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22 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
I had a horrible experience with this lawyer and I was not the only one. My best friend hired her to help with a divorce. My friends' husband disappeared for over 5 years and showed up after he found out that he could make a profit since their house gained value. He only paid $ 2000 for a lawyer and received 50% of all assets after being gone and not paying any bills for over 5 years. My friend got the same 50% and paid Patricia 3 times more. I hired her and never went to her office to discuss my case. She filed my divorce forms online which cost little fees but she charged thousands of dollars for a phone call. She does not care about her clients. I fired her and had to pay a high charge to get rid of her services. She is extremely unprofessional.
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06 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
You'll notice that her ratings have only gone downhill in the more recent years, and this is not a coincidence. She worked on a case for my father-in-law back in 2015 and was exceptional in the courtroom. Based on her past performance, I used her for my child custody support hearing in 2020 and a landlord dispute around the same time, and she was nowhere near the same level of prepaid or willing to argue my points in the courtroom (I honestly think she didn't prepare until the morning of and it showed). She just didn't have any fight in her and was more interested in compromises even in the face of significant evidence in my favor. She will not look at your case until the day of court and still ask you questions that you clearly explained to her in email and other communications that she can reread. Oh, but don't worry, she will charge you for everything you send her, even though she clearly won't even read it during that time.
In my child custody hearing the day before court, she asked me to send her all the relevant messages between me and my ex. I already sent them a month prior, and I highlighted the details I thought were important. I was charged for emailing her the month prior because it is "communication," then I got charged again for the same when I resent her the same emails. After hiring this attorney, I am almost $10,000 in debt, and she gave my ex everything her attorney asked for in court and did not (DID NOT!) put up any fight or present my side. I left the courtroom feeling like my side was completely unheard. I was just shocked by the whole thing and found it unbelievable. For how much she charges, you can find a better attorney.
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22 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
She is a nightmare, she is an alcoholic who is incompetent and plays ball with the opposing attorneys. She will not have your interest in mind only billing you as much as possible. I had to fire her and file a complaint with the Colorado attorneys board. She sat on my case till the last minute which made it impossible for an applet level attorney to enter to fix what she let go because of her personal bias against me. It resulted in me losing custody of my children. She shouldn't have licensure to practice. Stay far away
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15 Jun, 2023 by Faith
Attorneys are labeled as verbose, but Jeanne is able to cut to the chase to save you time and money. The cost fades in light of the value of all that she accomplished in my divorce. I had a spouse who wanted to create drama throughout the process; at one point of frustration I was told, “And don’t talk to your bulldog lawyer!”
The team is seasoned and devoted in its roles and provide a consistent, calm and thorough process. My case was complicated, which included mediation and a consult with another attorney out of state.
Jeanne is respected by colleagues in her field. Selling our home was necessary; the judge complimented her idea to use the proceeds for the sale to front load the amount of maintenance.
If you can handle honesty about your case and are willing to do your part in the process, I highly recommend Jeanne!
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01 May, 2019 by Sean
So let me tell you something about my experience with Jeanne, and her staff. First off, I found them online, never even met her in person, as I am living in Washington. I didn't know what to expect, never been through a divorce. She let me know right up front, the worst case scenario, which I appreciated. She was always trying to get me to stop wasting my money, calling her, worrying about things I couldn't control. She was very thorough, and direct. The day that I met her in person, was the day of my final divorce hearing. I was expecting the worse, and hoping for the best. The way she takes control of the court room, AMAZING!!!!!! I actually felt bad for my ex wife having to be cross examined by Jeanne. If you want someone, who will tell you how it is, and will fight for you, JEANNE should be YOUR TOP CHOICE.....She went above and beyond, and was VERY successful regarding the outcome of the case. Thank you so very much Jeanne!!!!
Sean
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10 May, 2016 by Cindie
Avoid this person who is an uncaring attorney, and this is from my personal experience. I spent approximately 7,OOO dollars for NOTHING!!! Had to hire another attorney who was a professional, knowledgeable and empathetic attorney regarding a military divorce.
Lesson learned!
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02 Jun, 2020 by Kariyma
There have been plenty of times they out this year n two months where I would not get a response from anyone in the office.. I've called from my phone they didn't answer I call from a co workers phone and all of a sudden they answer. Plenty of times I could not get them in the phone calling 10 times I've showed up at the Office called the phone and listen to the phone ring from outside the door. I'd knock on the door and they answered surprised it was me .
I paid my retainer in February of 2018 and every month I was suppose to receive a statement of the transactions they for the month and it would state what they used money for and when. I NEVER RECEIVED A SINGLE ONE !
