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29 Aug, 2024 by Deandre
He was very rude and unprofessional. For a first impression, I don’t Recommend him.
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05 Jul, 2024 by Stephens11594
Jason was a phenomenal lawyer. He did everything he could and was supposed to do. He knows the rules, books, etc. I certainly recommend him if you get DWI.
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29 Dec, 2018 by Danai
Jason helped me to the best of his ability on a parental abduction case very early in his career. The useless police force in Kalamazoo endangered my child by not doing their job, but Jason got me the documents I needed to chase my ex through three states and two court systems. My son has been completely in my care for 15 years and the sperm donor has left us alone. Thank you again Jason.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Natalie henley
We were involved in an Uber accident, and I spoke with Sean O'Bryan for some advice. He took the time to provide me information on how I can proceed in getting additional assistance with the claim. Very helpful!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Marlon mosley
Highly recommended for all rideshare drivers in Illinois! Sean is a winner! Sean's patience and professionalism was superb! He pretty much got what he demanded. Sean O'Brien is the real Top Dog !
space
return
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16 Aug, 2024 by Rasheed rahman
Last year I was omw home in a lyft, sitting at a red light then a loud boom 💥 we was rear ended by a drunk driver I was rushed to hospital with a back injury the next day I contacted Sean and since that day Sean has had my best interest at hand he's fought with the insurance company for my back wages and always responded whenever I reached out to him.... Sean is a Great lawyer but a Better person !!!
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04 Oct, 2024 by Kristi hubbard
Very affordable, professional, quick to return calls, answers all questions and gets the job done. I highly recommend this attorney!!!
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30 Aug, 2024 by Tawni wolcott
Jeff is pro and very kind and understanding person he's helped me out and is a great lawyer I recommend him to anyone...ty jeff God bless
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20 Jun, 2024 by Angel welch
Very respectful and helpful. Make the process of bankruptcy not so scary for me.
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06 May, 2024 by Dianne o'hara
If you need a bulldog that won’t let you down! She is amazing
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26 Apr, 2024 by Kim williams
I don't know how to start except to say it started at HELLO. Cortney was AMAZING!!! She was understanding and helpful and most knowledgeable of the direction that needed to be taken. She calmed my nerves when she stated You have the RIGHT person for the case!!! She spoke with my Dad who had questions and she quickly said Let me have him talk to Shelly. I AM BLOWN AWAY at the communication with Shelly Kester and her team. Cortney, YOU are AMAZING!! Thank you Shelly Kester for being there in my time of need!!!
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25 Oct, 2023 by Karen slabaugh-stewart
I will forever be grateful to Shelley for taking on my unbelievably skewed EDRO in August 2015.
Since my surreal judgment of divorce in 2009...a result of ex-family ties with the in Emmet County Court, I desperately sought counsel from several attorney consultations throughout Michigan without success.
Thankfully Shelley acccepted my journey for justice with positivity and tenacity, along with Ryan Hulst ending in December 2019 with an agreeable outcome.
I wish I could turn back time, have Shelley as my initial counsel for a "collaborative divorce", rather than the experience I endured.
I highly recommend Wilson-Kester for a fair, outstanding, and compassionate experience!
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21 Sep, 2017 by Jared
Mr. Brendan Guilford explained to me how the case could possibly turn out, and he was accurate. I am happy with my choice. I have recommended him to my family.
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07 Jun, 2017 by Kendra f.
Pros:
called me back fast, listened well, helped me understand court processes.
Cons:
lawyers cost money!
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14 Jun, 2016 by Trevor
Hired this attorney to fix custody prob. that got out fo control. He got to work the day we met and I was able to sign a new agreement with my ex. gf.
I am happy I chose him, would do it again, I hope not though!
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01 Oct, 2024 by H s
Mine was a high net worth divorce and the opposite side was very difficult to work with. Sandy had all the knowledge, experience and willingness to advocate for me and got me a fair settlement and child custody arrangement that I’m very happy with.
What really impresses me about Sandy, is her ability to foresee the potential problem years down the road, and she stops them even before they begin, by putting certain restrictions on the JOD.
Sandy is a brilliant attorney who fights hard for yours and your children’s future. She is deeply compassionate and extremely supportive. Sandy is very fair with her rate and doesn’t nickel and dime her clients. I believe that Sandy finds satisfaction from serving her clients to the best of her ability.
