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4.5
33 Reviews
12 Mar, 2024 by Justin blackwood
Lauren did a wonderful job throughout my entire estate planning process. She was thorough and explained everything in great detail with matching clarity. Would highly recommend her to anyone taking the important step of planning for their future.
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28 Feb, 2024 by Bill klein
It had been about 20 years since I first had a trust and will produced. I wanted to find a local estate planning attorney, and a friend referred me to Lauren. I’m so happy for that referral because Lauren was the best choice I could have hoped for.
Knowledgeable, thorough, detail-oriented, professional, and very pleasant to work with, Lauren is an excellent communicator and quite patient in explaining details.
I also appreciated that she took the initiative to provide recommendations to issues I hadn’t considered. She produced a high-quality and well organized estate planning portfolio, including easy-to-follow instructions on how to manage my estate. Her fee was reasonable and in the end I feel I received a great value. I would highly recommend Lauren for anyone considering estate planning.
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27 Jan, 2024 by Erhaan shaikh
My wife and I were looking for a trust attorney and were referred to Lauren by good friends who had worked with her on their trust. We were very pleased with Lauren's thoroughness throughout the process and for making the whole topic understandable for a lay-person. She is very organized and communicates regularly and clearly. She was also very understanding when we changed our minds on various decisions, and revisited some items multiple times. Lauren also suggested that we consider estate planning for our children who are over 18. She worked with our kids to capture their wishes in wills, powers of attorney and health care directives. All in all, Lauren did an excellent job for our family and will be returning to her in the years ahead for updates to our trust. Thank you Lauren!
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19 Jun, 2024 by Ana hernandez
A year ago, I felt like my life was flipped upside down. From the very beginning after hiring Mr. Nares to represent me I have felt nothing but reassurance that my case would be handled with professionalism, dedication, and genuine care. I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the outstanding legal support provided during one of the most difficult moments of my life.
Mr. Nares isn’t just an expert in the legal field but a compassionate individual who truly shows his clients he cares. With all that being said, I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Tom Nares to anyone seeking legal representation. Thank you!
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12 Jun, 2024 by Emmanuel phanord
They are not professional at all
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13 Apr, 2024 by Maria gutierrez garduno
Thomas d. Nares was a great help and a great support in this hard process. His whole team is very friendly and always very helpful and respectful.
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12 Dec, 2023 by Brandon jimenez (the host)
No free consultations.
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24 Oct, 2023 by Alban sauret
I cannot say enough about the incredible support and assistance I received from Charles "Chip" Oxton. From the moment I reached out to him, he exhibited exceptional expertise, professionalism, and compassion in handling my custody. He ensured that my child's well-being was at the forefront of all our proceedings.
I believe that what sets Chip apart is not just his exceptional legal skills but his remarkable qualities as a human being. He genuinely cares about his clients, which really mattered to me during an emotionally draining time. He was always honest and direct, even when it meant having difficult conversations.
In addition to Chip, I had very nice interactions with other lawyers and assistants at his office. Feeling safe about being at a lawyer's office is reassuring in challenging times.
In summary, if you find yourself in need of an attorney who has great legal skills but who is also an amazing person, I strongly recommend Chip! He had an immense impact on my life during one of the most challenging times I've ever faced.
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07 Jun, 2023 by Nelly risdon
When my husband passed away it was a shock. A friend realized that I was going to need a lawyer. I called Charles office in a panic and spoke with Beth. Without hesitation Charles was on the phone with me and after only 10 minutes he knew exactly what to do. He showed up for me! For 3 years, he and the team were my voice. It was a complicated, frustrating fight to the finish. Through the entirety of the pandemic, with court cases being pushed and dealing with multiple lawyers on the other side, Charles and team kept me calm, walked me through everything step by step. They made sure to answer every question, take every meeting and most importantly heard every word I said. Even when I was completely freaking out. Charles was my muscle.
Professional, trustworthy, knowledgeable about the law. Charles and team are also compassionate, but tough when it comes to fighting for what is right.
During the toughest time in my entire life, Charles and team were there for me. I could not have gotten through this without them.
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01 Dec, 2023 by Robert leinweber
Matthew Becker is hands down the best attorney I have ever had the pleasure dealing with.
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17 Nov, 2023 by James rohn
Richard is extremely knowledgeable and helps the underdog
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20 Apr, 2023 by Dimitrius taylor
Best lawyer in Sacramento , very helpful and he knew what he was doing, i would recommend him to anyone .
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26 Aug, 2024 by Jose yanez
Caled them they had the compassion for me where I didn't get anywhere else thank you
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26 Aug, 2024 by Eljessie7
What can I say about this amazing law firm that's helped not just with the process but to finally get the chance to see my kids. I've been unable to see them for a year until I hired reel fathers. Told them my situation and they immediately got to work. They have worked with me not just with my kids but working with me in the financial aspect. If you truly want a law firm that cares Reel Fathers is the way to go. I truly love the team that was built around me. They also check on you to see how you are doing mentally which I thought was amazing!! They get the job done and truly work with you
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26 Aug, 2024 by Damuriel ballard
Very helpful they gave me a better understanding of my situation
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18 Sep, 2024 by Jessica
Thanks Chris Ingram law office for a smooth and straight forward process for my EB1 case. Let me breakdown my experience with them:
1. Intake: detailed breakdown of the categories that I could apply for. Tim was my intake specialist and he answered all the questions I had and gave me confidence to choose this lawfirm to support my case.
2. Onboard: pay the lawyer fees accordingly. I started end of Jan 2024.
3. Paperwork preparation: the team was available to talk to me via conference call appointment a few times. Majority of the communication will be via email. For my case, I focused the energy on 3 categories + Merit. The team shared the template for the recommendation letter for me. However, from data gathering and writing recommendation letter for signing, I had to all do it by myself. Once having all the approved document for each category, then they would proceed with having the category for writing by the legal team. Things happen in series so my entire case was not ready to be shipped out till end of August 2024, so plan your time wisely.
I was hoping the team could be a bit faster, and they got back with additional charges if I wanted to expedite the case filing. I think this was just misunderstanding and later they clarified their intention, which I appreciate the transparent and professional communication language that the entire team upholds. Sometimes the email feels a bit generic and repetitive, but maybe that’s part of professionalism and ensure of constant reminder for your case.
4. Case shipping: they shipped with priority Fedex mail and provide me with a scanned document for the entire package, so I know things are included part of my petition. A tracking number was shared once the case got shipped as well.
I paid for PP, and received the decision notice in time promised.
