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Steven Gregory English, experienced Estate Planning, Family Law attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 19 reviews
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26,04
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3.8/5
Avvo
3.0
4 Reviews
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4.7
15 Reviews
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06 Apr, 2024 by Dawn wooten
Steve is very knowledgeable and always very helpful.
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28 Jun, 2023 by Jack irwin
He is the best lawyer I have ever known.
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17 Jun, 2023 by Jerry kennedy
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Richard Alan Van Den Bussche, experienced Bankruptcy, Family Law attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 6 reviews
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25,74
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4.3/5
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4.3
6 Reviews
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09 Dec, 2014 by Liz
Hired Rich to handle a case for my wife as her brother passed! He will not return calls or emails have left numerous messages and emails with no response ! this is unreal for he's been paid up front sure wish he would at less call and tell us he is busy, sorry ,doesn't want to handle case,or something
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03 Mar, 2013 by Amy
Rich helped me when my ex took me back to court for a second time. I SOOOOOO wish I had known Rich the first time around! Rich was amazing at making me understand the process, understand what my rights were and what I wasn't entitled to and did a fantastic job and fighting for me for what was right!!! If you're looking for a true consultant in a divorce case, Rich is your man!
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08 Feb, 2013 by Amy
I've been in the real estate business for 11 years and have used Rich for the last 7...it would have been 11 years if I'd met him earlier! He's the ONLY attorney I recommend for my clients. He has a strong knowledge of the real estate industry. He's an advocate for his clients...and that is the best quality you can ask for in any attorney! He fights for what's right and is open, honest and realistic with his clients. He's available whenever I need him...literally. I used to joke that you'll only hear from attorneys from 9-5 Monday through Friday...but Rich does whatever it takes to get the job done for the client. He's communicated with me on weekends, after hours...whenever I needed him! If you're looking for a real estate attorney, Rich is the ONLY attorney you should call!!!
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Christine Denese Gale, experienced Estate Planning, Family Law attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 4 reviews
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22,43
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3.7/5
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3.7
4 Reviews
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27 Apr, 2022 by Brandy hertel
Professional yet easy to work with and reasonably priced private investigator. Recommend Martin Coonen highly.
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11 Apr, 2019 by A n
Simple, unassuming, but functional law office. The attorney I spoke with was compassionate and seemed skillful. L
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09 Sep, 2017 by Heidi anderson
He was appointed as a mediator in a child custody case. And both parents were at fault of many things, but thought he is god. He can't see when children have been brainwashed by one parent.
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Christopher S. Haaff, experienced Adoption, Child Custody attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 51 reviews
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21,74
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3.7/5
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2.8
13 Reviews
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4.0
38 Reviews
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15 Oct, 2024 by Marypatriece wendt
Cynthia is an exceptional lawyer who looks out for her clients! When I was focused on getting through the challenging years of caring for three, growing, dependent children, she advocated for reasonable financial responsibility adjustments. I am immensely grateful to her for her diligence and fairness in all aspects!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Teresa rich
As a repeat customer 😁😁😁, I can say with confidence that Cynthia, and Michelle are the best divorce attorney around. They are compassionate, efficient, and try to take care of your business as low cost as they can. Thank you guys!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Diane h
Cynthia was professional, patient, understanding, and successful in advocating for me throughout the process of my divorce. She knows the law well and what the judge considers in court. I appreciated her efficiency, quality of work, and consideration of my time and finances. Cynthia was recommended to me by a friend, and I would have no qualms to do the same for someone looking for a high value, high quality lawyer.
