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15 Apr, 2021 by Rica
I want to share my experience with Attorney Stacey Rice during the most difficult time in my life.
Stacey and her Team handled my case in the most professional and caring way, she was very attentive and answered my questions promptly.
I was under an attack I couldn’t defend on my own. I was threatened and harassed by my ex repeatedly. He wanted to destroy me at all costs. Stacey took the time to listen to all my concerns. She took an aggressive posture when needed and for that I’ll be forever grateful! God Bless you and your Team! Thank You Stacey Rice for your great job and huge help with my case.
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17 Nov, 2019 by Joe
Stacey was a fantastic lawyer for me during my horrific divorce. She helped me work through false allegations, a custody battle, and making sure I don’t get hosed financially with support and alimony.
She makes you feel at ease throughout the whole
process and even when you may not speak to her for a while just know she is fully up to date on your case. I appreciate all her hard work and efforts through the worst 18 months of my life.
Anyone that hires her will be certainly sure to get the best lawyer around.
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07 Nov, 2019 by Jennifer wood
04 Sep, 2019 by Ellen
I hired Maria to represent me in a case that was the result of a car accident where I suffered medical injuries. The case went to court before a judge. Maria did an excellent and through job of representing the facts of my case to the judge. She was extremely well prepared, competent and organized. She spent many hours collecting all of the background information and detailed medical records. All of the materials were put together and analyzed to support my case.
I was able to receive a fair judgement to pay my medical bills and reimbursement for the time I needed to take off from work for treatment.
Her years of experience showed through in the courtroom with her poise and ability to work with the judge resulting in a fair trial.
I would highly recommend her if you need a very skilled attorney to represent you.
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28 Jul, 2017 by Christian
Maria Patterson far surpassed my expectations. She was outstanding in & outside the court room. She was very professional approaching my case. Very vigilant with the case brought upon as well as thoroughly addressing the disclaimers that were brought by the opposing party. Very passionate inside the court room and took the extra mile to talk to many witnesses as possible and to posses all accurate information to assure a won case. Would highly recommend her for your immediate problems residing with your claims.
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22 Mar, 2017 by William
Mrs. Petterson is an outstanding attorney. From the start, she seemed genuinely interested in my case. She is very patient and a great listener! There were times I felt like I was rambling on about my case. She never rushed me and made me feel like my case was as important as any case she ever had. She listened and was able to verbally paraphrase my thoughts. I also appreciated the prompt manner in which she responded to my emails and phone calls. Mrs. Petterson is very competent as she understood the pros and cons of my case from a legal perspective. Overall, she's a good person and genuinely cares about her clients. It is without reservation that I would recommend Mrs. Petterson to anyone looking for a 5 star attorney!
Regards,
William. D
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29 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Ms. Carter and her team are true professionals. It is a family-oriented environment, which allowed me to divulge uncomfortable information during a very difficult time. Ms. Carter was with me during every step of the way to include during the virtual hearings. I highly recommend their services for any type of legal advice.
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03 Dec, 2020 by Colette
I hired for some real estate needs. They were very professional and took the time to answer and explain any guestions. Kept me informed throughout entire process . I highly recommend and will use this firm for future needs as well.
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25 Jan, 2019 by Kena
I've spoken with Lynn regarding my family law situation (divorce and relocation from FL to MD with infant) a few times. Although the jurisdiction for my case is FL, Lynn has been willing and responsive in providing invaluable advice and recommended actions I can take. She is very personable and insightful. My only wish is that I could have hired her to represent me in FL.
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15 Aug, 2023 by Fred
Sam was the third attorney which I hired in my very messy divorce. I should have hired him from the start. While this case has been ongoing for nearly 3 years, I have nothing but good things to say about his work thus far. Also, just to note, I was the husband, so Sam is not always representing women against men as was noted by another review.
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18 May, 2023 by Aleshia
Sam Brown has been able to get outcomes that I never expected. His due diligence and perseverance are top notch. He listens to his clients and understands and appreciates the toll that this process takes on his clients.
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26 May, 2022 by Gloria
I am extremely grateful for Sam Brown's professionalism and efficiency while representing me during my divorce. His compassion and advise guided me through a very difficult time in my life. His referrals were top notch. I never wish this on anyone, but if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, I would highly recommend Sam Brown and his team.
