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19 Aug, 2021 by Casey
Drew Buffington is an absolutely wonderful attorney to work with; he represented me in my divorce proceedings with utmost professionalism. I would recommend him highly tremendously.
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02 Dec, 2019 by Joe
Mr. Buffingnton was a big help in getting our small business started. From getting the business set up with the IRS to reviewing and correcting a contract we have for our equipment we will be renting out. Got us moving fast!
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28 Aug, 2019 by Jade
Throughout our adoption Mr. Buffington was very prompt, responsive, respectful, and diligent in all matters of the case. We felt that Mr. Buffington sincerely cared about the outcome of the case, and went above and beyond in the way he handled the opposing party. I would 100% recommend Mr. Buffington and his services.
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08 May, 2018 by Lianet gonzalez
My husband and I were recently involved in a car accident. We hired Mr. Secrist to represent us in court after reading many of his successful cases. Having Mr. Secrist on our side was the best decision we ever took. He was very knowledgeable, right to the point; he clearly explained every step. The ticket was dismissed, everything was a success as we expected. The people that work in his office are professional and nice to talk to, they are always aware of any updates on the case, or you can directly talk to Mr. Secrist about the case. Thank you Mr. Secrist.
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10 Jul, 2016 by Lori
After being injured on the job, breaking my toe, the retail company that I worked for refused to get involved and help me get my workers compensation medical claims paid. The bills continued to pile up and were adversely affecting my credit. After numerous calls to the H.R. dept. and visits in person to the company, I was unable to get them to resolve the unpaid claims. This situation went on for over a year. I finally decided it was time to seek an attorney to help me with this. After hiring Mr. Secrist, the matter was resolved within just a few weeks. He contacted my former employer, medical providers and workers compensation to ensure that ALL of the bills were paid and there was not any outstanding medical bills on my accounts. Not only did Mr. Secrist resolve my case in a professional and timely manner but he also got me an financial settlement for my bodily injury! I was extremely happy and grateful to Mr. Secrist and would highly recommend him to other clients.
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15 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
In January of 2010, I was involved in a sporting accident that put me in the hospital for 20 days, then in rehab for another 10 days. Upon release, I applied and received Social Security Disability. However, my medical bills were enormous. Cameron examined my situation and determined that the sports facility was negligent in the design of its equipment, so he launched a civil suit to recover compensation for my injuries. He was successful in negotiating a financial settlement that covered all my medical expenses. He was very detail-oriented about receiving all my medical records and documenting my injuries, so that the sports facility's insurance company was clearly faced with my ongoing disability and their client's responsibility. I am grateful for the generous help he was to our family, and the compassionate and considerate manner in which he communicated with me. Today, six years later, I am almost fully recovered but I will never forget the assistance Cameron was in my time of need.
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08 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
I went and did a consult back in 2015 and hired Jill. She jumped the gun, filing all these restrictions, causing issues with the judge as well as my common law partner. In the end, she charged me 3000$ for less than 5 hours of "work" the consult, phone calls, and 30 minutes in court, no refund of excess funds, which I've hear is her MO,- "there will never be a refund"- I heard she is gone, which is to the benefit of the community of Montezuma county.
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17 Jan, 2020 by Katie
I went to Jill for my divorce and domestic violence case. My ex husband was stalking me across the country. She didn't take the situation seriously. She was rude, FORGOT that I also needed a divorce, not just a restraining order....I had to remind her when our second consult was almost over.
She told me I needed to hire services that were unnecessary and expensive. Very unprofessional. I feel like if I kept her on my case, it would not have helped me at all. I didn't end up hiring her, i represented myself instead. Saved a lot of money and learned a lot. I definitely feel like she would've extorted me more than help.
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20 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
I paid a $150 consult fee for a habitability issue with landlord. Carlson took all my organized paperwork, advising me of a $1500.00 fee to rep me in a civil "trial" for habitability. Carlson advised me "If we do not go to trial she would return most of the $1500.00", I paid Carlson $1500.00. Instead of copying my paperwork and returning all my original documentation, she kept it. I had a sheriff at the place in question , I could not produce my lease as she had it. Charging me over two hundred dollars to send me a SMS picture message of my lease. As tho it is my fault she kept all my documentation. From there it got worse. Not wanting to hear me she continued to advise me that our time in court is only 30 minutes, she expressed she felt I would fold under pressure! On and On she went NOT listening another $300.00 gone. At the courthouse she arranged a deal without the other sides permission coming at us we accepted the deal. She went to their lawyer then came back saying "They don't accept the deal". What? It is their own deal. Railroading another deal that we expressed NO to. She did not take us to trial. Yet at this point $1100.00 was gone and how did I know this? Carlson kept using terms "I don't know where we are in the fee" "We haven't used all the fee" " You will get some money back: since we didn't go to trial". What exactly is the remainder? Hesitate to disclose this as it "is calculated at months end" I got an e-mail next day stating we were at $1100.00. I replied shocked and expressed I felt as though I was being robbed. Quickly Carlson met us in court to withdraw from the case and leave us in dire state of chaos. In the end our habitability issue was never litigated and due to the misrepresentation of Jill Carlson and the outcome of the case I am left in a hopeless financial bind. Suicide was considered as an only option due to the nature of blatant UN just abuse we endured in the three & one half hour trial (3 1/2 hours a far cry from 30 minutes Jill Carlson) faced without an attorney, I would never do that to anyone I pledge to assist. Looking for a competent attorney? I recommend Anybody But........Jill Carlson.
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04 May, 2022 by Simon
I hired this man to take over my divorce case after my previous lawyer became very I'll. This man took every advantage he could of my situation knowing that my case was difficult and I didn't have the opportunity to hire any one else at the time. He was totally focused on the money, always asking for more retainer while at the same time not preparing at all for my hearings. I did most of the work for him. Mark Reider is totally unprofessional. He will not stay quiet long enough for you to have your own say in the matter. Going into final orders hearing he was not prepared at all. I'm lucky to have got what I did out of the settlement.
Mark Reider is now located in Fremont County Colorado and for your piece of mind, DO NOT HIRE HIM.
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26 Jul, 2021 by Caroline
I hired Mr Reider as my attorney and it was a huge mistake!!! After over 6 months of him dragging out his services he resigns as my attorney taking my retainer of $2000. Do NOT hire this man !!!! The other review on him is accurate !!! Highly not recommended
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06 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
This guy is a fraud! He lies and schemes and abuses the privilege of his license to do as little work as possible. He will scam you out of your money and say he needs more to finish the case and then drag it out and file all sorts of crap to pad his bill. Stay away from Mark Reider. I later found out after hiring my new attorney that he has a reputation for doing this.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
