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20 Feb, 2024 by Georgette
Choosing Moira as my family law attorney was the best decision that I could have made for the protection of me and my children. She is phenomenal, and I know this firsthand because I started out by hiring another (albeit, bigger) law firm to handle my case. After a series of grave mistakes that were made by the first firm (the costs of which I alone had to bear as a result of this firm’s internal dysfunction, their defective pleadings, and the incompetence of their staff), I fired that first firm, and I hired Moira and her team to fully resolve my very complicated family law case. Her achievements on my behalf are truly remarkable.
Moira came highly recommended to me by very good friends of mine who have either utilized her services or know of someone who has. All that I heard about Moira is true: She is a fierce litigator, a strategic advocate, and an experienced counselor who truly cares about her clients and the high quality of her work product. I was skeptical at first, given my prior interactions with lawyers who left a bad taste in my mouth. However, I soon realized that she is truly amazing both inside and outside of the courtroom. Not only does she work really hard, Moira, and her dedicated assistant, Giovanna, always kept me well-informed about my case. They patiently explained everything to me, which often was more than once, since I had to ask for multiple explanations due to my own lack of experience with the law. I am so grateful to them both.
My case included a nasty custody dispute as well as a civil lawsuit (called a Marvin action), as my children's father and I used to own a lot of property together, but we were never legally married. With a brilliant legal mind, a successful litigation history spanning over three decades, and a heart made of gold, Moira succeeded in family court by obtaining full custody for me and an order that the children and I could move out-of-state. She also secured a sizeable monthly child support payment for me, and she negotiated an amazing property settlement agreement in the civil case. While the process was long, painful, and expensive, it was always very clear to me (and to the Family and Civil judges hearing the two cases) that the other attorneys (my ex had to hire two attorneys to fight with Moira) did not have the courage or courtroom experience to well stand up to her in court. I distinctly remember at the first Status Conference following my hiring of Moira, as soon as my ex’s attorney saw her walk into the courtroom, she started shaking like a leaf! Moira’s extensive skill and expertise at resolving cases (one way or another) was always evident during literally every phase of my case.
I am so grateful to be on the other side of this whole ordeal now. I just received my final court documents from Moira, along with a gracious thank you message for giving her and her team, the opportunity to represent me during the most difficult chapter of my life. In all honestly, the honor is mine. Although I had to pay a lot of money for her representation to ensure the protection that I needed for my children and me, I have no regrets whatsoever. Moira’s professional services have been invaluable to me, and my family’s future is, at last, secure. Thank you, Moira, for protecting us each and every step of the way!
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19 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Doesn't regularly respond to emails. Mainly in communication with her assistants and never Moira. Bills you largely for making copies and parking seems questionable. I asked multiple times to have a phone appointment with her and I was never responded to. I felt client negligence with her and am traumatized with my experience and felt taken advantage of, emotionally and financially given I felt zero support.
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17 Aug, 2020 by Melissa
I hired this law firm in December 2017 to assist me with a difficult divorce. Mrs. Hogan was fierce and represented myself and my children phenomenally. She fought for us to receive great child support and alimony within the first two months of my case. I am so grateful for her hard work in getting us what we needed to live.
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13 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I was referred by a friend of mine to Mr. Mezzetti for traffic matters that I have encountered. Mr. Mezzetti took his time and explained to me all what I need to go throughthe process. I decided to hire him to take care of my tickets. Great results. I am very happy to have hired him. I would definitely recommend him to everyone else.
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01 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
An unfortunate event happened with my son recently and a friend recommended me to Mr. Mezzetti's office. My son and I had a consultation with him and I was very impressed with not only his expertise and professionalism, yet he made quite an impression on my son. The result of the case was much better than I imagined it to be, and as a result of this ordeal, my son has learned a valuable lesson. Thank you Mr. Mezzetti and your staff for being there for us.
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26 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
I had a very simple criminal matter that needed rectifying. After months of empty promises, I am back at square one. Very unreliable team of attorney's who promise alot and deliver nothing - their responsiveness was close to non-existent.
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02 Apr, 2024 by Joel
Cary has represented me my brother's and many of my friends here in Santa Clara. Always looked out for me and my family. Worked great on payment plans and resident. I'm always hearing things from people, yet it's all been hear so type stuff. His door is always open and will fight for you. He is an amazing father and always working. Thank you for your support and words of encouragement. I've been clean for 9 years thanks to him. Helped me get into a program and do better for myself and family. Thank you again. Keep up the amazing work.
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07 Jan, 2011 by Bryan
Spent most of his time drinking at the Tied House. He failed to appear in court for me, the judge was heated an issued a bench warrant thanks to Cary, who then advised me to NOT show up for a dependency court date because I was going to be arrested and he needed to get me put back on calender. What a train wreck this turned out to be. His motivation (to represent me) turned out to be the equity in my house. I was splitting up with my wife and he knew I was losing my house so he offered me $5000 on my $250,000+ in equity and was really peeved when I told what he could do with his "generous" offer. Since I wasn't going to let him steal my house he put me to work answering the phone @ his old office,doing some remodeling at his personal residence and also fixing what the tweakers had screwed up on his house down the street from his parents house. I was asked by Mr. Lindstrom if I knew anything about this drug called "Crystal" (2003) and he wasn't amused when I took the 5th on his question. All I can say for sure is what I seen with my own two eyes. I have heard other "clients" say he does some very disturbing things and if Karma has anything to do with it...Prison time with some of them former "clients" you screwed over (maybe they won't remember how you let some of their old ladies "work off" your bill) sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me.
