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12 Dec, 2024 by J
Not a good person at all thinks he is better than everyone else and will not hear his clients out I would not recommend him what so ever don’t waste your money
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26 Nov, 2024 by Elizabeth g
Attorney Nick Klingensmith is a consummate professional. He’s addressed my questions along the way with clarity and honesty working tirelessly to assist in my legal matters. Nick and the rest of the folks I’ve spoken to at the firm are responsive and honest. Extremely respectful, they’ve treated me like family. I do not hesitate to recommend TK Law!
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10 Oct, 2024 by Cristi mcinerney
Mr. Trelevan is a wonderful lawyer! I am very pleased with the way he handled my case he gets straight to the point and got things done! I would recommend him to anyone in need of a lawyer. I had been fighting my case for 9 months until I was able to get assigned Mr. Trelevan and he got my case ended in 3 months and it only took that long because of them making my court dates so far apart or he would have got it ended sooner. He’s honest and doesn’t sugarcoat nothing. I’m proud to say he was my lawyer because my case would still be going on if it wasn’t for him. He is definitely godsent!
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03 Feb, 2023 by John
Just finished working with Joe to finalize my father's Will, POA, Living Will and other important documents. As always Joe was knowledgeable, helpful, professional, and friendly.
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20 Oct, 2021 by Geraldine
I hired Mr. Candito to help probate my husband's estate. He helped me throughout the process and get me through a very difficult time.
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01 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Joseph to represent me in a custody case. He found some errors from my previous attorney and addressed them to the court. If at any time I had a question, he was prompt to reply or address the issue. Joseph is very knowledgeable of the law. He is to the point on issues. I will use him again if I ever need another attorney. Great job!!!
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15 Oct, 2019 by Cameron
Melissa is by far the best lawyer I’ve acquired she has a clear understanding on how to get the best results for her clients. She has the ability to create agreements and contracts that leads to steady and fair agreements. I was in a custody battle and won and I will say I fear the worst, but having Melissa and her firm represent me put my anxieties at rest because I knew I was in good hands. Her firm is very thorough and professional and believe me when I say they will be my lawyers going forward.
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14 Oct, 2019 by Chris
Melissa has shown her true calling in working with my most difficult case.
A consummate professional with the long term well being for my family always in mind. I can't say enough to have her talent and her firms resources at my side. Thank you!
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21 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
Melissa worked tirelessly with me in a custody case to get the best outcome. She was always prompt with her responses and took time to make sure that we were always on the same page and in agreement before proceeding. She was very compassionate and understanding during this difficult time. She made sure that I was always updated and she always stayed two steps ahead. She was extremely knowledgeable about the processes and differences in the juvenile court versus standard domestic relations law. Melissa really cares about her clients and their outcomes. I highly recommend Melissa's representation.
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14 Dec, 2024 by Paul madix
Chris Diedling and his team did an excellent job in all phases of our estate planning process. Up front education with slide show was second to none, process itself of creating / reviewing / revising estate related documents was highly efficient, and our follow-up questions after document signing were answered promptly. I would not hesitate in the least in giving CMRS and Mr. Diedling and his team the highest recommendation for your estate planning needs!
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26 Nov, 2024 by Lea ann tamerius
Chris & team were great to work with and was able to effectively support our legal needs.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Billy enderle
Chris helped us establish a trust in our name. It has given us a great peace of mind knowing that everything is taken care of if something happens to us. Throughout the process, Chris and his team were excellent. They were informative, responsive, and quite thorough. Chris does an excellent job of spelling out the key benefits of establishing a trust versus leaving things to probate. I highly recommend Chris for any of your estate planning needs!
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14 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Mike is simply the best!! After struggling with other counsel for a couple of years and the case not moving forward, counsel I engaged on related issues suggested I consult with Mike Kaufman as I was told he is, "the best attorney when there are issues with children". It was sound advice. Mike immediately turned the course of my case around and has provided outstanding representation for me on all issues. He is very knowledgeable, extremely honest and has immense credibility with his peers and in court. Though my case has been very difficult, Mike has been there every step of the way providing sound advice and direction. Even my ex who did not fare well against Mike paid Mike the highest of compliments about his honesty and integrity. Mike is a great guy who will work incredibly hard for you and will always do the right thing.