I highly recommend Sandy to anyone going through a divorce.
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27 Jun, 2024 by Aissa faye
Jennifer is a great attorney, cares about all of her clients genuinely and ensures that the process is smooth and easy!
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01 Jun, 2024 by Jon gardner
Phenomenal! I used Sandy for some family stuff twice over the last few years. She is the absolute best. She is very organized, and thorough. She works very hard for you, and it’s obvious!
Sandy is a top notch attorney, I recommend using her!!
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5.0
1 Reviews
4.5
137 Reviews
17 Sep, 2024 by Adrian fajardo
Im posting on behalf my poor boyfriend and yes he’s your client or was cus you stole $1200 just to told him things he already know and here we are asking you for the background you already had that I’m pretty sure you did nothing cus you don’t want to give it to him he already paid and we found another lawyer that is willing to help not just stole LISTEN stay away from this lady office found a better and reliable.
For the Spanish Latin
Busquen otro abogado esta señora es una ladronsuela que solo anda atrás del dinero y no hace nada y como otros pusieron en los comentarios uno llama y le cuelgan y aparte su contestación siempre es que no son clientes nosotros fuimos clientes y solo tomo nuestro dinero
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29 Aug, 2024 by Loreli lee
Worst experience ever, this office cares about money and nothing else and will find every way to screw you over!!! There are far better attorneys out there! Avoid this office like the plague!!!!! If you have any frustrations with them and try to voice them, even in a respectful manner, they hang up the phone and refuse to speak to you! Terrible place overall and a complete lack of communication throughout! 10/10 DO NOT RECOMMEND!!!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Christopher
I am very pleased with the services provided by Nathaniel Kaleefey. He is a trustworthy and responsive attorney who handled my hearing professionally, presented important points and called helpful witnesses. Throughout the process, he explained the costs and benefits of different options so I could make informed decisions. Overall he is a hard worker and he represented my case well.
In another matter, Nathanial efficiently took a reasonable approach to a divorce and custody case, and we received an excellent result on an easy settlement. Nathaniel is not afraid to counterpunch, he listens to you, implements a strategy, and works tirelessly for his client. I highly recommend him for divorce, custody, and all family matters.
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06 May, 2024 by Tina reynolds
04 May, 2024 by Ruthy moura
03 May, 2024 by David o
I have yet to utilize Garske Hewitt, however, with what Matthew is doing for the city with UBP- I would not consider another attorney if I need one. I assure you this agency is the one to go with.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Kate smith
Sean Blume and group were absolutely amazing. He made me feel very confident and was able to help me with everything I asked and needed. Highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for a great attorney!
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01 Jul, 2024 by Monica aziz
My family and I had a phenomenal experience working with Mr. Arvin Zora! He was very personable and accessible during our time of working with him and was able to explain in detail every question we had. He ultimately helped gear my family and I to a successful closing on a difficult property.
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11 Apr, 2024 by Wally toma
Very bad firm to deal with. In the beginning you will get the royal treatment and a shoulder to cry on. They are there to rip you off and you will never get the right advice. Also beware that once you sign a retainer You WILL get billed for every dollar. They will charge even when they are thinking about your case at home. ISNT THAT CORRECT MR ARVIN ZORA ?? SHAME ON YOU
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15 Aug, 2024 by Rebecca venditti
Do yourself a favor and hire Alicia! I previously had a horrible lawyer who did not care. Alicia is the exact opposite. She truly has been the light in a difficult situation for us! She is so knowledgeable and she helps you make the best decisions that see results! She get's back to you in a timely manor and she truly cares about you and your situation as a client. You are not just a paycheck to her. I am so so so grateful that I found her. She know's exactly what she is doing and is FANTASTIC at what she does. Thank you so much again Alicia.
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17 May, 2024 by Joshua easterling
Where should I start.... When I first contacted Alicia, she was patient, knowledgeable and knew exactly how to help make this divorce process as simple as possible. Throughout the process she was prompt and was able to share good and helpful insight, as to how we should address each situation that arose. Her experience really shined and I feel as though we always had an edge on the whole situation because of her strategic and helpful recommendations. From beginning to end, this process was easy and my ex wife, tried her best to make it complicated, but Alicia knew exactly how to handle the situation.
