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12 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
I was involved in a lengthy divorce which ended up with me no longer able to trust my own lawyer. Data that I had asked for repeatedly never turned up, my lawyer knew the opposing counsel personally, and talked about it often, and even knew the new woman my husband was seeing. Too close a circle. I asked my friend who was high up in HR in a large downtown corporation for help as I didn't trust the numbers, and she sent me to an eminent accounting firm for an opinion in determining whether or not I should hire a separate outside forensic accountant for my divorce case, as again I no longer trusted that my own lawyer was truly acting in my own best interest. Well, this firm advised me instead to first consider a young attorney just setting up his practice (this was about 7-8 years ago), who had worked for an aggressive firm and succeeded against some well known and tough lawyers. He was described as "having one of the best legal minds around, hands down." And so, my association with Andy began. He was easy to talk to and empathetic, but professional at all times. He was a wealth of knowledge, and knew the law exactly. He understood the broader picture, yet also knew how to focus in on what was most important for the long term. And the case was successful in my favor. Without his expertise, I felt that major points were being missed. Best of all, he was extraordinarily fair in his pricing (I had gotten used to grossly overpaying for poor services), and was so very very patient when it took me awhile to fully repay him. I feel he knows what he is doing, and has an honest heart - very, very hard to find in divorce attorneys.
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09 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
From the minute Andrew and I spoke about my pending divorce I knew I found the right lawyer to help me through a difficult time. His knowledge and experience was helpful in a complicated case. He advised with legal knowledge but also compassion. I knew that with him fighting for what was right we would get the settlement that was fair. And we did. I credit him with getting me through an incredibly difficult time with extensive knowledge, experience, compassion and follow through. I would recommend him highly to anyone.
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30 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
I retained Andy to represent me in Feb of 2016. At my initial meeting with Andy I felt comfortable that what he told me was the right direction of the dissolution and trusted in his support. I expressed first and foremost importance was the wellbeing of my son, after we were displaced by my ex. There was initially temporary relief after his first motion for support. However after that, the case lulled along, motion after motion were filed after numerous orders were not followed by my ex husband and his high profile attorney dictated the tone of the finality of the case. My ex husband continually stalled the case by not producing what he was told to produce order after order, even after numerous follow up emails and requests I had made. I was denied access to get back into the marital residence for my personal belongings since we were displaced almost 3 years ago. I was shut out my 410k without access to trade within despite numerous emails to my attorneys and the United States Department of Employment Security. Every single marital asset was in my ex's control, except the car I left with. Again, yes there were points of minimal relief, however my credit suffered tremendously.
I was rationed back a small portion of martial money to pay my and my sons medical bills, two months before the divorce was final. I followed every order, every request for information, all discovery requests, my deposition, as well as court dates and meetings with the GAL. It took over 2 years to get a parenting plan in place, after meditation , failure to come to the minimal consensus with the other party.
There was never an urgency for the wellbeing of my son, after this was expressed to exhaustion, it lulled . It was always the wait and see approach, I expressed my concerns about the final settlement and parenting plan, in my opinion they were taken lightly , It was the "best I was going to do” and "that's a reasonable amount of time for them to propose given the circumstances of your case”. After expressing my concerns regarding the final settlement, I was left playing go fetch with my settlement and discovering now the aftermath of not only the the tax ramifications, but they also took my ex husbands word regarding utilities, taxes, leases and association fees being “up to date” when some were months and years delinquent. There were many instances I felt I was not in control of the outcome after serious expression to both my attorneys. In my opinion, your lawyer should have an overall direct plan for your case not a wait and see approach. If there is any component of mental and financial abuse in your relationship with your ex, they should also be verse in representing that type of client. Not allowing an opposing council to speak to their client in a derogatory way as they wait for the prove up. I understand there is a non emotional component of the representation, but there should be a highly regarded component of fiduciary responsibility that should be addressed not disregarded after expressing that on multiple occasions. My ex husband was able dissipate marital funds through the entire divorce, make unilateral decisions regarding our marital properties- and he was also able to pay his attorney fees out of the marital assets. I never questioned their professional opinions or billable hours , the future of the dissolution was entrusted in their hands. However toward the end I asked Andy and his team to review the invoices where I was charged over 14k a month for numerous months. I saw a more intensity of attention to my case when the final bill was in question than when I was in need of emergency funds to pay my rent in the middle of the divorce.
