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7 Reviews
16 Mar, 2024 by Isaac
Justin was professional and very knowledgable. Guided me through every step when I had no idea what I was doing just trying my best. He never wasted time and was composed in the courtroom and ready for anything we had to overcome. Thank you so much Justin
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29 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
I had a very complicated situation and Justin was amazing throughout the entire process. He made sure that I understood all of my options, and always answered my questions quickly, even outside of his normal hours. I hope I don’t ever need his services again, but if I do, I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out.
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26 Feb, 2024 by Mary
I google searched when I needed a lawyer and Arenson Law Group came up. I started reading the testimonials - I kept reading about Justin and the wonderful job he did for his clients. So, I decided I also needed him to represent me during my divorce and I am extremely happy he was available. I would recommend him to anyone, he was professional, kind, easy to talk to and work with.
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05 Oct, 2022 by Mariano huerta
I think I am very good defenders, they care and answer all your questions, I will hire them
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28 Nov, 2021 by Karen muters
Personable, efficient, reliable individuals
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19 Feb, 2020 by Matt milburn
Just wanted to say that Rachel McCrate at this firm is awesome! Always professional, listens to my thoughts and concerns and most importantly is just a flat out smart attorney. Super glad to have her on my side when I have needed her!! Would recommend her to anyone!
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17 Mar, 2016 by Conan's dad
Working to get the custody of my son. I had tried two others attorneys before in family issues, but Mr. Fisher is for sure the best and most ethical one. He explained to me clearly how strong my case really was, with all the pros and cons if we went one way or another. We tried to go to arbitration, as it’s required by law first in Iowa, but we had to change the mediator because it was handpicked by the opposing party. His legal assistant is also very kind, knows her job well, and it’s always kind and courteous in all matters. I don’t know much about the rest of the law firm, I imagine it’s also good and ethical too, but I can say that with attorney Fisher, he knows how to handle legal matters very well and is also very time efficient. He’s not the cheapest attorney in CR, but he’s also very reasonable. At the end, you get what you pay for.
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14 Mar, 2023 by Disgruntled mother
About 8 years ago he represented my ex at my 2nd domestic violence hearing (me being victim, and pregnant both times) and intimidated me into dropping the restraining order with the promise of seeing my daughter. That was a LIE! they went to the judge and asked for 5050 legal and my ex with primary physical and any interaction with my daughter was to my ex discretion. Fast forward to today and 9 dhs reports with 6 founded cases of abuse or neglect and 1 criminal charge against the step mom for smacking my 10 yro daughter (who has cp) across the face for a fruit snack. THANK YOU JOHN FOR HELPING MY ABUSER WHO NOW ABUSES OUR DAUGHTER.
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29 Oct, 2020 by Derek r
10 Sep, 2024 by Donna yeggy
Keep us well informed and updated. Explained everything through out the process. Better then expected results. Would use this firm again if needed.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Heidi debrobander
First experience with a Law Firm! I was so impressed by the honesty transparency and patience with Laura S. This 3 year trek was stressful but we worked together quite well. Tom F took over for a time and he was just as awesome. We just settled and I’m very happy with the result. Dont hesitate to contact RSH!!
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02 Sep, 2024 by I am dj
I was displeased with the lack of preservation of evidence. I was displeased with paying almost $400 per hour only to get blitzed 24 hours before an appeal deadline. Had I not reviewed it, the officers assault on me would have been severely downplayed in words by Ray. That really has got me upset.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Donna yeggy
Keep us well informed and updated. Explained everything through out the process. Better then expected results. Would use this firm again if needed.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Heidi debrobander
First experience with a Law Firm! I was so impressed by the honesty transparency and patience with Laura S. This 3 year trek was stressful but we worked together quite well. Tom F took over for a time and he was just as awesome. We just settled and I’m very happy with the result. Dont hesitate to contact RSH!!
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13 Aug, 2024 by Melissa hollon
10 Sep, 2024 by Donna yeggy
Keep us well informed and updated. Explained everything through out the process. Better then expected results. Would use this firm again if needed.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Heidi debrobander
First experience with a Law Firm! I was so impressed by the honesty transparency and patience with Laura S. This 3 year trek was stressful but we worked together quite well. Tom F took over for a time and he was just as awesome. We just settled and I’m very happy with the result. Dont hesitate to contact RSH!!
Read more
02 Sep, 2024 by I am dj
I was displeased with the lack of preservation of evidence. I was displeased with paying almost $400 per hour only to get blitzed 24 hours before an appeal deadline. Had I not reviewed it, the officers assault on me would have been severely downplayed in words by Ray. That really has got me upset.
