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23 Oct, 2024 by Anthony trevino
Not worth your time or money, can’t get into all the details, but the negative reviews have merit. If I could give a zero I sure would. Find an attorney who will listen and treat you with dignity and respect. There are plenty who won’t make you feel ripped off and taken advantage of regardless of how the case turns out in the end.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Joan terrell
01 Aug, 2024 by Jaylin harris
She is an inexperienced attorney who doesn't follow the law, falsifies documents, yells and makes threats. Do not hire her! She has only been practicing for less than a decade. Don't waste your time and money. She should be prosecuted and her license revoked immediately. DONT DO IT!!!!!!! Look at all these previous people she has represent AGAIN DONT DO IT!!!!!
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5.0
6 Reviews
4.0
77 Reviews
01 May, 2024 by Jessica gutierrez
Laura Eisenberg is so kind and really knowledgeable. Does a wonderful job at mediating a divorce.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Ahsan hans
Amy Spilman is an exceptional attorney, the very best that I have found for family law in the Metro Detroit area. She has a commanding knowledge of the law, is punctual, stays on top of developments in her cases, and above all is an honest and caring person. She is a moral person who is of the highest character and quality. I say this with full confidence as she has been my attorney for more than six years and I have carefully observed her in litigation throughout this period. She has successfully litigated a number of extremely complex and difficult family law issues on my behalf.
I have spent much of my career working with talented and renowned attorneys in a different area of law and I can easily tell the difference between a mediocre and an exceptional attorney. Amy is exceptional by any measure and is at the very top of her field, without exception. I interviewed several top local attorneys and actually hired two separate attorneys prior to engaging Amy. I have seen her comfortably negotiate and succeed in extremely difficult litigation against some of the best family law attorneys in the area. She is simply the very best and frankly, she is my hero.
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06 Apr, 2024 by Jane n
The team handled my case with professionalism and efficiency but also with so much empathy and care for me and my situation. I highly recommend them.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Maddie sakko
Being an intern at the Law Firm of Victoria has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The opportunity to work alongside talented attorneys has given me the ability to familiarize myself with the legal field. The mentorship and guidance at this firm has been key in allowing myself to not only honing my skills, but build my confidence. The attorneys here had patience and grace introducing me to new concepts and information. Overall, this internship enhanced my understanding of the law and has also solidified my passion for pursuing a career in this field.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Aanika batra
My internship at the Law Firm of Victoria has been an exceptionally enriching experience, far exceeding my expectations. Immersing myself in a dynamic and professional environment alongside such accomplished attorneys has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the legal field. The hands-on experience has been invaluable in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
The mentorship I’ve received has been transformative. The attorneys here have been generous with their time, offering detailed guidance and insightful feedback that have been pivotal in sharpening my skills. Their patience and dedication in explaining complex legal principles and procedures have greatly contributed to my growth. This personalized attention has not only built my confidence but also deepened my appreciation for the intricacies of legal practice.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Wafa sultani
Very welcoming , friendly and professional staff!!
Always responsive. Love my experience with lawyer Erin Ellis. She is so caring , patient, and very pleasant to work with !
Recommend this law firm to every body .
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15 Jan, 2015 by Christine
I hired Jane Groves Enright to help with with a business matter. Her service was excellent. Her experience proved to be a cost saver when it came to my legal fee. I would not hesitate to recommend her.
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15 Jan, 2015 by Chris
My company hired Enright Law Firm to handle its business litigation. We had a great result with a no nonsense approach. I would highly recommend (in fact I have) Jane Groves Enright to those in need of legal representation.
