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20 Feb, 2025 by Jeffrey garens
Shes the best attorny i think ive had non criminal
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19 Feb, 2025 by Kristen bauer
Chloe went above and beyond! I'm very pleased with my experience at Buckeye Law Group. Highly recommend!
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19 Feb, 2025 by Penni snell
Accidentally called Buckeye when trying to make a connection with the at fault drivers insurance. To quote Bob Ross "happy accident". Once connected I was guided through each step from doctors to documents with a satisfactory settlement. All done pretty quickly. 😁
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25 Feb, 2025 by Danette berninger
My daughter hired Ritgers & Ritgers in 2019 because she was denied Social Security Disability due to health reasons. Her lawyer, Mr Eric Allen worked on her case for 6 years. After denials, appeals and court appearances she finally received a fully favorable decision in 2023. However, she still was not receiving her monthly benefits. He continued to work on her case by filing motions and appearances at the Social Security Office. Finally, his hard work and dedication has paid off.
I am so very thankful for Ritgers & Ritgers and especially for Mr Eric Allen who did not give up on her case. I cannot thank him enough.
If you have a denial of Social Security I would 1000% recommend him and his firm.
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06 Feb, 2025 by William irvin
Lindsay Lawrence as one of the best lawyer as I have ever seen in my life. I have been serving as an expert witness for over 30 years, and recently had the opportunity to participate with her in a trial in Ohio. She was fantastic. She is honest, moral, and incredibly hard working. She will fight for you.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Jeff neltner
Ed Perry from Rittgers, Rittgers, & Nakajima is an amazing lawyer who not only produced a great outcome for my case, but also showed true sincerity and kindness toward me during a very dark moment in my life.
It's impossible to know what would have happened without the great, legal representation that Ed provided. But, I wouldn't want to find out.
I'd give more than 5 stars if I could.
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14 Jan, 2025 by Alex campbell
02 Jan, 2025 by Vicki watts
18 Nov, 2024 by Jennie fox
I am beyond pleased with Mr. Kapor and his paralegal Kaitlyn! Without them, I don't know if I could have won my SSDI case. They truly know the ins and outs of the SSA system and their experience shows. David prepped me for my hearing and made the process very smooth. Kaitlyn helped ensure all the correct paperwork was went sent in and helped to answer any questions I had. All this to say, you will be in great hands. Thank you so much David and Kaitlyn!!!
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05 Apr, 2023 by Mo hamed
Excellent Attorney and affordable, very easy to reach.
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18 Feb, 2021 by Michael
Michael Haas is a very professional, experienced lawyer who easily helped me win my son’s shared custody back from the ex-wife two times in 4 years with hard evidence and great witnesses. Working very well together with me for both wins at a good, reasonable cost for them both.
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02 Nov, 2020 by Alfredo zuniga-carrillo
Wouldn’t recommend to anyone looking for a good attorney
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22 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Whitfield is an awesome attorney.
Focused dedicated and loyal to his clients.
He's won every custody case my abusive psychotic child's father has filed in attempts to Systematically harass me despite years of protective orders preventing this.
Awesome attorney at LAW.
Sincerely,
An autistic mom
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12 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Whitfield is a skillful and experienced Attorney. I found him to be very effective. He helped to resolve very stressful and difficult issues in family court. I was thankful for his expertise and professionalism.
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08 Oct, 2020 by Akilah
I want to share with viewers...that James Whitfield represented me in the most professional manner. He was patient and kind during my grieving stage. I lost my father and James made certain that I received the amount in which was filed in probate court. Trust in James for results!
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5.0
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4.8
1003 Reviews
25 Feb, 2025 by Alpha wolf express
25 Feb, 2025 by Willi lempert
Darrin is fantastic. Capable, kind, and honest. Highly recommended.
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10 Jan, 2025 by Marcus callahan
My fiancé and I originally contacted an attorney in Cincinnati to help with our K1 Visa process, however he seemed a bit…busy? Anyway, after the initial phone conversation and odd feeling, we were lucky enough to find Neil Fleischer.
Neil was there EVERY step of the way, walking us through every aspect with respect, politeness, and a TRUE sense of caring! My (now wife) and I are truly blessed to have worked with him and were married earlier this year.
