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15 Jan, 2025 by Prince-monye costallano
My attorney Michael L. Handled my case flawlessly! He went to bat for me and knocked it out of the stadium. My family and myself are very grateful.
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04 Jan, 2025 by Elvira garcia
The Nieves Law Firm is exactly who my father needed to help settle his case. It started with our intake person Aaron and quickly moved to getting assigned an attorney, Michael Levinsohn who is well qualified to handle restraining order cases. It was great to know his years of experience and being bilingual.
We hired the Nieves Law Firm based on our research and many days/weeks looking for a Law Firm that would be willing to help with my father's case. We got turned down many times and felt taken advantage of even for a brief introduction from other law firms, BUT we were lucky to speak to Aaron who assured us that The Nieves Law Firm can help my dad. The outcome is never guaranteed but we were hopeful after talking to Michael on the phone that he would represent my father that best way he knew.
Attorney Michael Levinsohn is understanding, compassionate, communicates well, and will fight for what is legally right. Michael represented my father in court with great professionalism while the other attorney made unnecessary remarks, Michael stood by my father and our family.
Our case was very complicated, Michael worked the case in a fair manner and gone above & beyond our expectations. We were able to reach a resolution that favored my father without continuing any further ligation.
Jo-Anna Nieves was able to help resolve difficult questions we had and we appreciate her taking the time to assist. Her staff was friendly, quick, and helpful to get things moving along from beginning to end.
We highly recommend The Nieves Law Firm for anyone who has a restraining order case or issue, they helped my father and I'm sure they can help your case too. God bless.
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01 Jan, 2025 by Jorge salazar
Stay away from this Nieves law
They make me deposit $5000 at the end they charge $2000 to me for doing nothing
Alejesen de esta firma de abogados me hicieron depositar $5000 dls después a última hora no me ayudaron en nada y por dos llamadas me cobraron $1900 dls
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23 Aug, 2023 by Todd mccormick
Jesse is a super nice guy who I would recommend to anyone. He is kind and patient and helpful on every level.
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14 Aug, 2021 by Ana gloria rubalcaba
Vary informative. Referring me out but great attitude and service.
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17 Aug, 2020 by Hugh mcguire
Love the great service Jesse goes above and beyond the call
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10 Jun, 2021 by Sierra
When I was experiencing stalking, Bob was the most empathetic lawyer I spoke with. He and Carolyn Pettifer are very supportive, competent lawyers. They both immediately understood my situation and it really helped, especially when I was trying to serve the legal documents.
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15 Feb, 2021 by Lea
I was represented better than I could have ever imagined. Robert Goodman is very knowledgeable & experienced. My needs were put first and I was treated as a friend rather than a number. My opinions were valued and my doubts were always reassured. My nerves were calmed and the process was always explained. He was always available and reachable at any given time to answer all of my concerns. He went above and beyond and did everything he could to ensure a great outcome. I couldn't have asked for a better law firm or attorney. Thank you Robert. You are the best.
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22 May, 2017 by Tai
I would like to thank Bob and his firm for being there for me in a really difficult time. He provided me with great advice and counsel. I worked with one of the members of his firm, Karen, on my specific case and I don't think I could of gotten through this without her wonderful responsiveness and willingness to be an advocate for me. She also handled conversations with the other party that allowed the whole process to run much more smoothly than I had anticipated. I really appreciate Bob, Karen and the wonderful Bob Goodman team. I can't thank or recommend all of you enough!
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31 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Deborah Dubroff was a godsend during my divorce. Divorce is clearly one of the most stressful times in ones life and I felt like I had the best attorney in my corner. Deborah is brilliant, strategic, compassionate, direct when needed and settlement oriented but ready for litigation if needed. Her honesty and direction on each step of the process reassured me that I had the right professional advising me.
With her years of experience, she is well connected and knew the expert / 3rd party that would be best for my case at each stage of the process.
To say my divorce was long , challenging and contentious is an understatment and Deborah far exceeded my expectations as an attorney. She fought hard for my case to obtain an outstanding settlement. Without hestitation, I recommend Deborah Dubroff as family law attorney.
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28 Jul, 2016 by Megan
I cannot recommend Deborah Dubroff enough. She is professional, articulate, knowledgable, assertive, and undeniably bright. She navigated me through an extremely trying divorce, one that began with the potential of mediation and turned into a high-conflict custody battle. She handled all of its phases brilliantly.