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Carol Lee Hill, experienced Family Law attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 4 reviews
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21,09
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4.0/5
Avvo
4.0
4 Reviews
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06 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
she is knowledgeable. but will only help if she thinks when will make tons of money from you. Had to hire her to help me stop my ex wife broke the parenting agreement. only saw her in person once. never even went to court. Had very little contact with her and somehow she went through the whole retainer in like a 2 week period where i only talked to her maybe 3 times.. so if you are going through a divorce expect to pay roughly 1500 every two weeks and trust that she using her time the way she said she was. but it was what ever 1500 i got my kid off the meds so it was worth it to me at the time this time I went to hire her again cause the ex wife decided to break the parenting agreement and and try to remove the kids to another school 38 miles away. Carols first response was full custody is going to be a lot of money and she recalled i didn't have a ton. well Ive been saving sense the last time i needed her cause i knew it was a matter of time before I would have to go back to court. first off I never told her I wanted full custody i just didnt want my kids to be taking away from me. its 50/50 right now and by going to a new school i would loose that and barely see my kids. I told Carol I I was concerned cause she didnt seemed involve even after i just dropped off a 3000 dollar check and I wanted her to meet my kids so she knew what i was fighting for and I want a lawyer that is passionate about helping kids more than they are about making a lot of money. Not too much to ask for when searching for a FAMILY attorney. She immediately responded that she didn't think we were a good fit. I agreed. So if you want an attorney that actually cares about what they are doing and not treat you like you're a cookie cutter client then you should look elsewhere. update: This woman deposited the retainer check before I signed an agreement and She told me she would refund my money "once the check clears" but i decided to put a stop check in just in case she wanted to hold it preventing me from hiring a new one or have to wait. I figured if the check clears she would send me a refund or the stop check would take place before it even cleared and i would just be done with her. She asked me a few days after if I wanted "my check" sent by mail or I could pick it up. thinking she meant the check I actually wrote her I said mail it. Like a week later she accused me of trying to steal 3000 from her cause she never checked to see if my check cleared and she was going to send me a refund check of 3000 dollars. You telling me this woman can even check to see if a check clear before sending a refund and then accuse you of trying to steal from her. How using her ignorance against her? This is not the woman you want handling your case if your family is on the line.
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21 Oct, 2015 by Leigh
Carol is the most reliable, professional lawyer there is. She isn't gonna feed you a bunch of garbage you wanna hear, it's the truth according to the law and that's that. She has helped both my husband and I with ex-spouses and we have both been very successful in our cases with her representation. She is a rare find in the lawyer department!
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22 Nov, 2014 by Linda
Carol has represented me during a difficult divorce and child custody case and subsequently retirement benefits division with my ex-spouse. She has been knowledgeable, practical, supportive and helped me gain the best results possible. She has also helped some of my friends with divorces after I recommended her and they have all been very grateful for her diligent defense, experience and caring attitude to her clients. I give her my highest recommendation.
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Kevin W. Bruning, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 2 reviews
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18,57
star star star star star
3.5/5
Avvo
3.5
2 Reviews
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24 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I was referred to this attorney to handle setting up my LLC. I did not have a pleasant experience with this attorney or his staff who on many occasions did not return my calls. Ultimately I found he is not proficient in business law and did not properly guide me in setting up my llc. As a first time property investor with only one property that is not in service yet, he filed an S corp. This makes absolutely no sense for someone in my position and when I asked to discuss, he insists that I be charged a consultation fee. Really? I've spent over 3K with this attorney between setting up the llc and estate planning, but I guess I don't deserve and explanation. I would not recommend this attorney for business law matters.
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20 Oct, 2010 by Donna
Kevin has been my attorney since 1996, when he came to my local business community to start a practice. Over the years, Kevin has handled my real estate transactions, family law, business transactions, collections, negotiations, estate planning, employment law and general legal issues. Kevin is a good listener and has been very supportive of me and my personal interests. He has been an enthusiastic supporter of my interests and an active participant in the local business community. Kevin and I have served on many committees together, and Kevin has always proven himself to be an excellent leader and generous contributor to the local business community.
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Cynthia J. Briscoe, experienced Family Law attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 16 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
18,39
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3.4/5
Avvo
3.4
16 Reviews
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30 May, 2020 by Diane
Cynthia was professional, patient, understanding, and successful in advocating for me throughout the process of my divorce. She knows the law well and what the judge considers in court. I appreciated her efficiency, quality of work, and consideration of my time and finances. Cynthia was recommended to me by a friend, and I would have no qualms to do the same for someone looking for a high-value, high-quality lawyer.
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05 Mar, 2019 by David
I hired Cindy as the State of Illinois (and my ex-wife) said I was delinquent on Child Support. Cindy took on the State of Illinois and presented them with all of my receipts and check stubs and The Judge not only sided with me, I actually received a credit! If I did not hire Cindy, the State of Illinois would have garnished everything, that's why you need a good Attorney like Cynthia Briscoe! Thanks Cindy, David
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28 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Hired Cynthia from a recommendation and very happy we did. Knows the law is very well respected.
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Deron Robert Benson, experienced Family Law attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 8 reviews
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18,33
star star star star star
3.5/5
Avvo
3.7
3 Reviews
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3.4
5 Reviews
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29 Jun, 2024 by Sbeurkwv behxidkq
He took the payment to get a divorce done. FOUR months later he comes back and states that he is referring the case to another attorney. DO NOT WASTE your time with this guy. He does not follow up, he does not keep you notified as to where things are in the process and is terrible at returning your email requests and phone calls.