I can’t speak highly enough of Neil and his team. He always responded right away, was there for a phone call if I was confused about anything, and is a great human being. We are now working with him for my wife’s change of status paperwork.
You won’t find a more kind, caring, and knowledgeable attorney for immigration! I guarantee it! I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend him and his team, and my wife and I are forever in his debt. Thank you so much!!!!
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25 Feb, 2025 by Alpha wolf express
25 Feb, 2025 by Willi lempert
Darrin is fantastic. Capable, kind, and honest. Highly recommended.
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06 Feb, 2025 by Elouise t.
Mark has been my attorney for several years. He has handled my will & estate. He also attended my father's funeral & he has given me great advice on some major concerns that I need to address because I'm now 75 years old. He's honest, respectful, very friendly & professional. Attorney Humbert I appreciate all that you've done for me & my son.
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25 Feb, 2025 by Alpha wolf express
25 Feb, 2025 by Willi lempert
Darrin is fantastic. Capable, kind, and honest. Highly recommended.
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10 Jan, 2025 by Marcus callahan
My fiancé and I originally contacted an attorney in Cincinnati to help with our K1 Visa process, however he seemed a bit…busy? Anyway, after the initial phone conversation and odd feeling, we were lucky enough to find Neil Fleischer.
Neil was there EVERY step of the way, walking us through every aspect with respect, politeness, and a TRUE sense of caring! My (now wife) and I are truly blessed to have worked with him and were married earlier this year.
I can’t speak highly enough of Neil and his team. He always responded right away, was there for a phone call if I was confused about anything, and is a great human being. We are now working with him for my wife’s change of status paperwork.
You won’t find a more kind, caring, and knowledgeable attorney for immigration! I guarantee it! I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend him and his team, and my wife and I are forever in his debt. Thank you so much!!!!
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07 Nov, 2024 by Casi capovilla
Hands down the best SSDI lawyer. I had a complicated case and they went above and beyond in helping me.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Blu c.
I didn’t actually get to use him but talking to this attorney was GREAT and very helpful!!! So I’m certain if you’re looking for an attorney in his field you will be in fantastic hands!!!
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27 Aug, 2024 by Michael b boothe
I got to know Mark from a Workers Comp. injury, for over 8 years. He's a great guy, always got back to me in a timely manner answered any questions I had. And he is a man of his word. I have all the confidence in him and that he would do a great job for anyone.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Louis yarbrough
The best period ten stars
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17 May, 2024 by Kenney hammonds
He couldn't help with my case due to him only working with criminal defense not family however he did refer me to someone else in their law firm
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18 Mar, 2024 by Fleezstoph
Scott is incredible. He helped solve my case in the least possible painful way. I would absolutely recommend him to others in need.
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30 Jan, 2025 by Holly leo
David Blessing is truly an amazing human. He has went above and beyond and is in this profession for all of the right reasons. Compassionate and empathetic. Never felt rushed when talking with him and he took the time to really make sure he understood all facets of what the issues were and to understand my position as well as how that translated into what legal options we had. I would HIGHLY recommend him. Truly a one of a kind.
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17 Dec, 2024 by Sarah peterson
11 Dec, 2024 by Cappy dick
Clyde Bennett is a absolute gem for legal representation in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. His knowledge and delivery of legal services is unmatched. I trust/recommend him to others as a first choice professional lawyer and will utilize his services again if needed, should he accept. He is a leader, well respected by judges and prosecutors throughout the system. When he enters the courtroom, "It's about business". I thank him humbly for his representation of my case.
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25 Feb, 2025 by Alpha wolf express
25 Feb, 2025 by Willi lempert
Darrin is fantastic. Capable, kind, and honest. Highly recommended.
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10 Jan, 2025 by Marcus callahan
My fiancé and I originally contacted an attorney in Cincinnati to help with our K1 Visa process, however he seemed a bit…busy? Anyway, after the initial phone conversation and odd feeling, we were lucky enough to find Neil Fleischer.
Neil was there EVERY step of the way, walking us through every aspect with respect, politeness, and a TRUE sense of caring! My (now wife) and I are truly blessed to have worked with him and were married earlier this year.
