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5.0
72 Reviews
11 Dec, 2024 by Dave olshawsky
I can not thank Ryan enough for the help and answers that I needed, the truth. Ryan was very easy and comfortable to talk to. I would recommend McNeil Law Firm.
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11 Dec, 2024 by James reed
05 Dec, 2024 by Christopher bergmann
Efficient and extremely knowledgeable and experienced! highly recommend the team . Thanks
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.8
44 Reviews
08 Nov, 2024 by Ashley marlee
John greven is an amazing defense attorney he’s saved my life more than once!! Love him
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10 Jul, 2024 by Ashley watts
Everyone at Graham & Associates was so helpful and patient throughout my case. I've had another attorney who never answered the phone and I always had to leave voicemails for and rarely got a response, but there was always a "live person" to talk to st Graham & Associates who always treated me with respect. The fees and payment plan were reasonable and Mr. Graham explained everything every step of the way. Highly recommended!
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10 Jul, 2024 by Cheri maloney
Maurice and Danielle did a wonderful job on my case. They were professional, knowledgeable, and accessible throughout the entire process. I would definitely use their services again if needed, and recommend them to others.
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05 Jan, 2025 by Mr. mlb
Very please with my results of my case….Excellent result job well done…Thanks again.
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30 Dec, 2024 by J
I had an incredibly disappointing experience with this attorney, and I would strongly advise against hiring them. Not only did they fail to communicate effectively, but they also showed a complete lack of professionalism that put the case—and safety—at serious risk.
This attorney missed deadlines and failed to file critical documents on time, which severely damaged the case. We were left in the dark about the status of the matter, with no updates or clear communication despite repeated requests. This lack of attention to detail and poor organizational skills resulted in missed opportunities and created unnecessary complications.
What is most concerning, however, is the level of risk this attorney put us in. Due to their negligence in filing paperwork and missing key deadlines, we were found in a vulnerable position with legal and personal consequences that could have been avoided. It felt as if they were more focused on their own convenience than on the well-being of their clients.
In short, this lawyer’s incompetence and disregard for client safety are unforgivable. I would strongly recommend looking elsewhere if you value timely, reliable, and responsible legal representation.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Lee berlyoung
Slater and Zurz did a very good job representing our family regarding a nursing home neglect case. They always kept us informed of what was happening and were always ready to answer any questions we had, and we had a lot. The family was happy with the end result and I would recommend this firm to anyone who needs help with similar cases.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Lesley
Brian Skidmore recently assisted me with the sale of my home. He did a stellar job, providing me with excellent advice,1 and guidance. As a result, I was able to gain important and necessary information to navigate my real estate transaction, making it go much more smoothly.
Brian's assistance paid off, and the transaction for sale of my home became more realistic, productive, and easier for my needs as the seller.
I gained peace of mind, which is invaluable, due to Brian's constructive input, and advice. He's professional, knowledgeable, a great listener, and kind. I highly recommend Brian!
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13 Sep, 2024 by Lisa hudson
11 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
I am extremely grateful that Attorney Eric Skidmore agreed to step in to replace my original divorce counsel. The case had been ongoing several years when it was dropped by Summit County, and my husband then filed for divorce in another state. Eric had plenty of work to do. My husband had secured a divorce very much in his favor outside of Ohio. Eric filed on my behalf in the Ninth District Court of Appeals and fought successfully to allow my divorce case to reopen in Summit County. It was a battle, but after a total of 8.5 years of litigation, Eric secured a much more equitable divorce. He skillfully writes affidavits and is extremely well prepared for court. You will find Eric to be smart, hard working, and compassionate.
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27 Jan, 2025 by Tammy l
Wonderful customer service. Had a little hiccup in filing, but it was taken care of with compassion and speed. I would recommend over and over.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Julia livingston
06 Jan, 2025 by Dylan betz
Steve is fantastic, treats all of his clients with the utmost respect. He helped me handle my case swiftly and with ease. I would recommend the lawfirm to a friend or family member!
