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19 Jan, 2025 by Chelsea
Thank you for the consultation! Your advice was sound and efficient and helped me reach a decision I feel comfortable with. I sincerely appreciate your time, and the kindness of your staff.
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18 Dec, 2024 by Boris lazarev
Great consult, highly recommended!
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18 Dec, 2024 by Claudia forbes
Thanks for your advice
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5.0
7 Reviews
4.6
109 Reviews
11 Dec, 2024 by Alexandra
I cannot express enough gratitude for Jessica and Meredith and their incredible team for their outstanding support and expertise throughout my court case. From the very beginning, they were not only professional and knowledgeable but also deeply compassionate and understanding of my situation.
Jessica and Meredith fought tirelessly on my behalf and ensured that every detail was handled with care and precision. Their dedication to my case was evident in every interaction, and they always made me feel supported and heard. The entire team was equally remarkable, always responsive, organized, and willing to go above and beyond to help.
Thanks to their efforts, we achieved a settlement that exceeded my expectations. The outcome will make a significant difference in my life and my children’s lives, and I owe it all to Jessica’s hard work and determination.
If you are looking for a lawyer who is not only highly skilled but also genuinely cares about her clients, I wholeheartedly recommend Jessica and Meredith. They are truly exceptional, and I feel so fortunate to have had them in my corner during this challenging time.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Tiffany eastman
My experience with Jessica Ressler and her firm has been amazing! It is very difficult to find the delicate balance of not only an attorney that listens and hears you, but represents your best interest. I am been involved in an extremely complex and litigious battle. Without her caring yet determined approach, I am not quite sure if I would have been able to make it through.... Every step of the way, Jessica has been communicative, forthright, and available. I have always been made to feel heard, which is invaluable when going thru the complexities of such emotional and financial stress. Jessica is beyond brilliant, the hardest worker I know, and is so determined to fight for her clients best interests, my best interests. I am thrilled to have found her and her firm! Every single person in that office deserves more than 5 stars!!
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29 Nov, 2024 by Jennifer satter
I had a very frustrating, and potentially negatively life altering, experience with Ms. Ressler earlier this year. The error on her part cost my family time, frustration, and stress to myself and my children.
I was advised to file a temporary order of protection which involved making claims against family members. Unbeknownst to me, Jessica Ressler has a general modus operandi of being an extremely aggressive attorney, regardless of the situation. Her tactics involve getting her clients temporary orders of protection, involving the police, and using false statements. For those who are not aware, these tactics often negatively impact children. She treats every case the same, and her reputation in the industry is well known as being overly aggressive to the point of being detrimental to her clients and their cases. Further, her strategy unnecessarily involves child protective services who are legally obligated to investigate each case, and each parent, regardless of the accusations made.
Without going into significant personal detail, the filings I made under Ms. Ressler's guidance landed me in the cross hairs of CPS for no apparent reason. The result could have led to a permanent record, termination from my job, and an inability to be involved in some children's activities. When I pointed this out to Ms. Ressler, I was met with vague explanations and no real accountability, nor help to assist me from a legal standpoint. While initially she was attentive to my questions, once this occurred, her communication stopped instead of following up on ways to assist me, as though she signed off from my case. Ultimately, the CPS case was resolved without issue based on evidence provided by my family.
It should be noted that Ms. Ressler was recently formally admonished in court for her tactics and procedures. As previously stated, her reputation amongst attorneys in the NYC metro area is well known, and not well regarded.
I would not trust this lawyer with anything important and would highly caution others to do their due diligence before hiring her. I strongly suggest looking elsewhere for legal counsel.
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06 Feb, 2025 by Molly canu
This is our third time working with Tracey. She is super organized, very knowledgeable, and always clear in communicating every step of the way. She is friendly and kind but also gets things done quickly and efficiently. Highly recommend her.
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31 Dec, 2024 by Michele curcio
I sought the services of Tracey for the sale of my home based on the recommendation of my real estate agent, who I trust without question. Lucky me. Trace was responsive, attentive and experienced. Her advice was frank and direct, which I appreciate, and her team worked seamlessly. I would not hesitate to engage her again.
