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12 Dec, 2024 by Austin brewer
Worst law firm that I have ever dealt with. I would totally recommend someone else. Southpark family law is unprofessional on all levels. They will not take time for you nor your case but will take the time to collect or ask about there money over and over. They don’t follow their own contracts. You can never get a hold of Meg and then you have multiple people in your file when you hired only one lawyer. I really don’t understand how any of them have there License to do this. I’m telling yall to stay away from this law firm, they will totally disappoint you.
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27 Nov, 2024 by Amanda wuelfing
I paid this firm over a month ago to complete a simple deed transaction for me. We had a call to discuss exactly what I needed and was assured this was not a problem. They would never respond to me by phone even though I was told I would be called back by the receptionist on multiple occasions. Over the month I never received details on the process. At the end of the month they sent me an email to tell me they were not experienced enough to handle my simple deed transfer and refunded me my money. Throughout the process I simply needed follow up or a call to discuss the status. I don't like to leave a bad review but this was very disappointing.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Elizabeth plageman
Jeneva Vazquez has been super helpful with helping my entire family with estate planning. She’s responsive, professional, and great to work with!
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22 Nov, 2024 by Christopher allen
John C. Woodman at Essex Richards, P.A., was exceptional in handling our business bankruptcy and the associated hearings. He was always fair, prompt, honest, and highly responsive. John understood the complexities of our situation, including the emotions and embarrassment tied to a large-scale asset case, and guided us with compassion and professionalism.
Thanks to his thorough and thoughtful approach, we felt supported throughout the process. Because of the care and expertise shown, we will undoubtedly rely on John and his firm for any future legal matters. He is highly recommend!
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10 Sep, 2024 by Jay poff
They are honest and made me feel like a priority. I will always utilize their services
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20 Jun, 2024 by Reuben burton
John Woodman and his partners and staff are amazing in their capacity to do their jobs and connect personally with their clients. When and if you or your company needs representation for litigation or bankruptcy you would struggle to find better counsel and friends.
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5.0
1 Reviews
4.5
432 Reviews
20 Jan, 2025 by Maria gonzalez
Cherry Sui was my paralegal. Quinn did a great job on my case. Everyone in the building are amazing people who helped me. The process was quick and they did an terrific job.
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20 Jan, 2025 by Jose portillo
This staff is a the worse I ever have spoken to, I was, referred y my cousin carlos portillo the attorney queen has his case , he told me he walked in and really fast spoke with the lawyer, but I had very bad experience with the rude stuff, there I waited for over a month for an interview with the lawyer, but I miss the appointment, cuz I was sick and else forgot, cus so long, so I call to see if I could at least do tbe interview over the phone but they. Were mad when they talk to me , saying it’s my responsibility, yes and many other things, I can’t say, I don’t understand how they keep Mr queen a good business I guess he works hard for it cuz with stuff like this, is going to lose costumers, I will calm all my family and friends I’ve been here for 27 years I know Olot ppl, and ppl that works for the radio station, maybe this way they change this stuff, of the attorney finds out about it,
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20 Jan, 2025 by -jenny angeles
100% Le recomiendo este abogado a Mathew Quinn Y su asistente Rafaela Pérez que le ayudó a mi mamá con su caso ya le llegó su residencia
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23 Jan, 2025 by Casey graham
23 Jan, 2025 by Deleana bell
They told me that being raped in jail by an officer is not a serious enough of an injury to file a lawsuit. Smh. That completely confused me!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Jia ulasi
23 Jan, 2025 by Casey graham
23 Jan, 2025 by Deleana bell
They told me that being raped in jail by an officer is not a serious enough of an injury to file a lawsuit. Smh. That completely confused me!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Jia ulasi
23 Jan, 2025 by Casey graham
23 Jan, 2025 by Deleana bell
They told me that being raped in jail by an officer is not a serious enough of an injury to file a lawsuit. Smh. That completely confused me!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Jia ulasi
23 Jan, 2025 by Casey graham
23 Jan, 2025 by Deleana bell
They told me that being raped in jail by an officer is not a serious enough of an injury to file a lawsuit. Smh. That completely confused me!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Jia ulasi
23 Jan, 2025 by Casey graham
23 Jan, 2025 by Deleana bell
