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13 Aug, 2024 by Robert nappier
31 May, 2024 by Shane parsons
Hmm Keri
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07 May, 2024 by Michael bowman
Signed some paperwork. Hope to get a call about land.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Sommer982
I have been a client of Mr. Norman's for almost seven years now. He has been honest, trusting, and loyal to my children and Me. I'm very pleased with every case in which Mr. Norman has represented me. I highly recommend him to anyone needing an attorney as well as any legal advice.
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03 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Had an appointment for a consultation, however soon upon arrival I was informed court ran over and they will call him to notify I’m there. After waiting for him for over an hour one of the ladies at the front desk takes the form and says I would receive a call by the end of business day. I’ve yet to receive anything
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20 Feb, 2020 by Dan
Trey Norman is an outstanding lawyer! I highly recommend Trey to anyone looking for representation in a legal matter.
Trey represented me in a difficult custody battle that lasted for approximately 8 years and included numerous court appearances. The final hearing lasted an entire week and involved 5 attorneys, representing 5 interested parties. Trey, as always, was the best attorney in the court room. My daughter and I are very thankful for Trey's work on our behalf. Without the competent and professional representation by this highly skilled lawyer, the outcome might have been different. If I needed an attorney again, I would consider no one other than Trey Norman!
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25 Dec, 2023 by Jonathan brinson
Mrs. McClellan has been our families go to lawyer in Cullman for 30+ years
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22 May, 2022 by Ken haynes
Great legal help!
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08 Sep, 2021 by Tina prince
25 Dec, 2023 by Jonathan brinson
Mrs. McClellan has been our families go to lawyer in Cullman for 30+ years
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22 May, 2022 by Ken haynes
Great legal help!
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08 Sep, 2021 by Tina prince
25 Dec, 2023 by Jonathan brinson
Mrs. McClellan has been our families go to lawyer in Cullman for 30+ years
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22 May, 2022 by Ken haynes
Great legal help!
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08 Sep, 2021 by Tina prince
24 Oct, 2024 by Lacole brock
30 Oct, 2023 by Sabine (binebee)
06 Oct, 2023 by Sabine h.
11 Oct, 2024 by Oscar sosa
Richard White and his assistant did their part and did an excellent job handling my case and keeping me informed! Great firm and great people!
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19 Aug, 2024 by Brandon james
Mrs Amy is the best hands down she didn't stop fighting until she got me the best settlement
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16 Aug, 2024 by Skip
Richard White is an amazing attorney.. The law firm & office is very nice and the employees there are amazing. 10/10 I recommend for all you attoney needs. you will not be disappointed
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28 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Have you ever met a person, tell them your story, and they just care and want to do everything they can to ensure you are not railroaded again? They want to do all they can for you and your child??
That is Nora. Nora knows the law, she knows the Judges, she knows the court system. Nora always explains things to me and puts my mind at ease. From the date of my first filing for divorce and now the second modification, Nora has not only cared about what is best for me and my child, but has never been shy to say, "in the long run it would be more expensive to do xyz". What lawyer do you know that turns down an inflated bill! I know one, Nora. Nora doesn't waste my money, time, or energy into any of these processes.
For the time we appeared in court, she was professional, smart, and quick. Do not let her kind approach to clients fool you! She will not let you get railroaded by anyone. She stands on the side of what is right, and honestly, I'm so glad to have her and will always use Nora for as long as she practices!
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01 Aug, 2020 by Wendy
Nora was an excellent divorce attorney for me. She kept me posted on everything. She’s very good at getting back to you in a timely manner. She’s extremely intelligent and a very quick thinker on her feet! I would recommend Nora Hickman to anyone I know that is going through a contested divorce! Thank you, Nora, for all of your legal advice and help during this difficult time.
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18 Jan, 2020 by Dave
Nora (through the NXTSTEP practice in Huntsville, AL) did a fantastic job with my divorce-related case in the fall of 2019. She took a no-nonsense, serious approach to my defense. She did excellent research and preparation work. Her communication was very responsive and timely. I've encountered many lawyers in this field around Huntsville, and there are *many* duds, so I recommend you do careful research up front. I strongly encourage you to consider hiring Nora, as I will certainly do myself in the future if I ever need her services again.
