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14 Feb, 2018 by Valerie
He represented me in my divorce and was very responsive and helpful throughout the process, that is until I paid him. I received a portion of my settlement and he held $1000 in trust in case any issues came up. Since then, I have not gotten my settlement in it’s entirety, and have made several attempts to contact Joel because he has my money in trust. I have explained the issue via email, and in my many voicemails, all of which are documented. He recently (FINALLY) responded after several months asking what the issue was. Are you kidding me? And then he charged me for that response never acknowledging my actual issue. I am incredibly disappointed and am at a loss as to what to do. I will be going to the BBB with my documtation and going to the courthouse.
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26 Aug, 2016 by C. mariel
Mr. Flores represented my son in a difficult modification of parenting plan, in which he was trying to get custody of his little boy. Mr. Flores helped my son succeed in changing the custody. He kept us focused on legally how we should proceed in the case, but at the same time was very involved and caring about what my son and his little boy were going through. I would highly recommend Mr. Flores. He is a wonderful attorney!
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26 Aug, 2016 by Jenna
Joel was hired by us in 2013 for child custody case. He got everything we were asking for granted and didn't cut corners.
Joel has been available for any questions we had regarding any case we have.
My mother-in-law works with Joel and he is an outstanding boss. I am very humbled to have him be apart of life journeys. He cares about the best interest of my step children and has never given us bad advice.
I highly recommend Joel as an attorney.
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21 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
I'm not sure where other reviews are coming from, but Bruce Hondle handled my legal matters with the utmost professionalism, knowledge, foresight, and suggested things my past attorney's never thought of, he is on top of his game, extremely knowledgeable and was upfront with everything the entire step-of-the way. Not only is Bruce Hondle a superb attorney but also a darn great CPA with up-to-date tax-law knowledge. His attention to detail is second-to-none and sets him apart from the rest, extremely important when drafting documents and financial planning. I have finally found an attorney with whom I truly trust.
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16 Dec, 2012 by Anonymous
I agree with the other two clients who also gave him poor ratings, and stated.
(Mr. Hondle takes advantage of people. For example: he will charge you for a 10
second response to a phone message but use his full bilabial rate.) (And
instead of speaking over the phone, he would rather send an itemized letter
stating all of the things you owe him money for, and then not return your calls if
you want to question him.) These statements above are true as I also have
experienced them with Mr. Hondle as are estate attorney. Once was more than
enough. About the only time Mr. Hondle would return my calls was when
another one of high-priced exorbitant bills were due. Mr. Hondle conducted his
business with us in a completely unprofessional manner, and charged us a small
fortune! Mr. Hondle does not even have his own office, as he works out of his
house.
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13 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous
Mr Hondle handled a need I had with my residential dwelling efficiently and quickly. He was easy to communicate with, responded to my needs with understanding, and completed the task in a dutiful manner. I could not be more pleased with his performance.
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27 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
Lazy, will not call you back, will hang up on you and wont have meetings with you. Fire him or your going to prison
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12 Apr, 2018 by Stacy
This attorney stood up for me better than anyone has. Ever. I was court appointed, but not ONCE treated that way. I think indigent clients often expect to be at a disadvantage, as their is little incentive motivating pro bono work. Mr. Sowder took personal offense at the injustice in my case, and rose to the occasion to expose it. He seems a casual, quirky man, but is CLEARLY respected among his colleagues. I am deeply grateful for the work he did for me. If considering hiring a criminal defense attorney, he is worth every dime.
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08 Apr, 2016 by Carrie d.
I first met Mr. Sowder in 1994, since then I have used him several times(by choice) not court appointed!!! He really does care about getting the best deal possible for you...
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12 Jul, 2015 by Doug
Suzanne has represented me in several different cases. Each result has been in my favor. Her preparedness and knowledge were such that the other side had little or no chance at victory. She kept me "in the loop" each and every step of the way, telling me what to expect and reminding me to stay on track. She's ethical, and informed. She will tell you how it is and will also tell you when to settle your case so it does not drag on forever. She is tenacious and will not give up. Everyone knows horrible lawyers whose sole purpose seems to be billing hours. Suzanne Bartleson provides her clients with good value for her time, excellent knowledge of the law (in several different areas), and a strong work ethic. I have recommended her services to many people in the Spokane community who have used and relied on her law skills. I would give her 6 stars, but there are only 5.
