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18 Feb, 2021 by Michelle
I hired Christine about 4 years back to help with my divorce and custody cases. She eventually helped me with getting a restraining order as well and has done a phenomenal job at every turn. It’s been an extremely difficult case but she has fought for me and my children like we’re her only client and that has made all the difference. Christine has always given sound advice and doesn’t sugar coat reality. She’s been in the game a long time and it shows! She knows her stuff and is very smart with her strategies. I highly recommend her to anyone!!
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17 Feb, 2021 by Michael
I have to give rave reviews for Christine and thumbs down reviews for "Family Court". Christine is up front as much as possible in all ways and her experience & attention to details is exemplary. She also goes out of her way to try to keep expenses down. Bottom line is that you can trust her to do a good job. Sadly, in Family Court, history has proven time and time again that the woman in a divorce or separation case can get away with virtually anything with total impunity to include any and every type of abuse to include child abuse, elder abuse & violence, lying, falsification of records or documents filed with the court, false testimony, lying at depositions, grand theft robbery, embezzlement, immigration marriage fraud, marriage fraud, and other forms of abuse. The court could care less. When you present even criminal information in court during live testimony, and you hear the presiding judge say; "that's no big deal, lots of people do that", is greatly disappointing and destroys trust in the court system when the judge does not care.
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09 Feb, 2021 by Robert
Excellent service- and always available and very knowledgeable . She knows how to handle the negotiation.
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02 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Kimberly (and her boss Bonnie) made big promises. But they came to Court unprepared and lost. they judge even asked them if they needed to reschedule the hearing for later they were so unprepared. On top of this they were very rude once they got my retainer payment.
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14 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
This woman is horrible!! She lies in court, says she didn’t receive papers when she did. She is a complete liar and doesn’t think about the children in cases at all! Would never recommend her
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15 Dec, 2020 by Denise glover
30 Jul, 2024 by Matt
I have to comment on how pleased I am with the extreme professionalism Jessica and her paralegal Gina exhibit. Together, they really care about help their clients get through once of the most trying times in a persons life. Jessica is amazing in court as she maintains a very calm, cool yet assertive nature about herself. Jessica is extremely knowledgeable and is very articulate when representing a person in court. Dealing with an ex that has a punishing personality, Jessica and Gina have been able to provide solutions that help move the case closer to resolution. Trying to imagine what it would have been like handling this case to save money would have been foolish. Divorce is not easy nor pleasant. I highly recommend Jessica Medina and her paralegal Gina. They truly care and have the best interest of their client at heart.
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12 Feb, 2021 by Linda
Beatrice continues to provide excellent legal advices to me with my questions. She is the best abs with in-depth knowledge of all the various scenarios. I find comfort and confidence having Beatrice representation. Thank you.
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18 Jun, 2019 by Jeffrey
I attempted to handle my own divorce but my ex-spouse retained an attorney known for bully tactics and proceeded to dismantle me. I met with Beatrice, Jessica, and Mareva and they immediately devised a plan and executed well. Jessica was kind and caring while dealing with me and polite, yet firm, with the opposing attorney when he would try to bully her as well. I was probably not an easy client, as I’m extremely disorganized and a chronic procrastinator, but with Jessica and Marevas help we were able to establish order from chaos. I highly recommend Beatrice and Jessica should you ever have the unfortunate task of resolving a family law matter.
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23 Aug, 2019 by Gordon
she showed up 15 min. late for court , date.
and told me she had a trial to do, and tried to hand it off to ,
a " associate " .
he was someone i had never met or talked to ever.
and he knew almost nothing about the case.
i asked for a continuance to seek a Qualified counsel.
the request was granted.
i asked her to give me the apposing counsel Name & phone #
at 10 am. its now 5;20 pm.
and no text. , or call.
she tries to do everything by text message...
she talks the game ,
but frankly you should not fall for it.
" Caution "
do not hire this woman.
she is a train wreck.
hand wrote my declaration , and what a disaster.!
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01 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
After talking with her and getting advice, she was very passionate in her craft and considers it an art form of what she does, thus making me fully trusted in her.
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31 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I trust Mackenzie. She has always given me great advice and consultation.