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15 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Ms. Enright to represent me in a Real Estate matter. She was professional , knowledgeable and with with to work. I noted the other review of Ms. Enright. This appears to be one of those clients who professional persons wish to avoid. I would recommend Ms. Enright to anyone who needs help. She is very good at commercial litigation as well.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Maddie sakko
Being an intern at the Law Firm of Victoria has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The opportunity to work alongside talented attorneys has given me the ability to familiarize myself with the legal field. The mentorship and guidance at this firm has been key in allowing myself to not only honing my skills, but build my confidence. The attorneys here had patience and grace introducing me to new concepts and information. Overall, this internship enhanced my understanding of the law and has also solidified my passion for pursuing a career in this field.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Aanika batra
My internship at the Law Firm of Victoria has been an exceptionally enriching experience, far exceeding my expectations. Immersing myself in a dynamic and professional environment alongside such accomplished attorneys has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the legal field. The hands-on experience has been invaluable in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
The mentorship I’ve received has been transformative. The attorneys here have been generous with their time, offering detailed guidance and insightful feedback that have been pivotal in sharpening my skills. Their patience and dedication in explaining complex legal principles and procedures have greatly contributed to my growth. This personalized attention has not only built my confidence but also deepened my appreciation for the intricacies of legal practice.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Wafa sultani
Very welcoming , friendly and professional staff!!
Always responsive. Love my experience with lawyer Erin Ellis. She is so caring , patient, and very pleasant to work with !
Recommend this law firm to every body .
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26 Aug, 2024 by Maddie sakko
Being an intern at the Law Firm of Victoria has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The opportunity to work alongside talented attorneys has given me the ability to familiarize myself with the legal field. The mentorship and guidance at this firm has been key in allowing myself to not only honing my skills, but build my confidence. The attorneys here had patience and grace introducing me to new concepts and information. Overall, this internship enhanced my understanding of the law and has also solidified my passion for pursuing a career in this field.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Aanika batra
My internship at the Law Firm of Victoria has been an exceptionally enriching experience, far exceeding my expectations. Immersing myself in a dynamic and professional environment alongside such accomplished attorneys has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the legal field. The hands-on experience has been invaluable in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
The mentorship I’ve received has been transformative. The attorneys here have been generous with their time, offering detailed guidance and insightful feedback that have been pivotal in sharpening my skills. Their patience and dedication in explaining complex legal principles and procedures have greatly contributed to my growth. This personalized attention has not only built my confidence but also deepened my appreciation for the intricacies of legal practice.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Wafa sultani
Very welcoming , friendly and professional staff!!
Always responsive. Love my experience with lawyer Erin Ellis. She is so caring , patient, and very pleasant to work with !
Recommend this law firm to every body .
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26 Aug, 2024 by Maddie sakko
Being an intern at the Law Firm of Victoria has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The opportunity to work alongside talented attorneys has given me the ability to familiarize myself with the legal field. The mentorship and guidance at this firm has been key in allowing myself to not only honing my skills, but build my confidence. The attorneys here had patience and grace introducing me to new concepts and information. Overall, this internship enhanced my understanding of the law and has also solidified my passion for pursuing a career in this field.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Aanika batra
My internship at the Law Firm of Victoria has been an exceptionally enriching experience, far exceeding my expectations. Immersing myself in a dynamic and professional environment alongside such accomplished attorneys has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the legal field. The hands-on experience has been invaluable in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
The mentorship I’ve received has been transformative. The attorneys here have been generous with their time, offering detailed guidance and insightful feedback that have been pivotal in sharpening my skills. Their patience and dedication in explaining complex legal principles and procedures have greatly contributed to my growth. This personalized attention has not only built my confidence but also deepened my appreciation for the intricacies of legal practice.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Wafa sultani
Very welcoming , friendly and professional staff!!
Always responsive. Love my experience with lawyer Erin Ellis. She is so caring , patient, and very pleasant to work with !
Recommend this law firm to every body .
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26 Aug, 2024 by Maddie sakko
Being an intern at the Law Firm of Victoria has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The opportunity to work alongside talented attorneys has given me the ability to familiarize myself with the legal field. The mentorship and guidance at this firm has been key in allowing myself to not only honing my skills, but build my confidence. The attorneys here had patience and grace introducing me to new concepts and information. Overall, this internship enhanced my understanding of the law and has also solidified my passion for pursuing a career in this field.