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20 Nov, 2022 by Emma valerius
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20 May, 2022 by Shawn good
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Lillian Gonzalez, experienced Family Law, Immigration attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 37 reviews
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17,64
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3.3/5
Google Maps
3.3
37 Reviews
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05 Sep, 2024 by Alecia n
DO NOT HIRE THIS FIRM! I hired this firm back in April 2024 for a relocation case. Twice they threatened to pull out even with a financial agreement with Matt. AS of today Kevin decided my case wasn't worth the firms time and wants the attorney I had to focus on " money making" cases! I understood my case was going to be lengthy cause of my ex hence why I made a financial payment plan agreement with matt. Also the payment plan was inplace cause the office was vebally over the phone taking payments and not applying them. I did not expect the firm to back out and make me feel as my case wasn't important. I have jumped through every hoop asked. I was completely blind sided 9-5-2024 . If you are so unlucky to hire this firm, protect yourself and get everything in writing! DO NOT HIRE THIS FIRM
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25 Aug, 2024 by Z mann
I retained this firm 2.5 years ago, came in and paid all my bills in full everytime they used money from my retainer. There was 3 attorneies that left while I was with this firm one of which was the one who was reperesnting me.as soon as found out my attorney left the firm in went in and canceled my contract with this firm and asked for a fefund on my retainer and a portion was returned to me. After that 2 months later a received another bill saying I owed them more money. How when I canceled my contract and fired this firm from my case. Now I still receive emails saying I owe them money when there was 2500 dollars on my retainer which should be enough to file an appearance and a withdraw motion. I have all sorts of proof of this and will use it on court against this firm, I also have 4 ex employees that will gladly provide me statements and testify if needed, theres a reason why these people left this firm and i dont blame them, this firm has stole more money from me then any of the firms ive used before. Good luck Kevin, I make 600 bucks a week, isnt that alot of money to sue for? I will also have my current lawyer look into this and provide me everything I need to handle this matter legally.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Stephany martinez
I wish Google would let you leave zero or negative stars. Please please please for the love of God read and pay attention to these reviews!!! I didn’t, and it backfired terribly. This place is a total scam. I was charged nearly 10k for them to do absolutely NOTHING in my case. Ultimately they dropped me as a client (which was fine), I knew very early on I wanted to fire my attorney as it was evident she didn’t know what she was doing. she had no sympathy for my situation. She just kept running up the bill. There are other well known firms to consider. It may seem like they charge more but these people will take EVERYTHING from you and do nothing in return. I’m fighting a child support/ custody case and she wanted me to settle for next to nothing. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY HERE!!!!
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Linda Ann Cunabaugh, experienced Family Law, Mediation attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 3 reviews
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14,49
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2.6/5
Avvo
2.6
3 Reviews
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07 Sep, 2023 by Hollis
Actions are those of “the man is always right” Not recommended . Parenting coordinator working with my daughter and ex. Expensive. Unprepared, which has led to at least one court date reschedule, costing additional $$$. Slow to respond. Many issues need a timely response for the good of the child. Appears not to evaluate facts, as keeps changing recommendations. Quick to bill though. Previously daughter and ex used a great parenting coordinator who retired. Often he responded on a weekend. Expected the same level of service and professionalism, that is not the case with Ms. Cunabaugh
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13 Dec, 2017 by Lisa
Divorce is never easy and in the beginning I felt Ms. Cunabaugh was a good attorney for my situation. Unfortunately things quickly went from bad to worse and I had to sever ties with her. The first problem was that she insisted I had to move back into the marital home. This was VERY BAD ADVICE. My husband and I were at that point where separation would have been the best for both of us. And we had to certify that we had been living apart for six months which was not true. Ms. Cunabaugh would not accept my decisions, would not update the MSA, and overall became a very difficult person to deal with. My ex husband and I both agreed that if we were going to get divorced in 2017, I would need new counsel. It was the best decision for everyone and my new attorney got the job done in lighting speed with MY decisions, not his.
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24 Apr, 2015 by Marie
Having a nasty divorce case is never easy and attorneys are expensive. It was a relief for me to hire Linda because her rates were fair and she took the time to explain to me everything thatb was going on. Her secretary was always nice to me and my calls were always returned pretty quick.
