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11 Sep, 2024 by Vaida raudyte
Without their help I would feel lost in the process of the car accident injury claim. Very honest, sincere communication and always quick response! I do very appreciate their guidance with demand letters for the insurance company and other necessary documentation. And persistent help to get the best outcome. Traci is the best, she is always there to answer all the questions!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Dave rackoski
I received incredible service from Jeffress Law regarding a car accident claim. Traci was extremely helpful regarding my claim that include injury and damages. I highly recommend Jeffress Law
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22 Jun, 2024 by William coffin
I would give this team ten stars If I could, I cannot recommend Jeffress Law highly enough. Last year, I was hit by a car while in line at the post office. My injuries were very severe, life threatening during the first several minutes. We hired Chris and his team immediately after he initially visited in the hospital- I could tell immediately that he took the effort to communicate with clients. He was very direct, compassionate and in my broken state it really meant something. I'm so glad I hired this team. They are everything you want in a personal injury law firm- compassionate, communicative, genuine, professional, direct, and they will work so incredibly hard for you. This is one dedicated team and you won’t go wrong choosing them. Thanks so much Chris, Molly, Traci, and Greg.
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07 Sep, 2024 by Pete delarosa
Very kind and helpful! Thanks for keepin it real.
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21 Jul, 2024 by Max hanckel
I reached out to Keith because he had more reviews and better reviews than any other attorney I saw in Boulder. I’m glad I did! I was a bit overwhelmed but he made the entire process very simple for me and always got back to me quickly whenever I had questions. He’s very experienced but he’s also got a great sense of humor and taste in music. If you want things done well and want to worry as little as possible, I’d highly recommend working with him.
Thanks, Keith!
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02 Jul, 2024 by Paul peavey
Thanks Keith for taking care of a unfortunate situation With expertise and professionalism.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Nali
Jocelyn Kanoff was absolutely amazing! She exceeded our expectations in every way. Her responses were super timely and thorough, and her pricing was transparent and fair. I would highly recommend her to anyone.
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16 May, 2024 by Lisa cramer
Highly recommend Jocelyn at Kottke & Brantz LLC!! She helped me with a business purchase and covered all the bases. She is responsive and knowledgeable and I hope to use her again.
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28 Feb, 2024 by Maria a
Graham was prompt, professional and a great communicator. He swiftly moved through my case by staying on top of deadlines and paperwork. We quickly won my case with minimal lawyer fees.
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16 Sep, 2019 by Joel
Julie Kreutzer is an outstanding attorney. I live out of state and She handled everything for me with periodic phone consultations and updates. I trust that Julie will be as relentless in achieving a favorable outcome in your situation as she was in mine. Julie Kreutzer is well connected in her community, hard working, knowledgeable and all with a friendly Hello. She knows her stuff.
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16 Feb, 2017 by Sharon mcclure
Professional and knowledgeable firm. Teddi Ann is straight forward in her approach while demonstrating great compassion. Excellent representation with strong communication so that I was never in the dark.
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09 Apr, 2014 by Lori
I found Julie Kreutzer's legal counsel to be extremely helpful to me in my disability case. She was not only very knowledgeable and accessible, but she remained impressively empathic and supportive throughout the 1 1/2 years that it took to obtain SSDI. Julie is a special person as well as a brilliant attorney, and she has chosen her career perfectly in order to complement her many positive traits, talents and skills. Her office staff was also efficient, effective and kind. I have already shared Julie's name with several of my colleagues and friends who have been looking for competent legal counsel.
