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10 Dec, 2022 by Allie
Erin Armstrong handled my divorce case which also included custody and child support. She is so personable, compassionate, understanding and non-judgmental that it made the whole process so much more comfortable for me and put me at ease. She is so reliable and what she promises gets done. She follows through with any issues and communicates in an extremely clear and upfront manner about what to expect, what could happen, how to handle it, etc. She answered my messages and questions in a timely manner. She is honest, has years of experience and knows the laws of Ohio regarding family law inside and out. Erin was truly a fantastic lawyer to work with and I felt I was very supported during the process of my divorce. I have recommended her to many friends and colleagues and will continue to do so. I am so grateful to how much she has helped me and my child handle a very difficult situation which we can move forward from thanks to her assistance. I would hire her again if needed in the future for any other area of law she handles.
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10 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
I retained Erin for a complicated divorce. Not only was she able to answer all of my questions, she went above and beyond to ensure that I was prepared for anything that could have been "thrown at us". She knows her state/local/and county laws and regulations unlike any lawyer I have ever seen...even in court she had to "remind" opposing counsel of things they were not aware of. She approached all of my concerns with grace and compassion but was amazing a fighting for me and my children in court. She is open and honest in her communication with you and you will always know and feel that she truly cares about you as a client...with Erin you are not just a "number" or a "money maker" she is truly invested in helping you navigate through what is often a difficult journey. I recommend her and her services to anyone I know looking for a family law attorney.
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31 Jan, 2022 by Tito
As we closed today on our case with a win! I must say I’m beyond forever grateful from start till finish Erin did an amazing job at representing me and I feel like amazing is an understatement. I can’t express how grateful and bless I was to have her represent me during my case, my wife and I actually went with Erin based off reviews left from others and it was the best decision I’ve agreed to do! Thank you Erin for everything you have done for me and my family and we’ll definitely continue to recommend you to others in need.
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22 Aug, 2023 by Belal
Sam helped me with a traffic citation and the outcome was great. he took care of it remotely and I didn't have to go to court or even see him face to face. everything was done over phone and email. from my experience I would give Sam 5 stars for sure.
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26 Apr, 2021 by Allison
I needed some urgent advice about a divorce pension matter. I asked Sam Basta if he would to take a look at the papers sent to me and I’m very glad I did. His actions about the matter were quick and decisive. He provided excellent counsel and saved me from losing my full portion of my ex husband’s pension. If it weren’t for his attention to the matter, his good rapport with a QDRO company and the judge, I’m certain I would have lost a lot of the money. I’ll definitely will use his services again and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him.
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04 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
I was charged with reckless driving, no operator licence and the worst hit and run. I hired Mr. Basta for that case and he just literally saved my life.
I am not a citizen yet, and those charges might bring me a lot of problems in process of naturalization. He managed to "convert" all 3 charges to reasonable control, so that i only paid fine and got points on my licence. He sealed the worst 2 charges and made this a regular vehicular case. I am very grateful for what he did for me. I definitely will recommend him to my friends.
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03 Sep, 2017 by Lashawn
I hired Myron for a Felony case in 2015, He was very knowledgeable with this type of case. He handled it very professionally and even got me a plea in which I received probation. I hired him again to get it removed from my criminal background which he did with ease. I am now moving on with my life in a more legal manner! Great Job Myron, Thank you!
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01 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
HE FAILED TO DO HIS HOMEWORK ON MY CASE HE ACTED SCARE IN COURT AND FAILED TO ASKED THE RIGHT QUESTIONS ...HE COST ME MY JOB
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11 May, 2011 by Anonymous
myron is currently handling a case for me, he is always on top of things, knows what he's doing..extremely busy but never lets you down.i would reccomend him to anyone in need..he gets the job done!
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07 Jan, 2021 by Claudia
It is hard to find an HONEST, down to earth and fair Lawyer anymore. Sunny did an spectacular job, We had to stop the process due to personal reasons but She was always available, supportive, straight forward with us.
She fougth to get things corrected and truly care for us as customers.
If you are looking with Honesty and Integrity in this field please consider Sunny Simon.