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26 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
So lazy, all they did is lie lie lie. Called them repeatedly and they would lie about be on top of the matter!!!!! Don’t hire them !!!!!!!!!! Save your money.
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24 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Kerry proved to be everything you don't want your lawyer to be: Incompetent, unreachable, late to court hearings, and to top it off he has a huge ego!
He calls from unknown number, to call him you have to go thru the switch board and leave msgs. Most of the time he doesn't even call back, and other times responds via email.
His customer service skills does not jive with the rate he charges you. As he is amongst some of the more expensive attorneys. He collects all the money upfront, that should've been a red flag!
Do yourself a service if you want legal representation stay away from this guy, you be better off with public defender than him
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23 Aug, 2022 by Steve
Lazy, Late, and incompetent. late for court twice. Had me plead guilty to a charge i wasn't guilty of. [Out of state residents are not required to register their weapons.] Cost me four times the actual amount of restitution. Poor communication. Tried emailing me that he was late for court because if he called his cell number would show up on my phone. [Who emails anything that needs immediate attention?] Told me to plead the sheet because he was too inept to negotiate a reasonable plea agreement. [why hire an Attorney if you;re just going to plead guilty to everything?] Charged me double the rate and said because it was two cases......after both were combined! If you are smart>DO NOT HIRE THIS IDIOT.
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05 Feb, 2011 by Anonymous
Pressured to agree to joint custody and shouldn't have done it. Didn't know once I did it would be almost impossible to change.
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02 Sep, 2010 by Barbie
Do yourself a favor and hire Scott and save time and money. Make sure both parties agree on everything and just hire one attorney not two. Scott can handle the whole divorce and be done. Don't make it complicated. Take it from me been there done it....
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14 Apr, 2010 by Anonymous
Mr. Finkbeiner did a great job on my divorce/custody case. He was very good in court, knew the law and was able to get me through a very complicated custody battle with my ex. Mr. Finkbener kept me informed on my case and was responsive to my questions. I definitely recommend him.
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01 Jun, 2021 by Sarah
I was really frustrated after reading some of these reviews. Leigh has been extremely supportive and encouraging during this difficult process. She is a matter of fact, tell it like it is kind of person but isn't that the kind of person you want standing up for you in court? Leigh's prices are so reasonable, I was so afraid I wouldn't be able to afford a lawyer and I prayed for a miracle. Leigh has been doing this for a long time and I am grateful for her knowledge, guidance and support. I am confident that walking into this courtroom with her by my side is the best choice I could have made.
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27 Apr, 2018 by Justin
Leigh was not reliable nor did she provide the effort you would expect when dealing with legal issues. I was very open and upfront with her regarding my case and needs as a client, but Leigh couldn't provide the same respect back. After my consultation, which I thought was comforting, I spent money immediately to retain her due to the complication of my case. Leigh showed up to every court hearing either as court checked in or had already started, which left no time to consult with her going into a hearing about expectations, needs, and facts required for judge. During the hearing, due to lack of consultation, I consistently had to try to provide input or request things on an instant before hearing would be over. After hearings is when Leigh would communicate with us, in which she charged for. After I received my first invoice, not only did she charge the incorrect rate, but she would charge for simple communication (reading and responding to my emails). Not only was her hours spent on tasks appearing to be inflated, Leigh also didn't provide a receipt for a cash transaction, then wouldn't credit the money provided to her until I gave my bank statement reflecting my atm withdrawl. She blamed "personal" reason as means to not crediting me, but I had to advise her multiple times she didn't credit me. Now comes the unethical aspect, which occurred every hearing. I'm not sure if race played a role in her character judgment, but Leigh would tell my wife and I we couldn't afford her nor the effort to fight for my rights as a father. This was the single most disrespectful and inappropriate thing I've ever been told, from someone I looked to for counsel. There was no indication of my ability to pay, when I keep my terms to our contract regarding payment. Then when asked to actually make effort to progress the case, Leigh consistently told me she couldn't do anything. Therefore it left me with no other choice but to move on from her services. BE CAUTIOUS IN RETAINING THIS ATTORNEY, she will force you to do all the footwork, legal processes, and more while she collects your money. Also, if you can't afford her suggestions, don't expect her to fight for you in your case. I believe Leigh thought she had a money case because of the high conflict I'm involved in, but she didn't expect me to be as efficient as I am in my case. Just as stated from the anonymous reviewer, they were 100% correct about Leigh. Dont believe me, theres other sites that have reviews on her as well dating back to 2009 of her poor and unethical work, in a simple Google search, which I do regret not doing before retaining her. I would highly suggest you review your invoices and contract before you make a legal decision.
