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21 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
My experience with Sandra Lewis is that she was extremely rude and inconsiderate towards me during my case. She performed only two out of eight tasks that she gave me her word on. She charged me over $4,000 and when I asked about the other tasks, she gave me a sarcastic answer. I did not get the results that I should have gotten, although I did get some favorable results. You deserve better.
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16 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Paid cash for a service to the paralegal in 2017 rite after i was awarded with my disability for neurological issues and ptsd, They forgot I was disabled years later, didn't attempt to contact me during this four year period and have told me through email I would be contacted but it never happened. Four years later I'm feeling forgotten about and manipulated because I had just got my disability and was relying on this business heavily for me to see my child , I still have the receipt and am trying to get my payment back with no luck. Now I'm in severe distress..
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12 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
This lawyer is a waste of air i would highly recommend that you find a qualified lawyer to handle you legal needs. After 2 years of probate he wants more money to do what he was paid to do.
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18 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Clyde for my family law case . He seemed very caring understanding made me believe he could represent me ! However that was not true . I lost my money , my family , my career. Paid him 10,000 just for 2 hours I thought he was going to see me through the end .
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01 Nov, 2015 by Melanie
This attorney completed my divorce filing in 2010. I did not receive vital information that would have affected how I handled a credit card on the divorce fiiling. That oversight ultimately left me vulnerable to the future spending of my ex husband. When approached for assistance, she was unresponsive and detached. I was not, at the minimum, advised to seek a settlement that followed state guidelines. I lost tens of thousands of dollars in possible child support over the last 5 years. I was not advised to have the money directly taken from his check. When he stopped paying, it was extremely costly to go after that money. I am in the process of re-doing the divorce, costing me thousands more dollars. I would strongly recommend against hiring her for any legal representation.
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24 May, 2019 by Janiece
I hired Mr. Forrester to represent me in a case against DHR. My grand children were being abused in foster care and I wanted to get custody ot them. Mr. Forrester was well prepared as he had been given all the facts and everything was on our side. he could have easily got the children home but without even consulting me he asked the Judge for extended and did not attempt to get the children out of foster care. He later told me that I should not question his strategy. My new Attorney reviewed his work and his itemized statement and she could not believe the amount he had charged and what he had charged for. She said she would help me deal with him. But nothing can ease the pain of knowing my grand children are suffering and being abused and he has caused our family so much pain.
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06 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
In our personal experience, my siblings and I were extremely disappointed in the representation and advice Mr. Latham provided us for our case. He did not demonstrate any degree of interest in seeking out the most ethical resolution we were seeking in our case and did not take any initiative to investigate our concerns whatsoever. Early in the handling of our case, the siblings involved collaborated and agreed that Mr. Latham was ill equipped to properly represent us. It was after the fatal health issues one of our siblings experienced that we decided to just give up and bring the case to the quickest resolution. While we were eventually reimbursed the approximately $8,000 in legal fees we paid to Mr. Latham, we unanimously agreed it was money wasted that could have been better utilized with more effective, motivated, and skilled representation by a more mature legal organization in another city. Personally, over the years I have been on the plaintiff side of no less than five prior legal cases ranging from real estate tort, personal injury, family law, to wrongful death. Without a doubt I feel that the representation I received from Mr. Latham was the least effective I have ever received of the numerous attorneys I have engaged over the years.
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22 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
She will not help you. She will talk all fancy and run her mouth and laugh at her own jokes. If you don't have a lot of money or be willing to pay her in cash, then she may take your case, but she won't do anything to help you, and when you lose your case she'll blame you then tell you that you owe more money! If you don't pay she will start threatening you and may even file against you because you are a day late with your payment. She honestly believe the other attorneys in the area like her, but they have all said they can't stand her because she lies constantly and is into some pretty dirty shady business deals.
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03 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
Conversations with her are rude and disappointing. She is unorganized, she blamed me for not having a case put together. Then when I received no calls from her about what the next step was. I emailed her to find out, which was met with hostility. I tried to explain that I was just needing to know what else she needed and what sort of case we were preparing. To which she responded, I don’t put any plans together for cases because they might change.
Scary to have a lawyer who doesn’t know how to prepare a winning argument. But to have someone who doesn’t prepare at all you mine as well not have a lawyer.
At the end I told her I got a different lawyer. So she proceeded to charge me the entire retainer with charges for everything she could think of. Then when I ask them why I was being charged 140$ to read my email, she said “we may not track our time very well, but we keep track of what we do.”
Then she said, “you can’t do anything about it!” And hung up on me.
I’m surprised to feel bullied by a lawyer but i guess it happens.
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09 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
You'd be better off just going with another attorney. Working with Rachel was very discouraging. She and her staff are rude and unprofessional. Simply calling or email to ask a question was met with hostility, as though I were bothering them by being concerned about my case. Her prices are comparable to the prices of other lawyers, just save yourself the extra stress and find a better fit.