They told me that being raped in jail by an officer is not a serious enough of an injury to file a lawsuit. Smh. That completely confused me!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Jia ulasi
23 Jan, 2025 by Casey graham
23 Jan, 2025 by Deleana bell
They told me that being raped in jail by an officer is not a serious enough of an injury to file a lawsuit. Smh. That completely confused me!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Jia ulasi
23 Jan, 2025 by Casey graham
23 Jan, 2025 by Deleana bell
They told me that being raped in jail by an officer is not a serious enough of an injury to file a lawsuit. Smh. That completely confused me!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Jia ulasi
23 Jan, 2025 by Casey graham
23 Jan, 2025 by Deleana bell
They told me that being raped in jail by an officer is not a serious enough of an injury to file a lawsuit. Smh. That completely confused me!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Jia ulasi
23 Jan, 2025 by Casey graham
23 Jan, 2025 by Deleana bell
They told me that being raped in jail by an officer is not a serious enough of an injury to file a lawsuit. Smh. That completely confused me!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Jia ulasi
23 Jan, 2025 by Casey graham
23 Jan, 2025 by Deleana bell
They told me that being raped in jail by an officer is not a serious enough of an injury to file a lawsuit. Smh. That completely confused me!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Jia ulasi
23 Jan, 2025 by Casey graham
23 Jan, 2025 by Deleana bell
They told me that being raped in jail by an officer is not a serious enough of an injury to file a lawsuit. Smh. That completely confused me!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Jia ulasi
30 Dec, 2019 by Ricardo
So, I'd first like to say how impressed I am with Roberts Law Group! This is a phenomenal law firm whom is genuinely concerned with the outcome of their client's situation. I hired Ms. Miranda Mills and she did an amazing job representing me in and out of the courtroom. My mind was truly put at ease whenever I was in the presence of my awesome attorney. Thanks again for all the time, effort, and hardwork you implemented on my behalf Ms. Mills! Way to go on a job well done.
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28 Jan, 2019 by Joe
Miranda Mills was the most convincing reason that charges were not pursued. I feel that the firm did an excellent job in representing my interests.
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07 Jan, 2019 by Emmanuel
Miranda Mills was professional throughout our time fighting this case. Our son was cleared of all accusations and able to get his life back. This would not have been possible without the guidance of Mrs. Mills and staff.
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18 Jan, 2025 by Danielle davis
If I could leave negative stars, I would. Tiasha Wray was the worst thing that could've happened to my son during his custody case. I found and retained Ms. Wray trying to 1. Support a black attorney and 2. Thinking that she would understand the importance of my 2 grandsons having their father in their lives. I paid the $5000 retainer and received very little in return. She was rarely available and seldom returned calls. My grandsons endured abuse at the hands of someone in their mom's house and my son took the kids and reached out to Ms. Wray for guidance and she didn't return his calls. She was unprepared for court appearances and would continue the case repeatedly due to her failure to prepare. There is a loooooong list of points where she dropped the ball. I would be typing for days if I listed them all. We ultimately ended up having to retain another attorney for the case because of her poor performance. After spending $3500 more dollars to retain another attorney, we tried to recoup some of our money by contacting the NC Bar Association. She lied and came up with a list of things she claims to have done and only said we were only entitled to a couple hundred dollars, which we never got. It's cool though because karma is real and she knows she wasn't right. I would NEVER use her again, nor would I recommend her services to anyone unless you want to just give money away with no results.
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21 Nov, 2024 by Lawrence scott
Great knowledge and service
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09 Aug, 2024 by Jarrett bolden
Great team to work with. Hunt law came through for me. Very professional while also being down to earth.
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4.4
7 Reviews
4.5
77 Reviews
13 Nov, 2024 by Sarah hillock
21 Sep, 2024 by Dee hall
Our family has unfortunately needed the Epperson Law Group's help far too many times, but they have been EXCELLENT at resolving all our needs every time. They have all been attentive and knowledgeable, and have taken care of each situation with professionalism and expertise. We will always come back when we need them. Highly recommend!
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21 Sep, 2024 by Kim pope
Thank you to James and the entire team at Epperson Law! I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to represent me and my interests in a very difficult time. Highly recommend!
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06 Jan, 2025 by Brett
Mr. Navarro provided great service from start to finish representing me for a traffic citation.
I would recommend him for this type of service based on his communication and professional manner in which he handled my cases.