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24 Sep, 2018 by Debra
As an out-of-state grandparent, I realize it would have been almost impossible to secure visitation with my grandchild unless I obtained legal counsel. John Warren was essential to my getting court-stipulated visitation and I am forever grateful. He never gave up in the face of tremendous opposition and handled things long distance when I was unable to travel. I can not recommend him highly enough!
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03 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
Seventeen years ago I met John due to the child visitation/support issues I faced. He took everything I had to say into consideration and explained my rights as a parent while keeping the best interest of the kids in mind. He even indicated that his services may not be needed but that he would be willing to assist if I was uncomfortable speaking in front of the judge.
Hiring him as my attorney was the best decision I made since legal cases can get very complicated and confusing for the average person. He obtained all he promised, never misled me, and worked so hard, which I am forever grateful for.
Ever since then, John has been there for my family and I whenever we need advice or representation, never fails to benefit our situation. As of right now, seventeen years later, I am back seeking his legal advice in hopes of terminating my case now that my kids have been emancipated.
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19 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Warren is an excellent attorney and is well respected. He is qualified to handle any matter that comes into his office. He treats his clients with respect, courtesy and is very dedicated.
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10 Aug, 2021 by Omar
There are lawyers, then they’re heroes. Nicholas Exarhakis is more than an attorney, he’s a warrior. I discovered Nick on a google search as I desperately scrambled to find an attorney after my previous attorney dropped the ball on my case. My case was complex and far from an easy litigation or legal maneuver. Since the very first consultation I understood immediately that Nick was not the type of attorney that will give me false hope or give me unreal expectations for my case. He was REAL and HONEST. I am a man who wanted custody of my daughter from a mother who had custody since birth (6 years). Without getting into the details of the case, Nick fought relentlessly to have me granted primary custody. The battle was fierce with many motions, hearings appeals and so on, but Nick showed up prepared, armed with facts, evidence, discovery findings, effective cross examination questions and more. He went above and beyond to say the least. No doubt, his time is not cheap, but it was money well spent as I am now the primary custodian of my daughter after 6 years of being alienated from her. NO OTHER ATTORNEY WAS ABLE TO DO WHAT NICK DID. He’s in a different class. If you are a parent (especially a male) who is discouraged because you think that the legal system has failed you, or need the representation you deserve, contact Nicholas Exarhakis about your case. He got me results and I know he will fight for you like he fought for me.
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06 May, 2020 by Mario
Mr. Exarhakis provided sound legal advice and guidance. He took the time to listen and I found him to be experienced, very responsive, knowledgeable and honest. I would recommend him to anyone seeking legal advice.
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11 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Thank you Lord for Nick Exarhakis! I contacted Mr. Exarhakis via the AVVO site requesting a separation/divorce consultation. I thought I would have to wait weeks to hear back, but to my surprise Mr. Exarhakis called me within hours. To my even greater surprise, he was able to offer me a free phone consultation during that same call. Mr. Exarhakis was extremely helpful during the consult. He took time to listen and to answer all of my questions as well as provide much needed guidance. If I have to proceed with legal separation or divorce, I will most definitely be calling Mr. Exarhakis back. I highly recommend Mr. Nick Exarhakis!
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06 Jul, 2021 by Mardiros
I want to share my outstanding experience working with Kevin Schaeffer. It was an absolute pleasure communicating with him during the entire process of my divorce. He was able to make a very unpleasant matter much easier to handle and delivered a very favorable result for me in the end. I highly recommend him for any of your legal needs.
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05 Jul, 2015 by Thomas
Mr. Schaeffer came highly recommended to me, and I was very pleased with the service he provided, and the outcomes achieved. There were several times during the divorce process where I was extremely stressed, and he was able to put me at ease with his calm demeanor and confident reassurance that he had things under control.
Cost was certainly a concern for me, but Mr. Schaeffer was very fair in his billing, offloaded non-critical tasks to lower-priced staff, and achieved a result that ultimately saved me time, heartache, and money.
I have already recommended him to friends, and will continue to do so.