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12 May, 2010 by Anonymous
Sunny knows what she's doing in the court room without a doubt. She knows the laws and is as smart as they come. She's generally good at alerting her client of anything important within a reasonable amount of time. The only downsides I had in my 18 months dealing with her was I felt belittled at times, as if I was working for her rather than the other way around. Also, the inital agreement as we headed to court was for one thing, and she went into business for herself and got me less, without my knowledge or consent until the final day of court. I would recommend her, but I'd strongly make sure you keep CLOSE attention to what is going on and constantly check to make sure she is still fighting for what you want, rather than what she decides is best for you.
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11 Aug, 2010 by Heather
Vince played hard-ball. He was good and got the results I wanted. I used him for the first time in 2000 - 2001 and I am currently seeking his help again for a related matter.
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10 Jul, 2023 by Alien martian
08 Jul, 2022 by Jeff romito
I have been trying to work with one of their Attorneys, Matthew. He does not return calls nor follow up right away. I would not recommend this firm.
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03 Nov, 2021 by Pablo bravo
10 Jul, 2023 by Alien martian
08 Jul, 2022 by Jeff romito
I have been trying to work with one of their Attorneys, Matthew. He does not return calls nor follow up right away. I would not recommend this firm.
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03 Nov, 2021 by Pablo bravo
10 Jul, 2023 by Alien martian
08 Jul, 2022 by Jeff romito
I have been trying to work with one of their Attorneys, Matthew. He does not return calls nor follow up right away. I would not recommend this firm.
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03 Nov, 2021 by Pablo bravo
12 Aug, 2024 by Keith d jones sr
18 Apr, 2024 by Sharlene cleveland
11 Apr, 2024 by Sherrie grams
I don't know what they even do now, can't refer you to lawyer's, can't advise you, so what do they do???
Seriously. I'd love to know incase I get them referred to me again
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26 Aug, 2024 by Linda messina
My Deceased husband has been a client for 15+ years at Kelley Ferraro. Over the years I have dealt with many professional employees from attorneys to secretaries to probate, etc. I have two employees that have stood out over the years one being Bidea Kelly. I met Bidea through a business that I had had and she had turned me on to Kelley Ferraro. At that time she worked in probate and always was very personal. Bidea would give you as much information as she could or turn you on to another employee that would be able to answer your questions. The other employee is Valerie, the settlement coordinator. sometimes in a large law firm It's almost the luck of the draw what employee you get to speak to and for the last eight months I have been blessed to get Valerie. When speaking with her whether it's a question or she calls to give me information it's almost like she takes it personal as if she understands what I'm going through. I have gotten more information from Valerie in eight months then I have in the 15 years that I've been dealing With this law firm. There is much protocol / paperwork dealing with a lawsuit, as well as different departments. I always felt in the last 14 years that my case had been Unintentionally lost in the shuffle. NOT with Valerie, she knows exactly what chain the protocol has to take before a settlement and never hesitates to explain why a settlement would take as long as it does! Valerie has worked very hard on my case and I'm sure she does this for other clients as well. Of all the employees I have come in contact with I feel confident in saying Valerie enjoys her job and takes pride in being the best she can be for Kelley Ferraro !! She's a keeper!!!
Thank you , Linda Messina
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09 Jul, 2024 by Pamela poindexter
24 Jun, 2024 by Thomas fickes
The attorney that handled my wife mesothelioma case didn't want to do anything. I had to do all of the research. She stated that she didn't know where to get the legal records from. I gave her phone numbers fir witnesses and she never wrote the correct numbers down and nor did she contact anyone. They only want easy money, they don't care about thier clients. They only want an easy payday.
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04 Jun, 2024 by Family odetallah
*STAY AWAY!* Pamela J. MacAdams DESTROYED our lives. We are the Odetallah children (4), that were the victims of lies, with emails to prove against her deception withheld from court. Macadams vouched for an absent, neglectful, and abusive father, that influenced the judge to reallocate custody to a monster. My stay at home mother of 20 years, has been receiving NO CHILD SUPPORT. We continue to live with our mother since birth. MacAdams biased swaying of the judge has been a direct cause of:
-NO CHILD SUPPORT FOR THE 4 MINOR CHILDREN
-Severe health emergencies
-Numerous preventable police reports from We The Children towards our father, of his physical, psychological, and emotional abuse
-No food for the children
-No annual glasses for 2 kids
-No driver’s license
-No gas
-No clothing
-Living with no money to repair mold
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28 Jul, 2020 by Gregg kaufman
Paul Grieco helped my family thru a very troubling time in our lives. He is a pro's pro and very responsive to your needs. He is very responsive and will listen to what you have to say. Just remember, the wheels of justice turn slowly and things take time. I am proud to call Mr. Grieco my friend.
