anyone that hiring a lawyer can be expensive (depending on your case) and you get what you pay for. I made that mistake the first time I hired a lawyer a few years ago and all I walked away with was debt and little to show for it. Jennifer is EXTREMELY fair in her pricing... in fact... I think she may be underpriced as I believe that her level of commitment is valued at so much more. And because of Jennifer's meticulous work and what felt like boundless knowledge of the judicial system, I was able to walk away from court with so much more than I had started with.
I would recommend Jennifer to anyone seeking legal help or even just legal advice.
Thank you for your help Jennifer!
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04 Jun, 2013 by Erick
Mr. Jacobson had all my witnesses in court and by my side ready and willing to back me up. He gave me his word that he will perform as professionally and efficiently as possible and he did. In fact he investigated my case more than the police department and myself. He was thorough and kept me and my wife optimistic.
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14 Feb, 2024 by Assena yao
This guy right here is an absolute professional. He knows his craft and it was an absolute pleasure and amazing experience working with him. I have recommended him to every single person that has traffic law needs, and you should too.
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20 Jan, 2024 by Vance richmond
I had an unfortunate encounter with a neighbor of mine whose dogs attacked my dog and bit me. I reacted in the moment and had an interaction with that neighbor that led me to court. I hired Jerrell based on a recommendation from an old military friend of mine and he did an excellent job of representing me.
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19 Jan, 2024 by Desirae brezovsky
He was amazing , attentive , and all around a great process with him
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01 Aug, 2024 by Abdel agami
22 Jul, 2024 by Patrick hayes
17 Jul, 2024 by Jeffrey mcalhaney
I recently met with Mr. Todd D. Rothlisberger, Esq. and Ms. Amber Boyd after I was contacted by the Internal Revenue Service regarding a tax issue. I was getting ready to engage a tax-resolution company to assist me when a friend of mine recommended that I speak with a law firm with tax specialists instead, as he felt that would be a better course of action. After a concise and thorough initial meeting, which instilled confidence in me as to the competency of Mr. Rothlisberger and Ms. Boyd, I engaged the firm of Poole, Brooke, and Plumlee PC to operate on my behalf. The process was detailed and professional every step of the way. Their knowledge of the IRS process, system, and indeed even the IRS Agent himself, was clear from the outset and very comforting, given my unfamiliarity with and trepidation about the situation. The best-case scenario outcome was outlined to me at the appropriate point, and that was indeed the end result. I am extremely pleased with the resolution, given the circumstances, and I will not hesitate to give this firm my full endorsement to anyone who may be in a similar situation.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Silver sun astrology
I called to inquire if I could be represented by a lawyer here as someone who is no longer a resident of Virginia. They told me it would be a $300 fee to get a yes or no answer to that...
So basically I would pay $300 just to potentially hear,
"No, we cannot represent you if you're not a resident of Virginia."
It takes about 30 seconds to tell someone no.
If the answer was yes, then sure, I understand paying for a consultation...but if the answer is no then what are they possibly going to tell me that is worth $300? That I should brush my teeth every day and wear nice clothing in court in my home state?
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24 Sep, 2024 by Dre parker
After sitting down for a consultation with a lawyer, I left the office well-informed as she gave me advice about my divorce that was very valuable…
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11 Sep, 2024 by Michael cobbs
17 Sep, 2024 by Joshua bohr
08 Sep, 2024 by Jeremy krueger
Kathryn and the other folks at Shaheen Law Firm were fantastic to work with. They were timely with communication, very thorough, and called me with any information and updates as we went through the closing process on my new home. Friendly from start to finish - I would recommend this group to anyone for the closing of their home in the Virginia Beach area.
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01 Sep, 2024 by Gail wilson
Robin was polite, professional, proficient, and prompt. She made the closing process, which can be nerve- wracking, as easy and uncomplicated as possible. She responded to all of my emails quickly, and she never seemed annoyed with my multitude of questions. Thank you Robin and Shaheen Law Firm.
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5.0
2 Reviews
4.8
119 Reviews
17 Sep, 2024 by Joshua bohr
08 Sep, 2024 by Jeremy krueger
Kathryn and the other folks at Shaheen Law Firm were fantastic to work with. They were timely with communication, very thorough, and called me with any information and updates as we went through the closing process on my new home. Friendly from start to finish - I would recommend this group to anyone for the closing of their home in the Virginia Beach area.