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26 Jul, 2013 by Steve
Kevin did an excellent job handling the negotiation and drafting of my recent divorce agreement. He was efficient and practical, so my overall cost was kept under control. I was very pleased with the outcome.
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07 Aug, 2021 by The taylor’s
Excellent Attorney…. He fought for our son and the outcome was great. Thanks Mr.Cooke for everything.
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05 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
I’ve had 2 experiences with William and both were outstanding. He goes above and beyond to make your case for the best outcome. Be honest with him and he will do a great job for you.
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08 Jun, 2019 by Tracy
Recommended by the neighbor, Mr. Cooke took on our case after my fiance met with him. Mr. Cooke heard the true and complicated situation my fiance found himself in. I was so confident in the competency of Mr. Cooke that I went ahead and purchased baseball tickets for a date after the hearing. My fiance could have gone to jail for a few years based on his record, but somehow Mr. Cooke's presence and knowledge prevented that. My fiance didn't go to jail because justice prevailed on Mr. Cooke's side. He is a great lawyer. Prayers answered, justice served, and life rolls on.
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06 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
I was blindsided by the separation paperwork. Obviously my Ex had put time and effort into getting a head start on the divorce and had hired a very good & aggressive divorce lawyer. I contacted equally rated lawyers but most were too ready to start spending $$$ rather than see if an amicable solution could be worked out. But my initial consultation/call with Kari was different. She (and Ann-Marie) were just as interested in me as the case. They worked with me and tried to do things my way - but - were very clear to point out that I was allowing myself to be bullied by my Ex and her lawyer. Wanting to minimize impact on our young adult children, my wife and myself I let myself be pressured into several bad decisions. Kari informed me why the decisions were bad and was willing to bring in other lawyers from her office for their opinions. Fortunately she slowed the process long enough for me to realize the mistakes I was making. Number 1 lesson learned: Listen to your lawyer. The next year and a half was total insanity. While I was a wreck, Kari was able to handle all the nonsense from my Ex's lawyer. Case went to court and the trial lasted three days. While Kari was very competent with managing the process and deflecting the crap from my Ex and her lawyer - She was on an entirely different level in court. Her questioning of my wife left no doubt to the judge who was primarily responsible for the failure of the family. Kari's closing statement caught me by surprise - hearing the cold hard facts reiterated and the emotion in her voice as she detailed the hell me and the kids endured. The judgment was definitely in my favor.
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15 Apr, 2016 by Tina
I recently used Kari Fawcett for a custody case. She and her assist were an amazing team. Kari always contacted me promptly and if she was unable her assist would. She worked above and beyond my expectations. She was very informative every step of the way and did not make false promises. She works very well under pressure and gets the job done. She always made me feel very secure and comfortable during such a stressful time. I would definitely recommend this lawyer to anyone who is needing an honest and tenacious attorney. I also must add that she obviously does this for a career but she was not out to only take money. She was worth every penny. Very honest and knows Maryland law very well. I was very pleased to work with Kari and her assistant. They are a dynamic team.
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08 Apr, 2016 by Lori
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Kari Fawcett in a divorce case is that she is super intelligent when it comes to law (she has been an attorney for many years), she is super nice and down to earth plus she is not playing around and has 0 tolerance for any bullshit or lies from the opposing side. She is a very aggressive attorney and she knows what she is doing and she will fully have your back on everything. Ms. Fawcett's partner, Ann-Marie Dunn is also super nice, sweet, extremely competent with the law and is a very hard worker. They both worked on my case together, and I call them "The Dynamic Duo." I truly believe, as in my case, that if you retain "The Dynamic Duo," you will have double the power of one attorney, you will have access to talking over the phone with one of them at any given time if the other one is in court, and you will have the superb chance of winning your case. They are definitely aggressive, which is why I retained Kari Fawcett in the first place. My case is over now and we won, but I feel so close to these lovely ladies, that I will be staying in touch with them on a monthly basis just to keep them in my life. I love these 2 attorneys. God forbid if I ever have another divorce, I would definitely, no hesitation, retain Kari Fawcett again and again. Kari and Ann-Marie are definitely a strong force and I would not want to be the opposing attorney nor the opposing client in the case.