Alicia never made me feel like I was just a number or a transaction, instead she made me feel welcomed and comfortable that everything was going to be okay. When people truly care, its evident, and she cares. Don't hire Alicia just because I am sharing my experience, hire Alicia because you owe it to yourself. I heard so many horror stories about divorces and lawyers and I experienced exactly the opposite. I have a good feeling, thats because I partnered with the best. Thanks again Alicia, not sure I can ever repay you for your kindness and assistance. You're amazing at what you do, your passion really comes out for helping other people during difficult times and I'm happy we crossed paths. You're the best!
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10 May, 2024 by Nicole howell
I highly recommend Femminineo Law. Every person that has worked on my cases, from David to Bart (and everyone in-between) has been amazing. They have fought (and won) for me and kept me in the loop throughout. I cannot thank them enough for all their hard work. If you have been in an accident and feel lost, call them today. You will not regret it!
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06 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
NOT RECOMMENDED. DOES NOT NEED TO BE IN PRACTICE ANYMORE.
Never on time for court, shows up an hour + late every time. Is never prepared. Charges thousands of dollars and does nothing. Never answers calls or texts until the morning of court. Has excuse after excuse for his lack of action on the case. I’ve done everything for myself and even prepared all my own paperwork and documents because Mr. Barker acts like he’s some big shot lawyer who has such a high dismissal rate and is worth $5000+ for a misdemeanor case then charges the same for a felony case? Makes no sense.
Embarrassing. He obviously doesn’t realize his brain has gone to the state of early dementia or drug/alcohol abuse. Who knows.
I’ve never been so disappointed in a paid lawyer. I’d have been better off with a court appointed attorney at this point, at least I expect them to not do their jobs.
DONT HIRE HIM!
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22 Mar, 2024 by Valerie
I always hire a different lawyer at first and then end up with steve. He listens and cares about you .He is not lazy and will make sure you get the best outcome !
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20 Apr, 2021 by Nidal
Very considering and positive and loyal , smart and strait forward answers your request , returns your call
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27 Aug, 2024 by Liz
The worst experience ever!!! They literally charged me $1,500.00 to e-mail my papers to the FOC! I hired Mr. Dawson and was passed on to some assistant attorney who never sat down with me to go over my case or give me any type of counseling! Child support law is an area I’m not familiar with.. first because I wasn’t born or raised here. Second, because my original FOC order had been agreed privately. I went to the hearing not knowing what to expect…In fact, a week and half before the hearing, I called very upset and complaining that I hadn’t heard from them and was completely lost and needed their guidance! In the end I went to a hearing nervous and totally unprepared to what my ex was objecting to. Hope you make good use of the 1500.00 that I had to borrow to pay for your “non-counseling” services!!!
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30 Oct, 2023 by Suzan karadsheh
11 Oct, 2023 by Noureen elhamalawi
I strongly recommend Dawson Family Law for anyone going through a divorce. I personally had a great experience with them. From the very first day, Mr. Dawson and his team were incredibly helpful and honest about the entire process, taking their time to address any concerns or questions that I had. Their professionalism and expertise made a difficult time much easier to navigate. At the end of my case, I was satisfied with the outcome and felt I received fair treatment. I would choose their services again if needed.
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15 Jan, 2024 by Levii vanorman
Don’t waste your time with Holly.
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01 Jan, 2024 by David elkins
I retained Holly this past May when I discovered that my now ex-wife was filing for divorce. The one stars on this page must not have an understanding of how divorce works. There are no winners or losers in a divorce. You reach settlement. No more than that should be read into it. Expect the cost. No one works for free. For myself, the whole process was more stress free and thorough than I could have imagined. We were able to work together to reach an equitable settlement through arbitration avoiding the cost of a trial. Because our children are adults, there were no messy custody issues so the process was started and completed within five months. I won't say that I won or lost. There is no such outcome in divorce. I achieved what I had hoped to, and I choose to be happy with that. I will recommend Holly and her team to anyone. Choose to be happy.