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10 Jun, 2024 by John chruscinski
21 Feb, 2024 by Sara connell
Kate provided me with outstanding representation throughout a sensitive employer situation. She was knowledgable, compassionate, calm, and patient. I had complete confidence in her and would highly recommend her to anyone.
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05 Feb, 2024 by Raquel vasquez-taylor
I had the pleasure of speaking with Becca and am satisfied with her professionalism and skill set. She thoroughly listened to my case, expressed sympathy, and provided helpful tips. Thank you, Becca, for allowing me to speak my truth and for listening.
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10 Jun, 2024 by John chruscinski
21 Feb, 2024 by Sara connell
Kate provided me with outstanding representation throughout a sensitive employer situation. She was knowledgable, compassionate, calm, and patient. I had complete confidence in her and would highly recommend her to anyone.
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05 Feb, 2024 by Raquel vasquez-taylor
I had the pleasure of speaking with Becca and am satisfied with her professionalism and skill set. She thoroughly listened to my case, expressed sympathy, and provided helpful tips. Thank you, Becca, for allowing me to speak my truth and for listening.
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10 Jun, 2024 by John chruscinski
21 Feb, 2024 by Sara connell
Kate provided me with outstanding representation throughout a sensitive employer situation. She was knowledgable, compassionate, calm, and patient. I had complete confidence in her and would highly recommend her to anyone.
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05 Feb, 2024 by Raquel vasquez-taylor
I had the pleasure of speaking with Becca and am satisfied with her professionalism and skill set. She thoroughly listened to my case, expressed sympathy, and provided helpful tips. Thank you, Becca, for allowing me to speak my truth and for listening.
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10 Jun, 2024 by John chruscinski
21 Feb, 2024 by Sara connell
Kate provided me with outstanding representation throughout a sensitive employer situation. She was knowledgable, compassionate, calm, and patient. I had complete confidence in her and would highly recommend her to anyone.
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05 Feb, 2024 by Raquel vasquez-taylor
I had the pleasure of speaking with Becca and am satisfied with her professionalism and skill set. She thoroughly listened to my case, expressed sympathy, and provided helpful tips. Thank you, Becca, for allowing me to speak my truth and for listening.
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26 Oct, 2021 by Chris lynch
This guy is one of the best lawyers I I have ever known when the public defender said it can't be done he proved her wrong in so many ways He is a great lawyer and a great guy I am all the way in Decatur Illinois and I would still use him over any lawyer around here. Thank you Barry Lewis for everything you have done for me!!!
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21 Oct, 2021 by Rebecca lynch
Barry is one hell of attorney! I would recommend him to anyone that needs a excellent attorney. He goes above and beyond. Excellent service. I hired him for my son and he was outstanding.
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30 Mar, 2020 by Silvia alvarez
07 Sep, 2024 by Dwight o'neal
I have to admit, after nearly 5 years of working with them and still not having my debt paid off, it feels like this process wasn't worth it. I have one remaining debt of $12K, and nearly $9K in my account that needs to be paid off. Yet, every month, it feels like the balance never gets closer to being resolved. At this point, I don’t understand why they can't call the creditor and negotiate directly. It finally dawned on me that the reason might be the high fees they charge.
Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend them again, and I am determined to stay out of debt just to avoid working with them in the future. On top of that, my account password never works, and I never receive the reset email. For a company taking in so much money, having a properly functioning website should be a basic expectation—it's almost laughable.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Reba harris
22 Aug, 2024 by Beth pierkowski
Do review all other options before choosing Trumbull Law Group.
Extremely rigid and refuses to consider suggested options. Cannot recommend.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Dev patel
12 Sep, 2024 by Anthony bruno
Erin Wilson is known as one of the most clever and effective family law lawyers in Chicago. I've known her for almost two decades and have always stood in awe of her ability to resolve the toughest cases so favorably for her clients. They love her and so do all of us who know her professionally. Her firm is known as one of the best, if not the best, family law firm in the city.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Anthony bruno
I've known Bryan Wilson for almost 20 years. One of the most careful, prepared and effective family law advocates in the city of Chicago. With a reputation for high integrity and success in the courtroom, he built what has become one of the city's most respected law firms.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Dev patel
12 Sep, 2024 by Anthony bruno
Erin Wilson is known as one of the most clever and effective family law lawyers in Chicago. I've known her for almost two decades and have always stood in awe of her ability to resolve the toughest cases so favorably for her clients. They love her and so do all of us who know her professionally. Her firm is known as one of the best, if not the best, family law firm in the city.