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12 Jul, 2015 by Carole
The process was explained and carried out as planned, keeping me informed along the way. Mike was true to his word. Mike's knowledge, kindness, and caring, helped me in what turned out to be a very good experience. I completely recommend Mike.
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08 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Prior to my initial meeting with Mr. Kaufman, I had discussed my situation with two other attorneys neither of which felt they could handle my case. Due to the difficulties of the case, they recommended I seek other counsel. In dealing with counsel on a different issue, Mr. Kaufman was highly recommended and I pursued making contact with him. While the divorce itself was an unpleasant experience, Mr. Kaufman was very thorough, compassionate, understanding, and made an exerted effort to protect my interests through his due diligence. This required spending much time understanding all the facts leading to the divorce which were quite convulated.. This also involved coordinating efforts with other legal counsel representing me on other issues related to these proceedings. The collabration, coordination, and communication between the legal counsel led to a determination with a favorable outcome in the divorce . I was very pleased with the communication and interaction with Mr. Kaufman throughout this process and would highly recommend him. I have provided Mr. Kaufman's contact information on several occassions and will continue to do so. I consider Mr. Kaufman a professional with a high standard of ethics. Through this experience, I consider Mr. Kaufman a friend who has assisted in allowing me to move on with my life.
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23 Sep, 2024 by Justin
I met with other attorneys seeking legal representation to obtain full custody of my daughter. They didn't seem professional or as if they would be very devoted to my case or the delicate nuances typically found in custody battles. When I met with Marisa I knew she was the one I wanted representing me because she was extremely professional and confident. She explained several different avenues we could walk through and provided a plan of action that was extremely specific to my situation. When other issues regarding my case came up she made sure to maintain a reasuring demeanor and maintained communication until problems were resolved and went above and beyond at times when dealing with the mother of my child (who was very difficult to deal with). I would and will recommend Marisa to anyone. Thanks to Marisa I now have full custody of my daughter.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Dakota
Here’s the revised version with that detail included:
"As a single father, I hired Marissa to represent me in a custody case, and I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney. Thanks to her expertise and dedication, I won my case. From day one, she was incredibly organized, ensuring every document was professionally formatted and error-free, especially compared to the opposing side. Marissa’s compassion and understanding made an emotionally challenging process much more manageable. In the courtroom, she was assertive, persuasive, and fought for my case with confidence. She was always available—no matter the time or day—and kept communication clear and consistent. I appreciated her transparency, as she laid out all my options and guided me toward the best strategy to win. I can’t imagine going through such a difficult time without her on my side."
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28 Jul, 2024 by Mary
Highly recommend!
Marisa Moore Apel successfully represented my interests in a complicated divorce case, exceeding my expectations. Throughout the year-long process, she demonstrated professionalism, attention to detail, and emotional empathy.
Professionalism - Marisa is a great representative in court. She's calm and assertive and developed a good relationship with the opposing attorney and court employees. I was comfortable having her represent me in front of judges. I also thought she was assertive, yet poised with the opposing attorney.
Attention to detail - Marisa is highly organized and attentive to details. She had clearly reviewed all the items I submitted and was an attentive listener. She took good notes and was able to reference them when referring to certain topics. When in court, she was able to quickly access items we needed, showing a familiarity with the case that could only have come from studious preparation.
Emotional empathy - Marisa immediately put me at ease and made me feel cared about, without overstepping the bounds of the attorney/client relationship. I truly felt that she had listened to and then fought for my interests. Divorce and other family matters can be incredibly difficult and emotional, and my case was no exception. I felt listened to, believed, and cared about in a way that exceeded my expectations.
Marisa Moore Apel made the divorce process positive, as a whole. I strongly recommend her and her firm.