Read more
30 Jul, 2024 by Aanika batra
My internship at the Law Firm of Victoria has been an exceptionally enriching experience, far exceeding my expectations. Immersing myself in a dynamic and professional environment alongside such accomplished attorneys has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the legal field. The hands-on experience has been invaluable in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
The mentorship I’ve received has been transformative. The attorneys here have been generous with their time, offering detailed guidance and insightful feedback that have been pivotal in sharpening my skills. Their patience and dedication in explaining complex legal principles and procedures have greatly contributed to my growth. This personalized attention has not only built my confidence but also deepened my appreciation for the intricacies of legal practice.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Wafa sultani
Very welcoming , friendly and professional staff!!
Always responsive. Love my experience with lawyer Erin Ellis. She is so caring , patient, and very pleasant to work with !
Recommend this law firm to every body .
Read more
26 Aug, 2024 by Maddie sakko
Being an intern at the Law Firm of Victoria has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The opportunity to work alongside talented attorneys has given me the ability to familiarize myself with the legal field. The mentorship and guidance at this firm has been key in allowing myself to not only honing my skills, but build my confidence. The attorneys here had patience and grace introducing me to new concepts and information. Overall, this internship enhanced my understanding of the law and has also solidified my passion for pursuing a career in this field.
Read more
30 Jul, 2024 by Aanika batra
My internship at the Law Firm of Victoria has been an exceptionally enriching experience, far exceeding my expectations. Immersing myself in a dynamic and professional environment alongside such accomplished attorneys has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the legal field. The hands-on experience has been invaluable in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
The mentorship I’ve received has been transformative. The attorneys here have been generous with their time, offering detailed guidance and insightful feedback that have been pivotal in sharpening my skills. Their patience and dedication in explaining complex legal principles and procedures have greatly contributed to my growth. This personalized attention has not only built my confidence but also deepened my appreciation for the intricacies of legal practice.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Wafa sultani
Very welcoming , friendly and professional staff!!
Always responsive. Love my experience with lawyer Erin Ellis. She is so caring , patient, and very pleasant to work with !
Recommend this law firm to every body .
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17 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Drags everything out to increase fees, fee for using credit cards, rude and arrogant.
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01 May, 2024 by Jessica gutierrez
Laura Eisenberg is so kind and really knowledgeable. Does a wonderful job at mediating a divorce.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Ahsan hans
Amy Spilman is an exceptional attorney, the very best that I have found for family law in the Metro Detroit area. She has a commanding knowledge of the law, is punctual, stays on top of developments in her cases, and above all is an honest and caring person. She is a moral person who is of the highest character and quality. I say this with full confidence as she has been my attorney for more than six years and I have carefully observed her in litigation throughout this period. She has successfully litigated a number of extremely complex and difficult family law issues on my behalf.
I have spent much of my career working with talented and renowned attorneys in a different area of law and I can easily tell the difference between a mediocre and an exceptional attorney. Amy is exceptional by any measure and is at the very top of her field, without exception. I interviewed several top local attorneys and actually hired two separate attorneys prior to engaging Amy. I have seen her comfortably negotiate and succeed in extremely difficult litigation against some of the best family law attorneys in the area. She is simply the very best and frankly, she is my hero.
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01 May, 2024 by Jessica gutierrez
Laura Eisenberg is so kind and really knowledgeable. Does a wonderful job at mediating a divorce.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Ahsan hans
Amy Spilman is an exceptional attorney, the very best that I have found for family law in the Metro Detroit area. She has a commanding knowledge of the law, is punctual, stays on top of developments in her cases, and above all is an honest and caring person. She is a moral person who is of the highest character and quality. I say this with full confidence as she has been my attorney for more than six years and I have carefully observed her in litigation throughout this period. She has successfully litigated a number of extremely complex and difficult family law issues on my behalf.