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01 Sep, 2024 by Gail wilson
Robin was polite, professional, proficient, and prompt. She made the closing process, which can be nerve- wracking, as easy and uncomplicated as possible. She responded to all of my emails quickly, and she never seemed annoyed with my multitude of questions. Thank you Robin and Shaheen Law Firm.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Abdel agami
22 Jul, 2024 by Patrick hayes
17 Jul, 2024 by Jeffrey mcalhaney
I recently met with Mr. Todd D. Rothlisberger, Esq. and Ms. Amber Boyd after I was contacted by the Internal Revenue Service regarding a tax issue. I was getting ready to engage a tax-resolution company to assist me when a friend of mine recommended that I speak with a law firm with tax specialists instead, as he felt that would be a better course of action. After a concise and thorough initial meeting, which instilled confidence in me as to the competency of Mr. Rothlisberger and Ms. Boyd, I engaged the firm of Poole, Brooke, and Plumlee PC to operate on my behalf. The process was detailed and professional every step of the way. Their knowledge of the IRS process, system, and indeed even the IRS Agent himself, was clear from the outset and very comforting, given my unfamiliarity with and trepidation about the situation. The best-case scenario outcome was outlined to me at the appropriate point, and that was indeed the end result. I am extremely pleased with the resolution, given the circumstances, and I will not hesitate to give this firm my full endorsement to anyone who may be in a similar situation.
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11 Aug, 2022 by Brian
I cannot begin to say enough good things about Regina and her assistant Carol! Regina brings the ideal combination of professionalism, expertise, precision, and persistence tempered with genuine understanding and empathy. In particular, she is VERY knowledgeable with the intricacies surrounding military divorce proceedings, a true expert! She always puts the client’s needs first but is not deterred from telling us what we need to hear, even if it’s not what we want to hear. She salvaged me from a literal train wreck of my own making; she will forever be in my debt. When you are facing the worst nightmare imaginable, I cannot recommend anyone else to represent your interests!
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12 May, 2022 by Joshua lassiter
Ms. Amick and her paralegal Ms. Decesare, did an amazing job. They listened to my needs, gathered all supporting documents and information, and went above and beyond to make sure that everything was covered. They maintained constant communication, and updates on what processes they were taking to make the case as smooth as possible. Out of all the lawyers over the years I've had, Ms. Amick shows that she truly cares, and wanted to listen to me. Her wealth of knowledge, and easy interaction made things so much easier. If I every have to go back to court for my child custody matter, I will definitely be reaching out to her again. Thank you so much for your patience and understanding
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10 Nov, 2021 by Amber
There are not enough word to describe Mrs. Amick. When I met Regina, she was my second consult. The first attorney didn't feel right. I spent an hour with Regina and it was that hour that changed my entire mind set about my divorce. Without going into the details of my divorce, I needed an attorney who would fight for me no matter what. I needed someone to hear my side of what happened, to be fair as to what was due to me based on the time of my marriage and not an attorney who was going to hurry the process along to move on to someone new. Regina made me feel like I was her only client. I never had any problem with her reaching out to me or communicating back. Respectful of her time with other clients and court dates, not to mention the amount of time she gives to the community and service to her peers, I had more respect for her work life balance the more I worked along with her. She is patient, persistent, thorough, extremely knowledgeable in the law and will fight for you like you are her own family. I cannot imagine going through what I did for as long as I did without her and Carol. They are the most genuine, kind, caring and amazing team to have on your side. Regina and Carol, thank you. Thank you both for everything you did for me in the last 4 years. And for those wondering, yes, I got what was my share and even more. Would never have happened without either of them. I was and still am so blessed to have had you both.