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18 Nov, 2024 by Joell
I am extremely satisfied with the services Mike provided. He was responsive, knowledgeable, and attentive to my needs every step of the way. He demonstrated a high level of expertise and commitment, ensuring everything was handled smoothly and efficiently. I truly appreciate his dedication to qualityand customer satisfaction, and I would highly recommend Mike's services to others.
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17 Nov, 2024 by Carrie
He was so helpful, professional, understanding, readily available, and most importantly supportive! To go through such a challenging, stressful, and emotional experience as divorce, I am extremely appreciative to have a lawyer like Mr. Navarro who always put me at ease with his wise and helpful counsel.
Thank You So Much! So blessed to have found you!
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18 Jan, 2025 by Danielle davis
If I could leave negative stars, I would. Tiasha Wray was the worst thing that could've happened to my son during his custody case. I found and retained Ms. Wray trying to 1. Support a black attorney and 2. Thinking that she would understand the importance of my 2 grandsons having their father in their lives. I paid the $5000 retainer and received very little in return. She was rarely available and seldom returned calls. My grandsons endured abuse at the hands of someone in their mom's house and my son took the kids and reached out to Ms. Wray for guidance and she didn't return his calls. She was unprepared for court appearances and would continue the case repeatedly due to her failure to prepare. There is a loooooong list of points where she dropped the ball. I would be typing for days if I listed them all. We ultimately ended up having to retain another attorney for the case because of her poor performance. After spending $3500 more dollars to retain another attorney, we tried to recoup some of our money by contacting the NC Bar Association. She lied and came up with a list of things she claims to have done and only said we were only entitled to a couple hundred dollars, which we never got. It's cool though because karma is real and she knows she wasn't right. I would NEVER use her again, nor would I recommend her services to anyone unless you want to just give money away with no results.
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21 Nov, 2024 by Lawrence scott
Great knowledge and service
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09 Aug, 2024 by Jarrett bolden
Great team to work with. Hunt law came through for me. Very professional while also being down to earth.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Cincear weaver
22 Jan, 2025 by Quentin daniels
Very polite very fast and always has your best interest
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21 Jan, 2025 by Ernestine goldsberry
20 Jun, 2022 by Garrett
Greg and his staff were quick to respond. Certainly no complaints there. He and his team are true professionals. Greg took time to tell me all the things I needed to do to be fully prepared.
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06 Feb, 2022 by Tara
About 10 years ago, I hired Gregory Plumide as my attorney. I thought he did a great job representing me. I was never in trouble with the law and always followed the rules. I was petrified the first time I went to court because I was never in trouble before. I wasn't happy with the child support that I was receiving because I compared it to others and felt that it wasn't the same as others but it did help me get by since my husband left the state and he made about 3 times as much as I did. When my husband initially left, I wasn't receiving any child support until I followed up with court. My ex made an excuse and delayed coming to court which the court honored so it delayed me getting child support due to his job. My attorney, Gregory Plumide at the time did not tell me to file a motion for child support so I did not get paid from my ex for all of the previous months that I was on my own. I did not know that I could do this until my ex-husband did this to me years later. I did not get paid child support for 7 months while I had both kids and he did not have any kids, 10 years ago. I was struggling finding a full time job since I was only a substitute teacher and did not have connections. Gregory Plumide did not support me with his at all. He handed me off to Michael Romano which I was also disappointed with Michael down the road. The judge at the time also did not catch this. I was on food stamps and not making ends meet with 2 kids at the time. Years later, my son moved to live with his father, this is when I found out about the motion to file for child support. My ex-husband filed before my son even moved in with him trying to take an extra month of child support away from me. He stopped paying me child support years ago and Michael did help me with this so the money was garnished out of my ex husband's paycheck so I continued to get extra money from my ex until we were seen by the judge. I bought a house in a safe place for my kids so I have expenses that has not changed since my son moved in with his father. I thought since I didn't get any child support for months in the beginning of our divorce, that I would not have to pay my ex back. The same judge that never granted me backpay of child support while I was on food stamps and not making ends meet, granted my ex the back pay and I now have to pay him back. I was told that he had my son so I shouldn't be getting all that money. I understand that but what about when I suffered for the first year of our separation and he didn't pay me what he was supposed to. Her response was that it was along time ago. I would have understood this if I had help in the beginning so now I am suffering then and now. I would have know the law and prepared myself, if Mr. Plumide helped me the correct way, in the beginning and I received the child support that I was entitled to from the start, this divorce would have been easier on me. Please make sure that you know the law, if you have never been to court before or in trouble with the law. In addition, hopefully Mr. Plumide is providing you with all of the information since he is now a criminal defense attorney! I learned the hard way that at the end of the day, you need to protect yourself and look over all documents!
