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11 Jun, 2018 by Sarah
Corinne is an amazing attorney. She is well established in her profession and hires only those with the highest potential to become as successful as she is. Her firm has successfully assisted us with the areas of Domestic Relations and Adoption and have been with us through thick and thin. We have trusted her with the safety and future of ourchildren and have never once been disappointed. This firm truly is outstanding.
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22 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
She came highly recommended to me! I searched and asked around and her name consistently popped up. I immediately felt comfortable with her and trusted her from the start. Not only was she knowledgeable, but she fought like hell in court against my ex to get custody of my kids. I highly recommend, it's a small firm so you don't get lost in the shuffle.
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24 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
A great attorny to work for. After getting out of the military Corrine Hoover was able to handle my case quickly while bing effective at the same time. Thanks again!
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24 Dec, 2016 by Lydia
Alex is a motivated and reliable attorney. He handled my case with expert efficiency, and compassion. Look no further. You found the best!
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18 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
I contacted Ms. Shartle to represent my wants, needs and concerns in a custody case in which I cannot have legal custody. The mother of my daughter passed away and my daughter was placed in the temporary custody of a family member who did not know my daughter. My sister stepped in and filed for custody to keep my daughter in my family. While Ms. Shartle did not represent my sister, she went out of her way to make sure she understood all of the nuances of the case law and what was able to be done to support my sister getting custody. She took the time to get to know my family and what we would like to see as the outcome. Even when I felt hope was lost and there was no way that anything could change, Ms. Shartle's compassion and care seemed to never waiver. She continued to find what she could file to express my desires in the fate of my daughter. After so many months of filings, status hearings and a DNA test proving I was the father, all of Ms. Shartle's hard work payed off. I received a call from the temporary custodian that she wanted to transfer my daughter into my sister's custody. It seemed as if she could no longer deal with the pressure and persistence from my attorney's determination to see this through. I cannot begin to explain how grateful I am for attorneys like Ms. Shartle who, to be honest, are a dying breed. She is not the in your face type of attorney. Ms. Shartle is the one who looks for the actual problems and does her best to understand and solve them.
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16 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
I recently went through a divorce. I was going to do most of the leg work myself (get the info that Chandra needed to proceed). My ex was not very forthcoming with the financials that were needed from her. I had her contact Chandra and after 2 months of bantering with the ex, Chandra got the info that we needed and had everything finalized very quickly.
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13 Aug, 2015 by Sharie
Jerry is one of a kind. Truly the most capable and compassionate lawyer that I've ever used. He has handled several legal issues to a high degree of success. I highly recommend Jerry.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Riley
Jordan was great in my case. He was very professional and didn't sugarcoat anything. He knew all the evidence in my case and was prepared for every hearing. I would definitely recommend him for your case if you want to win.
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15 Aug, 2021 by Trevor
When things weren't looking to good for me I looked around for a lawyer and eventually got in touch with Mr.Knabb. He's very professional and is a very real person with extensive knowledge in his profession and knows the ins and outs of the many courts in his surrounding area. I hired him in Portage and he got me a good deal and minimized any worry I had. When a friend of mine got in trouble I messaged Jordan and asked him if he took cases in Lake county, OH as well which he informed me he did. Not only did he ace my case, He absolutely aced my friends case as well. Jordan is the real deal and I'd recommend him to anyone.