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17 Dec, 2024 by Kelly wing
Tracey handled both our sale and purchase and was incredible all the way through. Both transactions were complicated to say the least and she gave us very sound advice and guidance in every step. We have the most trust in her and cannot imagine we would have made it to the same end point without her.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Alexandra
I cannot express enough gratitude for Jessica and Meredith and their incredible team for their outstanding support and expertise throughout my court case. From the very beginning, they were not only professional and knowledgeable but also deeply compassionate and understanding of my situation.
Jessica and Meredith fought tirelessly on my behalf and ensured that every detail was handled with care and precision. Their dedication to my case was evident in every interaction, and they always made me feel supported and heard. The entire team was equally remarkable, always responsive, organized, and willing to go above and beyond to help.
Thanks to their efforts, we achieved a settlement that exceeded my expectations. The outcome will make a significant difference in my life and my children’s lives, and I owe it all to Jessica’s hard work and determination.
If you are looking for a lawyer who is not only highly skilled but also genuinely cares about her clients, I wholeheartedly recommend Jessica and Meredith. They are truly exceptional, and I feel so fortunate to have had them in my corner during this challenging time.
Read more
05 Dec, 2024 by Tiffany eastman
My experience with Jessica Ressler and her firm has been amazing! It is very difficult to find the delicate balance of not only an attorney that listens and hears you, but represents your best interest. I am been involved in an extremely complex and litigious battle. Without her caring yet determined approach, I am not quite sure if I would have been able to make it through.... Every step of the way, Jessica has been communicative, forthright, and available. I have always been made to feel heard, which is invaluable when going thru the complexities of such emotional and financial stress. Jessica is beyond brilliant, the hardest worker I know, and is so determined to fight for her clients best interests, my best interests. I am thrilled to have found her and her firm! Every single person in that office deserves more than 5 stars!!
Read more
29 Nov, 2024 by Jennifer satter
I had a very frustrating, and potentially negatively life altering, experience with Ms. Ressler earlier this year. The error on her part cost my family time, frustration, and stress to myself and my children.
I was advised to file a temporary order of protection which involved making claims against family members. Unbeknownst to me, Jessica Ressler has a general modus operandi of being an extremely aggressive attorney, regardless of the situation. Her tactics involve getting her clients temporary orders of protection, involving the police, and using false statements. For those who are not aware, these tactics often negatively impact children. She treats every case the same, and her reputation in the industry is well known as being overly aggressive to the point of being detrimental to her clients and their cases. Further, her strategy unnecessarily involves child protective services who are legally obligated to investigate each case, and each parent, regardless of the accusations made.
Without going into significant personal detail, the filings I made under Ms. Ressler's guidance landed me in the cross hairs of CPS for no apparent reason. The result could have led to a permanent record, termination from my job, and an inability to be involved in some children's activities. When I pointed this out to Ms. Ressler, I was met with vague explanations and no real accountability, nor help to assist me from a legal standpoint. While initially she was attentive to my questions, once this occurred, her communication stopped instead of following up on ways to assist me, as though she signed off from my case. Ultimately, the CPS case was resolved without issue based on evidence provided by my family.
It should be noted that Ms. Ressler was recently formally admonished in court for her tactics and procedures. As previously stated, her reputation amongst attorneys in the NYC metro area is well known, and not well regarded.
I would not trust this lawyer with anything important and would highly caution others to do their due diligence before hiring her. I strongly suggest looking elsewhere for legal counsel.
Read more
21 Dec, 2024 by Anonymous
Faith Miller is only concerned with fraudulently billing to line her own pockets and is nasty and rude. Do not retain this firm under any circumstances . She does not care about her clients . She cares only about billing for her own greed
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22 Oct, 2020 by Ha
If you are looking for divorce representation that is shrewd, experienced, strategic, and a solid source of focus in an otherwise tumultuous time, Faith is your attorney. I am currently nearing the end stages of a prolonged divorce process, and before arriving to Faith I had spent countless and fruitless hours shuffling paperwork and being outplayed, despite paying top dollar.
Faith’s extensive command of the law and her deft use of an unexpected playbook have left me in awe. Since enlisting her services she has not only given me immediate and far reaching legal counsel, she has knocked the other side off balance, and formed a cogent strategy for moving ahead to a productive settlement.
Faith was referred to me by a preeminent NYC trial lawyer as the ONLY person I should talk to in Westchester. Believe the hype. She is certainly the best.
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20 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
Faith gave me support, words of encouragement, advice & excellent guidance concerning visitation.
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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.
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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.
-
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.
