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20 Reviews
15 Oct, 2022 by Nader
Victor is an amazing attorney to say the least! I originally hired Victor based upon his stellar reputation as well as his experience with appeals and I can say with full confidence that I am extremely glad I did. After months of working with Victor on my case through the appellate process, I have been nothing short of highly impressed with Victor's skill, knowledge, and professionalism.
He has been very thorough with my case, and he is always great about keeping me up to date on the latest updates, filings, etc. I also greatly appreciate how Victor always makes himself available to answer any questions that I may have regarding my case and the appeals process as a whole. This process was highly stressful prior to hiring Victor, however, once I knew I had Victor in my corner, my stress level instantly dropped tenfold.
I would highly recommend Victor without hesitation!
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17 Nov, 2020 by Richard h
Victor has been my Attorney for the last 10 years. I recently went back to Court to fight for full custody of my younger daughter. After all the hearings and appeals, I ended up getting 95% custody. Victor never makes promises on the outcome of your case but I guarantee that he will fight for you to the end. He is very honest and professional, and is also a dedicated family man. Thank you, Victor, for all that you have done for my family.
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16 Dec, 2019 by Miguel
Victor was very knowledgeable and extremely Competent when it came to my custody case. I highly recommend him and he is affordable as well.
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07 Dec, 2018 by Crystal miles
We called many attorneys and left messages. None called back. Mr. Capron took the time to listen and learn about the issue we were seeking help with. He was very helpful and knowledgeable to the needs of our situation. He listened attentively and provided guidance and support. My husband and I felt he was genuine and caring. He’s also very knowledgeable and timely. He followed through with everything he said he would do. I’m happy we found Mr. Capron and we will use him for further assistance if needed. I’d give him 10 stars if that were an option.
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30 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
Mike was very professional. He had my case complete in a timely fashion and worked diligently to get what was fair for my son and I after our car accident. Thank you Mike
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07 Dec, 2016 by Brittany
Mike is awesome! He took care of everything never once had to appear for court miss work or anything. If he ever needed anything he met me where it was convenient for me. He had everything I wanted done and finalized I couldn't be more happy with his service! He is great! I can now start my next chapter in life!
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24 Apr, 2017 by Linda
I was referred to Ms. Munoz by a long time friend who used her services to settle her divorce. I hired Ms. Munoz after interviewing 5 other attorneys and I immediately felt comfortable with her. She was down to earth, unassuming and made me feel at ease. She was to handle what should have been a slam dunk short term marriage. It turned out to be much more difficult with complicated tax scenarios and an uncooperative opposing side that wanted to drag it on. Ms. Munoz listened to my concerns and went to bat for me when the going got tough and got results quickly. She was patient with me when I was faced with an emotionally charged and difficult situation. Her office staff operated as a tight knit unit to service the needs of my case and keep me updated as needed. If you need results, Ms. Munoz brings expertise in a comfortable atmosphere and relates to you as if your were family.
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22 Sep, 2016 by Gena
I was referred to Ms. Munoz by a friend and former client. I went in for a divorce consultation and I knew from that moment she was on MY side. She explains in layman's terms, returns calls promptly, also will have phone conferences if necessary, show's up on time and prepared each time we went into court. Ms. Munoz always maintained a professional demeanor and was very patient as busy as she was she never showed it cool calm and composed. I will most definitely refer anyone who needs a family attorney to Ms. Munoz. Words can't express the gratitude I have for Ms. Munoz in short she's a trooper and was always professional, since my former husband was representing himself. Thank you Liz!!
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03 Feb, 2016 by Janice
I hired Ms. Munoz to help me navigate the legal aspects of my divorce, child custody, and child and spousal support after filing a restraining order. She was very knowledgeable about the law, my rights, and understanding how to advocate for appropriate disbursement of Military retirement pension. Ms. Munoz was professional and worked honestly throughout the duration of the case despite to road block toward progress at every turn. She listened to and understood my thoughts, feelings, and desires regarding the case and the resolution. She worked hard to have the case completed in a fair and honest with positive results. I would recommend Ms. Munoz and her team for anyone facing a divorce, custody, or support situation.