And now that my court case is closed I've contacted them several time to get the remaining balance of my account /how much money I have left ... It's been two months and haven't Hurd a thing from there office!
Extremely unprofessional in every aspect ! I do not recommend steer far away from these people .
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02 Dec, 2018 by Ken
Mrs. James saved me from an almost total disaster. I started with one attorney who could only say we will make it up at final and when I found Mrs. James, she had an uphill battle to straighten out what the first attorney did and then proceed to save me not only time but money. Thank you Mrs. James.
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18 Jul, 2016 by Meagan
Jennifer B James was worthless in helping to assist me and my 2 children with a good outcome in the court system. If I could give negative stars then I would. It was made very clear to this lawyer that the other parent was currently using drugs and alcohol (she is the one that told me he had an upcoming date for his 3rd DUI), and that he did not have a suitable place for the children to stay while they were with him. It was documented that he was not using his time of 2 weekends a month prior to court, however, Jennifer thought it would be a grand idea to give him even more time than what he already had, even though I was trying to give him less time or supervised visits for the safety of my children. She also assured me that she would file the child support documents required for my children to receive an increased amount and I just got off the phone with child support registry and NOTHING was filed with them. My case was closed 6 months ago!!! More than enough time for her to file some papers. I have asked her and her husband (her paralegal) multiple times for my ending statement because I felt like I should have some of my retainer coming back to me and I am consistently blown off. Emails are not returned, and voicemails go unanswered. This whole experience has done nothing but hurt my children and put them both in harm's way. I only spent the money on a lawyer to help assure that I would have the best possible outcomes for my children, but instead I feel like I paid someone to assist an abusive alcoholic and hold his hand throughout the process and give him whatever he was asking for. I fully regret ever calling her office and I will be going back to court in the near future WITHOUT her terrible assistance.
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09 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
Helped me with my divorce. Gave me excellent advice and guidance to protect myself against my husband who abandoned me and my children. Will use him again for any legal needs.
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05 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
Greg claimed to have about thirty years of experience in divorce law, which is very concerning given the terrible advice he provided throughout the 8 months that he represented me. It became apparent that he didn't know what he was talking about, or I suppose it's possible that he just doesn't care about the outcome for his clients, so he says whatever he wants, it appears to have no relevance to him if his advice is accurate or not. He is extremely arrogant and gives a very confident first impression....don't be fooled! Do not use him, I can guarantee you will regret it and all the money you waste with him. You will just end up spending more money to find someone that really knows divorce law. I am not the least bit surprised to see that he has had disciplinary action taken against him. I wish like crazy that I had investigated him before I paid him literally thousands, to accomplish nothing. He is an insult to the legal professionals that really work hard to make sure they know their law and provide sound advise and representation to clients.
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30 Jul, 2018 by Patrick
She was my attorney for approximately 12 months in an emotionally charged legal separation; which provided me enough time to appreciate her attentiveness, customer loyalty, integrity, responsiveness and heighten skill to track "billable hours." However, when the potential to collect on thousands of dollars in billable hours dwindle (as she had done in the past) so did her responsiveness and her availability to resolve very pertinent issues.
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21 Jan, 2023 by Alexandra alberti
Horrible horrible lawyer. She represented my mom in the middle of a complete nightmare scenario for our whole family. We are now seeing the impacts of her complete lack of fighting for my mom and it's awful. The amount of effort put into what she did for my mom was minimal, at best. I would never recommend her to anyone in need of a lawyer, ever. After a divorce, someone should be able to move on in an okay situation due to the fact that their lawyer made sure of that. There was so much that was overlooked. There was no attention to detail. There was no soul in the fight from this lawyer. Do not hire her. You'll regret it later when you're sitting there wondering why so much is still being taken from you or your loved one that should have been concrete and locked down after the divorce. If you're reading this, keep looking. This lawyer isn't where you should stop your search.
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09 Sep, 2022 by Shane davis
The law firm's website is infected with a URL Phishing malware.
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15 Dec, 2021 by Erin aguilar
Rudely interrupted, not friendly and just purely not professional
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21 Jan, 2023 by Alexandra alberti
Horrible horrible lawyer. She represented my mom in the middle of a complete nightmare scenario for our whole family. We are now seeing the impacts of her complete lack of fighting for my mom and it's awful. The amount of effort put into what she did for my mom was minimal, at best. I would never recommend her to anyone in need of a lawyer, ever. After a divorce, someone should be able to move on in an okay situation due to the fact that their lawyer made sure of that. There was so much that was overlooked. There was no attention to detail. There was no soul in the fight from this lawyer. Do not hire her. You'll regret it later when you're sitting there wondering why so much is still being taken from you or your loved one that should have been concrete and locked down after the divorce. If you're reading this, keep looking. This lawyer isn't where you should stop your search.
