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07 Dec, 2024 by Craig beard
06 Dec, 2024 by Jake m
Eric and the entire team at Blankenship Law were excellent. Their professionalism and communication were top notch, and most importantly I was very happy with the outcome of my case. I highly recommend Blankenship Law.
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04 Dec, 2024 by Josh harman
Mr. Blankenship is respectful attorney that did an amazing job with my case. His demeanor and professionalism was top-notch. I would highly encourage anyone to give him an opportunity to help with your needs.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Doug cook
I searched out the top law firm in Indianapolis and the Hollingsworth law firm came up as one of the top firms in the area. When I made the initial contact, an attorney immediately responded back to me with her personal touch that instantly made me feel comfortable. Paige from the very start of our conversations made me feel like a friend and was so easy to talk with. She is a professional with a personal family touch. I can’t thank her and her firm enough for all their hard work. DC
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31 Jul, 2024 by Rebecca payne
I highly recommend Hollingsworth Law Group to anyone in need of legal help. Their dedication and expertise are truly outstanding.
What I appreciated most was their genuine care and support during a stressful time. They not only provided top-notch legal advice but also showed empathy and understanding, which made all the difference.
I also appreciated the personalized attention I received. Their dedication to achieving the best possible outcome is evident in their thorough preparation and strategic approach.
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27 Jun, 2024 by Karin russell
Kena was a godsend to me during my divorce. She not only fought for me with knowledge and grit, but also with kindness and encouragement. She went beyond being my attorney and became a major source of support for me. I cannot recommend her enough to anyone going through a divorce. She is the very best there is!!!
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23 Dec, 2022 by Susan
After learning that Ms. Swenson was licensed in both Indiana and Florida we knew she would be the perfect fit for our needs since we were relocating to Florida soon. Shortly after contacting the office my call was returned promptly by Ms. Swenson. We discussed our needs re: preparation of an updated will and other concerns re: our current guardianship of our adult daughter. She was extremely knowledgeable and provided instructions in preparation for our office appointment. She was thorough and we appreciated the time she spent to ensure we understood the legal requirements in Florida that we would encounter. I would not hesitate to recommend Swenson & Associates.
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27 Nov, 2022 by Brett
I highly recommend hiring Angela Swenson. She fought hard for me and is a bulldog in the courtroom! Angie got me through a lot of tough times that I thought I would have never made it through. She answered all my questions in a timely matter and is worth every penny!
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14 Mar, 2022 by Lisa
I'm so glad I chose Angie as my lawyer! She's knowledgeable and professional, yet down to Earth and easy to communicate with. It was so easy to work with her and she is very reasonably priced. I couldn't be happier with my experience!
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31 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Joshua Hains represented me in a divorce. He provided sound advice, was quick in follow ups, was reasonably priced, and exceeded my expectations for a divorce attorney. He expertly guided me through what could have been a difficult journey. I would highly recommend him for a divorce attorney.
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19 Oct, 2021 by Victor essien
Attorney Hains? The best of the best. He’s always calm, review all the information, work with the truth and would tell you the reality. Have him by your side whenever you have issues with child custody and divorce. He’s the best!!
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12 Oct, 2021 by Randy
From day one I knew I had selected the right attorney. Josh Hains is an incredible divorce and family law attorney and an even better human being. He is meticulous and thorough and has your back every step of the way. He communicated effectively through a difficult divorce and navigated the case to a fair and just settlement. I highly recommend him if you want to feel like your situation is priority one and you want the confidence that you are in great hands.
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07 Dec, 2024 by Craig beard
06 Dec, 2024 by Jake m
Eric and the entire team at Blankenship Law were excellent. Their professionalism and communication were top notch, and most importantly I was very happy with the outcome of my case. I highly recommend Blankenship Law.
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04 Dec, 2024 by Josh harman
Mr. Blankenship is respectful attorney that did an amazing job with my case. His demeanor and professionalism was top-notch. I would highly encourage anyone to give him an opportunity to help with your needs.
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11 Feb, 2025 by Ralph c atwell jr.
The Best Criminal Defense Attorney in Indiana!