Read more
12 Sep, 2024 by Anthony bruno
I've known Bryan Wilson for almost 20 years. One of the most careful, prepared and effective family law advocates in the city of Chicago. With a reputation for high integrity and success in the courtroom, he built what has become one of the city's most respected law firms.
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5.0
20 Reviews
3.5
29 Reviews
18 Sep, 2024 by Ao bookkeeping solutions
29 Aug, 2024 by Shah alam
If there was an award for a terrible counsel, it would be vinod doddamani. Sends useless motions, does not know how to approach witness, and cannot argue within scope if his mom was being deported.
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05 Aug, 2024 by Dymr beats
Never once received a call back from attorney. Secretary has stated that she will have him give me a call, but he never does. Have been told every other week upon following up that he is out of town this week.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Thomas hitchcock
05 Jul, 2023 by Reyad elsadek
29 Aug, 2022 by Celina glitta
I went to Mr. Clinton in distress when I was experiencing some issues at law school. Thankfully, I ended up just transferring to another law school and ultimately did not pursue my issues. I am still writing this review years later because I feel reviews can help people so much when selecting an attorney and my consultation with Mr. Clinton is one that really helped me to find peace.
Attorney Clinton came across as a very knowledgeable and helpful person. I have interacted with many attorneys as I am one myself and I can honestly say that very few were as kind as Mr. Clinton. Oftentimes, attorneys can be snippy, but he was not. He is honest about if he can help you or not. At the same time, he remains a very sympathetic person whether he can help you or not. Rest assured, you can tell him your about your possible case and all your problems with no judgment. I also like the types of cases he worked on. I felt they were very noble causes and this was the reason I called him to begin with when I was having the issues I was having.
Read more
07 Sep, 2024 by Dwight o'neal
I have to admit, after nearly 5 years of working with them and still not having my debt paid off, it feels like this process wasn't worth it. I have one remaining debt of $12K, and nearly $9K in my account that needs to be paid off. Yet, every month, it feels like the balance never gets closer to being resolved. At this point, I don’t understand why they can't call the creditor and negotiate directly. It finally dawned on me that the reason might be the high fees they charge.
Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend them again, and I am determined to stay out of debt just to avoid working with them in the future. On top of that, my account password never works, and I never receive the reset email. For a company taking in so much money, having a properly functioning website should be a basic expectation—it's almost laughable.
Read more
23 Aug, 2024 by Reba harris
22 Aug, 2024 by Beth pierkowski
Do review all other options before choosing Trumbull Law Group.
Extremely rigid and refuses to consider suggested options. Cannot recommend.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Dev patel
12 Sep, 2024 by Anthony bruno
Erin Wilson is known as one of the most clever and effective family law lawyers in Chicago. I've known her for almost two decades and have always stood in awe of her ability to resolve the toughest cases so favorably for her clients. They love her and so do all of us who know her professionally. Her firm is known as one of the best, if not the best, family law firm in the city.
Read more
12 Sep, 2024 by Anthony bruno
I've known Bryan Wilson for almost 20 years. One of the most careful, prepared and effective family law advocates in the city of Chicago. With a reputation for high integrity and success in the courtroom, he built what has become one of the city's most respected law firms.
Read more
01 Oct, 2024 by Dev patel
12 Sep, 2024 by Anthony bruno
Erin Wilson is known as one of the most clever and effective family law lawyers in Chicago. I've known her for almost two decades and have always stood in awe of her ability to resolve the toughest cases so favorably for her clients. They love her and so do all of us who know her professionally. Her firm is known as one of the best, if not the best, family law firm in the city.
Read more
12 Sep, 2024 by Anthony bruno
I've known Bryan Wilson for almost 20 years. One of the most careful, prepared and effective family law advocates in the city of Chicago. With a reputation for high integrity and success in the courtroom, he built what has become one of the city's most respected law firms.
Read more
4.1
119 Reviews
01 Oct, 2024 by Dev patel
12 Sep, 2024 by Anthony bruno
Erin Wilson is known as one of the most clever and effective family law lawyers in Chicago. I've known her for almost two decades and have always stood in awe of her ability to resolve the toughest cases so favorably for her clients. They love her and so do all of us who know her professionally. Her firm is known as one of the best, if not the best, family law firm in the city.
Read more
12 Sep, 2024 by Anthony bruno
I've known Bryan Wilson for almost 20 years. One of the most careful, prepared and effective family law advocates in the city of Chicago. With a reputation for high integrity and success in the courtroom, he built what has become one of the city's most respected law firms.
