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12 Jun, 2023 by David simmons
I would like to strongly recommend attorney John D. D’Amato to anyone looking for an excellent attorney and John is just that. I hired John D’Amato recently to discuss working out a payment arrangement with the attorneys representing the BMFCU and John was able to work out a payment plan that was affordable to me and he even let me pay the fee owed to him in monthly installments. Attorney John D’Amato is very professional, knowledgeable, compassionate and caring , and I’m glad that I hired him to represent me and I am extremely happy with the outcome and I can’t thank John enough, he’s definitely the best attorney that I came across as far as handling bankruptcy cases and negotiating debt…. David Simmons
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10 Jul, 2020 by William king
For many years I have used Brian's services and have recommended him to many of my clients. Brian has always been very accessible and has always delivered a favorable result and his fees, unlike many other attorneys is very fair and are within the original parameters that we discussed when he was first engaged. Feedback I received from others is that they were very happy with his service. If you want a top notch attorney without the high fees and endless billing I highly recommend Brian.
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26 Mar, 2020 by Dana stansbury
Bill took time to explain things to me and was very helpful. Highly recommend him
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08 Apr, 2022 by Keith
What can I say? I HIGHLY recommend Mr. Weinrieb. He is an incredible Attorney. He is caring, compassionate, and truly cares about his clients.
I came to Mr. Weinrieb with an extremely difficult situation. My previous lawyer quit before trial and I presented him with my case/situation on very short notice. One where 9 other Attorneys said nothing was possible and laughed at the situation. When I first met him and told him this he snickered and said he will work to the best of his ability, and he absolutely did. He went above and beyond for my case. And proved large attorney firms wrong.
His response rate was fast and he was informative and very honest. When he said he was on something he stuck to his word and got things done fast.
Mr. Weinriebs rates are also absolutely incredible and extremely fair for custody proceedings. He was literally the QB and made every play with my sons best interests in mind. Thats what you want in a lawyer.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart Mr. Weinrieb you give attorneys a very good name.
Who ever reads this review please do yourself a favor and check this law firm out it’s the best in town.
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23 Apr, 2021 by Joy
We consulted Mr. Weinrieb regarding our child support order issued in YN. Mr. Weinrieb is very professional an his clarification is right on spot. We highly recommended him to anyone who has custody order.
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18 Apr, 2019 by Lisa
I cannot thank Pieter enough for his dedication to obtaining a favorable resolution for me in my divorce. He is consummately professional and thorough and the outcome was definitely in my best interest. Accessible also, returning phone calls and emails in a very timely fashion. He made a very difficult situation easier to deal with.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Ally
I’m SO glad I went with Shari Jo. She was extremely knowledgeable and helpful through this whole process. She fought for me when no one else would
And kept me in the loop every step of the way. I would HIGHLY recommend using her
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02 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Top marks for Shari Jo. Her experience really helped me sleep at night as she guided me though this emotionally challenging and stressful situation. Her matter of fact style helped to quickly and efficiently draft the settlement. Great follow up to all of my inquiries throughout the process. When the process was stalled by the other side, she gave me great advice to get the process moving and ultimately bring closure to the process.
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11 Jan, 2018 by Sarah
Shari Jo comes to the table with decades of experience in matrimonial law, yet pays attention to every detail of the new cases she takes on. This combination of experience and attention to detail is extremely effective. In my situation, she was informed, prepared and strategic in every step of a lengthy legal process. My advice would be trust her to do what she does best - handle matrimonial cases with expertise and conviction. She showed me that she genuinely believed in what is just and right, worked for just that and won.
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06 May, 2022 by Randal
I haven’t had to deal with lawyers before sam but he is very informative. I feel he went above and beyond what he had to do for me (ex. Answering all my questions and concerns and being clear on what could or wouldn’t happen) overall if I could give hi
10 stars this man deserves it. Thank you for everything Sam!
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14 Dec, 2021 by Nate
Throughout my divorce, Sam alba has always been there, was very easy to talk to and had amazing people skills! Very knowledgeable! Sharp minded! Treated me like family! Professionalism is the first word that comes to mind when I think of my experience with Mr alba! Would absolutely recommend Mr Alba to anyone looking for a great attorney! Very thorough! He took my sisters accident case, and the day he took her case he went to see her in the hospital! Grade A++ attitude and an amazing attorney overall! Thank you so much Sam!