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27 Jan, 2024 by Ken swope
Great attourny. Strict to the point and thorough. Shows up on time and respectful.highly recommend
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09 Dec, 2023 by Mandy doney
I had a post-divorce issue arise and really needed strong guidance. Charles Budde was wonderful to work with! He was honest, responsive, and guided me through every step. I was very pleased with the results and used him again for a follow up issue. Again, he was supportive and strong advocate. He knows what he’s doing and I highly recommend him to anyone in need of an excellent divorce lawyer.
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17 Oct, 2022 by Ruby pannell
To the point no nonsense attorneys that will get to the point and get the job done.
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30 Dec, 2024 by Kristen lenart
During a stressful legal situation, Attorney Jordan Benson was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and always kept me informed throughout the process. His dedication to my case was evident, and he ultimately achieved an excellent outcome that exceeded my expectations. I felt genuinely supported and valued as a client. I would highly recommend Attorney Jordan Benson.
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19 Dec, 2024 by C williams
I am so grateful to Attorneys Benson, Walt and Jordan. They were so kind and I knew they would do their best. They did. Very professional and also personable. They care. Calmed my heart.
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14 Dec, 2024 by Deidra lynn
I was extremely fortunate to have Mr. Walter Benson and his son Jordan Benson as my attorney. From the very beginning, they demonstrated a deep understanding of my case and provided clear, concise, and honest legal advice. Their dedication and professionalism were evident throughout the entire process.
Jordan Benson was incredibly responsive, always available to answer my questions and address my concerns. They meticulously prepared for each court hearing and the final negotiation, and their strategic approach was instrumental in achieving a favorable outcome.
I am truly grateful for their hard work and expertise. I wholeheartedly recommend Walter Benson and his son, who is shining in his new career, Jordan Benson!!
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24 Dec, 2024 by Candy lillo
I cant't thank Randy and his staff for getting me through toughest time of my life. It was a battle. But in the end I got what Randy proposed. I I felt very confident that my case would have a great outcome. I also felt Randy and Suzanne were always warm and made me feel comfortable. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do and I am so glad they represented me!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Greg farkas
29 Nov, 2024 by Mary adelman
Randy and his associates were the best legal team I could ask for. He treated me with respect and helped me navigate a very difficult situation such as divorce with compassion and understanding. Suzanne and Mary, along with his other associates answered all my concerns promptly and with compassion too! It truly is the best law firm to work with! I highly recommend Randal Lowry & Associates!
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30 Dec, 2024 by Kristen lenart
During a stressful legal situation, Attorney Jordan Benson was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and always kept me informed throughout the process. His dedication to my case was evident, and he ultimately achieved an excellent outcome that exceeded my expectations. I felt genuinely supported and valued as a client. I would highly recommend Attorney Jordan Benson.
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19 Dec, 2024 by C williams
I am so grateful to Attorneys Benson, Walt and Jordan. They were so kind and I knew they would do their best. They did. Very professional and also personable. They care. Calmed my heart.
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14 Dec, 2024 by Deidra lynn
I was extremely fortunate to have Mr. Walter Benson and his son Jordan Benson as my attorney. From the very beginning, they demonstrated a deep understanding of my case and provided clear, concise, and honest legal advice. Their dedication and professionalism were evident throughout the entire process.
Jordan Benson was incredibly responsive, always available to answer my questions and address my concerns. They meticulously prepared for each court hearing and the final negotiation, and their strategic approach was instrumental in achieving a favorable outcome.
I am truly grateful for their hard work and expertise. I wholeheartedly recommend Walter Benson and his son, who is shining in his new career, Jordan Benson!!
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15 Jan, 2025 by Thomas tritt
Max was so helpful through the entire process. He clearly answered all of my questions and provided a straightforward response of what to expect. Max's services were unmatched and he got me a satisfactory result faster than what I expected. I would recommend him to anyone who needs assistance with a case.
