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06 Dec, 2023 by Brittany
Kimi is an excellent attorney who has her client's best interests in mind. She is thorough, articulate, intelligent, and she CARES! I have used Kimi for a few cases now and have referred her to any of my friends in need of a divorce lawyer.
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05 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
I have had not so great experiences in the past with attorneys in my divorce/custody case. Kimi was as breath of fresh air. She was very communicative and answered all of my questions. This is seemingly so simple but apparently other attorneys have issues with this. We were able to get everything signed and in motion extremely quickly. I highly recommend Kimi and will use her again should I need anything else with family law.
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22 Nov, 2023 by Noel
Kimi represented me in a custody modification and contempt with regard to child support. I can’t say enough great things about her representation, knowledge/strategic thinking and her overall support of me during this undoubtedly stressful litigation. Kimi is very thorough, fiscally responsible and receptive to feedback/working together as a team. Through Kimi’s dedication to my case, I was awarded sole custody and the defendant found in contempt of court, with a plan outlined for arrearage payments. I am so grateful and would highly recommend Kimi!
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19 Aug, 2024 by The truth or derek podcast
Josh is a brilliant caring attorney, blown away by knowledge and approach , fantastic experience 💯💯💯
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29 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr. Schiffer cared to respond to my inquiry and explained things well. He went out of his way to assist me with my questions.
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12 Feb, 2024 by Madiha k
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25 Sep, 2023 by Matt
I wasn't sure where to start in the process but I'm glad I reached out to Melody. I recommend her services for anyone going through the divorce process. I received consistent communication from the team and we were able to navigate the settlement effectively and with an efficient timeline.
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02 May, 2023 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Swilling Family Law Firm. I was working with an other attorney before hiring them but I was not pleased with the way the previous attorney was handling my case. She recommended Melody to me and as soon as I had my first zoom interview I knew that she was going to help me to finalize my case. It was a real pleasure working with Melody and her team. Her assistants are very dedicated and always came back pretty quickly to me. Melody is kind and compassionate but very smart, knowledgable and determined at the same time. Going through divorce is a painful process and finding a good team who can help you to navigate through it is Priceless.
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18 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
Melody is very knowledgeable and professional. I wouldn't have known where to start with my case without her! She takes her time and interacts with your experience followed by sound advice. I would not hesitate to send any of my family and friends to her services. She is a gem in the community.
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27 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Hired Martin on two separate occasions regarding family law matters - divorce and child custody matter. The initial matter went extremely well and both parties found a workable solution. Unfortunately, sometime after resolving initial matter, I had to re-engage Martin regarding an adjustment in custody arrangements. And consistently provided efficient and sage advice on all matters. I strongly recommend. One must also consider he works diligently and efficiently with his support team. Thus, his fees are reasonable and holistically worth every penny.
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23 Aug, 2012 by Chris
Martin without a doubt is the most impressive attorney that I have ever met. I separated from the military several years back, and had a very difficult time adjusting to civilian life. I had issues with DUI, reckless driving and speeding. Martin not only helped me with my legal matters but completely eliminated them. Not to say I wasn't accountable for my actions, but I was represented in such a a way that I felt confident leaving the courtroom with my head held high. I have turned to Martin several times since my initial consult and he has made me feel as if I am his only client. Everyone in his office was more than helpful in my time of trouble. I would recommend Martin, and anyone at Charlton & Glover, for all of your legal needs.
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23 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
After paying a 10k retainer for my divorce, this attorney did nothing for me. I caught him in several lies and eventually had to fire him. I couldnt help but to think that somehow this was my fault, because, after all, HE is the legal professional, and knows what he is doing. Right? Wrong! I picked up my "file" from his office and took it to my new attorney. She said, "This is it???? Where is everything???" I had no idea how bad it was until I saw my new attorney go to work. She handled my case in a matter of WEEKS, not months or years, and earned every penny of her retainer. She actually got me more than what I thought I would get. After mediation, the opposing counsel even remarked that this attorney did absolutely nothing for me. I think it is only fair to end this review on a positive note. This attorney did refund a small amount of my money after I complained. Maybe he knew deep down that he fell short.
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12 Aug, 2022 by Dave
Patience is a virtue. Covid created excessive delay problems for all concerned. Communication with all lawyers is meh...slow and at times non existent, BUT Olga did everything she promised and agreed to. Be patient stick to the plan, let them work. Family Court case won outright ! Criminal Court Case dismissed ! Things didn't always go exactly as hoped but still ended with 100% success.
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20 Jan, 2022 by Eli
I hired Olga back in 2018, Olga is the best lawyer that she can be. Her dedication, her loyalty, her understanding, and her means to MAKE A WAY OUT OF NO WAY. She is not only a great lawyer but she is a great caring person in her personal life. Olga has answered many of my calls non related to my case, we have spent hours on the phone and even at times she would uplift me when need to be. Not many lawyers will do that! A lot of lawyers do their job have no connection to you and are there for a paycheck, Olga & Mr. Sabbak are not those lawyers. One thing Olga will do is TRY and she will do her best! That is all a lawyer can do. Her dedication and determination to help her clients is what I like about her the most. She fights for what’s right! My case has taken 3 long years because the other defendant has lawyers who are fixers and love to drag the case out and Olga has not given up on me nor my case ever and that’s another thing I like about her! While other lawyers will get tired, Olga puts in work, figures out what can be done. She communicates things with me well and is bluntly HONEST, she doesn’t tell me what I want to hear, she tells me what I need to hear! While other lawyers may give up on you when things get hard or difficult, Olga and Mr. Sabbak do not. That will forever be appreciated no matter the outcome of the case because all you can ever do in life is TRY.
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19 Jan, 2022 by Erin
Olga was hired for my father case back in 2021 and I’m glad we chose her. We were a bit nervous but her confidence and dedication helped. Profession and passionate are a great combination in which it won our case.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Branden
I retained Mr Sabbak for two separate misdemeanor charges that were a decade old. I live in Florida now, so I had to rely on online reviews to help make a decision on which attorney to hire for my cases. I decided on Mr Sabbak because he seemed charismatic on the phone. The first case he was able toget resolved, but on the same conditions that were presented to me 11 years ago when I had no attorney. He did get a warrant recalled for me, but then pushed me towards a resolution that I said from the start I did not want and leveraged the fact that I was out of state to get me to agree to the terms (a stark contrast to what he said he could accomplish on the phone). He did however represent himself and me well for the 2 sentences he said while we were in court. The lack of integrity comes in on the second case. He stated that he could not enter into representation on my second case since I had never been arrested and it was just a warrant. Thus, I had to turn myself in and make first appearance so he could represent me. Upon surrendering myself and waiting for my first appearance court, my charges were dropped. Since I had only received representation in one case, and I retained Mr Sabbak for two cases, I asked for a partial refund upon my release since I had paid in full for two cases. Mr Sabbak said that our retainer was a "flat fee" which wasn't indicated in the retainer and non-refundable. I was VERY adamant about my dire financial situation through our communications and had to borrow money to be able to retain counsel. I never received a response from Mr sabbak after expressing dissatisfaction about the lack of refund. Like I said very little integrity, I would never reccomend such an attorney.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Syed jamal
nice work excellent excellent skill nice keep it ep woow i m very happy soo
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. What is the likely outcome of my case?
    Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case, including potential challenges and expected outcomes.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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:

  • 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.
  • 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.

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