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07 Oct, 2011 by Charles
i hired her based on the add in the yellow pages which indicates caring about children. i meet with her for free consultation and decided to hire her. at that time she indicated to me that i should seek 50% custody of our 6yr old son based on my work schedule which allows me availability to be a parent. one day after i hired her, my wife had her attorney file and serve a temporary dissolution. i was told that i needed to write a response to the dissolution to also be filed. i was not given any instruction to achieve this but was able to get the information from the internet. we emailed my response back and forth to edit it. i virtually wrote about 80- to 90% of the documents. at one point i questioned the condition of her edits and was told defensively that she had to spend 3 hours rewriting my documents because they were poor. i doubt that. when we meet with my wife and her attorney to file our legal seperation the next week, i asked ms. bartelson about the 50% custody and she told me that if either party is not in agreement that 50% custody would not occur. i told her that if she had told me that early on, i would not have requested it because i knew my wife would never allow it. this also caused my wife to get overly aggressive. at the time of our filing the legal seperation, i had agreed to move out of our home within 30 days. at the filing i was given documents to sign but was rushed and really not able to review them. the one that i should have reviewed was my child support schedule. the documents were filled out incorrectly and caused me to have to pay $200 more in child support each month. ms. Bartelson was aware of the correct figures but allowed the opposing attorney to use her schedule which was based on a copy of a worksheet that i had filled out incorrectly during our edit process.my wife retrieved the copy off my email account and provided it to her attorney. a big issue that i stated to ms. bartelson was that i needed to have access to the shop at our house for the winter to store things during the divorce process. once the legal seperation occured, my wife began a process of harrassment which i saw that i could not stay in our home for the 30 days i was given. i immediately moved out and my wife and her attorney began requesting that i vacate the shop also. ms. bartelson contacted me several times about this issue even after i stated to her that it was not possible and that it was the only agreement that i asked her to maintain. there were a few more motions filed by my wifes attorney which were resolved by agreement. i hired ms. bartelson in the beginning of oct and by mid dec. i reviewed my support schedule and realized that i was paying $200 more on my support than was needed. i called ms. bartelson to discuss my feelings about her short comings with my case but before i could list the multiple issues she cut me short and said she needed to remove herself from the case.at that time there was a motion in court to allow my wife to take our son on a winter vacation for three weeks. i was opposed to this because my time with him was reduced to 20% visitation and i wanted him to stay with me for the 3 weeks.she abandoned me at a critical point. in 2 1/2 months i spent $4,500 utilizing ms. bartelson and i spent $1000 in child support overage which i never recooperated. where divorce attorneys feel that they are due $200 - $250 per hour to provide poor service or to charge you for their time when you call to see why they are not working on your case. i spent an extra $2,800 on my next attorney which did absolutely no legal work but was to help file my finalized "mediated" dissolution. the $2800 was spent on me calling his legal aid from feb. to june to see why the divorce was not finalized. in the end, the majority of the dissolution documents that were signed and filed were from my original documents. my wifes attorney used my drafts. something is wrong with spokane's divorce attorneys.
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16 Oct, 2013 by Ronaldo
Represented me in complex injury case, tried to a jury and jury awarded fair compensation. He has a lot of trial practice experience and trying cases to juries in courts throughout Western Washington. I recommend him without qualification and have recommended him to several friends. All have been highly satisfied with the work he did for them.
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08 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Kevin did a great job defending me against a frivolous lawsuit.
He not only had the case dismissed but gain a judgment against the opposing party for his fees.
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14 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
I had very bad experience with Nancy Gass and would not recommend her to anyone.
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19 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Nancy helps people as an interest, just happens for the right reason that she is an expert in Law. She is good with people all ages and all cultures. Great to have her in our town because we can always count on her.
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30 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Based on a recommendation from a friend, I contacted Jenny Heard about incorporating my business. Jenny listened and made sure she understood my concerns and then explained that while my legal needs fell outside the bounds of her practice's specialty, she would gladly refer me to capable local attorneys. She also guided me to some online resources that would help me be a better informed business owner and client for whomever I decided to work with.
If this is how Jenny communicates with and supports someone who is not a client, I can only imagine the stellar care and support she gives to those who are.