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08 Nov, 2019 by Lealie
Shelia stepped in to defend our daughter during a theft case. Shelia was diligent, confident and very assuring to us that she was presenting the best defense as we could and her warm personality and genuine smile was very reassuring. I would definitely use Shelia again if ever needed
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07 Nov, 2019 by Sandra
Mrs. Dean was diligent in the pursuit of justice. The first lawyer we hired left us in a mess and she turned the case backwards against false accusers. The result was full custody for my daughter.
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09 May, 2018 by Minnisa
Sheila Dean was exceptional to work with to get my divorce completed in a timely manner. There were some legal requirements that I would not have understood without her guidance. She was able to fully explain all of my options for proceeding and she helped me to make the best decisions for accomplishing my goals within a reasonable time frame. I am grateful for her skill and knowledge, as well, as her continued communication throughout the process. I will be contacting her for all of my future legal matters.
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26 Sep, 2020 by Aracely
I needed power of attorney over my grandmother ASAP! I called Jesse Taylor and within a day he had everything done and emailed to me. He was so helpful in guiding me on exactly what I needed and also my future options with guardianship.
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02 Apr, 2019 by Abigail
Mr taylor gave me advise and helped me understand everything even if i didnt understand he would explain it to me.he helped me get what was best for the child not what was best for the foather or mother.i would highly reccommend him if you need an attorney
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09 Sep, 2018 by Anton
Jesse Taylor was a very professional and knowledgeable young man. This was my first time ever going to court and the first time I’ve ever had to hire a lawyer. He was very understanding with my lack of knowledge about how the whole system works and took his time to explain to me in detail what I needed to do and when I needed to do things. My case was completed swiftly and I even got a lesser charge than what I was initially expecting. Overall I am extremely happy with the services provided by my lawyer.
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07 Oct, 2015 by Shannon
I found myself terrified when having escaped an abusive relationship my child's father sued me for full custody making a plethora of false accusations. I met with several attorneys that all required a revolving retainer and other financial hurdles until finding Hugh. He worked with me patiently on a financial set up and has had continuous victories against the multiple lawyers from designer firms the man suing me has employed. He is encouraging, honest and efficient. He responds to phone calls, texts and emails and has been an absolute life saver in a very challenging time. I have every confidence that Hugh is a superior lawyer and I am lucky to have discovered his services.
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01 Oct, 2015 by Benjamin
Hugh's wide-range of experiences helped me in many ways. He's extremely fair and thoughtful and is brutally honest, which I appreciate. He knows the law and will look for the best outcome for his clients. He'll look at all sides of an argument and provide both sides of a prospective decision, explaining in depth what it means for his client. He's a researcher, and will determine the best path for success. Hugh rectified an unfortunate disillusion settlement regarding child support for me, I have no doubt that his expertise will prove invaluable for you, as well. I would highly recommend Hugh McCloskey to anyone seeking legal representation!
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01 Oct, 2015 by Sandi
We hired Mr. McCloskey to defend our 16 year old grandson. Mr. McCloskey took this to terms with his knowledge and determination, not just to help our grandson, but to fight the system to keep juveniles out of the adult system. He won't just take "NO" as an answer as he continues to file petitions with higher courts to right this. He continues to stay in touch and keep us informed of exactly where we stand with the system. So proud to have him as an attorney and would definitely recommend him to anyone who wants someone who will be there til the end as he has and continues to be for us!
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24 Dec, 2024 by Sean riggs
I had an excellent experience working with Katie McBride. She was professional, caring, and attentive my situation and helped me through a new and daunting experience. Greatful for her excellent communication and willingness to help. I would recommend her for anyone in neew of a family lawyer.
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03 Aug, 2024 by Dasean bankhead
Best law firm in the Nati!
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10 May, 2024 by Andrew angelo
I highly recommend Goldberg Evans. Trista was very knowledgeable and provided well timed advice from the very first consultation. She also does not waste your time and in the long run I feel her representation was very affordable, especially for the expert advice and direction of some complicated and difficult situations. I greatly appreciated the candid advice and her direct work ethic. While I hope to not need a lawyer again, I would contact her first as well as recommend anyone to consult with her first.