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05 Mar, 2020 by Kaley
Alec has been a fighting force for my family for over a decade. When Alec first became a private attorney, my brother ended up going back to DOC on a 90 day turnaround for parole violations. Within 20 days into his "timeout", he was wrongfully accused of a crime that would have carried a 48 years to life sentence. My brother made the mistake of talking numerous times to detectives, giving fingerprints and DNA, etc. They had everything they needed to easily charge him on the false allegations. I immediately called Alec (almost) begging him to take the case. I didnt have faith in anyone else to fight the way I knew Alec would fight. That's just what he did, he fought diligently to prove innocence for my brother. During the investigation, parole had their hands tied and decided to put in a request to revoke him for the remainder of his sentence (7 years). The day before the revocation hearing, Alec recieved a call from the elected DA of the county my brother was in letting us know they weren't moving forward with pressing charges. Alec's representation scope changed from fighting the allegations to fighting the entire parole board. With his thorough investigating, research, and sleepless nights, he was an absolute beast and literally made everyone out to be a fool for what they were trying to do to my brother. Alec did his research and came with a plethora of legal knowledge. After 4 months of fighting, facing a 48 year-life sentence, 7 years remaining on parole, my brother walked free after 30 short days after the revocation hearing. Hats off to you, Egizi. Thank you for never giving up on him as a client as well as me being a daily pain :)
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16 Feb, 2017 by Sharon mcclure
Professional and knowledgeable firm. Teddi Ann is straight forward in her approach while demonstrating great compassion. Excellent representation with strong communication so that I was never in the dark.
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06 May, 2024 by Reanna damek
Jennifer was very helpful and worked to get the best possible outcome for us! I would strongly recommend her!
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06 May, 2024 by Zayna sheikh
Thoroughly satisfied with my legal council. Jennifer Watkins has a robust knowledge of this process and was thoughtful and communicative the entire time. If you are looking for some solid advice navigating your situation, you can’t do much better.
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03 May, 2024 by Earl chism
She is the best lawyer ever. She helped me get my 3 point ticket down to 0 points and helped me get my license back. I highly recommend!
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12 Jun, 2024 by Bob valladao
Ted is one of a kind, very intelligent , dedicated to his clients also does not have a office full of employees which keeps operating cost down and saves you the client money P.S. he is a bull dog and gets the job done !
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23 Nov, 2021 by Loryn
I hired Mr. Hamerslough and his team to help me with my child custody case and I couldn’t have been more happy with doing so, best choice I could have made. I knew from just the first phone call that I wanted him as my representative. Mr. Hamerslough was absolutely amazing and so was everyone at his firm, they did such an amazing job explaining things, keeping me in the loop of what was happening and really walking me though every process. They were so kind and really listened to everything I had to say, every concern, every question no matter what they were. When they say they work for you they really mean it. This firm made me feel like my case and I were important, that it truly mattered to them. They were all so knowledgeable of the all the laws and how to do things right. During my case things weren’t always easy but Mr. Hamerslough and his team handled it beautifully and got us though it with ease. They are really down to earth people who really care and they make sure you feel that. I’m truly great full for them and what they did for me I couldn’t have done it without them. I would absolutely recommend this firm to everyone and anyone who needs them! Words really can’t describe how amazing these guys are.
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04 Oct, 2021 by Elizabeth
Scott and his firm are amazing!!! I spoke to a lot of lawyers before hiring Scott, he was the only one that wasn't money hungry and cared about my situation. I have been fighting for 5 years in court for my children because father was abusive. I had a very difficult judge that refused to relocate the kids. With the knowledge and expertise of Scott and his firm my children were relocated to primarily live with me and their father time is monitored to keep the kids safe. They were always responsive and prepared on important dates. I would recommend Scott and his firm to anyone dealing with child custody issues and will use them for any future issues that I may have. I can not thank Scott and his firm enough, thank you sooo much!!!
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14 Apr, 2021 by Ted
Lee Strickler represented me in a nasty divorce with factors including high income, business ownership, multiple properties, and false accusations. She stood by me for the entire nine year maintenance agreement where I needed her assistance from time to time. With all the cases she has, she never forgot mine. At the end of the maintence agreement my ex tried to modify, and as always, Lee was on it, strong, on point, knew Colorado law and applicable case law, and we had a favorable outcome, meaning it's over!
I highly recommend her and if I had to do it again I would not consider any lawyer but Lee.