I can’t speak highly enough of Neil and his team. He always responded right away, was there for a phone call if I was confused about anything, and is a great human being. We are now working with him for my wife’s change of status paperwork.
You won’t find a more kind, caring, and knowledgeable attorney for immigration! I guarantee it! I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend him and his team, and my wife and I are forever in his debt. Thank you so much!!!!
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25 Feb, 2025 by Alpha wolf express
25 Feb, 2025 by Willi lempert
Darrin is fantastic. Capable, kind, and honest. Highly recommended.
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10 Jan, 2025 by Marcus callahan
My fiancé and I originally contacted an attorney in Cincinnati to help with our K1 Visa process, however he seemed a bit…busy? Anyway, after the initial phone conversation and odd feeling, we were lucky enough to find Neil Fleischer.
Neil was there EVERY step of the way, walking us through every aspect with respect, politeness, and a TRUE sense of caring! My (now wife) and I are truly blessed to have worked with him and were married earlier this year.
I can’t speak highly enough of Neil and his team. He always responded right away, was there for a phone call if I was confused about anything, and is a great human being. We are now working with him for my wife’s change of status paperwork.
You won’t find a more kind, caring, and knowledgeable attorney for immigration! I guarantee it! I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend him and his team, and my wife and I are forever in his debt. Thank you so much!!!!
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25 Feb, 2025 by Alpha wolf express
25 Feb, 2025 by Willi lempert
Darrin is fantastic. Capable, kind, and honest. Highly recommended.
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10 Jan, 2025 by Marcus callahan
My fiancé and I originally contacted an attorney in Cincinnati to help with our K1 Visa process, however he seemed a bit…busy? Anyway, after the initial phone conversation and odd feeling, we were lucky enough to find Neil Fleischer.
Neil was there EVERY step of the way, walking us through every aspect with respect, politeness, and a TRUE sense of caring! My (now wife) and I are truly blessed to have worked with him and were married earlier this year.
I can’t speak highly enough of Neil and his team. He always responded right away, was there for a phone call if I was confused about anything, and is a great human being. We are now working with him for my wife’s change of status paperwork.
You won’t find a more kind, caring, and knowledgeable attorney for immigration! I guarantee it! I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend him and his team, and my wife and I are forever in his debt. Thank you so much!!!!
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07 Sep, 2022 by Cecily
She is not only not timely but quite disorganized and frequently appears confused or mistaken IN COURT. I had to contact her several times the day before court dates to get an update. I never seemed to be a priority. She emailed both the court and the opposing attorney frequently with the wrong case number or wrong format. Basic stuff. I was trying to collect medical bills from my ex for my child. Should have been an easy case. I not only will collect nothing of the thousands I was owed, but am now in a worse position for future medical bills than my original order. Would have been better off not even trying. Spent thousands. Talk about buyer's remorse. Don't waste your money.
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28 Jan, 2022 by Samantha scheifele
My experience was wonderful. The time and money was well spent, and I highly recommend The Villalba Firm to anyone needing thoughtful, thorough help!
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28 Jan, 2022 by Ron harper
Shannon is an essential part of my business. When I started, I was using contracts that I had crafted from a template, and one from another attorney who didn't understand my industry. Shannon not only wrote the best contract for my business, but she also explained each part of the document and what it does so I completely understand how to protect my business. I'm fortunate to have such a trusted advisor on my team.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Jacob bailey
So I originally spoke with Ryan Nelson for about an hour for my first case and immediately knew he was my guy .. fast forward 3 months I not only got off no time but also no points on my license. The second time he not only helped get off on something a little bit more extreme but only a month later. He’s gone above and beyond not once but TWICE! 10/10 Would recommend his paralegal Adrian was also very helpful in times Ryan was busy. All around great service.
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02 Jan, 2025 by Michael hof
These ambulance chasers will harass you if they find out you were in a minor fender bender
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31 Dec, 2024 by Shawn green
After my previous attorney refused to get back in touch with me. I reached out to Tanner on getting a suspension on my license dropped. Him and his team replied in a timely manner and explained all the steps and what to expect. He was in contact with me every step of the way and successfully got my suspension dropped! Could not have been happier with the results and wish I had found him sooner.
