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08 Jul, 2024 by Brandi warren
Everything was handled, smoothly and professionally, I couldn’t be more happier.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Janemba jenemba
The team here cares about you, they do a good job and making sure you’re satisfied and taken care of. Great service. I really enjoyed the experience it was refreshing and they are very understanding
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08 Jul, 2024 by Aniya shelton
The most efficient and professional service I've experienced. They kept me informed and worked tirelessly for the best outcome.
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20 Feb, 2024 by Smyh
I was fortunate enough to find Mr Fakhim. He is very knowledgeable and informative, after working with 2 others attorneys prior to him who failed my case he explained the situation to me used his talent and my case dismissed. I highly recommend Mr Fakhimi,if you’re looking for honest attorney and not just someone who wants your money. I’m forever grateful for what he did for my life! You can’t go wrong with this attorney.
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02 Dec, 2023 by Evelyn
This group of professionals helped me clear out the way DISMISSED all together thank God!! an old case which had long prevented me from moving forward in my immigration status. I am now a US citizen thanks to Mr. Fakhimi and his team to God's glory. My review is long overdue but I will be recommending them to a friend who needs help with a family member who is incarcerated.
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25 Jan, 2021 by Ilby
A couple years ago, I had my previous employer fire me based on my health. I immediately reached out to Houman and his team and they welcomed my case. It was a long journey, but Houman and his team kept in contact with me consistently. I even was able to text him, often, asking about any updates from his end. He always kept me in the loop and I was never a step behind. His paralegals also were amazing. When the case neared its end, they spent a lot of time with me in sorting out through the finalization of my case. I had great faith in them and I would genuinely recommend Houman and his team to anyone. Filing a lawsuit and handling the legalities can be extremely time consuming, but I never had a doubt that I would not see the light at the end of the tunnel and seek justice. Thank you so much, Houman. I appreciate all your hard work.
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30 Jun, 2017 by Kathy f.
Mr. Rettenmaier helped me during my hour of need regarding a Landlord Tenant Unlawful Detainer Action (Eviction). I am so glad I hired Robert Rettenmaier to defend me with my unlawful detainer. Robert, was able to prepare me for trial in case we needed to go forward. During a time that was very stressful, Robert sat me down and explained to me what was going to happen and what would likely happen. On the morning of my unlawful detainer trial, Robert calmed me down. Mr. Rettenmaier protected my rights and even future rights. Robert was very professional and knowledgeable. We eventually settled my case instead of going to trial. When Robert was negotiating a settlment, the other party's attorney tried to get me to sign a general waiver of rights. Robert would not let me do this. I am so glad he was there to protect my rights because now I am capable of suing for injuries that were sustained. Also, I don't have an eviction on my record because of Robert. I would definitely recommend Robert to defend your rights in an unlawful detainer eviction action. Under Full Disclosure: Robert Rettenmaier and I met in law school. I believe Robert did a fantasic job!
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29 Jun, 2017 by Kelly
I was very uncertain of all the steps I would have to take to get my case to court. I contacted Mr. Rettenmaier and he assured me he would assist me with every step of the way. He was available for me when I was uncertain of what items I needed. He was very clear and upfront. I was experiencing a very difficult situation and Mr. Rettenmaier reassured me he would handle my case effectively and in a timely manner. I highly recommend that Mr. Rettenmaier will provide an efficient and professional experience.
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21 Mar, 2018 by Grant
I couldn't have asked for a better attorney. In a multi-year divorce proceeding where my ex was trying to keep my visitation with our child at 5% while running me through the ringer, Albert kept things under control and got me 50/50 custody. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome!
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31 Jan, 2024 by Jose garcia
Working with Adam was a great experience. We hired Adam to handle my sister's car accident case. He was able to persuade the opposing party to fulfill their responsibilities, which they were originally trying to avoid. Adam resolved our case in a timely and professional manner. Overall, I was pleased with the quality of work and the knowledge that Adam provided. I would recommend him to my friends and family and would gladly hire him again.
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11 Jun, 2022 by Eli figueras
Krolikowski Law Firm delivered much more than I expected. The amount of my settlement was triple what I expected. They were very professional and confident. I recommend Krolikowski Law firm to anyone.
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15 Dec, 2020 by Don
Shane is a very professional attorney with an attention to details. He's very interested in you as a person not just as a client. He takes his time to get to know you and your situation and works very hard to what you deserve while not charging high fees/costs. I highly recommend Shane.
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10 Jul, 2024 by Anahi
Wail and his staff are unlike any other! From the moment I requested an appointment, Desire was very kind, understanding and with great customer service. I was provided with an appointment the following day ( Thursday ) didn’t expect to be seen or to be helped since my court date was Monday. I had been dealing with a Domestic Violence case that was overlooked by Orange County court house in January. Not only did Wail reopen my case, but also helped me with child custody. Wail and his staff ( Jennifer, Marlene and Alex) are very knowledgeable, professional, and detailed. They were all very clear about the process and always answered any questions I had. I am forever thankful with each one of them! I had court this past Monday, 7/8 and can say Wail did help me get what he said he would. He is very professional, confident, driven and tough when needed during court hearing. I am so glad my friend Paige referred him. My case was settled and can say it exceeded my expectations!!! Thank you Wail and Staff for all of your help.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Esmeralda diaz
Going through court can always be stressful, but with sarieh family law as my defense team it was a great experience. They helped me the whole way from start to finish and they helped me if anytime i was feeling confused or anxious. Always assuring me that it would go great and it always did.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Paige schreiber
I highly recommend Wail and his team. He has great attention to detail and has a strong presence in the court room. He has the ability to recall all the details in your case and has great strategy in the court room. Not only does he have a great, relatable personality, he will fight endlessly for a favorable outcome. Words cannot begin to express how much I appreciate Wail and his team for their knowledge, patience, and understanding. Thank you Wail, Marlene, and the entire team at Sarieh Law!