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18 Sep, 2016 by Mike
Monica was a tremendous help in my divorce case. She carefully listened to my situation and clearly advised me on every scenario possible. She was also very easy to get in contact with and promptly returned phone calls and messages. I highly recommend her services to anyone in need.
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20 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
I approached Monica Hall as the inevitability of my divorce became evident. Monica is a seriously Good Egg. Divorce is a lousy thing no matter how you slice it. She made it a little less lousy and ultimately achieved the necessary outcome without dragging things out.
Monica has been an attorney in the Annapolis area for something like 35 years. I have known her for 10. When we decided to get to work she took a rational, practical, No BS approach as she walked me through the process. We even had a few laughs. It became quickly clear to me that she knows what works based on Law and her wisdom in the Annapolis judicial system. I came to rely on her judgement as she knew how to temper my comments in order to stay focused on a reasonable outcome.
She was professional, brutally candid, and (when needed) tough as nails.
You can't ask for more than that.
I would recommend Monica to anyone in snap.
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02 Oct, 2013 by Jason
Monica Hall worked very hard on my case. She was ready to do the things that she needed to do to help me win my case. Also was there for me the whole time through out my case, trying to keep my daughter in the state of maryland. We didnt win but she did the best that she could on keeping my daughter in the state as long as she did.
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22 Oct, 2019 by Sherman
Jerry was very specific with details along with being up front about everything. He was very attentive.
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19 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
I contacted Mr. Williams on the eve of a motions hearing I had and he was extremely helpful and answered my questions .
I was pro- se and he patiently listened to the synopsis of my long, complex, case and provided me guidance on how to approach my trail. He made himself available should I need more help or have more questions.
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05 Apr, 2017 by Debbie
Jerry is one of the best lawyers I have ever hired in my life! He is very client oriented and was always on top of the time lines and taking time to keep me updated on the progress of the case. I plan to use him again in the future to handle another legal issue.
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14 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
The answer given was specific and informative. More so, very appreciated!
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20 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. McCarthy for my divorce. He is very clear in explaining all legal issues, documents, ramifications, and best practices. He is incredibly personable, but is also fierce in protecting his client's interests. In a very emotional conflict I am glad I hired him, as he guided me to reasonable solutions and ultimately my goal. He is very clear in monetary expenses, and has told me when something is just not worth paying him for, when there are no positive outcomes or benefits. He is concise and thorough in documentation, which again saves time and money, and can make a difficult time over much more quickly.
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12 Sep, 2016 by Dan
I hired Michael as a result of filing for separation and ultimately divorce. Michael was extremely helpful and thorough throughout the process of planning, negotiating and carrying out the terms of the divorce and ensuring my best interests were managed. He was knowledgeable about the processes and clear with direction on the proceedings. I have recommended Michael to friends and would continue to do so in the future.
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16 Jul, 2018 by Jonathan maldonado
28 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
I was referred to Ron Naditch by a friend who was going through a similar circumstance. I was very pleased to find that Ron has a forward thinking, child-focused approach that is extremely helpful when going through stressful familial times. Ron has spent many months working with me on my divorce and child-custody related issues. He has been exceptional by communicating with me in a timely manner, making clear explanations of family law, and ensured that I was given precise legal counsel and support. I would not hesitate to recommend Ron Naditch to anyone needing legal assistance, especially when it comes to family related issues!
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31 Aug, 2015 by Christa
Ron is an attentive listener and captured every detail of an extremely complicated custody case, and was strategic and thoughtful in his approach. He always gave advice and potential outcomes of each decision that I made, but ultimately left it to me to decide how to proceed. He was extremely responsive and got back to me on the same day with any questions I had. Nobody wants to be in the position to need an Family Law attorney, but should you need one, you are in the best of hands with Ron.
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30 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
I was referred to Sean by a good friend. After being separated for close to 4 years, I finally decided enough was enough. I met with Sean in July and we filed the paperwork for absolute divorce that day. He corresponded with my X via email and handled everything quickly and professionally. I would definitely hire Sean Becker again and will certainly refer him out to a friend!
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18 Sep, 2014 by Greg
Sean was recommend to me by a buddy.. Sean helped me during my divorce. He was extremely knowledgeable and professional. He returned all my calls quickly and kept me posted with any updates. His fees are very reasonable. I would recommend him and use him for any legal advice I need.