Bryan Cook is a true bulldog in the courtroom! He is intelligent, smart, and incredibly fast when it comes to fighting for his clients. His sharp thinking, professionalism, and expertise make him stand out, and it’s no surprise he has been recognized multiple times as an Indiana Super Lawyer for criminal defense. He handled two cases for me back-to-back, and both were dismissed—all charges dropped! If you need a tough, skilled attorney who gets results, Bryan Cook is the one to call. Highly recommend!
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21 Jan, 2025 by Drew stock
Rich at Slater Law Office was excited to work with my family and he did not disappoint in the slightest. His knowledge and expertise was essential for getting our Medicaid situation figured out. He didn’t talk down to us and kept us in the loop with everything going on and wasn’t afraid to fight for us when needed. Too bad there are not 6 stars for his review. 👍
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13 Jan, 2025 by Joseph krygowski
Mr. Cook worked very hard with the State of Indiana to retrieve my firearms. He has constantly communicated with me in a timely manner. I am happy to say that in January 9, 2025 he has convinced the court in the state of Indiana to release my Firearms back to me. I would definitely recommend Mr. Bryan Cook attorney-at-law to handle any case any case at all because he is very proficient in the law, wonderful when it comes to communication with his clients, and I would definitely recommend him to handle just about any case for you. He is trustworthy, loyal, friendly, helpful, courteous, kind, brave, clean, and reverent, and doesn’t take any shit from the state of Indiana.
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22 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Mike helped us with a real estate dispute. He was amazing. He was professional and meticulous. Plus, he was caring and gave us a patient listen and provided us with careful explanations. I was impressed that he digested a trove of documents and had cogent arguments to make during our discussion.
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08 Sep, 2017 by Navin
I am a real estate investor in Central Indiana. I initially haired Mike to take over a quite title case from another attorney who was taking too long to get things done and charging me a lot. Mike got a favorable judgment for me in very short time. Now I use Mike for for all my legal needs. He is very approachable, get things done quickly and charges very reasonable fee. I strongly recommend him to my family and friends.
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08 Aug, 2017 by S.m.
Mr. Ghosh took over my case from another Attorney and I was amazed at how professional and efficient he was. His experience helped move my case along and he did more in a couple of weeks than my other Attorney did in months. I would recommend Mr. Ghosh to any one looking for an attorney who is fair, honest and will fight for their client's best interests.
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12 Jun, 2014 by Kristina
Nancy Cross is a bright start in navigating the tumultuous waters of a divorce. Nancy's professionalism, strong work ethic and calm demeanor gave me great comfort during this most difficult time. Ms. Cross is a super lawyer and well respected in the legal community. I am so thankful to Nancy for negotiating a favorable settlement with spousal support without going to court.
Nancy has assembled a superb crew at Cross, Pennamped, Woolsey & Glazier, P. C.. Award winning paralegal, Alison Rundle, is a compassionate, positive and devoted professional. Thanks to Alison for encouraging me to stay the course with Nancy to fight for spousal support when I wanted to give up. In addition, Shelley in hospitality made me feel comfortable in the office with kind words and reassurance. Nancy is truly dedicated to her clients and has an exceptional staff.
I highly recommend Nancy Cross if you are seeking a divorce attorney. Nancy is impressive, both professionally and personally. Did I mention she has a wicked good sense of humor?
Tread lightly and exercise due diligence in selecting an attorney to represent you. I'm sure glad I did.
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10 Mar, 2016 by Jeff
I hired Stephenie Gookins as my divorce attorney two years ago, and have continued to leverage her post-divorce to help ensure my children are in the best co-parenting situation that they can be. Stephenie showed her knowledge of Indiana laws, precedence, and opposing counsel to fully prepare me for what to expect. Her advice was focused on:
1. Protecting me and my kids
2. Keeping my legal fees as low as possible by understanding up front the "end game" expectation
Stephenie also did a great job of leveraging her very solid Paralegal, Cynthia Latty, to keep legal fees in check wherever possible. I would recommend this attorney and firm to anyone, and will certainly use them going forward, as needed.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Sarah
Robin was the consummate professional in her role as Parenting Coordinator in my very difficult case. She had clear expectations of both parties, and consistently held us to them. After enduring years of emotional and verbal abuse, Robin validated my concerns and helped me communicate more effectively.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Michael
Kim is amazing and now I have sole custody and am forever grateful that I get to have my children in my life. She’s the best. Court process takes times and it’s a horrible situation, you may not understand what’s happening in real time. In hindsight she made all the right decisions and showed me what I needed to do to get the best result. I’ll be forever grateful.