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31 May, 2012 by James
Jeanette has a manner like a policeman (good cop, bad cop, etc...). Reports what she wants to, leaves out the context of the conversation (also like a policeman). Jeanette was appointed by a Family Court Judge, so she was not chosen by either myself or the plaintiff (wife), we were stuck with her. Now in public I was a monster (according to my wife) but in private not so much a monster. Jeanette seemed to hear only what she wanted to and did not look into matters as someone might when really interested in the truth.
I was required to pay for 33% of her fees based on the income of my wife and myself, and while that suited me just fine, I was marginally happy my wife had to pay more. In the end it will come out of both of our pockets, so no win there. I am still not divorced and probably will never be (so much for Government intervention in a family), I see my son every Sunday like clock work, even though according to Jeanette I am absolutely not suited for it. Perhaps she is needed, and maybe even usefull in some cases but absolutely not needed, or helpful in my case.
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20 Jun, 2013 by Carolyn
Excellent advice and information with regard to estate planning (durable powers of attorney, wills, directives to physicians, medical powers of attorney). Fees reasonable, fully disclosed up front. Ethical and competent. We recommended him to a friend several years ago after he handled a prior legal matter for us, and she was also very pleased with the service she received. We would have no hesitation in recommending him to others.
I have past experience as a legal secretary and legal assistant, so my review is based on professional experience and knowledge, as well as on our experience as clients.
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30 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
This guy was completely out of touch with the area I needed help in. Two visits and $800 in fee's I had to find someone who actually knew what he was talking about. It was a huge red flag when he kept asking his secretary what the law was on the subject. I would not recommend and felt compelled by my poor experience to make this posting
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17 Dec, 2011 by Laura venegas
Mr. Stump routinely comes to Washington State from Alaska to take depositions. I would caution all court reporters who he hires to only accept COD from this attorney. He refuses to pay his bills, refuses to acknowledge correspondence, and allows his telephone messages to go to voicemail and doesn't return them.
He and his colleague in the same case, an attorney from Tacoma, Washington, by the name of Michael Davis, handles a case, White vs. Harris, and litigated this case without paying any of their court reporting fees. Mr. Stump is in arrears to my court reporting firm $1,000. I'm sure his clients would be interested to know that he keeps his retainers and orders services for which he doesn't pay.
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09 Dec, 2010 by Anonymous
Keith represented me when a previous landlord tried to take my entire deposit (and then some). Keith was professional, wrote excellent letters (to the landlord), and was very easy to work with. He is also very knowledgeable in a variety of law topics and has successfully represented me in other unrelated instances. I would definitely recommend him to anyone.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Keith emmerick
02 Nov, 2024 by Divineduchessoflight
I think they are a scam. My brother Ricky filled his divorce forms in April 2024. Here he is now filling out more paperwork. He’s gets emails to correct the divorce forms before proceeding with the closing of his divorce from being separated from his ex-wife. I would not recommend this company to anyone. This is false advertising and they aren’t really trying to help their clients. It’s all about money.
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12 May, 2023 by Ryan bejna
Do not use! Website says 30 day money back guarantee. Been fighting for that refund and they say since I had access to website they can't give me a full refund. The gave me a partial and then removed access to my answers, so all my work went to waste. Use a different company.
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25 Jun, 2021 by Travis thurston, nd
01 Aug, 2018 by Candi lane
21 Nov, 2016 by Austin rex
The Prosecutor's are friends of mine and have the health and safety as there priorities. They are doing the best they can to clean this county up. Very smart people folks with a heavy work load! Thank You John and Erin
-Austin
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25 Jun, 2021 by Travis thurston, nd
01 Aug, 2018 by Candi lane
21 Nov, 2016 by Austin rex
The Prosecutor's are friends of mine and have the health and safety as there priorities. They are doing the best they can to clean this county up. Very smart people folks with a heavy work load! Thank You John and Erin
-Austin
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23 Aug, 2023 by Liberty howard
They will drag you on and on and never answer the phone. They will tell you 100 times that they will “get back to you” and then never do. They will only waste your time. I DO NOT reccomend this place.
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27 May, 2022 by Sashi rachakonda
Got my will done here...👍👍...
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15 Apr, 2021 by Juan wandestrand
05 Oct, 2019 by David keen
12 May, 2024 by Marky mark
17 Jan, 2024 by Stephanie
24 Jan, 2023 by Steve russell
She does not fully represent the person in question For child custody battles she is terrible . She It follows DCYF opinion over giving legal advice. And she does not file paperwork on time.