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13 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Helped me out alot with advice on my childsupport...very knowledgeable in all aspects in her field, actually cared and listened... saved me money too with her free advice .
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12 Apr, 2018 by Tony
Do not use this attorney!!! I paid over $30,000 for him to handle my divorce. He had verbage in my divorce that allowed my ex wife to stop following our parenting plan. My ex wife took my 16 year old son away from me to live with her full time. When I hired him again to help fight it, he charged me several thousand dollars and conceived me to just drop it because the court won’t help. He also forgot verbage in the divorce to make sure all expenses were split 50/50. I am stuck paying 100% of a lot of expense like cellphones and car expenses because he did not put that in the divorce. Then he just decides to drop me and not help me fight for my son or equal expenses.
Terrible attorney and law firm!!!
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27 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Reynolds in my child custody/divorce case. His experience and knowledge with the system was evident. He communicated his ideas and opinions in a way that was not only thoughtful, but more importantly to the point and well researched. I appreciated his directness and he was always thinking two steps ahead of what needed to get done. He made me feel like we were a team and not like a subservient client who doesn't know anything about the law. He returned calls and emails at a more than respectable rate for an attorney. If he couldn't get back to me he would let me know with a quick email his eta on when he would return the call or email. He also wouldn't overcharge me. He had a reasonable rate and always was open to discussing money if I wondered why I was getting charged for something I didn't understand. I believe communication to his clients and the magistrate/judge are his best traits. He's not afraid to stick up for you in front of an older more seasoned attorney or magistrate. Actually, from what I saw they all listen intently to him because he is intelligent not only with his words, but with the way he is able to communicate (again that word rings in my head) your goals and bring up evidence in a manner that helps your case. I would recommend this Mr. Reynolds and not think twice about it.
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01 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Chris was very professional and very hard working. He was very prompt on getting back to me (even in the middle of the night and on weekends). He listened to what I wanted and what my concerns were. He is not obnoxiously loud, but he will fight for you and isn't easily intimidated. He was very honest on what my expectations should and could be, and didn't sugar coat anything. Direct and to the point. Human and easy going. Honest and professional. Hard working and confident. He was careful not to incur unnecessary costs and didn't nickel and dime me for every phone call or email. Bonus: He has the resource of a very large firm with a lot of talented lawyers that back each other up. Couldn't ask for more. And I did wind up with sole custody of my kids.
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26 Apr, 2017 by Richard
I was never visited by this attorney and when it came to trial day she used information entirely irrelevant to me case as a defense and for a an agreement that got out offhand she got me three years in prisons, my mother in the heat of the agruement pushed me and I pushed her back, from preliminary in municipal court, to pretrial to trial her story constantly changed it went for I hit her and pushed her in the police report to trial where she made it sound as if I beat her senslessly. This woman is use less, I am going to upon my on expense gather all the reports for comparison and open a legal,malpractice case against her I highly advise staying away from her
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11 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Ruth is a lawyer that will get the job done. She worked hard for me and always kept me updated on my case. She is someone who is tough in court and really cares about her clients. Thanks, Ruth!