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07 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
I was tremendously unsatisfied with her handling of my case, and wound up taking my file to another lawyer. My new lawyer effectively started the entire process over and was very diplomatic about it, but ultimately told me that while most lawyers are not inclined to speak ill of other lawyers, in this case he considered her very poorly organized, emotional, and "tunnel-visioned".
I will say that she seems to be very friendly with the local judges but even the judge was unimpressed by the end of the hearing.
I would not risk my kids working with her.
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03 Feb, 2019 by Josh
Sera is great. She is completely involved, invested, and aggressive in working for you. Sera knows what needs to happen and how to make that reality. Nothing is guaranteed, but she’ll move mountains to increase your odds to the max to achieve that goal. No one wants to need an attorney, but if you do, you want to be as comfortable and confident as possible. Sera is doing that for me in a very high pressure and tense situation. Looking back, I doubt that I would have felt that way hiring anybody else. She’s a legal warrior and will take personal interest in her cases. I’m very thankful to have her on my side.
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25 Jan, 2019 by Barry
I hired Sera to help me get my state tax money from Alabama. My company did not do my taxes correct so I wasn't able to get my tax refund. I tried to do it on my own, but they wouldn't even talk to me on the phone. She was able to handle everything for me and get me paid the money I was owed!
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24 Oct, 2024 by Kodi dotdot
Doesn’t care doesn’t do his job very negligent
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09 May, 2024 by Brenda reese
Very friendly and respectful welcome with a warm smile no long wait
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14 Mar, 2024 by Eric simmons
Very unprofessional would not recommend to anyone . Always asking you about YOUR case never returns calls or answer the phone . He goes to court and speak with DA on that day causing things to be rescheduled constantly. I would not recommend him to anyway. Very unprofessional when things are not his way .
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13 Sep, 2024 by Jeffrey g. hester
Matt is an excellent lawyer.
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27 Jul, 2024 by Elisha ophelia rodriguez
Jeremy is one of the best lawyers I have ever come in contact with to fight dhr for my custody back of my daughter. Had a lawyer for 3 years that done nothing and 2 weeks after I hired Mr Jeremy I had my unsupervised visits back and my baby girl with me 5 days out of the week.. 8 months after I hired him I had full custody back. I couldn't believe it he did what he promised he would do for me and for that I will forever be grateful. He is a very smart and intelligent man and business man. H3 knows the laws and he stands by them. She kept finding any little reason to keep my baby in foster care and I felt like I was never going to get my baby . Thank you Jeremy for everything you did for me and ESPERANZA. We will forever be grateful to you. Awesome work I God bless you and your family..
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01 Jul, 2024 by Andre lacey
Mr.Crowley was a very if part of why my case was finally decided upon. He did an awesome job in my opinion in a very professional and personal. Great man, lawyer, and person overall. Big Thanks!!
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29 Aug, 2024 by Whitney morgan
Meredith and Bridget were awesome! We got custody back of our 3 kids after 10 years and multiple court appearances! As soon as we hired her, within just a few months the kids were home with us! They were all so nice and so helpful with everything and any questions we had. I would definitely recommend her to anyone!
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08 Aug, 2024 by Ashley wilson
Meredith and her staff are great! I highly recommend!
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13 Jun, 2024 by Jacey quinley
They were such a help and so kind every step of the way!
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20 Nov, 2024 by Danny hembree
11 Nov, 2020 by Adriann johnson
17 Sep, 2020 by Rodney windham
20 Nov, 2024 by Danny hembree
11 Nov, 2020 by Adriann johnson
17 Sep, 2020 by Rodney windham
12 Jul, 2023 by Kimberly
Ms Gregory is the Best of the Best. She will win your case with ease. She knows away around the law and is honest and compassionate.