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05 Nov, 2024 by Monica bayarri
This will be the second time I hire the Fontes Law Group in Santa Ana. I live in Miami, work in Spain, and I’m from Houston and researched intensely on many immigration law firms and hands down they are the best. I’m incredibly grateful for the attention to detail and diligence. I’m also grateful to Veronica Levya for her patience and professionalism. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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29 Oct, 2024 by Manuel orozco
I closed my case with the Law Offices of Dennis Dascanio and I highly recommend him Mariella was very helpful and was able to answer all my questions the communication for them is number one and you can talk to the attorney whenever you request an appointment no hassle at all
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12 Oct, 2024 by Luis hernandez solis
Quiero recomendar a la abogada Navarro y la firma Fontes. Yo llegue a ella gracias a recomendación de mi sobrina a quien le ayudo a ganar un caso de custodia. Yo estaba atravesando un proceso complicado de divorcio en el cuál había muchas implicaciones/agresiones por parte de mi ex esposa el cual se estaba alargando más de lo deseado. Yo comencé el proceso con un paralegal por "barato" sin saber que lo barato me saldría más caro. En cuanto llegue con la abogada Navarro se notó su experiencia, profesionalidad y educación. Ella y su equipo me guiaron paso a paso durante el proceso, me mantuvieron informado de cada avance en el caso y contestaban mis dudas. Cabe destacar que la srita Gali fue quien estuvo en contacto conmigo y me escucho y resolvia todas mis dudas y me guio, cuándo la abogada no podía hacerlo directamente y siempre lo hizo de una manera profesional y amistosa. El día de la audiencia me sentí ampliamente representado por la abogada y gracias a ella, su experiencia y su guía legal pudimos llegar a un acuerdo en mediación y finalizar el divorcio. Estoy sumamente agradecido con la abogada y su equipo. 100% recomiendo a la Abogada Navarro y su gran equipo para quien este pasando por un caso legal difícil. Quiero recalcar que si estas en un proceso de divorcio no acudas a lugares baratos, solo te hacen perder tiempo y dinero y esas personas no te asesoran en absolutamente nada legal.
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02 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
She wasn’t my attorney,she was my wife who kidnapped our kids and ran off with a trucker
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19 Mar, 2022 by Danielle
I am Rhonda’s actual client and have nothing but great things to say about her. I brought her on to my case in June 2020 in the midst of the pandemic and she was incredibly compassionate and empathetic with my situation. My ex was withholding financial information and after filing my own response and paperwork I realized very quickly that this situation would cause for more than just self representation. He dragged on our proceedings by stating “he didn’t know” on more than one occasion to the judge, filled out his own paperwork incorrectly, didn’t follow court procedures with serving paperwork to my attorney and has in general been very verbally abusive and accusatory in declarations presented to the court that were false and had no relevance to the case further dragging things along. All the while Rhonda has been encouraging and supportive and reminding me of what is actually important to getting things finished. She did not allow me to get caught up in the drama with my ex and instead helped me focus on what mattered most, my kids. She negotiated a very fair custody and visitation agreement that benefitted both parents equally, got us signed up with Our Family Wizard to communicate about the kids, recommended a book on how to interact with each other in our high conflict divorce and even negotiated our financial disagreements in a fair manner. The only real delay in our proceedings were due to Covid related court dates (2020/2021) and then lack of preparedness by my ex who was self represented. Divorce paperwork was filed by my ex in June 2019 and our first original court date wasn’t scheduled until March 2020 which was delayed by Covid until October 2020. CNV was completed in October 2020 and the only thing left were financials which took all of 2021 to get finalized at no fault of Rhonda’s. I am very satisfied and happy with her work and encourage you to give her a call to see if she is the right fit for you. Don’t be swayed by anonymous reviewers pretending to be her clients. She puts your kids first and that’s most important.
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15 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
She has been my attorney for over two years . She’s very experienced, knowledgeable and professional. She can be very tough in a situation that she needs to be. But she has a very kind and warm personality. She’s been helping me getting through a tough time I’m going through right now. She listens to me in compassion and consults me with her great judgements. Also, she tries to accommodate my needs in various situations. She always tries her best. She really cares about her clients. I highly recommend her. She is the best attorney.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Edwin ernesto lopez castellanos
Muy mal servicio tengo un caso abierto con ellos por despido injustificado y les llamo les escribo y no me responden y menos me ayudan con mi caso pero aseguran ser profesionales con muchos años de experiencia
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19 Aug, 2024 by Jadira hernandez
Amazing services they are always in communication with you keeping you updated. They take great care of your all your paperwork amazing thank you 😊
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19 Aug, 2024 by Leonel guerra
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18 Feb, 2024 by Jocelynn sanz
Jaimie and his team were amazing. They always kept me in the loop of my case. Whenever I had questions, Jaime answered right away. My case was resolved in less than 5 months with a very good settlement. Thank you for your hard work!
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08 Nov, 2022 by Predator 7
With very low probabilities the attorney Jamie resolved my case in only 3 months.
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22 Sep, 2022 by Lesther vazquez
Very unorganized, unreliable, unpunctial, attorney malpractice. Do not contact this attorney for service. Very poor in helping out client. Every time court schedule has been dialed in for me to appear he always comes with a late excuse to not proceed with hearing. Doesnt want to go the extra mile to head down to represent in court for physical appearance and he is also VERY RUDE!!!
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28 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
During a consult she rushed me and interrupted me several times. A couple times she asked me questions over, could've been avoided had she been professional and patient. A 30 min consult was in approx 12 min. She rushed me off.
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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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