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23 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Sam has a professional relationship with much of the WNY legal community. He came prepared to defend my case and received an incredibly favorable result for me. He is a true professional.
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21 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Rossi and his team are professional, attentive, efficient, and thorough from the get go. The efficiency in communication that I received was above and beyond. Mr. Rossi thoroughly explains every step and makes sure to clearly lay out all options before making a decision. Would highly recommend him to anyone!!
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05 May, 2022 by Anonymous
I used the Rossi Law Firm to represent me in my divorce case. Mr. Rossi was very knowledgeable and professional. He took the time to keep me informed throughout the entire process, and always made sure any questions or concerns I had were addressed in a timely manner. I felt the firm always had my best interest in mind, and they worked hard to make sure I received a good settlement. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Rossi Law Firm to anyone needing legal assistance.
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07 Apr, 2022 by Raymond
Michael Rossi and his team handled my case with thorough professionalism. Throughout the case, he was clear and communicative and ensured that I understood the process and our standing. I was confident in having a quality attorney, as Mr. Rossi is, representing me.
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24 Aug, 2022 by Frank
Dan is extremely knowledgeable divorce attorney that was always prompt to respond to my emails & phone calls throughout my case. He also provided the legal reassurance in my extremely difficult divorce during the numerous pitfalls that occurred from the opposing party. His billing practices are extremely detailed & never left me questioning what his legal fees were used for.
Overall working with Dan was a pleasure and with his assistantance made a difficult situation much easier to deal with and I would highly recommend his legal services.
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23 Jun, 2021 by Debbie
I hired Dan Schuller to help get Medicaid for my mother. I live in Canada which complicates things...and this was a very difficult case. I interviewed by phone (due to the pandemic) four lawyer firms. Dan was the only one I had confidence that could succeed in getting Medicaid. Dan's knowledge, professionalism and sincerity won me over the first time I talked to him. The other lawyer firms outright said, "They couldn't do it." Dan was always available by phone or email to answer my questions. He never made me feel inferior for asking for guidance. He was a pleasure to work with. Dan succeeded in getting my mother her Medicaid in an amazing timeframe. I give Dan the highest recommendation for anyone looking for an Elder Law Attorney!
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04 Dec, 2020 by Gerald
Dan did our Irrevocable Trust, Powers of Attorney, Health Proxys, and updated out wills. He was very knowledgeable, thorough and so easy to work with.
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01 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
I was referred to Dana from my business attorney regarding my recent divorce - we met for approx 1 hour to go over what I was dealing with- she was professional,understanding and very knowledgeable - we outlined our strategy and we followed it. Even with the pandemic the total time the divorce took was approx 6 months.. She was attentive to all information sent yo us from the other attorney. She has a nice way about her but she can be a " bull dog" if it was required - from what I have heard from other attorneys she is well respected in the in her field . I would strongly recommend her for any issues dealing with a separation or divorce..
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05 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Dana was fantastic at walking me through the divorce process. She is very knowledgeable and always had my son and I’s best interest in mind.
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12 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Dana was a fabulous lawyer, she really took time to listen and help understand and work for what was in the best interest of myself and my children, she was always steps ahead and tried to get things resolved as quickly as possible. She is very educated, precessional and organized and always ready to go! She made a very complicated, stressful situation a lot easier and I am very grateful for the all her help!
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06 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
I was very lucky when my good friend recommended Sabby Santarpia to take my case , he sincerely has your best interest in mind the second I hired him I felt at ease and knew everything was going to be ok. Highly recommend Sabby!
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01 Jul, 2022 by Courtney
Super down to earth , understanding and intelligent highly recommend… he was able to bring my family back together again
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01 Jul, 2022 by Nick
The personalized , caring attentiveness to our issues and legal matters is beyond compare. Appreciated
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02 Feb, 2022 by Hassan ahmed
18 Feb, 2020 by Kajal f
15 Jun, 2017 by Talmage
I hired mr Tronolone to get a order of protection modified in supreme Court (IDV).D
Tronolone did what no other lawyer could do.He got the judge to modify the order and return me back to my wife.This lawyer Is the first HONEST lawyer I've retained, and I highly recommend him.You will not regret it.