She truly has her clients’ best interests at heart. In so many ways she took care to protect my financial bottom line, advising me which elements of s case were worth spending attorney time on—and which weren’t. Her knowledge of and experience with family law meant she knew what to fight for, where I was likely to prevail, and where I was not. She answered all of my questions clearly and thoughtfully throughout the process. She is a clever negotiator. She is well-respected by her colleagues, including judicial officiants. And in court she just shines.
Ms. Dubroff’s tone throughout all our communication was professional and yet supportive. This lawyer cares. My divorce was the most difficult period of my life, but I now have a settlement that represents the best outcome for all parties, my child included. If you are going through this painful process, my heart goes out to you. And, I've got to tell you, Ms. Dubroff is an amazing ally.
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19 Apr, 2015 by Brianna
Deborah Dubroff guided me through a very long, contentious divorce that involved all kinds of non standard stuff (QDROs, out of state moves, spousal support, even a contempt hearing). When I met her, I was immediately struck by her candor, razor-sharp wit, and her obvious generosity of spirit. What I mean by the last is that she took lots of time with me during our initial meeting and really listened to me. She made me feel like everything would be ok, and it was. I won the entire case, including a very large settlement. She strikes me as extremely honest. She always charged me very fairly. To sum up, I think that Deborah is sort of the antithesis of the lawyer stereotype. She really cares about her clients and their outcomes. She doesn't overcharge. She made me feel as though I got tremendous value for the money I paid to engage her services. I highly recommend her, without reservation.
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11 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Susanna helped my partner and I with our green card and was very thorough and knowledgeable. With her help, we submitted such a strong application and were so prepared for the interview that we got our green card issued only a few days after our first interview. We are very happy!
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18 Aug, 2014 by Daniel
Susanna tuan is an amazing lawyer. While she is young she is very knowledgable and helped me with my martial lawyering. I was amazed at how responsive she is despite having a very busy schedule. Also her rates were very competitive. Great work!
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23 May, 2023 by Julia
What makes Grace different from other attorneys is she feels deep empathy for the people she represents. She takes on their fight, even if it is uncomfortable for her.
Technically, Grace is a talented and deft attorney. She is level headed and presents a cool demeanor, especially when tensions are high. This enables her to be calm, logical and clearly lead the path forward.
If she thinks you are innocent or wrongly accused, she becomes a true advocate. Grace is a seasoned professional, but maintains her belief in justice for all. She is not in the legal profession for money, and could have easily been in a more lucrative career. I am extremely grateful that she helped me and my family.
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05 Nov, 2024 by Sebastian lindner
No divorce is ever easy, but being a military member half way around the world, Jackie and her team worked with me and finally gave me the peace I needed.
I strongly recommend giving your trust and faith into this team to give you the same!
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18 Oct, 2024 by Michael dore
AJ was great to work with. As an experienced attorney, I can say that having someone who specializes in family law can make a huge difference in terms of money and years spent in a difficult and contentious situation. AJ knew the landscape and helped tremendously.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Justin tarpley
I had the pleasure of working with the Hart Ginney team while battling through my divorce. Jackie Khong gave me the best advice and really knows what she is doing. She was always there to help when I needed her most. She always responded to me in a timely manner and answered every question I had. I definitely recommend anyone that needs help in family law to request Jackie. She was absolutely amazing and handled everything as expected. Thanks Jackie!
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05 Nov, 2024 by Sebastian lindner
No divorce is ever easy, but being a military member half way around the world, Jackie and her team worked with me and finally gave me the peace I needed.
I strongly recommend giving your trust and faith into this team to give you the same!
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18 Oct, 2024 by Michael dore
AJ was great to work with. As an experienced attorney, I can say that having someone who specializes in family law can make a huge difference in terms of money and years spent in a difficult and contentious situation. AJ knew the landscape and helped tremendously.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Justin tarpley
I had the pleasure of working with the Hart Ginney team while battling through my divorce. Jackie Khong gave me the best advice and really knows what she is doing. She was always there to help when I needed her most. She always responded to me in a timely manner and answered every question I had. I definitely recommend anyone that needs help in family law to request Jackie. She was absolutely amazing and handled everything as expected. Thanks Jackie!
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13 Feb, 2025 by Nicole johnson
Mr. Silver is such an amazing person! He is a person that actually cares about humans more than currency. If you want an attorney that cares about you, hire Elliot Silver! You will not be disappointed!