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30 Jan, 2022 by Tom
I would not Recommend this Attor so ney to my worst anime he did not
do anything for us except take are 2500. from us an we were doing all the work he did not have the Cahuna's to stand up for us the other Attorney an the Judge were friends we ask him about that he said he was going to stand up for is that was B/s
so we are hiring another one if you are trying to get custody of your kids DO NOT US HIM he will take your money an string you along.
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14 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I've never written a negative review on anyone or anything, but I know how difficult even the most simple disagreements can be during or after a divorce. With that in mind, I feel compelled to write this because I can't stand the thought of someone having to go through what I went through with Jonathan Pippin. First of all, as another reviewer said, you will be charged for your "free consultation". Also agree that he uses the "there's plenty of time for that" on a regular basis. And ditto on the response time - consistently ridiculous. Chronically asked for delivery items last-minute which would send me scrambling, only to later find that he wouldn't even submit them to my ex-spouse's attorney in time. One thing he is good at - and he's brilliant - is taking a meeting with you to calm you down and renew your confidence. This guy promises everything and does nothing. That is not an exagerration. But be warned, he has a calm, warm and reassuring manner that goes against the stereotypical attorney and he can sell you in a second. Do not hire him. You will only be adding more chaos during a time that's already plenty tough enough. Good luck to you.
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11 Aug, 2016 by Tara
Took my $3000 retainer, then once he had the money made a practice of putting everything on hold indefinitely. Seldom responded to emails or phone calls. Constantly said he would do something on my case, then wouldn't do it despite repeated requests. He waited till October 20 to email me a multi-page, very detailed 'Discovery' questionnaire sent to him by the opposing lawyer on September 30, giving me only days to complete it....and then would not file Discovery papers for me on the opposition (he continually put it off, saying "there is plenty of time for that"...and it never got done). I asked for Mediation. For three months he said he would set it up...never did. With the trial date only weeks away (and no evidence of any "preparation" on his part), I was finally forced to give up on him and retain (and pay) another lawyer to pick up the pieces.
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30 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
We retained Ms. Barganier for some custody issues. She was initially committed and devoted. The more time passed and money spent, she became less and less "aggressive" in her fight towards our initial goal. Billed repeatedly for "preparation" for our day in court (which was continued numerous times!).
If you don't want to waste $32,000+, paying someone to do the same job 6-7 times, FIND ANOTHER ATTORNEY!
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06 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
This attorney chose to pursue my case in a manner she saw fit, even though I told her otherwise. It was 'her way' to 'win' the case. But the case was not won and she stated over and over she preferred to win. She lied to the Court and charged me for matters that ultimately never were completed.
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19 Dec, 2023 by John
This guy will tell you that YOU are wrong and YOU should be better even without knowing anything about your situation except from whats on your record. Absolutely rude and angry at times when you want to ask simple questions about your case.
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15 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired James Engelhaler as my attorney for a marijuana citation. He did not help me and wanted me to do time. I was scolded by him and was told I was a drug addict when I have never been arrested or even received a ticket. He told me there was no reason for me to be on medication for my anxiety and PTSD. I was not represented well and he wanted me in trouble even though the judge thought otherwise. He is so rude and I will never recommend him.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Jake
415 Dexter Avenue
Post Office Box 671
Montgomery, AL 36101
P. 334-269-1515
alabar.org
August 7, 2024
RE: Disciplinary History - Mrs. Sherry Ann Weldon Dobbins
Mrs. Sherry Ann Weldon Dobbins was admitted to practice law in the State of Alabama on April 28, 1995.
She is currently In Good Standing and has received the following discipline from this office:
ASB-2003-154A - Private reprimand - June 15, 2004
ASB-2004-159A - Public reprimand without publication - September 19, 2006
ASB-2004-230A - Public reprimand without publication - September 19, 2006
ASB-2007-111A - Public Reprimand with general publication - November 13, 2008
ASB-2009-7A - Private reprimand - September 7, 2010
ASB-2010-196 - Public reprimand without publication - October 14, 2014
ASB-2011-990 - Private reprimand - August 7, 2014
ASB-2012-702 - Private reprimand - August 7, 2014
ASB-2018-688 - Probation and Suspension -
20a-2007-50 - Definite Suspension - October 1, 2007
Please let me know if you need anything further in this matter.
Sincerely,
Stacey F. Moseley
Disciplinary Clerk
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11 Jun, 2018 by Scott
Paid in FULL for Bankruptcy in September of 2015 , she said unless you don't hear from me everything is all good. Well after trying to make a small loan I find out she never filed, after contacting her office multiple times Sherry Dobbins tells me oops it must have gotten placed in the wrong folder it took until December 21 2017 before she finally filed it . Now she doesn't know how to help me find a homer lender..... SMH HEADACHE
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10 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
I read a review on this attorney and was shocked that I too had the exact treatment. She totally engaged in case abandonment without client being informed, did not return calls, emails etc .