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12 Jun, 2023 by Jessica
I waited 3 and a half months and she didn't even contact me once after stating the complaint would take about 2 weeks. I paid $300 for a consultation and that was the ONLY time Deb ever spoke to me. They took almost $400 of my retainer despite the only contact from their office being a request to reproduce original documents that I hand delivered the week before that they lost. Never a detailed bill, invoice, draft, email - nothing. If your child is important to you, do not hire Deborah Gregory with Crittenden Partners. Also, they never gave my original paperwork back literally losing evidence in my case.
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13 Mar, 2020 by Greg battles
30 Apr, 2024 by Brent “boo9” oliver
Indeed, Ms Fisher is a pillar of the community. Great lawyer. You will not go wrong by having her as your attorney.
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06 Oct, 2021 by Cassey bassett
She is one of the best attorney’s that I have ever saw! She has been strait forward, caring and assertive in all the right ways. She is perfect! Thank you so much for everything!
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17 May, 2021 by David anakwenze
20 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
First i want to say Lee Nation is a nice person. But he is a NOT a good lawyer, definitely not a strong lawyer. I am writing this to protect others from choosing an incompetent lawyer to ruin their cases. He does not prepare, he does not respond calls and emails promptly and most of time even ignore them. His answers are inconsistent and misleading. And he gave wrong legal advices. He read my documents only 11 PM at the night before the trial. His mind was not present at the trial. He was passive and did not fight. It was a waste of money, but it was also the source of stresses. I do not recommend him. Take time and be patient and find a good lawyer who does the work you pay for and fight for you.
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04 Mar, 2023 by Owen
He seemed like a real straight shooter during consultation. I ended up hiring a lawyer who was a better fit for my case, but I would nevertheless recommend Mr. Nation above most of the alternatives.
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16 Jul, 2020 by Matt
You helped me out alot you got my case handled how it needed to be done and u helped me with probation than you and I'll recommend you to everyone
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16 Mar, 2024 by Steven
I would like to thank Attorney Dr. Roderick Van Daniel for the help he has given me to resolve my case. I was facing a lot of issues and stress. He helped me to believe that I can fight against injustice and fight for my rights. I would definitely recommend to hire him to anyone in the country. Grateful.
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15 Mar, 2024 by Kimberly
I reached out to this lawyer for a very vital lawsuit and to my surprise right from the beginning of the phone call he was horrible, I tried to even have some compassion towards him thinking maybe he’s have a bad day and I even asked him did I call at a bad time and is he ok. Because the way he talked to me was out of line and unprofessional. My husband and I couldn’t believe what we were hearing from someone that has a title as a lawyer, he was very short with me and so rude, mine you I’m still being very respectful to him, and it seemed he was more irritated of me being nice to him, he went on saying he’s a the store then he’s out of state and he’s so busy and I was like since you are so rude and busy and unprofessional I’ll let you go, like we have the whole conversation recorded and when I tell you, I would NEVER RECOMMEND THIS LAWYER. To think he’s handling other people cases is scary in itself. Please do not hired this lawyer, he is Very unprofessional and disrespectful.
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18 Sep, 2023 by P jr.
I began my legal journey against my employer 3 years ago without an attorney or any legal assistants. I was discouraged and told by others, including other attorneys, that I could not possibly be successful in pursuing a lawsuit against the government and still be employed. I believed in myself, and I knew that I had the evidence to show that I was discriminated against, harassed, and retaliated against by my employer in my pursuit of justice. I was almost about to give up because of the challenges of finding an attorney who was not fearful of taking on a case against the government, and this is when I was referred to Attorney Dr. Roderick Van Daniel by a family member. Attorney Dr. Roderick Van Daniel was not afraid to take on my legal case which over a three-year span totaled three cases. Attorney Daniel was patient with me, he listened to me, he counseled me thoroughly on what strategies that he would use to obtain success, and he always put me in a position where I was comfortable. Attorney Daniel did an excellent job in preparing me for my deposition that I had for each case, his legal expertise and passion for justice was impeccable throughout my three-year battle with the government. Attorney Dr. Roderick Van Daniel never wavered in his fight for justice for me and he always told me we can keep fighting no matter how things appeared to not go in our favor; with his passion for justice and his fortitude in not being intimidated by a government agency we were able to settle with this agency and Win All Three Cases against the government. I am still employed by this government agency, and I am proud to say that there has been a tremendous amount of change that includes diversity hiring of minorities and women in leadership roles, and a more fair and equitable work environment which is attributed to Attorney Daniel efforts of exposing injustices in the workplace. If you want an Attorney who is not afraid to fight for your rights and a person who cares about his clients, and who is empathetic to his client’s needs I would highly recommend Attorney Dr. Roderick Van Daniel. # Million Dollars Worth Of Justice!!!!