Thanks Mr. Tronolone.
T.Brown
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31 Aug, 2024 by Catia pecoraro
John Horn was so knowledgeable in all questions I had. He should run for congress! He’d be awesome in office.
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14 Sep, 2021 by Bart piotrowski
Excellent! She will get you the best outcome, financially and otherwise, taking into account the unique circumstances of your ticket.
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15 Aug, 2021 by Peggy cunningham
Love this place. It is like stepping back in time. Great food always.
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11 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms. Cumbo helped my fiance' at the time undo and conclude what turned out to be a very expensive and impulsive mistake, prior to us meeting. She was our third attorney, and we had a horrible experience with the first, who ended up having his first filing rejected by the court. This attorney proceeded, without consultation, sent the divorce case upstate to Eerie county (we are in NYC). We consulted/hired a second attorney who recommended he keep his case there in the hopes that there could be a shorter processing time.
We had consulted with other attorneys in the Buffalo area, all charged us for consultation as well as providing exhorbant fees for helping us file basic paperwork for an uncontested divorce. We felt these attorneys were trying to get a deal, another one clearly tried to scam us (increasing her fee due to "new extra court costs"). We feared and braced for the worst - that we would have to end up hiring another irresponsible attorney, who would create further delays like the first.
Due to personal matters related to my partner, it was also imperitive that the divorce be finalized, we were running out time.
We felt immense reflief when we contacted Ms. Cumbo, however. She was responsive, did not charge consultation fee, heard our case and provided a very reasonable fee for services. One thing we really liked is that she assured us she would be the only one personally working on the case. True to her word, she was the only person we ever dealt with. She also responded to calls and emails. Reaching her was never a problem.
After completing a child support case in another state related to the ex (which took months), Ms. Cumbo filed the divorce papers same day she received that judgement decree.
As a result, divorce was eventually granted divorce 4 weeks later. Last Monday, my new husband and I were able to finally get married to each other and do things right. We had hoped to never have had this prior marriage, but life doesn't always follow a straight line before meeting the right one.
One thing that made me want to contact Ms. Cumbo in the first place is a small quote on her page: "Life is a journey, and you don't have to go it alone". I felt that this attorney could understand where we were at the time.
We highly recommend Ms. Cumbo to those that value personalized services. Ms. Cumbo takes the time to explain procedure and overall plan/steps, without ever making you feel like you are wasting her time. We know that there have been times we have contacted her as she was leaving at the end of the day, and she still made time to speak to us. Because of her, we trusted in letting go and letting her handle the case, as we focused on other important matters.
Thank you Ms. Cumbo for giving us our lives back!
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09 Mar, 2017 by Nikki
From moment I contact her office, I was treated with respect. I had no idea what to expect and was overwhelmed with the compassion and caring. I appreciated the straight forward honesty that she displayed. I appreciated the orderly way everything is done. Her experience is evident from the beginning until the end. She knows what she is doing and she does it well. You are literally walked thru a process that could be awkward and embarrassing in a manner that leaves you with the feeling that you still have a bright future ahead of you. She is honest from beginning to end. Her associates are also easy to work with. They answer all questions without making you feel like you should already know the answer. I can only say virtuous things about this experience. Megan Misiti Cumbo stands with you throughout the process and tells you what to expect ahead of time. She is the so very thorough and gave me nothing but good advice.
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26 Oct, 2016 by A recent client
I retained Mrs. Cumbo for a custody matter involving my ex and our 2 children. The case was a bit complicated because it involved not only the courts here in buffalo, but also the courts in Brooklyn NY. Mrs. Cumbo kept in contact with me and always kept me updated on procedures and how proceedings would commence. What makes her a very unique attorney is her litigation style, some attorneys are what is termed "barracuda" attorneys, and they will do their best to viciously attack the other party, however Mrs. Cumbo is not this style of attorney. She considers both parties in the case, and is willing to work towards a compromise which serves as an asset as this tends to be viewed favorably in the family court system. I am very glad I retained her services and as a result of her diligence, I was awarded sole residential custody of the children. Furthermore, as I held no animosity towards my ex, I was very pleased with how she handled the trial. I would definitely recommend Mrs. Cumbo for anyone facing a family court related matter.