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27 Nov, 2024 by Patrick pavlik
Max and his team provide exceptional support and service. They are true experts in their field and consistently go above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcome, no matter the circumstances. Their dedication and commitment to their clients set them apart, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their help and guidance.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Morfydd gum
We as a family highly recommend Max Hiltner. He is dependable and constantly communicative. He is excellent at addressing questions and explaining the gravity of situations and legal details in a clear and understandable way. He makes himself accessible when issues arise and goes above and beyond for his clients.
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20 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
I was a previous client of Elisa Staats & even though it’s been 8 or 9 years, I just wanted to share some positivity and say that we still are so grateful for her hard work, determination, and persistence!!
We live in another state and she helped us get custody of my husbands son who was living in Ohio in a terrible living situation with his other parent. Thanks to Mrs. Statts persistently jumping the courts hurdles and ICPC hoops, never giving up or backing down, we did get custody & my stepson got to live out the rest of his childhood with us where he has absolutely thrived. He just graduated high school last week and has enlisted in the army to serve our country. I just felt moved to come back and leave this review because she made a difference in our lives by fighting so hard for us!! Sometimes it is just nice to know you had an impact on someone’s life, no matter how big or small it seemed. To us, it was big. So thank you again. We were lucky to have found you.
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23 Sep, 2016 by Dayna
Attorney Staats recently represented me in a lengthy, complex divorce case. She is an extremely intelligent, warm, compassionate, hard-working attorney who really fights for her clients. Always timely and responsive, she patiently addressed all my questions and concerns throughout the entire process.
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07 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Situation: My son lives in Columbus, & his minor son lives in Akron. My son got notice his son was in a bad situation with his mother, & he had to fight the maternal grandmother for custody. To be honest, I came about Ms. Staats phone number desperately trying to find a lawyer for my son on just a few days’ notice. We weren't local, and Ms. Staats was the ONLY lawyer not only to answer the phone herself, but to take the time and talk over the situation with me, AND agreed to be in court in just 3 days’ notice! Wow! She really came to bat for my son. While the other lawyer resorted to "Jerry Springer" type tactics in the court room, Ms. Staats countered every low blow statement and ridiculous motions with a professional attitude coupled with a mother tiger's ferociousness in protecting my son & his rights, and his son's best interest. Even the mother to my grandson said "I don't know where you found that lawyer, but WOW! She wouldn't let mom's lawyer get away with anything. She's impressive!"
Elisa was responsive to emails and calls when her scheduled allowed, and always got back with us. It took 10 LONG months for my son to get custody, several hearings, pretrials and motions, but really, we got every pennies’ worth of professional representation from Ms. Staats and her advice to follow during that time. When it came down to trial, she brought with her TWO of the biggest organized binders of categorized evidence and information, questions for witnesses etc.. And was VERY prepared to go to trial. Our family, & our son was extremely impressed at the detail of her work. We thank heavens that Elisa Staats was that one lawyer who answered my desperate call for help that day. Now my son has his son living with him again & they both are so very very happy!! (And so are we!) We feel Ms. Staats was overly fair in her cost, & she was always upfront on any fees or potential future fees/costs that could happen. We also feel that she did NOT "nickle and dime us" on everything, we got more than our money's worth hiring her to represent our son and his son's best interest. Elisa Staats was our angel for my son's case. Our family cannot say enough awesome things on Elisa's behalf. We were blessed to find her.
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07 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Emily was so helpful and kind. She shared her knowledge and understanding of what felt like an overwhelming process. I was also trying to work to get a number of separate elements to align in a very short timeframe and she was extremely supportive and thoughtful in strategizing how best we could move forward.