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24 Nov, 2024 by Chris hornady
I have been very pleased with Winston Busby, he has done us a great job ! Very timely , returns calls promptly and overall great guy to work with .
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15 Jun, 2024 by Jonnitha clark
28 Feb, 2024 by Phyllis riddle
01 Nov, 2024 by Casey gilbert
Don't waste your time! She will over charge and not tell you wants going on through out any court process. If you have any questions don't plan on getting them answered, if she does it will be weeks before you hear anything and half the time it was from her assistant. You will just have to hope and pray she is doing her job right because she wont discuss anything with you.
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17 Feb, 2023 by Jon johnston
The experiences I've had with Kathy and everyone who works there has been 100% positive, often in very unhappy circumstances
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08 Dec, 2022 by Ashley tolbert cotton
01 Nov, 2024 by Casey gilbert
Don't waste your time! She will over charge and not tell you wants going on through out any court process. If you have any questions don't plan on getting them answered, if she does it will be weeks before you hear anything and half the time it was from her assistant. You will just have to hope and pray she is doing her job right because she wont discuss anything with you.
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17 Feb, 2023 by Jon johnston
The experiences I've had with Kathy and everyone who works there has been 100% positive, often in very unhappy circumstances
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08 Dec, 2022 by Ashley tolbert cotton
14 Aug, 2024 by Jennifer clark
I would recommend Mrs. Anne Guthrie to anyone!! She fights for what she believes in and will fight for you. She is definitely the lawyer you want on your side!! Let's don't forget that her secretary is awsome as well!! 🥰
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02 May, 2024 by Kim dockery
I can not express enough how wonderful, companionate and caring Anne was during the entire process of my divorce. Anne always kept me up to date and informed me of everything that was happening with my case. Anne was no holds bar when it came to fighting for me and my best interest along with my children. Anne always responded to my questions in a timely manner and helped me understand each step of the process. I highly recommend her if you are looking for an attorney to represent you.
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23 Apr, 2024 by Fannette burton
I am trying to help my dad update his will. I live in a different state. I found there information on Google. I called them to ask a question. I needed to know if they could assist me when I came to town since I do not live in the same state as my dad. Without the receptionist having any information, she bluntly said, "We don't have any appointments available this week." She did not care to find out when I would actually be in town. So I disconnected the call. My experience with this company was a very rude one and very unprofessional. No help at all.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Maria thrash
I was very disappointed with McKoon for 9 months after hiring him he never did anything I mean anything for me. I never got a phone call to tell me how my case was going I would call his office numeral times with no answer from him! I have used him before and he was Fantastic but now I don't know what is going on with him. I even called his office and asked for a refund yeah that was funny to him! I will never ever use another lawyer in Phenix City
Thanks McKoon if you read this!!!!!
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20 Apr, 2023 by Tarica neal
Great attorney highly recommended
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13 Feb, 2023 by Leann horne
Jim McKoon is an awesome attorney
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25 Sep, 2024 by Maria thrash
I was very disappointed with McKoon for 9 months after hiring him he never did anything I mean anything for me. I never got a phone call to tell me how my case was going I would call his office numeral times with no answer from him! I have used him before and he was Fantastic but now I don't know what is going on with him. I even called his office and asked for a refund yeah that was funny to him! I will never ever use another lawyer in Phenix City
Thanks McKoon if you read this!!!!!