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17 Nov, 2017 by Rand
I’ll never be able to say thank you enough to Lee and her team for everything that they did for me during my divorce. Her level of expertise in the family courts is unmatched and is complimented by the couple of amazing attorney she surrounds herself with. I never questioned her judgment or direction, she had my complete trust.
My divorce involved children and parenting time as well as maintenance and protection orders. My case required numerous court appearances, of which Lee timely attended all of. She tactfully advocated with my best interests in mind and those of my children. I’m quite certain the outcome would’ve been far different had I not had Lee in my corner. For a period of time I put my livelihood in the hands of Lee Strickler, and I will forever be grateful that I did.
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10 Apr, 2017 by L
Hiring Lee was one of the best decisions I made as part of my divorce. She came highly recommended to me and I have recommended her to several of my friends. I felt like she had a clear understanding of what was important to me and help get a great settlement in as cost-effective a manner possible.
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28 Dec, 2022 by V b
David has done several business and real estate related projects for us and is great to work with. He's always been patient, explaining the legalize that we don't get right away. Very detail oriented, knowledgeable. Added bonus is that he can suggest what is best to cover/address from his experience in personal injury. Highly recommend.
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01 Mar, 2019 by Beatriz
Excellent Divorce Attorney, professional, ethical, punctual, knowledgeable, the best one I could have ever had! Thank you for all your excellent work.
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12 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Jeff Skovron has been an invaluable asset helping my family and I resolve parenting plan and child support issues from my former marriage.
Jeff is very thorough, competent and responsive.
I am very satisfied with Jeff's counsel and I have nothing but good things to say!
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07 Aug, 2023 by Mike
Lindsay is highly responsive and communicates proactively. I appreciated her timely responses and advice. She is one of the best!
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30 Mar, 2020 by Leah b.
Lindsay and her team have helped me in two cases and they were extraordinary. She and her team paid attention to detail, were helpful with any questions or concerns that I had, and are very reliable when it came to communication. I felt at ease through the whole legal process in both cases. A personal relationship was built and I was never made to feel less than a priority. Very grateful for Lindsay and her teams help.
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04 Feb, 2020 by Daniel
I have had the pleasure of working with Lindsay for the last year. She has been fantastic to work with and is very shrewd. She is always quick to respond and is frankly very nice to work with. I will be staying in close contact with her for all of my future needs.
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23 Jul, 2016 by Kay
Stacy is an amazing attorney. She worked tirelessly for me for almost 2 years to get the results I needed from my ex. Her knowledge of the law seemed to be unending. She was always well prepared and very confident. She blew the other attorney out of the water. Stacy is very smart and compassionate and was always there to empower me. I can't begin to express how grateful I am to her. She will work hard for anyone.
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08 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Stacy Margolin is hands down one of the smartest attorneys in Colorado and her dedication to advocating for her clients is impressive. She is also a highly skilled mediator with arbitration background as well. Without her I would have been up the creek without the paddle. I recommend her highly over other lawyers and she even helped when big fancy firms were stuck. She is brave and will not back down. She fights for truth with all her might.
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26 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Ms. Margolin helped me to achieve what others could not. When other lawyers left me high and dry, she was there, and she
Accomplished our goals!
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07 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Dipak is a great listener and immediately was able to offer interesting suggestions after I briefly described my case.
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27 Nov, 2015 by Lara lee
I'm so grateful Dipak was availble to assist me. It was a complicated employment situation, and he helped me navigate it with class and calm. All came out well, and that was due to Dipak. I highly recommend him.
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20 Nov, 2015 by Richard
Mr.Patel represented my company in a hearing with the State on status of my independent contractors. We won the hearing due to his professionalism in preparing and presenting our case. I highly recommend him.
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15 Oct, 2017 by Lauren
I am so grateful for my experience with Conscious Family Law and Mediation. I learned so much about myself and my capacity to love, grieve, and heal. Peter was so great at facilitating our difficult conversations, helping both of us feel validated, and coaching us on how to work well with each other moving forward in our new co-parenting relationship. I highly recommend their services!