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17 Mar, 2022 by Morgan
I hired Melinda to help me battle a custody case. I confronted her about all her negative reviews before hiring her, because I felt they could be misleading. She explained all the negative tags against her were either old, written by opposing parties, or people who hired her firm wanting her and getting another attorney... Her excuses made sense to me.. so I hired her.. unfortunately..
Every single negative review about Melinda was accurate.
She wasn't helpful, she wasn't responsive, she cost me a lot of time and money and literally didn't file a single thing on my behalf. I had to hire another attorney to fight my case. Only after repeated attempts to get my money back and threatening to file a claim against her to the Bar was I issued a refund, but I have still yet to receive...
This woman is not professional.
If you are looking for a good attorney to fight for you in a custody case DO NOT HIRE MELINDA. This woman should not have a license to practice.
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09 Jun, 2021 by Brian hortsch
Melinda and her staff provided exceptional service. Her representation during my divorce trial was nothing short of amazing. My ex was requesting an extremely unrealistic asset distribution and 3 years of spousal support award for a one-year marriage. The net result was that my ex only got to keep her car (and start paying for it herself) and ZERO spousal support. On top of that my ex must pay my legal fees!
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09 Jan, 2020 by Deniel hudson
Called to have a case review the receptionist was very nice and told me she would relay to attorney. Waited for a call and she did call back but very rude. She just said no I can’t do the case. I’m okay with that but no explanation as to why she just said she couldn’t and hung up. When dealing with issues regarding a injury the last thing you want is just a no! Very unprofessional so Mrs Brown if your reading this you need to be a lot nicer and give and explanation considering I have insurance I obviously called for an answer.
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12 May, 2024 by Marky mark
17 Jan, 2024 by Stephanie
24 Jan, 2023 by Steve russell
She does not fully represent the person in question For child custody battles she is terrible . She It follows DCYF opinion over giving legal advice. And she does not file paperwork on time.
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01 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
We hired him and put down a retainer of $3000. We told him it was all we had. He not only dropped us before the case was finished, he then sent us a bill for $2,000. We lost because of him and we have never lost before. We were going up against my fiancé ex wife, she had 2 child protection order placed against her, he didn't even motion to get them! He never added my declaration at all which I did all myself anyways! He did no work at all! My fiancé has never missed a child support payment, he is a good father. Now his child support payments have been raised as high as they can get and we're not sure when we will get to see the kids again. We no longer can afford to have a lawyer so we gave up til we can afford to go after her again! We will never go through him again and we warn everyone else before you hire this heartless con man person. He will loose and take all your money.
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04 Oct, 2015 by James
Mr. Quinn is the most honest, persistent and patient man I know. He went above and beyond to protect my daughter and make sure that all court actions were in her best interest. He skillfully handled revision of parenting plan and many other actions that came with this as it was a high conflict case. He tried to negotiate and settle when necessary. He is fair, honest, reasonable and dedicated to his clients. I highly recommend him. He acted ethically and was always well prepared. He will always look out for your best interest and your children's too! He is well respected at the courthouse and by other attorney's.
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16 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
Patrick Quinn put his own fees above the cleints needs
He fumbles through oral testomony. He fails to keep his cleints informed and files motions that have not been approved by the cleint.
The final straw was when he failed to notice an serious error in the orders from court. This cleint tried to tell him that he failed him and he quit.
Some $4000 waste of money on this lawyer with no gain and in fact he put me in a worse place that when I started.
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23 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Very disappointed in outcome. Once he realized it was a large estate his fees kept increasing at an alarming rate. His changing of the wording in the documents caused me to have to do costly repetitions which he charged full price for, and these did not seem like mere accidents. He was always polite, professional in his attitude and presentation, but I do not trust him at all. Very disagreeable experience & one I will not soon forget. Watch out, is my advice to anyone considering this attorney!
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24 Jul, 2014 by Jeryl
Mr Masters was referred to me from a family member who had used him previously for estate matters. He took charge and helped me through a very difficult time in my life. He advised me and told me exactly what I needed to do. If there were things I could do myself he would recommend doing it that way to save money. He was very professional. I always knew exactly what was going on and what he was working on. I highly recommend him.
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16 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
I retained Mr. Masters to protect an estate. He took the ball and started running like he was going for a touchdown. The retainer money was gone lickty split. He refuse to keep me informed of all expenses. Finally, I ask him to withdrawl from the estate. Low and behold an out ragious billing. TWO one hour meetings amounted to over $4000.00 . Nothing I asked him to do was accomplished. Then I learned he was providing personal consultation, at the expense of the estate.