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02 Sep, 2024 by Kandace kyere
I highly recommend this law firm. Janice and her team were lovely to work with and I was well taken care of from start to finish. Their services contributed to greater freedom in my life and I am forever grateful.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Amie drudge
Janice helped navigate an extremely difficult situation. I landed in her office on accident with tears flowing and she immediately sat down with me and worked out what needed to be done. Thank you, Carmel Family Law. I would highly recommend them to anyone navigating the difficulty of divorce.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Mark howard
Janice Mattingly assisted me with my situation. I found Janice to be understanding, helpful, knowledgeable, prompt, and professional. All while not 'overselling' her services. I wish I would have gotten with 'Carmel Family Law' sooner in my situation! Highly recommend!
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27 Jun, 2024 by Marc matheny
08 Oct, 2022 by Jw
I have Scott Wyatt as my lawyer. He is straight forward, understanding, and gets right to business with opposing counsel. I high recommend him amd his firm.
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23 Aug, 2022 by Magda mia
After several referrals without any luck, I was sent to Mr. Scott Wyatt. He responded quickly with great advice and within two weeks, he had my family matter solved. Thank you Scott!!
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22 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I recently had Marc represent me in family court. I hope the ratings speak for themselves as I would highly recommend him. The phrase "goes above and beyond" should be on his business card!
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10 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr Halata listens, cares and you can tell he genuinely loves what he does. He was extremely affordable and he helped me at a time when I most needed it. I have an upcoming issue where I'll likely need the services of an attorney again and I would not hesitate to call this gentleman.
No, I'm not related to this guy; nor is he my neighbor. I ranked him so high because he earned it. His responsiveness is a six out of five, by the way.
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15 Jan, 2025 by Madilyn smith
We are so grateful that we found Immigration for Couples to help us navigate the overwhelming, long, and frustrating journey of applying for a marriage visa in the U.S. We absolutely loved working with the team - particularly Megan. From the beginning she made the process seem doable and was always very kind and transparent about the challenges we may face and how long it could take. It really felt like she was not just doing a job, but was personally invested in helping us bring our family together. Though working with a lawyer doesn't speed up the very lengthy immigration process - it was extremely helpful to have experts helping us collect and submit nearly 300 pages of documentation to prove our relationship. We possibly could have done it on our own, but with a lot more mistakes and frustration which could have likely set us back many months if anything was filed incorrectly. We had a seamless and very worthwhile experience with Megan and the rest of the team. Now our family is all together in the U.S. Worth every penny!
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15 Jan, 2025 by Daniela rodriguez
15 Jan, 2025 by Juan rodriguez
28 Aug, 2015 by Lb
Jeff had to do a lot of damage control because we had hired another attorney first. That was a big mistake and Jeff had so much clean up to do. He did a fantastic job in representing my daughter in a custody/divorce case. I only wish we would have hired him first. He is extremely knowledgeable about family law and is excellent in presenting your case in court! He took her case after it became a real mess and did a wonderful job in turning things around. I don't think you can go wrong with hiring Jeff!
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12 Aug, 2015 by Chris
Jeff, while somewhat brash at times, is an awesome attorney. His brashness is intentional and gets the client prepared for court. He will not blow smoke, give promises of outcomes, but instead give it to you strait. If you want an honest attorney who will tell you your situation as it actually stands he is the one for you. He is great in the courtroom and has an honest caring personality.
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24 Jun, 2015 by J.r.