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10 Nov, 2021 by Michael
I've retained Mr. Plumides for a decade now. From family court for custody of a minor child all the way to a federal criminal matter. I'm here to tell you he's a very special type of attorney, one that will call you on a Sunday morning when you're upset over your case, a champion of the people and clients alike, as humble as they come and has inspired me and continues to inspire me long after our cases wrapped up. If you're on the fence with who to hire just go and at the very least sit down with him for a consult, you'll see exactly what im referring to.
Michael Neighbors
A Single father with sole custody and virtually no criminal record.
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17 Apr, 2018 by Laurel
Libby James is an amazing attorney. I hired her during the worst part of my life: my divorce and custody and dispute I was broken and clueless. She fought for me, advised me, and navigated me.
She made the worse part of my life bearable. She kicked tail.
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08 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Libby is a bulldog in divorce cases. She ran circles around my ex's 'country' lawyer, and got me the best settlement package imaginable. We never had to go to court, and she controlled the entire nasty situation after my wife's infidelity. I got the kids, the house, the cars, and alimony payments, and my ex has to write a check for 12 years to pay for her indiscretions.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Serenity fogel
Roseman law firm was great they walked me through the process, kept me updated, and answered all my questions.They were also super patient and nice it was great working with them.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Brian shell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Attorney Connelly is outstanding. He’s incredibly communicative, transparent, and always provides thoughtful advice on the best course of action. Throughout the process, he kept me informed and made sure I understood every step, which gave me a lot of confidence. Thanks to his expertise, he achieved an outcome that exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend Attorney Connelly to anyone in need of a dedicated and skilled attorney.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Ahmed el-sayed
Easy to work with and great communication.
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24 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Going through a divorce is not fun for anyone and hiring Tonya absolutely helped me through this chapter. Having an attorney who genuinely cared about me and my daughter made all the difference. Tonya is knowledgeable in all areas of family law.
At times when I didn't think the laws were fair, her expertise navigated me through. She provided encouragement when I needed it and kept things real. No one wins in these situations, but I believe everything turned out as good as it could. If any other family law situations arise where I need legal representation, I will hire Tonya again and definitely recommend her services.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Kara
I initially hired a different attorney that I was referred to. Roughly 2.5 weeks in I knew I needed to make a change quickly. I'm so happy I made that change as quickly as I did to retain Tonya. My consult with her was 90 minutes which I loved because it gave me time to go over everything with her and for her to come up with a plan of action right on the spot. At the end of a long and tumultuous separation and divorce, I am pleased with the outcome Tonya was able to obtain for me and my kids. I don't say any of this lightly and truly believe the universe was looking out for me. Tonya is extremely skilled in many areas of the law. She's strategic, kind, ethical, and honest. The amount of attention and detail she put into my case while working on so many other cases impressed me. Some other things that stand out to me is her work ethic and genuine care for my kids and I. I went through two mediations with her and she's top notch at negotiations and and has strong argument skills. Seriously the best!
Tonya went above and beyond to help me with mindset and see things a different way which helped me become a better person through this very difficult time in my life. I never felt judged by her when crying as much as I did when having to speak to her about some of the awful things that happened to me in my marriage. Tonya always explained the law to me while still hearing what my goals were and tried her best to help me reach each them. While working on each step of the process, she put a tremendous amount of detail into her instructions to set me up for success.
One example of her work ethic is when working on Discovery for me, there was a mishap with one of her emails making it's way to my spam folder instead of my inbox. This caused her to not hear back from me for the last and final step, yet she still made it a point to get it filed in time. She really left no stone unturned through each step.
I appreciate that Tonya didn't just tell me what she thought I wanted to hear, she was straight forward with me about the laws and specifically in my county (Union County, NC). She had many ideas to help my case...some I was on board with and others I wasn't always crazy about, but one thing is for sure, she was always accurate and I saw results in my favor many times. I quickly realized that I can trust her and she is HIGHLY SKILLED at her craft.