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21 Oct, 2020 by Michael
Estella is a wonderful attorney that cares about her clients. Estella is also well known for getting results. I highly recommend her.
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07 Feb, 2014 by Maria
I really recommend Maria de Orduna for being a great lawyer who helped a lot in my case which was very complicated and I always contain with her help and knowledge.
well as their knowledge she is a human person
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23 Jan, 2014 by Erika
Ms. Estela De Orduna, helped me with my divorce and was very thorough with my case. She was very understanding as well as professional. I would definitely recommend her to anyone!
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25 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Excellent experience from beginning to end. Thank you William!!!
I was in a car accident back in August of last year and felt completely overwhelmed and helpless. I knew I was not at fault and didn't know where to start. I didn't have an attorney but found Deon from searching online and reading reviews.
From our initial consultation I knew I was in good hands with William. Even though my case wasn't a huge one, he didn't hesitate at all to help me. He always made me feel taken care of, helped me find amazing doctors, responded quickly, kept me updated, communicated consistently, and was professional and respectful.
I could not have been happier with how my case was handled and am very thankful for William and his hard work! I highly recommend this firm.
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18 Sep, 2020 by Heather
I came to Mr. Daley after I was in a car accident. He was professional, prompt, and very knowledgeable. Going through something like this is never easy and is always stressful. My experience with his firm was second to none and I would highly recommend him.
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18 Sep, 2020 by Highly recommended
I am so thankful to have found Attorney Daley. Divorce is difficult enough but he walked me through the process and was so incredibly knowledgeable. He was always available to answer my many questions. He made sure I received what was fair and I felt he truly had my best interests in mind. Thank you so much!
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10 Feb, 2018 by Gilberto
I was a privileged and a blessing to be represented by Mr Rodriquez and his team. They were very professional and very understanding. They Worked With Me on s payment plan and they have been with me every step of the way. Thank You "law office of Marco Antonio Rodriguez "
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25 Apr, 2024 by Marie rumph
14 Jan, 2024 by Reel one
02 Nov, 2024 by Alan hay
They put together our will and Living Trust. Very professional, very helpful.
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01 May, 2023 by Julie wallace
03 Apr, 2022 by Julian castellanos
My wife and I attended to some absolutely necessary estate planning that we'd had been putting off. Kingston and Kingston made the entire process easy. Mr. Kingston was attentive and patient, taking his time to explain the entire procedure step by step. And the cost was very reasonable. I would definitely come back to this law firm for more help if needed. If you need to get some estate planning done in order for peace of mind and you want a more personalized experience from a local law professional in Chula Vista, Kingston and Kingston is the firm you should use.
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03 Feb, 2025 by Sergio alexis mejia torres
Excelente servicio y comunicación con los casos que maneja. Estoy muy agradecido!
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02 Feb, 2025 by Arantza carolina zepeda lopez
Excelente Lic, muchas gracias por su atención
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02 Feb, 2025 by Valentina gamez lopez
11 May, 2023 by Jovan
This has definitely not been an easy task for either of us. The past 3 years (almost) have been challenging. During my divorce, I have had to endure challenges which I wish upon no one. Divorce is stressful and overwhelming at times. It is a battle between two people at their absolute worst. But I am happy that I had his help throughout the process. We have come to and made agreements, only to have them disagreed to within the very next breath by the opposing parties.
He helped keep me calm throughout the entire process. And helped me refocus during the hard times when everything seemed to be at its absolute worst. I can say that he got back to me whenever I had a question. Sometimes those answers weren't what I necessarily wanted to hear. But instead what I needed to hear.
There is "no way to guess how things will be perceived in court" what decision will be made or how things will be looked at by a judge. The only thing that we can do to help the process is to provide the truth, and state what you are trying to gain so your attorney has a clear understanding of the end goal.
One thing I can say about Neill is, give him the evidence you have. Give a brief summary of what happened and let him argue the case for you to the best of his ability. He is VERY professional, VERY knowledgeable in his art, and a GREAT lawyer from what I have experienced over the past nearly 3 years working with him on my case.
I am happy that I found him, and I appreciate the hard work he put into this case during court hearings. As this was a VERY challenging time. I would highly recommend Neill Marangi to anyone who is looking for a divorce attorney they can trust.