I’m grateful for my case worker team for all the attention you paid for my case: Jan, Mario, Mary, Jackie, Busola 🙏🏻🎉 overall, I highly recommend this law firm for your EB1 needs. They are legit!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Ishan khot
06 Aug, 2024 by Chandan saxena
I engaged the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram for my EB1A visa application. The firm's systematic and thorough approach to gathering evidence, developing case arguments, and client communication is highly impressive. My experience with them has been outstanding and has exceeded all my expectations. I am deeply thankful to Rhea, Judith, and all the staff members who worked directly and indirectly on my case. Thanks to their efforts in making the entire process flawless, my I-140 and adjustment of status (I-485) were approved quickly without any issues. The entire team at the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram is professional, well-informed, and exceptionally supportive. I highly recommend Chris Ingram’s firm for their expertise, responsiveness, and unwavering dedication to clients, which greatly eased my anxiety and ensured our green card success.
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01 Oct, 2024 by L lazarus
Scammers . AVOID AT ALL COSTS. They will take thousands for retention, make you do all of the leg work then drop you if you do not cough up thousands more. Bar needs to investigate.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Attendance anx
I recently filed for bankruptcy with New Tomorrow Law, and I couldn't be more pleased with the experience. From the very beginning, the team was incredibly professional and supportive. They took the time to explain every step of the process, ensuring I fully understood what to expect.
I had the pleasure of working with Shyan Pierce, and the representation I received was nothing short of amazing. Shyan was knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely cared about my situation. They worked diligently to address all my concerns and made what could have been a stressful experience much more manageable.
I highly recommend New Tomorrow Law to anyone considering bankruptcy. Their dedication to their clients and commitment to providing excellent service truly sets them apart. Thank you, Shyan Pierce and the entire team at New Tomorrow Law, for helping me turn my financial situation around.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Paul scott
Everyone I dealt with at Grey Legal Group, APC was courteous, professional and responsive. My attorney, Deborah Fujiwara, was kind, honest, and knowledgeable. During the process and trial, she guided me every step of the way. On trial day she was so organized and professional, like a pro attorney you expect to see in a big budget cinematic courtroom drama– only without the arrogance. Honestly, the contrast between Mrs. Fujiwara and the opposing counsel was like night and day. Her professionalism was impressive and helped reduce my anxiety and inspired confidence. I highly recommend the Grey Legal Group!
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04 Mar, 2024 by Maggie powers
Horrible! Flipping through papers looking for answers in court. This guy is not a good lawyer.
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20 Oct, 2023 by Jennifer miners, lcsw
Very good experience getting estate plan done. Thorough and detailed work.
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08 Oct, 2023 by Chris shelton
Michael Lonich has been a delight to work with. He first helped me with my father's estate, redoing the trust to close loose ends at a time when family trolls were seeing nothing but dollar signs. He just wrapped up my wife and myself with our estate planning. He is knowledgeable, efficient, and easy to work with.
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02 May, 2024 by Jessica blount
Be careful the billing is corrupt and the case will drag on with no attempt to resolve.
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27 Feb, 2024 by Vicky “mixed creationz” hernandez
If you need someone who is going to hear you
Not sell you a dream
But be fair and work diligently and respond with a quickness I highly recommend
I hadn't felt heard before on my own and she totally stood up for me and encouraged me in the process .
Thank you to Vernisse and Lindsey you guys have truly made a difference in not only my life but my child's life and I'm forever grateful.
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19 Jan, 2024 by Sarah yanagi
Lindsey was- from start to finish- such a relief and support to my during custody mediation last year. From the very first consultation, she was honest with me about the likely steps in the process and even provided me an accurate timeline for how long it would take to resolve my custody issue.
She has a direct, calm, measured demeanor and seems unflappable. This is exactly what you want from a lawyer during one of the most stressful things you can go through. She level-set my expectations while also providing me with an ear to listen as needed, via email, zoom, or phone call (these are scheduled as part of the process but when mediation did not go as planned, she debriefed with me and helped me understand what was to come.
My case was a long-distance custody situation: my son and I have lived outside of stanislaus county for years and that makes filing paperwork, paying fees etc, more difficult. Her office handled this for me.
Thank you Lindsey and staff for all you do!
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31 Jul, 2024 by L v
I recently used Y&W services for a family law matter. The firm was very respectful and responsive to all aspects of my case. Mr. Young was very gracious and offered a creative solution to meet my needs and I was very appreciative of his efforts. I highly recommend the firm.
Luisa
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02 Mar, 2024 by Michele clow
Rand Pinsky is the most human lawyer I’ve ever spoken to. He was so helpful in providing me with the best information to help me with my issue. He’s as asset to his firm.
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02 Oct, 2023 by Nana kankam
I would highly recommend you look elsewhere for your legal needs, if my experience is any indication of this law firm’s professionalism and competency.
I reached out to Donahue, Young & Williams after finding them via Google, reviewing Yelp reviews, and checking out their website. Everything seemed fine. I had an initial intake call where I explained my situation and what I was generally looking for. I promptly received a legal services agreement, signed it, sent over the agreed upon deposit, and also took the time to compile relevant documentation, as requested by Kaylee. By promptly, I mean within three days. Kaylee and Sherry nearly immediately confirmed receipt of payment and documents, and all seemed well - I was confident that I was dealing with a professional and attentive law firm, and looked forward to getting robust advice. I expected this in a relatively timely fashion, as discussed and confirmed during my initial call.
2+ weeks, and 5 calls/emails later, I emailed to ask if someone could take just a few minutes to write back and give me a sense of when I should expect any feedback/insight/etc. This was a relatively simple landlord/tenant issue, and I’d provided well organized information for their review. Taylor Williams-Moniz, the attorney assigned to my case, emailed me, claiming that her office had called me several times (they had not), and tersely stating that though I wanted an email (I actually just wanted a response rather than radio silence), she needed to have a phone call. I wrote back confirming my phone number and asking if she could ensure they’d been calling me as I had to record of said calls, and also suggested a five hour window of availability for the next business day. No response. I had to follow up again in order to get a response from her legal assistant.
To make a long and frustrating story short, Taylor Williams-Moniz was very nice when I spoke to her, but couldn’t adhere to deadlines she herself set. Melody Dosch was unfortunately not much more helpful than Taylor - and in general I found the law firm to be not extremely well versed on the law (in one instance, Melody told me she would have to get back to me as to whether my unit was covered under a common law that I was able to discover as a layperson, and which should be been considered in the legal advice granted prior to my question), then proceeded to go on vacation and refuse to put her perspective in writing until I followed up repeatedly and insistently. Mark Younger was also very nice, but also totally missed a call we had scheduled with no prior notice. I also never felt like they advocated for my position or were particularly proactive and believe they misrepresented my actions to my landlord’s counsel (to my detriment). And obviously, I really didn’t appreciate having to agitate for a response from them over and over again.