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13 Sep, 2023 by Torie g
Our experience talking with Holly was very pleasant. We unfortunately are on a short time frame and we were led to believe that she’d be willing to take the case as long as we paid the very expensive retainer by Friday. She did provide other legal recommendations that may be a cheaper option. They were not able to accommodate the short time frame. So we decided to go with Holly. We proceeded with obtaining the funds so we could pay by the deadline. Just to be called by her receptionist 2 days later & informed that she was at her capacity and wouldn’t be taking our case after all. A day and a half was wasted. We could have been looking for another legal opinion. Very disappointed she didn’t tell us this herself, and wasn’t upfront with us. Instead all of our time was wasted. This left us with even less time to find representation.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Horrible very unprofessional, he didn’t do any ground work in my divorce if it wasn’t for my initiative on my own I would have loss everything including my family home. He didn’t even subpoena my witness. I felt interrogated threaten and I was unable to contact on the phone prior to the divorce was final. I didn’t even receive an itemize bill to this day.
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19 Jul, 2024 by Renee mulder
James was very thorough and was successful in obtaining my cross border divorce with no support granted by the court.
He was professional and courteous. I would highly recommend his services.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Casey kennedy
James Pratt is an amazing lawyer! He went above and beyond for my family and I! He was on top of everything and made me feel at ease during a very trying time! He showed compassion, which is hard to find in a lawyer. I HIGHLY recommend James, you will not regret it. Thank you again James, for EVERYTHING you did for my family, we are whole again! ❤️
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27 Jun, 2024 by Tyler lockhart
Mr. Carl Jordan was both patient and informative throughout the entire process. Was able to get me the best possible outcome in my case. HIRE CARL JORDAN!
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02 Mar, 2024 by Jamie rose
Honest to God I am so blessed to have stumbled upon this man, Carl Jordan! I had another attorney at first who advised me to just settle and take the first offer the prosecutor gave...I myself knew that something didn't feel right about my case and knew that I didn't want to just settle so after speaking with my husband we decided to look elsewhere and we found the one and only CARL JORDAN! Two court dates and one motion later and all charges dismissed! If you have any need for a criminal attorney he's not just the best choice in my opinion he's the one and only choice! Thanks Carl Jordan for making my life so much better! Well done ðŸ‘ðŸ‘
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26 Jan, 2023 by Damon eddy
Carl and I met three years ago on a case that ruin my life and what I have built, Carl has been with me since day one, I first sat down with Carl not knowing too much about his résumé, he said, do you know who you’re messing with and I said, no, he said Johnny Cochran baby and I said yes, you’re my guy, my case went to trial, and this man fought for me, and was there with me since the very beginning, we won the case in front of a jury of 12, and now, my life can get back to some normalcy, Carl I love you brother you are a part of my family and a part of me I thank you for fighting the fight for me, you’re looking for one of the best hands-down, without even questioning a pig, Carl, Johnny Cochran baby
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22 Jul, 2024 by Frieda violet
Finch law represented me in a child custody case back in 2017. I’ve been singing their praises ever since. They provided unparalleled service. Their no nonsense approach to legal matters and the compassionate way they worked with me was exactly what I needed at the time. This law firm is worth every penny.
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22 May, 2023 by Justin spaniak
23 Mar, 2023 by Katie cronick
26 May, 2024 by Emily lopez-niblack
I hired Anthony Jenkins and he literally lost on every single thing he was hired to win. He charged me an outrageous amount of money and I am worse off now than I was before. I hired him in 2020 and my last contact with him was in 2022 and I just received “a bill” in the mail for an additional 1.4K for services rendered in 2022. It’s now 2024. I guess he’s low on cash and going after old clients with made up new billing charges. He doesn’t care if he wins or loses, he just wants your money. He’s condescending on the phone and will put very minimal effort into your case.
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23 Oct, 2023 by Jajja ananaj
25 Jan, 2023 by Leeann walter
25 Jul, 2024 by Ernie butcher
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Navigating the legal world can be daunting, but with David Camaj on your side, it feels like a walk in the park! David is the epitome of professionalism—sharp, direct, and always on point. He took my case and turned it into a masterpiece, handling every twist and turn with ease.
If you want an attorney who gets straight to the heart of the matter without any fluff, David's your guy. He's not just fantastic at what he does; he's a legal rockstar. Highly recommend!
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12 Apr, 2024 by Frank sanchez
Not a good person prevents good fathers from seeing their children makes up lies and the corrupt judges that just go along with it. It’s all rigged.