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11 May, 2016 by Anonymous
I have nothing but good things to say about Ruth Cohen. I used her services on several occasions and she was always courteous, professional, reasonable and most importantly, successful. She really will go that extra mile for her clients with a devotion that is rarely found. I highly recommend Ruth Cohen.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Larry
24 Jul, 2024 by Akira holmes
23 Jul, 2024 by George robertson
Never Received What I Was Told
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26 Aug, 2024 by Larry
24 Jul, 2024 by Akira holmes
23 Jul, 2024 by George robertson
Never Received What I Was Told
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26 Aug, 2024 by Larry
24 Jul, 2024 by Akira holmes
23 Jul, 2024 by George robertson
Never Received What I Was Told
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26 Aug, 2024 by Larry
24 Jul, 2024 by Akira holmes
23 Jul, 2024 by George robertson
Never Received What I Was Told
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26 Aug, 2024 by Larry
24 Jul, 2024 by Akira holmes
23 Jul, 2024 by George robertson
Never Received What I Was Told
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24 Aug, 2024 by Carol
This attorney is a DIAMOND in legal representation! At the time I hired her in 2022 I was in the most horrific private custody battle. My previous attorney was horrendous. The majority of other attorney's either flat out turned down my case or wanted a $20,000 retainer. Mary Jo listened to what was happening and jumped in with both barrels blazing. For the first time in 2 years, I felt like my attorney was on my side. She fought and advocated for me. She contacted me the morning of hearings to check in. My previous attorney NEVER provided guidance on hearings. Money - remember how I said most attorney's wanted an outrageous retainer? Not Mary Jo. She asked for a reasonable retainer and throughout my case has not over charged. My previous attorney billed 8.50 for an email with less than 5 words. Mary Jo does not believe in that predatory billing. Choose her, I promise you will be forever grateful you did!!!
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04 Jan, 2024 by Matt
My wife and I engaged Mary Jo Hanson for a step-parent adoption, confident in her claim of expertise in such cases. Despite promptly paying a retainer, to say that our experience with her was less than satisfactory would be a gross misscharacterisation. Over two years, communication was scarce, and it became evident that she requested unnecessary information and purportedly filed documents that were never submitted.
After deciding to navigate the process ourselves, we discovered that the adoption procedure was more straightforward than initially presented. In a matter of months, we successfully completed all necessary forms and procedures independently. Subsequently, we requested a refund from Ms. Hanson, who declined, leading us to pursue legal action.
Throughout the court proceedings, Ms. Hanson exhibited a consistently rude and disrespectful demeanor. Fabricating information and providing conflicting accounts during phone conversations, she demonstrated a lack of professionalism. In court, she continued with false statements and repeatedly referred to my wife by the wrong name, despite corrections. We discovered her actual lack of experience in these cases and her main intention being to use our money and case to learn from...that is not what we paid for.
Despite her requests for numerous continuances, we eventually had our day in court. The judge found Ms. Hanson's claims of filing documents to be untrue, while our case was supported by clear evidence. Despite a judgment in our favor, Ms. Hanson has made no attempt to fulfill the court-ordered payment. We are currently exploring additional avenues to collect but it has been nearly a year since the judgement was ordered and over three years since we paid her.
Our intention in sharing this experience is to inform others considering legal services from Ms. Hanson. Had we known about her unprofessional practices, we would not have chosen her for such an important matter. We hope our story aids others in making more informed decisions when seeking legal representation.
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05 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Mary Jo is an unorganized liar and only wants your money. She will not do anything right for a client who is African American. She will lie her way through to be retained and after she is retained she will not do anything you ask even if it’s beneficial to your case even if you give her enough evidence to do so she will find reasons not to. If she knows anyone personally on your case, she will side with them and set your case up to fail. She will not keep you updated with your case nor with your fees and overcharge you constantly for the smallest things. She will constantly request you to come into her office so she can over charge you for nothing. She will also overcharge you for every call or text message you send her. If she tells you she personally knows anyone on your case do not hire her. If your African America. DO NOT HIRE HER!!!! She will secretly work with them against you. She will even try to call you a liar and say you didn’t request something. Every African American client is treated as if they are ignorant of the law and as if she knows best. I suggest everyone who has an issue with her to make a review for everyone to see and to file a Grievance against her through the Supreme Court and the American Bar Association. The more grievances the greater outcome of her being disciplined.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Russ campbell
05 Jun, 2023 by Matthew honaker
I laughed at her video where she went off on the cops. I want to know what they did to provoke it.
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01 May, 2023 by Allen tahsler
She's very hard working. Treats you like a family member. Handles matters delicately that are hard on both parties.