I’d strongly recommend you look elsewhere, as it seems they have a burgeoning habit of playing attentive to get clients to sign, and then deteriorate from there. I also have strong questions on their expertise (at least on landlord/tenant issues) and have some ethical questions about their willingness to give advice without a seemingly thorough understanding of applicable laws.
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31 Jul, 2024 by L v
I recently used Y&W services for a family law matter. The firm was very respectful and responsive to all aspects of my case. Mr. Young was very gracious and offered a creative solution to meet my needs and I was very appreciative of his efforts. I highly recommend the firm.
Luisa
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02 Mar, 2024 by Michele clow
Rand Pinsky is the most human lawyer I’ve ever spoken to. He was so helpful in providing me with the best information to help me with my issue. He’s as asset to his firm.
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02 Oct, 2023 by Nana kankam
I would highly recommend you look elsewhere for your legal needs, if my experience is any indication of this law firm’s professionalism and competency.
I reached out to Donahue, Young & Williams after finding them via Google, reviewing Yelp reviews, and checking out their website. Everything seemed fine. I had an initial intake call where I explained my situation and what I was generally looking for. I promptly received a legal services agreement, signed it, sent over the agreed upon deposit, and also took the time to compile relevant documentation, as requested by Kaylee. By promptly, I mean within three days. Kaylee and Sherry nearly immediately confirmed receipt of payment and documents, and all seemed well - I was confident that I was dealing with a professional and attentive law firm, and looked forward to getting robust advice. I expected this in a relatively timely fashion, as discussed and confirmed during my initial call.
2+ weeks, and 5 calls/emails later, I emailed to ask if someone could take just a few minutes to write back and give me a sense of when I should expect any feedback/insight/etc. This was a relatively simple landlord/tenant issue, and I’d provided well organized information for their review. Taylor Williams-Moniz, the attorney assigned to my case, emailed me, claiming that her office had called me several times (they had not), and tersely stating that though I wanted an email (I actually just wanted a response rather than radio silence), she needed to have a phone call. I wrote back confirming my phone number and asking if she could ensure they’d been calling me as I had to record of said calls, and also suggested a five hour window of availability for the next business day. No response. I had to follow up again in order to get a response from her legal assistant.
To make a long and frustrating story short, Taylor Williams-Moniz was very nice when I spoke to her, but couldn’t adhere to deadlines she herself set. Melody Dosch was unfortunately not much more helpful than Taylor - and in general I found the law firm to be not extremely well versed on the law (in one instance, Melody told me she would have to get back to me as to whether my unit was covered under a common law that I was able to discover as a layperson, and which should be been considered in the legal advice granted prior to my question), then proceeded to go on vacation and refuse to put her perspective in writing until I followed up repeatedly and insistently. Mark Younger was also very nice, but also totally missed a call we had scheduled with no prior notice. I also never felt like they advocated for my position or were particularly proactive and believe they misrepresented my actions to my landlord’s counsel (to my detriment). And obviously, I really didn’t appreciate having to agitate for a response from them over and over again.
I’d strongly recommend you look elsewhere, as it seems they have a burgeoning habit of playing attentive to get clients to sign, and then deteriorate from there. I also have strong questions on their expertise (at least on landlord/tenant issues) and have some ethical questions about their willingness to give advice without a seemingly thorough understanding of applicable laws.
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24 Feb, 2024 by Anthony lee
I deal with attorneys professionally in my line of work. So I'm well versed in what I'm looking for. Some are cheerleaders, some are lazy, and some are pitbulls. Mr. Deller is a pitbull. Probably more like an old pitbull but with a lot of wisdom and experience in the court room. I was looking for a blunt honest attorney who knew his stuff, experienced, and can haul us along for the long fight. I didn't need anything sugar coated. Meeting Mr. Deller filled my needs. My divorce was complicated. I knew it from the start. It took three years but we finished it. The reality in a divorce is you ain't gonna get everything you want. If you approach it in that manner you will disappoint yourself and blame all around you.....including your attorney. Mr. Deller helped bring some realities into what I was asking for and did a great job at negotiating with opposing counsel to get us all to a happy medium. In the end, I still got the better end of the deal. I escaped alimony and child support. More importantly my sons got to voice who they wanted to spend their time with. The odds are usually against men in divorces. However good planning and tactics placed the odds in my favor. But it took some good planning and strategizing. Mr. Deller's team had a great strategy and executed it to my benefit. Mr. Deller is my go to attorney. In addition to my own divorce, I've brought my son's traffic case, and my grown daughter's family law issues to him too. I will continue to bring my legal needs to Mr. Deller. If you're looking for a cheerleader on a budget for an attorney who's going to tell you everything's going to be ok like some of the folks here who gave him bad reviews. You pay for what you get. Then Mr. Deller is not the choice for you. Look elsewhere as there's plenty of budget focused cheerleaders around. If you're looking for an old experienced pitbull to be your counsel. Look no further as Mr. Deller is the man.
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25 Jan, 2024 by Eileen soto
I was fighting custody for my two daughters. I felt powerless and defeated until I hired Robert Deller. Having him on my team and watching my ex and his new girlfriend face when we walked out together for quick consultation on what will happen. He had their mouths dropped open and heads spin. That was the best day ever, I am completely confident in his expertise to give him my highest praise. I would highly recommend him to represent you in this unfortunate situation.
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06 Dec, 2022 by Carlos bustillos
I wouldn't recommend Robert Deller to anyone, terrible attorney and not professional with his choice of words. I would of gave him 0 stars if possible. There was a lack of communication, many phone calls and emails were not returned. All he did was take my money and I got no results.
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4.8
10 Reviews
4.3
36 Reviews
15 Jul, 2024 by Torry heard
Attorney Aja Mann, was my lawyer for 13 years. In those 13 years of representing me, she was outstanding! Not only did she advise me with wisdom and grace, she taught me that you must be fair and compassionate when it comes to difficult situations while co-parenting. Because of her I was able to obtain full custody of my son, and I thank her every day for in some form or fashion for bringing me joy and peace.
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14 Jul, 2024 by Emerson depaz
After visiting my son who lives out of state, I was deeply concerned by his emotional struggles and the difficulties he was facing at home with his mom. As a divorced parent living in another state, I felt powerless to advocate for him and feared I was failing as a father. My visitation rights and other arrangements had always been unfair, dictated by the terms of the other party.