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11 Mar, 2024 by Elias harb
Excellent attorney, did exactly what he was hired for, very reasonable on the charge,
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10 Mar, 2024 by Valene
"I had an exceptional experience with the Law Office of Dareth Wilson. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and at ease. Dareth was incredibly professional, direct, and kept me informed every step of the way. Their efficiency in handling my case was truly impressive. I highly recommend her services to anyone in need of legal assistance. Thank you, Dareth Wilson for your outstanding support!"
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08 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
I had a fantastic experience with the Law Office of Dareth Wilson regarding my child custody case. Dareth and her team were incredibly efficient, friendly, and most importantly, took the time to thoroughly explain every aspect of the process. Her expertise and dedication made a stressful situation much more manageable. I highly recommend her services to anyone in need of legal support for child custody matters!
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25 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
Didn’t know what she was doing. Rude on the phone every time I spoke with her. Immature, and vindictive. All around bad experience.
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31 Mar, 2016 by Audra
He helped me regain custody of my child years ago! He was personable and very professional!!
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01 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Kent was my attorney for a simple divorce. He charged me almost $20,000 AND we lost at trial, due to his ineptness. I appealed the Judge's decision and won in the Court of Appeals and MI Supreme Court -- which is very difficult in Domestic Relations law. Please -- there are many other divorce attorneys in Ann Arbor that will serve you better.
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09 Dec, 2015 by Casey
I am a mom of two very outgoing and cheerful kids. In my recent divorce, Kent helped me to move forward very directly, quickly, professionally, and amicably with my ex-spouse, while looking out for the very best interests of our kids. He listened to the questions I had, helped me to find a focus on what I wanted out of the situation, and proceeded to help by being quick to respond to both my and my ex-spouse's attorney. In all, I would recommend Kent so very highly, and am glad to have found such a capable, friendly, and affordable attorney that helped me feel extremely satisfied with the outcome of my divorce and settlement.
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19 May, 2021 by Anonymous
Zachary Kemp is NOT the lawyer you want to represent you. We hired Zachary Kemp and paid a $5000 retainer which included all court appearances. Kemp was more than happy to take that money and do minimal to no work proceeding all the way up to trial. Kemp then took a position with another firm, leaving his own firm named after him, emailing his client. Not calling, not setting up a meeting whether in person or on zoom, but emailing to say he intends to drop the case just before trial. This is not someone who is looking to represent you, it’s not someone who has your best interest in mind. This is a lawyer who is in it to squeeze every dollar he can while taking the path of least resistance just to get out.
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17 Jun, 2016 by Cindie
Zach helped my family with a recent legal issue. We found him very knowledgeable and accurate with his assessments. He knew the court system well, and helped us get better results than we ever expected. We were very pleased and would recommend him to anyone.
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22 Mar, 2015 by Joan
We hired Mr. Kemp to handle our complex medical malpractice suit in 2011. We would never have seen our case win the appeal without his hard work and expertise. He thinks through his decisions, is timely with filing briefs, keeps us abreast of our case, and goes beyond the call of duty.
During the course of litigation we became interested in knowing more about the legal process. Zach was willing to take time to explain the terminology and procedures of court.
We highly recommend him to anyone who needs a determined attorney.
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07 Aug, 2019 by Michael
Overall, very disappointed. If I could give Jerome Sabbota a zero, I would. Hired Mr. Sabbota because of positive review from a friend. Took the money up front right away, but was not firm on what could have been done. He literally waited until the last second to take the first plea deal possible. With no prior convictions, and with all of the things he had me gather such as college education, character reference letters, etc. he promised a lower end of guideline, the prosecutor offered much more above the higher end of guideline, and he made it seem like the plea deal was a gift. When waiting for the plea deal we often asked him to speak with the prosecutor but he only wrote them emails and only asked a few times if they could do better. I have seen many similar cases in Wayne county, where the defendant had prior convictions and received half the time. Not once did he say anything reassuring or positive but only spoke as the prosecutors he failed to convince. I would not recommend Jerome Sabbota to my worst enemy.
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26 Jan, 2015 by Charles
If it was not for mr sabbbota I would not have three wonderful children a great wife and a great Union pipeline job ! He saved 10 years of my life . He took pride in my case and thanks to him justice prevailed ! All I can say is thank you !!!!
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14 Sep, 2022 by Keith webster
They only do what benefits them
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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.
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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.
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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.