I have spent much of my career working with talented and renowned attorneys in a different area of law and I can easily tell the difference between a mediocre and an exceptional attorney. Amy is exceptional by any measure and is at the very top of her field, without exception. I interviewed several top local attorneys and actually hired two separate attorneys prior to engaging Amy. I have seen her comfortably negotiate and succeed in extremely difficult litigation against some of the best family law attorneys in the area. She is simply the very best and frankly, she is my hero.
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06 Apr, 2024 by Jane n
The team handled my case with professionalism and efficiency but also with so much empathy and care for me and my situation. I highly recommend them.
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01 May, 2024 by Jessica gutierrez
Laura Eisenberg is so kind and really knowledgeable. Does a wonderful job at mediating a divorce.
Read more
24 Apr, 2024 by Ahsan hans
Amy Spilman is an exceptional attorney, the very best that I have found for family law in the Metro Detroit area. She has a commanding knowledge of the law, is punctual, stays on top of developments in her cases, and above all is an honest and caring person. She is a moral person who is of the highest character and quality. I say this with full confidence as she has been my attorney for more than six years and I have carefully observed her in litigation throughout this period. She has successfully litigated a number of extremely complex and difficult family law issues on my behalf.
I have spent much of my career working with talented and renowned attorneys in a different area of law and I can easily tell the difference between a mediocre and an exceptional attorney. Amy is exceptional by any measure and is at the very top of her field, without exception. I interviewed several top local attorneys and actually hired two separate attorneys prior to engaging Amy. I have seen her comfortably negotiate and succeed in extremely difficult litigation against some of the best family law attorneys in the area. She is simply the very best and frankly, she is my hero.
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06 Apr, 2024 by Jane n
The team handled my case with professionalism and efficiency but also with so much empathy and care for me and my situation. I highly recommend them.
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07 Jul, 2024 by Yolanda harbin
@Christina Odegaard, I'm rating Roy Schecter and Vocht (RSV) only to get your attention. It's unfortunate that your experience with Lynn is what it was, and I do hope that since your review your experience with her improved.
It looks to me like RSV has changed A LOT since I last spoke to her--Lynn represented me in an EEO matter from Sept 2010 to approximately May 2013, even back then she was a woman of many, many years. RSV no longer has its own website, and it seems that the firm has moved from Eton St and Adams Rd. There were likely fewer cases during/since COVID.
In my case, Lynn would sometimes forget a hearing and sometimes she'd show up late to hearings, and one time she fell asleep during a hearing. All in all, I highly respected her because she was caring and quite funny, and I loved speaking with her at each and every opportunity.
Frankly, the only reason I saw your review is because I think of her often, and was preparing to visit the Eton St office. Everyone in that office has never been nothing short of helpful and welcoming to me; I truly do hope that issue has been resolved.
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03 Aug, 2022 by Christina odegaard
I had reached out to Lynn via phone and email. Made a plan to get a case started and than sent over everything she requested, then followed up and haven't been able to get ahold of no one since by phone or email. Have left voice-mail and emails. Still nothing! Very unprofessional.
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21 May, 2021 by Adam willemin
I have worked with this firm for years and they have served my business and myself very well. I would highly recommend!
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21 Aug, 2024 by D hanna
06 Jun, 2024 by Austin scholl
great firm top notch
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16 May, 2023 by Jonathan roffe
15 Mar, 2024 by Mikaela carruthers
I reached out to Sam Vitale in early February for help with a property dispute. We scheduled a phone call on 2/7/24, where he told me he would be able to help me and my family. He told me that he would be in contact with me by the end of the week with more info. We never heard from Sam again after this. I sent multiple follow up emails, and was completely ghosted. Unprofessional and not okay. If you weren’t comfortable/confident with helping us and our situation, then communicate that rather than completely ignoring my follow up emails. Do not recommend.
