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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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05 Jan, 2025 by Tom laska
Mazza law will get the job done. Listen and do what your told the results will come.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Kitt lady
Mazzu Law was the first firm that took me seriously. Listend to my story. Worked diligently, kept me informed, and got a settlement for me. If I ever have to go through this again. I would come back to this firm first. Treated me with kindness, respect, and honesty. Gave me options and never felt like I was lost. I was informed all the way through and was carefully explained all the steps we took together. It is a very professional and they prove productive services.
Of your looking for a great firm look no further. This is one of the greats.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Nick garey
I had an excellent experience with Mazzu Law handling my case. From start to finish, they were dedicated, professional, and clearly committed to getting me the best possible outcome. Ed & his team went above and beyond, always keeping me updated and explaining every step. Thanks to their hard work and determination, they were able to secure a maximum settlement for me. I couldn’t be more grateful for their expertise and support throughout the entire process. If you’re looking for a law firm that truly cares about your case and your results, I highly recommend Mazzu Law.
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28 Jan, 2025 by Dan love
I don't clearly recommend going to this lawyer he doesn't resolve issues with the clear thought of Justice clearly works with the attorneys downtown will only try to plea out your case literally no people who beat gun charges and assault charges on a quick clear and more timely and respected fashion without half of the bushes that I went through it's a hard note for me next time lord forbid
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24 Jan, 2025 by Crystal frye
He is a pleasure to work with. He makes everything straightforward and simple.
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22 Jan, 2025 by Eli levy
Dominic exceeded every one of my expectations! He made sure I was up to date at every step and always kept me in the loop. He handled my case better than I could have asked for. He really cares and takes the extra steps to make sure everything gets done as it should. I really could not be happier and I recommend Dominic to anyone who may be looking for a lawyer.
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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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04 Nov, 2024 by Vincent epping
05 Oct, 2024 by B hap
If you want to see controlling spouses beg for mercy hire Gabrielle Law.
My case cost a lot in the end but Vanessa and her team got it done and I would recommend them to anyone in a complicated situation.
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04 Dec, 2023 by Tracy parsons
After years of trying to handle things on my own, I was referred to Gabriele Law and have absolutely no regrets! Vanessa and her team went above and beyond to make sure my situation got handled in a respectful and professional manner. All of my questions/concerns were addressed with honesty and compassion and a successful order was put in place that gives me an ease of mind for my daughters well-being. Thanks Vanessa!
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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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21 Jul, 2022 by Erin johnson
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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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 Nick
The personalized , caring attentiveness to our issues and legal matters is beyond compare. Appreciated
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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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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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18 Dec, 2024 by Amanda cardamone
Kate was wonderful to work with. She made everything so easy for me, and was always there to answer any questions. She responded timely to emails/calls, and really made me feel like I wasn't just one of her many clients. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone needing legal assistance!
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10 Dec, 2024 by Lesley martin
Kate made what was previously a tedious and frustrating process so simple and straightforward. We knew what we wanted, and she listened, answered all our questions, and drew up the necessary documents very quickly. She is friendly, responsive, down-to-earth, and highly effective. The whole experience was very smooth and I'm deeply appreciative.
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03 Dec, 2024 by Bridgette reilly
I was able to quickly get an uncontested divorce with an uncooperative ex
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18 Dec, 2024 by Daveisha hunter
The best law firm
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09 Dec, 2024 by Michael kinsley
The firm was very timely with any questions that I had regarding my case.Very personable and informative 👍. Would recommend them to anyone.
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04 Dec, 2024 by Brian punturiero
09 Jan, 2025 by Patricia anne hover
I would certainly recommend the excellent staff at Sawers and Sackel Attorney's at Law. After being injured at work, I know I could always be reassured that they were there to assist me every step of the way.It made it a great deal easier to get through the Workers Compensation process. Sawers and Sackel were always very prompt to answer my many questions, they treated me like family and really assisted me when the difficult questions came up.
Sawers and Sackel guided me in a very caring manner and were always very concise.