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04 Mar, 2024 by Rebecca
Emily represented me, a GC, on my first surrogacy journey. I was nervous for the legal stage, as I had read so many horror stories from GCs about contracts not being written well and their legal representation missing things that really should’ve been changed. I had a list of things to discuss with Emily when we received the first draft, but she had already caught almost all of the things I was going to ask about and had made notes and talked it through with me. She was always prompt in response, and did a wonderful job of explaining things if I didn’t understand. I really couldn’t have asked for anyone better and if I do another journey, I would work with Emily again in a heartbeat.
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13 Feb, 2024 by Nan
Emily is the best Ohio surrogacy lawyer one could ask for - smart, experienced, thorough, and responsive. Due to COVID, we never met with Emily in person but did video chats and email and it worked really well for us as we are in OH but not in Akron. We were intended parents and having her on our team was paramount. We did not go through an agency and Emily was with us from the beginning of this independent journey negotiating contracts with our surrogate to post-delivery. She was an amazing advocate for us. We had our questions answered very thoroughly and unexpected things were navigated with her expertise, which we appreciated very much.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Michael
Ryan helped me through personal bankruptcy. He was helpful, friendly, and professional, such that what would have been an incredibly stressful event otherwise ended up being a smooth and painless process.
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15 Oct, 2022 by Russell
I contacted Mr. McNeil and he was very courteous and made me feel comfortable from the start. He always replied promptly to e-mails and calls. Everything went as he said it would. I do highly recommend his services!
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17 Aug, 2020 by Erick
Mr. McNeil was very professional with his job and made us feel so at ease. Any questions I had he had the answers. If he was unavailable he would contact me promptly. He didn't make me feel bad about myself and the problems I was having. He kept in contact with me to let me know how things were going and if there was a problem getting paperwork we worked together and got it to get it signed. I will be sure to recommend him to anyone I know. I also liked that he sent papers to me to make sure when I would have an appointment I would have everything he needed and I could email him if things came in after our meeting.
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17 Apr, 2018 by Mike
We have been very impressed by Michelle's knowledge and professionalism. Quick to respond with honest opinions. Her price and fee structure is very very reasonable. We definitely recommend Michelle to anyone who is looking for good representation.
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19 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Michelle is my divorce attorney. She understands my needs and concerns and is very diligent when it comes to taking care of things when I need her to. She is kind, productive, and gets results. But she is also a "I will take no nonsense" kind of attorney, and I definitely need someone like that when it comes to my ex-husband. My ex-husband and I have a very small child, and Michelle also considers my sons needs as well as mine. I would highly recommend Michelle especially if you're dealing with a spouse that is controlling, manipulative, and/or vindictive. Michelle is productive and get outstanding results. From my experience, she will not let you down. Thank you, Michelle!
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24 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Everything concerning my divorce went so smooth Kama it was hard to believe that it was actual divorce taking place. She made sure that I had no worries and that everything was taken care of. And she deliver what you promised. I am very pleased
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18 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Julie is an amazing attorney. After dealing with a not so great attorney, my husband and I turned to Julie for help, she swooped in and cleaned up the mess made by the old attorney and got us everything we wanted in court. She is extremely intelligent and thinks quickly on her feet, she ran circles around the defense and made them look like morons. I wouldn't hire anyone else, she is simply the best!
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07 Jul, 2011 by Leesa
I used Julie for my divorce in 2008/2009. I have nothing but HIGH praise for Julie and her assistant, Sandy!! I was kept informed on the status of my case. One of them always responded right away!
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28 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
While you can hire any domestic attorney to represent you and be billed for services, Harvey is well-known and respected in the community, his fees were reasonable, and he listened to my wishes to remain amicable or hold the line as necessitated. He cared about my circumstances and children. Harvey provided sage wisdom and guidance that I am forever grateful for. I have recommended him and made referrals,a nd will continue to do so. Best of the best!