He has been ethical, honest, honorable, trustworthy and patient. And has helped me with my misunderstanding's throughout this entire process and again I am thankful that I found him to represent me in my time of need.
I was once told "A happy marriage never ends in divorce" by a source I don't recall. But those words hold very true.
I hope to never need his services again in the future. But if I do, I know I can go to someone who I trust to represent me through bad times again. If you are already considering divorce, Neill Marangi is my recommendation as an attorney and should be considered to represent you in your time of need.
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19 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
I Reached Out to Neil Because I Needed Help. We Met At His Office And He Walked Me Thru The Process Step BY Step.. Neil Flat Rate Fee Is Very Affordable. Neil Is Awesome And Very Honest . You Can Rest Easy. I Highly Recommend Neil Marangi.
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01 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
Although In the end I decided not to hire a lawyer, Mr, Marangi was very personable, easy to work with and kindly returned my first payment. He is professional, honest and very conscientious.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Mathew marko
Divorce is never pleasant, but Barney and Brianna at A Healthy Divorce made it as easy as possible.
I am a member of the clergy and I've always advised my congregants facing divorce that they can have a "good" divorce, or a "bad" divorce, and the choice was theirs.
To have a good divorce, you much strive to be as kind and generous with one another as possible. If you can hold that mindset, then working with A Healthy Divorce will make the rest as seamless and painless as possible. We were able to accomplish our goals well within the estimated 4 hours. Barney and Brianna were always kind, attentive, and professional.
I hope i NEVER need them again lol, but I can recommend them highly to anyone who might be in need of such services.
100%
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19 Dec, 2024 by Matthew warren
It was a very easy an headache free experience working with Barney and his team. Divorce is not a good experience at all but if you and your partner are ok with being civil and trying to work out a fair agreement on things I strongly recommend their services. Barney and his team laid out everything an answered all of our questions and knows and understands all the laws as well. He listened and took into consideration what we wanted. Everything was drawn up in a professional way and routed to the court. Again I would highly recommend. Thank you for working with us and making it an easy process. Do not hesitate.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Tanya coty
I’m very grateful we used Barney and his team for our divorce. They made a frustrating process much smoother and communicated with us through every step. Also, their prices were more reasonable than the other mediators we looked into!
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14 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
Very knowledgeable and well connected and I was Iucky to have him chosen from the panel of federal lawyers. He has compassionate for his clients and at the same time respects his colleagues. He is genuine in helping the client and knows everyone has different circumstances. He has literally done the impossible with my case and has had my best interest since day 1. I couldn't have asked for a better or more perfect lawyer.
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19 Aug, 2010 by Donna
Represented my son in a criminal case and was outstanding. We paid another attorney to represent my daughter in the same matter and he didn't hold a candle to the results, professionalism, communication that Grant Eddy exhibited in and outside of the courtroom. Highly recommend if you need a super strong, highly educated attorney. Would recommend for anyone serious about wanting an attorney who is 100% invested in their case.
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20 Feb, 2015 by Bernardo
Roxanne was great in handling my divorce, child custody and child support. She obtained primary custody for me and fought for low child support payments. She was professional, attentive and I have used her for modifications of both child custody and child support since my divorce.
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03 May, 2024 by Diogo martins
17 Nov, 2017 by Guillermina santana
Raymond and his legal assistants have been of great help, always available and extensive experience in various matters
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19 Aug, 2024 by Salvador aceves
Very professional and friendly staff. High knowledge on all matters discussed. Timely managed for both processing and resolution. I definitely recommend this firm.
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17 Aug, 2024 by Jean alvarez
Very happy and pleased with your services
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23 May, 2024 by Luis bonilla
Yo lo contraté y se vendió con la defensa vendió mi caso y lo cerraron por la culpa de el no confíen en estos abogados en especial cervantes.ellos se venden con los demandados
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11 Sep, 2024 by Francisco meza
Ignore all those people who left a negative review. I went through a nasty 3 1/2 year divorce. I'm talking restraining orders, my son taken away, getting legally robbed by my ex, alimony, child support, trials, supervised visitation monitors, paying for my ex's attorney (Caitlin the snake) in addition to paying Ray, the whole thing.