From our first conversation, Aja reassured me that I had parental rights and a voice in my son's well-being. Her exceptional negotiation skills and unwavering advocacy led to more equitable arrangements for our family, prioritizing my son's health and happiness. We are incredibly grateful for her efforts and highly recommend her to anyone in need of a sharp, dedicated attorney who will fight for you.
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13 Jul, 2024 by Iman abron
Aja Simplis was very attentive. She helped me from start to finish and is very professional.
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5.0
7 Reviews
4.2
33 Reviews
04 Jan, 2024 by Marie kinsey
If want to lose your case.. I would highly recommend him.
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03 Jan, 2024 by Alexus bell
I'm not one to write reviews but I felt I had to save someone the time and money. I'm a single mother and hired Mr Morris back in October 2023. When I called he immediately answered but told me he was at church and would get back to me. He did indeed got back to me. I told him I really needed help and I needed an aggressive attorney dealing with my Childs father for my child custody case. I decided to go with him because he seemed trustworthy and he was the only lawyer that allowed payments towards the retainer fee. I felt so relieved to have an attorney and someone to represent me. After my contracts were signed he was so difficult to get in touch with. He never asked me questions about my case and I never heard from anyone unless I called them. He has a call center answering once you become a client and he has 2 paralegals named Amy and Kristina. I always spoke to Kristina and she said I needed to relax and that my case was a simple case. Implying that it was going to be smooth and I had nothing to worry about. When they finally filed the paperwork for me to serve my daughters father I had to keep calling them in regards to that matter also. It was a week before my case and I still hadn't heard anything back from Kristina or Mr Morris.. Coming to find out she had a death in her family and Mr Morris was on vacation in Belize. Since he was gone my daughters fathers attorney managed to get the case moved to the Whittier courthouse when we filed in LA and had them served. So now I'm the recipient and he's the petitioner. He let this other Attorney walk all over him and call the shots. Btw The judge in Whittier was a nightmare. She has terrible reviews and is bias. But At this point my anxiety is through the roof because I can't get in touch with anyone, we don't have a case to present because they still haven't asked or guided me on anything to do. He didnt tell me to start documenting anything or pulling up text! Nothing. I had to have my mom call from her number because once you become a client they screen your calls. She pretended to be interested in hiring him and guess what! He called her back. After a month of not speaking to me at all. So he finally gave me an appointment to meet him at his office to go over my case. He never wrote down any notes of asked me what the other party could have against me. Nothing! Finally court, Mr Morris showed up 30 minutes late to court! He didn't register us, when we were in front of the judge he didn't know my case. The Judge asked him what was the status quo and he turned and asked me. I almost got contempt of court because he wasn't saying anything of substance out of his mouth that I told him. They judge kept asking him what was his point. He was talking circles. It was completely embarrassing. He had no fight in court! He didn't take notes at all in court either. You are better off representing yourself. After that horrible experience, I was so distraught. I fired him the next day. He still proceeded to tell the third party who I was going through to pay for him that he rendered all my services and I still owed him 4000 dollars. I will be suing him and reporting them to the bar. He's a money hungry lazy attorney that uses his faith as a front. He doesn't care about making sure you keep your family together.
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30 Oct, 2023 by Epic fun
I had a conversation with Morris to get some clarification on a legal matter and he was very helpful and gave good advice.
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01 Oct, 2022 by Maggie menzel
If you need help in any kind of law, you would be crazy to go to anyone else than Kevin Qualls. He is the best. Straightforward, honest.. yes that is possible.. call Kevin. He really is the best.
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16 Sep, 2022 by Ted
The Law Office of Kevin L Qualls is outstanding. Their service, concern for their client's best interest, as well a careful management of "billable hours" sets them above all the other Lawyers in Southern CA.
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06 Sep, 2022 by Kevin burgess
08 Jul, 2024 by Melissa miller
Great place to go if you're looking for help. They got some of my charges dismissed and some of my charges reduced. I am very happy with the outcome this firm has gotten on my case!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Georgia villanueva
08 Jul, 2024 by Burton martell
My son kenny was charged with a gun one day after he turned 18. I knew we needed good representation if he was going to have a future ahead of him. I chose the H law group after speak with Marshal, and couldn't have made a better choice. Marshal and his team were everything I could of asked for and more. They kept my son out of jail and got his case dismissed through a deferral. For your gun case needs go here!
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02 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
She wasn’t my attorney,she was my wife who kidnapped our kids and ran off with a trucker
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19 Mar, 2022 by Danielle
I am Rhonda’s actual client and have nothing but great things to say about her. I brought her on to my case in June 2020 in the midst of the pandemic and she was incredibly compassionate and empathetic with my situation. My ex was withholding financial information and after filing my own response and paperwork I realized very quickly that this situation would cause for more than just self representation. He dragged on our proceedings by stating “he didn’t know” on more than one occasion to the judge, filled out his own paperwork incorrectly, didn’t follow court procedures with serving paperwork to my attorney and has in general been very verbally abusive and accusatory in declarations presented to the court that were false and had no relevance to the case further dragging things along. All the while Rhonda has been encouraging and supportive and reminding me of what is actually important to getting things finished. She did not allow me to get caught up in the drama with my ex and instead helped me focus on what mattered most, my kids. She negotiated a very fair custody and visitation agreement that benefitted both parents equally, got us signed up with Our Family Wizard to communicate about the kids, recommended a book on how to interact with each other in our high conflict divorce and even negotiated our financial disagreements in a fair manner. The only real delay in our proceedings were due to Covid related court dates (2020/2021) and then lack of preparedness by my ex who was self represented. Divorce paperwork was filed by my ex in June 2019 and our first original court date wasn’t scheduled until March 2020 which was delayed by Covid until October 2020. CNV was completed in October 2020 and the only thing left were financials which took all of 2021 to get finalized at no fault of Rhonda’s. I am very satisfied and happy with her work and encourage you to give her a call to see if she is the right fit for you. Don’t be swayed by anonymous reviewers pretending to be her clients. She puts your kids first and that’s most important.
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15 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
She has been my attorney for over two years . She’s very experienced, knowledgeable and professional. She can be very tough in a situation that she needs to be. But she has a very kind and warm personality. She’s been helping me getting through a tough time I’m going through right now. She listens to me in compassion and consults me with her great judgements. Also, she tries to accommodate my needs in various situations. She always tries her best. She really cares about her clients. I highly recommend her. She is the best attorney.