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09 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
Harvey was a life saver! I found him using Avvo and consulted with him regarding moving a child support case from MD to OH. He was responsive, and provided great advice! When an emergency happened with my kids, he called me back right away, listened to what I had to say and provided a list of attorney's that could help immediately, since he was busy for the emergency hearing. I would hire him in an instant if the situation were changed just a little bit! It was great that he what honest with his workload and did not try to take on too much, but also recommended an outstanding lawyer as well. I highly recommend him to anyone in the Akron area!
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30 Jul, 2016 by William
Dreama Anderson is very dedicated to her work. Even in my initial consultation with her, she answered every possible question that I had. I was lost as to how to proceed with my case, and she guided me in the right direction. I walked out of her office very confident about my case, as she didn't leave me to wonder about any process of continuing my custody case. I highly recommend her. Her level of professionalism is top notch. If you're looking for an attorney that will work hard for you, who has high morals, and will dedicate her time to helping you through what can be a difficult process, Dreama Anderson is your answer.
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23 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Dreama handled some complicated custody/visitation issues for me. She was very responsive, and focused on my children's best interests.
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26 Feb, 2019 by Lynda
John is an exceptional attorney, extremely well versed in all areas of Litigation, Real estate, and Family Law. I have recently used John's services in a litigation forum where the outcome for me was excellent as the defendant. John has an easy and patient way with his clients and is extremely detailed. I will be using John in the future for issues relating to my elderly parents and their final estate planning.
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28 Apr, 2014 by Mark
I'm not one to write a review, but I felt the need to do so. I was referred to this attorney through a friend of a friend. Don't let this attorney's age make you believe he is not qualified. I was pleasantly surprised by the attorney's diligence, intelligence, and professionalism. It's hard to find a lawyer that actually has your back. I never had to try and track him down to get updates, because he was always a step ahead. I would recommend him to anyone including my family.
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20 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Rebecca is a no nonsense,patient,and efficient attorney. I never had to feel uncertain while being her client. My questions were answered,my interests were protected,and I was treated with respect. This is a lawyer you can choose with confidence.
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20 Jun, 2020 by Janet akers
25 Jun, 2011 by Terry grunwald
27 Jan, 2025 by Tammy l
Wonderful customer service. Had a little hiccup in filing, but it was taken care of with compassion and speed. I would recommend over and over.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Julia livingston
06 Jan, 2025 by Dylan betz
Steve is fantastic, treats all of his clients with the utmost respect. He helped me handle my case swiftly and with ease. I would recommend the lawfirm to a friend or family member!
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27 Jan, 2025 by Tammy l
Wonderful customer service. Had a little hiccup in filing, but it was taken care of with compassion and speed. I would recommend over and over.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Julia livingston
06 Jan, 2025 by Dylan betz
Steve is fantastic, treats all of his clients with the utmost respect. He helped me handle my case swiftly and with ease. I would recommend the lawfirm to a friend or family member!
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15 Feb, 2019 by Gina
If you are up a creek without a paddle then look no further than Mr. Tim McKinzie, the head honcho of McKinzie and Associates! When my young child's father needed an attorney to represent him in a malicious, emotionally draining, and on-going custody battle because I left him, his choice in retaining Tim made perfect sense! Tim is more famous locally for his dedication to getting those charged with criminal acts (multiple DUIs, assault, etc.) off as easy as possible as to not be accountable for their actions. In THIS case, however, his versatility was really spotlighted as he proudly used every scare tactic and humiliation method against me to unlawfully and unethically produce a "win" for his client. This display was unparalleled in that he showed literally no compassion, no understanding, and had no interest in my responses to his client's accusations, but rather mercilessly drilled me to tears until I was almost forced to just "take what I could get". If you are in need of a lawyer that will have to violate any and/or all standards and ethical codes to get you the results you want, Tim is your man! He even personally reached out to me via letter to please contact him with questions or concerns! I did and he got back to me promptly but I think he may have been having cramps or something because he very rudely hung up on me 30 seconds into conversation for asking him a question. He did inform me that was not how "things worked" first, so I even was given free legal advice! Thanks Tim, for keeping the stereotype of cutthroat law alive!