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05 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
She represented me on two cases one in St. Clair County and one in Jefferson County. My case still resides in St. Clair County, however, I belong to DOC and Shelia has me housed in Talladega. Will not answer my calls or messages. I have even filed a motion for reconsideration and yet she has still not even looked back into my case or been back in touch with me since my Jefferson County case back July 27th,2021 was the last time, i have heard or seen from her.
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22 Jul, 2019 by Tiffany
This lawyer is almost impossible to contact. No return phone calls. Asked for a later court date and the request was never submitted, neither were the phone number or address changed I submitted. I asked for some type of appointed court visitation since my children were being hidden and kept away from me....I received a order for a minimum of 4hrs a month...at the end of trial it is more detailed and the 4hrs have a specific day of the month. He was appointed to me by the courts and did absolutely nothing for me or my children.
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16 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
After hiring this man on a contingency basis (we had a contingency contract), he without our knowledge billed our insurance company for services for several thousands of dollars. The insurance company paid him for most, but not his entire invoice. He then began trying to bill us monies, even though he was dismissed from our case by our insurance company. He took us to district court for $10,000, but the judge only made us pay for phone calls and copies only, resulting in a judgement of $2,000ish. He appealed this to circuit court, who dismissed the case. He then reprimanded the judgement back to district court. WE paid the judgement in full and have EVERY RECEIPT!!! Now, out of the blue, over 2 years later, we received a levy on our property from this Attorney claiming we owe him interest on the judgement. We were unaware of any interest owed and have NEVER RECEIVED ONE piece of correspondence from this attorney until this came today. We contacted district court, whom shows our payment in full. We were also informed by the courts, as well as attorney we have contacted that he does this to numerous people, and takes advantage of any and every one he can and uses the legal system to do so! He is not an above board or honest attorney and will take advantage of you any way he can. DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS ATTORNEY. I would give him 0 stars, but the system makes you give at least one. We have every bit of documentation to verify this review. Years later, this man is still trying to milk monies from us for work he never did. He was dismissed from our case and did not represent us. He is not an honest attorney.
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16 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Thomas Hinote for child support/custod time with my daughter. Although Mr.Hinote did get my guidelines on paper and my child support on paper I felt that I had no choice but to sign what he brought me on the manner of witch he acted like I had no other choice. My issue is that the child support was calculated wrong and he has admitted to it being wrong and he refused to fix the issue without being paid for it. I've been paying 287.00 EXTRA every month and I've just now figured it out sadly 26 months later now that I educated myself on how to calculate the formula. I met with him and he simply told me yea its a mathematical mistake and those things happen and I should have looked it over before I signed it and he wasn't going to correct the mistake. I strongly recommend you use someone else unless your familiar with child support paperwork because obviously if he makes a mistake he will tell you that it was a mistake and you should have noticed it before you signed. I told him that's what I hired him for so I wouldn't have to know how to calculate that stuff and he told me it was simple math and wasn't hard so I shouldve known. I will continue to let people know how I was treated on paper and face to face until this issue is resolved. I really hate to blemish one's reputation or lively hood but in this case my life has been majorly effected by his mistake. 287.00 a month is a lot of money to me and would have made a ton of different in my life over the last 2 years of overpaying it.
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30 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Drake is an awful attorney. He was hired almost 5 years ago and has met with me once, to get his retainer fee, that he said would be efficient to get through the whole case, then after doing nothing of substance for 5 years, he notified me another 7k would be required to proceed. He’s never made time to speak to me, have always had to deal with his employees. No communication, no step closer to a case resolved. Do not hire this man as an attorney.
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11 Sep, 2014 by Nancy
This Lawyer I hired in 2009 for a divorce and custody of my step granddaughter. During the custody hearing I found out he did not even file or fight for me. My Divorce was handled with me sitting in a court room while my Lawyer My ex-husband and his Lawyer behind closed doors. Mr Moore would come out asking me certain questions and go back behind the door. I was married 20 years and this Lawyer told me I could not get alimony because of the economy. He said the best he could do was get me 1800 dollars. 200 hundred a month for 9 months. When I asked why I was not back there he told me I could. I told him I was going to the restroom then we would go back. When I stepped out of the restroom Mr Moore was standing there telling me we were done. I left speechless. I paid this Lawyer 2500 dollars and all I got was 1800 dollars. I would not recommend him to handle any cases if he is not willing to fight for you
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04 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Etheredge for several matters and he assured me he and Dustin Fowler would keep me up to date on my cases. That did not happen and I did not receive a favorable result. I was overcharged and never provided a contract or letter describing what I paid over $25,000 for. I have complained to the bar, but nothing has happened.
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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.