Her follow up and follow through is impeccable! She's not just any attorney, she also shows her human side which is the perfect mix I needed. I could not have made it through this divorce without her and very highly recommend scheduling a consult with her if you're looking for a family law attorney in Mecklenburg or Union County, NC. I could probably write a novel about my experience with Tonya, but these are just some highlights. :-)
Some words of advice to keep in mind is that attorneys are not perfect (because they are human), the laws aren't always fair and nobody truly "wins" in divorce. Tonya definitely stands out as one of the best of the best!
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18 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
When I met with Ms. Graser, she was unbelievably condescending and patronizing. I felt like I subjected myself to be looked down on by her rather than receive actual, helpful advice. She needs to find another career where empathy and compassion is not required or where a cold, robotic demeanor is appreciated. Do yourself a favor and look elsewhere for a family law attorney who actually cares - Ms. Graser isn’t it.
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25 Jan, 2025 by Ken forester
**Don't even bother wasting you're time with this 3rd string pack of attorney rejects. Trent Grissom will tell you 'oh it's my specialty...no problem'. You will then be forced to explain your case several times to him and then put it in writing, all after paying for your official consultion. He is unable to find any solution. They merely just want to run up your bill with redundent question and tactics. There is always exuses for not receiving updates (moving offices, sick, vacation and court - really??). I spent one year with this 'unimaginative clown' and accomplished zero. **Read the real reviews, NOT Google reviews. Poor office support as well. **Avoid at all costs** How anyone who could rate this firm a 4 or 5 must have been paid to do so.👎
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05 Dec, 2024 by Marioldv
Excelente servicio!
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05 Dec, 2024 by Itzel romo
El servicio fue excelente teníamos una demanda, y lo solucionaron muy fácil y efectivamente evitándome problemas y costos muy altos !!
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21 Jan, 2025 by Joshua chavez
17 Jan, 2025 by Jv love
I loved working with Jana K Jones and her assistant MJ! They were both very informative and found the best possible solution for me and my situation. Would hands down recommend their services, 10/10!
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17 Jan, 2025 by Sheree johnson-street
08 Dec, 2010 by Anonymous
For a young attorney it seemed like she had been a lawyer for a long time. She was able to get to the root of my problem (my husband) and my attitude and helped me move on to a better life and not hold such grudges. I would wholeheartedly recommend this knowledgeable lawyer.
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22 Dec, 2013 by Kerri
Donald Vicini is an extremely knowledgeable attorney. I hired him to represent me and defend me in a custody motion initiated by my ex-husband. My case was unique in that it brought in many different elements into my case/argument. Donald is by the book, knows the law, is confident in the courtroom and made me feel at ease, as much as he could, through my day long trial. Along with NC statutes and precedent knowledge, Donald also has the rare gift of "going with the gut" or instinct when knowing what exhibits to show or questions to counter with. He doesn't waste time or badger witnesses. He cuts to the chase and I believe the judge appreciates the respect he shows to even the opposing party in the courtroom. Mr. Vicini tried my case in a county that he is normally not used to and I thought, initially, that his lack of having a reputation in my small town would be a negative, but it certainly wasn't. In fact, the judge congratulated him, complimented him and shook his hand at the conclusion of my hearing. I would definitely use Mr. Vicini again and highly recommend him to others.
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21 Jul, 2019 by Nicole
Doughton stepped in unexpectedly at the last minute to handle a very high conflict child custody case involving domestic violence that had been coming since 2017 and surpassed all expectations. Despite only having a matter of mere days to prepare, he didn’t miss a beat, catching up on an extensive history and developing a potent approach, all while remaining patient with me as I was ready to spiral. He was both courteous and respectful and when the time came, his tenacity, strategy and expertise in the courtroom proved to be not only powerful, but effective. Although I hope to never have to find out, I can only imagine what he would be capable of if he has more than just a few days to prepare. I would not hesitate to recommend Doughton to anyone seeking an experienced family law attorney ready to deliver results.
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15 May, 2024 by Steve hendricks
15 May, 2024 by Lucy emory hendricks
29 Jun, 2023 by Ronald carlton
I am very well pleased with their services that they offer. Also I am very well pleased how they go above and beyond their duties to help their clients.
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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.