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26 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Peter Fabish and his partner, John Hoelle, helped me through a tough time during my divorce, and also through a personal injury settlement. Peter listened deeply to my concerns during both legal matters and helped me get through them in the best way. My divorce issues came up quickly with not much lead time, yet I felt all matters were handled quickly and thoroughly. And although there was some acrimony from the other side, Peter and John did not inflame the situation and interacted with respect and professionalism. I feel Peter and and his partner were my guardian angels through a very difficult time.
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11 May, 2016 by Roberto
My wife and I know Peter from some appellate work he did for us. I wish I would have met Peter a few years sooner. I have hired many attorneys in the past, and Peter has the highest level of integrity of any attorney I have ever hired. Peter also understands the human side of practicing law. For example, Peter was able to communicate with me that my legal case was mess without making me feel like a mess. Most attorneys do not have this skill. Aside from interpersonal skills, Peter's writing and research skills are excellent. We would hire him again.
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28 Apr, 2017 by Brian
I worked with Dale Johnson and Evan Branigan through my divorce. Evan not only handled himself professionally and was available when needed, he invested in my personal well being and ensured I had the right support system in place. I would recommend anyone going through divorce to consider Evan as his/her representative.
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27 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Evan Branigan is exceptional in family law matters and has great experience in dealing with custody and parental plan issues. He knows his stuff and is capable and innovative to find new solutions. I highly recommend his services.
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02 Dec, 2014 by Shawna l.
Evan Branigan is a highly knowledgeable attorney, with integrity, that truly cares about his clients. He was responsive, accessible, honest and tenacious in representing me. I have complete trust in Evan, and highly recommend him.
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28 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I had an extremely high conflict divorce. During the nearly year long nightmare, Barre went above and beyond in handling my case. While my ex was largely able to isolate my young children from me for the entire divorce, in the end my young children got a better parenting plan than was recommended by the PRE and it will ramp up to 50/50. I only wish my ex had hired a competent lawyer, as her lawyer made things far worse than just the malicious behavior of my ex did.
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01 Jan, 2017 by Anne
I have a very high-conflict post-divorce situation involving my vulnerable children. My family and I call Barre, "our Super hero." Barre is a human being first with a heart of gold for children and families. As I was a wreck, Barre "cut to the chase" and helped me navigate a very emotionally difficult situation. My daughter was on death's door. By listening to Barre, we won EVERYTHING in court. My daughter is alive and thriving. Unbelievable to me given the fire power of my ex and his willingness to lie and use my kids as pawns. I would not want to play against Barre in a game of chess, but having him on my team was life saving. I am forever grateful to Barre and his partner, Amy for giving me my daughter her life back, my sanity back and renewed sense that no matter what, LOVE and TRUTH (with Barre as my attorney) will win!!
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10 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
I have worked with several different attorneys over the last 10 years dealing with parenting and post-divorce issues. Barre has been the best by far. He is level-headed, strategic, informative and a good communicator. He will tell you like it is in his experience, give you options, solid advice and is aggressive when necessary. It is also clear that he does not need to "pad my bill" by trying to stir up unnecessary billable hours. He has advised me on best, and least-expensive options. I highly recommend him.
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27 Jan, 2015 by Steve
I remember Howard Bittman defending me on a few occasions some years back. (20+ plus years ago)I was charged with 8 felonies. Yes, 8 felonies all at the same time. This man saved my life. He was able to get 6 of the felony charges dismissed. I did 60 days home detention and payed some restitution for my last 2 . My friends have used him over the years with awesome results. I thank him for being there when I needed him most. He is the best attorney in Boulder County by far!
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18 Dec, 2012 by Micheala
Helped me legally acquire funds that were unclaimed . Money wired to my account the other day! Very reliable, responsible and straightforward!
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22 May, 2012 by Beebe
Saved me from a doom that other attorney's said was inevitable. Not to be believed how intelligent and compassionate this professional is. Hire him!
