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19 Jan, 2024 by Larry hubble
Don't use,,paid 2500$ didn't get any help just run around,,asked for money back was told 1 to 2 business days ,it's been 5 days still no money back in my account ,,no stars ,no service, rude
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27 Sep, 2023 by Ryann mcneil
While waiting to speak to someone the recording says Cordell Cordell is an attorney that men can count on. Then it continues to say that the wife is the issue. This is a gross generalization. I’m shocked that this is allowed at a legal firm.
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30 Aug, 2023 by Jared keck
Should change slogan to “a partner men can trust if you have a large bank account “
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19 Jan, 2024 by Larry hubble
Don't use,,paid 2500$ didn't get any help just run around,,asked for money back was told 1 to 2 business days ,it's been 5 days still no money back in my account ,,no stars ,no service, rude
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27 Sep, 2023 by Ryann mcneil
While waiting to speak to someone the recording says Cordell Cordell is an attorney that men can count on. Then it continues to say that the wife is the issue. This is a gross generalization. I’m shocked that this is allowed at a legal firm.
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30 Aug, 2023 by Jared keck
Should change slogan to “a partner men can trust if you have a large bank account “
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18 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
Review of Amy Spector, Lawyer: A Disastrous Experience
I cannot express enough how utterly disappointing and infuriating my experience with Amy Spector has been. She has proven to be completely unprofessional, negligent, and a complete embarrassment to the legal profession. Here’s a summary of whyI would never recommend her to anyone:
Missed Meetings: Amy failed to show up to several scheduled meetings. Not once, not twice, but multiple times. I was left in the dark, having to reschedule on short notice with no apology or explanation.
Dodged Calls and Avoided Emails: Communication was virtually impossible. She regularly ignored phone calls and emails, leaving me with unanswered questions and no guidance. When I finally did get a response, it was either vague or unhelpful.
Conflict of Interest: Amy seemed more friendly with opposing counsel than with her own client—me. It was clear she had a personal rapport with the other side, which made me feel like my interests were secondary. This lack of loyalty and professionalism was disturbing.
Complete Unfamiliarity with the Case: It was painfully obvious that Amy did not understand the details of my case. She frequently asked me to explain the basics, which should have been her job to know inside and out. It felt like I was educating her, not the other way around.
Egregious and Offensive Language in Court: Her behavior in court was completely unacceptable. Amy used offensive and unprofessional language, even directing some of it toward me, her own client. The way she spoke to me was disrespectful, belittling, and outright cruel at times. To say she lacked a basic understanding of courtroom decorum is an understatement.
Disrespect for Both Client and Court: Amy's attitude toward both her clients and the court was appalling. She was late to hearings, showed no respect for the process, and acted as though her time was more important than anyone else's. It was embarrassing to watch her in action.
Failure to Share Key Court Dates: On more than one occasion, Amy failed to inform me of important court dates. I had to find out about them last minute, which caused unnecessary stress and confusion. This lack of attention to detail is inexcusable for any attorney.
Late to Court: Amy was frequently late to court hearings and never offered a satisfactory explanation for her tardiness. Her lack of punctuality not only showed a lack of respect for the court, but also reflected poorly on me as her client.
An Embarrassment to the Legal Profession: Simply put, Amy Spector does not belong in the legal field. Her lack of professionalism, incompetence, and disregard for client interests make her a liability. She has no place representing anyone, let alone handling important legal matters.
I would strongly urge anyone considering hiring Amy Spector to look elsewhere. This was one of the worst experiences I've ever had with a professional, and I am left questioning how someone like her could practice law at all.
Her reputation will soon get the best of her, and it's deserving.
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23 Aug, 2022 by Tammy
We hired Amy to assist with a family matter and her knowledge and support was terrific. She was terrific in the court room to make sure we were represented professionally and her knowledge was terrific. She explained things to us that we did not understand and guided us through the entire process. I would hire her again in a minute.
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01 May, 2021 by Anonymous
I trusted her because I knew she was friends with my ex-wife attorney, and I believed her when she said she doesn’t mixed friendships with her clients. Month after month passed, and each time I spoked to her she really did not offer me a strategy to my case and was very bland with legal advice. I felt like Ms. Spector had little consideration for my case, and at times I felt she was working on my ex-wife’s behalf with her friend / co-worker Ms. Nolan. I had to seek another attorney which was I came out with everything I initially asked for.