I really can't say enough positive stuff about Jeff Leeper. My daughter lost custody of my 5-year-old grandaughter due to a criminal conviction and was placed in foster care in a county different than the one in which we all lived, but she had lived with my mate and I nearly her entire life. Mr. Leeper started the process of helping me regain custody the same day I contacted him. Of course, one day of our girl being in the hands of someone other than my mate and I was too long, but Mr. Leeper pushed our case through the court with all possible haste. He kept me informed of EVERY development immediately, never failed to respond to my calls or e-mails in timely fashion, and we got our girl back, guardianship and physical custody. In the beginning the Dept. of Child Services (DCS) was just trampling on our rights as well as State law, but Jeff tactfully yet firmly forced DCS to do their job in the manner that they were supposed to. I am disabled, therefore live on very little income. Jeff Leeper did everything possible to keep the cost of his efforts within reason, allowing us to obtain first-rate representation at an affordable price. I know Mr. Leeper truly cared about us as well as the treatment of children and families by DCS overall. I can't imagine better representation at any price, and we are truly thankful for Jeff's help.
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27 Jan, 2025 by Damon williams
Jeff is honest and a straight to the point t lawyer who thoroughly explains your case and how he's going to work for you.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Phil mlchaels
GREAT LAW FIRM I WOULD USE THEM AGAIN FOR SURE THANKS JEFF.....
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19 Jan, 2024 by Karin gorman
There is no other attorney or person I trust more as it pertains to what is legally best for me or my company. Jeff is honest to the point of telling me if I am "barking up the wrong tree," He will never take a case or recommend a case that he does not feel is warranted or that you have a good case to pursue. Jeff has handled all my legal affairs for over 30 years. You could not choose anyone more qualified and with more integrity than Jeff Meunier.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Simranpal gill
I had got great result from this attorney He won my case
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09 Oct, 2024 by Hot tub bob
I had an amazing experience working with Steven Davis!. Although the process took longer than expected, (because I relocated) he remained dedicated and persistent the entire time. He was always available to answer my questions, kept me informed, and worked hard to achieve the best possible outcome. His professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to seeing things through made a challenging situation much easier. I highly recommend Mr. Davis] to anyone looking for a reliable and skilled attorney.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Irakli salaghishvili
Steve is an amazing lawyer. Me and my family cannot thank him enough. Thanks, Steve!
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04 Dec, 2024 by Mike
Very easy to work with and process was very simple and affordable.
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04 Dec, 2024 by Keena hollaway
Great communication. Timely filing. Overall great experience!
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04 Dec, 2024 by Billy hall
I had a unusual divorce and they had no issue with handling it. I had no worries about they always would answer any questions I had or concerns. Would recommend to any one needing a divorce.
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27 Jan, 2025 by Damon williams
Jeff is honest and a straight to the point t lawyer who thoroughly explains your case and how he's going to work for you.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Phil mlchaels
GREAT LAW FIRM I WOULD USE THEM AGAIN FOR SURE THANKS JEFF.....
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19 Jan, 2024 by Karin gorman
There is no other attorney or person I trust more as it pertains to what is legally best for me or my company. Jeff is honest to the point of telling me if I am "barking up the wrong tree," He will never take a case or recommend a case that he does not feel is warranted or that you have a good case to pursue. Jeff has handled all my legal affairs for over 30 years. You could not choose anyone more qualified and with more integrity than Jeff Meunier.
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27 Dec, 2024 by Emma sharkey
THE WOMEN IN THIS LAW FIRM ARE NOTHING BUT DRAMA!!! THEY DO PEOPLE SOO WRONG! i would NOT recommend this law firm at all! this law firm is very unprofessional and they sit and talk about personal problems to each other instead of keeping it private! very disrespectful and disgusting! should be very ashamed of the business being ran!!!!😡😡😡😡
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04 May, 2024 by Savier caballero
Natalie Snyder is the best. Highly recommend her as your family lawyer.
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29 Apr, 2024 by Tim farley
I can not speak highly enough of the communication and the personal feeling of being helped.
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02 Sep, 2024 by Kandace kyere
I highly recommend this law firm. Janice and her team were lovely to work with and I was well taken care of from start to finish. Their services contributed to greater freedom in my life and I am forever grateful.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Amie drudge
Janice helped navigate an extremely difficult situation. I landed in her office on accident with tears flowing and she immediately sat down with me and worked out what needed to be done. Thank you, Carmel Family Law. I would highly recommend them to anyone navigating the difficulty of divorce.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Mark howard
Janice Mattingly assisted me with my situation. I found Janice to be understanding, helpful, knowledgeable, prompt, and professional. All while not 'overselling' her services. I wish I would have gotten with 'Carmel Family Law' sooner in my situation! Highly recommend!