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25 Jan, 2025 by R allendorf
My wife and I hired Harlow Law Office to update our family estate plans. They are excellent! Jennifer really took the time to walk us through options and discuss best fit for our situation. She turned around draft documents extremely quickly and was extremely knowledgable and very patient when answering our questions. Whole process was much faster and efficient than I anticipated. Great experience and highly recommend!
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19 Dec, 2024 by Apple pie
Raia is great, Wise Law however has unethical practices, and contracts that are not valid or enforceable in Ohio due to being in violation of Ohio laws. They bill for items not included in their fee agreement and refuse to provide refunds for services paid for but not received.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Ashley singer
A friend hired Riah Hirsch at Wise Law. The case was paid in full $3000.00. Ms. Hirsch completed the filing of my friends case before deciding to move to Columbus, Ohio to seek employment elsewhere. Ms. Hirsch handed the case to an attorney named Marcus Coleman out of Cincinnati. Mr. Coleman stated he would be reviewing my friends case and sending out a document. This attorney will not call my friend back nor has he made any progress. Her first court date is scheduled for the 6th of December and she gave her money to Riah Hirsch and now has been left to fend for herself. What kind of Law Firm does this? Ms. Hirsch left her high and dry. Now the attorney, Hirsch left her case with is claiming to not even know Ms.Hirsch. Im disgusted with this business practices and have been left with little to bo choices here. I do not recommend this firm nor do I recommend handing over that kind of money for this type of service with such disgraceful attorneys that are supposed to assist in their clients needs.
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10 May, 2018 by Lisa
Sandra was our lawyer for my daughter's limited conservatorship. I thought its a complicated and very long process. Sandra made simple quick and easy for us. I just provided her my daughters IEP and she did everything after that. Very knowledgeable in this field.
Thank you Sandra!!!
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08 Mar, 2018 by Christine
I am grateful in my choice to hire Sandra. She did what was asked of her, nothing more and did not waste time and money. She was knowledgeable and thorough. She offered logical & realistic suggestions. She actively communicated when needed. I’ve already recommended Sandra and will continue to do so when asked for referrals.
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23 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
My husband and I contacted her for her services and she was friendly and responsive in setting up a phone consultation. She said she was traveling so needed to meet early in the morning - fine by us. We call her at the appointed time, no response. 10 mins later, we get a text saying she needed to reschedule. For our rescheduled time, same thing, no response from her at all.
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25 Aug, 2020 by Julie
I cannot say enough about having Chad Koop for an attorney. He exceeded my expectations of what an attorney can do for you. He made us feel comfortable and calmed all our fears of a court process. Chad was always available to reach and responded to emails. He is absolutely amazing.
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06 Nov, 2019 by Josh
It is in our experience that attorney Chad Koop has been the single most trusted, reliable, productive, and powerful advocate for our family, standards and our interests. Chad's character, along with his knowledge and his expertise allows the highest grade of professional commitment to his work. I proudly speak for my entire family as I praise Chad for his quality of service.
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12 Aug, 2019 by Brian
I needed some guidance on how to proceed 9 months into a contentious divorce. Mr. Koop took the time to clearly explain my options. Chad even offered a follow-up call the next day in order to offer more insight after he conducted research into the details of my situation.
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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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09 Oct, 2024 by White wineaux63
Nick responded to my needs IMMEDIATELY and really did a great job with my cases! I was petrified and he explained everything and helped put my mind at ease. I would recommend him in a 💓 HEARTBEAT!
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27 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
George definitely goes above and beyond. He does a wonderful, thorough job. George treated my case with poise and instilled confidence in me where there was none. I would recommend George Parker to anyone.
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16 Oct, 2015 by Brooke
George Parker is my go to attorney. He goes above and beyond. I trust and value his council and truly feel he puts my best interest first. He has handled multiple cases for me and each one I feel I received excellent council and representation. I cannot speak highly enough of George Parker.