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20 Apr, 2023 by Tarica neal
Great attorney highly recommended
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13 Feb, 2023 by Leann horne
Jim McKoon is an awesome attorney
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13 Jul, 2024 by Jennifer tompkins
Amazing attorneys. Kind and compassionate
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12 Jul, 2024 by Stephen allen
Would not recommend Jacqueline Tomlinson to represent anything. She was assigned to my case as a GAL to represent my two young children and be a neutral party. Which she wasn't. Only would meet with the mother and refused to meet with me. She likes to throw false allegations
while in court, with absolutely no proof. Just to try and make a good father look bad. She never wanted kids to speak their voice in court and once allowed she acts like she never heard what they said before. Lies!! I have never seen such unprofessional representation in my life. Stay far away from her and please don't let her represent your kids!
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12 Jul, 2024 by Katrina beverly
This firm cares NOTHING about fathers, NOTHING. Came recommended by all the Google reviews; Reviews are bogus.
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08 Sep, 2020 by Shelley
I hired Mr. Capleone to help me with my divorce! He was very professional and he made the whole process very easy for me. I will definitely be calling him for any of my future needs. Thank you Mr. Capleone!!
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02 May, 2019 by Stacey
I hired attorney Capleone to represent me in divorce court. I am thankful for his help. He did a wonderful job! I recommend his services to anyone that needs help with a legal matter.
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26 Apr, 2019 by Christy
I hired Mr. Capleone to represent me with my divorce. I am very happy with his services.
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11 Oct, 2023 by Rachel
I've been highly impressed with Leif's professionalism and knowledge as my divorce attorney. He's guided me every step of the way through this long drawn out divorce process I'm still in. Thank you for your kindness and patience !!!
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20 Jan, 2023 by Kelly
Please be careful hiring Leif. He is the absolute worst attorney i have ever dealt with. Very unprofessional him and his staff. Can't get him or anyone on the phone halt the time. Wants to charge 8 dollars for a text or email when you can't get in touch with anyone half the time. Just beware.
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31 Mar, 2016 by Paige
I have used Mr. Hampton for multiple different types of cases, he goes above and beyond all expectations. I will recommend him to everyone for any legal matter. Thanks again!
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23 Sep, 2024 by Venice
The fought for me, she fought for my daughter, she was exceptional and worth the money. I recommend her to everyone!
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30 Aug, 2024 by Arda
Unfortunately, I had terrible experience with Carmen. She told me what I wanted to hear instead of what I need to know. I had to part ways with her within a week after speaking with a solid lawyer in AL and learning what needed to be done on my case. I do not recommend her.
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22 Feb, 2021 by Travis
Carmen was incredibly helpful throughout my case. She was quick to respond to my emails and phone calls, and her professionalism was impressive. I could not imagine having a better attorney represent me.
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13 Sep, 2023 by Sharon
If you want someone who will fight for you and won’t back down, pick Shaun! He is like a pitbull out for the kill!
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12 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Claims to support US veterans because he is one himself, but that is all just a false pretense. There has also been several motions filed with his office and he fails to do anything about it
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08 Apr, 2017 by David
Shaun was the best for me he's very skilled and knows his facts. Couldn't have gotten a better lawyer anywhere in the world. Thank you for your help in my matter.
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17 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
I was served as a defendant in a case. Instead of filing to move my case to the correct jurisdiction where I actually lived, she FIRST responded to the complaint and then filed a motion to move my case. By her responding to the complaint before filing a motion to move my case, she gave that court jurisdiction. Therefore I have been stuck in a court that is hours away from my house for FIVE years now! I hope she has learned a lot in the past few years but she created such an issue for my case that there was no recovering from it (I also have to pay attorneys even more money just for them to drive to that court- but I need one in the area where I live to meet with them). I would NOT recommend her at all.
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01 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Working with Nicole and Alyssa was a wonderful experience. I have used them several times for my small business and personal needs and plan on using them again in the future. They kept me constantly updated and it is clear how much they love what they do, I always felt confident in their capabilities and my needs were met above and beyond what I expected. I have worked with several other lawyers in the past but none have compared to my experience with this office. You would be a fool not to hire them.
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21 Nov, 2015 by John
The team at E. Nicole Bean was amazing. They were timely, friendly, and great at keeping me up to date on progress in my case. Highly recommended, I will be using them for any future legal issues.
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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:
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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.