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09 Sep, 2022 by Shane davis
The law firm's website is infected with a URL Phishing malware.
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15 Dec, 2021 by Erin aguilar
Rudely interrupted, not friendly and just purely not professional
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19 Nov, 2023 by James
Engaging Cordell & Cordell, specifically with attorney Kevin Stoner, to navigate my divorce was a regrettable decision. My initial concern, a $50,000 request from my wife for only being married one year, morphed into a financially draining ordeal, leaving me out over $130,000.
Expecting expert guidance, I found myself at the mercy of Cordell & Cordell's questionable tactics. Despite the simplicity of my case, they steered me away from an amicable settlement, opting instead to drag the process out, seemingly driven by a desire to maximize billing.
The financial impact was staggering, with my expenses skyrocketing far beyond the initial request. It became evident that Cordell & Cordell prioritized their own financial gains over achieving a fair resolution for their clients.
The decision to go to court was a grave mistake. Cordell & Cordell provided little to no defense arguments on my behalf, leaving me inadequately represented and vulnerable during proceedings. It was a clear indication that their primary concern lay in their fees, not in securing a favorable outcome for me.
In summary, my experience with Cordell & Cordell and attorney Kevin Stoner was characterized by financial exploitation and inadequate representation. I strongly caution others against choosing this firm, especially if seeking a prompt and fair resolution, as their actions seemed more aligned with financial gains than genuine client care.
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05 Aug, 2022 by Mark
My initial attorney left to start his own practice rwo weeks into filing for my divorce. I was then assigned this clown by Cordell and Cordell!
He did not listen to me at all! Did not take into account anything into account that I had to say. I was assaulted three times by my now ex-wife and nothing was done about it!
In the end, I spent $30,000 for pass-through work from an idiot lawyer!
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12 Mar, 2019 by Jessica
Kevin was always very prompt in handling any questions or concerns I may have. He worked to change the norm for our case by listening to my requests and submitting them to the court even though he wasn't sure they would be accepted by the judge. In our case I was awarded primary physical custody with decision making in case of an impasse along with child tax rights every year in lieu of lowered monthly child support.
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07 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Had a consult at K&G with Jennifer. She was straight forward, nice, seemed understanding, and answered all my questions quickly. I was concerned that she was very young and had just recently graduated law school. As my case would likely be quite entailed, I simply didn't feel comfortable with someone so new representing me. My other concern was the office environment. I was greeted in the lobby by two dogs. One was massive. I want to say it was a Great Dane. The receptionist was no where to be found but I did hear laughter and people joking in one of the offices. When the receptionist did appear, I was a little taken back that jeans and a shirt were appropriate office attire. Jennifer was dressed similarly and had several visible tattoos. Again she was nice but had a less than professional appearance. While I understand this is a very small firm with only two full time attorneys, I simply didn't feel comfortable paying a couple hundred an hour for their services.
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13 May, 2024 by Kim
If you want an attorney to take your case, coerce you into hiring a handful of experts - regardless of court's scheduling order - then, drop you at 8pm at night for NO cause - other than the case is more than she can handle, and apparently doesn't like being asked WHY experts were hired....she's your girl.
If you want an attorney who drags her feet to retrieve discovery / disclosures needed for your case - she's your girl.
If you want someone who does NOT know how to present a case - she's your girl.
She will waste your time and money. She is (in my opinion-potentially) only able to handle simple, non-contested divorces....and even then I wouldn't hire her.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
If I could give this POS a ZERO Star I would. Impossible to get a hold of, literally did nothing for my family court & contempt-of-court case.
My personally favorite of his climax performances is in trail after the other party cried on the stand for 52min lying about me, Andy advises me to remain quiet and NOT to testify…I ended up serving 48hrs incarceration for contempt of court I never committed and the other party didn’t have any evidence.
Second favorite is each time to submit a motion Andy took forever and week to get it done. From beginning of March through June he submitted two motions of parental change that were each subpar, elementary, and amateur.
Then to top it all off he ghost’s me for three weeks while a bunch of stuff is pending and then to hear he is departing Andrew Bryant Law Firm to open his own Law Firm.
Take my advice and stay away from this useless POS.
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FAQs
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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:
-
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.