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20 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
I've known Ms. Catharine Venzon since law school and because of her diligence, professionalism and passion with the law even then, I knew that she was the person to reach out to many years later in my time of legal need. Early on she made me feel at ease with my matter, worked with me on all accounts and helped to smooth over a very complicated and stressful situation in my life. Most notable, Ms. Venzon is all about quick resolution while protecting your best interest and, (something we all pray for), she REALLY CARES about you as a client.
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10 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
The difficulty of a Custody issues can be stressfull...but Ms. Venzon was the answer to all of my legal needs. If you want a PIT-BULL of a lawyer fighting for you, then you hire Ms. Venzon. She is extremely skillful, witty, and brilliant in the courtroom. She makes you feel very comfortable about your case and doesn't give off that sleazy, "Im in it for the money" feel that some lawyers will give you. She goes into every case like she has something to prove, and she proved it well to me. She's my Lawyer!!....and I would recommend her to anyone I know.
SHE'S A GOOD BET!!
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18 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Catharine is a high quality individual and a dynamic attorney.
Venzon Law Firm is a confident, high energy professional law firm and I give my recommendation wholeheartedly for anyone in need of legal assistance. Additionally, the firm offers down to earth pricing that is fair and reasonable.
Thank You Catharine and the Venzon Law Firm!
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23 Jan, 2017 by Bob
I was referred to Nicole by a friend. I needed will documents for myself and my wife. She was kind, respectful, patient and knowledgeable. Her prices were far better then anyone in the area.
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26 Apr, 2016 by Stephanie
I hired Nicole after my divorce to ensure that my kids were taken care of if something should happen to me. She took the time to answer my questions and explained everything in terms I could understand. Now I feel better knowing my wishes will be honored.
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16 Mar, 2016 by Leah
I have worked with Nicole in many different organizations or situations. Nicole is very up front, honest, thinks outside the box to get the job done, and very driven to work on your behalf and for your best interest. Bottom line, Nicole cares about people and is passionate about what she does.
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14 Jan, 2022 by Cherie
Richard is an absolute gem. Going through Divorce is terrifying and he stood behind me all the way through. I highly recommend him!
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21 Jan, 2015 by Dan
Richard has handled several business matters for me. I cant say enough nice things about him. He treat you like a friend, gets the job done quickly and have always ended with a great result Thank again Richard! D.J.
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23 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Richard represented me in my divorce and he was outstanding. He would call or e mail me with updates at night and on weekends and kept me informed. He fought for me when I wanted to give up. He was truly a god send. I highly recommend him.
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29 Jan, 2015 by Mark
Ms Valvo,Attorney at Law,is an exceptional and outstanding Lawyer.Through the course of our initial conversation,I recognized her leadership,legal familiarity,and confidence to provide me with the assistance I sought.It is important for everyone to know that she offers the time to explain the "legal materials"in a simplified and easy to understand manner,for a fee that is within one's means.
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21 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Lisa is an excellent lawyer.She is very approachable and energetic and is also very knowledgable .She treats the client like they want to be treated showing patience explaining things to the client.You don't get the feeling like the meters running with her.I am currently her client selling these vacant lots.
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15 Oct, 2013 by Kyle
did a great job with my family court explained things to me that i didnt know and worried not only about me with the case but also what was best for the kids
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26 Apr, 2019 by Kevin
Heather handled two sensitive items for me with the highest degree of compassion and professionalism. I could not have been in better hands. I would highly recommend her to anyone.
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26 Apr, 2019 by Kristen
I hired Ms. Anderson to do some legal work for me. She was thorough, professional prompt and very effective. I am very pleased with my experience working with her.
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02 Aug, 2017 by Sheryl
Ms. Anderson was amazing to work with. She handled my son's case with the utmost care and professionalism. She made us feel like she was giving 100% on his case. And in the end, he got great results. I highly recommend her.
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05 Nov, 2014 by Sandra
Sharon Osgood has been a lifesaver in attending to my legal matters. She attention to details and he insight has helped our family through many situations. She is a go-getter!