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22 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Robert Garland was the perfect attorney to help with my complicated and high conflict divorce and child custody case. He was great with presenting testimony and ensuring all facts were brought to light in court. He was very motivated to get things done timely and I was very lucky to have him on my side.
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20 Apr, 2021 by David
When I first separated from my ex-wife 7 years ago, I made the mistake of retaining a novice attorney who succeeded in billing me over $5,000 in the first month simply for the pleasure of filing the divorce petition. It was clear that my faith had been misplaced. I quickly initiated a search for new counsel and found Mr. Garland quite by chance. That was probably the best find of my life. Mr. Garland is a top-notch attorney with almost as many years' experience as my former marriage had lasted. I found Mr. Garland to be very knowledgeable in family court matters. He billed fairly and accurately for his services. His countenance is the epitome of cool, calm, and collected both in front of a judge and in front of his client. I only wish that I had begun my divorce petition with Mr. Garland at the outset. Needless to say, he soon had things back on the right course. I firmly believe that his consultative approach and considered advice throughout were instrumental in resolving my case, including putting an end to all spousal support, in a much, much shorter time frame than could otherwise have been expected given that mine was a "marriage of long duration," not a phrase to be taken lightly in the state of California. Mr. Garland, I express to you my most sincere and heartfelt appreciation for all of your assistance in bringing this chapter of my life to a full and complete close. I now have an opportunity to move forward afresh and without encumbrance to write the next chapter. Thank you!
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09 Nov, 2020 by Ariana
I hired Mr.Garland for a custody battle, and with his knowledge, dedication and commitment, we won my case. He has helped me stay positivity through this difficult time, and pushed hard for me. I am extremely grateful for all of hardworking to help me and my family. I would highly reccomend him.
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4.4
14 Reviews
09 Aug, 2024 by Ray watch4me
I was married for 20 years and live together 15 years the total of 35 years.. We Got to the end where we needed to go our separable ways so I needed to get attorney. After doing my research for a couple days I found Paul. It was the best move I ever did if you need a good attorney that will watch your back all the time he's the one. Thanks again Paul keep up the good work
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09 Aug, 2024 by Katrina nolletti
I highly recommend Lerandeau & Lerandeau! Lacey Sanchez and her team were so patient throughout negotiations with my ex and her lawyer (took 1.5 years to settle) gave excellent advice, and even continued to take my calls and emails while I still paid alimony over the past over the past five years even after official representation ended. I remember Paul telling me when I first went to them patience wins the race, and it did. I will forever be grateful to this team!
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04 Jun, 2024 by Tanya light
I highly recommend LERANDEAU & LERANDEAU. My son was going through a very nasty divorce and our attorney Lacey Sanchez was awesome getting us thru the legal obstacles. I don't know what we would have done without her. She and her team were very responsive to our questions and concerns. All their responses were professional and we never felt like a question or concern was to small or silly to be answered. The office staff are very friendly and helpful at all times.
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19 Apr, 2022 by Alise
I had a particularly difficult case to say the least. Jessica is extremely knowledgeable, and was able to navigate the system and deal with my case expertly. I would HIGHLY recommend Jessica. She is communicative and explains everything when things inevitably get messy. She is amazing!!!!
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20 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Ms. Lesowitz is beyond knowledgeable when it comes to the convoluted ins and outs of CA family law. She is so passionate about the rights of those involved that she gets details in your arrangement that you would never have thought of adding in. She is efficient and fantastic at multi-tasking to keep her client's needs ahead of her own. I have absolutely no regrets when it comes to how she handled my case and would highly recommend her to anyone at any stage of their divorce or custody case.
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25 Apr, 2018 by James
My attorney with whom I had been working with for over a year on my divorce was unexpectedly called away to court right before my final hearing with the judge. She said she asked her mentor, Jessica Lesowitz, if she could step in last minute. She assured me I would be in even better hands than her own.
Well, after one conversation with Jessica I was blown away. She had an amazing understanding of the entire history of my case and really understood the situation better than I could have ever imagined.
The next day in court she helped me feel calm and prepared.
She handled herself in the court room like a true master. I could have not been more pleased with her representation and the judgement was a landslide in my favor.
Jessica was a dream to work with. Friendly, confident, charismatic, professional and highly skilled.
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4.4
14 Reviews
09 Aug, 2024 by Ray watch4me
I was married for 20 years and live together 15 years the total of 35 years.. We Got to the end where we needed to go our separable ways so I needed to get attorney. After doing my research for a couple days I found Paul. It was the best move I ever did if you need a good attorney that will watch your back all the time he's the one. Thanks again Paul keep up the good work
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09 Aug, 2024 by Katrina nolletti
I highly recommend Lerandeau & Lerandeau! Lacey Sanchez and her team were so patient throughout negotiations with my ex and her lawyer (took 1.5 years to settle) gave excellent advice, and even continued to take my calls and emails while I still paid alimony over the past over the past five years even after official representation ended. I remember Paul telling me when I first went to them patience wins the race, and it did. I will forever be grateful to this team!
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04 Jun, 2024 by Tanya light
I highly recommend LERANDEAU & LERANDEAU. My son was going through a very nasty divorce and our attorney Lacey Sanchez was awesome getting us thru the legal obstacles. I don't know what we would have done without her. She and her team were very responsive to our questions and concerns. All their responses were professional and we never felt like a question or concern was to small or silly to be answered. The office staff are very friendly and helpful at all times.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Kevin
i hired her for a spousal support case,,,she tells me its a slam dunk case,,,no biggy,,,,,all that i got outta of her is the respondent was given the court papers,,,,then she says respondent want to settal out of court,,,i said fine,,,she tells me it will be faster n cheaper that way,,,i never recieved one dime,,,she took my $8300 n ran w/it,,thx
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14 Mar, 2024 by Rg2
Attorney Review/Reference
We live in Texas and our son is stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California
Our son got a dear john from his wife the day after he was deployed to the Middle East and informed that she had filed for divorce and she would be sending the papers.
While deployed he would call to speak to his two year old daughter and read her a bedtime story. He had to leave these on voicemail as his calls a world away were not picked up.
He returned to a tumultuous household six months later and divorce proceedings were initiated by his wife they had been married approximately a year and a half.
He had to hire an attorney and chose Ms. Mellanie Marshall.
Divorce is a terrible and damaging event to all parties and especially when children are involved.
Ms. Marshall was very patient in dealing with a highly frustrated client. As a member of the military he could be deployed or transferred at any time. This was a concern as a custody issue and was emotionally crushed that he might not be a part of his daughter’s life.