Read more
01 Oct, 2024 by Dev patel
12 Sep, 2024 by Anthony bruno
Erin Wilson is known as one of the most clever and effective family law lawyers in Chicago. I've known her for almost two decades and have always stood in awe of her ability to resolve the toughest cases so favorably for her clients. They love her and so do all of us who know her professionally. Her firm is known as one of the best, if not the best, family law firm in the city.
Read more
12 Sep, 2024 by Anthony bruno
I've known Bryan Wilson for almost 20 years. One of the most careful, prepared and effective family law advocates in the city of Chicago. With a reputation for high integrity and success in the courtroom, he built what has become one of the city's most respected law firms.
Read more
30 Jun, 2024 by Mason johnson
Attorney Tony very good lawyer Blessed by God knows what he's doing and very good staff the best. thank you Tony GOD BLESS YOU... I REALLY RECOMDEM HIM.
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27 Jun, 2024 by Naser islami
Did my parents closing when they sold their property. I was on top of things and met him and his prices were fair and he was personable. My parents and I would use him again.
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26 Jun, 2024 by Danny vega
do not recommend this law firm, staff is friendly however Peraica is a con. Only after the money, lost my case.
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16 Nov, 2021 by Renee anderson
Great work
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20 Sep, 2018 by Juan meza
Muy buen abogado se lo recomiendo Ami ayudado mucho con mi caso de accidente
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23 Jan, 2018 by Carolyn williams
Ken Gore gets results. He's the one for workers comp cases.
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03 Oct, 2023 by Sandra herrera
Llame para solicitar una cita y la señorita que me atendió, no me quiso ni hablar, se limitó a decir no , no . Que pena
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25 Mar, 2023 by Victor martinez
Excellent attorney, very responsible in what he does, definitely will recommend, knowledgeable and experienced
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28 Feb, 2023 by Victor cuvi
18 Apr, 2024 by Teree wade
Very please with this firm!
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09 Apr, 2024 by Kadeem joseph
The best firm out hands down!!!
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26 Sep, 2023 by Kalena cleaves
Don’t call this firm if you’re black the moment she heard a black voice she proceeded to cut me off I couldn’t finish a sentence. As I tried to proceed to tell my story she said no we can’t take your case I thought that was for a lawyer to decide.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Teree wade
Very please with this firm!
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09 Apr, 2024 by Kadeem joseph
The best firm out hands down!!!
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26 Sep, 2023 by Kalena cleaves
Don’t call this firm if you’re black the moment she heard a black voice she proceeded to cut me off I couldn’t finish a sentence. As I tried to proceed to tell my story she said no we can’t take your case I thought that was for a lawyer to decide.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Teree wade
Very please with this firm!
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09 Apr, 2024 by Kadeem joseph
The best firm out hands down!!!
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26 Sep, 2023 by Kalena cleaves
Don’t call this firm if you’re black the moment she heard a black voice she proceeded to cut me off I couldn’t finish a sentence. As I tried to proceed to tell my story she said no we can’t take your case I thought that was for a lawyer to decide.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Teree wade
Very please with this firm!
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09 Apr, 2024 by Kadeem joseph
The best firm out hands down!!!
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26 Sep, 2023 by Kalena cleaves
Don’t call this firm if you’re black the moment she heard a black voice she proceeded to cut me off I couldn’t finish a sentence. As I tried to proceed to tell my story she said no we can’t take your case I thought that was for a lawyer to decide.
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17 Jan, 2024 by Bree yoo-sun
Mr. Gilbert is a precise practitioner with a heart to serve the community.
Although it is clear he has many obligations, he works tirelessly. He is transparent, kind, and equitable.
He came onto this case in a crucial moment and did a good job advocating fiercely but with temperance and wisdom. His advocacy and strategy skills have indeed had a lasting and positive impact on my life and my child’s life, and we are grateful.
Mr. Gilbert is someone my family and I respect and hold with a high regard, both professionally and personally.
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11 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Awesome Lawyer. Very open and willing to help. Very knowledgeable of of court situations, explain paperwork very well
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30 Jul, 2023 by Ryan
Brian came in to a sticky situation and navigated a sea of lies and misinformation to quickly and efficiently bring my never ending case to a quick and concise conclusion. I hope I never need his services again, but I’ve recommended him to anyone who will hear me. Going through a divorce can and will be difficult, Brian will make it as easy as possible for you.
