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28 Feb, 2024 by Lt
25 Jan, 2024 by Kathleen reilly
"Kate" worked very patiently with my mom and myself to get things sorted out after my mom's husband died.
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21 May, 2023 by Courtney derr
Does not stand up for the children in the Juvenile Dependency system. Goes against a child's best interest, doesn't worry about their mental health and overall well being. Is overworked as a GAL and sides with CPS doesn't care to place children with Kinship over foster care. Would rather make the tax payers pay to lock kids up and keep them from family. Cruel world behind the closed doors of the JD system that no one sees. I do not expect retaliation for this review against my family that is currently involved with CPS.
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01 Dec, 2020 by D hoffman
Website informative and well designed
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27 Jul, 2021 by Michael brunnabend
29 May, 2021 by Theresa marie
11 Mar, 2021 by Scott miller
Spent maybe 10 minutes with me I told him I was not guilty the cop didn't sh9w up the person that called police didn't show up he told me if I plead guilty I would get out and the deal he made wàs terrible my arrest didn't have anything to do with drugs or Alcohol but I did ,2 and ,1/2 month plus 2 years probation and I didn't get ou5of jail s
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21 Jan, 2024 by Deol saab
21 Dec, 2023 by Kirk tilton
Attorney Ritter did an excellent job regarding my ex-girlfriends. bogus claims of a PFA violation not only did he reverse the bogus restitution. i was ordered to pay for something i was not responsible for but also proved she made a bogus claim and lied i violated. A PFA we have against each other. he did an excellent job in winning both cases! i would definitely recommend Attorney ritter to anyone! Sincerely Kirk Tilton
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16 Nov, 2023 by Alex hadesty
The slimiest human being alive is the DA of Lehigh County, when it was Jim Martin. He conspired with The County of Lehigh to ensure I was made a felon for an unconstitutional cannabis charge after more than a year of screwing around with the case just so it would get brushed under the rug. It’s time to remove these illegitimate politicians from power on an immediate level. Whatever formality needs to happen to make this possible, needs to be immediate. This man is the absolute scum of the earth and his office should be ashamed of themselves for doing his bidding and perpetuating such a useless human being in an authority role for so long.
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15 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Arrogant and rather stupid. Loves to denigrate other attorneys when he is the one who should keep his mouth shut. Run away like another poster said. Loves to spend your money but do little. All about the money.
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07 May, 2020 by Anonymous
Absolutely incompetent in my case. Had to fire him for poor representation and poor communication. He actually delegated me to his assistant who was even worse and chit chatted with opposing counsel and the hearing official and joked during a hearing. Disgusting display of unprofessionalism.
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03 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
I was extremely disappointed in his representation!! Although he constantly told me “no big deal - don’t worry “ I was decimated by the opposing attorney!! He didn’t fight for anything and caved on literally every demand from opposing counsel! He took days to return calls and kept me in the dark all the time! Do yourself a favor and hire another attorney- he is not the quality divorce attorney that his father was!!!!
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06 May, 2024 by Anonymous
She will not respond for long periods of time and always has excuses. She doesn't respond to emails. I would never recommend hiring her. It was the worst experience.
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16 Nov, 2023 by Erin
I met with Amy to finalize my divorce. She was my lawyer of record on the case as she had filed my divorce originally. We talked for an hour and had a game plan with action items and then she ghosted me. I tried to contact her multiple times with no replies. Find a different lawyer that will care about helping you because Amy is not that person.
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22 Dec, 2020 by Ashley
Amy Kruzel is a TOP notch custody lawyer. If you are looking for the absolute best family law attorney in the Lehigh valley and beyond, I promise your search ends here! I've researched and contacted countless attorneys and Amy immediately stood out to me from the very first time I consulted with her in my difficult child custody case. She is understanding, empathetic and compassionate when it comes to sensitive family law matters, especially child custody. Amy Kruzel has what it takes to win your case. Her aggressive litigation is beyond amazing! She will fight for whats in the best interests of you and most importantly your child. Whenever I have a question or concern, she is super responsive. I simply cannot thank her enough for all she has done for me and my case.
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25 Dec, 2021 by Stephen
Grossi tried to paint me as the exact same libel, defamation, and slander as my ex was blaming me for while being paid to supposedly be my attorney and not a second one for the plaintiff. After she went in one day without me blaming me for being too mentally unstable to represent, trying to throw my case on purpose I had in 7 days thinking this would work, I won without her in 4 minutes.
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19 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
Prior to hiring Ms. Grossi, I made sure that she would be up to finishing my case prior to leaving on maternity leave, as it was an easy open/shut divorce that my ex and I had already settled on the details. She promised that it would be done long before she was due. Directly due to her law firm and lack of follow through on my case, everything was still completely unfinished when she returned from maternity leave, over 6 months later! She did not respond promptly to myself or the opposing attorney for months and lied about it. While on maternity leave her associate covered for her. During an in house meeting with opposing council she left the meeting for over an hour. When I finally found her, she was in her office tending to other cases and had forgotten about us. Ms. Grossi also refused to fix billing that was egregiously incorrect. There was a complete lack of professionalism and honesty.
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09 Aug, 2021 by Samantha
I finally got a call with Attorney Sorrentenos assistant today when I left a voicemail on AUGUST 2 and she is EXPENSIVE! 325 for a consultation when you cant book with her for a MULTIPLE weeks?? I asked for a quote for a my problem and she couldnt give an estimate???? I asked less than 6000 or higher not even holding them to it just an idea of what I should be saving towards this!!. The lady on the phone knew nothing she couldnt even say if the consult price was included towards the retainer or not! I asked to speak to someone else and she hung up!! DO BETTER
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19 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
She only cares about her ego. She lives to litigate everything!!!! Your divorce will be 50 grand! She talks a big game and makes threats but she will hurt you big time…. Her prices are insane!!!!!!!!! Stay away!!!!!!!!!
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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.