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02 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
She's very good on billing you for hours that she probably never did considering on how badly she arranged my file. I deeply regret that I had to deal with her. Please do a favor to yourself and AVOID this attorney. Good luck!
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15 Dec, 2020 by Denise glover
30 Mar, 2019 by Rose parscal
Beyond rude to people trying to do the right thing and pay off an debit. They refuse to send you anything via the mail such as receipts or agreements for payment contract but want your debit card info, imagine that. The employee Aaron i spoke with hung up on me when asking how we’d go about sending receipts and placed me on hold about 20 times in our hour long bs conversation. Hopefully I’ll be able to speak to someone perfessional to get this resolved as that’s what I was attempting to do.
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16 Oct, 2018 by Aaron
Amy took my case at the last minute for a move away order that was being contested. She went above and beyond, working after hours to make sure that she knew my case in and out and could represent me as best as possible. My move away was granted, and even after the trial, Amy ensured that I got everything I needed as far as a signed order and helping get my children over to me, as I had to leave the state immediately on military orders. I will absolutely be using her again in the future if the need arises in family court.
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28 May, 2023 by Anonymous
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/domestic-abuse-survivor-gets-justice-after-quick-thinking-saves-her-from-forced-shared-custody-agreement/3235552/
I actually never hired her for obvious reasons but selecting the “consulted” button was the only way I could post this.
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05 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Well a friend of mine was sentence to life in prison for a crime he was ineffective which she had his case for five months and when it came to trial she asked for a continuous because she said I only had one week to prepare. If she would have asked to see the warrant she would have notice the warrant was invalid.. had seen the warrant she could have filed a 1538.5 motion to suppress evidence and a 995 motion to dismiss.. my friend would be a free man which he is actually and factually innocent of all charges.. But he still in prison after almost 11 yrs but he is still fighting for his freedom.. Don't hire her cuz she pick and chooses who she will defend but SHE WILL TAKE YOUR MONEY..
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24 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Karolyn Kovtun is known for spreading false conspiracy theories and making false allegations about others online. Not professional, whatsoever.
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11 Apr, 2018 by Katherine masel
When Susan Rosen was "handed" my cases after I was passed around with the law offices of Beatrice Snider, on our first phone call she YELLED at me and told me that "she was the one to do the talking "(?!?!?) . She was so rude, not even well spoken and bossy.
When I told B. Snider this, to her credit, she apologized and recognized Rosen's inappropriateness. I was hoping Rosen would be a bull dog against my high powered husband, but instead, she bullied me. She could not answer questions about my case and was not up to date. I was to pay her to "catch up" on all that already transpired. It was when Rosen has my case that I fired her because the firm dragged the divorce out and made excuses and encouraged hostility between my and my x to be. Susan Rosen was particularly rude. She sets the standard for bad attorneys and gives them all a bad reputation.
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02 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Called to find out if they can help me but, the secretary did not want even to listen to me unless I send her the ARAG form!
I just wanted to explain but she was rude and did not even let me finish! I hope that the lawyer is not like her!!!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I have unfortunately encountered and been harassed directly by 2 different attorneys, Ben Torrence and Jasmine Dwelkotte, with Antonyan Miranda that are under Ilona Antonyan’s management. It is obvious Antonyan Miranda promotes and encourages its attorney’s to be aggressive, demeaning and harassing to initimdate opposing clients. It’s very disgusting and unprofessional. Be warned this law firm fights dirty and below the belt, without facts to back their accusations!
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06 Nov, 2024 by Marcus bryant
Seen her in court. Just a fumbling mess.
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27 Jul, 2023 by Winona hunter
such a bad attorney that it would be laughable if not for the matter of the fate of actual human lives being in her hands.......
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28 Jan, 2023 by Julie b
Horrible defense attorney! Should be dis-barred! She is a horrible representative for Asian lawyers
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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:
-
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:
-
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.