Ray was by my side at every court appearance, like 16 times! He was on time, every time. Being in the Family Law court so many times, I become aware of how unfair the laws are for the person who makes more money, the bread winner and the good dad.
I recommend to NEVER get married, ever. If your woman wants to get married, do it through church or you'll end up like me; taken to the cleaners; not by Ray, but by the opposing side.
To me, Ray was on my team all the way through. The way I look at it, my divorce was a losing battle; HOWEVER, having Ray on my team kept me from walking into the slaughter house. Yeah, I was taken to the cleaners, but I probably would have been homeless had it not been for Ray.
THANK YOU RAY for helping me get my son back! Love you bro. You owe me a beer though (I paid you enough). LOL
If anybody who is a hard working person is on the fence about hiring Ray, ask Ray for my info.
Cisco
aka CiscoKid
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17 Aug, 2024 by Elizabeth andrade
23 Jul, 2024 by Gabriela osorio
Estolano law firm help me to go trough my adjust status process with out any issue they knew what they was doing my husband and I was approved so quickly thanks to Mr. Estolano and Para legal MR. Juan highly recommended
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22 May, 2024 by Erick cortez
I'm extremely grateful to Jeremy at Golden & Cardona-Loya, LLP, for their exceptional legal expertise and unwavering dedication to their clients. Their professionalism and attention to detail ensured that my case was handled with the utmost care and resulted in a successful outcome. Their clear communication from my intial phone call and strategic approach put me at ease throughout the entire process. Thanks again Jeremy and to your entire team!!
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14 May, 2024 by Gilbert reynoso
I have had the privilege of working with Octavio Cardona (Vito) at Golden & Cardona-Loya LLP for over eight years on various consumer rights cases, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. Octavio is exceptionally communicative, ensuring I am well-informed and comfortable at every stage. His commitment to protecting my rights as a consumer has consistently been evident, with his expertise making a significant difference in every case.
Octavio is a lawyer I truly trust. His ability to demystify complex legal jargon, making it easier to make informed decisions, is just one of the many reasons. His professionalism and thorough approach have always left me feeling confident and well-represented. The firm itself is fantastic, offering great support and resources that enhance their client service.
I highly recommend Octavio and Golden & Cardona-Loya LLP to anyone needing assistance with consumer rights issues. Whether it’s for personal matters or referring family and friends, you can trust Octavio and his firm to provide top-notch legal support. I look forward to continuing to work with him for any future assistance.
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28 Mar, 2024 by Gamer masta
These guys are the best! I would let them borrow my car! If I owned one
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13 Nov, 2024 by Gianny ducati
Terrible attorney! He took my money and did absolutely nothing to help me. Never met him in person. Each time I spoke to him it was on the phone while in the car on his way somewhere. Had to fire him. When he returned my documents a lot of stuff was missing. IF YOU WORK HARD FOR YOUR MONEY DONT WASTE IT ON HIM.
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18 Oct, 2024 by Jose najera
George was beyond excellent. Very professional. The whole May Firm team very professional and well informed. Highly recommend The May Firm
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28 Jul, 2024 by Angeline devera
Atty Orozco is amazing, he gets the job done.. he cares for his clients and he goes above and beyond to get the case settled correctly. He fights for what you deserve and more. I appreciate everything he has done for me to win my case and gain my custody and rights for my children settled my divorce with support. Please don’t hesitate to call Atty Arozco to fight for what you deserve.🙏🏾😊😊
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13 Nov, 2024 by Gianny ducati
Terrible attorney! He took my money and did absolutely nothing to help me. Never met him in person. Each time I spoke to him it was on the phone while in the car on his way somewhere. Had to fire him. When he returned my documents a lot of stuff was missing. IF YOU WORK HARD FOR YOUR MONEY DONT WASTE IT ON HIM.