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10 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Sheil kept me informed throughout the whole process. He is very knowledgable and his staff is excellent . I definitely recommend this attorney!
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16 Jul, 2014 by Brian
I have been in the entertainment industry for 15 years, working with many attorneys, and I can say that John is a personal favorite. His attention detail and desire to address the individual needs of the client is apparent from the initial conversation, and I continually recommended him to my clients with legal needs.
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16 Jul, 2014 by Chuck
Mr. Sheil was a blessing to me and made a huge difference in my television program the Chuck Land Show. He has handled most of the legal matters which exist when producing televison content. I hired him to write contracts and provide legal advice to help protect my company Landman Productions LLC which produces the show. Due to hiring him as my attorney, I feel very comfortable knowing that I am good hands. Not only is he very knowledge, but he's also an amazing human being, which is rare these days.
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23 May, 2024 by Eithan
I consulted Blake for an immigration question.
He was very professional, knowledgable and showed very high intergrity. I felt very comfortable with the consult and I will not hesitate to highly recommned him or to get help from him for myself!
Excellent lawyer!
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29 Mar, 2016 by Adam
My wife, from Canada, had immigration issues arise and I did not hesitate to turn to Blake. It was a good choice. I had high expectations of him and he met every expectation. Immigration can be inherently frustrating and time consuming but the open communication smoothed out the bumps in the road. I have always recommended Blake and will continue to do so. He is second to none.
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31 Oct, 2011 by Glen
Blake did a great job representing my wife in her immigration proceedings. When things got a little dicey, he gave great advice and saw things through to the end.
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20 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Jon helped me with a difficult divorce, since my husband was a jerk through the whole process. My husband was trying to play games with the court system and he was able to show the magistrate. I am very happy that I was able to keep custody of my kids and my husband now pays child support.
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21 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Sinclair represented me when I got charged with a DUI. I did not want to fight the case in court but I did want to get the best result possible when making a plea of no contest. He was able to get me a reduced charge to reckless operation. It will allow me to get the charge expunged in a year. He was good at returning phone calls, and answered all my questions.
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12 May, 2016 by Anonymous
I was in a bit of a tough situation last summer. I was up against a potential OVI charge after being pulled over late at night with a .7 BAC. Being just a few months shy of turning 21, I was more than a little freaked out at the potential damage that this could have on my record and future.
I was incredibly fortunate to have Dayle as council in this situation. She was very frank with me from the get-go, not sugar coating anything and being very straightforward with what I was up against. She walked me through exactly what steps I needed to take as well as how the court process would work. Ultimately, my charge was lowered to a reckless operation, and I have very much been back on my feet ever since. Dayle is a kind, smart, and helpful individual and I could not more highly recommend her for her legal services.
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14 Mar, 2012 by Nancy
Dayle understands the depth of the problem at hand. She has always acted as if she had a personal stake in this matter. I feel like she is looking at our issues from our shoes. She has been able to tell me my legal rights, while tempering me with the truth about what I might/might not get in the courts. We had some surprising and upsetting decisions, but she had the tenacity to keep on fighting until the right outcome happened.
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27 Jan, 2020 by Walter
A few years ago I found myself facing a contentious divorce. Richard was a relatively new attorney. His warmth, professionalism and attention to detail comforted me.
I later learned my estranged wife’s attorney was a seasoned veteran and local prosecutor. I looked Richard in the eye (at our next meeting) asking if he was in over his head? His response was similar to “From what we’ve seen so far I’m confident the opposition isn’t on top of his game”.
Sometime later I found myself fighting for my financial life. After intense negotiations I walked away with all my assets, and less than $50.00 in additional court cost.
This counselor is by far the finest attorney I’ve ever known!!!
I recommend him every time a friend or family needs such representation!!!
I will forever be a member of his fan club!!!