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25 Jun, 2022 by Johnny zawacki
10 Sep, 2024 by Tara
I have made every payment before the due date. I got on the portal today to pay and they have deactivated my account number so I can’t make a payment online or through the telephone payment option. I keep calling and they will not call me back. Last month they said I didn’t make a payment. When I told him I would send him the receipt and my bank statement of proof, he all the sudden saw in the system that I paid. At first I read the reviews and figured that people were just mad because they had to pay money back. I made my payments with confidence that I would have no issues. I was mistaken.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Limited vending
30 Aug, 2024 by John babi
Working with Gina at Weber & Olcese PLC has been an absolute pleasure! She is not only incredibly professional and punctual but also exceptionally personable. Gina has a unique ability to make you feel valued and understood, which is so important in legal matters. Her intelligence and expertise shine through in every interaction, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. I couldn't recommend Gina more highly – she truly goes above and beyond for her clients!
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10 Sep, 2024 by Tara
I have made every payment before the due date. I got on the portal today to pay and they have deactivated my account number so I can’t make a payment online or through the telephone payment option. I keep calling and they will not call me back. Last month they said I didn’t make a payment. When I told him I would send him the receipt and my bank statement of proof, he all the sudden saw in the system that I paid. At first I read the reviews and figured that people were just mad because they had to pay money back. I made my payments with confidence that I would have no issues. I was mistaken.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Limited vending
30 Aug, 2024 by John babi
Working with Gina at Weber & Olcese PLC has been an absolute pleasure! She is not only incredibly professional and punctual but also exceptionally personable. Gina has a unique ability to make you feel valued and understood, which is so important in legal matters. Her intelligence and expertise shine through in every interaction, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. I couldn't recommend Gina more highly – she truly goes above and beyond for her clients!
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10 Sep, 2024 by Tara
I have made every payment before the due date. I got on the portal today to pay and they have deactivated my account number so I can’t make a payment online or through the telephone payment option. I keep calling and they will not call me back. Last month they said I didn’t make a payment. When I told him I would send him the receipt and my bank statement of proof, he all the sudden saw in the system that I paid. At first I read the reviews and figured that people were just mad because they had to pay money back. I made my payments with confidence that I would have no issues. I was mistaken.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Limited vending
30 Aug, 2024 by John babi
Working with Gina at Weber & Olcese PLC has been an absolute pleasure! She is not only incredibly professional and punctual but also exceptionally personable. Gina has a unique ability to make you feel valued and understood, which is so important in legal matters. Her intelligence and expertise shine through in every interaction, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. I couldn't recommend Gina more highly – she truly goes above and beyond for her clients!
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31 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
don't recommend Mr. Schmier. He demanded $2000 as a retainer fee to help me get parenting time. He filed a motion, so I and my children could go to family therapy, couldn't get my ex-wife to sign it and said that it is what he was hired to do and quit. I tried to call him to get the documents and the phone number of my ex-wife's lawyer but he never returned my call. Now I am stuck and two Thailand dollars short.
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10 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
We hired Mr Schmier back in Nov 2013 after getting pulled over with a CW in the car. We did not hear anything back until May 2014. At this time we had already paid him 750 dollars. He contacted me in May and told me this was going to be going to court soon and he was talking to district prosecutor and that he was getting things taken care of and i had nothing to worry about. Well a month with by and nothing. We call in June he said it was taking a lot of time for district prosecutor to get back to him and that was the LAST we heard from him fast forward to July 7th we found out there had been an active warrant out for my arrest on these felony charges since may 20th and he knew about it and never told me. Since June we have not heard from him nor have we got our 750 back that we paid him to take care of this matter. So i had to hire another attorney to do so. HE IS A SHADY ATTORNEY DO NOT HIRE HIM OR HE WILL TAKE YOUR MONEY AND SKIP TOWN.
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10 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Schaefer and Mr Bank handled my divorced. It was a very complex divorced and they did a very poor job. They are basically deal makers. They are not very progressive. They will schedule meeting, I would take a day off from work, then they would forget. They were not very truthful when I asked specific questions about during my divorce. Financially they will not fight for you. They basically allowed the other side to write the divorce decree and then rubber stamped it. They pressure you to sign a divorce decree saying that going to court will cost more money. I found both Mr. Bank and Mr Schaefer not be be honest which is not what you need when going through a painful divorce.
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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.