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22 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
I can’t believe this guy calls himself a lawyer!!!! I had my 7 day old baby, and 3 year old taken from me by a completely bogus ex-parte order. Obviously as you can imagine I was absolutely devastated, and in complete shock. To this day I KNOW I would have got my kids back the MINUTE my drug tests (including a $400 HAIR TEST) came back NEGATIVE. Mind you that Mr. Knabb told me to go, and pay for out of pocket knowing my financial circumstances, when later I found out other places commonly did them for under $200. He treated me like a paycheck, refused to speak to me on the phone (ONLY through text messages?!?) in which he berated me, for trying to be an advocate for myself with research on what more we could do!!!!?!? This was a BF infant!!! The 3 yr old I raised almost completely on my own, BF for 2 years, and had proof that “daddy” was never around. Jordan would say, “I’m the lawyer not you, if you don’t like how I do things find a new one.” This was AFTER he’d been paid mind you. Everything my ex alleged against me, was absolutely false, made up, and proven wrong!!!! So why did it take 3 months to get my kids back, and he backed me into a corner to settle when in my heart KNEW he had absolutely nothing on me????? Mr. Knabb said that I would have to pay him more, and that I would still probably lose my children. What kind of lawyer is this?!?! I was horrified not only at him, but by the whole entire court system because since COVID was rampant, no judge wanted to conduct any hearings, therefore I got magistrates who gave me SUPERVISED VISITATIONS by the man who abused me for years, and then turned around and took my brand new baby from me. He never took care of those children because his mommy did. We had CPS completely on our side, proof I was negative for any alcohol or drugs (that my ex alleged I was on) going back SIX months. A slew of people who have known me, and my children for years, and were begging to be put on the stand because of how outraged they were, that and I don’t want in my ex get away with all of this but that my lawyer was not only verbally abusive towards me but also could care less about my case and did nothing to help me along the way except for a ruin my chances of retaining full custody of those children. I have 3 other children, one who was 18 at the time, so they were traumatized by all of this as well!!! So now I’m stuck with shared custody, with my ex who is a sociopath, and hands the kids to his mom on his time to this day. If Jordan wants to say these things are false, I have every text message he ever sent me to prove that what I’m saying is the truth. I missed my newborn baby’s first 3 months of his life, and traumatized all the children along with me, and got away with it ALL!!!!!! Knabb is righteous, full of himself, and obviously knows nothing about custody or family law. He had me sign my life away knowing that my stepdad knew nothing about him, but what some old neighbors said, and I was mourning the loss of my children and couldn’t function enough to find and research my own lawyer. Besides CPS my lawyer, my ex, and the system completely failed me and my innocent children. So buyers BEWARE.
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30 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Tad during my custody dispute with my ex-wife over our son. He was very knowledgeable and proactive about our case. We ended up getting the results we wanted and it was largely due to Tad's understanding of the laws. I would definitely recommend Tad to someone looking for a family lawyer!
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30 Apr, 2018 by Grace
Tad represented me in a complex child custody/visitation case involving many parties. He was competent, prepared, and made himself readily available to me for over 7 months until it was resolved in my favor. On top of that, he was personable and empathetic throughout. I highly recommend Tad for any family matter. I certainly plan to use him in the future.
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28 Apr, 2018 by Justin
Tad has been very thorough in his explanation of the process. He has always been easy to get a hold of. He cares about his work, which makes workin with him much easier.
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18 Oct, 2013 by Arlene
She was my divorce lawyer. Smart, nice, on good terms with court staff, prepared, knowledgeable, sincere, hard-working, caring, efficient, fair with fees, trustworthy. I was disapointed to learn she started a new business cause I need another divorce! I haven't found anyone on par with her yet.
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26 Jul, 2011 by Dan f
Attorney Monaco was very helpful to me in navigating an agreement on custody and child support for my daughter. My ex was putting all kinds of roadblocks in our way, but we persevered. Attorney Monaco's knowledge and patience was what I needed to get through what could have been a difficult time. She was always available to answer my calls and emails, and always helped to guide me to the best solution for all of us. It took some thinking outside the box at times to tailor a solution given our circumstances and I'm thankful to have found an attorney who is so knowledgeable to be able to do so. She was a great advocate and I recommend her services to anyone needing an experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable family lawyer.
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15 Jul, 2011 by Anonymous
I ended this before it got out of control. She was smart and nice, but not very good at prioritizing. I had to switch attorneys, which was hard because she was a nice person.
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06 Dec, 2023 by Clayton
She wasn't my attorney but shes very close friends with my foster dad (whom is also an attorney) She is an amazing person, mother, lawyer and just all around soul!!! You're awesome Beth! Keep doin' what you're good at!!
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11 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Ms. Blackmore was disorganized and extremely passive-aggressive when approached about the fact that she was not doing her job. If you have the reasonable expectation that a competent attorney will handle your case, here's my advice: do not hire this person. Zero stars for you, Beth!
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27 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Rachel Pico is unprofessional, inexperienced and it shows by her inability to follow through with her job. She talks tough, over talk you with her tough talk. But she is easily frazzled, and intimidated. Don't waste your time and money.
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29 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
She is inexperienced and it shows. She is all talk behind the scene and gets you to think she’s this tough lawyer. Then when it come down to it she doesn’t come through with what she has talked up. I’m front of my stbx lawyer she became very intimidated and couldn’t stand up for our case.
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01 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
This attorneys ratings speak for themselves on Google. This lawyer is consistently referred to as useless. She doesn't tell you about continuances wasting your time and money. She also lies. There is no way to kindly state how awful this lawyer really is.
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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.