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10 Dec, 2024 by Bryant rieken
Truly horrible experience. Wasted $5000 on a laywer that wouldn't answer or return my calls. Service began decent and under the impression it would be handled by one attorney, and was handed around between 3 different attorneys without notice until landing with one. Once the last payment was received quality of service immediately declined. Could not get ahold of my attorney for weeks at a time despite trying to reach out through phone AND email. When I questioned this I was responded to in the way of an offended child, a lot of unjust finger pointing and a total lack of anything even resembling accountability. My experience was entirely opposite of the mission statement on the website. I have accomplished more headway in just ONE court date with a public defender than in 7 months with this law firm. I would suggest weighing options heavily before working out a large sum of money to a group of attorneys whose only concern, in my opinion, seems to be financial gain and not the wellbeing of its clients. I wish you all better a better legal experience than I had.
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26 Nov, 2024 by Manoj yadav
I would strongly warn anyone against hiring Silver Law Firm. My family hired them for my case, and the experience was nothing short of a disaster.
Initially, Attorney Keenan promised to handle everything, including my bail. He visited me in jail and assured me that bail would be processed. However, on the court date, he suddenly changed his strategy, claiming filing a motion would be better. I agreed. But two days later, his colleague, Marshall, informed me they wouldn't file for bail at all, without any reasonable explanation.
What's worse, Keenan completely ignored my family's attempts to communicate with him, despite me giving full consent for them to discuss my case. They were unresponsive and unprofessional throughout.
This firm is deceitful -- they promise the world to get your money, then fail to deliver. After taking my payment, they backed out on filing the bail motion, leaving me in the lurch. I understand outcomes aren't always in our control, but they didn't even make the effort they promised.
Avoid Silver Law Firm at all costs. They prey on vulnerable families, take your money, and leave you stranded with no real legal support.
Wish the tool could let me select '0' rating cause that's what they deserve!!!
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15 Jan, 2025 by Prince-monye costallano
My attorney Michael L. Handled my case flawlessly! He went to bat for me and knocked it out of the stadium. My family and myself are very grateful.
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04 Jan, 2025 by Elvira garcia
The Nieves Law Firm is exactly who my father needed to help settle his case. It started with our intake person Aaron and quickly moved to getting assigned an attorney, Michael Levinsohn who is well qualified to handle restraining order cases. It was great to know his years of experience and being bilingual.
We hired the Nieves Law Firm based on our research and many days/weeks looking for a Law Firm that would be willing to help with my father's case. We got turned down many times and felt taken advantage of even for a brief introduction from other law firms, BUT we were lucky to speak to Aaron who assured us that The Nieves Law Firm can help my dad. The outcome is never guaranteed but we were hopeful after talking to Michael on the phone that he would represent my father that best way he knew.
Attorney Michael Levinsohn is understanding, compassionate, communicates well, and will fight for what is legally right. Michael represented my father in court with great professionalism while the other attorney made unnecessary remarks, Michael stood by my father and our family.
Our case was very complicated, Michael worked the case in a fair manner and gone above & beyond our expectations. We were able to reach a resolution that favored my father without continuing any further ligation.
Jo-Anna Nieves was able to help resolve difficult questions we had and we appreciate her taking the time to assist. Her staff was friendly, quick, and helpful to get things moving along from beginning to end.
We highly recommend The Nieves Law Firm for anyone who has a restraining order case or issue, they helped my father and I'm sure they can help your case too. God bless.
Read more
01 Jan, 2025 by Jorge salazar
Stay away from this Nieves law
They make me deposit $5000 at the end they charge $2000 to me for doing nothing
Alejesen de esta firma de abogados me hicieron depositar $5000 dls después a última hora no me ayudaron en nada y por dos llamadas me cobraron $1900 dls
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15 Jan, 2025 by Prince-monye costallano
My attorney Michael L. Handled my case flawlessly! He went to bat for me and knocked it out of the stadium. My family and myself are very grateful.
Read more
04 Jan, 2025 by Elvira garcia
The Nieves Law Firm is exactly who my father needed to help settle his case. It started with our intake person Aaron and quickly moved to getting assigned an attorney, Michael Levinsohn who is well qualified to handle restraining order cases. It was great to know his years of experience and being bilingual.
We hired the Nieves Law Firm based on our research and many days/weeks looking for a Law Firm that would be willing to help with my father's case. We got turned down many times and felt taken advantage of even for a brief introduction from other law firms, BUT we were lucky to speak to Aaron who assured us that The Nieves Law Firm can help my dad. The outcome is never guaranteed but we were hopeful after talking to Michael on the phone that he would represent my father that best way he knew.
Attorney Michael Levinsohn is understanding, compassionate, communicates well, and will fight for what is legally right. Michael represented my father in court with great professionalism while the other attorney made unnecessary remarks, Michael stood by my father and our family.
Our case was very complicated, Michael worked the case in a fair manner and gone above & beyond our expectations. We were able to reach a resolution that favored my father without continuing any further ligation.
