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15 Aug, 2021 by Reuben
Christine was the attorney I wish I had from the beginning. She is everything you would expect from a great attorney: professional, respectful, responsive, informative, and direct. She also really cared, and invested herself in the case, which is not something I can say about previous attorneys I’ve had. After getting nowhere for years, I finally got a huge win in parenting time thanks to Christine. She really helped navigate the messiness of the case and made sure I understood everything she presented. She helped keep me focused on the big picture despite the emotional roller coaster the whole process can be. I highly recommend her and will absolutely hire her again if necessary.
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07 Mar, 2021 by Diana
If I could give her 10 stars I would. She is the best lawyer you would ever hire. She knows how to get things done and get you the best settlement you can get. She helped me thru a two year divorce (because of ex) and kept me calm thru it all. If you want a great attorney hire Christine she will not steer you wrong.
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21 Jun, 2019 by Sarena
Christine Thielo is not only an amazing attorney but an amazing person as well. I felt as though she genuinely cared for my situation and worked hard to get me the best possible outcome, which she did! She represented me in my DV and child custody case and I couldn’t have asked for better. I came to her with quite a bit of history and just one month prior to my next court date. She put the time and effort to review and become completely familiar with my entire case in order to adequately represent me, which she did a great job doing. She explains very thoroughly every option that is available to you and is very honest with each outcome. She is experienced, knowledgeable, professional, and tough! She stands her ground and is not intimidated by anyone or anything. She, or her assistant Linda who is also amazing, gets back to you almost immediately. She went above and beyond my expectations, I can’t describe how grateful and thankful I am for her hard work and dedication.
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17 Apr, 2019 by Vanessa
We reached out to Genoveva for her services of a will/trust for my Mother. She took time with my Mother and created a seamless process that now has my Mom feeling relief because her affairs are in order. From start to finish, we felt Genoveva really cared about my Mother and her wishes. I highly suggest Genoveva, you will not be disappointed.
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02 Jan, 2019 by Cynthia
I consulted with her regarding a child custody case. She offered great advice and was able to help me prioritize what I really needed help with given my financial situation. She was professional and followed through with everything she said she would assist me with. I would of hired her to represent me if I was in a better financial situation and hope others will highly consider her services.
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17 Feb, 2014 by Julie
Mrs. Forgo is a highly knowledgeable and qualified attorney in child support issues. As a staff attorney for the County of Los Angeles, Department of Child Support Services and a Supervising attorney for the County of San Bernardino, Child Support Service, she has direct work experience of internal policies and procedures, as well as professional interactions with the presiding judges. She was able to meet with me promptly to review my child support case. She explained to me with expert detail the summons, the documentation requested of me and the other party, the court proceeding, the demeanor of the judges and the options provided by the County. She walked me through each step to ensure my level of understanding was through. I would highly recommend Mrs. Forgo or anyone of her associates.
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28 Feb, 2016 by Ernie
If anyone has ever gone through a bankruptcy case you know how lonely and frightening it can be. Jane Cervantes walked us through the process and dealt with the courts minimizing our fears. Jane's dealings with the court were aggressive and always kept our interests in mind. Jane takes a personal approach that you will not find in other attorney's, she cares for her clients and is a bulldog vs. the courts. Jane got us through our Chapter 13 case with zero hiccups and a fresh start. Happy it is behind us and I thank Jane for her professionalism and experience! I HIGHLY recommend Jane for anyone going through what we did.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Pool mini
This law firm is highly recommended. They are professional and honest. Mr Alan helped me immensely with my lawsuit case, was quick to answer any questions or concerns whenever I would e-mail them. The case was successfully settled in my way. No one does better job than alan
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03 Jun, 2024 by Edward qin
It takes decades to get connected with this firm. Is the business still going? Not even answering the phone calls, unprofessional! Deserve a zero in rating, not recommended at all!
