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28 Aug, 2017 by Jenay
My attorney worked diligently with so much compassion and determination to have my granddaughter removed from an unsafe environment and returned home to me while decisions are being made regarding her living situation in the Juvenile Court system. Aaron Maus worked so hard day in and day out to ensure this child safety. I will be forever grateful for Aaron. I feel he was personally part of this case as his communication was extraordinary and his heart is involved for the best interest of an innocent child!
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16 Jul, 2015 by Troy
Aaron is very down to earth and easy to communicate with. He was very responsive when I contacted him with anything in reference to my case and showed a lot of support. If you want an young ambitious lawyer that has a passion for his work, then Aaron Maus is a likely choice. He's very personable and shows genuine concern for you and your interests.. It's always nice to have that feeling, when stepping into the Courtroom... A Good Lawyer and most importantly, a good Man... Very much recommended...
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11 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Excellet attorney, give provides excellent service, great researcher takes the time to review every avenue, returned every call within 24-hours or less. I highly recommend Mr. Maus
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27 Jul, 2023 by Reba watson
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24 Jan, 2018 by Ellie
You could not ask for a better Attorney then Mary Armacost! She is kind, caring, and wonderful to work with. Her office environment is home-like and very welcoming. Mary will keep you informed of anything that is going on with your case. She will also answer any questions you may have. She is an advocate for her clients. I recommend Mary Armacost to anyone in need of her specialities in the legal profession.
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14 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
I have used Marks services on 2 occasions. He gets the job done!
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08 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired George Pattison to prepare a Will, Trust, and Power of Attorney for estate planning. He handled it professionally, gave great advice and made the whole process easy.
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03 May, 2022 by Emily
Petrified, I walked into Christina Strasel's office three years ago. Through a difficult divorce and some custodial amendments, Christina truly empowered me to foster and maintain a peaceful co-parenting relationship with my ex partner and reassured me throughout the legal processes. Christina also worked carefully to protect my financial assets during the divorce. I will use Christina for all future legal needs! Thank you, Christina!
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07 Jan, 2024 by Saeed nassef
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18 May, 2023 by Ollie darnell
Very reliable.
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20 Apr, 2023 by Nicholas randolph
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07 Jan, 2024 by Saeed nassef
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18 May, 2023 by Ollie darnell
Very reliable.
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20 Apr, 2023 by Nicholas randolph
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15 Jul, 2024 by William gehbauer
Very good lawyer,goes into details with you, his paralegal Susan exceptional
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08 Feb, 2024 by Connie hammer
Very timely in response to calls or emails, gave me a free consultation which aided in my decision to try this attorney, and his advice moved my case forward in the direction it needed to go. Highly recommended! Genuine and caring!
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04 Feb, 2024 by Mally combs
Tim represented me 11 years ago and made a bad situation better in family court for me, Tim is great at telling you exactly like it is, he’s your lawyer and he knows how to get things done and the best route to take to accomplish your desired outcome. Here I am years later and I once again hired Tim, I trust Tim. He’s a great guy, great lawyer, just make sure you listen to what he tells you, he’s not a magician. He can’t snap his fingers and move mountains YOU HAVE TO DO THAT FOR YOURSELF. The language of law is extremely difficult and the knowledge required to understand law is boundless and takes unanimous amounts of effort along with TIME. That’s where Tim comes in, he’s your navigator and advocate. He’s not your therapist, he’s walking in there with you and both of you have to fight and work to accomplish good results. Imagine someone leading you out of a nightmare, that’s Tim Morris.
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15 Jul, 2024 by William gehbauer
Very good lawyer,goes into details with you, his paralegal Susan exceptional
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08 Feb, 2024 by Connie hammer
Very timely in response to calls or emails, gave me a free consultation which aided in my decision to try this attorney, and his advice moved my case forward in the direction it needed to go. Highly recommended! Genuine and caring!
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04 Feb, 2024 by Mally combs
Tim represented me 11 years ago and made a bad situation better in family court for me, Tim is great at telling you exactly like it is, he’s your lawyer and he knows how to get things done and the best route to take to accomplish your desired outcome. Here I am years later and I once again hired Tim, I trust Tim. He’s a great guy, great lawyer, just make sure you listen to what he tells you, he’s not a magician. He can’t snap his fingers and move mountains YOU HAVE TO DO THAT FOR YOURSELF. The language of law is extremely difficult and the knowledge required to understand law is boundless and takes unanimous amounts of effort along with TIME. That’s where Tim comes in, he’s your navigator and advocate. He’s not your therapist, he’s walking in there with you and both of you have to fight and work to accomplish good results. Imagine someone leading you out of a nightmare, that’s Tim Morris.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Peggy bullock
Robert Stearns took on our appeal when no one else would. He did a GREAT job! Thanks Robert 😊.