After Mr. Masters withdrew. The estates became more safe and protected.
Nothing I said ment a thing. He did as he chose. Communication was none. I would provide him information about my wishes and to dis continue communucation with an another attorney. He blew me off and charged the estate. He was completly out of control. He can write a good last will and testament. He handled the initial paper work just fine. But after that the 4 month period. It became wacked. GOUGED is a very light term....
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12 Dec, 2018 by Leif madsen
i was referred to Kerry Richards by a friend who also had a great experience. Kerry Richards is a saint. saved me and my son. i owe to him all the little moments i get to experience as i watch my son grow everyday. we finalized everything almost three years ago and writing this still brings tears to my eyes. there is nothing more important than family, and i wouldnt trust mine with anyone else.
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15 Aug, 2018 by Rob fulwell
09 Feb, 2015 by Lori sherman
Do not use Joel Bradshaw to be the lawyer for a irrevocable trust. The trustee would not give an accounting or bank statements and receipts to the beneficiaries, which is required by law, and Joel Bradshaw defended the trustee instead of the beneficiaries. He must not have informed the trustee of the law. The law requires the trustee to look out for the best interest of the beneficiaries not use the trust money in whatever way they please. Mr. Bradshaw also told beneficiaries the trustee could not produce the bank statements because they were in "storage". I guess he never heard of "online banking".
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15 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
We hired this lawyer to help us evict a tenant late last summer and now it's the first of the year. We can't ever get ahold of him, we leave numerous messages and he doesn't return our calls. This is a huge financial burden on us. It's extremely frustrating.
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31 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
As a client of Chancey both in the position as plaintiff and defendant, I find that people who write bad reviews of Chancey are the ones that lost in a case that he represented and they where not the ones he was representing. They are also the ones who think they are above the law being fairly applied, (such as possibly former officers of the law) and who may avoid following the county and state laws in may instances which is why they are in court in the first place.
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09 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
After the first meeting with Chancey he was extremely bad at keeping us informed, returning calls, disorganized, many, many mistakes on paper work in which we would have to correct and then be charged for. Took almost a year to take our simple case to court and now we are forced to hire another lawyer to fix what we now have learned he didn’t do correctly. Wish we could get our time and money back.
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05 Feb, 2025 by Selina sweet
Senator Maria Cantwell voted for bombs, bullets, drones and billions be sent to the colonial extremists Netanyahu and his cohort to slaughter the Palestinians in Gaza - every time that legislation came up for a vote. Never once did she hold a Town Hall in Seattle to garner the predominant voice of her constituency. She ought to be retired.
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04 Feb, 2025 by Tammy mueller
04 Feb, 2025 by Matt lamay
05 Feb, 2025 by Selina sweet
Senator Maria Cantwell voted for bombs, bullets, drones and billions be sent to the colonial extremists Netanyahu and his cohort to slaughter the Palestinians in Gaza - every time that legislation came up for a vote. Never once did she hold a Town Hall in Seattle to garner the predominant voice of her constituency. She ought to be retired.
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04 Feb, 2025 by Tammy mueller
04 Feb, 2025 by Matt lamay
18 May, 2022 by Jessica
Contacted him about my car being hit in the middle of the night. The woman actually hit 3 cars, mowed down a fence, carport and light pole. Had the whole thing on camera. Took the dude 3 weeks to even call me back after I sent in everything requested. Their braindead assistant claims she called me 3 times but I checked my phone records and there was NEVER a call. Do NOT call them if you need a lawyer.
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21 Aug, 2021 by David
I contacted Mr Foskey about a copyright infringement complaint with no merit from a copyright mill…. Rather than state facts that - [a] copyright claims are the jurisdiction of the federal court with a minimum filing fee of 400 dollars [b] that the cost to litigate would run 10s of thousands of dollars for a 900 dollar claim that they would have to prove damages and [c] they weren’t a legal firm and had no basis to threaten legal action, he told me to just pay them. In other words he was clueless on how to deal with such matters.
Avoid him.
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07 Mar, 2019 by Lance
Reached out to Mr. Foskey to take on my case with a Traffic ticket. He reviewed, let me know it might be difficult to fight. Sent him my sworn statement which he said wouldn't be necessary. Subpoenaed the WSP who never showed, ticket was thrown out.