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24 May, 2024 by Anonymous
I don't know where to start. From day zero when I interviewed with Bill he was very professional, direct, honest, forthright, etc. I did a lot of research prior to interviewing Bill Blasser to represent me in my case where at the time with my daughter was in jeopardy. I have family and friends that told me many things about what could happen because for many years well into elementary school her mother and I did everything word of mouth i.e. child support, schedule, etc. I've dealt with attorneys in my line of business and didn't know what to expect from a family attorney. I read all the Yelp reviews prior to interviewing Bill and everything ended up being inline and very accurate with people's comments (well at least the good ones). In my case many false claims were made about me from her mother. Over unfortunately a year period (by no ones fault) I worked with Bill to supply him with facts of what transpired between my daughter's mother and I.. and at the end of the day IN COURT, Bill as a great attorney as he is, ripped through her lies with his questioning and fact gathering. As an eye witness and through my experience with business, Bill killed it. He unraveled the truth and understood the judge to some degree and got me 50/50! My family and friends were ecstatic with the results! I actually couldn't believe it, but if it wasn't for Bill's legal skills and determination I don't think I would have had the results I wished for from the beginning. If you'd like to interview me to ask further questions I would be more than willing as Bill changed my life for the better, just ask him for my cell number. Godspeed and love
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12 Aug, 2024 by Philip
Deborah Kahn guided me through the process of creating a Trust and Will for my estate. I am highly satisfied with the result and would recommend her to anyone needing estate planning services. I now feel very secure that my estate will not fall into probate. Thank you, Deborah, for the peace of mind our work together has brought me.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Pool mini
This law firm is highly recommended. They are professional and honest. Mr Alan helped me immensely with my lawsuit case, was quick to answer any questions or concerns whenever I would e-mail them. The case was successfully settled in my way. No one does better job than alan
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03 Jun, 2024 by Edward qin
It takes decades to get connected with this firm. Is the business still going? Not even answering the phone calls, unprofessional! Deserve a zero in rating, not recommended at all!
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16 Jan, 2024 by Paul krause
Words can't express the gratitude I have towards Brian and his team (especially Miki) at Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell. I actually interviewed four different attorneys before I found Brian. I hear horror stories from others regarding their relationship with their attorneys. During a divorce, you need access to the one person you trust that's assisting you in an already difficult chapter of our lives. If you unfortunately need a divorce attorney, you can feel confident knowing they will always have your back!
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30 Oct, 2023 by Jason ritz
Highly recommend. This law firm has been amazing to work with and is a class act. Mr. Mitchell was outstanding explaining my rights as a father and working with the opposing counsel. My situation was a complicated one but Mr. Mitchell was able to write up a parenting plan so I could start seeing my 3 children again after being away from them for 4 years. This firm definitely goes the distance for its clients and the office staff is always there to assist with any questions and I had a lot of them!
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19 Oct, 2023 by Julian jimenez
I would like to say if you’re in need with understanding your rights as a parent, with any little detail that needs to be filled I highly suggest Brian Mitchell. Brian helped me and quickly responsive and fights for you. Brian made my divorce simple, helped me with gaining joint and physical custody with my daughter and knows exactly how to fight for you. He gathered all evidence and proof of my testimony and presented it professionally. I would also like to thank Miki for always taking my calls/ emails with any questions I had and always being respectful. Thank you so much for everything you have done for my case!
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17 Jul, 2024 by Jeffrey hranek
Exceptional Legal Representation: Highly Recommended! I recently had the privilege of working with the Law Offices of Thomas S. Carter, and I cannot speak highly enough of their exceptional legal services. From start to finish, Mr. Carter and his team demonstrated the utmost professionalism, expertise, and dedication to my case. First and foremost, the level of knowledge and expertise displayed by Mr. Carter was truly impressive. He took the time to thoroughly understand the intricacies of my legal situation and provided clear and concise guidance every step of the way. His ability to navigate complex legal matters with ease gave me immense confidence in his abilities. Furthermore, the entire team at the Law Offices of Thomas S. Carter was incredibly responsive and attentive. They promptly addressed any concerns or questions I had and ensured that I was well-informed throughout the entire process. Their attention to detail and commitment to providing personalized service was truly commendable. One aspect that truly stood out to me was the genuine care and compassion displayed by Mr. Carter and his team. They understood the emotional toll that legal issues can have on individuals and went above and beyond to provide support and reassurance. Their empathy and understanding made a significant difference in my experience with their firm. In addition to their exceptional legal representation, the Law Offices of Thomas S. Carter also proved to be highly efficient and effective in achieving favorable outcomes. Their strategic approach and meticulous preparation were evident, resulting in a successful resolution to my case. I am incredibly grateful for their dedication and unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible results. I wholeheartedly and without reservation recommend the Law Offices of Thomas S. Carter to anyone in need of outstanding legal representation. Their professionalism, expertise, responsiveness, and genuine care for their clients set them apart from the rest. If you are looking for a legal team that will go above and beyond to protect your interests, look no further than the Law Offices of Thomas S. Carter.
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25 Jun, 2024 by Eric chamberlain
Thomas.was.most.helpful with my legal matters and I consider him a friend and my attorney
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14 Jun, 2024 by Lisa nicely
We are a start-up consulting firm and needed several legal documents, including an NDA, a Disclaimer for our documentation, and a GSA. After leaving messages at three local business contract-writing law firms, Thomas S. Carter was the only one who called back. The pricing was reasonable, so we decided to proceed with their services. We couldn't be happier! The project began with a call to understand our business, and draft documents were promptly delivered for review. Highly recommend!