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22 Jul, 2024 by Quincy ellis
Best attorney in Ohio. Very genuine guy and good person all around.
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22 Jun, 2024 by Michael tokarski
From Ericka and Mike - Aaron is knowledgeable, honest and thorough. He spent a good deal of time researching my case and went above and beyond to make sure I was properly represented. He is hard working with integrity. I would recommend Aaron to anyone who needs an experienced and reputable attorney.
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20 Apr, 2024 by Chelsea
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28 Dec, 2023 by Amanda smith
Sue Ellen Bradford is an Amazing lawyer, because she has patience, she cares about her clients, she puts in the effort to make sure her clients get treated fairly, and takes her time to make sure she covers every detail in your case! I gave her a 5 star but, she really deserves 10 of 10!! Thank you so much, your the best!!
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20 Dec, 2023 by Conrad madness
I went to PRISON.... WORST lawyer I've ever seen. I had her and She did not stand up for me at all. I gave Sueellen 2000$ and then did 18 months, in prison, for a crime I did not do. I would recommend representing yourself before considering Sue Ellen Brafford. She's a crook and she should give me my money back.
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02 Sep, 2024 by Joshua sirback
Katie is absolutely awesome!… she is always there you you need her and reaches back to you if not able to answer a call right away. Katie is the absolute best person I had the honor to meet and represent me in court. She is very up from and direct. I will always recommend her to anyone and I’ll always use her for all my needs moving forward. 100/10 stars!!!
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27 Aug, 2024 by Ashley stapleton
Katie was an invaluable asset to help me through my divorce and custody case. I had called around to several offices in the area and the only one that I felt a connection to was Katie. She had a sharp tongue, and I knew she was the one who would not back down during this fight. She empathized and made me feel heard. She took the time to listen to my story and even look at photos of my son. I recall telling her she probably didn't care but she reached for my phone and took those few moments to see really see us. Morning noon or night I could reach out and she would respond in a timely fashion. There were a few occasions that she could feel my growing anxiety in our messages and the next thing I know my phone is ringing. She was on the other end ready to assure me and answer any questions. I never had to worry whether or not she was still fighting for us behind the scenes. She explained all the options and set expectations in great detail and in a language I could understand. It was the first time in a long time that I felt like I had some sort of control over our future. She was fantastic every step of the way.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Rick clark
Katie represented me 1 year ago in a divorce where I had a lot to lose that I had worked very hard for. She is very educated in her work. She is a shark. Her professionalism, promptness, and devotion to my case during a very busy time made me feel like her only client. A year later, I’m in an excellent position in life. Thank You Katie!
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02 Sep, 2024 by Joshua sirback
Katie is absolutely awesome!… she is always there you you need her and reaches back to you if not able to answer a call right away. Katie is the absolute best person I had the honor to meet and represent me in court. She is very up from and direct. I will always recommend her to anyone and I’ll always use her for all my needs moving forward. 100/10 stars!!!
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27 Aug, 2024 by Ashley stapleton
Katie was an invaluable asset to help me through my divorce and custody case. I had called around to several offices in the area and the only one that I felt a connection to was Katie. She had a sharp tongue, and I knew she was the one who would not back down during this fight. She empathized and made me feel heard. She took the time to listen to my story and even look at photos of my son. I recall telling her she probably didn't care but she reached for my phone and took those few moments to see really see us. Morning noon or night I could reach out and she would respond in a timely fashion. There were a few occasions that she could feel my growing anxiety in our messages and the next thing I know my phone is ringing. She was on the other end ready to assure me and answer any questions. I never had to worry whether or not she was still fighting for us behind the scenes. She explained all the options and set expectations in great detail and in a language I could understand. It was the first time in a long time that I felt like I had some sort of control over our future. She was fantastic every step of the way.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Rick clark
Katie represented me 1 year ago in a divorce where I had a lot to lose that I had worked very hard for. She is very educated in her work. She is a shark. Her professionalism, promptness, and devotion to my case during a very busy time made me feel like her only client. A year later, I’m in an excellent position in life. Thank You Katie!
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17 Jul, 2024 by Pam s
Ms. Vivian is Profesional, Kind and Courteous. She is very knowledgeable. She returns calls and explains everything very well! Even scheduled an additional appointment for further representation. Thank you Ms. Vivian for all of your hard work!