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20 May, 2015 by Kathy
Awesome attorney. He kept me informed of the entire process. Made me feel very comfortable, respected and represented. He was very professional and knowledgeable. I felt very comfortable talking about my issues, very nice and friendly attorney. I will highly recommend him.
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25 Apr, 2011 by Maury
I have known Bill DeCenso for over 35 years. He is a consummate professional; knowledgeable, diligent and ethical. It is always a pleasure for me to work with Bill. He is a trusted Collaborative partner.
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14 Aug, 2014 by Sherry
I think Mardee did a wonderful job in my divorce. She always let me know what was going on and always copied me on the emails and letters she sent to my ex-husband's attorney. Plus if I called her or emailed her, she got back with me within a few hours. She was really good about working with my ex-husband's attorney on an agreement that was good for the children, but also that I felt good about. She was very encouraging and always ready to listen and explain things I did not understand. I was very happy with how everything wound up and would recommend her highly.
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11 Mar, 2010 by Av
Mr. Tepe handled my contested divorce which went on for ~5 months in the warren county family court. During the court motions, & hearings, he came across as a very knowledgeable, & professional counsel. He was able to get me the settlement that I'd expected from a superlawyer of his repute. I highly recommend him to one and all.
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08 Nov, 2016 by Christopher
I hired Dorothy for a fairly complex child custody case that was beyond the capabilities of another attorney that I had previously hired. Dorothy took the time to understand the issues, and when it came time for court she was extremely well organized and prepared. If you are in the unfortunate position of needing a family law attorney, hire Dorothy. She is not cheap, but you will get what you pay for.
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19 Dec, 2019 by Joshua brackenridge
Within the guidelines we were given due to horrendous circumstances due to a corrupt and unjust justice system. (Imagine that a little ironic don't ya think.) Anyhow Jeffrey fought for my case relentlessly and treated me as one of his own family members. I would highly recommended Jeff or anyone he would recommend. Jeff and his network of professionals are determined to stand up for what's right and won't settle for anything less than the best. Just understand that sometimes with this "system" it takes time and it is a process and sometimes the courts themselves try to delay themselves. With that in mind if you can remain patient I promise your in Good hands!!!!!
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21 Nov, 2014 by Lindsey
She is very quick to respond if not there as soon as you need anything. She is guiding us through every peice of our battle. She really is a big help and I don't know how we would be getting through this without her!
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12 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Miranda is an excellent lawyer, she is very reliable, honest, and has her client’s best interest in mind. I like that she is a very good listener and understands what her clients are going through. Divorce is a difficult process, but Miranda explained everything and put my mind at ease.
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07 May, 2016 by Andy
To get divorced from a woman who is the poster child for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), I had to go through four attorneys, each of which were scarcely prepared for the incredibly hard task of dealing with BPD and overall insanity from the other side, even though I warned them going in. Having to change attorneys because they don't have the will to fight is wildly expensive, and eats months and years of your precious time. If you have a divorce or family law issue, especially if it's high conflict, and/or your ex has BPD, you absolutely need to have someone working for you that not only understands how to handle it, but will treat the other side with a no-nonsense, zero-tolerance approach. Chris is simply the best attorney I've ever had to deal with the craziness and instability of my ex and her attorney, that always enables her on every issue.
I hired Chris to help me free my 14 year-old daughter from her mother. Chris took my case and ran with it. She filed documents, stayed on top of every issue, and provided lightning fast return calls and emails. The level of service she provided caused me to ask her if I was her only client, that's the way it felt from the moment I brought her onboard.
If you've ever retained an attorney for any matter, you know that returning calls, and being proactive are the two biggest complaints people have with their attorneys. Again, I had to enlist four attorneys to go up against my crazy ex, and only the last one got me the coveted divorce, but he was a spent, shell of a man at the end. I cannot say enough about the quality of service, and her dogged determination to see my case through. If you're wondering, yes, we were successful in getting my daughter freed, and she will be living with me in a few weeks. I sincerely wish I had Chris from the very start. I could have saved tens of thousands of dollars, and not lost all that sleep. She did such a great job for me and my daughter, and there's no way I could be happier. Hire her, and you'll see what I mean.