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18 Sep, 2014 by Rich
Mr. Becker helped us with setting up our business and making sure we structured our partnerships properly and advised us as to make sure we had all our bases covered. He was also there for other matters outside our business needs to help advise us with some personal legal needs as well. He has always been responsive and on top of what was needed to be done. He was always accommodating in our situation with timely deadlines and getting what needs to be completed on time and and accurately. This is not been the case with other attorneys I have used in the past.
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02 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms. Brown is a strong litigator and knows MD divorce law well. She provided me with very good advice and although divorce can be a very painful and financially devastating experience, she helped me get the best outcome for my situation. She is a caring person who will give you her honest, realistic advice and represent you well in court.
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06 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
Carole Brown is hard working, thorough, attentive and comforting. Carole worked hard to help me get to the final settlement in my divorce case. We suffered several setbacks, not of her doing, and Carole provided the assistance and direction I needed. Furthermore, with Carole handling my case, I did not fret about the process or the specifics. She is knowledgeable and professional; I recommend that persons going through separation and divorce proceedings contact Carole Brown.
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04 Feb, 2016 by Christine
I was initially referred to Carole Brown at my district court. I was advised to get an attorney for a legal matter and then hired Carole for my divorce proceedings. I'd like to attribute the following attributes to Carole: Accessible, Affordable, Pro-active, Flexible with my schedule, An advocate and provided support in many ways.
I have benefitted greatly from Carole's services. I consider her to be professional, knowledgeable, hardworking and personable.
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18 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
I can ask for a greater attorney for our case. He answered every call and met with us and gave exceptional advice. I would definitely recommend Tom.
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18 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
We worked with Tom over several years with our case and he has been absolutely wonderful! He is a great attorney and person and exceptional staff. We highly recommend him!
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19 Aug, 2015 by Supereena
Mr Ellis was my divorce lawyer. I can only say positive things. The reason I hired him in the first place is because he stated his main concern was the well being of my children. His every action and decision and advice was based on what was best for my children first ( which in turn ended up being best for me). He did not have surprise charges and always provided detailed, itemized bills. He always fought for me and treated me with respect and kindness. He also has many years of experience and contacts. I would recommend him without hesitation.
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06 Dec, 2018 by Laura
I had an unexpected divorce and was traumatized to say the least. I consulted with and ultimately hired Mr. Ryan and am so glad I did.
He is not pretentious at all, will be very direct and tell you how it is whether it's what you want to hear or not. He compassionately helped me understand that what I wanted in my divorce was not realistic and worked relentlessly to get the best possible outcome for me. While in the process of my divorce, I had to solely rely and trust his judgement. After all was said and done, the "how's" and "why's" in what he suggested in my proceedings made perfect sense.
Divorce sucks no matter what, but when your own judgement is clouded by emotions, you need an attorney you trust wholeheartedly. Mr. Ryan went above and beyond to look out for my best interests. I couldn't have asked for more.
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22 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
After a bad experience with another lawyer John Ryan was a breath of fresh air. He kept us informed on everything and what our best options were. He was very honest and direct. If you don't want to hear the truth, don't go to him. He does not beat around the bush which made the process a lot easier on us.
When we met with him it was as if he actually cared about us and what we were going through. He did not make it about why WE wanted custody, but rather why it would be in the best interest of the child.
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03 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms. Cutler was truly an amazing attorney . With her expert skills she helped me navigate though what was a long and drawn out divorce. I felt supported thought the whole process. You would not find a better lawyer.
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11 Sep, 2016 by Margaret
I have been very, very pleased with the representation I received from Ms. Cutler. I started my divorce with another lawyer, and while my first lawyer was very good, I found I just didn’t click with her. I met with Hollie on the recommendation of a friend at church. From day one, Hollie worked very, very hard for me. With divorce, there are so many decisions to be made at a time when your heart is broken and life is upside down. Ms. Cutler took the time to make sure that I understood each of my options and that I felt confident each step I was taking was the correct one for me. She really worked to find out what was important for me as a unique individual. When she disagreed with me, she told me, and it was invaluable to have the feedback of her experience and expertise. Hollie always made time for me. Recently, when I was working on the QDRO part of my settlement, Hollie was on vacation. She emailed me during her vacation to let me know she was following the emails between myself and the QDRO lawyer, and that she would be available to help me if I needed her!! Hollie is wicked smart and she will fight hard for you. Hollie will also care about you and protect you like a good friend.