Fast, easy to work with and responsive via email - Mr. Foskey is one of the greats!
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11 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
Yulia Khorun is a lawyer who promises a lot, but does not fulfill anything - she did not make a single promise based on the results. If I were without a lawyer, I would not have lost more than I lost with her "help". Often does not answer calls and emails. She gave me false information about the possibility of my virtual presence at the court. For 2 months of "cooperation" on the divorce proceedings, I did not report to the judge the facts and information that I gave her and asked to attach to the case. I changed my testimony in She allowed herself to speak to me, raising her voice and be rude. Deliberately delayed the process in order to earn more money, dissuading me from the terms of the peace agreement.For two and a half months of "our cooperation" she took 8600 dollars and did not work a single cent, I had to be left without a lawyer, realizing that they take a lot of money from me, but they only bring harm by their actions. Took a huge zero-score fee for me, highly discouraged!
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08 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Julia did a great job for me handling a support modification motion filed by my ex-, and was able to cut through the many distractions, delays, and exaggerations offered by the opposing party to reduce the case to a very manageable and favorable outcome. The case against me was dismissed!
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20 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
I was in a difficult position with an attorney that was not representing me well and not willing to fight for my case. I met with Julia and she agreed to represent my case which gave me peace of mind. She represented me very well, always strived to achieve best outcome in my case. Julia is professional and competent attorney, knows exactly what she is doing, and is passionate about the work she does.
Ms. Khorun is very time efficient when it comes to dealing with workload of documentation and get prepared for court. Additionally, Julia clearly explains the process step by step and provides necessary guidance for her clients, so everything seems as 123.
I found her smart, honest, well educated, and well informed. Julia was on top of any situation and responded promptly to my e-mails and phone calls personally. I am highly recommend Julia to anyone in need of a family law expert.
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18 Jan, 2019 by Ryan
He didn’t seem to have his stuff together and all I had asked for was for him to prepare divorce documents for me...which needed corrections(not a big deal!).... what was a big deal was after I received services, I paid on the way out and as far as I knew it was a transaction that had been completed.... later I was billed a different number... when I asked about it he accused me of constant whining and harassment.... I emailed him and it continued to the tune of being told I got a good deal and he actually worked an hour longer than he originally billed me... I asked for the dates and times he charged me and he told me our business was done and that unless I was going to pay, to stop the harassment of him and his employees and the insane emails... insane? I asked for dates and times he had billed me.... my credit score isn’t 790 because I fail to pay what is owed!! Look elsewhere!!
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07 Mar, 2011 by Anonymous
I felt like I had to basically plan my whole case - I also feft like he was more interested in making deals with the opposing council that he was with fighting for my needs. Paperwork that was supposed to be submitted to the Judge (bench copies) were a problem not once but twice..I felt this was a HUGE problem in both my "temporary orders" and during trial!
The good news is he does respond in a timely manner.
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28 Aug, 2009 by Jennifer
Craig has been an exceptional attorney for us! He is hard working, doesn't take to intimidation tactics of other attorney, agencies, etc. and very compassionate with his clients. The first thing I noticed about Craig is he has a genuine concern for his clients; when he sees they are being "wronged" he is right there to go to the mat for you. He is experienced and it shows! He always seems to be ahead of the game and knows when someone is pulling some to be blunt BS. He is VERY clear about his expectations of honesty and conduct and so long as you are up front with him and your motives are good he is 150% there for you. He is an amazing attorney who we can not thank enough for the help he has provided so far. I would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone seeking an attorney who will get the job done AND do it with compassion! We are still working with Craig and we couldn't be happier with him.
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24 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
I fully agree with the rating and post of "anonymous". Knowledgeable lawyer, yes, but does not seem interested in or concerned with his clients. Not available when needed and not sufficiently responsive. His firm also charges obscene charges for doing very little.
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07 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Lawyer is very knowkedgeable, but too busy, travels a lot and is un-responsive. Does not explain the structure and mechanics of the documents he drafts. Bordering on arrogant.
Firm he works for has excessive billing rates. Makes the client pay for the inneficiency of the attoney and staff due to frequent absences of the attorney from the office.
