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21 Jan, 2024 by Rod furniss clu chfc
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24 Oct, 2023 by Don foreman
Pathetic, stop harassing Ammon over trumped up charges
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08 Sep, 2019 by Brady
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24 Apr, 2021 by Amanda
JOSH WAS AWESOME!! quoted me a retainer that was slightly less than what I'd been getting quoted at other places. He got my things done quickly and was even able to give my back some of my retainer. He also got me more money than I was asking for.
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30 Oct, 2020 by Shelby
Mr. Townsend was a terrible divorce lawyer. He never returns emails. He submitted our divorce papers and they were denied and tried to charge us more money for his incompetence. We decided to go with another lawyer. That lawyer charged us $740 to fix Mr. Townsends mistakes. Hire him as your lawyer if you want someone that does not return calls or emails. Oh...and by the way. I have a coworker that used him as well. Says the same thing.
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16 Oct, 2019 by Danielle
When Mr. Townsend took on my child custody case I was at the end of my rope. My ex-husband had my daughter against my will and court order for over a year. I didn't know where to turn. Within weeks of having this lawyer take my case, I got to see my daughter for the first time. Within a month see was back in my home. My ex even got the treatment he needed for his alcohol addiction through court order. What he has done for my daughter, for my family....I owe him more than money can buy. But his rates where extremely fair to boot! I highly recommend Mr. Townsend to anybody looking for an awesome lawyer with heart. You won't be disappointed trust me.
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17 Sep, 2019 by Don s.
I have had the privileged of having Larry as an attorney in my child custody case for over 4 years. Before Mr. Dunn I sought out legal counsel with 4 other attorney’s in the Boise area only to have spent thousands of dollars for an enormous emotional battle. I will never use another attorney again, Larry is trustworthy, honest.. Truly one of a kind. I also would like to comment on his staff. Through out this long battle have never encountered an attorney or there staff who are like Justice Law Office. They are fabulous and I’m so grateful to have them to answer all my questions.
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29 Jul, 2019 by Mandy
Going through such a tough Divorce! Had been put through the ringer with pryor Attorney. Mr. Dunn was up front, told me the truth not just what I wanted to here. He truly protected me though the whole process. Did not back down ever. I got full custody of my kids and can never thank him enough!
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26 Jan, 2018 by Ryan
I went to Larry at Brain Webb Legal to help handle my divorce. He was knowledgeable about the process but made multiple mistakes in the filings. I was then charged for them to fix the mistakes. I was also charged for inquiring why they charged me for the mistakes. Towards the end, they made it clear my case was not worth their time or attention but were happy to charge me for it.
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19 Feb, 2019 by Andrew
Told this person my story. Gave her all my info. Wasted a week, hoping she was going to help. All she had to do was file paperwork In Boise for me since i am in Nevada. I was going to send her my paycheck just to do this. It was to save my kids. I apparently had an open and close case. She dropped me because there wasnt enough money in it and a waste of her time. If you're looking for an attorney who cares about your case, dont trust this woman unless you have thousands of dollars. Worthless.
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19 Feb, 2016 by Leroy tyler
Penelope did everything I could have asked. At any point I had a question she made herself available to answer them and over I will recommend her to anyone. Thank you Penelope for everything that you did for us!!
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04 Feb, 2016 by James
Everytime I have walked into court with Penelope Gaffney at my side I have won. In my divorce I acquired 50/50 custody of my daughter, my house, and my savings. My ex, after the divorce filed 7 contempt charges against me. All charges were dropped with prejudice. If you need an attorney, hire Penelope Gaffney as she could save you thousands in the long run, and possibly your sanity and life. I say that with all due sincerity as that is what she has done for me. I cannot say it enough, Penelope is amazing and where it counts most to you, a court of law she is the best.
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23 Jun, 2022 by Micaela
It was a relief to find Jennifer to represent me through an arduous custody case. She is wicked smart , detail-oriented, practical, and highly competent, not to mention a kind and good human being. I was very, very impressed with her in every way. She was elegant and shrewd to my opposing counsel’s sloppy bulldog-ish way, and though the opposing counsel has one of the highest ratings in Boise, Jennifer was world’s better, and got the job done.
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01 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
I used her for my first custody case. She fails to protect your interest, she tells you what you want to hear even if it is untrue and she does a lot of shady billing. I remember later looking back at my bills and found she had charged me for drawing up the holiday schedule when my ex's attorney had actually dawn it up. She charged $100 for it. She lied to be on the phone and seemed to be more on my ex's side then mine. Even if I was in the wrong, which I wasn't because our case was in pretty much mutual agreement, she still seemed to be working for him instead of protecting my interests and mine are pretty severe as my ex can be volatile.
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05 Oct, 2018 by Scott
Jennifer Schindele was amazing to work with! My case was very exasperating at times but she handled it in such a professional way. Her expertise within her profession is second to none! Jennifer is honest, hard working but also fair and practical. A great person to have by your side when going through such a difficult situation.
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21 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
Phill was highly aggressive throughout the time I spent with him working on my case. I initially thought this was a good thing. To his credit he and his team make things happen quickly. In my opinion those aggressive tactics worked against my case. I left his service and spoke with other representation when I realized his aggressive style was not meant to benefit my children but rather his pockets. He promised that I could get most anything I wanted, which I believed initially. I have spoke to a few other clients of his who have also stated they had a similar experience. The lawyers I spoke to subsequently were concerned that I had been mislead. They asked that I pursue mediation because the damage had been done and that going to trial would work against me.