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27 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
I retained Brian Mitchell and but was dissatisfied with the fees. Initially, I signed a retainer, only to receive a substantial invoice shortly after demanding additional prompt payment. I was surprised by the sudden request given that I do not recall receiving any prior notice that my retainer had been depleted and needed replenishment.
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16 Jan, 2024 by Paul krause
Words can't express the gratitude I have towards Brian and his team (especially Miki) at Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell. I actually interviewed four different attorneys before I found Brian. I hear horror stories from others regarding their relationship with their attorneys. During a divorce, you need access to the one person you trust that's assisting you in an already difficult chapter of our lives. If you unfortunately need a divorce attorney, you can feel confident knowing they will always have your back!
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30 Oct, 2023 by Jason ritz
Highly recommend. This law firm has been amazing to work with and is a class act. Mr. Mitchell was outstanding explaining my rights as a father and working with the opposing counsel. My situation was a complicated one but Mr. Mitchell was able to write up a parenting plan so I could start seeing my 3 children again after being away from them for 4 years. This firm definitely goes the distance for its clients and the office staff is always there to assist with any questions and I had a lot of them!
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27 Mar, 2024 by Brett constant
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06 Sep, 2023 by Shalique sm ellison (my novel mercedes)
My attorney was Jeffrey Valladolid and I really recommend this law firm. He is honest straight forward and to the point. Everyone in the office is welcoming and inviting. This firm genuinely wants to help people. Diane is amazing as well she is definitely a driving force. I can't thank everyone enough for all the help and advice I received for the 1 ½ years my case went on.
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04 Mar, 2023 by Shawn chowdhry
Blake is a great lawyer and he takes his work seriously and I have great working rationship with him.
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09 Aug, 2023 by Zack diliberto
Abusive bully. Called opposing party, verbally abused her. Should be disbarred.
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20 Jun, 2022 by Michelle gutierrez
Mr Guzman, is a Great Attorney fights till the very end. He is fast, gathers every bit of information. Amazing Work Mr Guzman!!.
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03 Jun, 2022 by Donna heinemann
Attorney John J Guzman is a consummate professional who was knowledgeable, kind and tenacious throughout my lengthy legal matters. He tirelessly fought for my rights and kept me well informed. He and his friendly staff always made me feel valued and important. Thank you, John
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09 Aug, 2023 by Zack diliberto
Abusive bully. Called opposing party, verbally abused her. Should be disbarred.
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20 Jun, 2022 by Michelle gutierrez
Mr Guzman, is a Great Attorney fights till the very end. He is fast, gathers every bit of information. Amazing Work Mr Guzman!!.
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03 Jun, 2022 by Donna heinemann
Attorney John J Guzman is a consummate professional who was knowledgeable, kind and tenacious throughout my lengthy legal matters. He tirelessly fought for my rights and kept me well informed. He and his friendly staff always made me feel valued and important. Thank you, John
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27 Mar, 2024 by Brett constant
Google Maps
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06 Sep, 2023 by Shalique sm ellison (my novel mercedes)
My attorney was Jeffrey Valladolid and I really recommend this law firm. He is honest straight forward and to the point. Everyone in the office is welcoming and inviting. This firm genuinely wants to help people. Diane is amazing as well she is definitely a driving force. I can't thank everyone enough for all the help and advice I received for the 1 ½ years my case went on.
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04 Mar, 2023 by Shawn chowdhry
Blake is a great lawyer and he takes his work seriously and I have great working rationship with him.
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10 Nov, 2023 by Erick
Esta persona es un fraude, me robo 33,500 dolares, es lo peor que me pudo haber pasado en la vida, chequen su status en su licencia en migracion, esta persona ya le han suspendido la licencia muchas veces, aqui dejo el link del gobierno para que ustedes mismos lo vean https://apps.calbar.ca.gov/attorney/Licensee/Detail/171342
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26 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Esta abogada solo es un fraude, nunca resolvió el caso de mi madre. Solo preguntaba por más dinero, cada ves que llamábamos no contestaban o decían que la abogada estaba ocupada, solo cuando tocaba pago estaban puntuales llamando para cobrar, nunca nos dijeron cómo estaba el caso. Se aprovechan de la necesidad de las personas por querer arreglar su status migratorio.
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12 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Mentirosa solo roba el dinero horrible experiencia con esta abogada cero profecional
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29 Jan, 2021 by Andrew
Documents never filed, paid in full. Zero correspondence sent physically or to the email and phone I have had since 2008. Would not recommend
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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