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18 Oct, 2024 by Jose najera
George was beyond excellent. Very professional. The whole May Firm team very professional and well informed. Highly recommend The May Firm
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28 Jul, 2024 by Angeline devera
Atty Orozco is amazing, he gets the job done.. he cares for his clients and he goes above and beyond to get the case settled correctly. He fights for what you deserve and more. I appreciate everything he has done for me to win my case and gain my custody and rights for my children settled my divorce with support. Please don’t hesitate to call Atty Arozco to fight for what you deserve.🙏🏾😊😊
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03 Dec, 2024 by Anonymous
Im using the service for mi divorce is in very good lawyer is good in the materia is working in good man im struggling recomend
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21 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Mr. Fernando Guzman he is a great lawyer and any question you have or doubts he will help you.
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28 Mar, 2024 by Sandra ledesma
Mi experiencia la comparto en este review porque igual que tú que estás aquí leyendo si son abogados confiables, que si toman en cuenta los detalles de tu caso, que si malgastarás tu tiempo y/o dinero, entre otras cosas yo también lo hice, yo también leí estos reviews de otras personas y gracias a estos mismos reviews me animé a confiar mi caso en manos de ellos. En particular con el abogado Fernando G, te escucha, aconseja, en verdad es un apoyo confiable. Recomiendo ampliamente este bufete, agradecida por el trabajo que se realizó, ademas tienen varios plus positivos que otros no lo tienen. Uno de ellos que para mí destacó mucho es la confianza que te brinda abogado Fernando para comunicarte directamente con el sin intermediarios, muy profesional.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Angel alejandro
I am incredibly grateful for the outstanding support and professionalism provided by Attorney Jan Maiden during our recent legal case. Her expertise and dedication were instrumental in securing a restraining order win for me/us. From the initial consultation to the final court appearance, she guided me with empathy and confidence. I felt understood and supported every step of the way. Her attention to detail and strategic approach made all the difference. Thank you for helping me through this challenging time. I highly recommend Attorney Jan Maiden for anyone in need of legal assistance. Thank you for this amazing Blessing a Holiday Blessing!
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14 Nov, 2023 by Knyetta foster
Jan represented me in a custody case she was very professional She communicated everything well with me and was there every step of the way I definitely recommend her
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16 Aug, 2023 by Shawn skillin
Jan is an expert in Domestic Violence restraining orders. She is a very experienced lawyer and a wonderful person. I refer all of my restraining order clients to her! Her heart is in family law. We need more like Jan.
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06 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Amy Love took over a decades old case for me and brought it to conclusion where two other attorneys failed. She is professional, confident, and a capable litigator. She will work hard for you and protect your interests. I will be eternally grateful to her for all that she has done.
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06 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
I'm still shocked on the terrible representation that I recieved from this attorney. I don't even know where to start!
She's definitely more concern on charging billable hours than actually doing her job and having her clients best interest. My case was as easy as they come.
She calls me a day before my hearing saying that I had nothing to worry about. That the judge was going to follow the recommendation of the mediator, which was in my favor, and it would be impossible for the judge to order my daughter to attend a private school or for me to pay for that.
Well, come the day of the hearing and she's late! The hearing was at 9am and she walks in at 8:57am. She told me the day before to meet her 15 minutes before the hearing to go over my case. She stubbled through the opening statement unprepared, writing notes the whole time and what's worst, she fails to present crucial evidence to the court!
Needless to say, she lost my case. I lost full physical custody of my little girl and paying a private school. When I called her the next day to asked her why she failed to do what I had hired her to do... All she could say was "sorry" and that we can come back to court and present the evidence she failed to present this time. Meaning... more billable hours!
She still has the nerve to send me a bill, after she exhausted my retainer and what the court had granted her. You are better of representing yourself than hiring this attorney.
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29 Aug, 2014 by David
Amy did a great job of representing me. She did a good job of explaining the options and probable outcome. I would recommend Amy to anyone looking for Family Lawyer.
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26 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Heather passed away Sept 2015. They both were working on my sell at the time. Understandably, Shirley was devastated. I had to scramble on my own really quickly, but I dont hold that against her. She'd just lost her only child to an undetected illness. I will hire Shirley again in the future. Heather was a very professional real estate agent and I'm sorry I can't hire her again. Shirley was attentive, professional, and knowledgeable. I felt well taken care of.
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01 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Shirley mills was the attorney representing my agent the seller and buyer at the same time. I never received documentation from buying the house. She and my agent heather mills were the worst representation I have ever had.
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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.