M.s Marshall provided my son a realistic scenario of the possible outcomes but also was able to remain a calming influence to her client. She thoroughly researched the parties involved to come up with her game plan. She was interested in what was in the best interest of her client as well as the child. She was able to work with the opposing attorney to reach what would have been a reasonable accommodation to reduce the turmoil in the little girl’s life as well as the divorcing couple. The opposing attorney was unable to get her client to be reasonable with conditions that would allow both parents to be involved with the child. As a result, the opposing attorney was unable to work with her client and removed herself as her representative.
In court Ms. Marshall was competent, thorough and I believe more than reasonable. The outcome that Ms. Marshall achieved was fantastic. My son has a custodial arrangement that allows him to be an integral part of his daughters’ life. She took a toxic situation and turned it into lemonade. My son has renewed his spirit and his daughter is happy. She now has an opportunity to interact with other children her age at the on base child development center.
If you want a good attorney in dealing with a messy divorce situation you can’t go wrong with Marshall Law (firm).
Robert and Donna
Austin, Texas.
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03 May, 2023 by Shawn
Put me at ease from day one by explaining my options, rights under CA Law, and best & worst case scenarios, then quickly working my case as soon as I hired her. While I hope to never need her services again I'm sure glad I found her to handle my divorce and will recommend her without hesitation if ever asked about family lawyers in Kern County. Exceptional attorney in all respects!
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31 May, 2024 by Angelo
If you find yourself here, as I did last year, chances are you’re going through some major life changes. Whether it be financial or emotional, divorce can be extremely scary. Sadly, I am no exception. Last June my wife told me she wanted a divorce after 10 years of marriage. After the initial shock, sadness, and reflection, I realized it was for the best, we were not happy, even after a couple years of therapy. I now needed to get to the business end of this divorce and hire an attorney. After interviewing two other attorneys and not feeling confident, a friend of mine referred me to Michelle Jacobson-Kwok and I can’t put a price on that referral! Michelle has been a Godsend. My wife, now legally my ex, had a favorable financial position, in terms of assets, and emotional leverage, having a stronger bond with our nine-year-old daughter and a good chance of winning more custody. We were both amicable, for the sake of our daughter, but the underlying concerns were the financial settlement and shared custody. Michelle was attentive, professional and gave me a sense of calm and confidence through the nine-month process. Since my ex and I were amicable, Michelle recommended mediation rather than going to court. This not only saved us tens of thousands of dollars but also minimized the emotional toll that litigation can bring about. I don’t know if this would have been the best option if my ex and I were not amicable, but it was the best option for us. A big reason why I retained Michelle was the fact she gave me a sense of confidence if we ended up litigating. It was always the last option but an option nonetheless if my ex became unreasonable. Michelle was always apathetic to my future financial and custody concerns and confidently explained my position if we were to litigate. I NEVER felt at a disadvantage with Michelle on my side and confident there would be a favorable outcome, if we did litigate. I cannot THANK Michelle enough for her competency, professionalism, and “human touch” she brought to my case. I would, without hesitation, recommend Michelle to anyone who finds themselves needing a family law specialist.
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21 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired Michelle to help with a divorce case on the referral of another attorney. What a disappointment.
Michelle cared little about me or my case, only about maximizing her billable hours. There was constant nickel and diming and large fees charged for simple tasks. She would spend hours of time discussing court politics and her personal matters unrelated to my case, then bill me for them.
She was poorly prepared for court appearances. In spite of hours of my time spent preparing her with background information and prep calls for which she would bill me, Michelle would come in and "wing it" in court, saying random things and completely deviating from the strategy we had agreed on. It was as if she hadn't attended those meetings or read a single item I sent her. When the judge addressed her, she was a deer in the headlights and visibly nervous. Michelle's performance in court was spectacularly horrible.
Michelle was unreachable at pivotal moments in the case. I had an extremely urgent issue where I needed her help. In spite of urgent calls to her office, she waited three days to return my calls, putting me at a major disadvantage in the case and driving additional large legal fees that could have and should have been avoided.
Overall, Michelle billed generously and took me backwards in the case. There was no accountability, apology, or willingness to correct the errors. I would not hire her or work with her ever again.
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20 Apr, 2016 by Janis waldman
She is strong lady and fights for your rights. she doesn't back down. Very smart and professional. I would hire her in a second if I could. My ex was a liar and a cheat. I would have come out better if unforeseen circumstances had not prevented her from finishing my case.
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27 Oct, 2022 by Teresa
Mr. Dennis doesn't miss a beat. I wish I could have hired him for everything. In a short time he made all the difference for me in a dirty divorce. I am still dealing with a disgruntled ex and as i go thru the work Mr. Dennis did several years ago, I looked for a page online where I could give him the review he deserves! He knows what he is doing. He is well spoken and fights for you.
He is supposed to be an attorney! It's hard to find one like him!
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31 Mar, 2021 by Justin
I believe my custody case is an uphill battle. Being long distant from the county for court. O'Neil Dennis is making everything so easy. The filings are prompt & professional. He is going above and beyond my expectations as a first time client. Trust me if you need an attorney contact O'Neil first.
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15 Nov, 2016 by Donna
He is an awesome Atty... He goes above and beyond to help his clients... He will follow every lead and every avenue he can to help your case... He truly cares
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14 Feb, 2022 by Alvand kumarsi
19 Jul, 2021 by Liana johnson
31 Aug, 2020 by Parnia rezaei
08 Feb, 2021 by Jr
I'm not sure who wrote all the reviews, on or around the same day, but their experience does not match my experience with Ms. Stiles at all. I found her to be a highly aggressive, win at all costs, attorney. Her win at all costs game plan almost destroyed my coparenting relationship with my ex. Let's face it, financial issues during a divorce are not easy but they should always be fair and as transparent as possible. I began to see my coparenting relationship deteriorate before my eyes with each strategically crafted correspondence between lawyers. The stress on my children, from the financial battle going on between their parents, was a heartbreaking experience to witness. My decision to finally seek another lawyer was the best decision I ever made. My stress level went down, my divorce got finalized, and I have an amazing coparenting relationship with my ex (I have to wonder if the other reviewers can say the same). I may not have gotten all the money out of my divorce that I possibly could have using Sheila Stiles and her firm, but I've got piece of mind in knowing that my kids will always know that I treated my ex with respect and fairness during a really difficult time.