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12 Dec, 2024 by Tyrece dorsey
Very respectable straight forward didn’t sugarcoat anything let us know exactly what it was we always were able to contact him he got right back wit us the same day made every visit to see him! We are very pleased wit him and the outcome of the case Thank you again for everything Highly Recommend
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25 Nov, 2024 by Zayna elzein
16 Oct, 2024 by On the move transport evelyn guider
I was so pleased with his performance that I will refer him to everyone.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Tyrece dorsey
Very respectable straight forward didn’t sugarcoat anything let us know exactly what it was we always were able to contact him he got right back wit us the same day made every visit to see him! We are very pleased wit him and the outcome of the case Thank you again for everything Highly Recommend
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25 Nov, 2024 by Zayna elzein
16 Oct, 2024 by On the move transport evelyn guider
I was so pleased with his performance that I will refer him to everyone.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Tyrece dorsey
Very respectable straight forward didn’t sugarcoat anything let us know exactly what it was we always were able to contact him he got right back wit us the same day made every visit to see him! We are very pleased wit him and the outcome of the case Thank you again for everything Highly Recommend
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25 Nov, 2024 by Zayna elzein
16 Oct, 2024 by On the move transport evelyn guider
I was so pleased with his performance that I will refer him to everyone.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Tyrece dorsey
Very respectable straight forward didn’t sugarcoat anything let us know exactly what it was we always were able to contact him he got right back wit us the same day made every visit to see him! We are very pleased wit him and the outcome of the case Thank you again for everything Highly Recommend
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25 Nov, 2024 by Zayna elzein
16 Oct, 2024 by On the move transport evelyn guider
I was so pleased with his performance that I will refer him to everyone.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Sean west
03 Jul, 2024 by Madina sabirova
Charged me $500 for firing them! $500 to read my email consisting of couple words telling them I no longer want to work with them! Couple of templates filed with the county costed me over $3,000. In addition, the paperwork was supposed to be served to my spouse, it was laying in the mailbox for days, instead of being hand delivered, as promised. I received no value from their services. They scheduled a provisional hearing with the court without consulting me. I did not intend on going to court for a simple divorce case. Now I have to hire another lawyer to waive the court appearance.
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25 Jun, 2024 by Marcus shelton
Although he could not take my case, Jr gave me some great insight. Very much appreciated and it will hopefully go a long way.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Sean west
03 Jul, 2024 by Madina sabirova
Charged me $500 for firing them! $500 to read my email consisting of couple words telling them I no longer want to work with them! Couple of templates filed with the county costed me over $3,000. In addition, the paperwork was supposed to be served to my spouse, it was laying in the mailbox for days, instead of being hand delivered, as promised. I received no value from their services. They scheduled a provisional hearing with the court without consulting me. I did not intend on going to court for a simple divorce case. Now I have to hire another lawyer to waive the court appearance.
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25 Jun, 2024 by Marcus shelton
Although he could not take my case, Jr gave me some great insight. Very much appreciated and it will hopefully go a long way.
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10 Jul, 2024 by Foster mitchell
Rob is a great attorney and even better person. He cares about his clients and cares about doing what is right. I'd suggest Rob to anyone in need of an attorney for Indiana employment/labor law. Thank you Rob!!
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31 May, 2024 by Ron higdon
28 Jan, 2024 by Matt edwards
Wonderful lawyer
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23 Oct, 2024 by Laura pittounikos
really unprofessional and allows her clients to run the show
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18 Jun, 2024 by Martin cisco
Very helpful. Quick responses to both calls and e-mails. Received documents quickly. Documents were accurate and easy to understand. Pleased with all service and price.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Langston associates
Anne is great to work with! She has great availability, very responsive and explains the "why" behind the way a matter should be handled. I highly recommend her! She also has knowledgeable consultants that are willing to assist as needed on specialized aspects of counsel.
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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.