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22 Dec, 2022 by Robert wisner
NEVER HIRE THIS FIRM!!! I hired Katherine Ruocco to assist in my father's estate probate, which was one of the simplest cases. She never provided an accounting of charges, never advised me of the three court hearings in which she failed to appear in court which is a violation of Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct. I had to hire another firm, spending thousands of dollars more, and they have to salvage the case which was almost dismissed by the judge.
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26 May, 2023 by Yoshiko
Susan, she was not my attorney. It was unfortunate that she was representing my opponent. First she was 25 minutes late getting to the hearing. Upon her arrival me and a family member was sitting in the hallway. Poorly dressed with high water blue jeans, ankle boots and fanny pack. I did not know she was my opponents attorney until she came out of the court room and started discussing my case with a man who was meeting with his client, made a phone call and discussed my case in front of us. Lunged at me and my family member when told her she was violating my PII and tried to intimidate us by letting us hear her call. I don't know why the judge allows attorney to treat there court room like a back yard and we pay with our hard earn money. After reading all these reviews, my opinion you can do better.
See other reviews at...
https://www.lawyerratingz.com/m/ShowRatings.jsp?tid=7999
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31 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
If you are looking for a divorce lawyer who charges more than twice as much as a fairly straightforward divorce should cost, who provides poor to non-existent legal counsel, who is non-responsive to repeated questions/inquires (until you finally send an email indicating you are upset that you haven’t received a response), who repeats hearsay from your legal adversary back to you as if it were fact, and who takes months and months (and months!) to complete tasks that should take a few weeks - then this is the lawyer for you. Otherwise, look elsewhere.
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10 May, 2011 by Anonymous
Ms Wilson did not fight for me at all in court. I had to secure her services via telephone because i reside in another state 900 miles away. I felt like she only worked on my case when I mentioned that I was coming to town. The day of court she was asking me did i have paperwork that i know i already submitted to her. Any information that I gave her relevant to my case she obviously did not utilize based on the judgement that was rendered.
How is it that I have an arrearage in child support almost $10,000 when I have voluntarily paid ever since my child was conceived. I have paperwork to prove this too! After looking over my paperwork years later I found critical evidence that I provided to Ms Wilson but she did not present it which is ultimately the reason for the arrearage.
What really got my goat was when she made a comment about me being angry over the judges decision. I quote,"I don't see what you are angry about, you got away with it for fifteen years...." referring to the amount of payment that the judge set years ago which I paid faithfully with no intentions of dodging the court system. Whose side is she on is what I asked in between all of the expletives she managed to pull out of me.
Also, I drove the 900 plus mile trip to only just stand in the hallway of the courthouse and not even have a chance to talk with the judge to present my side of the story and try to remove the deadbeat dad stigma that was already upon me just because my situation has ended up in court.
To be fair to her, she did tell me that I could talk to the judge, of course when it was absolutely irrelevant to the judge because he had already rendered his decision. If that was the order of business then why did I need Ms Wilson to represent me?
Initially $2,000 was paid upfront and she said that she would let me know when more money was needed, well needless to say all I got was worthless repetative correspondance and an additional $800 bill when this fiasco ended. Thanks for nothing except for feeding me to the wolves with pork chop drawers on. Stay away if you know what is good for you!!!
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26 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
This clown was disbarred for ripping off the elderly. Terrible attorney. I’m not sure how he got his law degree however I’m sure it wasn’t the ethical way.
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28 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Hutnick insists on communicating with other attorneys and the court system only through the U.S. Postal Service and by writing repeated and a multitude of letters, which clearly is time consuming and makes progress with a case a snail's pace. He focuses and hones in on the irrelevant instead of the main topic for so long that he will completely overcharge you and drag your case out for as long as he possibly can. He's outdated and your time, money and energy is best spent elsewhere.
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22 Dec, 2022 by Robert wisner
NEVER HIRE THIS FIRM!!! I hired Katherine Ruocco to assist in my father's estate probate, which was one of the simplest cases. She never provided an accounting of charges, never advised me of the three court hearings in which she failed to appear in court which is a violation of Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct. I had to hire another firm, spending thousands of dollars more, and they have to salvage the case which was almost dismissed by the judge.
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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.