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11 Jul, 2013 by Carol
George Parker understood the dynamics of our daughter's divorce and knew immediately how to handle a domestic violence incident. Our daughter wishes she had completely followed his timely recommendations immediately. He was compassionate and understanding. He steered her through a very difficult time. I would highly recommend Mr. Parker to others. He listened to our family and represented us very well.
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13 Jun, 2022 by Donna deering
I hired Kacy Eaves as my attorney for my custody case. She did an amazing job. We won the case and I would and will recommend Kacy Eaves to who ever needs a great a attorney....she's the best
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13 Jun, 2022 by Kristen
I have consulted with Ms. Eaves for many, many years. Not only for my personal circumstances, but I have also referred numerous friends, associates, and some family to her. She definitely knows what she is doing and handles her clients with care and compassion.
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15 Jul, 2016 by Michelle
We Won Thanks to her God Bless Kacy Eves
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16 Jun, 2010 by Chuck
Dr. Plotnick represented my daughter in a potential career damaging circumstance. He was able to resolve the issue with no impact to her career and without causing her a financial burden. He is truly a professional and extremely knowledeable in law practices. Our family is truly thankful of the outcome and appreciate his total dedication and honesty. Thank you Harry.
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27 May, 2009 by Anonymous
Harry is a genuine, honest, and trustworthy lawyer. He is not out for the money like most lawyers but, is truely concerned about your case and issues at hand. Highly respectable for his work that he does. He will defend your rights and make sure you are not taken advantage of in the courts. I would reccomend him to anyone who is looking for this type of lawyer. If I ever need a lawyer again he will be my first contact. Thanks Harry!
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06 Nov, 2020 by Mike
Pawan was very personable to deal with. Great understanding and a very professional approach. He was able to simplify the most complicated circumstance. I would highle recommend his legal counsel.
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03 Apr, 2012 by Michelle
John Daggett is a former prosecutor which came in handy during our lengthy divorce trial. He was professional, informative, and very knowledgeable. He knows how to cut through the emotion to get the end results. He's trustworthy and as soon as I "let go", he was able to get great results. I've dealt with a lot of lawyers in the past, John is in my top 2. I highly recommend him.
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23 Mar, 2012 by Celeste
Dr. Mikita is very affordable and excellent in quality. I got his name ass reference for a divorce/separation and he was quick, good service and he never try to take extra money for me which I was worried about.
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14 Sep, 2015 by Sara
Chris has a fantastic knowledge of all aspects of employment law and was very easy to communicate with throughout my case. Very trustworthy and professional and quick to answer any questions I had. I highly recommend him.
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17 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Adrienne is an excellent attorney with integrity. She went above and beyond as my attorney, never losing a single judgment in the 8+ years that she was my attorney. I would highly recommend her to anyone needing a lawyer who thrives at both mediation and litigation.
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07 Jan, 2011 by Yogeshchachare
She is so fast and accurate, and will always reply to your emails and phone calls soon. I have ben working with several lawyers, but never find one which can match her standards. just perfect.
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27 Jan, 2021 by Jeannine
One time in my life, I hired a lawyer for a simple will to provide for my young children. Beyond that, in my 60 plus years, my experience with the law came from television. Then the carpet got pulled out from underneath me and I needed help. A good friend contacted Barbara Howard and I found myself living a life I never imagined or hope for. Barbara Howard could not have been a more perfect person to walk me through these unchartered waters. She tolerated my highly emotional adjustment to my new normal, all the while steering me forward. She spoke clearly and framed things in reality while making me feel hopeful about my future. I wanted her to take over my life and fix my problems and she wanted me to feel part of the process and a partner in my decisions. When it is imperative to trust someone, you want that someone to be Barbara Howard. She was the best parts of sage legal mind and kind and tolerant partner. She is brilliant and has a depth of experience and contacts you can't match any where. I was not the easiest person to work with, I was not happy with losing my life partner and watching my family unit reshape while facing retirement. I don't know if I could have come out the other side as intact with anyone else but Barbara. I don't miss the collaborative process of divorcing, but I will always miss a chance to connect with Barb and feel her strength and compassion. If you are reading this because you find yourself in a similar situation, God Bless you. Thanks, Barb, for telling me at the beginning I would make it through and guiding me there. I am all the better for knowing her.
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Discover the ideal lawyer
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