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06 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
He answered my question and also answered when I emailed him though here. Shows that he actually cares which is very good quality.
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23 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Tim really helped me in my 13 year old out of state DUI case. He made the process easy, and in the end did all he could to really make sure that I had the least punishments possible. Thank you Tim.
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24 Dec, 2024 by Candy lillo
I cant't thank Randy and his staff for getting me through toughest time of my life. It was a battle. But in the end I got what Randy proposed. I I felt very confident that my case would have a great outcome. I also felt Randy and Suzanne were always warm and made me feel comfortable. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do and I am so glad they represented me!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Greg farkas
29 Nov, 2024 by Mary adelman
Randy and his associates were the best legal team I could ask for. He treated me with respect and helped me navigate a very difficult situation such as divorce with compassion and understanding. Suzanne and Mary, along with his other associates answered all my concerns promptly and with compassion too! It truly is the best law firm to work with! I highly recommend Randal Lowry & Associates!
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24 Dec, 2024 by Candy lillo
I cant't thank Randy and his staff for getting me through toughest time of my life. It was a battle. But in the end I got what Randy proposed. I I felt very confident that my case would have a great outcome. I also felt Randy and Suzanne were always warm and made me feel comfortable. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do and I am so glad they represented me!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Greg farkas
29 Nov, 2024 by Mary adelman
Randy and his associates were the best legal team I could ask for. He treated me with respect and helped me navigate a very difficult situation such as divorce with compassion and understanding. Suzanne and Mary, along with his other associates answered all my concerns promptly and with compassion too! It truly is the best law firm to work with! I highly recommend Randal Lowry & Associates!
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12 Jul, 2024 by Jeremiah leys
Joseph Kacyon is a master of his craft very impressed with his work as a divorce lawyer.
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18 Jun, 2024 by Seabright mccabe
03 Jun, 2024 by Drogon 298
Can't be bothered by someone who is owed nearly $20,000 with mounds of evidence from someone else who has tons of money and a good income who ripped me off, and won't even give a reason why other than "It's not something that we're willing to take on right now. Very dismissive. I wouldn't bother calling. Waste of your time.
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27 Jan, 2025 by Tammy l
Wonderful customer service. Had a little hiccup in filing, but it was taken care of with compassion and speed. I would recommend over and over.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Julia livingston
06 Jan, 2025 by Dylan betz
Steve is fantastic, treats all of his clients with the utmost respect. He helped me handle my case swiftly and with ease. I would recommend the lawfirm to a friend or family member!
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15 Jan, 2025 by Thomas tritt
Max was so helpful through the entire process. He clearly answered all of my questions and provided a straightforward response of what to expect. Max's services were unmatched and he got me a satisfactory result faster than what I expected. I would recommend him to anyone who needs assistance with a case.
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27 Nov, 2024 by Patrick pavlik
Max and his team provide exceptional support and service. They are true experts in their field and consistently go above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcome, no matter the circumstances. Their dedication and commitment to their clients set them apart, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their help and guidance.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Morfydd gum
We as a family highly recommend Max Hiltner. He is dependable and constantly communicative. He is excellent at addressing questions and explaining the gravity of situations and legal details in a clear and understandable way. He makes himself accessible when issues arise and goes above and beyond for his clients.
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04 Feb, 2021 by Joe ward
He won a federal case for me and my friends. Save us from doing life in prison. But also had the ability to see through the lies and the cover the police was doing to try to make a case. He cared about me and my mom like we were his family
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19 Nov, 2010 by Roberta
Mr. Campbell was very very helpful in my situation almost 2 years ago. The one thing that stands out in my mind is that when I had to call him and if he was not in the office at the time, his secretary always had answers for me and if not at the time, she would get back to me and always it was the say day.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
