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01 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
After a relationship ended, I found myself in litigation -- a situation I would not willingly choose. Dividing property became impossible when my former partner adopted an extreme position and doubled down on it. Sunena helped me defend myself through many steps of the legal process. Over time, both the facts and the law came out. Although the adversarial nature of the legal system made that a slow and painful process, and I felt overburdened at times, at heart I felt confident because I had a good lawyer and the truth on my side. Sunena is very busy, but knew how best to employ her time and skill to resolve the matter, and where to place both our energy. She understood my situation, the outcome I needed, and demonstrated when it counted that her commitment to advocacy, safety and integrity on behalf of her clients is real. On top of that, she's a fun and interesting person with fighting spirit. In the end, Sunena was able to avoid trial and achieve a financial outcome for me that was significantly more than I originally envisioned. Given the circumstances, that felt very just, and I am grateful.
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20 Dec, 2021 by Reet m singh
A close friend of mine hired Sunena in his divorce case. He was highly impressed by her Honesty, Ethics, Hard work and Professionalism. Very few attorneys are respected the way she gets respect from her clients.
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24 Aug, 2016 by Donald
I am currently represented by Sunena in a family law matter and I am extremely impressed with her substantive knowledge, strategic ability and the deep compassion that she holds for her clients. Although Sunena is extremely busy, she somehow manages to make sure she is on top of all things related to her client's cases. Moreover, I appreciate the fact that she definitely tries to address issues with honey, before vinegar, so to say, which is extremely helpful given the naturally contentious nature of family law. Without reservation, I would recommend Sunena for any family law matter in the Bay Area counties.
I am currently represented by Sunena and I've been extremely happy with her work. I am also an attorney and I can professionally attest to the quality of her legal skills and knowledge, as well as her high level of compassion and care that she has for her clients. I strongly recommend her.
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23 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
This review is long overdue. I reached out to Joel in 2018 after being self represented for the majority of my divorce proceedings. I needed help with finalizing the remaining steps in my divorce.
Although my divorce was initially filed in the Bay Area and had since relocated to Southern California, Joel was not only able to meet with me on short notice while on a trip there, he was also able to represent me from afar. A few months later, my divorce was finalized with no hiccups along the way.
He was always pleasant to work with, knowledgeable and extremely responsive given that most of our communication was via email and sometimes even txt.
I couldn’t be more thankful to him and his expertise. Joel, thanks again for helping me to close this chapter of my life.
Do not hesitate to hire this attorney. If you’ve worked with Joel before, remember to leave a review as it may help someone else in need of legal representation.
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20 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
I found Joel through an online search for a family attorney who could help me with a child support case. I hired him after our first consultation and he subsequently helped me through the court process of applying for child support. He always went the extra mile to explain any court procedures and documents to me before and/or after each hearing. The case was successfully resolved and I am very grateful to Joel for his excellent work.
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11 Mar, 2014 by Heather
Joel has represented me in a case that has required an attorney who is ethical, intelligent and clever. He has been able to break down a difficult situation into a clear-cut case that leaves no room for any "dealing" to settle. He walks the walk...side by side with you, with honesty and integrity as his guideposts.
I would not be writing this if I did not believe in him; his word is his bond, and he is a rare gem.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Guilherme sttellet
I first worked with Cara Jobson when she helped me successfully obtain asylum, and I’m back now to update my review with more good news: I just received my green card, asylum-based, in the mail! I arrived in this country facing many challenges, but Cara gave me hope from the moment she accepted my case. Throughout the entire process, I never felt alone, and she provided me with unwavering support.
If you’re reading this and searching for an immigration lawyer, Cara Jobson is absolutely the one you want by your side. Thank you Cara, for everything!
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31 Aug, 2024 by Shinwari sab
One of the best lawyer keep it up
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24 Jul, 2024 by Kendrick garcía dirkzwager
Cara Jobson is an extraordinary immigration attorney. My wife and I were facing a complex situation involving our asylum case. From the beginning, Cara was incredibly knowledgeable, caring, and responsive. Her compassion and professionalism made an immense difference during a stressful time. Thanks to her expertise, I was granted asylum, and she successfully guided me and my wife through the process of obtaining a green card and travel document. I am eternally grateful for her guidance and support.
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22 Feb, 2022 by William d. robbins
20 Sep, 2021 by Marc carway
Cassady was very thorough and knowledgeable in providing counsel toward the issues and questions I had in my SBA EIDL loan. I would recommend working with him as you can tell he cares and has your best interest in mind to help achieve whatever result you are looking for.