Jo-Anna Nieves was able to help resolve difficult questions we had and we appreciate her taking the time to assist. Her staff was friendly, quick, and helpful to get things moving along from beginning to end.
We highly recommend The Nieves Law Firm for anyone who has a restraining order case or issue, they helped my father and I'm sure they can help your case too. God bless.
Read more
01 Jan, 2025 by Jorge salazar
Stay away from this Nieves law
They make me deposit $5000 at the end they charge $2000 to me for doing nothing
Alejesen de esta firma de abogados me hicieron depositar $5000 dls después a última hora no me ayudaron en nada y por dos llamadas me cobraron $1900 dls
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20 Nov, 2024 by Jessica cheng
I highly recommend Tanya at Hunter Pyle Law! She is amazing to work with. Throughout the stressful recovery process from my accident, Tanya and her team handled all the details behind the scenes, making everything so much easier. I can't recommend her enough!
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17 Oct, 2024 by Bryan lucas
I had the distinct pleasure of working with Jake Darin and the incredible team at Hunter Pyle over the past few months, and I truly can’t sing their praises enough. As someone navigating the legal world for the first time, I was unsure of my options and overwhelmed by the complexities. But from day one, Jake and his team were not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also deeply attentive and communicative. Jake walked me through every step, demystified the entire process, and empowered me to make the best decisions… Ultimately leading to a settlement that exceeded my expectations. I now have complete trust in Jake and the firm, and it’s a huge relief knowing I have them in my corner if I ever need legal counsel again. A heartfelt thanks to everyone at Hunter Pyle!
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02 Oct, 2024 by Tram bui
I can’t say enough about their professional and wonderful services! I’m lucky to find Tanya as our lawyer to represent my family member in an employment case. With her knowledge, patient and intelligent, she was able to get a very good settlement for us! I’m so happy and greatly appreciated what she did. I highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for a good lawyer to represent them.
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06 May, 2018 by Paul cassinetto
27 Oct, 2017 by Natasha scott
Not a great place to work.
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15 Dec, 2016 by Junuen
Angela has represented my family for 3 years and she is amazing! I have restraining order, custody, and child support case against my ex who is a political figure. Angela is amazing for many reasons but here are my top 3: she knows the law and the judges; she is tech savvy; she is empathetic.
When I was assigned judge Nöel Wise Angela recommended we switch judges and she was so right! Also, when my ex attempted to divert the case to his political egotistical self, she redirected the case back to the well-being of our son.
Second, I text Angela (Yes, TEXT) if anything comes up, like an R.O. violation, and she responds quickly with a call or text.
Third, she understands survivors of domestic violence in the justice system- sometimes the system is not just. However, she advocates strongly for justice! I really trust her with everything!
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27 Apr, 2023 by L stewart
5 stars is simply not enough! Ever felt lost at sea in the middle of a storm taking on water ? That was my divorce and my boat was 10 feet under water surrounded by sharks. Best day in my divorce was the moment Tong Family Law entered my life. What Suzanne and her team accomplished in such a short time (1 month) was simply incredible during the most difficult time in my life. She is a pro, just gets it and knows how to untangle all the garbage but most importantly executes on what matters. Suzanne was referred to me from my forensic accountant and protected me against a shady firm and not only simplified everything, explained it so that the judge gets it and fights hard for you to resolve matters. In 1 month Suzanne and her firm untangled years of my worst nightmare and I am not only thankful but impressed.
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14 Apr, 2023 by Jennifer chang
Suzanne is an excellent family lawyer providing compassionate and diligent legal services. She truly cares about her clients and is a great ally through difficult and frustrating times.
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03 Apr, 2023 by Sheri scott
Suzanne and her team have represented me on more than one occassion. She truly is there to serve her clients with honesty and compassion, while fighting hard to win the toughest family law cases. I wish there were more than just 5 stars, because only giving 5 starts doesn't give Suzanne and her team the credit they deserve. #Highly Recommend
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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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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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07 Apr, 2022 by Erica
They lied and did not defend me or even provide me with the proper papers. WARNING these guys are lame you will get better help from a public defender. WARNING
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16 Apr, 2021 by Daniel
They or no good on coming on time only good charging money that they good at I’m sorry but not recomendable
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18 Nov, 2020 by Miguel
This guy will see me in all his reviews because he sucks so much pathetic lawyer what kind of lawyer has car problems and can’t show up to your court date???? Worthless this guy is a joke of a lawyer a jokeeee am laughing at his title job man I guess I’ll be next lawyer if that guy can do it so can I.
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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:
-
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:
-
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:
-
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.