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11 Oct, 2017 by Ulysses
I hired Dave Tracy to evict a tenant of mine. He is very hard to reach he doesn't keep you updated and doesn't give you any information. He won't return phone calls and or emails but if he does decide to he will charge you 75$ for every email and phone call. Just to get my 3 day pay or vacate out I was already at $1,300.00 well the day we had court we all showed up and he submitted the paper work wrong and we didn't get on the calendar. This delayed my eviction process by 1 month if we tried to redo the process, so he chose to try and work a deal in the hallway with my tenant. The deal he worked up let her stay in my house till the 25th of the month and waived my rights to put it on her credit and any rights to ever go after her for back rent, late fees and attorney fees. After being their for 6 hours I felt backed into a corner he messed up my paper work and I had 2 choices to get her out on the 25th or go threw the process again I wanted out of their so she's moving on the 25th. Keep in mind if he would have done his paper work correctly she would have been out next week and I'd have a judgment for close to $10,000 against these people now I have nothing. I ask him if he would lower his cost since he made a huge mistake he said no I asked for his malpractice insurance he said no and hung up on me. I wouldn't recommend anyone use this guy he's not a good attorney. Huge waste of money and time and made my first eviction a horror story.
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28 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
Very good attorney for eviction. Did everything except keeping me informed after the sentence. I wrote him about this and he cut his billing significantly. I was satisfied.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Hayley hanna
If you want a lawyer who does shady business practice and works with direct conflict of interest then here’s your guy. If you want someone who’s going to try to take advantage of you after the death of your loved one then look no further. BUT … if you want a real lawyer who’s going to be a shark and go to battle for you and actually knows how probates and estates work- then go to Seattle and hire a big dog attorney. Sometimes you just need to leave the island to find quality service.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Chantal firman
Save your money. If you want a lawyer who Is condescending, rude, hard to reach, and constantly out of the office then this is your guy. Made my fathers probate a nightmare.
He’s knowledgeable but that’s about it. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else on island
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24 Apr, 2023 by Innocentlee young
Do not waste your time and money. An experienced only in it for the money do not fight for you. They drag things out and don't know what they're doing.
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12 Feb, 2022 by Olewhatsername
Priscilla A. Vaagen was the attorney for the other party in a child custody case. She ghosted my attorney every time we had issues. It was ordered through the court that any time I wanted a UA from my ex all I had to do was request it. Priscilla never made sure they were completed. She would not send the answers to my Motions causing me to get 6 continuances because she either did not show up for the hearings or she was not prepared. That cost me double money since I still had to pay for my attorney. Then she decided she no longer would represent my ex so we are on hold waiting for her to get another attorney. We have been in the court with this case for 18 months and it is still not resolved due to her incompetence. Run ... don't walk away from this attorney.
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04 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
Priscilla did a great job on my divorce case. I never had an attorney prior to using her and she made me feel empowered to take my life back. I would recommend her to anyone who is looking for a understanding, tough, and smart attorney.
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30 Jun, 2013 by Larry
Never got any Copys of anything, Found out I was Divorced form a Friend who seen it in the Paper I sent an E-Mail to Priscilla two week After that then she sent me a E-mail Copy. We went into Meadition without My Xs Finacial Disclosure. Would not keep me up to date on any thing or do any thing to help me. Only what she had to do. My Fault I should have got a Good Lawyer Please Run from this one
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What an Estate Planning Lawyer Can Do for You
An estate planning lawyer helps individuals plan for the management and distribution of their assets after death or during incapacitation. Their services involve drafting important legal documents, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Estate planning attorneys work to ensure that your assets are transferred according to your wishes, minimize tax liabilities, and avoid probate court. They also help clients plan for potential long-term care needs and protect their estate from being diminished by healthcare costs.
By working with an estate planning lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be cared for and that your estate will be managed efficiently and according to your desires.
When Should I Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer?
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is beneficial in many situations, especially when you want to ensure that your assets are handled properly after death. Common reasons to hire an estate planning lawyer include:
- Drafting a will: If you want to clearly define how your assets will be distributed after death, an attorney can draft a legally sound will.
- Creating a trust: For those looking to avoid probate or provide for loved ones over time, setting up a trust can help manage the distribution of assets.
- Planning for incapacity: An estate lawyer can help draft powers of attorney and healthcare directives so that your financial and medical decisions are made by someone you trust if you become incapacitated.
- Minimizing estate taxes: If your estate is large, a lawyer can help create strategies to reduce or eliminate federal and state estate taxes.