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28 Mar, 2015 by Todd
I had interviewed 4 attorneys in Boulder and was not happy with any of them on my child custody case. He actually listen to me an gave me great advice and put my mind at ease. He also gave me guidance on how to complete and find forms. Covered what my rights were and was willing to go the extra mile for me and my son.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Barb
Gregg was my guiding light through a very difficult, tenuous and scary time, my divorce. He helped navigate all the sink holes and was my rock in maintenance negotiations.
Then, three years later, my ex threatened to enact a massive reduction in my alimony. Gregg presented case law and built my case for the best outcome, financially.
Not only is my my lawyer -whom I recommend, always but he is my friend.
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28 Dec, 2022 by V b
David has done several business and real estate related projects for us and is great to work with. He's always been patient, explaining the legalize that we don't get right away. Very detail oriented, knowledgeable. Added bonus is that he can suggest what is best to cover/address from his experience in personal injury. Highly recommend.
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28 Dec, 2022 by V b
David has done several business and real estate related projects for us and is great to work with. He's always been patient, explaining the legalize that we don't get right away. Very detail oriented, knowledgeable. Added bonus is that he can suggest what is best to cover/address from his experience in personal injury. Highly recommend.
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21 Sep, 2024 by Claire akin
Michael was a lifesaver for us - I called him early one morning and he immediately jumped into action and went to the jail. He met us at the courthouse that afternoon for a hearing. Throughout our case, he was accessible and extremely knowledgable, which made a stressful situation much easier to navigate. He knows the law, the judges, the court process and is a very calming force. I am so thankful for his help getting a positive resolution to our case!
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24 Aug, 2024 by C smith
In one word "amazing!" If you want a lawyer that is professional, focused, and determined, this is the lawyer for you. He promptly resolved our case with outstanding results!! There are no words that can describe our gratitude for his incredible hard work to provide life-repairing results.
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24 Aug, 2024 by Darin toft
Michael is very easy to work with. Professional, knowledgeable and responsive to all questions. Quick to answer emails and texts etc. I would recommend his firm to anyone needing his help navigating a tough legal situation!
Darin
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11 Sep, 2024 by James doran
Harvey is our go to lawyer and practice for all family related legal affairs. Knowledge, efficient, and friendly. A breath of fresh air for the legal profession.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Heather doran
Harvey is professional, helpful and anticipated our needs for both planning for the future and helping us with the power of attorney for our college age children. We are grateful we found Harvey and his services offered.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Kimberly beekman
Harvey is extremely knowledgeable, brilliant, fast, and easy to work with. I could not recommend him more highly! He's also a really kind and caring human being. A rare gem in the legal field.
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11 Sep, 2024 by James doran
Harvey is our go to lawyer and practice for all family related legal affairs. Knowledge, efficient, and friendly. A breath of fresh air for the legal profession.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Heather doran
Harvey is professional, helpful and anticipated our needs for both planning for the future and helping us with the power of attorney for our college age children. We are grateful we found Harvey and his services offered.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Kimberly beekman
Harvey is extremely knowledgeable, brilliant, fast, and easy to work with. I could not recommend him more highly! He's also a really kind and caring human being. A rare gem in the legal field.
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11 Sep, 2024 by James doran
Harvey is our go to lawyer and practice for all family related legal affairs. Knowledge, efficient, and friendly. A breath of fresh air for the legal profession.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Heather doran
Harvey is professional, helpful and anticipated our needs for both planning for the future and helping us with the power of attorney for our college age children. We are grateful we found Harvey and his services offered.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Kimberly beekman
Harvey is extremely knowledgeable, brilliant, fast, and easy to work with. I could not recommend him more highly! He's also a really kind and caring human being. A rare gem in the legal field.