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14 Sep, 2021 by Tonda s.
Cassady was absolutely amazing, and I feel lucky to have had him work with me through some difficult employment issues. He’s knowledgeable, effective, and incredibly supportive - couldn’t recommend more highly.
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11 Oct, 2020 by Kiki jewell
Drinks to go were delicious.
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31 Dec, 2021 by Yesenia sierra
Mr.Juarez & lia Where very professional lawyers that represented us very well on a fire case that we had little to no faith in . They took care of all 6 in our family and made a fair deal to get us taken care of .
His college lia is very professional highly recommend her and mr Juarez and I know I can call them and rely on them .
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31 Dec, 2021 by Raul zetino
Excelentes servicios y muy professional, tuve un caso por accidentente de transito y busque los servicios del abogado Manuel Juarez, quede muy satisfecho con sus servicios y alto conocimiento en materia legal, lo recomiendo 100% para cualquier litigacion legal no dudes en buscar su servicio.
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31 Dec, 2021 by Fidel jaimes
Manuel Juárez un abogado muy honesto
Practico muy agredesi con el por la ayuda
Que me brindo muchas gracias
MANUEl JUÁREZ
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09 Aug, 2024 by Sarah jardine
I found Meakins Law to help guide me through my divorce and I’m so pleased with the services I received. I felt very overwhelmed and frustrated but had so much stress taken off when I started working with David to help me finish my case. Everyone I dealt with at Meakins Law was very communicative, transparent, and took away any intimidating feelings I had (especially during an emotionally difficult time!) I would highly recommend David/ Meakins Law to anyone in the Oakland- Berkeley area who needs a trusting divorce lawyer.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Haben ghermazien
I've had nothing but wonderful experiences with Brook Meakins. She has helped me through some of the toughest times of my life. In addition to being kind and understanding, she is incredibly professional and excellent at what she does. She guided me through each step of the process and made me feel safe every step of the way. I will continue to use her services whenever I can.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Alberto beltran
Brooke was very helpful and honest about my case.
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19 Feb, 2023 by Yash b
I had a great experience. These people are very highly professional. Highly recommended.
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05 Jul, 2022 by Amy pyle
My very elderly parents and I had a long meeting with Linda about updating their living trust, which went well (aside from her double booking the time and having to turn someone away). Then they waited months and months with no communication, only to finally hear that she was just too busy to get to it. Unacceptable and unprofessional.
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31 Dec, 2020 by Rita rodriguez
I was recommend to call Linda by a good family friend who is an expert attorney in another field of law regarding a troublesome estate issue. Although she couldn't take my case directly, she went the extra mile and helped me to sort through some of the red tape around California law by explaining how inheritance law works. In addition, she was able to find some background information on my very complex family estate issue. I plan to have her complete my own personal trust and I highly recommend Linda for estate planning!
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11 Apr, 2024 by Passerott support
S H A M E on Catherine Fisk and Dean Chemirinskiy.
L O C K THEM UP!
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26 Jan, 2024 by Lamsumbtn
Beautiful campus with cute animals and coffee shops
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21 Dec, 2023 by Sudhanshu roy
01 Jan, 2020 by Farallon gardens
We have been working with Zachary Epstein for over 10 years and we cannot recommend his services and professionalism enough. Zachary has assisted us with tax preparation, annual returns as well as quarterly estimated tax payments. We recently incorporated our company and Zachary handled everything for us seamlessly.
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08 Feb, 2019 by Uncle p _
Zachary Epstein handled a case for me with the IRS a few years ago. He quickly put me at ease by calling them and getting them to route all communications through his office since he would be handling my case. It was a difficult process to maneuver me through the lengthy hoops and we made a game plan. He surrounds his practice with other specialists that got me to the finish line. Everyday that goes by, I thank him for getting me out of my jam. Highly appreciate and recommend The Law Office of Zachary Epstein. Give him a call.