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26 Jun, 2024 by Shanna m.
17 May, 2024 by Abby leonard
Simmons Perrine is a great firm! The staff and attorneys are knowledgeable and very helpful, I would recommend it to anyone looking for legal services.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Timothy mclees
26 Jun, 2024 by Shanna m.
17 May, 2024 by Abby leonard
Simmons Perrine is a great firm! The staff and attorneys are knowledgeable and very helpful, I would recommend it to anyone looking for legal services.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Timothy mclees
26 Jun, 2024 by Shanna m.
17 May, 2024 by Abby leonard
Simmons Perrine is a great firm! The staff and attorneys are knowledgeable and very helpful, I would recommend it to anyone looking for legal services.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Timothy mclees
26 Jun, 2024 by Shanna m.
17 May, 2024 by Abby leonard
Simmons Perrine is a great firm! The staff and attorneys are knowledgeable and very helpful, I would recommend it to anyone looking for legal services.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Timothy mclees
30 Oct, 2022 by Shaun nelson
Best attorneys I have ever worked with ever with my business of having Bank issues with payments not being credited to the account and they're taken care of the problem with the bank to get them on the correct page
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03 Feb, 2022 by James sinnott
27 Aug, 2021 by H tinia
I have my business with them because the Google review is 4.9 out of 5. But my experience is pretty bad . my husband sent email to them for what's going on with our case , never got answer for short time , alway have to wait over 15 days . Obviously they DON'T care about SMALL case's customers.
Answer to the office: YES, It's Day Rettig Martin,P.C. You could not find my name in your list because my husband is the only one who contacting you. I already said MY HUSBEND send emails to you. you should read MORE carfully. Good law worker always notice the details that 's necessary.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Always peace
I requested a consult last week using the submission form. I used the BBB site to email them, it has been three business days and no response. I called once and received a recording, did not leave a message due to privacy. Are they out of business or just don't need or want the work ? I will move on.
When I see that CLO responds to another reviewer with "Our attorneys unfortunately cannot contact everyone who believes they have a case" is unprofessional. The web site makes it appear they are well staffed, every request for a consult deserves a response even if it is not a lawyer. Bad customer service and I am a member of their community.
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18 Dec, 2023 by Sarah foley
I’d highly recommend the Community Law Office in Cedar Rapids. Ben is an incredible lawyer. He has been a huge help in guiding us through the process, answering our questions and explaining things so that they make sense. Ben is very knowledgeable, approachable and experienced as a lawyer and gave us great peace of mind going through each step in the process. Thank you Ben and team at CLO for all your support!
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17 Dec, 2023 by Shane fuller
Wonderful experienced curious and kind attorneys! Great people who will work for you!
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09 Jul, 2024 by Al austin
Mr. Moriarty Has Been A Wonderful Help with my Life In General,,, I Am Not A Easy Person To Work With But He Has Seen His Way To Laugh And Keep Giving A Helping Hand,,, 10 Stars To This Awesome Person...
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27 Mar, 2024 by Jennifer miller
Mr Moriarty helped my family remove a problem tenant who refused to pay rent and was harassing us. His service was prompt, professional and worth every cent. If you want a good lawyer that has your best interest at heart then you won't find one better then James.
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31 Dec, 2023 by Brad varner
Mr Moriarty is an excellent lawyer. I would recommend him for any legal process that you're currently facing I guarantee you he'll have your back.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Kelly tomkins
08 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
In my mind, Dana handles your case like she would if she was representing her own family. She works tirelessly to help you work towards your desired outcome. She has been my lawyer through several cases and I have always been impressed. You can visit with her for a very short period of time and then when in court she is able to convey your messages flawlessly. I couldn't be more impressed with her. If you hire her you will be in good hands.
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07 May, 2024 by Patrick madison
Men, steer clear of this place...Here's the reasons why.
...It's exactly how all of these other reviews are. Dana Judas is one of the worst attorneys we have ever hired. We have hired numerous real estate and family law lawyers throughout the years. Hands down doesn't have any fight, sided with other counsel numerous times just to get a tentative decision without going to court. Would go as far as to begin deals without consulting us.
WE created all the exhibits, and she billed us for that.