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07 May, 2020 by Susan
I have nothing but accolades for Sheila Stiles. Sheila handled my divorce arbitration in 2013. I felt overwhelmed by the experience of divorce and Sheila was professional, courteous and supportive throughout. Her knowledge of the facts provided me the confidence I needed and the support that I wanted to reach amicable terms with my spouse. It was settled to the satisfaction of both parties. I have since reached out to her to answer questions that arise regarding my settlement. Her responses have always been timely and concise even though my case is several years old. I am grateful for her counsel and I highly recommend her.
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05 May, 2020 by Kendall
Sheila truly put her whole heart into my convoluted "move away" case. It is evident that she is passionate not only about her work, but also about her clients. She worked fervently over months and months to ultimately win my case. Sheila is committed, enthusiastic, eager, knowledgable, personable and dependable. I am so grateful to have had Sheila represent me!
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17 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Horrible experience and I would steer clear of this law firm at all costs! They charge you for every email and second spent on your account, even if the email was regarding correcting their own mistakes! I asked them to correct their errors and typos and they charged me to fix them. If they send you an email (even when you did not request it or outreach to them), they charge you for it! It took me multiple emails just to get my final agreement signed, all of which they charged me for! Ridiculous and unfair billing practices that could bankrupt you. Find a lawyer who actually cares about their clients.
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19 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Ms. Reynolds approach to my family law issues were excellent. She explained effectively that I as a non-lawyer could understand. Her understanding of the law helped to reassure me that my legal position was reasonable. I look forward to my next consultation.
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25 Mar, 2019 by Holly
Christine was terrific. She was always available to answer questions. She was calm, cool and collected prior to our hearings. While I had internal jitters, she was more than confident in us and our case. I would use her and her law firm again if I ever needed anything!
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04 Jan, 2019 by Andrew
I had the unfortunate experience of Mr. Beshwate representing me nearly 15 years ago as a youngster who got himself in trouble. I was charged a sizeable sum to avoid paying a fine to the court system and ended up doing many hours of community service instead. Well, here we are over a decade later and it looks like this fraud took my money and ran because there is a big ol' fine that's been brewing for years and is now triple what is was. Maybe he just forgot to file the paperwork, but who knows? No call backs from the office staff, no answers, no updates. I'll be on the hook for a huge fine and he can laugh all the way to the bank. I'll be laughing all the way to the state bar.
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31 May, 2017 by Kathytaylor
I have worked with Mr. Bashwate twice. He is professional, down to earth and competent. He is focused and honest. He was able to size up the real issue of my son's case in a short time along with keeping things simple.
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14 Feb, 2015 by Rebecca sexton
When my husband and I hired Richard Beshwate he was knowledgable and quick to help.He really helped us understand the process and our options. I highly recommend him.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Mike
There is no way this guy has this good of a track record and such great reviews. Basically worst lawyer I have ever dealt with. Told me he would do the best he can to get rid of my bogus charges..but literally just lied ..took my money and did no work whatsoever. Actually seemed like he was more working in favor of the DA and criminal defense. This man is more of a scam artist than a lawyer....I would seriously even question if he is an actual lawyer and even went to law school. Seemed more like he took a one hour online school and printed out his diploma. This man did absolutely nothing he said he was going to do...and I would almost swear he didn't even bother even reading the paperwork and police report
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20 Oct, 2019 by Mark
From my first inquiry to Central Coast Criminal Defense I received valuable advice and attention. The team at Central CCCD provided three experienced attorneys to represent me and my case, providing a broad wealth of experience and advice. Phone calls, questions and inquiries were always met with professional and prompt attention.
When criminal charges are brought against you, it becomes an overwhelming and daunting experience. It is imperative that you have confidence in those you hire to represent you. Should a criminal charge be leveled against you, prudence suggests that you make phone calls and inquires with as many attorneys as possible, and Central Coast Criminal Defense deserves your early review. Should an emergent situation require immediate attention, you can have confidence in the representation of Jimmy Askew and his team. All costs, advice on immediate and future steps in your defense, and a candid evaluation of your options are clearly presented. Truly valuable relief in a very stressful situation.
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30 Nov, 2018 by Joey
Mr.Askew has done nothing but an amazing job during his tenure as an attorney, I am speaking as a former client and aspiring attorney myself. He has defended myself and a few of the people I have referred to him who were charged with allegations that were unfair and unjust.if you have even an inkling of doubt that you may be innocent that is a for sure sign to contact Jimmie to see what can be done with your legal matter.
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09 Nov, 2024 by Michelle
**Review for Manshoory Law Group**
I’m so glad I chose Manshoory Law Group. From start to finish, everything was clear and easy to understand. They explained every detail, even the small stuff I wouldn’t have thought of. I didn’t expect much at first, but they really proved me wrong with a great outcome. Huge thanks to Shaheen and his team—you all did an amazing job! If you’re unsure about using their service, I definitely recommend it. You won’t be disappointed!
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19 Sep, 2024 by Griselda gomez
I couldn't be happier and grateful to have had found Ghozland Law Firm, and entrusted them with my case. They have been very friendly, timely and responsive with updates. They listened to my concerns throughout the process. And took care of all my problems. Easy to communicate and get answers from. Without a doubt I would give them a call if i need there help again. I would truly recommed them to my family and friends.I would also like the thank Jasmine Jackson , Maira Zaragoza,Jocelyn Soto-Rivera,Missael Raya. Once again I would like to Thank-You Team Sincerely your client Jesus Gomez.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Kevin rodriguez
During a very stressful and challenging time The Ghozland Law Firm made a huge difference in my life. I am incredibly grateful for their exceptional service!
They walked me through each and every step of my case very patiently answering all the questions I had. After just a couple of months of hard work The Ghozland Law Firm was able to resolve my case amazingly for me. I would say that they definitely over delivered and got my case value more than I expected it to be.
A special thank you to Jasmine, Jackson, Jocelyn, Missael who helped with my case. You never want to find yourself in a car accident but if you do, the team here can really help you. I would recommend The Gholzland Law Firm to anyone looking for an attorney. My experience with them was like no other.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Domestic Violence Lawyer Can Do for You
A domestic violence lawyer provides legal assistance to individuals involved in cases of domestic abuse, whether you are a victim seeking protection or someone accused of domestic violence defending against the charges. These lawyers help with obtaining restraining orders (protective orders), representing clients in criminal court, and handling related family law issues such as child custody, divorce, and visitation rights.
If you are dealing with domestic violence, a lawyer can help protect your rights and navigate the legal system to ensure your safety or defend you if you’re falsely accused.