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30 Jun, 2017 by Breeann wilcox
29 Aug, 2024 by Alltalk noaction
I wanted to share my honest opinion about my interaction with James Chanin. I called in with a Police Misconduct case and immediately while speaking I kept getting interrupted and was unable to clearly explain what happened. Mr Chanin repeatedly talked over me and then placed me on hold. Once he came back to the phone I tried to continue on with my story but it was very hard knowing that this attorney is basically telling your story for you by interrupting every sentence I made which made it very hard and confusing. The case I have is with a former Stockton police officer who robbed me off some cash. This same officer has already been found guilty and also admitted guilt in another case just last year. I was unable to relay all the facts because I was being talked over and put on hold. Mr Chanin eventually stated that he can not represent me because it’s going to take $5,000 to 10,000 to take on my case. With that said I believe that number is a bunch of bull crap because for one this case is already in the hands of the District Attorney as well as Internal Affairs. All the evidence and paperwork leading to this officers wrongdoings are available. I have been tirelessly searching for an attorney that will represent me. I had high hopes for James Chanin since I looked up his information and seen that he does handles police misconduct cases and also his mission statement says that he became an attorney to help people. He also stated that he is not satisfied until he knows that he has done everything possible to help people. He also stated that he strives to do an exemplary and professional job with minimal costs to clients and that he is not afraid to try a case. All of this I found to be not true he was definitely afraid to take on my case and he didn’t do anything to help me when he has years of experience in police misconduct cases. I am very disappointed because it seems like attorneys are looking for the dollar sign and media coverage in order to take on a case. The mission definitely is not to help people the mission is to see who has the most money in a case. Knowing that these attorneys spend years in school and working hard just to end up not helping and being the voice for the people who don’t have the help is very disheartening and disappointing.
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11 Aug, 2022 by Rashid nasim
# 1 Attorney.
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05 Jun, 2020 by Shae brewer
06 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
If there is a negative rating, I will give him a negative rating. I don't know that he knows the law or even went to law school. I hired him, and he requested that I pay him in full. My court documents that he was going to send were all wrong information and wrong names. All he did was copy and paste from a different case, and he still did not do that well. He blamed his stupid errors on his assistance, which he did not have. He is incompetent and should not be hired. We went through three iterations before he finally got my information correct. On the day of my case, he did not show up in court. I called and called him, and when the judge called my name, he was there. The judge gave the court a break, and I went out of the court and called him again four times. Finally, he picked up and said he was on his way. He feels very entitled and acts like he knows it all when he knows nothing. He never apologized for not showing up early. We were supposed to go from one room of the court to another room to finish the case, but he told me that we did not have to go to the other room to calculate the child support and that everything had been taken care of. Even though the judge in the first room instructed that we go to the other judge's court name. Two months later, I got a letter from the court, and that's when I knew everything had gone wrong. The incompetent idiot did not submit the documents needed in court.
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03 Jun, 2020 by Alice
Lawyer helped me out with a quick power of attorney change. Process was painless easy and not at all cumbersome. Even helped me out with understanding what a power of attorney can do and tips on how to proceed in the future. Thank you Alex.
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17 May, 2017 by Amir
Wife & I hired this lawyer to help us with Eviction case in Berkeley after 25yrs living there . He took our money and lied to us by telling us "We should drop our case against the landlord and instead filing it against moving company". After a year and 1/2, he finally filed a complained against moving co. on our behalf and he never followed through. Court eventually dismissed our case for not serving Defendants. He never informed us of the status of the case despite our repeated requests, Do not trust this attorney on what he says! We are now trying to file a malpractice complaint against him. Wish us good luck finding a lawyer to do that!
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01 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
Took my deposit of many thousands of dollars and spent it all very quickly on unnecessary research . Once those fund were consumed continued to charge in the following ways.
1) I also needed counsel in another state and told Triano and partner I had a lawyer there already. Then to my amazement I was charged by them for finding a backup counsel in the other state. 2) More research without asking e.g on individuals on title in a certain property which in my opinion was completely irrelevant to the case and by the way information I could have provide if asked for or told why it was needed. 3) Advising me on issues via long emails that had already discussed then charging me a second time. When challenged he became defensive. 4) asking me to prepare a time-line to discuss with one of the assistants. The assistant read my time line, charged me, but never followed up to discuss it with me. The list goes on... . A very frustration and expensive ordeal. The last thing I needed when seeking professional expertise under duress.
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08 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
Worst experience ever with a lawyer. Triano and Byrne are about milking the client. Confuse and delay is their working strategy. Worked with them for over a year. They confuse you and delay so they can send grunt lawyers to court hearings and bill you. DO NOT HIRE THIS LAWYER. They come across so nice and caring, then they rack up the fees.
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25 Apr, 2018 by Jim xie
When I was running into a legal situation with my ex business partner on both co-owned real state property and the business partnership, I was so frustrated because two prior lawyers got me nowhere at the time. Fortunately, I found Peter Fredman from the internet search. The case eventually went to the court for a trial. Peter did an remarkable job and helped me win the case. Thank you so much for the help! You are the best!
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FAQs
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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:
-
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.