We would ask a question about the case and wouldn't receive a call back for weeks. When she did call back she wouldn't have anything prepped from our exhibits, emails. Prepping for court we went in and she wouldn't have anything figured out as she was trying to ask questions about all the info we had already sent her, which means no review at all. We put down a retainer for court and our first visit with her things starting going south. She started getting frustrated by us having an opinion of how we wanted the problem handled. Save your money,
They conveniently billed out the retainer to the max without going to court . My belief it was to keep our money (BTW). Just shows distrust. She stated the retainer would be for review, prep, and hearing. You know most of the retainer is when you sit in court all day. Didn't end up in court because i was feeling she wasn't qualified to handle my case. Either she was getting fired or withdrawing from the case. She didn't even file all of our exhibits. Once again conveniently billed it all the way up to our full retainer.
What a joke! If you're a guy it's tough already. Having an attorney that doesn't fight makes it even worse.
She just laughed and said my wife sent her a thank you email saying "sorry it ended up like this".
I mean what else is someone suppose to say "with class" to part ways with someone who doesn't perform their job correctly.
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09 Jul, 2024 by Al austin
Mr. Moriarty Has Been A Wonderful Help with my Life In General,,, I Am Not A Easy Person To Work With But He Has Seen His Way To Laugh And Keep Giving A Helping Hand,,, 10 Stars To This Awesome Person...
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27 Mar, 2024 by Jennifer miller
Mr Moriarty helped my family remove a problem tenant who refused to pay rent and was harassing us. His service was prompt, professional and worth every cent. If you want a good lawyer that has your best interest at heart then you won't find one better then James.
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31 Dec, 2023 by Brad varner
Mr Moriarty is an excellent lawyer. I would recommend him for any legal process that you're currently facing I guarantee you he'll have your back.
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09 Jul, 2024 by Al austin
Mr. Moriarty Has Been A Wonderful Help with my Life In General,,, I Am Not A Easy Person To Work With But He Has Seen His Way To Laugh And Keep Giving A Helping Hand,,, 10 Stars To This Awesome Person...
Read more
27 Mar, 2024 by Jennifer miller
Mr Moriarty helped my family remove a problem tenant who refused to pay rent and was harassing us. His service was prompt, professional and worth every cent. If you want a good lawyer that has your best interest at heart then you won't find one better then James.
Read more
31 Dec, 2023 by Brad varner
Mr Moriarty is an excellent lawyer. I would recommend him for any legal process that you're currently facing I guarantee you he'll have your back.
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13 Jul, 2024 by Andrew gallagher
Victoria and her staff are knowledgeable, resourceful, and courteous with an expert level dedication to your case and all relevant details and findings. My case was complex and multifaceted, and it was handled with class, tenacity, and thorough follow through. Would recommend to anyone needing a top level no nonsense attorney. Everything you could want and expect in your time of need and professionalism.
My case was emotionally exhausting, and the countless hours her team spent preparing, researching, corroborating testimony, precedents, and obtaining records I had not previously possessed contributed to an extremely well prepared case at trial. From start to finish, she reminded me of the positives we had in front of us and urged me to lean on faith, wisdom, and love as I trusted the process. The decision came back favourable and I couldn’t have imagined getting here without Victoria and her team.
Eternally grateful for all your help and skills when I needed them the most.
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05 Jul, 2024 by Aubrey
Victoria was more than prepared for me , was responsive, and explained things and answered questions in layman’s terms, so that I would feel comfortable. I couldn’t be happier with her level of care , concern, and expertise. I appreciate her and her staff all of their time and commitment to me.
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30 Dec, 2023 by Vanessa mackey
To long of await for my food
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16 Sep, 2024 by Cari zeimet
Amazing experience! Laura and John are quick and thorough!
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25 Feb, 2024 by Pam schlee
12 Jul, 2023 by J will
They're very efficient and quick to help. After my Dad passed away, they helped my Mom with all her Power of Attorney and Living Will needs as well as any Estate Planning that we needed to have done. They were amazing, if we had to leave messages. They were quick to get back to us. Highly recommend them!
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5.0
4 Reviews
4.2
86 Reviews
13 Sep, 2024 by June smith
I know someone that personally used them and if you have a complicated case, they were absolutely worthless and refuse to use evidence.
Thousands of dollars down the tubes and they will keep reeling you in knowing they don’t have a chance. Do not choose Tom Viner!!!