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19 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I went to her free consultation and was blown away by all the information she gave me so I decided to hire her with no doubt that she will do a great job. Unfortunately, that was not the case. I've handed her all the related documents and summarized my case so she can be fully prepared but I was shocked how she came in without reading / learning about my case.
I was very nervous at the hearing so I listened to her advice but all she did was to take the easy way out for her, ignoring the best interest in me. It seemed like she didn't wanna put effort in protecting me or fighting for my benefit at all. Probably because she wasn't prepare at all. Even the opponent party said, " You should speak up, that's what you are here for "
She came unprepared, her legal knowledge is very limited and she made many mistakes. I was shocked when I read the legal document she created after the court. I needed to point out many of her mistakes. My case included simple calculations and she has an MBA but couldn't get the easiest math correct. I wish I never hired her.
I told my friend who's going through her divorce now that I regret hiring her then she happened to know her. She told me that Lucy's response on avvo was so fast, she was thinking of hiring her too but her emails were not responding to the questions she asked so she ended up not hiring her.
I checked her profile prior to hiring and felt I was very mislead of the " Rising star " award. I don't know how they give out awards but do NOT be mislead by that because it didn't apply in my case. The receivers is the worst performer in court.
She did such a lousy job. I never write reviews but decided to post here to save another me.
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13 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Lucy handled my family case from beginning to end, took all the pressure off me, all I had to do was answer her questions when she needed information PLUS she was always available to answer any of my questions especially during the first few days. 100% would REFER and RECOMMEND her.
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17 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Travis took my complicated divorce case and fought diligently for a ruling that favored my side. I am an executive high income earner with four children and a wife who was from Asia. Additionally, I had a C Corp and several rental properties which added to the complexity. After nearly two years, forensic accountants, etc., it was completed. I’m happy with the turn out. Thank you Travis!
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11 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
AVOID AVOID AVOID. If you are looking to waste your money without any results then Travis Whitfield is for you.
I have been dealing with my divorce, child custody, and child support issues for over a year now. Travis and his team got involved and screwed that all up. Everything has been delayed due to him fumbling with the case. He paid little to no attention to the case and passed it along to multiple associates and paralegals to WASTE your money.
Throughout my case, most of the time when they sent over documents for me to review and sign, I always had them correct one thing or another, they were hardly ever accurate. Yet, they still billed me to correct THEIR mistakes. There is a long laundry list with this law firm.
If I can help at least 1 person avoid this law firm; I have done my job. You don't want to add to your problems during your hard times looking for a capable lawyer. Don't waste your time and money with this law firm.
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06 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
I got a recommendation to check this lawyer for my divorce by a friend I say whose judgment I could trust. He asked what I wanted.
I said I want to make it as amicable as possible, I want what is fair, I want my peace, my freedom and most of all I want my kids to go through this as smoothly as possible. As long as I have my health, peace of mind, stable job and an option for my children to go to (their mom as I have learned exhibit strong narcisisstic traits which finally explained everything that troubled me all those years). His other question relevant : Do you think your wife is going to make this very difficult for you? My response was " Absolutely 100% she did not have to make threats that she is going to make it like hell for me, I knew"
He convinced me with these words:
I will fight for what is right for you and her
I do not tolerate using the children as leverage
I am not one who try to squeeze the other party unfairly
We move with the children welfare always the priority.
I said I am in. This was me filing for a divorce I tried all I can to work out for 20 years only to realize 18 years that nothing will ever change.
The promises not one of it were ever even came close to even get a jumpstart.
the best words he made were after the first court day in which I was shell shocked he did not do or say anything to advance or make known our contentions. The very first court day a few minutes before we even were called in to the courtroom I knew then that I made a very big mistake. As we were preparing all that I would say what about my, what about the, and what not. His one and best answer amongst was maybe we can add that in the next court day this is just the start!
When the proposals came and I so much had disagreement to some claims that were so absurd as we went along each proposal. Some I had no idea whatsoever how to proceed I asked what can you say, what legal advice can you give me. The best answer he has made was " well I do not know you are the one who has to decide what you want to do with it I am just putting note to make sure that we represent exactly what you want and how you wanted. One other answer he made was I do not deal with those financial stuff. It is not my line of specialty. So I asked maybe he can give me recommendations who to contact after all he has more than 2 decades at least of doing his job. But no he referred me to his secretary. First secretary left a few months after . I have a pending heart surgery. My job security is non existent, there is an active deliberate operation to try to get rid of me. My lawyer knew this so I am lagging with my payment of his services which is just about the only thing they are good in communicating with me. Now he is asking to be relieved from being his representative due to an irreparable relationship and an outstanding service fee. There never was an representation nor there ever was a relationship. I know nothing about law but I have common sense and I am in customer service. I am actively looking for a new lawyer that can simply just represent me for what is legally fair for me, the wife and the kids.
I did not know I hired a paralegal.
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22 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Stuart was great and to the point - introductory call was very productive, and he acted quickly and intelligently to the matter at hand. Yet, since that, his associate, Mabel, took the lead, while being highly incapable of handling complex situations. Seems like she knows how to fit issues into simple boxes she already knows how to handle, and is not capable of any level of tactical or strategic thinking. With that inside the box thinking, Mable is great at breaking down her tasks to the smallest levels, take the time to note each one, and charge you for it. This way, the bill gets inflated to at least twice of what it should have been. And yes, as of 2023, you pay $500 and hour for either Stuart or Mabel. Meaning you pay at a great lawyer rate, and get below average associate.
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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:
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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.