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21 Mar, 2023 by Brad
Bondra was really disrespectful and against me when he was suppose to work for me..
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08 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Bondra was a great help to my son. He walked our family through the process of resolving my son's criminal matter in a way that led to my son both being held accountable and him being able to have a second chance. Today, my son's future looks good.
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09 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Attorney Anthony Bondra represented me and was very professional and very well educated in regards to my case. I would highly recommend him. I dealt with other lawyers when this matter came about, and Mr. Bondra by far was the most knowledgeable when it came to the laws. I refer him to everyone now.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Used for a business case in 2019. Took my retainer & did not file forms correct time. Did not keep me in the loop. Case got thrown out & he refused to return my retainer.
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23 Sep, 2024 by Tomas o’dell
Not to be trusted. You will be screwed. Not unscrupulous attorney that ever walked the earth.
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16 Jun, 2023 by Lewis
I hired Eric J. Cherry to represent me in my child custody case. I was not pleased with my first lawyer and found Eric. I liked him from the start. It was a long process for me. (2years) Eric Cherry was very reasonable with billing me. I thought he was excellent in everything he did for me. I was pleased with the outcome of my case and don't believe I would have gotten the same results without Eric and the GAL I had on the case.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
I was consulted by Tanja over the phone. She failed to let me speak. When I was finally able to ask what the difference between a pre and post nuptial agreement was she explained it was BEFORE and AFTER marriage - obviously. After I asked about the difference in legalities she reminded me how ridiculous this conversation was due to our timeline (which I had told her we were not pressed on a PREnup but wanted to understand the difference). She then went on to say how contentious these situations can be and how they’re “never pretty”. Tanja was rude, short and disheartening. I left the conversation confident I would not be providing her with my business.
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13 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms. Holecek provided me with a free consultation. She took her time with me and and educated me even though she knew I had not yet made a decision. She clearly sees her clients as families in need not just as dollar signs.
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09 Mar, 2015 by Tom
I have known Tanja for years and she has helped guide me through the divorce and dissolution process. She is extremely knowledgeable, responsive, and recommends other professionals to help with the collaborative process, all with the goals of efficiency and doing what is right for the client.
I HIGHLY recommend Tanja!
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26 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Had a very difficult and complex divorce case that involved investments, future businesses, and a complex support agreement. Bridgette, was patient, reasonable, and keep the case moving, despite weak follow-up on the opposing side. In addition to being an excellent attorney, Bridgette is one of the finest human beings I have ever come across in my career. I would recommend her to any potential client without reservation. I couldn't imagine a better legal partner!
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24 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
Worst experience I have ever encountered. Cost me 10 of thousands due to poor handling of case and lack of knowledge of the law. Only interested in overcharging and drawing out case when case could have been resolved with minimal fees. STAY AWAY!!!
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02 May, 2021 by Anonymous
To describe:
Two words: NOT GOOD describes this attorney best.
Three other words: REALLY SHOULD RETIRE
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05 Jan, 2015 by Benjamin
After my previous attorney failed me and supplied no defense whatsoever in my divorce trial, I engaged Edgar to handle my appeal(s) after interviewing several other "specialists."
While this process is not concluded, I can already say that Edgar Boles has been a breath of fresh air.He has done an admirable job of pulling together all of the pieces and assembling them so we can rectify this situation.I give Edgar Boles very high marks for his understanding of the law, for his attention to detail and for his tenacity.In all of these respects, and others, Edgar Boles stands out as truly exceptional.He has also kept me informed at each step in the process!
I recommend Edgar Boles enthusiastically and without reservation!
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04 Jun, 2024 by Family odetallah
*STAY AWAY!* Pamela J. MacAdams DESTROYED our lives. We are the Odetallah children (4), that were the victims of lies, with emails to prove against her deception withheld from court. Macadams vouched for an absent, neglectful, and abusive father, that influenced the judge to reallocate custody to a monster. My stay at home mother of 20 years, has been receiving NO CHILD SUPPORT. We continue to live with our mother since birth. MacAdams biased swaying of the judge has been a direct cause of:
-NO CHILD SUPPORT FOR THE 4 MINOR CHILDREN
-Severe health emergencies
-Numerous preventable police reports from We The Children towards our father, of his physical, psychological, and emotional abuse
-No food for the children
-No annual glasses for 2 kids
-No driver’s license
-No gas
-No clothing
-Living with no money to repair mold
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28 Jul, 2020 by Gregg kaufman
Paul Grieco helped my family thru a very troubling time in our lives. He is a pro's pro and very responsive to your needs. He is very responsive and will listen to what you have to say. Just remember, the wheels of justice turn slowly and things take time. I am proud to call Mr. Grieco my friend.