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25 Jul, 2024 by Pica “tiff any” chu
I don't usually write reviews that pertain to businesses that handle personal matters for me. However, Tom and Cassandra are most deserving of recognition for professionalism, knowledge in the field of family law, and timeliness. I agree with the other positive reviews about Tom in that he is direct with his advice and will make sure you know all of the possible outcomes. Tom and Cassandra both have a way of keeping meetings short and uncomplicated. Tom works very well with Cassandra-who also gets straight to the point. They both return phone calls in a reasonable time frame and find time to schedule last minute appointments in a squeeze. I will hire this firm again if I have to. My only complaint is that I didn't hire them sooner.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Alex cabrera morales
Tom was amazing to work with. Very straight forward and guided me through every step of the process. Smart man who knows what he’s doing. I high recommend hiring Tom with your legal needs.
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26 Jun, 2024 by Shanna m.
17 May, 2024 by Abby leonard
Simmons Perrine is a great firm! The staff and attorneys are knowledgeable and very helpful, I would recommend it to anyone looking for legal services.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Timothy mclees
13 Sep, 2024 by June smith
I know someone that personally used them and if you have a complicated case, they were absolutely worthless and refuse to use evidence.
Thousands of dollars down the tubes and they will keep reeling you in knowing they don’t have a chance. Do not choose Tom Viner!!!
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25 Jul, 2024 by Pica “tiff any” chu
I don't usually write reviews that pertain to businesses that handle personal matters for me. However, Tom and Cassandra are most deserving of recognition for professionalism, knowledge in the field of family law, and timeliness. I agree with the other positive reviews about Tom in that he is direct with his advice and will make sure you know all of the possible outcomes. Tom and Cassandra both have a way of keeping meetings short and uncomplicated. Tom works very well with Cassandra-who also gets straight to the point. They both return phone calls in a reasonable time frame and find time to schedule last minute appointments in a squeeze. I will hire this firm again if I have to. My only complaint is that I didn't hire them sooner.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Alex cabrera morales
Tom was amazing to work with. Very straight forward and guided me through every step of the process. Smart man who knows what he’s doing. I high recommend hiring Tom with your legal needs.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Mia barrios
02 Oct, 2024 by Eric weber
Alex did alot at the beginning of the trial but as time went on near the birth of his baby I didn't get emails. I waited a couple of months until something huge happened just to be told he no longer was working with me because he had a huge case load. I was mortified as he had been working with me a couple of years and knew my case and my ex narcassist unacceptable behaviors. I did owe $2k but as soon as mediation was going to happen, I had plans on paying it all off, but because of this, I had to get a new lawyer and only make small payments to Alex. I will say they did give me my files back.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Rachel pennel
Alex Momany was the best thing that could have happened to me. He was hired about a month prior to my trial date. My previous attorney had underperformed. I was in such mental and emotional distress after the temporary hearing, and financially maxed I still continued with my original attorney, until he stopped practicing and I was forced to find another one. Hiring Alex was TRULY THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED, I just wish I had hired him originally.
Alex saved what he could of the mess my original attorney had created and did it with grace and poise. He is professional, straight forward and makes you feel heard and valued. I will recommend Alex ever single time and will absolutely hire him if I need an attorney in the future.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Mia barrios
02 Oct, 2024 by Eric weber
Alex did alot at the beginning of the trial but as time went on near the birth of his baby I didn't get emails. I waited a couple of months until something huge happened just to be told he no longer was working with me because he had a huge case load. I was mortified as he had been working with me a couple of years and knew my case and my ex narcassist unacceptable behaviors. I did owe $2k but as soon as mediation was going to happen, I had plans on paying it all off, but because of this, I had to get a new lawyer and only make small payments to Alex. I will say they did give me my files back.
Read more
20 Sep, 2024 by Rachel pennel
Alex Momany was the best thing that could have happened to me. He was hired about a month prior to my trial date. My previous attorney had underperformed. I was in such mental and emotional distress after the temporary hearing, and financially maxed I still continued with my original attorney, until he stopped practicing and I was forced to find another one. Hiring Alex was TRULY THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED, I just wish I had hired him originally.
Alex saved what he could of the mess my original attorney had created and did it with grace and poise. He is professional, straight forward and makes you feel heard and valued. I will recommend Alex ever single time and will absolutely hire him if I need an attorney in the future.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Mia barrios
02 Oct, 2024 by Eric weber
Alex did alot at the beginning of the trial but as time went on near the birth of his baby I didn't get emails. I waited a couple of months until something huge happened just to be told he no longer was working with me because he had a huge case load. I was mortified as he had been working with me a couple of years and knew my case and my ex narcassist unacceptable behaviors. I did owe $2k but as soon as mediation was going to happen, I had plans on paying it all off, but because of this, I had to get a new lawyer and only make small payments to Alex. I will say they did give me my files back.