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04 Feb, 2022 by David
I made the costly mistake of having this clown represent me in my divorce. He is not his father. He had a kidney transplant and is barely able to function. He worried more about his drugs sitting in a hot car than he did about my divorce. Huge mistake on my part. Cost me hundreds of thousands more than it should have. I really dont think he is physically or mentally able to function.
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14 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Phil to help me with a post- divorce custody modification situation. I had to make some tough decisions under intense pressure and Phil was truly by my side through the whole thing . Even though he is extremely busy, he was able to quickly grasp the complexities of my situation and helped me change gears when he felt it was in my best . interest. He and his staff are extremely efficient and didn’t waste my time or money . I highly recommend Phil Bevis . He is simply one of the best family law attorneys in Boise.
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01 Feb, 2023 by Jessy
Mark was initially rude. He made me feel as though he was annoyed by me and my questions. He was snarky and short with me. I was put in contact with him through the bar referral service. I told him how he was making me feel and he softened. By the end we were joking, sharing stories and he apologized for his first impression on me. I got some valuable information from him that I appreciate but I would not recommend him. I am going to seek a second opinion from a more empathetic attorney.
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01 Feb, 2021 by Jean
Hired this attorney with hesitation but he promised he could save the world! I bought into his high pressures pitch noting I didn’t have $15,000 to litigate so my goal was to settle out of court. Throughout I kept asking for feedback on the process having never received any cc on emails to the opposing attorney which I’m used to getting. Leon would say, ‘oh I bumped into opposing attorney at court today...and they don’t want to settle.’ I’d ask about the fact we hadn’t even drafted any terms for settling so wouldn’t that be prudent to do? He acted like it was my fault I hadnt done that yet! Unreal. So we did this and I waited and waited and my ever received a letter to approve. He only said once again they won’t settle. Odd. No attorney letters again. Next thing I know he filed litigation and sent me a long list of discovery from opposing attorney on me but we are the ones suing them. I asked where’s the discovery for them. He showed me five questions! I had 5 pages!! I reiterated I did not want to litigate nor gob to court so he needed to settle. I refused to do discovery. He did nothing. A day before everything was due he contacted me telling me I was going to be in default if I didn’t turn in the papers. I was shocked that he had drug me into a litigation without my permission and with explicit direction to only work on a settlement so I fired him. A few weeks later I received a copy of a court hearing paper that he appeared before a judge recusing himself from my case because I would not follow his advice! In it he lied and said I had been notified of said hearing but I hadn’t. I would have crawled crippled to be there. I requested several times to get copies of all my paperwork and he hadn’t be worked my case at all. I contacted opposing attorney and settled it in one week. I wish I knew how to disbar this attorney for being so untruthful.
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08 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
A very irresponsible lawyer, I would not recommend Leon at all. I had to correct him everytime with mistakes he made because he either did the opposite thing I told him or did it completely wrong, especially when he was filing for full custody for me and he made at least 9 mistakes. He obviously didn't listen and took notes. I shouldn't be correcting a lawyer when I didn't even go to school to be one I also shouldn't be correcting his grammar either. Also he said he would do something but he never did it at all. Especially when I was trying to get temporary custody and for 2 days straight he told me he would file but he never did at all. Leon is very untrustworthy and irresponsible and he is definitely not a lawyer to hire.
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13 Jan, 2022 by Amy
TERRIBLE!!! Many attorney’s and accountants tell me I should report him to the board. Took my money and did nothing!!! Some say he is a bulldog but bulldogs don’t go quiet on their clients unless someone is feeding him a bone that is extra special.
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22 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Mike was suggested through a company provided legal referral program. We had a case involving a incident with an animal. I would normally have gone through our regular attorney but given that my pay goes into the benefits at work I thought I would give it a chance. Mike is abrasive and egocentric, and has very little base (in my opinion) to back this stance up. I did more than I should have to collect and gather data for our case and he merely showed up to court. Though in his appearance there was no pretense of effort or alertness. At one point we met in his office which is a absolute disaster, and he couldn't find the information he had called us over for (which, by the look of his office was probably common). He casually handed us un-redacted court documents telling us that he "shouldn't" but did so anyway. I am no professional in this field but freely giving a individual information which includes the social of those they are up against doesn't seem like a wholly safe practice. Fortunately I am benign and would never forfeit my integrity to ambition. He also made a comment that the legal services don't "pay him enough money" for his effort. If that is the case it sounds like Mike should not involve himself in the referral process. The act of agreeing to provide a service for some compensation then not delivering calls your integrity into question. Eventually we lost the case and had to move the remainder of our dealings over to our normal attorney. Who did the job Mike could not. My suggestion would be to avoid Kulchak even if you are given a opportunity to have it at no cost to you. This was a lesson learned, abide others advice and heed an investment. You couldn't have paid me for his representation.
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10 Nov, 2021 by Brian
Absolutely the most unprepared attorney I have ever worked with, Mr Davis appears time has passed him by, retained him for a divorce proceeding, 2 days before hearing called to make sure he would be in court, was totally unaware the hearing was in person, on day of hearing, wants to file motion, while we are sitting before the judge, had me sign motion 2 pgs that i didnt get chance to read, because he forgot to submit to court, legal tactics awful, secured new atty, have asked his office 4x for my file, never received, today follow up, court discloses Mr Davis never filed motion, Im screwed, also according to opposing attorney never let them know I was on vacation and not vacating the family home, spent more time flirting with my 25 yr old daughter,,,stay away he is awful, unprepared and unprofessional.
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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.