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19 Jan, 2024 by Michael s
Vivian is a well grounded lawyer with a level head that will provide the advice and representation you need.
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19 Jan, 2024 by Joe
Following a long since passed divorce, I had some lose ends that needed to be tied up that relate to some left over real estate. I reached out to Vivian. She was prompt, fair and very professional. Hopefully I never need her again, though it is comforting that I know someone locally that I can trust.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Joseph graham (joey)
No call back thinking about getting his sister Corey. Not sure who she is
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08 Jul, 2024 by Karen figart
This man is omg a miracle worker.. he looks so much like his father who was also an excellent attorney.. his communication was excellent and he worked so very hard…. I have to say he’s my hero today and I will use him again in future.. trust me.. if u need an attourney that can deliver miracles he’s your man!!!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Magick wilde
He is very professional and very nice we had a very stressful protection order/ Custody case and he help us thru till the end and we got just what we wanted and he is very attentive called me often kept me informed of the whole thing and i believe he made the right calls every turn of the way thank you so much Zach your literally a life saver.
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19 Jun, 2024 by Bandbunny1
Helped my son hire this attorney for a custody case. Just a warning, he charges his $300 an hour fee for every task at hand and there is an additional $65 an hour fee for the paralegal. One email sent (that normal people can write in less than 5 minutes) boom $65 charge. A fax that takes 2 minutes - boom another $65. A 10 minute phone call to receive an update about your case BOOM $300!!!! He is not $300 an hour, he is $300 per task. Additionally, his paralegal is $65 per task. Just beware
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24 Jun, 2023 by Angela clasgens
Doug did an excellent and thorough job with everything from the initial consultation to turning myself in for an outstanding warrant to the actual hearings. I received a lot of practical and useful advice during the process. For example, being sure to arrive at the police station extremely early in the morning to make sure that any bond hearing would likely make it to the morning docket and avoid having to spend any potential time in custody. This worked out wonderfully on my behalf, as the officer was able to issue a recite which created a new hearing date and only took a few hours, including travel to make it such a worthwhile trip. He obviously was very seasoned and new everyone in the courthouse which I thought was very advantageous. And the best part of all is that he had done his homework and negotiating and ultimately got my case dismissed. This allows me to regain my driving privileges without any restriction. I simply could not be happier with the services and expertise that Doug & his staff brought to the table.
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09 Jun, 2023 by Brittany mcclanahan
He did amazing in helping me! And he’s was very affordable.
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22 Jan, 2023 by Dawn
Wouldnt even fight for me probably because the county paid her off. With her as my attorney i had zero chance of keeping my kids and many of our rihhts were violated. Ahe just withdrew from the case
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16 Nov, 2021 by Christopher
This woman will not return phone calls. She is my court a pointed attorney and I have left 5 messages as if 11/16/2021. The clerk of courts tell me to contact this woman, but not once has she answered a message. You are worth less then 1 star. You are Leaving people hanging, but yet collecting a check from Adams county. Shame on you
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29 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
I have her as an attorney she I can leave message after message and not one time has she ever return my phone call I have covid and can't even get ahold of her to reschedule my court date for today she does nothing! will not mention anything good that you have done but sure bring up any bad that u have done. She does not need to be an attorney!
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15 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Hired for custody case. The judge literally had to pause the hearing because Mr. Kennedy was incorrect about the type of custody I currently had. Once the court case resumed, we again had to pause so I could personally work out a deal with opposing counsel for healthcare for our son. This is something I asks Mr. Kennedy for and was told “that will never happen.” Well it did that day through speaking across Mr. Kennedy and communicating with opposing counsel to obtain the desired outcome. As the case progressed, there was an area that Mr. Kennedy had stated we would object to and have dismissed immediately. The opposing counsel brought it up and continued talking as I sat there wanting to kick Mr. Kennedy under the table. FINALLY he objected. The judge simply said, “if you wanted to object, you should have stated it when she began and over ruled him.” It was horrible. After all of this I received the final bill. I was shocked to see it included all the times Mr. Kennedy called to ask the same questioned that were answered in his office. He just couldn’t remember. He also gave us paperwork to fill out for court and my husband realized it was another client’s paperwork and it was already filled out. At the end of the court case Mr. Kennedy stated he thought the case went well. I replied what about the part that you were supposed to object to? He brushed it off and said, “Well we will just go back to court to try to overturn the verdict.” Not what you want to hear after having to work out your own deals with opposing counsel and have your case stopped twice by the judge because your lawyer doesn’t have his crap together. I found him to be arrogant, argumentative and lacks the skills to litegait as a lawyer. should retire or be disbarred.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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