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11 Sep, 2024 by James doran
Harvey is our go to lawyer and practice for all family related legal affairs. Knowledge, efficient, and friendly. A breath of fresh air for the legal profession.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Heather doran
Harvey is professional, helpful and anticipated our needs for both planning for the future and helping us with the power of attorney for our college age children. We are grateful we found Harvey and his services offered.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Kimberly beekman
Harvey is extremely knowledgeable, brilliant, fast, and easy to work with. I could not recommend him more highly! He's also a really kind and caring human being. A rare gem in the legal field.
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21 Sep, 2024 by Claire akin
Michael was a lifesaver for us - I called him early one morning and he immediately jumped into action and went to the jail. He met us at the courthouse that afternoon for a hearing. Throughout our case, he was accessible and extremely knowledgable, which made a stressful situation much easier to navigate. He knows the law, the judges, the court process and is a very calming force. I am so thankful for his help getting a positive resolution to our case!
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24 Aug, 2024 by C smith
In one word "amazing!" If you want a lawyer that is professional, focused, and determined, this is the lawyer for you. He promptly resolved our case with outstanding results!! There are no words that can describe our gratitude for his incredible hard work to provide life-repairing results.
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24 Aug, 2024 by Darin toft
Michael is very easy to work with. Professional, knowledgeable and responsive to all questions. Quick to answer emails and texts etc. I would recommend his firm to anyone needing his help navigating a tough legal situation!
Darin
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23 Jul, 2024 by Krizzy koy
17 Jul, 2024 by Patrick reddick
Conscious Family genuinely worked for both parties best interest and were very fair with our time, saving us money. The team was always approachable, prompt and helpful. Their process seemed well put together and was straight forward.
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03 Jul, 2024 by Jackie massey
On May 11th I wrote a complaint letter to Peter Fabish at Conscious Family Law and Mediation LLC regarding Mediation services with him on February 26, 2024. The least that I expected was a refund check for $750. There has been no response. Without going into the details, I will say that Peter's actions led to one member of a group of three seeking Mediation for an APR, Allocation for Parental Responsibilities, to make a radical move on March 1st, 2024 that led to the false arrest of another person in the group of three, serious criminal charges, and the removal of a young child from two people he loves and a home he feels safe in. Subsequently, my entire humble savings is gone to legal fees and my next step is to take out a loan. I am 76 and live on Social Security. The consequences because of Peter's incompetence has thrown us into a crisis that may never be fully resolved. We gave a clear picture of what we expected from Mediation in our intake session and we requested the non-attorney for Mediation to save money. Peter showing up as an attorney was their first mistake. The trauma from this incident has been highly stressful and harmful though abruptly losing the child in our lives is the deepest grief that I have ever experienced. It was a life-changing mistake to use this company and Peter Fabish.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Angela yoset
My husband and I are very very much great full for Sarah Logan and her colleagues. Her and her team helped us so much with my husbands green card process! Sarah always got back to me to answer my questions and explained every single thing with detail. Couldn’t have chosen a better place to take care of our immigration process. We will forever be thankful.
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28 Feb, 2024 by Gregorio manrriquez
28 Jun, 2023 by Beatriz chavez
Excelentes abogados
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10 Oct, 2024 by Erick mueller
Thanks Gerri for taking the time to answer our questions about our accident. You were very generous and thoughtful and it provided great relief that everything is going to be OK!
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03 Sep, 2024 by Ben webb
I am lucky to have had Chris on my side throughout my misfortune. With Chris, I was able to flip the script on my misfortune and recover what I needed. Without him, I wouldn't have known what to do and surely would have gotten boned by insurance. In the future, if I get into an accident, I'm calling him before I call anyone else (even my loved ones) because he steps into action immediately with sound advice, his explanations are clear, his candor is genuine, and I have no doubt that he has my best interests in mind. Do yourself a favor and hire Chris. You'll be happy you did.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Mike mcglone
I could not be more pleased with the help I received from Chris Parks Law. They negotiated a settlement on my behalf after I broke my hand in an auto accident. They were a pleasure to work with, and I am very happy with the settlement. I highly recommend working with them if you are in a similar situation.
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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.