Read more
20 Sep, 2024 by Rachel pennel
Alex Momany was the best thing that could have happened to me. He was hired about a month prior to my trial date. My previous attorney had underperformed. I was in such mental and emotional distress after the temporary hearing, and financially maxed I still continued with my original attorney, until he stopped practicing and I was forced to find another one. Hiring Alex was TRULY THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED, I just wish I had hired him originally.
Alex saved what he could of the mess my original attorney had created and did it with grace and poise. He is professional, straight forward and makes you feel heard and valued. I will recommend Alex ever single time and will absolutely hire him if I need an attorney in the future.
Read more
07 Oct, 2024 by Mia barrios
02 Oct, 2024 by Eric weber
Alex did alot at the beginning of the trial but as time went on near the birth of his baby I didn't get emails. I waited a couple of months until something huge happened just to be told he no longer was working with me because he had a huge case load. I was mortified as he had been working with me a couple of years and knew my case and my ex narcassist unacceptable behaviors. I did owe $2k but as soon as mediation was going to happen, I had plans on paying it all off, but because of this, I had to get a new lawyer and only make small payments to Alex. I will say they did give me my files back.
Read more
20 Sep, 2024 by Rachel pennel
Alex Momany was the best thing that could have happened to me. He was hired about a month prior to my trial date. My previous attorney had underperformed. I was in such mental and emotional distress after the temporary hearing, and financially maxed I still continued with my original attorney, until he stopped practicing and I was forced to find another one. Hiring Alex was TRULY THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED, I just wish I had hired him originally.
Alex saved what he could of the mess my original attorney had created and did it with grace and poise. He is professional, straight forward and makes you feel heard and valued. I will recommend Alex ever single time and will absolutely hire him if I need an attorney in the future.
Read more
03 Nov, 2017 by Matt
Jase prepared wills & trusts for my wife and I. He was professional and engaging. He also provided some keen insights which we implemented but would not have had the foresight to cover on our own. Jase also charges a very reasonable fee. For all the reasons above, I have referred a number of people to him.
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02 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Jase for a Real Estate transaction. Not only was he super helpful and easy to work with, his staff was very helpful as well. From start to finish he walked me through the process of buying my first home. The documents were put together and explained to me using language that I could understand. I was super impressed with the way he handles business. 10 out of 10 would work with again!
Thank you for making my life super easy during what should have been a stressful time in my life.
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01 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
I had a great experience at Howes Law Firm! Jase was a great attorney to work with! He was friendly, very attentive with my case. Fair priced and very thorough with explaining everything. I would recommend him to any and everyone!
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31 Jul, 2024 by Kelly tomkins
07 May, 2024 by Patrick madison
Men, steer clear of this place...Here's the reasons why.
...It's exactly how all of these other reviews are. Dana Judas is one of the worst attorneys we have ever hired. We have hired numerous real estate and family law lawyers throughout the years. Hands down doesn't have any fight, sided with other counsel numerous times just to get a tentative decision without going to court. Would go as far as to begin deals without consulting us.
WE created all the exhibits, and she billed us for that.
We would ask a question about the case and wouldn't receive a call back for weeks. When she did call back she wouldn't have anything prepped from our exhibits, emails. Prepping for court we went in and she wouldn't have anything figured out as she was trying to ask questions about all the info we had already sent her, which means no review at all. We put down a retainer for court and our first visit with her things starting going south. She started getting frustrated by us having an opinion of how we wanted the problem handled. Save your money,
They conveniently billed out the retainer to the max without going to court . My belief it was to keep our money (BTW). Just shows distrust. She stated the retainer would be for review, prep, and hearing. You know most of the retainer is when you sit in court all day. Didn't end up in court because i was feeling she wasn't qualified to handle my case. Either she was getting fired or withdrawing from the case. She didn't even file all of our exhibits. Once again conveniently billed it all the way up to our full retainer.
What a joke! If you're a guy it's tough already. Having an attorney that doesn't fight makes it even worse.
She just laughed and said my wife sent her a thank you email saying "sorry it ended up like this".
I mean what else is someone suppose to say "with class" to part ways with someone who doesn't perform their job correctly.
Read more
28 Jan, 2024 by Deanna smith
Greg Usher and staff are a great group to have on your side. Highly recommend
Read more
14 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
Calls my case for being falsely imprisoned, cops using excessive force fracturing my ribs and not read Miranda rights garbage. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS GARBAGE LAWYER HE IS UN AMERICAN.
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29 Oct, 2020 by Derek r
Discover the ideal lawyer
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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.