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14 Jul, 2015 by Kathleen mclaughlin
I have known Barry Dalnekoff for over 20 years while practicing family law. He is extremely well-informed and highly competent in the field of family law as well as a strong opponent with whom I have enjoyed working with in the past.
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21 Mar, 2018 by Leslie
My lawyer, Ms.matthews always was attentive to me even when we missed each others calls she would always touch basis with me, Ms.matthews was attentive and showed compassion towards my divorce and custody issues she is a very positive force when I definitely needed it, for my emotions were all over the place very thorough when asking me questions and my day in court Ms.matthews showed compassion towards me therefore it made me feel secured. I will always recommend Ms.matthews and The Carter Law Firm as my Go 2 Law Firm. Thank You Shereese Matthews my family and I are so grateful for your efforts and role in helping to relieve me of this burden..
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04 May, 2017 by Sherria
I hired attorney Huff to handle a custody case for me and she did an excellent job in providing services . She made sure I understood all of the letters that were sent to me and if I had any questions she made sure I understood them . The billing invoices were sent in an accessible format so I could read them due to my disability. Ms. Huff did an outstanding job as she gave the testimony in representing my case and the judge awarded full, sole, legal, and physical custody . I would recommend attorney Huff to any and everyone for her outstanding service
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31 Mar, 2010 by Anonymous
She helped me through a very difficult situation and I came out very well.
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12 Jul, 2023 by Vincent
Managan represented me to her fullest capabilities. She was always there to offer advice, support, and her professionalism was outstanding. By the end of my divorce Managan not only was my lawyer but became a friend. She offers her help still when I need it.
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14 Sep, 2012 by Anonymous
Being a single father, and seeking sole custody was not an easy or common task, Allen guided me through the entire process and informed me of possible and likely outcomes along the way. He was always quick to return phone calls even on Sundays and made sure I understood everything that was going on. Allen always had my interest in hand and was able to get me exactly what I wanted and deserved. Highly recommended and has my business for life!
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07 Nov, 2019 by Jennifer wood
03 May, 2016 by Anonymous
I am using Kimberly in my divorce and custody modification. The whole crew at Kruger, DiGiovanni Aluisi, LLC is great. They keep communication open and stay connected. I couldn't have asked for better guidance through this tough time in my life
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28 Jul, 2015 by John
Let me tell you about Attorney Caleb Griffin. This guy proved himself worthy of hire. If you take note of the title you'll notice I said "my lawyer". He was very knowledgeable in the law and saved me a ton of money. He was open and transparent about everything taking place as things became available. I would recommend him to anyone seeking a lawyer if you're seeking integrity, fairness, and affordability. This guy will smile with you. He will cry with you. He'll even give you spiritual guidance, if you want it.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Jay g.
Excellent lawyer. All charges dropped. Caroline got me in and out of court quickly. Caroline used to be a prosecutor and she talked to the prosecutor for my case and got the charges dismissed easily. Thank God.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Jemmie floyd
I hired Caroline when I was charged with offenses in Anne Arundel County. I was charged by an ex for things that I didn’t do. Caroline was excellent from the beginning. She stayed in contact with me promptly throughout the entire process. She told me exactly what I needed to do and represented me perfectly. All of my charges were dismissed by the prosecutor. Thank god I hired Caroline because I am out of all of the trouble and moving on with my life.
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26 Jun, 2024 by G k
All charges gone in 10 minutes. Hire her
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09 Aug, 2024 by Jocelyn shapiro
12 Sep, 2023 by Joshua
Great Attorney, Highly recommend to anyone.
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11 Feb, 2022 by Judy beck
5.0
18 Reviews
09 Aug, 2024 by Jocelyn shapiro
12 Sep, 2023 by Joshua
Great Attorney, Highly recommend to anyone.
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11 Feb, 2022 by Judy beck
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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.