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5.0
1 Reviews
4.7
140 Reviews
01 Sep, 2024 by Caitlin overstreet
01 Sep, 2024 by Samantha missler
Page Kistler and her team were amazing. They were very responsive and timely from the beginning until the end. She always kept us informed and we never had to wonder what was happening during the process. I searched for her via Google based on the desire for my husband to officially adopt my daughter. She and the team exceeded our expectations and we would recommend her to anyone who is in search of a family lawyer.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Jason lombard
The whole staff was extremely friendly and very easy to deal with. Mrs Kistler and staff made my whole divorce extremely easy and were open about the whole process. I highly recommend for an honest, unbiased attorney.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Whitney turcotte
28 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I hired Ms. Woods in the hopes that she would represent me and represent my best interest. She was more about the money than representing my best interest. I had to sign my divorce because of how much much she was charging me for text messages. I would rather go with another lawyer that would be helpful and represent me.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Tamissa may
Scheduled an appointment for consultation and when I received the appointment it was for a phone call.. I arranged my work schedule for that day to take the call at home for privacy as I work in an office of 2000 associates. She had her office to change my appointment time and move it up and I didn’t even get 24 hour notice that she needed to change the time. Then when I could not they attempted to change to the next day like I can just tell my job I am going to run out whenever I want. She then refused the consultation all together . Very unprofessional and rude.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Whitney turcotte
07 Aug, 2024 by Tamissa may
Scheduled an appointment for consultation and when I received the appointment it was for a phone call.. I arranged my work schedule for that day to take the call at home for privacy as I work in an office of 2000 associates. She had her office to change my appointment time and move it up and I didn’t even get 24 hour notice that she needed to change the time. Then when I could not they attempted to change to the next day like I can just tell my job I am going to run out whenever I want. She then refused the consultation all together . Very unprofessional and rude.
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17 Jul, 2024 by Robert jones
My attorney was everything I had expected. She held the prosecutors accountable to provide relevant evidence/ testimony. She held them to the letter of the law related to hearsay. She was timely with her objections. I felt very confident with my outcome. I know with confidence where I am going to turn for legal representation!👍🏾
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.4
50 Reviews
17 Apr, 2024 by Delilah ndambuki
02 Apr, 2024 by Theresa grady
Attorney Dixon was very attentive. She explained the process each step of the way. She was fearless in court and when dealing with opposing counsel. I was confident in her ability to handle my case and was very satisfied with the outcome. She is very knowledgeable of military separation laws. Hopefully I will never be in this situation again, but if I am, I would definitely use her again. I was very pleased with Attorney Dixon and her team.
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12 Mar, 2024 by Kayla mcdonald
Ms. Dixon is extremely well educated and means business. She is very good at what she does! I highly recommend coming to her, she was great to work with and her paralegal was also very nice and helpful as well. Both very respectful, communication was great and take matters seriously! 100% recommend!
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10 Aug, 2022 by Barbara tabet
I thank Mona for understanding important information of the many entities that were commingled and confusing. She worked hard to focus on important aspects of my case; she understood and presented them in a clear way so the courts could be aware and fair. She understood and listened to my concerns and didn’t leave anything unturned.
She is an excellent leader in the court room. She is respected by all her colleagues and by the courts. Her paralegal is amazing. Kelli is extremely organized diligent and thorough. She adds a personal touch to your case with a little bit of laughter and no “fluff”. These girls are able, affable and available.
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05 Mar, 2020 by Pat
Mona was extremely compassionate and comforting in a very stressful
time in my life. My husband and I were going through personal
problems that we couldn’t seem to resolve, but thankfully we did.
She came to me highly recommended and she was an excellent
Attorney.
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06 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Mona did everything she set out to do for me. I needed a lawyer who would fight for me in court. She was always prepared and really got the job done. I've already recommended her to friends who need her service.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Juli edwards-mcdaniel
Shelly Wood and Caryn West have been so helpful for all our needs!
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16 Aug, 2024 by Michelle brown
I would highly recommend allowing Mr. Barlow and his paralegal Ms. Whitmore to manage you legal needs. I appreciated Mr. Barlow taking the time to explain legal terms and the various options I had available to meet my estate planning needs. They prevented the process of creating a will from being unpleasant, thanks again!
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16 Aug, 2024 by Caitlin matthews
My husband and I recently had the opportunity to meet Shelly Wood. While she did not directly represent us, she did a family member with a custody court case. We were extremely impressed with her professionalism, how committed she is, and goes above and beyond to assist. Also very caring. I highly recommend her, you cannot go wrong!!