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Robert S Medansky, experienced Estate Planning, Family Law attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 3 reviews
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13,13
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2.3/5
Avvo
2.3
3 Reviews
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07 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Medansky and I regret it. I should have been able to get spousal support I late learned but he didn't write and good decree to include this. My ex-husband was unemployed at the time of our divorce and I was a stay-at-home Mom. I didn't know and it was not explained to me that I could get spousal support after my ex started working. This has seriously affected the course of my life and my child's life also! WE were almost homeless at one point. Mr Medansky was writing the decree in the vestibule of the courthouse! In addition, he was verbally cruel to me to in front of the judge. I regret hiring him as my attorney everyday when I hear other mom's story and how they are financially supported at least for a time period.
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02 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
If I could go back in time, I would have hired another attorney. Robert did a poor job handling my divorce. He acted as if I was annoying him any time I called or emailed with questions. Left gaping holes in the MSA that my ex takes advantage of. At times it seemed like he was overcharging me (does it really take 1.5 hours to make small edits to a document that has already been drafted?). And since the divorce was final, I get no response or no useful advice when dealing with issues resulting from the document he drafted. Over $20K for a half-hearted, rude, condescending effort. If I could go back in time, I would have taken $20K, thrown it my fire pit, and burned it. Probably would have enjoyed it a little more. If I could give zero stars, I would.
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24 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Robert helped me with my divorce and really protected my family. He made sure I was financially protected and that I received joint custody of my boys, which meant everything to me. I would absolutely hire his law firm again and give him the highest recommendation.
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Dawn Michelle Roth, experienced Family Law attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 3 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
10,53
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2.3/5
Avvo
2.3
3 Reviews
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27 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
Ms. Roth dragged my divorce case on for almost two years. Told me to live on credit cards and she would get me money. Never happened. As soon as I was able to hire another attorney my divorce was done and over in six months. The ink wasn't even dry on my divorce papers when Ms. Roth filed a judgement against me for what she said I owed her. She didn't even do her job! She actually made a deal with my then attorney for a lesser amount but when she filed the judgement it was not what she agreed upon.
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08 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
I wasted over a year with Dawn Roth as my attorney. She would ignore the things I wanted done. The one and only time her and I and my (still not ex) and his attorney got together, his attorney started slamming me with rude remarks and Dawn did nothing about it. I couldn't believe it! I did defend myself, although, isn't that what I was paying her for. I have since moved on to another attorney whom I love and he has gotten more done for me in two months than she did in over a year! Think twice about hiring this one.
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02 Jul, 2017 by Sherrie
I hired Dawn Roth to represent me for my divorce on Sept 8th 2016 , she said to me that day 'he gets nothing' and nine months later he got 'almost' nothing . I am so happy & at peace now thanks to Dawn & many prayers. She has been my rock , she is also filled with much compassion . she is always there whenever you need her , phone , email etc.... she makes sure everything is in writing & you have copies so nothing slips thru the cracks. She is one hell of a great lawyer .
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Elizabeth Felt Wakeman, experienced Divorce, Family Law attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Rhonda Rosenthal, experienced Divorce, Elder Law attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Todd Andrew Benison, experienced Criminal Defense, Divorce attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Paulette Gray, experienced Divorce, Domestic Violence attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 0 reviews
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4,00
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0.0/5
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Richard G. Flood, experienced Family Law, Government attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 0 reviews
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4,00
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0.0/5
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Kimberly R. Shefts, experienced Domestic Violence, Estate Planning attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 0 reviews
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4,00
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0.0/5
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Melissa J. Cooney, experienced Adoption, Child Custody attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Timothy J. Clifton, experienced Business, Family Law attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 0 reviews
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4,00
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0.0/5
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Tracy Angela Izquierdo, experienced Criminal Defense, Family Law attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Todd Benison, experienced Criminal Defense, Family Law attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Elizabeth Maine Ellis, experienced Estate Planning, Family Law attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 0 reviews
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4,00
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0.0/5
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Gregory L. Waggoner, experienced Business, Family Law attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 0 reviews
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0,00
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0.0/5
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Adam M. Sault, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 0 reviews
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0,00
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Christopher S. Haaff, experienced Divorce, Family Law attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
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0.0/5
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Benjamin James David, experienced Family Law attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
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0.0/5
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Renee A Buxton, experienced Divorce, Family Law attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
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0.0/5
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Ryan Michael Borgmann, experienced Business, Family Law attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 0 reviews
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0,00
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Timothy Paul Neubauer, experienced Criminal Defense, Family Law attorney in Crystal Lake, IL with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
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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:

  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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