- Special circumstances: If you have minor children, blended families, or complex assets like businesses, an estate planning lawyer can create tailored solutions.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: If you want to designate guardians for minor children or ensure proper care for incapacitated adults, an attorney can help.
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is especially important if your estate is complex or if you want to ensure that your wishes are properly followed.
What Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Do?
An estate planning lawyer provides a range of services designed to help you organize your affairs and ensure your estate is managed according to your wishes. They can:
- Draft wills and trusts: Creating legally binding documents that dictate how your assets will be distributed and managed.
- Create powers of attorney and healthcare directives: Appointing someone to make financial or medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated.
- Minimize taxes: Developing strategies to reduce estate taxes, gift taxes, and other financial liabilities for your heirs.
- Help avoid probate: Structuring your estate plan to avoid probate, which can save time and money for your beneficiaries.
- Advise on long-term care planning: Helping you plan for potential healthcare needs in the future, including Medicaid planning and protecting assets from being depleted by nursing home costs.
- Assist with beneficiary designations: Ensuring that life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other financial instruments are correctly designated.
- Handle probate and estate administration: If a loved one has passed away, an estate planning lawyer can help guide you through the probate process or act as an executor.
How Are Estate Planning Lawyers Paid?
Estate planning lawyers typically charge for their services in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of your estate and the type of services you need. Common payment structures include:
- Flat fee: Many estate planning services, such as drafting a will or trust, are charged on a flat-fee basis. The fee covers all work related to preparing the document.
- Hourly rate: For more complex planning, such as estate tax strategy or trust administration, lawyers may charge by the hour. Rates vary based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: Some lawyers require a retainer for more complex cases, such as ongoing trust management or estate administration. The retainer is an upfront payment that covers future legal services.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront to avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an estate planning lawyer depends on the complexity of your estate and the services you require. Here are some general guidelines:
- Simple wills or powers of attorney: A straightforward will or power of attorney may cost between $300 and $1,500, depending on your location and the lawyer’s experience.
- Trust creation: Establishing a trust, such as a living trust or revocable trust, can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 or more, depending on the complexity of your assets and estate planning needs.
- Comprehensive estate planning packages: Some lawyers offer packages that include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, which may range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the estate’s complexity.
- Hourly rates: For ongoing services like estate administration or tax planning, lawyers may charge hourly rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience.
Always get a clear estimate of costs during your initial consultation to ensure the services fit within your budget.
Top Questions to Ask an Estate Planning Lawyer
Before hiring an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to ask questions to ensure they are the right fit for your needs. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What is your experience with estate planning?
Ensure the lawyer has substantial experience drafting wills, creating trusts, and handling other estate planning services. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee or by the hour and ask for a detailed estimate of costs. -
What strategies do you recommend for my estate?
A good lawyer should be able to explain the best strategies for minimizing taxes, avoiding probate, and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. -
How often should I update my estate plan?
Ask how frequently you should revisit your estate plan, especially if your financial situation or family dynamics change. -
Do you offer ongoing support or updates?
Some lawyers provide periodic reviews or updates to ensure your estate plan stays current with changes in your circumstances or the law. -
How will you help my beneficiaries if something happens to me?
Ensure the lawyer is willing to guide your heirs through the estate administration process or help manage your trust after you’re gone.
How to Check the Credibility of an Estate Planning Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a credible estate planning lawyer, follow these steps:
- Verify their state bar license: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for estate planning certifications: Some lawyers are certified as estate planning specialists, which indicates they have extensive knowledge in this area of law.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Online reviews on sites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell can provide insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and client satisfaction.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from previous clients who can speak to their expertise and client service.
- Check for membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of organizations like the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) or the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) often have a strong reputation in the field.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first meeting with an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- List of assets and liabilities: Provide a detailed inventory of your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, retirement funds, investments, and personal property, as well as any debts you may have.
- List of beneficiaries: Be ready to discuss who you want to receive your assets and in what proportions. This includes naming guardians for minor children if applicable.
- Existing estate documents: Bring copies of any existing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or other relevant estate planning documents.
- Questions about your estate goals: Write down your goals, such as avoiding probate, reducing taxes, or setting up charitable donations, so your lawyer can tailor a plan to meet your needs.
- Information on medical and financial decision-makers: Be prepared to discuss who you want to appoint for healthcare and financial decisions if you become incapacitated.
By being well-prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and begin building a comprehensive estate plan that meets your needs and protects your loved ones.