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01 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
He was extremely helpful and responded to us immediately. He explained general law and provided practical advice on what we should do. We were able to handle our issues following his advice. We are very appreciative of his assistance.
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17 Aug, 2021 by Andre
I hired Andrew for my child support case and he went above and beyond for me. And i loved the way he did in that so i hired him and his firm to represent me in getting my first home. And he did the best job in making sure i didnt just get anything or made sure i didnt spend alot of money. I highly recommend Andrew.
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05 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Andrew was extremely helpful during my entire case! Describing Andrew in a few words, he is very accessible, diligent, knowledgeable, and dependable when it comes to legal matters. Great experience and his commitment, compassion, kindness, and professionalism exceed my expectations. An Excellent Person and Attorney. Highly Recommended!
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06 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Alexandra was efficient and honest about the challenges of the settlement of my divorce. She was sympathetic, but also set realistic expectations. She fought for my rights and brokered the best possible outcome.
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01 Feb, 2024 by Elliott
I hired Alexandra for a prenuptial agreement and she was great. Explained everything well. Was efficient with my time and money. I hope I never have to work with her again (see: not get divorced) but if I have to, she'll be of great help.
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26 Jan, 2024 by Karen
Alexandra helped me through a very stressful and emotional draining divorce. She maintained an excellent relationship with opposing counsel, was respectful, supportive, and understanding.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Thomas hitchcock
05 Jul, 2023 by Reyad elsadek
29 Aug, 2022 by Celina glitta
I went to Mr. Clinton in distress when I was experiencing some issues at law school. Thankfully, I ended up just transferring to another law school and ultimately did not pursue my issues. I am still writing this review years later because I feel reviews can help people so much when selecting an attorney and my consultation with Mr. Clinton is one that really helped me to find peace.
Attorney Clinton came across as a very knowledgeable and helpful person. I have interacted with many attorneys as I am one myself and I can honestly say that very few were as kind as Mr. Clinton. Oftentimes, attorneys can be snippy, but he was not. He is honest about if he can help you or not. At the same time, he remains a very sympathetic person whether he can help you or not. Rest assured, you can tell him your about your possible case and all your problems with no judgment. I also like the types of cases he worked on. I felt they were very noble causes and this was the reason I called him to begin with when I was having the issues I was having.
Read more
08 Aug, 2024 by Thomas hitchcock
05 Jul, 2023 by Reyad elsadek
29 Aug, 2022 by Celina glitta
I went to Mr. Clinton in distress when I was experiencing some issues at law school. Thankfully, I ended up just transferring to another law school and ultimately did not pursue my issues. I am still writing this review years later because I feel reviews can help people so much when selecting an attorney and my consultation with Mr. Clinton is one that really helped me to find peace.
Attorney Clinton came across as a very knowledgeable and helpful person. I have interacted with many attorneys as I am one myself and I can honestly say that very few were as kind as Mr. Clinton. Oftentimes, attorneys can be snippy, but he was not. He is honest about if he can help you or not. At the same time, he remains a very sympathetic person whether he can help you or not. Rest assured, you can tell him your about your possible case and all your problems with no judgment. I also like the types of cases he worked on. I felt they were very noble causes and this was the reason I called him to begin with when I was having the issues I was having.
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02 Sep, 2021 by Tanika
Hello, I used him for my divorce and a civil case and he quoted me a flat rate and after I took my kids to Florida for a family vacation he then requested I pay him a monthly rate. He never responded to text, emails, he didn’t read motions, discovery, what I requested he never done just showed up to zoom court showed his face and continued the case not one argument he did for me. He really kept hitting around the second month how much work he had to do trying to set me up for more money. In the end he didn’t write motions we agreed on. Didn’t accept phone calls and to be very honest he took advantage of me.
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07 Jan, 2020 by Joyce soffel
Mr. Cardinal provides on-point legal advice and provides excellent representation in courts. He asks the questions to understand the situation and offers sound advice.
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08 Jun, 2013 by Melissa
There arent enough words in the english language. That would detail the upmost gratitude I have for him, and his assistant. He took on an extremely difficult case, I had went to other attorneys before I found him and they all said it cant be done. This man did it for me. Im extremely grateful. If I ever hit the lottery. He will be the first on my list. :-)
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09 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
He realky didn, t have a definate answer to the question I asked him. I really did not learn much more than I already knew?
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07 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Michael Taege handled my divorce with expertise, understanding, and grace. He made the entire process as painless as a divorce can possibly be and I felt comfortable and well-represented every step of the way. I cannot recommend him enough.
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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.