I have already referred a friend to Sawers and Sackel. I would highly recommend them to everyone.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Jeffrey hileman
I have been with Sawer & Sackel for 3 separate workers comp claims and have been very unsatisfied until recently. Up until Holly took ownership in my cases I was left wondering what was going on. I was the one that had to initiate any and all inquiries into correspondences from the insurance carrier. And I rarely spoke with a lawyer and it was Never the same individual. Since working with Holly things have change my thinking entirely. She has taken ownership in my case and has gone above and beyond my expectations (or at least what my expectations of a law firm should be) and have reaffirmed my choice in a workers compensation law firm. Holly will initiate and follow up on all inquiries and respond in a timely manner. I have enjoyed working with her and look forward to a positive outcome in my pending cases.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Kk eagen
I’ve been with Sawers & Sackel for a few months. From day one, they have been professional and answered all of my questions. Going through this process has been difficult. During a phone call, Holly was so supportive. A few days later, I received a letter from Holly, with handwritten encouragement from her! It brought me to tears. I’ve never heard of a law firm that cares this much, to not only work diligently on my behalf but to take an interest in me personally. Bill and Julie have also been so supportive to me I would recommend Sawers & Sackel to anyone!!
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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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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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30 Dec, 2024 by Joel towart
From start to finish the process was amazing and easy to navigate.
My consultation was well worth the money and as I continued down my legal path, speaking with Rick Brister and his team, things were made clear, clean-cut, and most of all, stress free. I highly recommend working with this firm if you are pulled into any legal matters, they will give you REAL legal advice and assistance without trying to run up a crazy bill!
Give them a call today!
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18 Dec, 2024 by Samantha clark
Tully and Rickney PLLC were great to work with from the start! I worked with Nicholas Marricco from the Manhattan dept and Sivan Zak from White Plains dept both were on top of our case and were with my family step by step throughout the educational rights process. Even the secretary Abby always able to communicate and easy to get ahold of for any questions that we had. If your looking for lawyers to stand up for your children's rights these two are your go to!
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20 Nov, 2024 by Christina crudgington
Very knowledgeable and friendly. Makes a difficult situation easier to navigate.
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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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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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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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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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03 Dec, 2022 by Renato graham
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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16 Jan, 2025 by Anthony amato
I was in a car accident and decided to seek help from William Mattar Law Offices because I always saw their commercials as a kid and I remembered the jingle, but my experience was extremely disappointing. They claimed they reached out to me multiple times through phone and email, but I never received a single message or call. It felt like they used this excuse to avoid taking my case instead of being honest about it. If they didn’t want to handle my case, they should’ve just told me to my face.
I sent letters, called repeatedly, and tried to follow up, but they kept pretending they would call me back—yet no one ever did. Ultimately, I had to handle my dispute on my own. Ironically, I ended up settling for much more money than I believe they could have ever achieved. It’s clear they only want big cases and don’t take smaller cases seriously.
On top of that, their staff was rude and unprofessional. The lawyer’s representative I spoke to often had an attitude and never made me feel valued or respected. The only positive thing about my experience was when I first went into the office—they made me feel welcome initially, but everything went downhill after that.
If you’re dealing with a case, I’d recommend fighting on your own or going to a firm like The Barnes Firm, where they might treat you with the respect and seriousness you deserve. William Mattar’s office did not live up to their reputation, and I won’t be going back.
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23 Dec, 2024 by Ye boi ale
William Mattar is the best! My lawyer Mathew close and his paralegal assistant Tiffany were very helpful and they are Great to work with and very friendly! Both very hard workers and great at their job! I definitely recommend my family and friends to go to William Mattar and anyone that’s reading this because of great hard workers like them!!
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23 Dec, 2024 by Steve horton
My initial experience with the firm was great! They made me feel heard and taken care of. After a while I heard less and less until I started to reach out to them. It took several attempts to get someone to return my call only to be given an incorrect update on my case. Several times over the last year I have been given the update of “just waiting on a call back from the adjuster”
In the beginning I was promised constant updates throughout my case, now I’m told that if there is no new news don’t expect a call.
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08 Jan, 2025 by Johnny gennaro
Help me find the right legal assistance for my case Sia went above and beyond To help me
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08 Jan, 2025 by Natural grow
Very professional
Detail
And clear
Friendly
And patient
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08 Jan, 2025 by Enzio antonio
Sia from the Law Offices of Brandon J. Broderick is by far the most amazing person I’ve had the pleasure to speak with. She was entirely professional, friendly, and attentative. Not only were my questions and concerns answered, I feel confident in calling back this office again in the future if need be.
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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:
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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.