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17 Apr, 2024 by Delilah ndambuki
02 Apr, 2024 by Theresa grady
Attorney Dixon was very attentive. She explained the process each step of the way. She was fearless in court and when dealing with opposing counsel. I was confident in her ability to handle my case and was very satisfied with the outcome. She is very knowledgeable of military separation laws. Hopefully I will never be in this situation again, but if I am, I would definitely use her again. I was very pleased with Attorney Dixon and her team.
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12 Mar, 2024 by Kayla mcdonald
Ms. Dixon is extremely well educated and means business. She is very good at what she does! I highly recommend coming to her, she was great to work with and her paralegal was also very nice and helpful as well. Both very respectful, communication was great and take matters seriously! 100% recommend!
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05 Aug, 2024 by D t
Alison anders commits legal malpractice and is a professional liar. She refused to take me as a client solely on the basis she thinks I'm too poor. She charged me 450 for a 15 minute consultation where she rudely insinuated I have no right to my son. Shes a professional scam artist that uses her career to steal from people. She should be prison. Alison anders is a fraud. Alison anders is evil.
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11 Oct, 2023 by Hammad abdulbaaqee
Effective, Meticulous, Mission oriented, Truthful, Confident, and Lawyer of the Year. Although it's best to start your case here, if you've had other representation, purge your disappointments and ask for Ms. Chaing, Esq. or any of her associates.
Outplayed? Family stripped from you? Living on borrowed means? Despairing? I thought my situation to be a losing cause. If results are what you are looking for, this firm will assist you throughout the legal process and back to normalcy.
Thank you for all the tireless work, for my restored dignity, and for my new life.
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27 Aug, 2023 by Jet100dragons666
My personal experiences with Chaing Anders was, in a word; WONDERFUL! Cynthia exceeded all of my expectations. All of my legal needs were met. Truly a blessing. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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23 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
The review by Christine is the same as the one on yelp. I suspect its a fake. This lawyer screwed up badly, lost me lots of money, charged me lots of money for doing so, taking years for a simple case, and wrote the order so badly that the judge subsequently threw it out.
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28 Aug, 2021 by Christina
I could not have asked for a more supportive, thorough, and professional experience during a very difficult custody trial. This was one of the longest custody trials that our judge has ever seen. Throughout my experience, from the initial phone call to the final day of court, I felt well taken care of and I was confident the best interest of my child was always at the forefront of the case. Mr. Jeffries was straightforward throughout the entire process, steadfast, and provided me with the confidence I needed to make it through this trial. Michelle, his assistant, always greeted me in a warm and friendly manner and was a pleasure to work with as well.
Mr. Jeffries is not your average attorney. He is constantly committing his time to researching the most up-to-date legal practices, laws, and relevant information available to provide you with a reliable and competitive advantage in the courtroom. He pays incredible attention to detail and was always prompt to respond when I needed to speak with him. I didn’t think I would find an attorney who would care about my case as much as me, but I feel Mr. Jeffries was just as committed and passionate about my case.
It is incredibly rare to find an attorney with the experience, knowledge, professionalism, commitment, passion, and care he offers.
If you’re looking for an attorney, Mr. Jeffries is a wise investment. I highly recommend him!
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07 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Terrible Attourney. She will not put effort into your case. She is unorganized and unresponsive once paid. If you want to loose , hire her. Avoid like the plague
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28 Apr, 2014 by Nakia
Attorney McLauchlin represented me in a custody case. I was told when she was first assigned to me that she was the best and she definitely proved herself as being just that. She was patient when dealing with me but she did everything in her power to defend me. She worked hard to make sure the outcome was in my favor and I owe her my life.
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31 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
He did such a poor job, I wanted to make sure I leave reviews for others NOT to use for family law. He was railroaded in court and did not do anything but argue. He did not listen or state case in court. Very unprepared.
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18 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired this attorney to represent me for a traffic & civil infraction. After evidence required by discovery was shared by the arresting department Mr. Jack’s proceeded to inform me of my guilt and what the judge would sentence me possibly without even looking at or considering the discovery evidence. He neglected to even watch my arrest or what transpired on the video provided to my disappointment.
Mr. Jack’s did not want to do the job for which I hired him and was just going through the motions to collect the money I paid him for defense. I suggest hiring an attorney that will defend you instead of one who just agrees with the prosecution to push you through the system.
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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.