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04 Jun, 2024 by Family odetallah
*STAY AWAY!* Pamela J. MacAdams DESTROYED our lives. We are the Odetallah children (4), that were the victims of lies, with emails to prove against her deception withheld from court. Macadams vouched for an absent, neglectful, and abusive father, that influenced the judge to reallocate custody to a monster. My stay at home mother of 20 years, has been receiving NO CHILD SUPPORT. We continue to live with our mother since birth. MacAdams biased swaying of the judge has been a direct cause of:
-NO CHILD SUPPORT FOR THE 4 MINOR CHILDREN
-Severe health emergencies
-Numerous preventable police reports from We The Children towards our father, of his physical, psychological, and emotional abuse
-No food for the children
-No annual glasses for 2 kids
-No driver’s license
-No gas
-No clothing
-Living with no money to repair mold
Read more
28 Jul, 2020 by Gregg kaufman
Paul Grieco helped my family thru a very troubling time in our lives. He is a pro's pro and very responsive to your needs. He is very responsive and will listen to what you have to say. Just remember, the wheels of justice turn slowly and things take time. I am proud to call Mr. Grieco my friend.
Read more
04 Jun, 2024 by Family odetallah
*STAY AWAY!* Pamela J. MacAdams DESTROYED our lives. We are the Odetallah children (4), that were the victims of lies, with emails to prove against her deception withheld from court. Macadams vouched for an absent, neglectful, and abusive father, that influenced the judge to reallocate custody to a monster. My stay at home mother of 20 years, has been receiving NO CHILD SUPPORT. We continue to live with our mother since birth. MacAdams biased swaying of the judge has been a direct cause of:
-NO CHILD SUPPORT FOR THE 4 MINOR CHILDREN
-Severe health emergencies
-Numerous preventable police reports from We The Children towards our father, of his physical, psychological, and emotional abuse
-No food for the children
-No annual glasses for 2 kids
-No driver’s license
-No gas
-No clothing
-Living with no money to repair mold
Read more
28 Jul, 2020 by Gregg kaufman
Paul Grieco helped my family thru a very troubling time in our lives. He is a pro's pro and very responsive to your needs. He is very responsive and will listen to what you have to say. Just remember, the wheels of justice turn slowly and things take time. I am proud to call Mr. Grieco my friend.
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24 Mar, 2023 by Bill
John has represented several family members and friends in civil, juvenile, and criminal cases for many years. He's always willing to help at a moment's notice. Due to his extensive experience in all local courts, he knows how the system works and how to obtain the optimal results.
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16 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
This man is in the cloud of his own past and present life issues. Did not listen to anything my children and I ever told him. Treated me as a poor unworthy woman.
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01 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
John was my lawyer and helped a great deal but he has no “bed side manner”. Very rude...for instance I was waiting and waiting for court and he left to see another clients so I called his office to ask what to die because I needed to work and was waiting 2 hours for a pretrial...when he came back he yelled at me in Front of other people and said he was thinking about with drawling as my lawyer because I called his office and I’m asking like an A-Hole for asking what to do...
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24 Jan, 2024 by Robert wilson
Mr Manu Raj represented me so poorly that I demanded my money back.
The firm of Kvale Antonelli & Raj cut me a check for every penny that I paid them.
I would give no stars if that was an option.
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19 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
He did a great job fir me. He took a very personal interest and made me feel safe.
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15 Aug, 2019 by Bob martin
I switched representation to Mr. Raj from another attorney and have been very happy with my decision. His priority has been my best interests, not billable hours. I would recommend Mr. Raj to any of my friends that might need his services.
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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:
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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.