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02 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
When Celia was working as a public defender, she was appointed to me in a custody case versus the state with my son. Throughout my case Celia was always compassionate, kind, and made things easy to understand. She gave me advice, but always told me ultimately the choices we made in the case were up to me. She was willing to speak with me for any length of time I needed to understand what would be happening at each hearing and what my options were. Even though I definitely was not her only client, she really made me feel like I was. Ultimately, I regained custody of my child, due in large part to her counsel and defense. I will ALWAYS recommend Celia to anyone who needs a defense lawyer.
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31 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
I was in a difficult family situation and I called a number of family/estate attorneys to see if they could help me. After making a number of calls, I was disappointed because each attorney kept telling me there was little they could do to help. Fortunately, when I called Karen she immediately informed me that I had a number of different ways to resolve the situation. In addition to this, Karen answered emails quickly, professionally, and it was clear that her goal was to make the situation work out in my favor. I certainly will be going back to Karen if additional issues arise.
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26 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
I was referred by an attorney friend who said he is among the best in Cincinnati for difficult divorce scenarios and in particular those that involve a spouse with personality disorders (sociopath, narcissistic, etc.). He spend decent amount of time over the phone gaining insight and information and readily shared suggestions to help me between now and our 1st full paid consult, was upfront about his fees and the initial process. As well, he expressed an appropriate amount of care, concern, and empathy balanced with clear professionalism and direction. I immediately felt that I had an ally and someone who seems to certainly understand my situation - hence my scheduling an appointment. At his recommendation, I have gathered items off a list he verbally shared to help maximize the benefit of our 1st consult and minimize the amount of time and cost for me (my financial situation is a bit ugly right now and yet he didn't make me feel any less than an extremely wealthy, top-paying client)! I completely offer in confidence as a woman, married over 10 years, with kids, to a narcissist who has run us into the ground, that Mr. Ginocchio is a true gentleman, top class, and well-worth calling for a family law consult!
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06 Mar, 2024 by Redina
Eric was very kind and helpful handling my divorce.He always took the time to answer any questions I had. I have recommended him to others and I will continue to.
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09 Nov, 2024 by Mona m
16 Apr, 2024 by Gavin hall
Excellent and professional team for your codification requirements.
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27 Mar, 2024 by Deidre wilson
The law firm of Beth Silverman & Associates is amazing. I had the pleasure of being represented by attorney Marisa Apel and she was unbelievable. Her knowledge accomplished the impossible for me. Not only was she my advocate and confidant, she was also my support system throughout this process. Thanks again, Marisa.
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04 Feb, 2025 by Jason hagenschneider
James did a great job for us, and our situation. If you want a top notch lawyer he is definitely a good one to call! I highly recommend his expertise. Thanks again James
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30 Aug, 2024 by Craig anthony
Great attorney. Helped me every step of the way. He also Answered all my questions I had. Got me out of trouble and got rid of all the jail time.
10/10 recommend.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Stevie battle
I used Mr. Bogen to assist me in having my felony removed. He made the process extremely easy for me! He was very easy to deal with and extremely polite. Definitely recommend him to anyone!
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26 Nov, 2024 by Prd music
I had a contract I needed reviewed and John responded to my request immediately and was gracious enough to work within my budget. He went through the contract thoroughly and explained it in a way I could understand easily. He brought all the possible red flags to look out for and recommended standard procedures to make sure I'm covered. Highly recommend to anyone looking for an entertainment attorney! He's also a really nice guy!
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15 Sep, 2024 by Christy lucas brown co ag society
Hawkins Law has been fantastic! We have been able to efficiently and quickly resolve several items. Hawkins Law worked closely with the IRS and the State of Ohio to develop a strategy for transitional tax compliance, successfully fought against a vendor's breach of contract, and provides on-call counsel for our ongoing business and legal issues. Highly recommend and often refer.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Traci curry
Caring, knowledgeable, professional and pleasant to be around. Highly recommend
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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.