When Should I Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a domestic violence lawyer if you are:
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A Victim of Domestic Violence:
- Filing for a protective order (restraining order): If you need immediate protection from an abuser, a lawyer can help you file for a protective order, which legally requires the abuser to stay away from you and refrain from contacting you.
- Divorce or separation due to abuse: If domestic violence is a factor in your relationship, a lawyer can help you pursue a divorce or legal separation and ensure that you are protected throughout the process.
- Child custody and visitation issues: A lawyer can help you secure custody of your children and limit or restrict the abuser’s visitation rights to protect the safety of your children.
- Filing criminal charges: If you are pursuing criminal charges against the abuser, a domestic violence lawyer can work with law enforcement and prosecutors to ensure the case is handled properly.
- Assistance with safety planning: A lawyer can advise on the legal steps to create a safety plan, including securing temporary housing, and taking steps to protect you and your family.
-
Accused of Domestic Violence:
- Defending against criminal charges: If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, a lawyer can defend your case, challenge the evidence, and represent you in court. If possible, the lawyer can help get charges reduced or dismissed.
- Challenging a restraining order: If someone has obtained a protective order against you, a lawyer can help you contest the order to prevent it from negatively impacting your life, including your employment and child custody rights.
- Dealing with family law issues: Domestic violence allegations can affect child custody, divorce, and property division. A lawyer can represent your interests in family court and ensure that your parental rights are protected.
- Avoiding criminal record implications: A lawyer can work to minimize the impact of the allegations on your record, which can affect your employment, housing, and future legal matters.
Hiring a lawyer at the earliest stages can help ensure your rights are protected and the case is handled effectively, whether you are seeking protection or defending against accusations.
What Does a Domestic Violence Lawyer Do?
A domestic violence lawyer provides various legal services depending on the specifics of your case. These responsibilities often include:
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For Victims:
- Filing for protective orders: A lawyer can help victims of domestic violence obtain temporary or permanent restraining orders, which provide legal protection by restricting the abuser’s access to you and your children.
- Representing you in divorce and child custody matters: Domestic violence often leads to divorce or separation, and a lawyer can represent you in family court to protect your assets, secure custody of your children, and arrange spousal and child support.
- Criminal representation: Lawyers work with law enforcement and prosecutors to pursue criminal charges against the abuser, ensuring that you are informed and supported throughout the legal process.
- Safety planning and legal advice: Lawyers provide advice on how to stay safe legally and can assist in securing temporary housing, providing guidance on how to leave abusive situations safely.
-
For the Accused:
- Defending against charges: A lawyer will build a defense by investigating the case, gathering evidence, and challenging the claims made against you. If necessary, the lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties.
- Challenging protective orders: If a restraining order has been placed against you, a lawyer can contest the order and present evidence to defend against it, aiming to minimize its impact on your life and reputation.
- Handling related family law issues: Lawyers help defend against domestic violence allegations in divorce, child custody, and visitation disputes, working to protect your parental rights and reputation.
- Preventing long-term consequences: A lawyer will work to protect you from the long-term consequences of a domestic violence conviction, such as a criminal record that could affect employment, housing, and more.
How Are Domestic Violence Lawyers Paid?
Domestic violence lawyers generally charge for their services in different ways depending on the case's complexity and the type of legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many domestic violence lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location. Hourly rates are common for both criminal defense and family law matters.
- Flat fee: For specific tasks, such as filing a restraining order or defending against a straightforward domestic violence charge, some lawyers offer a flat fee that covers all legal work related to that service.
- Retainer: In complex cases, such as those involving criminal charges, divorce, and custody disputes, a lawyer may require a retainer fee, which is an upfront payment that covers future legal services.
- Pro bono or reduced fees: Some domestic violence lawyers provide pro bono (free) or reduced-fee services to victims of domestic abuse who cannot afford legal representation.
It’s important to discuss fees during your consultation to ensure you understand how much your case will cost and what payment options may be available.
How Much Does a Domestic Violence Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a domestic violence lawyer depends on the complexity of your case, the lawyer’s experience, and the type of legal work required. General cost estimates include:
- Restraining orders: The legal fees for filing a protective or restraining order typically range from $500 to $2,500, depending on whether the case requires a hearing.
- Criminal defense: If you’re defending against domestic violence charges, legal fees may range from $2,500 to $15,000 or more, depending on whether the case goes to trial and the severity of the charges.
- Family law issues: Legal fees for divorce, child custody, and other family law issues related to domestic violence can range from $3,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case.
- Hourly rates: Domestic violence lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour for their services, with more experienced lawyers charging higher rates.
Always ask for a detailed cost estimate during your consultation to understand the total cost of legal services.
Top Questions to Ask a Domestic Violence Lawyer
Before hiring a domestic violence lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they have the right experience and approach for your case. Key questions to ask include:
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What experience do you have with domestic violence cases?
Ensure that the lawyer has handled domestic violence cases similar to yours, whether you’re a victim or the accused. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, flat fees, or a retainer, and ask for a detailed cost estimate. -
What is the likely outcome of my case?
Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case, including potential challenges and expected outcomes. -
How long will the process take?
Domestic violence cases vary in length, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to last and what might cause delays. -
Will I need to appear in court?
Ask if your participation in court is required, and how the lawyer plans to represent you during hearings or trials. -
What steps should I take to protect myself or my rights?
Whether you’re a victim seeking protection or defending against allegations, ask the lawyer how they will help you navigate the situation.
How to Check the Credibility of a Domestic Violence Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable domestic violence lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:
- Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for domestic violence experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in domestic violence cases and have successfully handled cases like yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients say about their experience with the lawyer.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have been involved in domestic violence cases.
- Check for memberships in relevant organizations: Look for certifications or memberships in family law or domestic violence advocacy groups, such as the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV).
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a domestic violence lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
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For Victims:
- Details of the abuse: Prepare a detailed account of the abuse, including dates, locations, and descriptions of any injuries or threats.
- Police reports and medical records: Bring copies of any police reports, medical records, or photographs that document the abuse.
- Legal filings: If you have already filed for a restraining order or been involved in any legal proceedings, bring copies of those documents.
- Questions about your safety and legal options: Be ready to ask about the best steps to protect yourself and your family, as well as what legal actions you should pursue.
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For the Accused:
- Details of the allegations: Prepare a detailed account of the incident or allegations against you, including any evidence or witnesses that support your defense.
- Legal documents: Bring any legal documents you have received, such as a restraining order, criminal charges, or child custody filings.
- Questions about your defense: Prepare questions about the legal process, possible penalties, and how the lawyer plans to defend your case.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation and provide the best possible legal advice.