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13 Feb, 2014 by Amy
Sharon is an amazing attorney. I am grateful for her every day of my life. She helped me so much during my divorce and I would (and do all the time) HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend her.
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06 Feb, 2020 by Kim
I began my divorce proceedings with a different attorney that wasn't right for me or my case. Ann was referred to me by a friend of a friend who Ann represented in a divorce. From the initial phone call, I felt like I was in good hands and she would be the person to get me through this terribly tough time. Ann was never too busy for me. She made me feel like I was her main priority on every phone call or meeting. When we showed up to court I felt like I had an armor shield. My court case was help in IDV court because of the domestic violence that I experienced so initially I would walk in feeling scared and vulnerable. Ann was my strength - I walked a little taller with her by my side. She put an end to the games that my ex was trying to play with me. She knew how to deal with him and it was empowering to witness. I don't know how I would have gotten through this time without her. She's a force to reckoned with!
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28 Jan, 2015 by Anne marie
You will never feel better about anything than having Ann on your side! She has not only given me hope...she got RESULTS!!!
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14 Oct, 2013 by Sharon
Excellent customer service and strong attorney. She always responded to me without having to wait a long time, and she fought hard and competently for me.
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21 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
Mary is the most honest, caring attorney someone will ever find. She takes the case to heart and does her work at over 100% In my opion no one could ask for a person person.
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14 Jun, 2016 by Kenneth
Ms. Devereaux made sure I received the Social Security benefits I deserved. I recommend her for those veterans suffering with PTSD issues. You still feel like you are in charge of your case.
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17 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
Neil handled a traffic violation for me with great expertise. He ensured the best possible outcome. I would definitely call him again, though of course I hope that I won't have to ;-)
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08 Jul, 2015 by Mark
Erica was great through and through. Always helpful and kept me informed throughout the entire process. I will recommend her to people in the future.
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20 May, 2015 by Bob
Mike helped me with a real estate purchase. He was attentive and always there when I had a question. Very organized. I highly recommend as a lawyer.
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27 Jun, 2019 by Elena
Mr. Ciminelli is a hardworking, honest attorney who excels in family law practice. He always puts his clients first and works for what is best for the family’s interest and not his wallet. He serves our community with utmost integrity and I have the ultimate confidence in his practice and decency. Whereas so many other attorneys put quantity above quality when it comes to billable hours, the exact opposite is true for Mr. Ciminelli. He is a rare find in today’s legal arena.
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06 Dec, 2020 by Stephen
Mr Timothy Murphy has a stellar record in the appellate division. He rep’d me back in ‘13 for my appeal on a weapons charge and won a unanimous decision in the 4th district. This man will work till he finds a way to present the truth, and help the judges understand the truth.
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03 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
Very knowledgeable and helpful. He and his firm are great.
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25 Nov, 2013 by Virginia
Frank Falzone is not only a great attorney , he is a good person with exemplary ethics and integrity. He is easily accessible and ALWAYS returns your calls immediately. He is smart and savvy when dealing with judges and other attorneys. This is the lawyer you want representing you in all legal matters.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Bret snyder
Brian is the man!! It took almost a year to get my case to the finish line but Brian was available to talk anytime I needed, and he did an amazing job of keeping me positive when things seemed rather grim. I never felt like a number and I always felt like he was putting 100% into my case. At the very end ,the insurance company offered me 8K, but within a week he had it up to 12k. I literally cannot find one negative thing to say about the representation I received from Brian. If I ever hit by another driver again or if I ever know somebody that's been hit I will recommend. Brian in a heartbeat with 100% confidence. Thank you again, Brian
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05 Sep, 2024 by Artventures studios
04 Sep, 2024 by Joanne
I'm very pleased with the dedication and professionalism...Brian was very easy to talk to...answered questions and was very organized...I would definitely suggest Towey law firm to handle your case!
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16 Jul, 2024 by M t
Really awesome experience, I’m really grateful for what he has done being a family man himself. I could have been in a big trouble but he took my case and got it to just fines
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07 Jul, 2024 by Shakil jahan
Mr. Lana handled my case very well with respect and responsibility he took my case very seriously and results has been I earned.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Tyler bonner
On Time, on point. Sharply dressed and is Very helpful.
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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.
